Ecruteak City was dark, gloomy, and discomforting – at least for many. For Rayne, it was bright, full of life, and a beautiful town that had its own secrets, its own joys, and its own history – nothing to be shamed for. Ecruteak was her home, at least it was for the past year or so. There was nothing dark about this town, nothing that Rayne didn't love. Her house was a beautiful duality of architecture and combat tiers – five levels, each dedicated to something specific. The first two levels (the ceiling high enough to count as two levels) doubled as a personal training gym. There, her parents trained, as well as in the beautiful garden outside that was obscured from onlookers. Her parents, one who's career was dressed as a competitive battler and the other a veteran contester, practiced their strategies and choices with each other. At the end of their day, their Pokémon would retreat up to the third level, constructed just for the Pokémon. All the Pokémon were allowed to stretch outside their Pokeballs. The level was built was all sorts of environments where the Pokémon would be at home and relaxed with windows to beautiful views of the city. The fourth level was the suite for Rayne and her parents. The first half doubled as a living room, fit with a television and comfortable sofas, and a kitchen. Down the hallway from the living area were three bedrooms, one for her parents, one for Rayne, and the third a guest room fit with four beds. The door to the fifth level was at the end of the hallway, but locked from normal access. The fifth level merely housed storage items and thousands of Yen worth of medical equipment – most for humans instead of Pokémon – from wheelchairs for a child, for a teenager, and one for an adult, to standing assistants, cans, and crutches. Most were no longer needed, but ready at the moment's notice if necessary.
Rayne, and her new companion, Raenhik were in the kitchen. Rayne had prepared several Pokepuffs and a buffet of human food. She gave Raenhik a Pokepuff, topped with slices of Tamato and Sitrus berries, before she sat down to enjoy some food. The television was on and broadcasting the normal news around her – fires starting in route thirty-seven, the gym leader being away from his gym, and a few missing people. The latter, how sad.
"Awake already? It's barely sunrise."
Rayne looked up and smiled at her mother's entrance and offered a muffin. Her mother was right – outside, the light was the faintest gray-blue, and the sunrise's normal pink and baby yellow shades were barely peeking up over the trees. "I thought I'd take Raenhik to get some experience in."
Mother sat. "You can use the garden and fitness level for that whenever you want," she said.
Rayne shrugged lightly and enjoyed her food. "I know, but there's only so much I can do. The other Pokémon know not to hurt me or Raenhik and won't attack or battle with their full power. If… If you got me Raenhik because of what I think, of letting me journey, I need to see how wild Pokémon and other trainers battle because they definitely will not hold back from battling."
Mother smiled. "Well said," she raised a hand and grazed her fingers along Rayne's cheek and jaw. "You're getting wise. Just don't overdue it, alright?"
Rayne laughed briefly, a warm sound. "I promise, Momma." She leaned over and gave her white-haired mother a kiss on the cheek before she finished off her muffin and got to her feet. "When is Da' leaving for Hoenn?"
"In about an hour."
Rayne nodded and looked to Raenhik and allowed the abnormally colored Torchic to jump into her waiting arms. "Alright, well, I'm going to go shower and get ready. I'll be back in an hour to wish him well and luck."
Rayne's room was cozy and painted a beautiful warm sienna. At different times of the day, the light in the room would always be warm, even at night or at the barest sunrise, like it was then. In the corner was Rayne's bed, with a makeshift bed for Raenhik to sleep close (the Torchic, after meeting Rayne, immediately bonded to her and would cry if not close to his trainer), and across from that at the other side of the room were her dressers, a television, several empty Pokeballs, and three or four posters on the wall, with about another dozen in the corner, rolled and stored. All three posters were framed – one was of her mother, taken about eleven years ago when she was still champion of Kanto. At her side was her trusted partner, Ninetales. Her hair was longer then, but still a warm creamy white. The next poster was of her father, taken more recently, in one of his many contest outfits with just one of his partners working at his side – Espeon, who she remembered had evolved during one of his contests and allowed him to win the ribbon. The third poster – well, the third poster was of a fired up Blaziken – no pun intended.
Rayne looked at Raenhik and smiled. One day… one day they'll get there.
The hour passed quickly, and before Rayne left her room, she backed her bag a bit with much needed supplied, including her Pokeballs, lots of water, and enough snacks to keep both of them happy and full until night fell.
With Raenhik in her arms, Rayne made her way down all the steps and out the front door once she got to the first ground level. Right outside, her parents waited. Her father, Royce, was getting the rest of his equipment secured on the back of his Salamence, but turned to Rayne at her arrival.
With arms wide and heavy, he embraced her and held her close. Mouth at her ear he whispered. "Be safe out there."
"Always, Da', always," Rayne said.
They allowed the hug to continue for a minute or two before Salamence snorted impatiently.
"Alright, alright, you giant lizard," Father pulled away and tapped his Pokemon on the snout with amusement before he got onto its back. "Keep me updated. If you feel any numbness in your legs, call me or your mom. If you have a headache, call me or your mom. If you feel anything, call-"
"You or mom," Rayne smiled. "I got it."
Salamence flapped its wings and hovered a few feet off the ground.
"Good luck," Rayne smiled wider and watched her father wave before he took off over the trees and the rising sun.
