#ena.

Like a guardian angel but that gives you bad advices most times, not all times, but most

I also went chalk drawing with my girlfriend

I made the drawings and she wrote random crap that came to her mind

I love my girlfriend so very much

Staring at my bag, which was placed ontop of my bed. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was forgetting something, but I also felt like I was overthinking everything. I'm supposed to be excited, but I can't help but be nervous. 'Come on Ena, it's just the lab' I muttered to myself, taking a deep sigh. With one last look, I zipped up my bag and went outside my room.

Right when I stepped outside my room, I smelt the fragrance of freshly cooked pancakes and brewed coffee. My mom was busy in the kitchen, the sizzling of the pan mixed with the audio from the TV that was playing some sort of pokemon tournament. "Ena, you're early, did you get everything ready?" My mom called out from the counter, smiling at me.

"About everything I need, it's just a small walk to the lab, I don't think it's necessary for me to bring alot of stuff." I replied, trying to sound confident, hiding the fact that I was trembling inside out.

My mom raised an eyebrow, her smile never faltering. "Don't take things lightly, sweetie this is the beginning of your journey! You should be prepared for everything, time waits for nobody." She whisked a stack of pancakes onto a plate, the edges of it curling slightly. "You might meet a wild pokemon on your way, then it'll be a lost opportunity! You'd regret not following what I said."

I rolled my eyes, "Mom, Its just my starter!" I shot back, though I can't help but smile from her enthusiasm. She always finds an optimistic view in everything. "I'm not planning on battling anybody, I'm sure I can retreat from wild pokemon safely." It was silent dead silent for a moment, I looked back and my mom was staring at me soulless. "Something on my face?"

... "Oh my Arceus, I've raised a wimp!" She cried out, I couldn't help but laugh. She wiped her 'tears' and then cupped my face, "okay, promise me you'll be careful okay?" I nodded startled, It wasn't necessary to squish my face, but I didn't say anything about it. "Also, don't forget to eat something for Arceus's sake."

Oh yeah, I forgot there's pancakes. I headed toward the counter, took a paper napkin to use as a small glove, and snagged a pancake from the stack.

"Good! Now go, go!" My mom shooed me playfully, wiping her hands with a dish towel. She pushed me slowly to the door, opening it for me. "I want to hear all about it when you get home!"

I took a deep breath, and then took a step, the alolan sun hitting me like a pack of bricks. I should've brought a hat, maybe listening to that woman was the right choice. I turned around to wave one last time to my mother, taking a bite of the pancake as I headed to the lab.

The town was quiet at this hour, and as I walked, I could hear the rustling of leaves overhead and the distant calls of wild pikipek. The familiar sounds should have calmed me, but my heart was beating faster with every step. I took another bite of the pancake, chewing slowly as I took in the view.

Kids my age were playing outside, chasing after a stray Yungoos that had wandered into their game. I passed a little stand where an old man was arranging berries, their colors bright and vibrant in the morning sun. I could smell their sweetness even from here, mixing with the scent of salt from the ocean not far away. The lab wasn’t too far, but today, the path felt longer. I guess its from all the distractions I've been looking at.

Professor Kukui’s lab was just a short walk away, but my heart pounded harder with each step. The morning sun was already high, warming my back as I approached the familiar wooden building. The scent of the sea clung to the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of trees swaying in the breeze.

I knocked lightly before stepping inside. The lab was cluttered, but not messy. Papers, books, and Poké Balls scattered over the desk, shelves lined with research journals, and a whiteboard covered in notes. Professor Kukui stood at the table, sorting through some documents. “Ah, Ena! Early as ever, yeah?” He grinned, adjusting his lab coat as he turned to face me. “You ready to meet your partner?”

I nodded, clasping my hands together. “Yes, sir!” My voice came out quieter than I intended, but Professor Kukui didn't seem to mind.

"Take it easy, nobodies rushing ya." My mom was, earlier... He stepped aside, revealing three Pokémon waiting on the counter, the signature starters of alola. Litten, Popplio, and Rowlet. Each of them reacted different to my arrival, Litten didn't seem acknowledge me, Popplio clapped it's hands excitedly, and Rowlet? It was... weird, it puffed it's chest standing as tall as it could on it's tiny legs looking at me with an intense determination. This Rowlet was oddly colored, it wasn't like the ones I see outside. I was amazed really, but I already made up my mind a long time ago. "Take your time, Yeah? Get to know them a little." Professor Kukui said cutting through all the nonsense in my head.

