A young man named Ray had a dream ever since he was a child. His dream was to become a Pokémon trainer and see the world with a trusted Pokémon companion. Ray was poor growing up, and could never begin his journey because he needed to support his family. His mother was Nurse Joy from Petalburg City in the Hoenn region. Since there weren't many trainers in the vicinity, there was always a shortage of income, and as such, the income generated was used to keep the Pokémon Center up and running. There was a path filled with wild Pokémon whom frequently attacked travellers, so business was never completely slow.

Now 18 years old, Ray has finally saved up enough funds to go out and travel, at least for a little while. He had saved up $5000, and bought a set of Pokéballs. They charged him $1500 instead of $2000 because he was a very frequent customer in the mart. The shopkeeper had seen him every day since he was 5 years old. "Go get'em kid, I know fer sure you can see the world if ya put yer heart into it!" said the shopkeeper ecstatically. Before Ray left the store, the shopkeeper offered him a backpack and a bag of beef jerky. "Oh? What's this?" Ray asked curiously. "I knew this day would come eventually kid," said the shopkeeper. "I saved this for ya, so that you could hang on to all yer stuff when ya leave." They exchanged a look of pride and hope. With that, Ray left the shop, and ran to the Pokémon center with his backpack.

"Mom!" he shouted, "It's time I went off!" Nurse Joy came from the back of the counter, and hugged her son. She had known this day would come for a long time, and although she was prepared to watch her son leave, it was hard to let him go. "Ray, promise me you'll call me from time to time, and be sure to take your baths, and be safe," She said as she withheld her tears. "I'll be ok mom," he replied, "I can always come home if it gets too rough." They released eachother at last, and his mom grabbed a paper from behind the counter. She handed it to him gently, making sure not to tear it. It was a map of the region marked with towns, shops, and other Pokémon centers. "Keep that map close, I don't want you getting lost out there," Said Nurse Joy firmly. "And take this too." She handed him a small, blue handheld device with a green sensor on top. He eyed it curiously for a moment, and remembered what it was. "That Pokédex has been in the family for a few years now," she said, "I expect you to take good care of it." "Mom," ray exclaimed, "How did you get this?" She giggled a bit before answering him. "Every Pokémon center has to have at least one so that we always know the Pokémon that come in."

With a final good-bye, Ray set out on his way to see the sights. With his hopes high, and a newfound confidence brimming inside him, he began his journey to see the world, and the many Pokémon that dwell within it. What challenges awaited him? What troubles would he have to endure? But the most important question is: what Pokémon will be his first partner? As these questions flooded his mind, he headed off to Route 102, close to the mart of his small city. He knew the Pokémon were less aggressive in that area, and decided it would be a good first stop. With his plan in mind, he felt confident that he would have his first Pokémon soon.