Thunder clapped loudly in the sky and echoed throughout the valley. Eli woke with a start, covered in sweat. Rain pelted against the roof of his small house and he could hardly hear himself think. He sat up in his bed and breathed heavily for a moment, trying to remain calm. He had just woken from a terrible nightmare and was trying to push the thoughts out of his head.

Getting out of bed, he walked across his small room and leant against the windowsill. It was still incredibly dark outside, the only light coming from flashes of lightning every few seconds. He knew there would be no way to get back to sleep, especially after that nightmare and when he suddenly realised what today was.

Today, as dismal as the weather was, would be the day Eli begun travelling through the world on his very own Pokemon journey. He had seen all his friends leave, he had learned a number of them had even become some of the best Pokemon trainers in years. Eli, however, had never left New Bark Town.

His mother had always needed his help around the house. His father had died when he was younger and since then, it had been Eli's responsibility to be the man of the house. He had seen his friends become absolute champions and complete their dreams, while he had been tied down in his small, old house trying to make ends meet.

But now Eli was seventeen, his mother had decided it was best for him to fill his dreams before they slipped away. Eli had agreed to send back half the money he earned from battling to help her survive without him as an agreement. As he watched the rain trickle down his bedroom window slowly, he lost himself in thoughts of what was to come in the next months for him. Finally, he could be everything he had grown up wishing to be.

The sun began to rise on the horizon, although it could hardly be seen through the thick layers of dark cloud. Almost trembling with nerves, Eli began to pack his bag and get changed into a new set of clothes, ready to begin a new life...