In Your Shadow || Pokémon Short Story ✓

Chapter Four

 Jori, her father, Riko, and Rhine left the farm early in the morning. The sun had just barely begun to rise as the two humans and the rare Pokémon piled inside the old pickup truck while the female settled for the truck bed. Excitement bubbled up inside of Rhine as the engine roared to life and they started down the dirt road. It was finally the day of the Contest. All Riko's preparation had eventually led up to the event that was going to take place in Mulberry City a couple hours away. 

 Rhine hadn't originally been a part of the group set to go. According to what Jori had said the day before, Riko refused to go without her. This came as a surprise to the Ninetales. She had been fully prepared to watch the Contest from a television screen at the farm with the other Pokémon, not have a front row seat. But nevertheless, Rhine took the opportunity. It was her first time away from the farm, and she was going to cherish it. 

 The Kanto countryside stretched out as far as the eye could see as they distanced themselves from the farm. Rhine closed her eyes as the gentle wind rustled her fur. This was the feeling she had always dreamed of -- freedom.

 Gradually, after a long time of seeing nothing but tall grass, the fields disappeared and were replaced by houses and shops. Rhine perked up as other cars passed by and people hurried down the sidewalks on either side of her. New aromas and sights welcomed her at every turn, prompting the female to stand up and investigate the new area with curious eyes.

 It wasn't too long after they had entered the town that the farmer brought the truck to a halt. Jori hopped out of the vehicle with Riko right behind her before coming around and unlocking the truck's tailboard to let Rhine free. The female jumped down next to her brother and was immediately greeted by a stunning sight.

 Before them sat a massive blue dome. A large Poké Ball decoration hung at its center, and people and Pokémon walked in and out constantly. The building looked out of place among the surrounding homes.

 Jori and her father came up beside the two Ninetales. The girl took a deep breath, drawing their attention to her.

 "This is it. This is the Mulberry Contest Hall," she stated. She looked at Riko. "Let's go get ready."

 The rare creature nodded, and the group started towards the structure. Rhine gazed around as Pokémon she had never seen before crossed into her line of sight. It was a strange feeling to be surrounded by so many new things, but she loved it.

 They made their way into the busy lobby to get checked in. The lady sitting behind the desk directed them to a hallway off to the right.

 "The dressing rooms are right down there. The Contest will begin in about two hours," the woman informed in a cheery voice.

 Jori thanked her and led them down the corridor until they came to an open door. Rhine peered inside. 

 Coordinators and Pokémon alike hurried around the room. All the girls wore either lovely or gaudy dresses, and the guys were fitted in suits of varying designs. Even some of the Pokémon were dressed up. They had accessories around every appendage, sometimes making it hard to identify what type they were.

 Why do they do this to themselves? Rhine wondered as a Butterfree with bows and ribbons all up and down its antennae fluttered by, seemingly weighed down by the number of items it was adorned with. 

 "You and Riko go get dressed. We'll stay here," the farmer stated, nudging the nervous Jori into the room.

 She gulped and nodded before motioning for her Pokémon to follow. The pair disappeared behind a curtain off to the side where Rhine assumed all the outfits were located.