Aimee scratched behind her Shinx's ear to comfort him; today was going to be a big day for them both. After asking her mother and father for four years to be able to go on her journey, they had finally said yes. They believed in letting their children grow up before they went off and faced the world.
Like her brother before her, she was allowed to go at the age of fourteen. He had been successful in beating all the Gym Leader's, but he personally went no further. Aimee wanted to accomplish all that could be accomplished, or at least try. She knew she'd never be the best, but she knew she wanted to be the best she could be. She had the determination, all she needed was the the motivation.
"Remember, not everyone is going to be friendly out there". Her Dad was still lecturing her as she stood by the front door, a backpack full of clothes, supplies and her allowance and a rolled up tent over her shoulders and her honey coloured hair covering the straps. "There are going to be people who only care about winning, but I know this family is different".
"I know Dad" Aimee responded, a little impatiently. Shinx also showed his disapproval, he scratched on the door and then sunk his teeth into the fabric of Aimee's jeans and pulled. "Oh come on Mark, let the girl go, she's been waiting for this!" her mother, Colette, cried excitedly. Mark groaned but then nodded. He pulled his daughter into a hug and patted Shinx on the head and then looked back up at Aimee.
"Look after Shinx! I know you will though, you always have. Good luck my dear". Colette also pulled her daughter into a hug, but held it for a while. She wasn't going to get emotional; she knew if she did Aimee would and then things would all break down.
"I hope you have the best time of your life. Stay safe!" She smiled brightly and opened the door for her teenage girl.
"I'll stay safe Mum" Aimee replied with a small smile and a tears in her blue eyes. "Goodbye guys, love you both!" She hopped out of the door and walked away, Shinx bounding at her feet. The teenager turned around an waved to her two proud parents and walked away with a spring in her step. She had instructions to go to Sandgem Town and talk to Professor Rowan; she had heard from her brother that he may have a present for her too.
After ten minutes of walking and chatting idly to neighbours wishing her luck, she finally made it to the border between Jubilife City and the route to Sandgem Town. She turned to look back at the city she knew and loved. A moment of hesitation made her body halt.
She would be leaving and not coming back for an unknown amount of time...anything could happen. She saw Shinx move off, beckoning and crying for her to hurry up, or so it seemed. With a shrug, she caught up to him and petted him lightly. "Here we go buddy".