Pocket Monsters, or Pokemon for short.
Strange creatures that inhabit the planet alongside mankind, these mysterious creatures can be found all thru ought the world. They can be found living in the forest and jungles, from the hottest deserts to the coldest tundra, flying among the clouds, and swimming in the oceans. From the deepest of caves to the busiest of streets, these wonderful beings are truly all over the place.
And of course, it is also common to see them interacting with humans. Whether it's at their homes, their jobs, or even, on the battlefield. In many regions, it is common to see both humans and pokemon playing together, eating together, working together, training together, fighting together, and above all else, growing together. These kinds of people are called Pokemon Trainers.
In various parts of the world, when a child reaches the age of 10, they can obtain their licenses as pokemon trainers and, if they wish to, can start their journey to try and achieve their dreams to be the very best, like no one ever was. To take on the Gym Leaders and the multiple trainers that roam the roads, it is an experience that many hope to do, and for these 4 children, it´s no different.
It was an early morning in Pallet Town.
The sun shined on the roof of each house as the dodrio sang their song.
Parents were about to go to work and children were preparing for yet another school day. All, but four 15-year old kids, that were about to start their own journey as Pokemon trainers and one of those trainers, had woken up almost 2 hours ago.
Red, with his black, spiky hair and eager red eyes, had been up for nearly two hours. His sleeveless red jacket was already in place, his black T-shirt tucked neatly underneath. He stood in the center of his room, his face scrunched up in concentration as he went over his packing for the hundredth time. Beside him, his loyal Pokémon, Poliwhirl, stood with a tired expression, arms crossed in an exaggerated display of impatience.
"Okay, well i think i am fully packed now....i wonder if i forgot anything...make i should check again to make sure i didn't forget anything..." Red asked, his voice filled with the kind of excitement that made it impossible to sit still.
Poliwhirl let out a long, drawn-out groan. "Poli, Poliwhirl..." it grumbled, clearly more than a little exhausted by its trainer's meticulousness.
Red scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I know, I know. I've checked it all a dozen times already, but still... this is our journey. It's a huge step forward! How can I not be excited? Think about it—we're going to see new places, make new friends, and have tons of battles!" He threw his hands up in the air as if the very idea of their upcoming adventures could send him into orbit.
Poliwhirl stared at him for a moment, its eyes narrowing slightly, before it nodded reluctantly. It couldn't deny that the prospect of the journey held its own excitement. Red's enthusiasm was infectious—even Poli was eager to see what the future held.
"Alright," Red continued, a grin spreading across his face. "How about this: I'll only check the essentials. Nothing extra, I promise. Deal?"
Poliwhirl gave a small, exasperated sigh but nodded its agreement. Red, thrilled by the gesture, immediately began his checklist again.
"Water bottles, check. Potions, check. Pokémon food and a few snacks, check. Extra clothes, check—" He paused at this last one, catching the look of disbelief on Poliwhirl's face. "What? Extra clothes are essential! You didn't think I'd be wearing this all the time, did you?" Red gestured to his outfit with a chuckle.
Poliwhirl rolled its eyes, giving up for the moment. "Poli..." it muttered, shaking its head in resignation.
"Thanks," Red said, undeterred, as he continued with the list. "Camping gear, check. Money, check... Other less important stuff... check. And... looks like we're good to go!" He quickly zipped up his backpack, an almost nervous grin on his face as he looked to his Pokémon. "You ready for this, Poli?"
Poliwhirl's eyes gleamed with determination, its earlier tiredness forgotten in the face of the adventure ahead. "Poli!" it cried out, its voice full of enthusiasm.
Red's grin widened as he glanced over at his partner. "To all the trainers out there—get ready, because once we hit the road, you're going to stare in awe at Red and Poli from Pallet Town!"
But before they could savor the moment, a low growl cut through the air.
It didn't take long for Red to realize the source: his own stomach. He sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, guess it's time for breakfast."
Poliwhirl nodded in agreement, and the two of them rushed toward the door. But as Red neared the top of the stairs, his familiar mistake caught up with him. He'd forgotten just how steep the steps were—and before he knew it, he and Poliwhirl went tumbling down.
The sound of their crash was followed by quick footsteps, and before them stood a woman with long brown hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a cream sweater, black pants, and a white apron. She brought a hand to her forehead and let out a heavy sigh.
"Red... how many times have I told you not to run in the house?" she asked, her voice tinged with both affection and exasperation.