I took a minute to observe them, but already knew how this would end. "Actually, I think I've already decided." Popplio perked up, tilting its head at me expectantly. I hesitated before giving it a small smile. “I’d like Popplio.”

Suddenly I heard a gasp, a little too dramatic for such a small body echo through the room. I turned my head just in time to see Rowlet wobble slightly, its whole body tensing before it threw itself forward, flapping wildly. It landed right at my feet, staring up at me, eyes wide with disbelief. I blinked. "Uhhh–"

Rowlet suddenly leapt onto Kukui’s desk, nearly knocking over a stack of papers. It spread its wings, hooting aggressively, and began demonstrating every move it knew tackling the air, slicing through nothing, and even somersaulting off the desk only to crash into the floor. It scrambled up, looking at me expectantly, waiting for my reaction. I wasn’t sure what to say. “That was... impressive?”

Rowlet puffed up even more, practically glowing with pride, but I glanced back at Popplio, whose ears had drooped slightly. I already made my decision, I thought about it for days. I had my reasons. So, as much as I admired Rowlet’s enthusiasm, I shook my head. “I’m sorry,” I said gently. “But I’ve already made up my mind.”

Silence. It looked me dead in the eye, soulless, it stared at me just like my mom! Rowlet flopped onto its back, dramatically rolling toward the door before stopping just short of it. I raised a brow. “...Are you okay?” Rowlet let out a long, sorrowful hoot, then suddenly sprang up, spun around, and bolted outside.

"That Rowlet has alot of determination and spirit, It's always excited to meet new trainers." I hesitated, looking toward the open door. Rowlet had run off, but why did I feel guilty? I had made my choice, hadn’t I Before I could think too hard about it, my feet were already moving.

“I’ll be right back!” I called over my shoulder before hurrying outside.

I ran restless to the forest near the laboratory, it shouldn't have went too far yet. I paused for a moment to catch my breath, basically fighting my lungs to get more oxygen. The forest near the lab was dense, but not unfamiliar. I've walked here before when I was trying to find things to study for school. I walked carefully, brushing aside any branches that may have fallen off from trees as I searched for Rowlet. “Rowlet?” My voice was quiet, hesitant. “Are you... are you okay?”

A soft hoot answered from a nearby tree. I looked up and spotted Rowlet perched on a low branch, its head tucked into its wings. I sighed. “Hey... I didn’t mean to upset you.” Rowlet peeked, one eye open, then turned it's head dramatically.

'Rude' I thought, sighing. I bit back a smile. “I just...look, I thought I knew what I wanted. I had a plan, and I didn’t expect—” I gestured vaguely at it. “You. Doing... all that.” Rowlet ruffled it's feathers slightly, but didn't move. I'm not making any progress here!! Quick, think, Ena.

"I’m really sorry,” I said softly. “I—” A sudden rustling in the bushes made me freeze. Rowlet perked up, swiveling its head toward the sound. The rustling grew louder, closer. Then, from the shadows, a pair of glowing red eyes emerged. I barely had time to react before a wild Gumshoos lunged forward, baring its sharp teeth. Great, wonderful timing.

Rowlet screeched and immediately launched itself behind me. My heart pounded as I took a cautious step back. “Hey, uh, we don’t want any trouble—” Gumshoos growled, stepping closer. Rowlet trembled behind me, feathers shaking. It was... scared, you know pokémon should be the one protecting people, I feel like the opposite thing is happening. Never seen such a wimpy Rowlet before... I swallowed hard. “Okay, okay, we should—”

Before I could finish, Gumshoos lunged. I barely dodged in time, stumbling to the side. My foot caught on a root, and pain flared through my ankle as I collapsed onto the ground. I clenched my teeth, trying to push myself up, but my leg throbbed. 'Shoot.' Rowlet flapped its wings frantically, hooting in panic, 'why was it still here?! It needed to go.'

