I had a wonderful uplifting feeling stuck in my chest all morning. My fifteen years of existence had led up to this point after all. Finally, I had become a Gym Leader, carrying my family's legacy on my shoulders. I'm only the first and easiest badge to obtain in the region, but I'll fly up the ranks faster than... something. A train, maybe.
I scratched my ace and partner Doviculus behind the ears; or rather behind where ears would go if he had any. A Seviper having ears isn't particularly common. He emitted a soft, pleasured hiss as I stared at the purple stained glass windows of my own design. Dad really pulled out all the stops in making this gym something special.
At that moment, the door flung open for the first time. A young redheaded kid no older than ten said nothing, but his eyes locked on mine relayed everything I needed to know. A battle, my first battle as a Gym Leader, is about to begin.
"Ready, Doviculus?" I asked, the Seviper nodding in reply, a confident fire in his eyes. "Okay then," I shouted, turning to face the trainer. "Let's throw down!"