A Late Start

A Journey Begins

I stared at myself in the mirror, after I'd told them that I was going to challenge the gym Mom decided to get me a "uniform" to look more professional during the battle. At least she got it in the right colour. I'd always just worn whatever I felt like at the time, so a uniform felt so unnatural even though it wasn't far off what I'd usually wear. A black short-sleeved T-shirt, covered by a dark purple sleeveless vest that I chose to wear unbuttoned, skin-tight black leggings topped with a matching purple skirt, short enough to not inhibit movement without being too generous. It also came with a dual-colour baseball cap that I refused to wear at all. The whole thing was a loose fit so it wasn't at all uncomfortable and the material felt incredibly soft on my skin. I slipped my hand into the left pocket on the vest and turned around to see Silas watching me from the doorway.
"What do you think, bud?" He gave me a once over before chirping lightly. "You don't think it's too much?" He shook his head. I laced up my usual purple trainers and knelt down to adjust his scarf, so it wouldn't come off during the gym battle. "You ready for this? It's not going to be easy." He nodded and got in his 'battle ready' pose. "Alright, one more thing though." I pulled a scarf out from one of my drawers and held it out next to his to show the colour matched perfectly. "Should we go the extra mile and match for our first outing?" His eyes lit up upon seeing it and he trilled excitedly. "I thought you might say that," I chuckled to myself. I flipped it over my shoulder, trying it in exactly the same way I did his. "Guess this can be our brand hey?" Silas trilled as he jumped around my ankles. "Jeez, somebody's excited." I gave him a quick pet and started downstairs. Today's the day.
"Ready for your big day hon?" Mom called out as I reached the bottom of the stairs
"Yeah, can't help getting just a bit pumped up," I replied, excitement wavering through my voice.
"You're not the only one." Lucy chimed in from the other side of the room. I glanced over to see Erah hopping from side to side, boxing with his mother's shin.
"What's got him all hyped up?" I asked.
"We're coming to watch your battle, It'll be his first time seeing a real battle," Lucy responded calmly, placing a paw on the pup's head. He immediately stopped and stared up at her
"Wish Silas was that easy to calm down," I teased, giving the Eevee a playful tap with my foot.
"A little discipline goes a long way but it can take time to cultivate." Silas groaned and poked his tongue out at me.
"Oh come on now, grow up," I couldn't help but jest back at him. "What about you mom, you coming along too?"
"Of course, I'm not going to miss my baby girl's first gym."
"Funny, I always figured you were against the mere concept of it."
"No point in being a spoilsport now, You'd be going regardless of what I say." She was right. "Might as well just support you however I can."
"Thanks, mom. It means a lot that you're going to be there." I grabbed one of the muffins mom made for me and mixed up Silas' berry/food mix. Setting it on the floor for him.
"What time are you booked for anyway?" Mom asked quietly
"Noon. Apparently, I'm the only challenger for today so he wants me to come in as soon as possible." Just as I finished my sentence we all heard a knock on the door.
"That must be Ethan," mom's response was immediate. I pulled open the door and sure enough, Ethan stood at the other side, wearing his light blue armband.
"I like the new look Lexi, Does that mean you're ready?" He blurted out immediately.
"You know it." I gave a little fist pump.
"I still can't believe you're doing this so soon after starting out." He put a hand on my shoulder.
"You do realise that I've known Silas for almost as long as you've known Royce right?" I gave him a sarcastic look.
"Y, yeah... I know. But you've only really been, training for like a month now." He scratched at the back of his head awkwardly.
"Silas is only a few months younger than Royce and you said he's a natural battler. Not to mention, I've been studying this stuff for way longer than you."
"Studying isn't the same as doing Lexi, I thought we'd established that already."
"Ethan, just let me do this," my face dropped to a deadpan expression.
"Hey hey, I'm not trying to stop you, it's just impressive is all," his face turned a bright red.
"You know, we should probably get going, wouldn't want to be late now would we?" Mom chimed in, ushering us both out of the front door.