Hi! This is my humble attempt at a Pokemon Black fanfiction. Who knows how many chapters there will be? Also, I know the genre says Adventure/Romance, but it's actually Adventure/ Romance/ Humor. Also, I don't to own Pokemon(but I wish I did!).

Mild language, a some OOC from Prof. Juniper.

Enjoy!

July 17th

Dear White:

I have just earned my third gym badge, and Chimchar has evolved. The very first Sinnoh gym leader is named Roark, and he's a pretty nice guy. The Coal badge was pretty easy to get, as I had the type advantage. The second one was also very easy. Eterna city's gym leader is a girl named Gardenia. She specializes in grass types. You'll never believe this, but the Sinnoh champion came up to me and gave me an Egg! There was also a weird, abandoned building there. Cynthia told me that a group called Team Galactic used to reside in it, but ran away when their leader, Cyrus, was defeated by Dia(do you remember him?). As I was traveling, I picked up two more members of my team: a Budew and a Geodude. Then I traveled to Hearthrome City, but the fifth gym leader lives there, and I didn't have enough badges to battle her. The third gym leader, Maylene, lives in Veilstone City. She specializes in Fighting types. Since there was no clear advantage, it was a shock that I beat her. In fact, I was sure I was going to lose since Maylene CREAMED my Geodude! Please write, sis!

Love, your brother Black

I put the letters down. There were a few more, but I had to write a letter of my own. I walked over to my desk and pulled out a green pen, clicked the pen, and began writing.

April 9th

Dear Black:

You'll never believe it! Finally, Mom is letting me go on an adventure! I'll finally be able to explore Unova and meet all sorts of Pokemon! And not just new Pokemon, I'll meet new people! I know you already classified my friend Cheren as 'proper boyfriend material' but I want to choose my boyfriend for myself! Besides, I'm starting to think Bianca has a little crush on him...

Anyway, my first Pokemon is

I stopped writing. I didn't know what my first Pokemon was going to be! I sighed. Cheren, Bianca, HURRY UP! I thought to myself. As if Arceus had heard my prayers, the doorbell rang. I heard my mom bustle to the door and cheerily said, "Why hello, Cheren! White and the Pokemon are in her room!"

"Thanks!"

Cheren burst into my room. I got up from my desk a held up my hand. "Yo."

"Yo yourself," Cheren replied. He brushed his black hair out of his eyes and straightened his red tie. "Is Bianca here yet?" I rolled my eyes.

"Oh. Stupid question," Cheren smiled. "I just thought that, since we were getting our Pokemon today, she might be early."

"Please," I laughed. "If anything, Bianca would be on time!"

We were quiet for a little while.

"Come ON," Cheren complained. "What's keeping Bianca?"

DING DONG DONG DING

"Guess that answer's your question," I grinned as I heard Bianca thump up the stairs.

"Am I late AGAIN?" Bianca gasped from running. "So-oooo-orry!"

I snickered. Cheren glared at me then addressed Bianca, sighing. "Bianca, I've known for ten years that you have no sense of time…..but…seriously…..today's the day we get our first Pokemon!"

"Duh!" Bianca laughed. Cheren looked disapprovingly at her, and she sighed. "I know. Sorry, White. Sorry, Cheren." Bianca looked at the box on my table. "So those are the Pokemon…they were delivered to your house, so you get first pick. Got a problem with that, Cheren?"

Cheren held up his hands. "No, I agree. The Pokemon are waiting for us just inside that box. Go on, White, take a peek. I WANT TO MEET THE POKEMON RIGHT NOW!"

"Um…" I said. "Okay…..let me get the tag off…"

I quickly grabbed a pair of scissors off my desk and snipped the tag off. Cheren picked up my floor and started reading.

"'I've brought three Pokemon, one for you and one for each of your friends. Please settle your choices politely,'" Cheren read. "'Enjoy your Pokemon!' Wow, Professor Juniper sure is nice!"

I nodded and pulled the green ribbon, which slipped off the blue box easily. Then I carefully opened the box. Three Pokeballs lay inside.

"Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott," I read the names on the Pokeballs from left to right. "Hey, Tepig was my brother's starter! It evolved so long ago, though…." I studied the picture tags included with the Pokeballs. Snivy was all green, except for its chest and its tail was tipped with a large leaf. My eyes traveled to Oshawott's picture. It had a white, circular face and had a scallop on its stomach. I smiled.

"I'm taking Oshawott!" I declared. I picked up its Pokeball and studied its picture tag more intensely.

Male, it read. Bold nature. Prefers sour food. Dislikes spicy food.

"Ok, I'll take this one!" Bianca interrupted my thoughts. "Cheren, that one's yours!"

