"No problem bro. Don't take too long or Mike will eat all the good snacks!"
I know my friends tease me a bit about my insistence on visiting every Pokemon Center as soon as we enter a new town but I know they only tease me because we are such good friends. Well that and the fact that they know why I make that trip.
Unlike most of my friends I don't come from a well off family. I didn't get a fancy PokeNav or Holocaster when I started my journey. Oh no! My backpack is a hand-me-down and even my PokeBalls were leftovers from my older brother's journey three years ago. I don't mind though. I come from a large family and I expect that the same gear I am using today my younger siblings will use on their journies too.
Why do I make a point of visiting every Pokemon Center I come accross? Why I'm glad you asked that question!
See, when you come from a large family you get used to certain things. One thing is never being alone. Even now I travel with five other kids, which is great but I still miss my family. Because I don't have a fancy communication gadget like my friends do I have to rely on the old mail system and that is where the Pokemon Center comes in.
"Hi Nurse Joy! Is there a mail kiosk I can use?"
"Oh hi, you can find the kiosks in room two. Third door on the left."
"Thank you," even though most Pokemon Centers are laid out the same it never hurts to ask.
The kiosk room is usually empty, not many trainers still use the old system. I often have the room to myself and today is no exception.
It doesn't take long for me to log in and there it is, a message from my mom.
Hi Tony,
I hope all is well on your journey. I know you have only been gone for two months but it feels like years since I have seen you. I know you are growing up and this journey is part of that process but you will always be my little boy.
Sandra and Connie were very excited to receive your last letter and its attachment. I still think it is weird how that works. Regardles of my feelings on the matter you should be happy to know that Shinx arrived safe and sound.
Your brother Raplh laughed when Shinx arrived and I think you know why!
I think the first Pokemon he caught on his journey was a Shinx! Well we both know what happened to that Shinx though. Your brother and Shinx stayed together for his entire journey and when he finally brought him home he had fully evolved into a Luxray.
The two of them are getting along well now but at first Luxray wanted nothing to do with your Shinx! Luxray would ignore him and while not being mean he was just seemed very annoyed at Shinx's continued presence in the house. Now the two of them are like best buds!
I know this journey is part of growing up but all of us miss you and look forward to hearing from you.
Love Mom.
PS: While I like you sending Shinx don't you dare follow in your brother's footsteps and send us a Grimer or any other foul smelling Pokemon!!!
Prints of the Luxray and Shinx artwork can be purchased here. The print is available in a variety of framed options as well as on a tote or pillow.