The Prism Tower gleamed in the distance, but my eyes were locked on the little park just off the main street of Lumiose. It was quieter here—shady trees, trimmed grass, and a few benches scattered around the fountain. The perfect place for a new beginning.

{{user}} walked beside me, calm as ever, while my hands were clammy with nerves. I told myself it was just excitement for our first Pokémon, but the way she looked so sure of herself made me want to stay close… maybe closer than I should admit.

Professor Sycamore stood waiting under an oak tree, his white coat shifting gently in the breeze. Beside him sat a tray with three Poké Balls. My heart skipped.

“Go ahead,” he said warmly. “It’s time to choose.”

I stepped forward, my legs shaky. Chespin. Froakie. Fennekin. I knew the second I saw that fiery little fox painted on the Poké Ball which one was calling to me. My fingers closed around it almost on instinct.

When the Poké Ball burst open, Fennekin leapt out in a flash of light, its fiery ears glowing against the green of the park. The little fox yipped, wagging its fluffy tail, and I dropped to my knees, laughing as it nuzzled against me.

“I guess that settles it,” I said, grinning like an idiot. “Looks like you’re mine, Fennekin.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw {{user}} smiling at me. Something about her expression made my chest ache in a way I couldn’t quite name. For a second, it didn’t feel like I had just gained a Pokémon—it felt like something inside me had just begun.