Ahh, Littleroot town. Home of the esteemed Professor Birch. At least, that's what his parent's told him. He knew the truth. Professor Birch was a washed up former trainer who had gone crazy. The reports on TV were constant reminders that this move wasn't going to be a good one. *Breaking News: Professor Birch caught poaching in the Safari Zone, again.* Didn't exactly help was the fact that he wasn't even a pokemon trainer, so he couldn't even leave the town.
All at once, everything in the van stopped moving, and sent Brendan to his knees. The doors swung open, and the tiny space was flooded with light, revealing it's contents; a stuffed azurill sat on the floor, and there was a large clearing in the center, so that Brendan could actually fit in the back. Behind him was some kind of potted plant, possibly a berry bush. The whole room smelled of moss and mildew.
When he stepped out of the van, his eyes adjusted for a moment before seeing the view that awaited him. The sky was a vibrant blue, and a flock of wingull were flying overhead. His Mother stood outside the house, waiting to greet him.
"Brendan, you're here at last!" Said his Mother. "Was it tough riding in the back of the moving van all that way?"
"Actually, you'd be surprised at this, but *yes*, it was tough. Why did I have to be back there again?"
"Because the movers were sitting in the front dear. Why don't we head inside and see how the movers are doing?"
When the two of them walked inside, Brendan noticed that two Machokes were putting all of their stuff away for them. The house smelled of pine (probably some kind of floor varnish) and there were two floors.
"Why don't you go upstairs and look at the present your father gave you! That should make your day better. And when you get back down, I have a surprise for you!"
Brendan walked up the stairs, creaking under his weight. Hanging on his wall was a blue clock that must have been the gift. "Ugh, big deal. I already have a watch, and a computer. I don't need a-" but he didn't finish his thought because his Mother came running up the steps.
"How do you like your room, Brendan?" She started, then noticed the scowl he had on his face. "So, I'm guessing you don't like it? Not to worry, we can always paint the walls and replace the flooring! Why don't we head back downstairs and I'll tell you that special surprise?"
Brendan was in a rotten mood, so he sulked down the stairs and into the living room. What did **not** help his mood was the fact that there was a news report on the Petalburg gym, and it's new leader, Norman. Brendan already knew all about Norman. How could he not know all about his own Father? He was never at home, always away on "extremely important pokemon business," when he was actually just staying overtime at one of the gyms in Johto.
"So, about that surprise," Brendan's Mother began. "Well, Professor Birch wanted to see you and give you a pokemon!"
Normally, Brendan would have loved to have recieved a pokemon, but this was the disgraced Professor Birch. Nobody trusted him, and for plenty of good reasons. "But," He thought to himself. "This could be my only chance of getting out of this town and away from the house…"