The Epic of Cynthia

Chapter 4 - Gateway

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or these characters

The evening sky of Celestic town was legendary. So legendary in fact, that some of the most famous photos of the Sinnoh region show the town at that time of day. The sun peaking out over Mt. Coronet to the West, as bright stars begin to shine down from space. Pokémon move back to their homes and settle down for the nightime, as nocturnal Pokémon emerge from their own homes. The cries of starly disperse as the calls of Hoothoot begin.

A sudden explosion disrupted the tranquillity of the town, and a flock of Hoothoot rose from a tree, squawking indignantly. The explosion had occurred on the small battlefield behind the town's Pokécenter. As the explosion cleared up, it revealed a Gible standing proudly above a knock-out Piplup.

"Piplup has been knocked out, meaning Gible and Cynthia are the victors!" Announced nurse joy. A large smile spread across the face of the girl who stood on the other side of the battlefield.
"Woo!" She exclaimed, jumping into the air, "You did it Gible!" Gible walked towards her tiredly, with a grin on her face. Cynthia scooped her up, embracing her in her arms.

"That was amazing Gible! It was close, but you pulled it off!" Gible looked at Cynthia, making her do a double take.
"What is it? Did I do something?" Cynthia asked,
"Gible! Gib gi gib!" Gible said.
"Of course not, it was all you in that battle!" Cynthia replied. Gible responded with a roll of her eyes.

She was concerned about the girl. She was an excellent trainer, incredibly strategic and always able to keep a cool head. Without her guidance, Gible was sure she wouldn't have won that battle. But for some reason, she didn't acknowledge her own contribution to the battle. They hadn't even lost yet! It was really confusing for her.

She huffed as she was let out from Cynthia's arms and they walked over to the trainer they had defeated.
"Wow, you guys are incredible! You'll be like, champion in a week!" She fangirled over them. Gible and Cynthia chuckled at that. Cynthia, as champion? That's out there.
"Thanks, but I think that's a bitttt out of our reach Bridgette." Cynthia said. "Anyways, Gible contributed more to the battle than me, she was actually fighting!" Gible shot her another look, which Cynthia didn't notice.

Bridgette smiled and extended her hand out towards Cynthia.
"Well maybe later we can have a rematch and see how far we've come. Sounds good?" She asked.
"You've got yourself a bet." Cynthia said as she tightly grasped on Bridgette's hand. She raised her head and noticed the evening sky.

"Wow, it's almost nighttime. Let's have a quick check-up at the Pokécenter and head home." Cynthia and Bridgette began heading towards the Pokécenter, while Gible stayed still and looked at Cynthia, her eyes almost looking through her. Cynthia turned and smiled at her.
"Hurry up Gible, it's going to be cold tonight, and you wouldn't want to die and begin rotting, getting your insides eaten by a murder of Murkrow, would you?" Gible snorted and ran to catch up with Cynthia.

After checking up on their Pokémon, Cynthia and Bridgette left the Pokécenter and said goodbye to each other, and then headed back to their homes. Cynthia and Gible walked home in a comfortable silence, each enjoying the sounds of the night. By now, the sun had truly set, and the Village was illuminated from the glow of the heavens above.

Suddenly, Cynthia spotted a shooting star.
"Hey sis, it's a shooting star. Make a wish." Cynthia said, as Gible turned her head upwards.
"I know, it probably does nothing, but it would be fun. You get to do the wish." Gible huffed and gestured at Cynthia.
"Nah, I don't need to wish for anything. You can make the wish Gible." Gible sighed and closed her eyes. Oh well, she couldn't argue with a brick wall. After making her wish, she opened her eyes and continued to walk home, Cynthia smiling at her briefly before turning her head forwards.