I picked up the sphere on the left and weighed it in my hands for a few seconds. It felt like a solid glass globe of around the same size I'd had as a child, only it was slightly bigger and differed greatly in appearance: half red, half white, a black band across the middle preventing the colours from mixing... and a small button at the front.

This was the first day of my journey, and the first day I met my Kusamidori.

"Ahh, you're taking the grass starter? I suppose it does suit you," came the nonchalant words of Professor Takagara, before turning to my sister, "It's been a few years since you took your first Pokemon here, too, hasn't it?"

"Yep! About... five years, right? Back when he only knew Tackle and Rain Dance - he's come quite far since then!" she replied happily, looking at both the professor and me with such excitement that you'd almost expect that she were the one receiving her first Pokemon, rather than me. Being both trainers, we set off into the arena outside and had a quick battle... of course, even with a type advantage I had no chance of winning, but I feel Kusamidori and I did quite well against the far more experienced duo challenging us. That was the first momentous step in my journey of discovery... I never could've thought - or dreamed - that I'd discover as much as I eventually did, though.

Suzuka. Keichi. Tsureki. Tamiro. Ryuugeki. Honda. Miyako. Shizume... These eight badges I wear over my chest are proof that I was able to defeat you... I hope that your strength will guide me along this path of desolation and distress as I perform this task that was asked of me. Or rather, required of me. In all honesty I wouldn't have ever thought of it as being anything short of a hoax had I not started receiving such abstract-yet-familiar visions. Well again, it was more of a barrage than voluntary reception. Sorry. My mind's all a jumble as I sit here on this plane, heading towards the first of many destinations among businessmen and holiday makers, entirely unaware of the importance of my journey.

Six years since I started my journey, and I'm only now aware of my... importance.

For I am the reincarnation of many heroic trainers... my past must be defeated for the prosperity of the future.

...this is so surreal, but true. This is how my life has changed.

I am Reiji Asahiru... and I must protect the balance of the world.


AUTH. NOTE: This is just the starting place for a story I wish to write, which is why it's so short. Whether or not I do, is, as always, depending on time and feelings. Although, since it's an original story I'm more compelled to explore things, but... I'll just see how it goes. D;