The ride was bumpy and hot and cramped, but despite all that, I was excited. A new place! What would it be like?! I conjured up pictures of a nice suburban area, filled with other kids all playing with their Pokemon, or maybe somewhere nice in the country, a house surrounded by forest and trees, the calls of the Murcrows every evening…..



And then, I felt the van turn onto a smooth, grassy-feeling place, and we stopped. We were here! I got up and brushed myself off as the door slid up. It was Mom. Dad was probably still busy with the gym for the day and couldn’t make it back. I was a little disappointed. He had been so excited that we were finally moving close to where he worked, so excited that I was somewhere where I could start a Pokemon journey of my own, but today of all days he couldn’t even make it over…

I sighed inwardly and tried to forget it. Dad’s always been busy with his Gym leading. And besides, a new place! I hopped out as Mom started to get some things from the back and lifted my hands over my head and breathed in deep. It was a fresh, clean smell, of leaves and grass and pine. The smell of wind and of peace.

The Pokemon Movers took care of almost all of the moving process, so there wasn’t much to do at the moment. I figured I’d go look at my new room, since it’d already been set up. It was the downstairs the movers would be working on mostly for now.

I ventured upstairs to see my room that would always be mine from now on, but may not have me in it very often at all. It was nice, spacious, but pretty bare except for my bed and computer. I sat on the edge of my bed, thinking about what the future held for me now.

It’d be nice here, but it was still odd that I wouldn’t even be staying here long at all. We’d get everything unpacked, I’d stay a few days maybe, and then I’d head over to that Professor to be registered, receive my starter Pokemon, and head off into the world to carve out my own future. I was of age to decide what to do with my life, and I’d been adamant about being a Pokemon trainer.

A lot of other kids in my grade had wanted to be Pokemon researchers, or breeders, continue their family’s charcoal business, or join the Silph Company. I’d left all that behind to strike out on my own. Just me and the Pokemon I met along the way. It was a tough decision, to be a Pokemon trainer. You had only the money you were given from your parents (if any), and your wits, survival skills, and anything you could pick up by winning battles. It was also incredibly dangerous. Sometimes people never came back, killed in rockslides, or vicious thunderstorms, or even by extremely aggressive Pokemon. To venture out in the world alone, you had to make sure you had a good team with you, or you were a goner for sure.

Not to mention that even when you did have a team of Pokemon at your side, you had to work with them, train them, and get them strong enough to protect you, themselves and the rest of the team, beat other trainers and help you catch more wild Pokemon. You had to be responsible for knowing your Pokemon’s limits, their abilities, their strengths and weaknesses, their moves and a lot of strategy. You were simultaneously commander, guide, trainer, nurse and friend, and you had to know when to be what. A lot of kids in my grade went to the Pokemon Trainer’s school there, and some even moved to Rustboro to attend the school there. Some people study for years before they start the journey themselves, just to make sure they’re extra prepared.

Not me though. Mom taught me a lot about making simple meals when I had almost nothing, and Dad taught me a lot whenever I went to visit, even when he was busy taking on trainers who came to challenge him. I’ve spent years watching him battle those trainers, saw them whenever they made mistakes, or when the trust between them and their Pokemon was lacking, when they didn’t fight as one. I’ve seen a lot of surprising strategies, and the love and determination between trainer and Pokemon, even when it stands to give up and forfeit. I’ve seen that light in their eyes, and ever since then, I’ve vowed to become as great a trainer as all who I’ve seen, maybe even greater than my father one day…

So, needless to say, I had a lot on my mind all of a sudden. And the Pokemon Movers moving everything in, arranging it neatly, and generally going about their work completely safe and secure in life made me wonder all of a sudden if I should be rethinking this. When I thought about all that lay ahead, it was a bit overwhelming…..but then I remembered that light in those trainers’ eyes…. I clenched my fists in determination. I was going to do it!

“Sam? Everything alright? You’ve been quiet up here for a while now. Did set your clock sweetie?”



“Oh, right, thanks Mom! Yeah, I’ll do that right now!”

“And you should go over next door to meet the neighbors, Professor Birch lives there with his wife and has a son about your age too. You should go say hello!’

