The name's Rex. I'm a trainer, the best trainer. There's only one who can beat me and he's my predecessor, but that's another long and complicated story. This long and complicated story goes something like this: My friends think I'm a bit… overconfident. So, yeah, they decided to teach me some "humility" and now I'm on a boat to who knows where.

Okay I guess it wasn't that long. or complicated.

So, Reina, she's a girl I grew up with, showed up at my place this morning and lied to me saying we were going on a picnic. I didn't argue with the pretty girl asking for alone time. Y'know? So I was ushered onto Articuno (Yeah I've got an Articuno) with Reina and we flew to Vermillion. Then I got a little suspicious. There was no picnic basket or anything like that. We headed towards the dock. Now I knew there was something up and I said so.

"Rei, what's up? This isn't a picnic is it?"

"Well…" She began, "Not exactly."

"What do you mean, 'Not exactly'?" I asked.

"Well, we've been concerned. Your mother, Blue and I among others."

"Worried? I'm fine there's nothing to worry about. I mean come on?"

She sighed and continued, "That's exactly what I mean," I cocked an eyebrow, "Don't give me that. You're so self-absorbed and cocky. You haven't been to Pallet in weeks, you completely crush challengers without any remorse or considering their feelings or Pokémon. You are not indestructible. No matter how many trainers you beat or how long you hold on to your title there are better trainers out there. There will always be someone better."

I looked at her a little stunned, "But I'm the Champion. The strongest trainer. I don't lose. Rei, I'm not that bad with challengers and I've been busy. I haven't had time to visit."

"Rex! Listen to me. You are getting on this boat and you're gonna learn your lesson," Reina shouted at me in the crowded Vermillion street. I could feel the glares of the onlookers and passersby. I could only imagine what these people were thinking seeing the Champion and a girl having an argument in the middle of Vermillion City.

"Rei!" I groaned.

"Don't 'Rei' me," She shouted again, "Now. Let's. Go."

Reina grabbed my arm and started leading me roughly down the street toward the dock where a small ferry was moored.

We approached the boat and a woman hops off the deck, "Hi there are you Reina? And Rex?"

"Yes. You must be Carol. Nice to meet you. Are you ready for this idiot?" Reina said pleasantly (except for that last bit).

Carol replied with a smile, "You met the idiot I've dealt with. He'll be a piece of cake."

Reina giggled then turned to me, "Give me your pokéballs," I looked at her surprised, "Now!" she shouted and I complied. She can be scary. She took my Pokémon, turned around, and fumbled with her bag for a moment. She finished and turned back to me and gave me 6 pokeballs but not the ones I gave her. Surprisingly she left me Articuno in its Master Ball.

I tucked them into my bag and turned back to her, "Now what?"

She looked at me sternly for a moment. I half expected her to yell again. What she did do I didn't expect. Her face suddenly softened. She then leaned in and gently pressed her lips against mine. She pulled away just a bit and whispered, "Good luck."

And that's that. After she kissed me she proceeded to shove me backwards onto the boat and walked away. Now I'm on a boat headed who knows where. Wait a minute, I think I see something. It's an island.