Red groaned as he picked himself up off the floor, dusting himself off. "We're fine, Mom. Thanks for asking. Nice to know you care so much about our well-being."
His mother raised an eyebrow at him but gave a soft laugh. "Well, are you and Poli alright?"
Both Red and Poliwhirl gave an exaggerated thumbs-up, though they were clearly a little worse for wear. Poliwhirl let out a tired, "Poli..." as it stretched its arms.
Red's mom chuckled and shook her head. "I swear, you two are going to get into more trouble than I can handle."
"Yeah, probably," Red said with a grin, the thrill of the journey already coursing through him. "But that's what makes it fun, right?"
And with that, they made their way downstairs to join the rest of the family for breakfast, the excitement of the day ahead already in full swing.
Red sighed, glancing up at his mother as she stood before him. "We're fine, Mom. Sorry if we worried you. It's just that... Poli and I are really excited for today," he explained, his voice softening slightly as he tried to calm her concerns.
His mother looked at him with a knowing smile, her gentle gaze softened by years of understanding. "I know that, honey," she said, her voice warm yet firm. "But please, try to slow down a little, alright?" She knew how eager he was—today was the day he, along with the other three children from Pallet Town, would begin their journey as Pokémon Trainers. She smiled, the thought of her son taking his first steps toward independence both thrilling and bittersweet. "You two must be starving. Breakfast is almost ready. Why don't you go wash up and then come eat? I made your favorite."
Red's face lit up at the mention of his favorite meal. Without hesitation, he nodded enthusiastically. "Thanks, Mom!" He turned to Poliwhirl, who had perked up at the news. Together, they hurried off to the bathroom, quickly washing up before making their way to the dining room.
The moment they sat down to eat, Red couldn't help but savor the warmth and comfort of his mother's cooking. One thing was certain—he was going to miss this.
"So, honey," his mother began as she took a seat across from them, "have you decided what you're going to do once you leave Pallet Town?"
Red paused, his fork halfway to his mouth as he thought over her question. A week ago, he would've answered without a second thought—just catch some Pokémon, battle trainers, and see where it takes me. But lately, he had been thinking more seriously about his journey. He didn't have all the answers, but there was one thing that had begun to feel right.
"I guess... I guess I'll challenge the Gym Leaders," he said after a moment, his voice uncertain but filled with resolve. It wasn't a grand plan, but it was something. And sometimes, that was enough.
His mother chuckled, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Seems like you're in for quite the competition if you're going to challenge the Gym Leaders," she remarked. "Wouldn't you agree, Poli?"
Poliwhirl, ever the quiet observer, nodded in agreement, its face serious, though there was a hint of excitement in its eyes.
Red's mother's smile faded a bit as she thought about the boy sitting in front of her. She knew the struggles he'd faced—his father leaving when he was too young to remember, his mother always working long hours at the diner, and the occasional loneliness that crept in. But despite it all, Red had always managed to stay kind, always willing to invite others to join him during lunch breaks at school, always making an effort to be friendly. Even with the other kids who weren't always the easiest to get along with, Red had remained genuine.
She often wondered what the future held for him, but she was proud—proud of the young man he was becoming. "Who knows," she mused quietly, "maybe you'll run into someone from Pallet Town on your journey... maybe even at the Pokémon League. Wouldn't that be something?"
Meanwhile, Red and Poliwhirl had finished their meal, and the two of them were already on their feet, eager to head out.
"You know, Mom," Red said with a grin, "I'm really going to miss your cooking." Poliwhirl let out a cheerful "Poli!" in agreement. No one could cook like Red's mom, and the thought of traveling without her meals was almost as daunting as the journey itself. "Well, I think we should get going. We don't want to keep Professor Oak and the others waiting."
As they moved to the door, his mother called after them. "Aren't you forgetting something?" she asked, her voice laced with playful concern.
Red stopped and looked back at her, confusion flashing across his face. "What do you mean?"
With a soft sigh, his mother walked over to his bedroom. A few moments later, she returned, her hands hidden behind her back.
"We're going to talk about how messy your room is when you return," she teased, a small, knowing smile on her face. She then revealed what she had been hiding: a red cap with a white front.
Red blinked in surprise, his eyes widening. "Oh, right... I almost forgot about that." He took the cap from her, a bit sheepish. "See, this is why I do all those check-ups," he added with a laugh. "Guess I wasn't as forgetful as I thought."