I called my consent and stood up. First things first, I’d get set up here, and then go next door and meet the neighbors. The Professor’s family was just next door! This would be great! It’d mean I’d be able to start my journey sooner….Again, that feeling of being slightly overwhelmed, but again, that determination. I sighed, set my clock, and went downstairs.

“Sam! Come quick! You’re Dad’s on in Petalburg!” called Mom as I reached the landing. I sprinted over to the tv, but the program had just ended. Dad came and visited us every now and then, but seeing him on TV was always a treat of course.

“Oh, it just ended. Well, you’ll see him in Petalburg soon, so don’t worry.”

I nodded and went outside.

Wandering next door, I took in more of the surrounding area. It was surrounded on three sides by dense forest, with a route coming from the north, and the fourth side, the east, a body of water of some kind. It was very beautiful. A perfect place for a Pokemon Trainer just getting started.

I knocked and walked in, and was greeted by Professor Birch’s wife, who seemed excited to see me, and urged me to meet her son upstairs. Climbing the steps, I heard someone talking, and as I knocked and walked in, I found a boy pouring over a multi-pocketed bag and Trainer book like I had. So he was a Pokemon Trainer too! He looked up, but frowned a little.

“You must be the new neighbor. I’d heard your Dad was a gym leader, so I thought you’d be a Boy. If you want, I can teach you how to train Pokemon properly. Oh, and I’m Brendan.”

I was stunned for a moment. What? What does my being a girl have to do with anything?! I thought, a flush coming to my cheeks.

“I’m Sam. It’s nice to meet you” I said, tying to ignore his (unintentional?) jibes. He nodded and looked passed me at the door, as if distracted or not really interested in my presence.

“I see you don’t have a Pokemon. Want me to catch you one? Oh, actually, I’ve got to go help my Dad research Pokemon, I forgot. Anyway, I’ll see ya later.” And he got up and walked downstairs. I stood there for a moment, feeling a bit…..confused?. I was torn between simply surprised and offended, but in the end, I decided we’d simply be rivals. I’d prove that my “being a girl” had nothing to do with my training abilities.

I said my goodbye to Brendan’s mother and stepped outside. I could hear shouting in the distance and decided to investigate. A kid at the edge of turn shouted at me that someone was in trouble, but he seemed too nervous to do anything about it. Without a second thought I charged down the route to try to help.

Suddenly, a man burst out of the tall grass, pursued by a barking god Pokemon that I didn’t know. The man shouted for help and dodged the dog’s snarling bite. He was trapped against the tree-line now, and movement would be treacherous with all the roots. “Quick! In my bag! There’s a Pokemon!”

I reached into the bag and pulled the first one I could find and flung it into the field. A brilliant light shown and a small, round Pokemon appeared. “Poliii” it cried. A Poliwag! Oh wow, I knew that one! It was such a cute Pokemon! But no time for that now. I narrowed my eyes and assumed a battle stance.

“Alright Poliwag, attack!” A stream of bubbles shot out and hit the other Pokemon in the side. It was knocked over, away from the man, but quickly regained it’s footing and turned to us, growling. Well, bubble seems to work….“Hit it again!” “Pol!” and the bubbles flew again, popping with brilliance and thumping when they hit.

“Good job Poliwag! Just a little more!” It seemed weaker now, but still came on, and gave a fierce lunging tackle.

“Poli!” it said, taking the hit, but holding it’s ground. The dog Pokemon jumped back, a bit unsteady, but definitely with fight in it.

“Alright Poliwag, one more time!” And with another sparkling stream of bubbles, the dog Pokemon was flung back, crashing into the bushes, defeated.

“Yeah! We did it Poliwag!”

“Poli!” It said in reply, looking up calmly. A job well done it seemed. Well, it wasn’t being too excited, but it did seem pleased. Maybe it had a relaxed nature, or a calm one. But the man interrupted my thoughts.

“Oh! Thank goodness! That was a close one! Here, we’ll talk more in my lab it’s dangerous out here.”

Wait, lab? PROFESSOR BIRCH?! Suddenly I was embarrassed, but proud, that I had successfully rescued him. We headed back, the Poliwag waddling calmly beside me. It didn’t seem too hurt, but it had definitely taken a hit to be sure.

