A Late Start

Friendly competition

"Alexis, where do you think you're going?" My mom asked as I opened the door.
"I told you, mom, I'm going out past Floccesy, Ethan wanted to show me something."
"Are you kidding me? After everything you went through, you're going back out there? So soon?"
"Yes, mom. I'm going back out. If I'm going to get anywhere as a trainer I can't give up every time I get a few bruises."
"A few bruises? Alexis, you were abducted and beaten, you were unconscious for two weeks! You call that a few bruises?"
"Mom, please. I know you're worried but I'll be fine. Besides, I'll be back before dark."
"Hrmph fine," she groaned. "Just be careful okay?"
"I'll be fine. I'll see you later okay?"
"Okay. Just, please actually come back this time."
"I will, promise." I gave a slight smile "C'mon Silas, we're gonna be late." Silas jumped up onto my shoulder as I pulled the door closed behind me.
"Voi" Silas chirped, an edge of concern in his tone.
"Don't worry buddy, I'll be fine. Just stay close to me from now on okay?" He purred in response and gently nuzzled my cheek. I gave him a gentle scratch behind the ear as we made our way onto Route 19.
"How about we stay on the path this time?" I tried to joke, but my nerves got the better of me and my voice faltered. Silas let out a concerned chirp.
"I'm fine buddy, really." I lied, my mind was everywhere except where I wanted it to be but I had to power through. I was cut away from my thoughts by the sound of someone calling out.
"Hey lady, I like your Pokemon." It was a young boy, roaming the route with a Lillipup. At first, I ignored it, thinking he was talking to someone else.
"Excuse me, Miss. I'm talking to you." The boy called out again, sounding somewhat impatient
"Oh, wait. Me?" I made a dumb gesture pointing at myself.
"Yeah! I've never seen a pokemon like that before."
"Oh, thanks. It's called an Eevee, they're native to the Kanto region." The kid looked about 10 and he was staring at Silas as he hopped off my shoulder.
"Are they all that colour? It's so shiny." Silas had started posing, causing his silver fur to glint in the sunlight.
"No, they're usually brown, with cream accents around the neck and tail, mine is just a bit special."
"Cool. You wanna have a battle?" His eyes seemed to light up at the idea.
"Sorry kid, much as I'd love to I'm in a bit of a hurry, maybe some other time though."
"Aww, okay next time we meet though right?"
"Uhh, sure thing, next time."
"Alright Lillipup, let's go find some other trainers to battle." His pokemon yipped happily before they both ran off back towards Aspertia City. I continued on my way to Floccesy.

I met up with Ethan just outside of Floccesy Ranch, a run-down old farm just past Flocessy town, the owners had moved out a few years prior and nature had started to reclaim the place.
"Man, I haven't seen this place in a while," I mumbled mostly to myself.
"You been here before, Lexi?" He queried
"Not for almost 12 years now. My father would bring me here every so often when I was little."
"Oh, damn. You must be a bit nostalgic over this place then huh?"
"I guess? I don't remember it much anymore, just that he'd let me play with the mareep sometimes. I'd spend hours running in circles chasing sheep."
"You don't mind us coming here?"
"Nah, just old memories you know?"
"Yeah, I get it."
"So. How come you wanted to meet me out here?"
"Well, you still want to see my new pokemon right?"
"Of course."
"Well then. Lexi, Silas. I challenge you to a Pokemon battle!" He pointed at me dramatically when he finished his sentence.
"A battle. What do you think Silas, can we take 'em?"
"Ee VOI!" Silas practically threw himself off my shoulder.
"If you say so. One condition though." I stated.
"Alright. Shoot."
"1v1, your new pokemon and Silas. Royce stays out of it."
"Alright, alright. That sounds fair. I accept your terms." He slowly paced to the other side of the field. Turning to face me when he decided he was far enough.
"Ready?" He called out.
"Ready!" I shouted back.
"Alright new guy, let's show Lexi what you can do." He cried out as he tossed a Pokeball high into the sky, white light burst from the sphere, pooling on the ground as the capsule returned to his hand. As the light formed I became immediately aware of what exactly his new pokemon was. Almost two feet high, bipedal with a bulbous head, stubby arms and a tail. Head as white as snow with two pointed ears, a big brown nose and three spots below both eyes. A blue torso with accents around the neckline like waves. Pale white arms and dark blue feet with a rudder-like tail to match. Upon its chest gleamed a yellow seashell.
"Oshawott!" I yelled out. Oshawott are incredibly rare despite being native to Unova, so seeing that Ethan caught one in the wild near our hometown was nothing short of a miracle. The creature pulled the shell from its torso, wielding it as a weapon and assumed a battle stance.