18

Beginning

Gold's POV

It's July 1st.

I told myself I was never going to leave on a journey, but here we are.

My black and gold duffle bag sits on my bed overstuffed with cooking equipment, a sleeping bag, food, etc. Don't ask me how it all fit.

I sling it over my shoulder and head into what we're calling the living room for now. My mom waits there already teary eyed.

"Really mom?" I shake my head.

"I'm sad I won't have the joy of my life around," She laughs while wiping away her tears. 

"I'll call you at every Pokemon Centre I stay at," I assure her while she hugs me goodbye.

"Stay safe," She says softly.

"I will," I promise.

One final wave and I'm out into the world. I head north towards the town exit, which is hopefully where the lab is. If I'm gonna get lost I would rather it be with a Pokemon, people can go insane if they're alone for a long time.

A gate stretches over the straight path.

Route 1

The route doesn't look much different from the town. The clay path is packed down flat, edges trimmed perfectly against the lawn. The lush grass spreads out to the same distance on each side, going around a few areas where the grass is purposely left higher. The sun even rises aligned with the route.

I start walking down the route, trying to find any sign of the lab. Spruce trees rise high above the route an each side, no way to get through. 

"It seems that nature put borders between each section," I mumble. "Meaning everyone travelling has to go through the hub."

I keep walking with no sign of a building or anyone really. I stop, maybe I should turn around and...

"Lost already?" Winter.

I turn around slowly to see her amused face. "Just admiring the scenery."

"Yea because this area is so exciting," She says sarcastically and catches up. Winter looks a lot more prepared than me, with a sleek black dress thing and a cool looking bag. The white stockings and light blue bandana are nice too.

"What?" I laugh. "You don't like perfect paths where even the wild grass is laid out nicely?"

"No, bring on the wilderness," She smiles. "So are you going to lead the way?"

"I would but," I turn away.

"It's right up ahead," I can feel her eyes roll as she passes me.

A white building, surprise, pokes out of the trees. "Is the lab past the tree line?" I ask.

"Yea, Professor Spruce uses the forest to section off his sanctuary," Winter says. "If you catch more than six Pokemon he'll hold onto them in the sanctuary. That way they can run around and everything."

"Cool," I nod and we head into the lab.

"Welcome!" Professor Spruce opens his arms wide. 

The lab seems pretty standard other than its really open. I can see the three assistants working away on computers or other machines. The tile flooring and wide windows make the room extremely bright.

Ash and Serena are standing beside the Professor. Both of them already have a Pokemon on their shoulder, they must have gotten here early.

"Hey," I nod at them all.