Capture My Heart

New Beginnings

"I know you're used to being out Empy, but I'm gonna get some really annoyed looks if I try to squish you onto the train." I stood just outside the train with my hands on my hips, arguing with my spoiled Empoleon. I couldn't blame him though, he's never been in a pokeball before. "Besides, once we get to Galar, you're gonna have to get used to it anyways. If it's anything like Hoenn, I doubt many people will be walking around with their pokemon free."

Then it dawned on me. I crossed my arms with a smirk. "You know, Riolu didn't give me any trouble when I asked her to get in the pokeball." Empoleon stared me down before turning his head with a huff and taking a step back to allow me to return him to his pokeball. I knew he would hate being compared to Riolu with how competitive he is. "Don't worry. It won't be for too long bud," I assured as the glowing red penguin shrank into the ball. I quickly secured the ball in my bag with an innocent smile before grabbing my luggage and boarding the train to Galar.

--

I dragged my luggage behind me, exhausted from the long trip. Not knowing where to go and being too shy to ask someone for directions, I followed a couple people that got off the train with me. I took this weird lift to a lower level and continued following until I finally came across a familiar site. A Pokemon Center. I slowed my pace, eyes gleaming with excitement as I took in the sights of the large city. The large gears and bridges gave the city a very rustic and industrial feel. I yelped as hot air blew up my skirt, and looked down to see a steamy vent. My cheeks grew hot as I glanced around to see if anyone had witnessed that. I sighed with relief when I saw no one paying attention. This wasn't Almia. People didn't know who I was here.

As I continued walking, I saw a coffee shop and decided to stop for a little boost. It was much needed after the numerous station transfers and even going underwater at some point. I looked down at my bags and sighed. There was no way I was lugging these bags into the shop. I dragged them to a gated fence next to the shop hoping they wouldn't be in the way there. I pulled two pokeballs out of my bag, and released Empoleon and Scizor. They chirped happily at finally being free.

"Alright, you two watch my stuff and behave." I ordered sternly, and they nodded. "I'm just going to grab some coffee and treats for everyone right next door." I chuckled as they assumed a stiff guarding position in front of my luggage, before quickly heading into the coffee shop.

The door chimed softly as I stepped in, and I was immediately greeted by an older man behind the counter.

"Welcome to the Battle Cafe. You can battle here once a day! If you win, we'll give you a treat, on the house! Do you want to battle?"

"N-no that's ok, I'm just here to get some coffee and treats for my pokemon," I stuttered with a shy smile. The last thing I wanted to do right now was battle. I just needed caffeine and sugar.

"Of course! The name is Dwight, what can I get for you?" He asked with a jolly smile.

I squinted at the menu trying to decide. "I would like a caramel macchiato, two lava cookies, a big malasada, a strawberry sweet, and a couple pewter crunchies," I said slowly. I began to fidget with my hair as I waited for him to ring everything up.

"And could I get a name?" he asked, glancing at me while holding a pen and a cup.

"Alena," I answered softly. He quickly scribbled on the cup and set it aside before pressing more buttons on the register.

That'll be ₽20,000." I quickly handed him the money before stepping aside to wait for my order. I slowly glanced around the shop as I fiddled with my watch styler. The shop wasn't too busy, but it was far from quiet. Each table had a small purple mat next to it for your pokemon to play on. I smiled as I watched a Growlithe play with a pokemon I didn't recognize. It looked like an unsaturated Pachirisu.