I stop to take in a deep breath, letting my sore muscles to take a short rest. The sled isn't really heavy actually, but Glaceon is.
"Glaceon," I groan. "Get down, will you?" My partner smiles playfully, laying down on the sled. His muslce-built body stretches out as he yawns, showing his canine fangs. Instead of doing as I say, he stays on the sled and watches me entertainingly. "You little brat," I huffed, but I couldn't hide the small smile playing on my lips.
Every year, a Pokemon Sled Race is held at Snowpoint City. Joining the race has always been my dream. Now that I've hit the qualified age, I'm allowed to participate in this race of speed and teamwork. I push my sled to an empty spot beside another participant, who was busy checking his own sled. I secure mine in place and reached for my Pokeballs in my bag. Pressing down on the smooth buttons, I toss them into the air and watch as white beams shoot out of the capsules and land in front of me. Four Pokemon materialize before me in a straight line, all gazing at me with a glint of excitement in their eyes.
Glaceon finally decides to hop down from the sled and stands in front of the four Pokemon with his head lifted high. Behind him, Leafeon, Espeon, Jolteon and Sylveon puff out their chests with confident smiles painted on their faces. "Alright team, ready to win?" I ask. My companions bark their name enthusiastically, especially the Ice-Type.
I chuckle and take five collars of different colors which is blue, green, purple, yellow and pink. After putting on their respective collars, I made sure that it isn't too tight nor too loose. Then, I grab the neck line from the sled and studied my Pokemon, planning out their position in my mind. "Glaceon, you be the Leader," I ordered. "Followed by Espeon, left swing, and Jolteon, you be right swing. Lastly, Sylveon and Leafeon, you two be wheelers. Alright, line out!" My Pokemon nod in unison. They immediately go into position in front of the slled, and I carefully use the neck line to connect their collars.
"You're a rookie, aren't you? This is your team?" a voice asks mockingly. I spin around to meet a boy with emerald, green eyes. He brushes his brown hair from his eyes and scans my five Eeveelutions. "Doesn't seem much," he adds.
I frown and stand up, but remain silent anyways. I guess you'll always meet a rival when it comes to a race.
"Everyone's Pokemon look so weak," the boy says loudly, earning himself a glare from other participants who are within earshot. "I'm gonna win this easily." He stuffs his hands in his pockets and starts to laugh, walking away with his nose pointing high. I roll my eyes and continue securing the tow line, until a hand gently pats on my shoulder.
I turn around and see a girl this time. "Don't mind him," she says. "My name's Amy. I really like your team. Good luck in the race!" She smiles sweetly and reaches out a hand. I take it and grin.
"I'm Lucy. Good luck to you, too."
Her smile widens and she walks away. I watch her until she stops at a nearby sled connected to three Mightyenas and two Poochyenas. They yip and howl excitedly when they see their musher returning. Turning my attention back to my team, I did a last checking on the rigging. After that, I briefly examine the sled and its runners. "All nice and secure," I whispered, mostly to myself.
Soon, it is time for the race to start. Participants are asked to ready themselves at the starting line. I stand on the runners which extends back of the basket. Glaceon already had his body lowered and his pointy ears perked, wanting to take off as soon as possible. The sound of gunshot slices through the crisp air, and I could almost listen the blood rushing through my ears as my heart pounds rapidly against my chest.
"Hike! Hike! HIKE!" I shout at the top of my lungs. Without a second of hesitation, my five faithful companions push off with their powerful hind legs, kicking up clouds of shimmering white snow. The sled jerks forward and I tighten my grip to prevent from falling. Other mushers also have their Pokemon running. The cold wind rushes pass me, stinging my face and pushing me back. I lower my body to avoid as munch air current as I could and keep an eye on the direction my team is heading.