"Rowlet–" But before I could say anything, it suddenly flapped it's wings wings hard, eyes shining with determination. The air shimmered, and before I could even process what was happening, glowing green leaves burst forward, slashing through the air and striking Gumshoos head-on. The wild Pokémon staggered back, startled by the sudden attack. With an irritated growl, it turned and darted back into the underbrush, disappearing into the shadows.

I was at shock for words, I could only just stare. For a wimp, this thing could really fight. Rowlet hovered in place, breathing hard, then hesitantly landed beside me. I swallowed, trying to catch my breath. “Hey... that was... incredible.”

Rowlet blinked at me, tilting its head. I let out a shaky laugh, but before I could say more, exhaustion weighed me down. My leg ached, and my head felt light.

Rowlet suddenly flapped its wings and darted off. I watched it go, exhaling slowly. “How rude...” I muttered, leaning back against the tree. I closed my eyes, too tired to stay awake. I'll figure this out when I wake up...

My eyes fluttered open, I was... I WAS IN THE LAB?! I looked around confused, but yes this was the lab of Professor Kukui. Was I dreaming or did Professor Kukui find me in the forest basically lying on my death bed? Embarrassing... Soft voices murmured nearby, my eyes were still blurry from just waking up, but I could feel the aching in my leg very well, it's just this time it was carefully wrapped with bandages.

“Ah, finally up, yeah?” Kukui’s voice came from my side.

I turned my head, groggy. “Professor...?”

Kukui smiled. “Rowlet found its way back here. Led me right to you.” He chuckled. “Little guy’s got guts.” I turned my head slightly and saw Rowlet sitting nearby, looking at me expectantly. I stared at it, my chest tightening. I had spent so much time thinking I knew what I wanted, that I had it all figured out. But maybe I was overlooking something important.

"Hey Professor."

Professor Kukui looked at me, raising a brow.

"I think... I think I've finally made up my mind. All this time I thought I figured it out, but maybe... I was only looking at what made sense instead of what felt right."

I glanced at Rowlet, who sat on the counter, watching me carefully. Its round body swayed slightly, as if it wasn’t sure what I was going to say next.

"I didn’t expect any of this," I admitted, voice softer now. "I thought I knew what I wanted,I had my plan, I made my decision, and I didn’t think twice about it. But then you..." I hesitated, then gave a small smile. "You wouldn’t let me ignore you, huh?"

Rowlet puffed up slightly, blinking at me.

I exhaled, looking back at Professor Kukui. "I know I was stubborn about my choice. I kept telling myself I had everything sorted out. But... maybe choosing a partner isn't just about making the right decision. Maybe it's about making the one that surprises you."

Professor Kukui grinned. "Heh, well said, yeah. A strong bond doesn't always start the way you expect."

I nodded slowly, then turned back to Rowlet.

"May I choose you?"

There was no hesitation. Rowlet flapped its wings, hopping forward before scrambling toward the table. It snatched its own Poké Ball in its beak, fumbling a little from the weight, then hurried back to me. And then, without a second thought, it booked it inside. I barely had time to catch the Poké Ball before it clicked shut, the weight settling in my hands.

Kukui chuckled. "Heh! Looks like it was waiting for you to say that, yeah!"

I let out a slow breath, staring at the Poké Ball. "...Yeah," I murmured. "I guess it was."

I felt guilty, I promised that Popplio I'd be it's trainer. I felt like a betrayer.

"Don’t worry about Popplio, yeah? It’s not upset. Pokémon can tell when a trainer’s heart isn’t completely in it. And besides," He gestured toward the playful Sea Lion Pokémon, who let out a happy bark before bouncing a bubble into the air. "Looks like Popplio’s just fine. It’ll find the right trainer soon enough."

I sighed, the guilt flying all away, this was a quick journey, but I realized something that changed my view completely. I always did things alone, and that's just who I am, because I would never ask for help nor socialise properly.

But maybe decisions don’t always have to be made alone. Maybe plans don’t always have to be perfect. I thought I had everything figured out, but the truth is… sometimes, the best choices are the ones you don’t expect. The ones that find you. I looked down at the Poké Ball in my hands, feeling its weight, its warmth, the quiet certainty that this was right. Dreams don’t always follow a straight path, but maybe that’s okay. Because when dreams take flight, you just have to trust that they’ll lead you somewhere worth going.

'Great, now how am I gonna tell my mom I broke my leg?'