Chapter Text
Prologue
Sophia Joy looked in the mirror in her room, running a hand through her freshly cut hair. Gone were the typical Nurse Joy loops she’d worn the past few years, an identifying feature that held no true identity at all. If you look the same as everyone else, can you really call yourself an individual?
That was her mindset, anyway, hence the haircut. The short bob was a marked improvement. Like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The weight of who she was, with all its responsibilities besides, gone with a pair of scissors. She’d already turned in her uniform, too, replacing it with a pink shirt and purple overalls.
It wasn’t that she’d hated being a nurse. It was quite rewarding, in its own way. But as time went on, it grew stifling. The same routine, day in and day out. Greet the trainers, answer their questions, check on the patients, greet more trainers, answer more questions, take in more patients, rinse and repeat. She held no judgment for those who enjoyed it, but that life wasn’t for her anymore. It was time for a fresh start.
“Everything packed?”
Her mother walked into the room. She’d taken the news of Sophia’s resignation quite well and had been very supportive of her decision, but it was clear she didn’t want her to leave.
“Not quite.” Sophia replied. “Still need to buy a few things before I head out.”
“It’ll be quiet with you gone.” Her mother smiled, but only slightly. “You’ll call?”
Sophia would’ve rolled her eyes if she didn’t think it would ruin the moment. “I’m not leaving until tomorrow, mom. And it’s not like I’m leaving forever.”
Her mother chuckled, instantly clearing the atmosphere of the room and betraying her mood. “I know, I know. But allow a mother her melodrama. It’s hard when your child sets off on their own, no matter how old.”
Sophia was certainly older than most who leave for a Pokémon journey. The timing had never felt right, and she was always focused on becoming a nurse like many in her family. Even when her friends went off for their own adventures - some more than once - she’d stayed behind, studying and living a quieter life. It wasn’t uncommon; not everyone was cut out for the adventurous life of a trainer, and extenuating circumstances often kept people from leaving.
That’s why programs like the Pokémon League Admissions Exam existed. It certainly would be the easier option, and there’d be zero shame in taking it. A few of her cousins had done it themselves. But Sophia wanted the adventure. She needed a change of pace, a break from the monotony, and a Pokémon journey was the perfect choice. It would be hard, certainly, but she was confident she could do it. She wouldn’t be alone, either. A friend of hers with plenty of adventuring experience was going with her.
“Now,” her mother cut into her thoughts, putting a hand on her back. “I’ve taken the day off, so let’s grab some lunch and get your shopping done.”
“Wait, then who’s running the Pokémon Center?” They had a few other nurses on staff, but none of them had the experience to manage the place themselves.
“Oh, I brought in some help from out of town. They’re in good hands.” Her concerns were dismissed without a clear answer, but if her mother wasn’t worried, she didn’t have much reason to be, either.
The day flew by after that, and it wasn’t long before the next arrived. Sophia stood outside the Pokémon Center, waiting for her companion. Second companion might be a more apt description, as she already had her Chansey with her. Human companion, maybe? Whatever her designation, they agreed to meet here so Sophia could say goodbye to her mother before heading out.
“Sophia!”
Right on time - Sophia always liked to be a little early - her friend came rushing up the street towards her, a Vaporeon keeping pace with her.
“Hey, Misty!”
Misty, the Cerulean City gym leader, slowed her step as she got closer and pulled Sophia into a hug. She was dressed in simple traveling clothes - a blue t-shirt and shorts - and had a red bag slung over her shoulder. The two had grown up together, and they managed to stay friends even after Misty had left home for her own adventures. Their respective jobs also meant they got to see each other often, so they were able to stay close even into adulthood.
“Thanks again for coming with me.” She was thrilled when her childhood friend agreed to travel with her, not only because she would be glad for the company but because Misty had valuable experience on the road that Sophia lacked.