Poliwhirl crossed its arms, a light "Poli!" escaping its lips, as if to say I told you so.
Red chuckled at his Pokémon, but he decided to keep things light. He placed the cap on his head, adjusting it in front of the mirror. "How do I look?" he asked, his grin spreading wider.
His mother's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "I wouldn't be surprised if you come home with a girlfriend," she teased, her smile playful but warm.
Red's face turned bright red, and he stammered, "M-Mom!" His embarrassment was immediate, the heat rising to his cheeks.
Poliwhirl burst out laughing, its amusement clear. But then Red's mother, always quick with a retort, added, "You know, they say a Pokémon is like its trainer. If that happens, you better bring back a cute Pokémon, mister."
Poliwhirl's face turned almost as red as Red's cap, and the water-type shifted awkwardly on its feet, clearly flustered. Red's mom chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the playful teasing.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" she said, wiping away the last of her tears. "The others are probably already waiting for you."
Red, still a little embarrassed, nodded in agreement. "Right! We'd never hear the end of it if we're late." He and Poliwhirl moved toward the door, but before stepping out, they turned to his mother.
"We're going to miss you, Mom," Red said quietly, his voice full of sincerity. Poliwhirl nodded in agreement, its face softening at the thought of leaving.
For a brief moment, the two of them shared a hug, the warmth of family and love palpable. Red's mother held them close, her own emotions getting the best of her. "You boys... please be careful out there," she said, her voice breaking slightly. She had known this day would come, but that didn't make it any easier. Her son, the little boy she had raised, was leaving, and so was his loyal Pokémon. The world outside was filled with so many unknowns, and she couldn't help but worry.
What if they got caught in a storm? Or lost in the wilds? What if they got sick or injured, with no one around to help? She pushed these fears aside, telling herself that whatever trouble they encountered, they would make it through.
What kind of mother doesn't believe in her child?
With one final squeeze, Red and Poliwhirl pulled away. They wiped their eyes, both trying to hold back the tears, before stepping out the door.
As they walked toward the hill where Professor Oak's lab awaited, they turned back one last time to wave at her.
She waved back, a tearful smile on her face. After a few moments, Red and Poliwhirl began to run, their hearts pounding with excitement for the adventure ahead.
"And off they go..." she whispered to herself, her heart swelling with pride and worry in equal measure, before she returned to the quiet house, her thoughts lingering on her son's journey.
Blue had just finished her breakfast, the last bite of toast disappearing as she cleaned the dishes. She could already hear the faint sound of birds outside, and the sunlight streaming through the kitchen window made everything feel a little brighter. Still, despite the warmth of the morning, her thoughts were preoccupied with the future—the one that was about to begin today.
Professor Oak's lab was only five minutes away from her house, even if she decided to take her time. But Blue wasn't in the mood for lingering. This day, this moment, was something she had been anticipating for so long. She knew what was coming, and it both thrilled and unsettled her.
As she scrubbed the last plate, her mind drifted to the past. Five and a half years. It hadn't been that long since she arrived in Pallet Town, but in that short span of time, so much had changed.
When she first stepped foot in the small town, her mind had been singularly focused—on finding a way to take that man down. Her fingers tightened around the dish she was holding as a small chuckle escaped her lips. She could still remember the day she met Professor Oak. She hadn't been the confident, somewhat sarcastic girl she was now. She'd been reckless, brash, and driven by a need to prove herself.
The memory was vivid. She had been ten years old and had come to Pallet Town with nothing but a plan and a fire in her heart. She had tried to steal one of Oak's starter Pokémon—just thinking about it now made her cringe. But what shocked her the most wasn't the fact that she'd been caught almost immediately, but how Oak reacted.
Instead of scolding her, he had burst into laughter. He'd laughed so hard that she had no idea how to react. A little girl trying to steal from one of the most well-known Pokémon researchers in the world? Of course it was ridiculous. The absurdity of it made her realize just how naïve she had been. And yet, instead of being punished, she had been taken in by the professor's warmth, his kindness, and, most of all, his understanding.
Back then, Blue had been a lot more reserved. She still was, in some ways. But in the past few years, she'd made friends—real friends. Red and Green, her companions on this journey.
She bit her lip as she thought of them. Green could be such a jerk sometimes, acting as if he was the center of the universe. Red, on the other hand, could be a little too earnest, almost annoyingly so. They both had egos as big as their dreams. But, despite it all, she couldn't imagine starting this journey with anyone else.
