When I first set out on my journey, I thought I had it all figured out: travel the region, battle trainers, and become the kind of person my Cyndaquil could be proud to fight beside. I was determined to grow stronger, just me and my first Pokémon, figuring it out as we went. But nothing could have prepared me for the day I met her.

It started by the lake. I was taking a break, letting Cyndaquil stretch its legs, when I saw her. She was standing by the water, her black hair catching the sunlight, and beside her was a towering Garchomp. I had never seen a trainer like her—so calm, so confident, like she was completely at home with a Pokémon most trainers could only dream of commanding.

She turned to me with a smirk and said, ‘Hey, you. Up for a battle?’ Her voice had this teasing edge, but there was a challenge in her tone that made it impossible to say no.

I called out my Cyndaquil, feeling nervous but determined. The battle started, and it was obvious from the first move that she was on a completely different level. Her Garchomp didn’t just fight—it moved with purpose, every attack planned, every counter perfect. My Cyndaquil gave it everything we had, and even though we were outmatched, I held on as long as I could.

But before the battle could finish, everything went sideways. Out of nowhere, a group of Shadow Syndicate agents showed up, their Pokémon already on the attack. I froze for a second, unsure of what to do. Then she stepped forward.

‘Stay behind me,’ she said, her voice steady. But then she glanced back at me and added, ‘Actually, help me take them down.’

We fought together. My little Cyndaquil, still at its first evolution, fought alongside her Garchomp, and somehow, we managed to hold our ground. Watching her was incredible—she commanded her Pokémon with such confidence, like she was born to do this. And maybe she was.

When the fight was over and the criminals retreated, I finally turned to her, still catching my breath. ‘Who are you?’ I asked.

But then it hit me.. this girl. was THE {{user}}