Takumi left the Pokémon Center as if he had just seen a ghost. Why would anyone want to choose him to participate in an elite event? He only had four badges, and he was barely able to get those four. Maybe it was a set-up. Maybe someone knew who he was.
"What do you think we should do?" He asked his two Pokémon. Denki shook her head as if to say yes. Umbreon didn't reply at all. "Well," he thought. "I guess we'll go."
The train ride to Snowpointe City was a long one. The captain had told him that he would have to recall his Pokémon, but a quick look at Denki's and Umbreon's faces told him that a move like that would be terribly foolish.
"I don't think I can." Takumi replied.
"Well, I'll let it slide this time, but you're gonna have to pay extra fare." That was no problem at all. It was a lot better than getting shocked to death.
While on board, Takumi saw some interesting figures. Maybe they're going the same way as I am, he thought. He looked out the window as Denki and Umbreon slept. I hope this ride is over already, he wished to himself. His vision grew cloudy and the next minute, he was asleep.
Skreeeee!!! The train stopped abruptly. Takumi was knocked out of his seat. Denki and Umbreon both jumped to their feet, ready to attack.
"We've arrived at Snowpointe City," said a voice over the intercom. "Thank you for choosing the Sinnoh Magnet Train." At this, Takumi and all of the other passengers exited the train. The next stop was the Pokémon Center.
As he approached the desk, he noticed that Nurse Joy almost seemed to read his mind. "Lance is down the hall, third door on the right." She pointed him in the direction.
"Thanks," he replied, grateful that he didn't have to say anything. He went in the direction he was pointed towards and entered the room.
Upon entering the room, Takumi noticed that there were many people who were already there. He recognized Lance, a bunch of people who seemed to be his followers, and Cynthia. He grew excited at seeing so many big shots in one room. Then, he saw that there were a lot of not-so-big shots. Oh great, I'm late, he thought to himself. Now all eyes are gonna turn on you and…
"You can sit if you'd like." Cynthia was looking at him.
"Oh, right." Takumi took a seat in the back row. Not until I get to know some of these people, he told himself. He looked around the room. There was one girl with a Sneasel. There was another boy with a Luxray just like his. It was also female. Oh no, he thought. He looked over at his own Luxray. Her eyes began to gleam. Rivalry's effect didn't last long, as Denki and Umbreon had soon relaxed themselves and fallen asleep. He wished he could sleep himself, but that would be embarrassing.