Well, there was one thing she could imagine.
No, Blue, stop it.
She shouted the thought down internally before it could fully form. It wasn't the time for that kind of thinking. Not today. Not when everything was about to change.
She knew this could be the last time they'd all be together for a long while. Once they left Pallet Town, their paths would inevitably split. Red would pursue his dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master, Green would seek his own glory, and she—well, she wasn't even sure what she wanted anymore. But they all had their own ambitions, their own paths to walk.
The idea of tagging along with one of them had crossed her mind. Red and Green might be okay with that, right? But as quickly as the thought came, she shot it down.
No. I can't do that.
She shook her head. I can't drag them into my mess. She knew it wouldn't be fair to either of them, no matter how much she wanted to keep the three of them together. They each had their own goals, and she had no right to hold them back from pursuing their dreams.
And then, there was another thought, a fleeting one—one she couldn't ignore. There was someone else leaving Pallet Town today, someone who, perhaps, wouldn't mind traveling with her. But as soon as she considered it, she dismissed the idea. It was too much. We don't even know each other that well, she reasoned. It would be worse than asking Red or Green.
With a sigh, Blue shoved the thoughts aside. She had more important things to focus on. It was already getting late, and the others would probably be waiting for her. After grabbing her bag, she stepped outside and closed the door behind her.
The crisp morning air greeted her as she breathed in deeply, the fresh scent of nature filling her lungs. She looked up at the sky, the sun hanging lazily above, and for a moment, she felt a weight settle on her chest. But she couldn't let herself linger on that. Today was a new beginning.
With a determined breath, she set off toward Professor Oak's lab.
Blue reached her destination quickly, the familiar yellow wooden bridge crossing the river that snaked through Pallet Town. She took a moment to stand at its edge, letting the cool breeze tousle her hair as she gazed ahead at Professor Oak's lab. The building, perched atop a small hill, stood tall and proud, a three-story structure painted in cheerful yellow. A large windmill beside it slowly turned in the wind, its blades creaking softly. The professor's yard, a sprawling patchwork of grass and forest, housed both wild and trained Pokémon, a testament to Oak's research. In the distance, she could see a couple of Pidgeot gliding effortlessly through the sky, and near the lab's small lakes, a few Magikarp splashed in the water.
There was something peaceful about the place, but today, it held a different kind of weight. Today was the day that everything was about to change.
She walked up the stone path leading to the door, knocked, and waited for the inevitable greeting.
"Blue!"
The door swung open, revealing Daisy Oak, Professor Oak's granddaughter, standing in the threshold with her usual smile.
"Hi, Daisy," Blue said, stepping inside. "I hope I'm not late."
"Oh, you're right on time," Daisy replied, ushering her in. "But you know, today is the day."
Blue smiled softly. "Yep, kind of hard to believe, if I'm honest. These past two years really flew by."
Daisy gave a nostalgic sigh, her eyes glazing over as she leaned against the doorframe. "You don't say. It feels like just yesterday I was walking you three to school, making sure you didn't get lost or try to skip class." She paused, chuckling. "It's funny to think about, but now—well, it's just a distant memory."
Blue raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? You did that just two months ago."
"Well, I had to," Daisy said with a grin. "You three didn't want to go to school, even though you had that final project to present. I remember you all practically crashing here the night before to finish. And what was your excuse? You said you were sick."
Blue rolled her eyes. "That's because we were sick. The only one faking it was Green. He didn't do anything! Red and I did all the work."
Daisy smirked, clearly amused by the memory. "I seem to remember that Green wasn't the only one with an excuse. And speaking of excuses," she added with a wink, "don't forget how convincing you all were back then. Especially you."
Blue chuckled, her arms folding across her chest as she leaned against the counter. "Right. Like that time we convinced an employee at the movie theater that we were 18 so we could see that movie with the ragdoll Pokémon? I'm still not sure how we managed that."
Daisy laughed too, shaking her head. "That thing was a nightmare. I thought it looked friendly before it evolved. You three had nightmares for a week after that!"
As the two of them reminisced about their past antics, a voice interrupted their conversation.
"Well, about time you guys show up," came the familiar voice of Red, his tone laced with playful annoyance.
Blue turned to see him and Green standing in the doorway. Red, with his trademark red cap, appeared slightly out of breath. Green, on the other hand, stood with his arms crossed and a nonchalant expression.
"Sorry, Blue," Red said. "I lost track of time."