It wasn’t too long though before we were back in the lab and he was complimenting me on my battling skills. I blushed a bit, but then I heard him say that since I seemed to have already formed a bond with the Pokemon that I battled with, “Why don’t you take that one?”

What?! My very own Pokemon?! Already?! I looked at Poliwag, who smiled contentedly. It was so cute! I ran up and hugged it tight! It seemed pleased by the attention again, and happy.

“Oh Thank you Professor Birch! Thank you so much!” I looked down at my blue tadpole of a Pokemon, “I’m going to call you “Todd” okay? You look like a Todd.”

“Poli.” it said happily, if a bit nonchalant, as if any name would be suitable.

The Professor said I should go see Brendan, who was out in the field doing research, but I didn’t really want Brendan to say something kind of rude about my my Poliwag, so I tried to mutter something about having to go unpack.

“Oh go on!” Said professor Birch, very insistent but still with that huge grin on his face. I sighed. I guess we’ll go see him…..

We walked through the grass and all of a sudden, a huge scurring to my left. A giant spider!! Wait, no, a giant crab!!! It must be a Krabby, or….what’s the bigger one, Kingler! That’s it. We hurried away, it looked really mad. A short time later, and OH MY GOD WHAT IS THAT IS THAT A SHARK?!

There was a shark!!! Sliding along the sand! Through the grass! OH MY GOD IT”S HUGE! I grabbed Todd and we ran all the way back home.

Breathing heavily, we told mom we were just running around. Gotta be brave. Pokemon Trainers have to deal with all sorts of Pokemon….

“Okay Todd. We have to do this. We have to confront our fears! We’re going to beat us a Sharpedo!

“Poli!” it said good-naturedly, not at all troubled by the idea. I hope we weren’t making a terrible mistake.

We went back into the grass and almost immediately saw a slithering…..there it was! Man it was fierce-looking, with horrible, almost lazer-looking eyes…*gulp*

“A-Alright Todd!! Bubble!”

“Poliii!!!” The bubbles swirled and popped on it’s rough skin, but the shark merely leered at us menacingly. Eep! Man….it’s eyes…..This was getting scarier than I thought.



“Um….one more, Todd!”

“Poliiii—!” But in the middle of the bubble, the shark suddenly lept fast and caught Todd in it’s jaws. I panicked.



“Todd let’s get out of here!!!!!” I recalled Todd and ran as fast as I could away. I swear it laughed at me as I ran. We went back home again (resting a bit outside so mom wouldn’t know, and healed)

Man, getting to Brendan was going to be tougher than it looked. All these wild Pokemon made that Poochyena look like a puppy. We ran, dodging the occasionally rustling grass, full of huge crabs and land sharks. After about an hour, we finally got to Odale, and a nice woman gave us a potion!

We decide to rest for a bit, but then headed on up, and saw the most adorable Minum! But if there’s one thing I know, “Water and Electricity are Shocking” said one of the books, so we politely edged away.

An idea came to me as we were leaving the town limits. We were going to train a bit and show off how good of a team Todd and I were. We headed into the grass and soon found a Plusle. I was weary at first, because of the type advantage, but Todd seemed relaxed about it, so I let him battle. Fortunately the Plusles around here seem to be at a low-enough level to not know any electric attacks yet, and Growls and seemed their only defense. The training came easily, and after fighting Plusle after Plusle, Todd looked much stronger and more impressive. I decided we had trained enough and that Brendan had to be impressed with our progress now.

Walking down the route, we finally saw Brendan near some trees, by himself. It made me feel ashamed of being scared walking through the grass earlier. Brendan had been alone except for his Pokemon too, and I hadn’t heard him run and scream at all. I walked up to him.



“Oh hey, it’s Sam. I see my Dad gave you a Pokemon, want to have a little battle? I’ll show you what being a trainer is all about!” Why does everything have to be subtly insulting with him?

We began our battle, and he called forth a Pokemon called Mudkip, which was new to me, but it looked like a water Pokemon, so I know he didn’t have a type advantage.

