Shoes and socks lay all but forgotten on the nearby riverbank as Mint waded with her Pokemon. The young Wooper was blissfully drifting with the gentle current, blowing bubbles just under the surface. When she started to lose sight of her trainer, (a common enough occurance - her tiny Wooper eyes just weren't great in the daylight hours) she would dart back and swim happy circles around Mint's ankles.

Mint brushed hair out of her eyes and shaded them against the brightening morning sun. This might not be the last opportunity to play like this, but it felt like it. Sighing heavily, she lowered herself to the grassy bank of the river. She'd said her goodbyes, and made them short. Otherwise she'd have decided to put things off another year.

Inhaling the fresh air of her hometown, Mint's resolve hardened. Things would be fine. Her older sister had assured her of that. And if she respected anyone's opinion, it was her sister's. She had already been out and back, completing the gym challenge. However, she had been closed-mouthed when Mint's questions spilled out in a jumble. She'd just smile and tell her to find out for herself.

Today she would. Clapping both hands together softly, she called, "Pipsie, we gotta get this show on the road." The Wooper's small antennae quivered at the sound, and she shot out of the water immediately, looking adoringly up at her friend.

Mint pulled on both socks and shoes, and began walking toward her future, with Pipsie close at her heels.