"Same here," Green chimed in, though there was a hint of a smirk on his face.
Daisy immediately took the opportunity to tease her younger brother. "Not even trying to make up an excuse, Green?"
"Why would I?" Green replied smoothly, glancing around the room. "We're here now. That's what matters, right?"
Daisy sighed, rolling her eyes. "You're lucky I like you, Green. But seriously, sometimes you're a brat."
Red's attempt to diffuse the situation was interrupted when Daisy's eyes narrowed, suddenly noticing something missing. "Wait a minute. Aren't we supposed to have four of you here?"
The room fell silent as the three of them exchanged glances.
"I can't believe he's not here yet," Green muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
"He's probably still asleep," Blue said with a roll of her eyes.
"Exactly. Typical." Green shot an exasperated look toward the door.
Daisy folded her arms, a slight frown on her face. "Well, at least you two finally decided to show up."
Just as she was about to scold her brother again, a voice interrupted them.
"Oh good, most of you are here already."
The voice came from behind them, and they all turned to see Professor Oak entering the room. His tall figure was marked by age, but his eyes still sparkled with the same youthful energy that Blue had come to know and respect.
"Hi, Professor," Red greeted him, his usual enthusiasm tempered by the reality of the moment.
"Hello, Professor Oak," Blue added, offering him a small smile.
"Hi, Gramps! How's it going?" Green said, giving a playful salute.
Professor Oak smiled warmly at the group, though there was a seriousness to his expression now. "Well, shall we begin?"
"Wait, Grandpa," Daisy said, stepping forward. "Aren't we going to wait for him first?"
Professor Oak sighed, a hint of regret in his eyes. "I'm afraid not, Daisy. It's already getting late, and we can't keep Blue waiting any longer. Red and Green have already made her wait long enough." His gaze softened. "Besides, we all have places to be."
Blue glanced at Daisy, who looked slightly disappointed but nodded in understanding.
With that, the group followed Professor Oak into another room, one they had all been in countless times before. The room was lined with shelves overflowing with books on everything from Pokémon biology to behavior studies. There were tables covered in various equipment and research devices. The three of them had spent endless hours here as children, pouring over Oak's books and learning as much as they could about Pokémon.
But today, the room felt different.
On a desk in the center of the room, four small round objects sat neatly in a row. The Pokémon Trainer's first choice—something every young trainer dreamed of. The familiar red-and-white Pokéballs.
Professor Oak stood beside them, his hands folded behind his back. "I'm sure you three know what these are, right?"
The three kids nodded immediately, their eyes locked on the Pokéballs in front of them.
"Of course you do," Oak continued, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But the better question is: Do you know what's inside?"
The silence in the room deepened as the group stared at the Pokéballs. Their hearts raced, the weight of the moment finally sinking in. Today was the start of something monumental. The first step of their journeys.
Oak's voice cut through the tension, gentle but filled with authority. "Well, then. Let's see if you're ready for the next part of your adventure."
"So… these are the Pokémon you've specially prepared for us, huh, Professor?" Red asked, a hint of excitement slipping into his usually composed voice.
Professor Oak smiled warmly, his hands resting on the table before him. "Yes, these are the Pokémon that will accompany each of you on your journeys. As for what's inside," he gestured to the four Pokéballs resting on the table, "we have a Jigglypuff, a Pikachu, and a Growlithe—each representing different types: Normal, Electric, and Fire."
A silence fell over the room for a moment, the weight of the decision hanging in the air.
"Now, who wants to choose first?" Oak asked, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the moment.
Without hesitation, Green raised his hand. But, to everyone's surprise, he did something entirely out of character. "I say Blue should be the one to choose first."
The room went silent. Red blinked, then exchanged a look with Daisy, who mirrored his stunned expression. Even Blue raised an eyebrow, unsure of what she had just heard.
"What?" Green asked, noticing the shocked faces around him.
"Did you hit your head on the way here?" Red asked, his tone filled with disbelief.
Green shrugged, clearly unbothered. "Sheesh. Can a guy be nice to his friends without getting judged?"
Blue folded her arms, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Can you be nice without planning something? This isn't like you, Green. Either your brain suffered some serious trauma, or you've got something up your sleeve."
"It's called being a gentleman," Green shot back with an exaggerated sigh, though his voice carried a touch of resentment. "Ladies first, as Mom always said. Besides, Blue was the only one to arrive on time, so it's only fair."
