"This, by far, has been the most intense battle the sinnoh region has ever seen! The battle rages in between the champion, Cynthia, and the challenger, Blaze! Who will win? Take your bets now!" the announcer said through the microphone.

But I can't listen to that right now. I'm in the middle of the championship match with Cynthia.

"Infernape, use Fire Blast!" I ordered my Infernape.

"Garchomp, use Dig to dodge! Then use Dragon Rush!" shouted Cynthia. I can sense the strain in her voice. Is the champion having difficulty fighting a rookie like me?

Infernape shot the Fire Blast. It would have been a direct hit if Garchomp didn't use Dig to dodge it.

"I'm not going to let you get away that easily!" I said.

"Infernape use Earthquake!" I shouted.

Infernape started vibrating, sending out an earthquake with him as the epicenter. "More!" I ordered my pokemon. The Earthquake became more violent.

Garchomp got out of the ground, looking dizzy.

"Now, Infernape, Use Close Combat!"

Infernape rushed towards Garchomp with blinding speed! When he got near enough, he bombarded Garchomp with a flurry of punches and kicks.

"Oh no!" said Cynthia.

"Yes! Finish this Infernape! Use…"

"BLAZE! WAKE UP!"

"WHA-? What's happening? Is it the end of the world?"

The girl in front of me slapped me silly. "Wake up sleepy head!" she said while bombarding me with a flurry of slaps.

"Cherry stop! Stop slapping me! You're like an Inferno using Close Combat! You even look like one!" I told her.

"Why you?" then she continued slapping me. Sigh. This girl is as violent as ever.

"Cherry! Please stop slapping him! My son wouldn't live to get his first pokemon today!" said Mom.

"Ooops. I think I got carried away!" she said.

"You think?" I said. Getting slapped can get exhausting!

"Come on. You've got to get ready. You and Cherry need to get to Sandgem Town to get your starter pokemon today! Aren't you excited?"

"Yeah. Super." I told her.

"Come on. Don't do that today. This is a very special today for both you and Cherry. This is the day both of you are going to become trainers! At least act excited for Cherry." Said Mom.

Our discussion was disrupted by Cherry screaming, "Oh Gosh, Blaze! Didn't you get ready for today? Why is your backpack still empty?" screamed Cherry.

My Mom gave me the evil look. "I told you I'm not excited." I said as I was walking towards the bath room to get ready.

It took me just ten minutes to take a bath. And five minutes to dress for today. I'm wearing my usual Red and Black Shirt, Beige Shorts, below the knees. I hate wearing long pants. I'm also wearing my rubber shoes, too.

"Okay. I'm ready." I said before I took one last sweeping look around my room. "It's going to be a long time before I come back here again." I said, depressed.

When I climbed down the stairs, I saw Mom stuffing my backpack with things.

"Okay. I put some basic medicines in the left pocket, your clothes in the main section, and surprise in the right pocket. Don's ask what it is! Just check it out after you got your starter pokemon. You can store more in your front pocket. That's all, I think."

"Thanks Mom. You're the best!" I told her. That's right. She has been the best Mom for me. She filled out the role of both Mom and Dad perfectly for 9 years. See, My Dad left us because he loves his work so much. He didn't actually leave us. It's just that he hasn't been too much of a father to me. I know Mom gets lonely without Dad around. What's going to happen to her if I leave?

"Take care." Then she looked at cherry. "Both of you." Then she kissed Cherry on the forehead.

"Thanks ! You're the best!" said Cherry. Then she hugged my Mom tightly.

"And what about you? Are you going to be okay?" I asked my Mom.

"I can manage. Right Growly?" she asked, talking to our pet, Growly, a Growlithe.

"Growlithe!" said the puppy pokemon. "Take care of Mom, Growly."

I turned to Cherry. "Let's go." I told her then proceeded down the stairs.

"Thanks again Mrs. Westwood! Take care!"

Mom waved goodbye. She looked at us until the top of the hill. When she can't see us anymore, she went inside the house with Growly in tow.

"This is the start isn't it?" said Cherry. I can feel the excitement in her voice. I've got to admit. I AM getting excited. The adrenaline. This strange feeling. I can feel the power even though I haven't got my first pokemon yet.

"Yes. This is the start."