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[Hider=| RIN | The Restless, Rambunctious Rival |]
[Img]https://i.imgur.com/bvG1klF.png[/img]
[Color=rosybrown]They/Them Pronouns for when Referring to Rin.[/color]
[Color=E6B0AA][i]Thank You![/i][/color]
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As the pastel glow of dawn painted over Rin's shared bedroom from the high pane window on their back wall, Rin skipped over to their alarm and slammed it's off switch before a single chirp could be uttered. They'd been waiting for this. Already up, cleaned, dressed, and giddy Rin bounced away from their nightstand over to their full length mirror in the far left corner of the room. Looking themself over for the hundredth time since they'd resolved to just stay up the whole night, Rin smoothed down their hair for the umpteenth time. They rarely ever fussed over their clothes, but today was [i]the[/i] day. The first day of their Pokémon journey. Sure, they'd haphazardly thrown whatever outfits that they first landed their eyes on into their trusty, mocha rucksack, and didn't bother packing any mementos, but that was the point. This was supposed to be new. This was supposed to be the start of the rest of their life; they couldn't have a bunch of keepsakes holding them back. Rin had already waited long enough. Apparently Kairi had had enough of them as well, for with all the grace of a [i]Slakoth[/i] and the furry of a [i]Primeape[/i] she flung her pillow square at the back of Rin's head. Her own head buried in her remaining pillow, which she'd stolen the night previous from Rin, she screamed, "Trying to [i]sleep[/i] here!"

[Color=rosybrown]"Well [i]I'm[/i],"[/color] Rin threw the pillow back at her, [Color=rosybrown]"trying to-"[/color] Rin never got to finish as Kairi had literally pounced on them in retaliation. Just a regular Mizushima morning. The rest of Rin's morning actually went by quite the same as it did every Wednesday. Dad was already at work, Yuri had already made breakfast, Kairi had already snatched the best slices of bacon, and Umi was already through her second cup of coffee before Rin came downstairs. Just a regular Mizushima morning, but nothing about it felt regular at all. With their impending departure it was, it was . . . [I]boring![/i] It seemed like time could still with how slow Yuri's smalltalk was, and every sip of Umi's coffee was another minuet passed [i]not[/i] spent on the road. Another feeling pooled in their gut watching their sisters all leave out the door to head to their ealier classes that matched how Rin felt noting their father wasn't there, but Rin convinced themself it was just anticipation. Today was [i]the[/i] day. Professor Eugene couldn't meet with them until noon, and it's not like Rin was actually going to go to school today. So after some [i]last-[/i]last-looks, Rin figured they could pay the little brat a visit. Sure, Rin had already said their goodbyes to everyone on New Years Eve, but today was [i]the[/i] day. [Color=rosybrown][i]'I bet he'll be so surprised to see me,'[/i][/color] Rin thought, picking up their rucksack and tossing on their dark red coat. [I][Color=rosybrown]'He'll be surprised and annoying that is . . . but I'm gonna miss him.'[/color][/i] It's not like Rin was feeling sentimental or anything. No, of course not! That'd be ridiculous! Rin's going to become a Pokémon Master! That's [i]way[/i] cooler than this old town. [I][Color=rosybrown]'Why do I want to memorize the smell of home so bad?'[/color][/i] Stepping out the front door into the cool winter breeze, a frown only had the chance to creep on their lips, before splitting wide open for a smile.

"Happy Going Away, Rin," the crowd cheered in cacophonous glee! Rin's family, friends, and even Midori too were all there. All of them had been gathered outside just waiting to surprise the [i]"totally-not-sentimental"[/i] upstart before they left on their way. Together, they spent the better half of two hours saying properly festive encouragements, and tearful goodbyes. Many slices of cake later, and one seriously suffocating group hug, and Rin was off again with renewed pep in their step. Today was [i]the[/i] day. Seeing all of them was just what they needed to do before finally making their way to Professor Eugene's laboratory. Not bothering to take in anymore sights, or even to be polite, Rin shoved the entry way open, and announced at the top of their lungs:

[Color=rosybrown]"I'm Rin Mizushima, I'm going to be Primis' next Champion,"[/color] bolting towards the professor at top speed as soon as he came into sight, Rin continued their screaming declaration, [Color=rosybrown]"and I'm here for my Pokémon!"[/color]