Taking the First Steps

Sixtopia, the city in which the gym leader, Pat Wa, resided. He was revered for his mastery of many various forms of math, although he was most skilled in the art of Calculus, the deadliest kind. Many who've challenged Pat Wa failed, living with the fearful memories of the battle with him. There were even some who quit being a trainer after challenging him. But it is said that the few who have won against him ended up becoming true Mathemon masters. The thought of it all excited Jane, yet at the same time she felt a bit of fear. Beating Pat Wa was only the first step towards becoming a Mathemon master and she was completely ready to take that first step.

The first few steps Jane took into Sixtopia were exhilarating as she first caught sight of the gym in all of its glory atop a hill in the distance. It was an amazing view even though she was still quite far from reaching it. The six pillars at the front of the gym were amazing to look at, although Jane would have to get closer to get a better view of the gym. Her heart fluttered at the thought of finally challenging Pat Wa to a Mathemon battle. But before charging in blindly at the front steps of the gym, Jane would need to prepare herself first. She took a quick look around to see if she could find the Mathecentre and the shop.

"Are you lost, lady?" A small voice asked from behind, startling Jane for a moment.

"Lady...?" Jane muttered displeasingly as she quickly turned around to see a small and fragile looking girl holding a cup of taro flavored bubble tea in one hand.

"Uh, yeah, would you happen to know where the Mathecentre and shop is? I want to make sure I'm ready before I go face the gym leader here," she said as she looked at the small girl, thinking to herself that she'd buy some bubble tea herself after she had defeated Pat Wa.

The girl took a sip from the cup and stared at Jane with curious eyes before saying, "I can show you the way, lady. Follow me." she said, her auburn hair doing a quick swish as she turned quickly, signaling Jane to follow.

"Lady? Do I really look that old?" Thought Jane as she quickly followed the girl.

"Here it is," the girl said as she pointed towards the building in front of her, "You should rest your Mathemon here first kay, lady?" She took another sip from the cup of purple goodness and then pointed towards another nearby building, "There's the shop!"

Jane stared towards the buildings the girl was pointing at. She was surprised at how big they were compared to the last town she had been to with Devon. This place truly showed the difference between a city where a gym leader resided and a small town within the forest. "Thanks a lot... um.."

"Betsy."

"Betsy huh...Thanks Betsy!" Jane said, giving her trademark smile. "Well, I'm going to get ready now, thanks again." Jane said as she began to make her move into the Mathecentre. She was quickly stopped as she reached the doors only to be poked in the back.

"Wait..." Betsy's small voice said from behind, not removing her finger from her back.

"What's wrong, honey?"

"Here, lady..," The girl said as she outstretched her hand, handing over the bubble tea to Jane. "Good luck," she added.

Though a simple childish gesture, Jane was touched by the girl's actions. She gave another smile and replied, "Thanks, I'll do my best!" Jane took the bubble tea from the girl's hand and waved farewell to the girl, entering the Mathecentre to prepare her Mathemon for the challenging battle that awaited them.