“Alright Todd! Bubble!” And the bubbles thundered against Mudkip’s side, who grimaced, but jumped away and tackled Todd in the side. Todd seemed mostly unfazed by this however, and I called for him to continuing hitting it with Bubbles.

The battle went on for a while, both Pokemon jumping and trying to dodge the others hits until finally one of Todd’s bubbles lifted Mudkip into the air and against a tree. The water Pokemon collapsed to the ground and fainted. Yes!! We beat him!

“Huh. You’re not too shabby. I think I see why my dad has his eye out for you now. Look, your Pokémon already likes you, even though you just got it. You know Sam, I get the feeling that you could befriend any Pokémon with ease.“

“Um, thanks? I mean, I was hoping to be friends with all my Pokemon, but that wasn’t like, my main goal, but thanks?”

Brendan nodded again, and gestured towards Odale town. “I’m going to head back to Dad’s lab. You should come to.”

My turn to nod, and we walked back to the lab. But we beat Brendan! I smile and pick up Todd, hugging him happily. Todd calls contentedly and enjoys the ride.

Returning to the lab, we were greeted by Professor Birch who presented us both with a Pokedex! Wow! That’s not what I was expecting. Only a few Trainers have these, usually the children or friends of Pokemon Professors. Simultaneous research and identification devices, they were invaluable with being able to tell what you were up against when encountering new Pokemon. This would come in handy with all the new Pokemon around. I knew some already, but others were still a mystery to me.

Brendan turned to me then, “Well, since we both have a Pokedex, you can have these,” and gave me a handful of small Pokeballs. “It’s more fun to have a bunch of Pokemon. I’m going to try to go find a lot of cool ones!” and rushed out.

I thanked Professor Birch again and left, thinking I’d try to catch one of those fierce looking Sharpedos–I had learned what they were called–from earlier. Todd was a lot stronger, so I wasn’t (hopefully) as afraid of them as I was. Just then, the door of the house opened and Mom came out with a pair of good shoes. She gave me a big hug and pressed the shoes into my arms, saying they’d be good for running. It suddenly occurred to me that I was about to begin my adventure before I had even realized it. And that was okay with me.

I gave her a big hug and said my goodbyes, feeling a bit sad, but mainly excited. Maybe I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I trusted Todd, and that made everything better. Let’s get us a land shark.

A few rustlings through the grass later, and sure enough, the menacing shark Pokemon leered at us again from the sand. Still creepy.

“Todd! hit it with a powered up Bubble!” Bubbles hit the shark hard, throwing it away onto the sand, but it righted itself quickly and “swarm” through the sand, lunging and catching Todd with a bite. I panicked slightly, but ordered Todd to turn and bubble right into it’s face. Todd complied and the resulting hit proved too powerful for the shark Pokemon. The Shark flew through the air and vanished into some bushes some way away.

“….Well Todd, guess it’s just you and me still,” I laughed. Todd smiled, quite content even though a second before he had been caught in a giant shark’s jaw.

Wandering through more grass, we came across more Sharpedos and Kingler’s, which Todd didnt have as much trouble fighting this time. As he jumped into the air against a particularly resilient Kinler, Todd seemed to have suddenly opened his mind to something, and his eyes glowed as they met those of the Kingler. The Kingler’s claws drooped, and it fell asleep! Todd learned Hypnosis! Another bubble later and the giant crab was swept away!

After congratulating Todd, we continued back through Oldale town, healing quickly, and headed into the grass where Brendan had been (and which was thickly populated by the adorable electric Plusles). It wasn’t long we heard a shifting and turned to see one. It growled at Todd, but Todd sent back a bubble. Another bubble and the Plusle was weakened. I quickly pulled a Pokeball from my back and had Todd stand back. Screwing up my concentration, I threw the ball hard and accurately. It opened and absorbed the weakened Pokemon and dropped to the ground. Now the moment of truth.

The ball wiggled once. Twice. Three times. And went still.

“YYYEEESSS!!!” Our first Pokemon!!! We did it Todd!” Todd jumped up and down happily and I ran to collect the ball and hug it to my chest. My first wild Pokemon, caught all by myself (with Todd of course). We rushed back to the Pokemon center to heal it up and see what it was like.

