[ A/N from original post date: I decided to post this on here , since I have nothing else to do with my life. Enjoy. This story has elements from the games and the anime, and some uncanon / ooc things may happen. Sorry if this inconveniences you. ]

[New A/N: There was a lot of typos, misspellings, all that odd stuff. I completely forgot about viridian! I don't like leaving things unfinished so here I am, redoing this entire story.]

DISCLAIMER : I do not own Pokémon. I am simply a fan who loves to write stories about Pokémon.

"I'm not a baby anymore. I'm old enough to go on my journey. And you're not going to stop me." Cherry muttered as she stuffed various items in a backpack... A map, a trainer guide, cans of food she found in the kitchen, a blanket and pillow, soap. She needed them to go on her journey, all by herself, like a big girl. She was fully dressed and ready to go.

The night before, Cherry had announced that she was going on her journey. Her overprotective mother, of course, didn't approve. Especially since Cherry wanted to travel by herself. There was no way she was going to do that. They fought over this, until Cherry suddenly ran upstairs and slammed the door.

Cherry tried to understand her mother. She thought long and hard about it. Her brother was doing perfectly fine as a trainer, and while her dad was busy, he did make sure to contact them every now and then. She never got to speak to him herself, sure, but the kind, happy look on her mother's face made her sure that it was her dad. She was okay with those two leaving, so why was her mother so against her going on her own journey of "new friends" and "self-discovery"?

Oh well. Cherry closed her backpack and slung it over her bed post. It was still pretty early; Professor Oak's lab wouldn't open for an hour or so. She took this time to think about which starter she was going to choose. She thought about choosing Squirtle, since she liked water type Pokémon the most. She hadn't thought up a nickname, but she once watched a TV segment where the show host said that new feelings will bring the name to a trainer. She hoped it would be the same for her. After a while her alarm rang, which she turned off immediately. She listened for her mother but quickly gave up. Her mother never snored before. She decided to risk it and tiptoed into the hallway.

Her mother's bedroom door was slightly open, and to her relief, her mother was still asleep, her blonde hair the only thing visible in the darkness of the room. Cherry smiled and whispered, "I love you, mom..."

She quickly tiptoed away, out through the kitchen. The sky was orange, the sun hadn't fully risen yet. She closed the door as quietly as possible and ran off to Professor Oak's lab. The lights were on, so she assumed it was open. She could practically feel Squirtle's pokeball in her hands now. She ran up the stairs, grinning. She happily opened the door, greeted by the lab's bright lighting and "scientific" smell.

"Good morning Professor Oak~! I'm here to get my… Pok…e..mon.." Cherry slowly stopped when she noticed the Professor had an awkward look on his face.

"What's wrong?" She frowned.

"Your mother would like to speak to you." He motioned to something behind her, and she turned around.

Her mother was on a chair behind her, her arms and legs crossed.