The sound of cutlery echoed through the family's small kitchen. The smell of warm bread mixed with scrambled eggs filled the air. Clara came down the stairs still sleepy, her brown hair tied loosely into a messy ponytail. At the table, her parents were already waiting for her.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," her mother said with a gentle smile, pouring her a mug of milk.
"Good morning," Clara replied, rubbing her eyes before sitting down.
Clara, 16 years old
Her father adjusted the newspaper at the corner of the table and looked at his daughter."You remember what day it is today, right?"
Clara chewed a piece of bread and nodded.
"Of course I do. Today is the Young Trainers Program with Professor Maren."
Her mother rested her face on her hand, watching her daughter with an amused expression."Have you decided which starter you're going to choose?"
Clara paused for a moment, thoughtful, and sighed."I'm still not sure… They're all amazing. I think I'll decide when I see them."
Her parents exchanged a knowing look. Her father simply smiled."No matter which one you choose, it'll be the start of a great journey."
After breakfast, Clara left home with her backpack slung over her shoulders. The path to the Meteorological Laboratory passed through the narrow streets of Windfall Village, lined with simple wooden houses and boats docked at the small pier. Children ran around with improvised sticks, pretending to be trainers, while Wingulls flew over the harbor in search of fish.
The laboratory stood tall on a nearby hill close to the lighthouse, with large turbines and antennas on top. Clara took a deep breath and pushed open the glass doors.
"Ah, Clara!" Professor Maren's deep voice echoed through the lobby. He was a tall man with brown hair and a white lab coat. "I'm glad you arrived early."
Professor Maren, 43 years old
He walked toward her, smiling.
"You graduated with the highest grades in your class, so you earned the right to visit the lab before the other two students. I am surprised, though… You've never had a Pokémon before, have you?"
Clara scratched the back of her neck awkwardly."Yeah… I never did. I was always busy studying, I guess."
Maren chuckled lightly."That's rare. Usually parents help their children catch their first Pokémon even before the program. But perhaps this is better—starting officially, the right way."
He led her through the laboratory corridors. Scientists and assistants worked at computers, watching large screens displaying climate maps, while Pokémon helped with various tasks. Wingulls carried papers, an Electabuzz powered machines, and even a Castform floated near meteorological sensors.
"The Austrel Laboratory is essential for the region," Maren explained proudly. "Our job is to predict the weather as accurately as possible. It keeps ships safe, warns inland farmers, and protects villages like yours that live in harmony with the sea and the wind."
Clara watched everything in fascination. The hum of machines, scientists rushing around, Pokémon working naturally alongside humans… Her heart beat faster.
Finally, they reached a larger room. On a metal table, three Poké Balls were aligned. Maren picked up each one and released its contents.
First, a small serpent with reddish scales and two short horns on its head: Ignoros. It hissed softly and struck its tail against the ground.
Next, a small green crocodile covered in moss and tiny leaves on its back: Luribloom. It yawned lazily, looking calmer than fierce.
Lastly, a slender blue otter with mischievous eyes: Ripplin. He jumped onto the floor, shook his little paws, and released a few bubbles that popped in the air, staring directly at Clara.
She stood still for a moment. Ripplin tilted his head, took two small steps forward, and let out a cute sound, as if calling her. Clara felt her heart race. It was as if the little Pokémon had chosen her.
"Have you decided?" Maren asked with a slight smile.
Clara took a deep breath and nodded."Yes. I want Ripplin."
"Excellent choice," the professor said. "Despite his innocent appearance, Ripplin is agile and resilient. He'll give you plenty of trouble… but also many victories."
He handed her Ripplin's Poké Ball along with five empty ones."Here you go. Your first partner. And these Poké Balls to capture new allies on your journey."
Clara held the equipment firmly, still getting used to the weight."Thank you, Professor."
"Now tell me, Clara," Maren continued, "do you have any goals in mind, now that you're officially a trainer?"
She stayed silent for a few seconds before answering."I'm not sure yet…"
"Then let me suggest something." Maren crossed his arms. "There's a Gym right here in the village. It wouldn't be a bad start. Defeating the Leader would be a great first step in discovering your own strength."
Clara's eyes sparkled."A Gym… I'll think about it."