Daisy raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "I'd believe that if I didn't know you so well, Green. That's about as sincere as a Garchomp learning Dragon Dance."
Blue smirked, her suspicion lingering, but she decided to play along. "Fine," she said, walking toward the table where the Pokéballs rested. She eyed each one carefully, her fingers brushing lightly over the smooth, round surface of the spheres.
Finally, her gaze landed on the Pokéball on the far right. A small plate beneath it read "Jigglypuff."
Blue's lips curved into a smile, her decision made. She turned to the Professor, her voice steady but with a spark of nostalgia. "I choose Jigglypuff, Professor."
Oak's smile widened, a proud twinkle in his eye. "Jigglypuff, eh? A fine choice if you ask me."
"Of course you'd say that, Grandpa," Daisy teased, her arms crossed as she leaned against the doorframe. "You'd say anything was a fine choice."
Professor Oak chuckled. "It's not my fault they're all such excellent Pokémon."
Red, his curiosity piqued, glanced at Blue, his playful grin never fading. "So, why the Normal-type, Blue?"
Blue's fingers hovered over the Pokéball, and for a moment, her mind wandered back to the day that had set everything into motion. She looked at Red, then at Green, her voice quiet but resolute. "The day I tried to steal one of the starters, I grabbed a Pokéball without thinking, not knowing which one it was. When Professor Oak caught me, he gave it to one of the trainers who were supposed to start their journey that day. I found out later that inside that ball was a Jigglypuff. Ever since then, I've wondered… what if I had gotten away that day? What would've happened? Would that Jigglypuff have liked me?"
She paused for a moment, her eyes softening. "So, when my time came to choose, I promised myself I'd go with it. I guess… I'm finally making that choice."
With a final, determined breath, she pressed the button on the Pokéball, watching as it clicked open with a familiar, satisfying pop.
Out came the small pink Pokémon, its round body inflating slightly as it floated gracefully into the air. Its large blue eyes blinked in curiosity, its pointed ears twitching. The Jigglypuff drifted toward Blue, its tiny arms outstretched.
Blue smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "Hi there, buddy. My name's Blue, and I'll be your trainer. Isn't that great?"
The Jigglypuff's eyes sparkled with joy, and before Blue could blink, it leapt into her arms, its tiny form light and airy as it landed on her chest with a joyful Jiggly-puff, puff!
Blue couldn't help but laugh, a light chuckle escaping her lips as the Jigglypuff snuggled into her arms, clearly pleased with the choice. "Well, I take it you like the idea of the two of us traveling together, huh?"
"Jiggly! Jigglypuff!" the Pokémon replied, its voice cheerful and content in the air like a balloon on the breeze.
Red and Green watched, exchanging glances. For a moment, everything felt right—like this was where Blue was always meant to be. The bond between a trainer and their Pokémon was immediate, and it was clear that Blue and Jigglypuff had already found their rhythm together.
"Guess you made the right choice," Red said, smiling softly at the scene.
Green, too, nodded, though there was something different in his expression—less of the usual cocky arrogance and more of a quiet respect. "Looks like you're already a team."
Blue gave them both a teasing glance. "I knew it was the right choice. But now, we'll see if I can make it look easy."
Professor Oak's smile remained as he observed the interaction. "Well, Blue, it looks like you've made a wonderful start. Now, who's next?"
"Well then, I guess it's my turn," Green said, his tone neutral as he reached for the Pokéball in the center.
With a swift flick of his wrist, the ball opened, releasing a quadruped, canine-like Pokémon. The creature stood proudly, its bright orange fur adorned with black stripes that ran along its back and legs. Cream-colored fur covered its muzzle, chest, belly, and tail, while a tuft of the same soft hue crowned its head. Large, rounded ears twitched as its black nose and sharp, gray eyes took in its surroundings. The Pokémon's stance was confident, its three visible claws on its forepaws digging into the ground as it scanned the room.
Green looked at the fiery canine, his expression calm but with an undeniable edge. "I'm Green. And as of today, you and I are going to work together."
The Pokémon simply gave a firm nod, its gaze meeting Green's with a determined gleam. It was clear from that moment that the bond between them would be one of mutual respect and shared purpose.
"Well, I guess that makes me the last one," Red said, grinning as he grabbed the final Pokéball. He tossed it into the air, and in a flash of light, a small, bipedal rodent appeared. Its yellow fur was sleek, its black-tipped ears standing at attention. A lightning bolt-shaped tail flicked behind it, crackling faintly with electricity. The rodent's red pouches on its cheeks sparked slightly, sending a small jolt through the air.
