Chapter 1: All Boys Leave Home

The first light of dawn began washing over the quaint town of Pallet Town. The only sound was the gentle ocean breeze making it's journey through the trees. It would be many hours before the residents of the small farming town began to stir and begin their days, however there was one resident wide awake.

A 16 year old boy with scruffy black hair was currently packing, his cold piercing blue eyes darting over the equipment he had laid out on his bed ensuring nothing was forgotten. He wore blue jeans and a black t-shirt with a red jacket trimmed with white.

His name was Red.

Red carefully began to place the remaining equipment into his yellow backpack, thankful that the same technology used for pokeballs had been adapted for his travel gear. This allowed things such as his cooking equipment and sleeping bag to be dematerialised and stored in a capsule form, allowing him to carry enough to survive in the wilds for months at a time.

With his packing completed Red sat at his desk and looked down at the letter he had received over a month ago, confirmation that he was finally on the path to fulfil his dreams.

Dear Red

Congratulations! I am delighted to inform you that that due to your exceptional score on the Pokemon Trainer Exam I have chosen to sponsor you for your Pokemon Trainer Licence.

On the 1st of June at 8am sharp, you are to report to my Laboratory in Pallet Town.

Here you will be able to choose a Pokemon as your starter, provided Pokeballs and receive your new Trainer ID.

The Pokemon you will be able to choose from are as follows.

Bulbasaur

Squirtle

Charmander

In return for sponsoring you all I request is you assist me with my research when possible which we will discuss further when we meet.

If you do not wish to pursue this opportunity please reply to this letter otherwise I look forward to seeing you in June,

Yours Sincerely

Professor Samuel Oak.

Red could hardly contain his excitement. Today was the day. Red felt like he had been waiting his entire life for this. Even as a young boy he dreamt of becoming a Pokemon trainer and becoming champion of Kanto.

Littered across the desk were stacks of notes, diagrams, charts of the three Pokemon he could choose from. Ever since he had gotten the letter he had searched for every bit of information on them he could. Biology, evolutionary lines, move pools as well as reviewing video, newspaper articles from battles gone past.

After much consideration his mind was made up.

As the time passed, he heard the sound of his mother stirring and making her way to the kitchen. When he heard the tell tale sounds of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen he quietly made his way down the stairs.

"Good morning honey, breakfast won't be too far away." Called out his mother sensing his arrival.

Red's mother was a plump women, her auburn hair had streaks of grey (probably caused by Red if he had to be honest). Her blue eyes carried a warmth and kindness that instantly put people at ease.

"Good morning Mum." Red replied as he sat down at the kitchen table. "Hope I didn't wake you this morning".

"Not at all, even if you did I wouldn't have minded, This is it after all." She replied as she got to work slicing various different fruits.

They both fell into a comfortable silence, the only sounds were the sounds of the knife hitting the chopping block.

With the food ready, she placed a bowl of fresh fruit and yogurt in front of Red who began eating slowly, one eye focused on the clock on the wall. As each minute passed the knots in his stomach seemed to tighten, making eating difficult.

His Mum sat opposite him at the table, she too seemingly struggling to eat the meal she had prepared. There was a heavy tension lingering in the air. Both knowing that this would likely be in the last time they ate together for a very long time.

Red sat looking down at the half eaten bowl in front of him, as the clock clicked over to 7:30 he finally gained the courage to speak.

"This is it Mum"

She looked up at him and softly said. "I know son, I have always known there would be a day when you leave. All boys leave home someday, but there is nothing in the world that makes it easier when the time comes."

Red swallowed, he knew this would be the hardest part. While he had always been independent as a child, he knew that he always had his mum to fall back on when he found himself in sticky situations.

He replied "Mum, I just want to say I appreciate everything you have done for me. I know this may be good bye for now but I promise it won't be forever, we will see each other again. I know this in my heart."

Red's mother opened her mouth, the words came out in a whisper. "I just want to know, I am so proud of you." Her eyes beginning to glimmer with tears. "I know that you are going to be a great Pokemon trainer. I have watched you grow into the great young man I see in front of me, you have achieved everything in life you have set your mind to and I know this will be no different."

With that Red's mother charged across the table enveloping him into a hug.

Red returned the favour, wrapping his arms around his mother "I love you mum".

" I love you too." She replied as she slowly pulled away dabbing at her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt.

With Red released, he collected his backpack and made a beeline to the front door. As he was about to grasp the door handle he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't forgot this."

As he turned his head around to look at his mum, she placed his lucky red and white hat atop his head.

With a nod of his head Red opened the door and stepped out onto his destiny.