“Like I’d miss you finally branching out. Nice haircut, by the way.” Misty teased her lightly. “Seriously, though, I’m glad you invited me. I kinda wished we’d been able to do this as kids, but better late than never, right? Plus, I can get some training in, and even catch some new Pokémon!”
“You don't have enough already?” Sophia teased her back.
“You can never have enough when you're a gym leader!” Misty was pretty confident in her declaration, but Sophia doubted the pragmatism of her mindset. Maybe that'd change on their trip, but to her there was definitely such a thing as “too many Pokémon”. From her understanding, both Misty and the gym already had quite the roster between them.
“Besides,” she continued. “Brook here doesn't have much battle experience, so this is the perfect opportunity for him.”
The Vaporeon at her feet cried out happily, seeming excited at the prospect. Felicity, Sophia's Chansey, introduced herself to him and patted him on the head, which he also seemed to like. Sophia smiled at the sight, while Misty suppressed a giggle.
The group entered the Pokémon Center, where Sophia headed to the counter while Misty looked for a table in the lounge area. The nurse at the counter didn't look familiar, or even like a member of Sophia's family. It wasn’t like the Joys monopolized the medical field, but not many people saw the need to enter into it when they seemed to have it covered. This woman looked to be about her mother's age, with a healthy figure and bright red hair starting to grey at the roots.
“Hi there!” She greeted Sophia jovially, almost like she was trying a bit too hard. “You must be Sophia. Your mother told me to expect you.”
“Yes, ma'am. And you are…?”
“You can just call me Jessie.” The woman replied, the smile never leaving her face. “I'll be helping out around the Pokémon Center while you're away. Oh, but you're not here for me! Let me grab your mother.”
Jessie hummed to herself as she went off to the back. There was a certain practiced grace to her movements that added an air of sophistication to her, which was quickly tarnished by her tripping over a medical cart and nearly falling over. She caught herself and dashed off without looking back, like she was trying to hide her embarrassment. It was a blessing that she didn't turn around to see the few patrons of the center all looking in her direction.
Well, her mother had faith in her, so it was probably fine.
Speaking of, it only took a moment for her mother to come out, notably without Jessie, who was presumably hiding in the back for a moment. The two were quick to embrace once they were in range, though her mother added more force to it.
“Please be careful out there.” She almost whispered. Sophia wanted to brush it off - it felt like an overreaction - but the sentiment was too earnest for that.
“I will.” Sophia assured her. “I'll call when we reach the next town, okay?”
“Alright, dear.” She pulled away, a warm smile on her face. “You'll be a great trainer, I just know it. I love you.”
“I love you, too. And thanks, mom.”
With a final farewell, Sophia went back to join Misty at the table. She had a map spread out in front of her and was fiddling with a pen in her hand. She looked up as Sophia approached.
“All good?”
“Yep, all good. My replacement has me a little worried, though.” She admitted.
“Who, Jessie? Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”
Sophia blinked at Misty’s statement. “You know her?”
“Yeah, we’ve known each other for years. She’s that woman from Team Rocket that I told you about.” She quickly continued, likely sensing Sophia's growing unease. "But she’s chilled out a lot since then, and she’s really applied herself to nursing. She’s the one who opened up the Pokémon Center in Pallet Town. So there’s nothing to worry about.”
“If you’re sure… ” A former gang member certainly wasn’t Sophia’s first choice, but it sounded like she’d turned over a new leaf, so she wouldn’t judge too harshly. “Anyway, what's with the map?”
Looking it over, it was a map of the Kanto region. Not a very common sight these days, even among trainers. Most people used the map on their phone or PokéDex - though even the PokéDex was a little outdated these days thanks to the app. It had some nostalgic value, and there were some gatekeepers who claimed you weren't a “real” trainer without one, but they were generally outweighed by practicality.
“I find it easier to plan out our route on a paper map.” Misty said. “And, admittedly, it's a little sentimental. It just feels like the old days.”
Sophia nodded. “Alright then. Where are we headed first?”