After thanking him, she left the laboratory and returned home, proudly showing her new partner to her parents. Ripplin ran excitedly around the yard, and the family laughed at the little Pokémon's energy.
The next day, Clara decided she needed to prepare. She woke up early, put on her sneakers, and went outside with Ripplin.
"Let's go, partner. If we're going to challenge the Gym, we need to get in shape."
She started with a light run around the village, Ripplin keeping up on all fours. Then she did push-ups and sit-ups, and Ripplin clumsily imitated her movements, making her laugh. Finally, she hung a cloth sack filled with sand from a tree branch.
"Time to train your attacks. Ripplin, use Tackle!"
The Pokémon launched himself at the bag, which swung violently. With each strike, Clara encouraged him, correcting his posture until Ripplin could hit with power and balance.
The afternoons were reserved for exploring the village outskirts and testing Ripplin against wild Pokémon.
First Battle — Ripplin vs. Bidoof
While walking near a stream, Clara spotted a Bidoof gnawing on a tree. As soon as it noticed them, it turned and growled.
"This is our chance, Ripplin!" Clara said.
Bidoof charged with Tackle, hitting Ripplin by surprise. The little otter fell but quickly got back up.
"Ripplin, use Tackle too!"
They collided in the center of the field, both stepping back from the impact. The battle turned into a series of direct clashes, neither willing to give in. Clara shouted encouragement, and Ripplin responded with determination, even while panting.
Finally, in one last charge, Ripplin struck Bidoof head-on, sending it crashing into the tree. The wild Pokémon fell, defeated.
Clara let out a relieved sigh."You did it, Ripplin! Our first victory!"
Ripplin blew bubbles into the air, celebrating energetically.
Second Battle — Ripplin vs. Starly
The next day, they walked to an open field near the village. The sky was clear when a Starly swooped down with a sharp cry, circling above them provocatively.
"An aerial opponent… this will be harder," Clara muttered. "Ripplin, get ready!"
Starly suddenly dove at high speed using Quick Attack. Ripplin barely had time to react before being struck in the chest and pushed back several steps.
"Hang in there! Now use Tackle!"
Ripplin ran and jumped, colliding with the bird midair. Starly fell but quickly flapped its wings and rose again. The duel became a sequence of attacks and evasions.
Clara thought quickly."If we keep this up, we'll lose… I need an opening."
When Starly dove again, Clara shouted,"Dodge to the side!"
Ripplin rolled across the ground as Starly skimmed past, kicking up dust.
"He'll come slower this time… be careful."
Starly reduced its speed, preparing a direct Tackle.
"Now, Ripplin! Intercept with Tackle!"
Ripplin leapt sideways and slammed into Starly's wing. The impact sent the bird crashing to the ground, unconscious.
"You were amazing! Our second victory!"
Ripplin let out a cheerful cry, raising his tiny arms.
Third Battle — Ripplin vs. Maschiff
A week of training passed. Ripplin grew faster and tougher each day.
During one walk, they encountered a lone Maschiff lurking near the trees. It growled low, baring its teeth.
"This one will be tough… Ripplin, let's go all out!"
Maschiff immediately charged with Tackle, pushing Ripplin back. Then it used Leer, making Ripplin tremble.
"Don't let it shake you! Use Water Gun!"
For the first time, Ripplin fired a jet of water. It hit Maschiff's face, forcing it back. But the dog shook it off and charged again.
It dodged the second Water Gun and struck Ripplin hard in the stomach. The otter rolled on the ground in pain.
"Ripplin!" Clara shouted.
Maschiff followed with Lick, briefly paralyzing Ripplin.
"Focus! Counter with Tackle!"
Even trembling, Ripplin charged and headbutted Maschiff, stunning it.
"Now finish it with Water Gun!"
The powerful stream blasted Maschiff into a tree trunk. It collapsed, defeated.
Clara dropped to her knees in relief."We did it… You're getting stronger every day."
Ripplin ran to her, panting but triumphant.
Later that evening, as Clara returned to the village, she overheard a group of young trainers talking.
"Hey, did you hear? We're organizing a small tournament near the lighthouse tomorrow!"
"Anyone can join!"
Clara tightened her grip on Ripplin's Poké Ball.
"A tournament… This might be the perfect chance to see how much we've improved."
With that thought in mind, she headed home, already planning for the next day.