Standing outside the Pokemon center, the ball flashed open, and our newest appeared on the path, looking around cutely. I decided to name her Fern. It seemed fitting somehow.

“Hi there! I’m Sam and this is Todd! Welcome to the Team! Is Fern an okay name?”

Fern nodded and cried in excitement, looking Todd and down with interest. Todd, not having arms, bowed and Fern returned the gesture eagerly. Our little team was shaping up well so far. I though, smiling to myself.

———————————————————————————————————————————————–

We headed on, and Fern seemed to be concentrating on something. Suddenly she let forth a weak stream of energy that made a nearby bush twitch and shudder. Fern learned thunder wave! With the three of us celebrating, we traveled onwards towards Petalburg to see Dad. We saw a Flaffy, our next possible member, but his thunderbolts were too strong and I was worried about Todd so we fled. We headed back to see Nurse Joy to heal up a couple bruises on Todd and Fern was determined to be helpful. Not being able to do much, she cutely sprayed Todd’s tail with potion, concentrating fiercely. Todd was very relaxed about the whole thing and looked around with amusement and enthusiasm.

Onwards we go. It’s already been many hours since we departed and I already have one new friend, and I hope to make more. Suddenly, we lock eyes with another trainer hiding behind a corner. I knew what was to follow, but the Youngster ran up eagerly, exclaiming that he challenges us and the battle is on! I think he said his name was Joey, but he was in such a rush to battle, I didn’t really catch it. I send out Fern for the experience and to get the field ready for Todd. Fern’s a great cheerleader, and really helps pump Todd up before he comes out. She’s so cute and Adamant about wanting to help but the poor thing can only growl cutely so far. .

He sends out a dog Pokemon, the same kind that was attacking Professor Birch, (which I learn is a Poochyena from the Pokedex) and it growls at Todd. Todd sends out his signature bubble attack, and he and the dog trade blows, but the youngster also isn’t as experienced, and keeps ordering his Poocheyna to growl, (much like the first trainer we fought) even though Todd’s bubble is a special attack and isn’t affected. Finally we take it down. He sends out a zigzagoon next, muttering fiercely about how he’ll get us this time. I switch back to Fern to let her get a good look at it for weak points and then send in Todd afterwards. Youngster Joey has the same strategy of using growls, and we take it out in a few more sparkling bubble blasts.

We win!!! Our first victory!! Joey was younger than I was and had probably come from Odale town nearby. He wasn’t of age yet, so he probably wasn’t allowed to go far, and his lack of experience showed. He says he wouldn’t have challenged us if he knew we were so strong. Sorry buddy, but you don’t get stronger by picking on the weak.

We run from a few more wild Flaffys, and then face another youngster! A second battle in one day! He sends out a zigzagoon too, must be popular around her for younger trainers to start with, and we use the same strategy as before. It works well, and we win again!! Todd and Fern give each other a secret “handshake” for lack of a better term that they’ve been thinking up recently. It’s a special turn-jump-tail-slap they reserve for only when we win. It was Fern’s idea, and Todd was immediately down for it. They get along great, the two of them, and at this moment I think how well our little team is coming together with just the three of us, but I know that if I want to be the very best, I’ll have to catch and raise as many Pokemon as I can!

Fern is getting more experience. She can do a great growl, and her thunder wave sure looks impressive when she practices it, but she still prefers to cheer, rather than battle. But she’s adamant about staying out and helping with morale, shouting encouragement and looking for weak spots.

We face Lass Tiana and quickly dispatch her. Win number 3 for us! We’re on a roll! And with that we head into Petalburg City! It’s really cool, seeing where Dad works! I remember visiting a few times when I was younger, but it’s been a while. All the houses and the Pokemon Center and the Gym! What a sight! The first one I’ve seen so far and it sends shivers through me. It’s huge, and kind of intimidating. I look down at Todd and Fern, they’re in awe too, but we share a glance, and nod–if we’re going to be strong, we can’t be afraid. We head inside to meet Dad.