"Pika," it chirped, its curious gaze fixed on Red.
Red chuckled, a grin spreading across his face. "Heh, looks like we're partners now, huh?"
The electric mouse gave a joyful Pika! in response, bounding toward Red and hopping lightly onto his shoulder. Red couldn't help but smile at the creature's exuberance. It seemed they were going to get along just fine.
As the three of them took in the moment, it suddenly dawned on them why Green had insisted that Blue choose first. By letting her go first, he had ensured that his Pokémon—a Fire-type Growlithe—would naturally have a stronger evolutionary path than Red's Electric Pikachu.
Red, ever the strategist, had picked up on it, though he wasn't about to let it show.
Speaking of which…
"Pikachu, this here is Poli," Red said, gesturing to his Water-type Pokémon, who had been sitting by his side patiently since they had started. "He's a good friend of mine. I'd appreciate it if you two could get along."
At Red's words, Poli the Poliwhirl gave a friendly Poli-whirl! and extended a hand to Pikachu, who responded with an enthusiastic Pika!
The two Pokémon exchanged a few happy words in their own language, their initial shyness giving way to an easy camaraderie.
"Well, I guess I don't have anything to worry about," Red thought to himself, watching the two Pokémon bond so quickly.
Daisy, standing off to the side, clapped her hands together, her bright smile showing that the moment had officially arrived. "Well then, I guess now you guys are officially good to go!"
But just as they were about to head out, Professor Oak cleared his throat, his voice carrying the weight of another announcement.
"Not quite yet, dear," Oak said, catching everyone's attention. "There's one more thing I'd like to give you kids before you leave."
The group exchanged curious glances. What more could there be?
Professor Oak reached into a drawer behind him and pulled out a small, unassuming box. He opened it slowly, revealing four devices inside. The gadgets were red and shaped vaguely like scientific calculators, though their design seemed futuristic—nothing like anything they had seen before.
"I'm sure you must be wondering: 'What are these devices?'" Oak said, his gaze flicking over to each of them in turn. "Well, these are something I've been working on for quite some time now. I call them… the Pokédex."
The group stared at the devices in confusion, unsure of what to make of this new revelation.
Green raised an eyebrow. "Gramps, why are you telling us this?"
Professor Oak smiled, as if this were the most natural thing in the world. "Because, Green, I want you three to take them."
The words hung in the air for a moment, each of the kids processing what Oak had just said. Take them? Were they really supposed to receive something so important?
"Professor, a-are you sure about this?" Blue stammered, her voice slightly trembling. Her hand hovered over one of the devices as if she were unsure of how to approach it.
"Of course I'm sure, Blue," Oak replied kindly. "You three are perfect for this task. The Pokédex is more than just a simple gadget—it's a portable encyclopedia, a tool that holds all the information you'll need as new trainers. It'll tell you everything about your Pokémon—its health, how strong it is, what moves it knows… and much more."
Red's eyes widened as he listened. "T-they do all of that?" he asked in disbelief.
Professor Oak nodded. "Exactly. And that's not all."
Blue's gaze shifted to the device with more interest now. "So, these things are like a Pokémon encyclopedia?"
"Exactly," Oak said. "But they're more than that. They also serve as research tools. Once you catch a Pokémon, the Pokédex will automatically fill with all the relevant data—its nature, ability, where it comes from, and more. In essence, you'll be helping me gather invaluable data to advance our understanding of Pokémon. It's something I would've done myself, but at my age, and with my background, fieldwork has never been my strong suit."
Daisy raised an eyebrow. "So, you want us to do research for you?"
Professor Oak smiled, his expression one of deep trust. "Yes, I do. But remember, this is only part of your journey. Your primary responsibility is to grow as trainers, pursue your goals, and take care of your Pokémon. But this is an important task that I'd like you to take with you."
The weight of his words sank in, and Red blinked, still in a bit of disbelief. "Professor, we don't know what to say," he murmured, still processing the enormity of the responsibility being placed on them.
Blue was equally stunned, her mind reeling. "Are you sure we're ready for something like this?"
Professor Oak chuckled warmly at their shock. "A simple 'thank you' will do just fine."
Red pinched his arm. Ouch!
"Nope, not dreaming," he muttered to himself, still amazed by the situation.
