Hello, Zara here! If you're reading this, that means my fail Summary actually interested you, so welcome! The name's Zara, and I hope you enjoy my little story. If you decided to stick with it 'till the end: then be prepared for a crazy ride filled with all kinds of ridiculousness XD. Oh, but it won't be laughs 24/7, no sir. There will be danger, drama, excitement; you name it. Anways- please enjoy~

NOTE: Story takes place in Emerald universe, with mixed elements from the game and the anime. Mentioning and vague hints of past events in both, with the occasional appearance of a canon character. Such canon characters and other certain material are sole property of (c) GameFreak; Nintendo, and as such I do not own them. Likewise- I co-write this story with my friend, CocaColaVienna [that's her dA name], so some character(s) belong to her. Other than that it's all me lD

A van pulls up to an empty house followed by a dark colored car. The first person to step out the car is a young trainer. Adjusting her hat, she is followed by a small pink pokémon. "So... dis is our new home, huh?" she asks, more to herself than to anyone else.

"Yes, isn't it great?" her mom says enthusiastically.

The girl shrugs. "Ehh, it's alright I guess..."

"Oh relax sweetie, you're going to love it here. Besides- think of all the new friends you'll make!"

The girl just sighs and watches two men carry various items into the house.

I woke up to an annoying beeping sound. Slamming my hand onto the snooze button, I laid there for a few moments before forcing myself out of bed. I never was a morning person. I made my way slowly downstairs to get some breakfast. "Sparx, Felisa where are you?" I called out to my Pokémon. No response. I kept searching the house and was starting to get worried when I spied a note on the door:

Dear Ambra,

Sorry I couldn't say goodbye, but I needed to leave early.
Took Blaze, Sparx, and Felisa with me so you don't have
to worry about them while you're gone.

Gina

PS- I set your alarm so you'd remember to wake up.
Don't forget to see Professor Birch!

I sighed. Gina is always looking out for me. Especially since my brother left last week. He promised to call (or write) as often as he could, but I'm still gonna miss him. I looked over at the digital clock that read 10:45. I still had some time, so decided to take my time getting ready.

After I had gotten ready and my stuff packed I left. Everything was pretty quiet until I heard growling and someone call for help. Forgetting what my brother had warned me about wild Pokémon in the grass, I ran towards the sounds. When I got there I was surprised to see a man in a lab coat being attacked by what looked like a small black dog.

The man saw me and immediately looked relieved. "Excuse me, but can you help me? It doesn't seem like it doesn't likes me very much," he half joked as the Pokémon growled some more.

"I would, but I don't have any Pokémon," I admitted.

"Oh that's no problem. See that suitcase over there?" He pointed to the object on the ground near me. I nodded. "Good. If you look in there, you should find a pokéball with a pokémon you can use to beat it."

I ran over to the case and grabbed the first pokéball I saw. "No wait that one's-"

Too late. I threw the pokéball at the dog, but instead of something that could beat it popping out, (at this point, I'd be okay with anything) a red light formed and the dog disappeared. The pokéball landed in the grass, shaking a few times before lying there motionless.

"...empty," the man finished. He got up and cleared his throat. "Well, that was...interesting." He turned to me, "What's your name young lady?"

"Ambra."

"Well Ambra, my name's Professor Birch. I appreciate your help." My eyes widen a bit. So this is the professor?

"I-It was no problem," I stuttered a bit, unable to help myself.

"Tell me, are you a new trainer?" I could only nod in response.

"Then I like to give you this." And then he handed me a flat, red game-like device. "It's called a pokédex. It gives you information on Pokémon." He also gave an even smaller, black device with a large screen. "This is a pokénav. It serves a multitude of purposes, such as calling other people who have this device with them." He also put his number in my pokénav in case I had any questions. "And that's all you need to know." The professor walked over to his case and started walking away. It was around this time that I realized I didn't get a starter from him, and that I still had the pokéball containing the wild pokémon within.

"Wait!" I ran after him. "Don't you want this back?" He smiled at me and said:

"No you can keep it. I have a feeling you and that Poochyena will make great partners." So that's what it was. With that, he left. I stood there for a while, letting it sink in until it hit me.

I have a Pokémon.

My very FIRST Pokémon. (well not exactly- but you know what I mean)

I am officially a Trainer.

I threw the pokéball in the air and the Poochyena popped out, staring at me with red eyes intently. Cautiously, I put my hand out and touched it. Its ears bent back slightly, then nuzzled its head into my hand. I smiled. "You know- I think this can work. But first things first- you need a name." I couldn't keep calling it by its species could I? Then again, I don't know its gender either. "Are you a girl or boy?" I asked. It cocked its head to the side and barked. "Sorry, let me try again...are you a girl? Bark once for yes and twice for no." It may sound silly, but it was worth a try.

Apparently it worked because it barked twice. "You're a boy? OK. Now you need a name..." I sat on the ground, various names popped in my head, but none very good. It- err... I mean, HE needed a good name. Something cool like... "Axel!" I shouted. He looked at me curiously. "How about Axel? Do you like that name?" He wagged his fluffy tail and barked happily a few times. "I take that as a yes."

The little wolf dog barked some more and jumped around excitedly. I giggled, "Your one weird pokémon, but I like you!" He responded to this by jumping into my arms and licking my face. "Okay, okay I get it- you like me! Now stop that!" I said in between laughs as he tickled my face with his tongue. I set him back on the ground and we walked together back to the main road.

By the time we found it, it was almost dark. We had to get to a Pokémon Center before then. "C'mon Axel, race you there!" Axel barked happily as we ran towards Oldale Town.

Well...that's ONE way to catch a pokemon. ^^; Not exactly the "young, talented protegee" you guys were expecting, huh? Don't worry though, it gets better. Trust me. Reviews would be really nice please, I'd like to know what you all think~ (no flames though)