CHAPTER 1: Humble Beginnings

"Why did we have to move into the middle of nowhere?" I moan for the tenth time in the last hour.

"Because, dad got that new job in Johto, but there was no affordable housing there! This was the closest we could get! Besides, Pallet town seems nice!" Hilary, my older sister, sighs again.

"Can this even be considered a town? Its more like a micro village…" I mutter to no one in particular.

"Hey, at least you got to keep Alto." She says, patting the sleeping birds head.

My name is Serena, and I hate my life. Okay okay, its not THAT bad… I used to live in the Sinnoh region, where my dad is… WAS head of a huge corporation called the Elite 4. He was known as the Champion. But, being the Champion was hard work, and he didn't have time for family. Then when Mom passed, he quit, and found a new job in a region very far away, called Johto. Then, to top off that, we couldn't find any affordable houses in THAT region, so we moved to Kanto, an EVEN FARTHER ONE?! To be fair, its not THAT far away, but any distance counts as far when your lazy like I am. Anyways, back to me!

I'm a pokemon trainer… in the making. I only have one pokemon at the moment, and that would be Alto. Alto is a Chatot, also known as the Music Note Pokemon. Blue and yellow body, Black music-note shaped head, and he has a white ruffle of feathers around his neck. I found Chatot as an egg, abandoned by his original breeder/trainer when I was 5. I still don't know why someone would give up such a sweet friend, but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that now he has a home, and I have a best friend!

Of course, I have human friends, but they are back in Sinnoh. I pet Alto's tail absentmindedly, and before I know it we pull into the driveway of our new house.

"Alright brat, time to start moving in!" Hilary climbs out, releasing K.O, her Machamp to help us move.

I gently wake Alto up, and he flies out of the car to stretch his wings. I grab a couple boxes and help move everything in the house.

After we get all the boxes moved to their respective rooms, I head into my new bedroom to start setting up.

I open my window wide, and Alto flutters in gracefully. I set up his perch by the now open window, and set up my room.

You know, I've always wanted to go on a journey. I'm now 14, and the average age for a trainer to start his or her journey is 10! But, dad being dad, said I wasn't 'Mature' enough, that I 'couldn't handle it'. Well, jokes on him! I set up a meeting with the local professor… what was his name again… something about a tree… Oh! Professor Oak! That's it! I have a meeting with him tomorrow morning! I'm going on a journey, whether they like it or not. I'll break the news tonight at dinner! I'm not excited to tell them, but I need to speak my mind and show them how responsible I am!

Just as I'm folding the last box down, I hear the dreaded shout.

"Serena! Dinners here!" Dad calls.

He must have gotten home when I wasn't paying attention. I walk by the perch and close the window, Alto gripping onto my shoulder as I walk downstairs. I look in the kitchen area, and see a bag of takeout on the counter.

"We got you Mango Chicken on Udon noodles, that's what you like, right?" Dad asks hopefully.

I chuckle, knowing how many times I've told him I despise Mango Chicken, but I just laugh and nod. I grab it and sit on the counter, Hilary on a box and Dad on a chair.

"So? This isn't to bad, right!? It's a nice sized town, there is a lake in town, and the weather is nice year round!" Dad smiles at us, begging for our approval. "I think its cute!" Hilary says between mouthfuls.

"Great! That's great sweetie! And what about you, Serena? Alto?" He asks. "Prrrr!" Alto purrs, taking small bites of the noodles I put aside for him. " I think… that… it could POTENTIALLY be home…" I shrug, trying not to smile.

"WOOHOO! I DID GOOD!" Dad jumps up, throwing food all over his shirt. "Hahaha! Yes Dad, you did good!" I laugh. Hilary giggles away on her box. I wait until everyone alms down to speak again. "So, Dad and Hilary… I have something to ask… no. I have something to tell you." I say, putting my food down. "What is it honey? Are you okay?" Dad puts his food down, suddenly concerned. "Oh gosh dad! I'm fine! I just have some rather… controversial news…" I say, looking away. "What is it Ser?" Hilary walks over and puts her hand on my knee. "Well, its just that… um… I set up a meeting with Professor Oak tomorrow morning. I am going to ask him… ask him to… issue me a trainers license!" I cringe as I spit out the last part. "Oh… okay…" Dad looks wide eyed at Hilary, who stares back… then they both start… laughing? They both fall to the floor in laughing fits. "Hey! Whats so funny? Guys! This is SERIOUS!" I shout over their guffawing. "We… we… WE KNOW!" Dad sobs, laughing so hard he started crying. "Well, then! I'm going to my room until you can be serious about it!" I leap off the counter, heading to my room. "SER! Wait! We… We're done!" Hilary sighs, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Alright Ser-bear, sit down. We have something to tell YOU." Dad says, still giggling. "What!?" I say, crossing my arms. "Well, we were actually just talking about this a couple days ago. Me AND your sister both agree that you should start your journey. We think your ready. Alto is, for sure!" Dad passes Alto a rice ball out of his dinner, and he catches it in his beak with practised precision.

"Wait, REALLY!" I gasp, totally confused yet happy. "Of course! Under a couple restrictions, but yes. You may start your journey." Dad sighs, finally calmed down enough to be serious. "What… restrictions?" I ask, suspicious. "Well first of all, you have to call us every other day using your PokeGear. Second of all, you aren't going alone." Hilary jumps in. "Who's going with me?" I ask. "A young man from town is starting on his journey as well, tomorrow. His name is Ash, and you'll be taking him with you. He's only 10, so he needs someone to at least get started with." Dad puts in. "Well… I mean… it would be nice to have someone to have as I get used to travelling… Okay, I'll do it. Anything else?" I sigh.

"One more thing! You better get to bed since your going to need all your energy for tomorrow. Also, I'll help you pack a bag tomorrow morning before you set off! Be ready by 10!" Hilary ruffles my hair, as I shove what's left of dinner into my mouth, and run upstairs to get ready for bed.

I take off so quickly that Alto tumbles from my shoulder. "TOOOT!?" He squawks, taking off after me.

I brush my teeth and get changed in a flash, getting ready to sleep. I jump into bed, and roll over.

I'm finally getting to go on my journey! AND, Dad and Hilary are OKAY WITH IT!? WHAT!? Ohmigosh this is happening! But! I have to go to sleep so I'm ready!

I fall asleep so quickly that I don't even realize dad coming in and kissing my forehead.

Authors Note:

Alrighty ladies and gentlemen! How do you think I'm doing so far!? Let me know by reviewing and/or PMing me! How do you like Serena's character? What do you think Dad's new job is? Anything you want to see in this story? Also, Serena will be a flying type only trainer! I'll explain that later though ;D And Ash sure sound familiar, huh? I wonder where he's from? XD Anyways leave a review! Also, would you like a question or riddle at the end of each chapter? Let me know!

~Austin 3

SERENA'S PARTY

(CHATOT)