Dad’s impressed that we got here all by ourself, and he’s impressed with my small, but already close knit team. He says I’m doing a great job and that I show real promise. I blush and hide under my hat. It’s always a little embarrassing when Dad says things like that, even if it’s true, but I’m saved from more embarrassingly true things when a boy, probably about my age walks in.

He looks really frail, with mousy brown hair, but there’s a determined light shining in his eyes, despite his shy demeanor. Dad introduces me. The boy’s name is Wally, and Dad’s helping him get his first Pokemon and askes if I can help Wally, since I already have two and I’m obviously a capable trainer. Dad gives Wally a Zigzagoon and a Pokeball and we go out to the grass and soon we stumble upon a Ralts! It’s so cute, and somehow it really fits Wally’s personality. I feel one of those times when a trainer and Pokemon lock eyes and fight a battle of fates that will bind them together….well, sometimes it seems that way anyway.

Wally’s really nervous (and he seems embarrassed that I’m there too), and I can tell that Fern really wants to cheer him on, but I keep her in her pokeball so he can concentrate. He attacks twice and, summoning concentration, throws a perfect toss and catches it first try! I’m impressed, and he seems really relieved, and proud too. We head back in, where Dad congratulates him. Wally’s so excited he practically rushes out to go show his parents. Dad thanks me for helping him, since Wally’s frail, he says. He may be frail, but he sure seems to have a strong spirit in my opinion.

We head out shortly afterwards, and continue on. We come to a nice plain near the beach, it’s a lovely view, and I can see a trainer on the beach below us. We’ll battle him later I tell Todd and Fern. For now, we tentatively head into the tall grass. Almost immediately A giant trunk of a tree rises up, bright blue and–AND IT’S A GIANT GYRADOS!!! And when I thought Sharpedo was huge….this thing is massive!!! It gives a roar that shakes the leaves from the nearby trees and several pidgey take flight.

Oh man oh man oh man. I don’t even know if we could run away from this thing if we tried. I hastily put Fern back and throw out Todd. Protection is what I need right now. Cheering is what we’ll do if we survive this. Bubble won’t do anything here, so “Todd! Hypnosis!!” I’ve got to bring that thing down, and quick. Todd springs into action and jumps into the air. The mighty Pokemon turns to look and gets hit with a full hypnosis and crashes to the ground. Seizing the opportunity Todd starts to hit it with as many bubbles as he can, but I can tell they’re not doing much.

Suddenly, he’s too close, and Gyrados wakes up and trashes violently, catching Todd with it’s tail and sending him flying. Todd absorbed it well though, and lands on his feet. Todd and I are of like mind and send it back to sleep as it starts to rise up again. Again, we bubble it. It’s working, unbelievably, but it’s working. Again though, it wakes up and slams into Todd, but he just bounces away. What an amazing Pokemon he is. He’s already pretty strong. Battling against all those other Plusles really toughened him up. We put the beast to sleep once more, add a few tactical bubbles, and I call Todd back. A wild thought’s entered my head: I want to see if I can catch this thing.

Hoping I’m not doing something incredibly stupid, I throw one of my only four poke balls (in all the excitement with Dad and Wally, I forgot to stop by the shop) and hit it directly in the middle. I still have no idea how that huge Pokemon can energize and fit in that small poke ball, but it clacks to the ground and wiggles. Once. Twice. Three times…….*Click*

“YEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!! We did it!!! We didn’t die!!! We did it Todd! We did it Fern!!” I yell, tossing her out too. She’s very excited, and she and Todd do an extra special jump-spin-double-tail-slap in celebration. I run over and hug the small ball to my chest. Amazing that inside is an enormous behemoth of a Pokemon, just waiting to be released. I decide to name him Sanosuke, after a famous character in one of my favorite book series. But I realize too late that that name might be better suited for an inhumanly tough rock-type Pokemon. “Ah well,” I sigh, as Todd and Fern continue jumping and celebrating, “Sanosuke it is then.”

Smiling, I put the newest member of our team on my belt, call my other two comrades in arms, and we head back to Petalburg to show Dad…..and get some rest. It’s been a long, amazing day, and I’ve got a 21 foot 800 lb giant water dragon to introduce myself to properly in the morning. What a day it’ll be.