"I know you're all up to the task," Oak continued, his voice soft but filled with unwavering confidence. "Now, what are you waiting for? Adventure awaits!"
A surge of excitement ran through them. They had their Pokémon, they had their mission, and now, the world was theirs to explore.
After a final round of farewells and promises to stay safe, they made their way out of the lab and toward the outskirts of Pallet Town. The morning sun cast long shadows on the path ahead, and as the three of them—along with their new Pokémon—walked out into the world, a sense of destiny seemed to hang in the air.
Meanwhile, inside the lab, Daisy turned to her grandfather, her expression thoughtful. "Grandpa, if you don't mind me asking… why did you decide to entrust them with something so important? With the Pokédex, I mean?"
Professor Oak looked at her, his eyes soft but knowing. "Because I believe in them. They'll go on to do great things. Of that, I have no doubt."
Daisy smiled at his answer, feeling the weight of his words. "I guess you're right."
The Professor then glanced toward the horizon. "Now, there's still one more trainer who's supposed to begin his journey today."
Daisy paused, suddenly realizing something. "Oh, I forgot his gift!"
Oak chuckled softly, watching as his granddaughter rushed out of the lab. "It's a good thing he hasn't arrived yet."
Daisy waved over her shoulder. "I'm going to grab it! Be back soon!"
As the Professor's gaze followed her out of the room, he looked toward a house on the outskirts of the town. A small smile tugged at his lips.
The adventure had truly begun.
The air was cool as the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, casting long shadows across the town of Pallet. At the outskirts, near the quiet cemetery that overlooked the fields, a lone figure knelt before a weathered gravestone. The gentle rustle of the wind and the distant chirping of Pokémon were the only sounds that filled the stillness of the moment.
Ash Ketchum, the fourth trainer set to embark on his journey, wore a black hooded jacket with blue highlights, the colors reflecting his personal style—a blend of boldness and resolve. His jeans were a deep shade of blue, and his sneakers were worn from years of adventure, each scuff and tear telling its own story. Gloves, finger less and well-worn, covered his hands. He was dressed for his adventure, but today, there was no excitement in his heart, only quiet reflection.
In his hands, Ash held a small bouquet of red camellia flowers, their petals soft and vibrant against the fading light. He gazed at the gravestone in front of him, his bangs falling over his eyes, concealing the emotions that fought to rise to the surface. Delia Ketchum. His mother. The one person who had always believed in him, even when he doubted himself.
The stone was simple, yet there was a beauty in its simplicity. Engraved in the stone was her name, and beneath it, a single line that read: "Forever in our hearts." Ash's fingers trembled slightly as he laid the bouquet gently at the base of the grave, his breath shaky but controlled.
"Mom…" he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. The words were soft, reverent, as though he feared speaking too loudly would disturb the quiet peace that surrounded him. "I'm finally going on my journey. Just like we always talked about."
His heart ached as he spoke, but there was a sense of resolve there, too. His mother had always supported his dreams, encouraging him to be brave and follow his heart. And now, it was time for him to honor that dream.
He remained kneeling for a moment, his hands resting on his knees, his head bowed low. The wind gently tousled his hair, and the last rays of sunlight glistened against the petals of the camellias, casting a warm glow over him as if his mother were still watching over him from above.
"You always said I'd be a great Pokémon trainer," Ash continued, his voice growing steadier. "I'm going to make you proud. I'll be the best, just like you always believed I could be."
The words were a promise. A promise to his mother. A promise to himself.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. Ash's heart was heavy with both sadness and hope. The journey ahead would be long, and there would be challenges, but he knew his mother's spirit was with him. That thought, that quiet strength, was all he needed to keep moving forward.
After a few moments, he stood, wiping a stray tear from his cheek before adjusting the straps of the backpack slung over his shoulder. His expression softened, a silent moment of gratitude shared between him and the grave.
With one last look, Ash turned away. He didn't look back as he began his walk toward the path that would lead towards the professor oak's laboratory. He could feel the weight of his mother's memory guiding him, and though the world seemed vast and uncertain, he knew that it was time. His adventure was about to begin.
As the sun finally set, casting a brilliant orange hue across the horizon, Ash Ketchum, wearing his black jacket with the blue accents, walked off into the future, his silhouette growing smaller with each step. But in his heart, he carried the strength and love of the woman who had raised him—and a promise that no matter where he went, he would never forget where he came from.
The journey ahead would be his, but the love of his mother would always light the way.