Pumped {Pokémon Short Story}

Chapter 2: Bicycle Basics

On the last day of preparation, contestants and spectators alike scramble to finalize their arrangements. The weather starts to heat up as high noon swiftly approaches.

The intrepid duo always in search of a scoop dashes through the city. One is a woman with short hair, high heels, and a light-colored blouse and pants.

She's the voice.

The other is a tall, muscular man with a baseball cap, blue jeans, papers hanging out of his pockets, and a video camera over his right shoulder.

He's the eyes and ears.

Put them together and you make a combination scouring the world for the story of the day. As she fumbles in her heels and he races behind her, the pair make their way to a plaza in the west side of Celadon. An open space south of the Department Store, they both know that this year's competitors have one thing to show off before the big race.

"C'mon, Ty! We're running late!" Gabby shouts. Her Poké Ball-inspired earrings bounce as she swiftly maneuvers through crowds of people.

Her partner is not as lucky.

"Well, it's hard to keep up with a camera over my shoulder!" he huffs in reply. The twosome pass the Celadon Game Corner via the north path and manage to make it to the spectacle before the race: the Cycling Cup Engineer Exhibition. Here, competitors and engineers alike meet and showcase the newest and latest advancements in cycling technology.

"How is my hair? Is it frizzy?" Gabby asks. She slows down to catch her breath. Ty shows up behind her in a trot. He pulls the camera onto his shoulder as he hands his partner her trusty microphone.

"Your hair is fine. What's important is the story. We're chasing the greatest stories all across the world to share with everyone!" Ty exclaims, raising his free fist in the air. Gabby gives him a thumbs-up. Turning to the exhibition itself, she points in the direction of some competitors.

"Let's start the scoop with those two! The famous Rydel and Rad Rickshaw!" she gleefully says. She hurries Ty along as the two approach the famous cyclists. Gabby then turns to face Ty. With a nod, her face turns serious.

"And we're rolling in six, five, four..." Ty starts, counting down. With his free hand, he uses his fingers to count down to zero. Gabby clears her throat and holds her microphone near her mouth. When Ty's fist clenches, the camera starts rolling.

"Hello, I'm Gabby from the Hoenn News Network's TV Mauville. Today, we're broadcasting from the annual Cycling Cup, this year taking place in sunny Celadon City in the Kanto region. I'm currently reporting in during the last day before the big race. It's almost noon, and the weather is turning up the heat," she states. She then takes a step back, where Ty zooms out on the scene. Bustling visitors explore the shaded stalls that will be used the next day for the competitors.

Ty shifts the camera's focus back to Gabby. Off camera, he gives an action! pose to resume the broadcast.

"I'm here with a prestigious competitor that's known for his bicycle escapades worldwide. Based in Hoenn, we have Rydel, owner of Rydel's Cycles in Mauville City," Gabby continues. To Gabby's left is Rydel, sitting on a towel beneath the shade of a tent. His eyes fixate on the many metal parts in front of him. A metal fixture firmly suspends a road bicycle's frame off the ground. The front and rear wheels, as well as the pedals, are disconnected.

Upon hearing his name, Rydel looks up from his maintenance. He waves with a greasy hand and toothy smile. Gabby crouches down to Rydel's height.

"Rydel, mind explaining a little to the viewers about what you're doing at the moment?" Gabby asks with a serious look. She holds her microphone closer to Rydel. In response, he gives a chuckle.