I looked at Bianca's pick while Cheren yelled, "HEY! How come YOU get to pick MY Pokemon for me?!"

"Tepig?" I smiled at Bianca. "Nice pick!"

"I know!" Bianca enthused. "I remember Black's Tepig eventually evolved into an Emboar, and I want to have a strong Pokemon like that!"

I looked at Cheren. "And you get Snivy, I guess."

"Yep," Cheren sighed. "It doesn't matter, really. I wanted Snivy from the start!"

"So, what gender is yours?" I asked curiously.

Cheren checked the tag. "Male."

"Mine's a dude, too!" Bianca exclaimed. "It has a naïve nature, and loves sweet food! It's like a mini me! You know, a mini me that turned into a fire pig!"

Cheren chuckled. "Mine has the same interests as me as well. Snivy prefers bitter food, dislikes dry food, and has a careful nature."

"Well, now that everyone's picked a Pokemon, I have an idea!" Bianca announced. "Let's have a Pokemon battle, White!"

"I don't know if that's a good idea….." I said, looking around my room.

"White is right," Cheren sighed. "Honestly, Bianca…even though they're still weak Pokemon, you shouldn't have a battle inside a house."

"Guys, don't be such worriers!" Bianca said cheerily.

"Well, it's not your room," I muttered.

"The little ones are weak, like you said!" Bianca continued. "We have to let them battle so they'll stronger. It's settled, White! Get ready for a Pokemon battle!"

I turned to glare at Cheren. He shrugged, as if saying, It's not my fault. I sighed.

"Ok, come on out, Oshawott!" I released my new Pokemon.

"You too, Tepig!" Bianca flung the Pokeball onto the floor. Oshawott, Cheren, Bianca, and I watched as Tepig's Pokeball bounced off the floor and hit the trash can, knocking it over. It proceeded to bounce into my potted plant and knock that over too.

Tepig finally came out of his Pokeball and helped me glare angrily at Bianca.

"Whoops!" she giggled and rubbed her head embarrassedly. "Sorry!"

I groaned. "Well, whatever. Oshawott, use Tackle!"

"Osha!"

The attack hit Tepig with full force.

"Tep…." he grunted.

"Eek! Ouch!" Bianca winced. "I won't let you get away with that! Tepig, use Tackle!"

The small pig ran up my wall, bounced off the ceiling, and jumped on Oshawott.

"Osha!" Oshawott squealed.

"Oshawott, use Tackle again!"

"You too, Tepig!"

Cheren watched the battle with interest. "You two are just using attacking moves," he sighed. "Why not use a defense lowering move?"

"Oshawott is already weakening!" I yelled. "Do you want me to lose?!"

"You're right! Thank you, Cheren!" Bianca grinned madly. "Get ready to lose, White! Tepig, use Tail Whip!"

"Tepig!"

Bianca's Pokemon waved its small tail around. Oshawott tilted is head. "Osha….?"

"You first," I smirked. Tepig was just as damaged as Oshawott, if not more. "Oshawott, use one final Tackle!"

"OSHAWOTT!"

There was a small explosion.

"Oh, Tepig….."Bianca moaned. "Return…." My blonde friend stood up and adjusted her giant green hat, smiling. "Oh, well. Both Pokemon did their best! Here, take this, White!"

She held out a five dollar bill.

"No, you don't have to give me money….." I said, shaking my head.

"Take it!" Bianca beamed. "It's standard, you know. You have to give the winner the proper amount of money. You'll have to get used to people giving you money. Besides, you're broke, aren't you? You have to have money to buy Pokemon supplies!"

She dusted herself off. "White, you're gonna be an awesome Trainer someday! No doubt!"

I appreciated her support, but my room was…..destroyed. There were footprints all over my walls and ceiling. The table where the box holding the Pokemon had been was slid up against my desk. My bed, that had been made perfectly, was now a mess of pillows, sheets, and blankets. Book had fallen off my knocked down shelves. My potted plant had also been knocked over, onto its side. The television was crooked, and the Wii…..was somehow unscathed. Interesting…..

"Um, Bianca?" Cheren said, sweat dropping. "Would you take a look around?"

Bianca glanced around and gasped. "Oh my gosh! What happened?!"

I face palmed.

"Wow!" Bianca chattered happily. "Pokemon are amaaaaaaazing! So little, but so strong! I'm so glad that I get to have a Pokemon!"

Cheren glared at Bianca. I honestly wasn't worried about it; Mom could keep her cool with anything. And Black had gotten into messier situations that just a room being demolished.

"…Oh. Sorry about your room, White," Bianca rubbed her head apologetically.

"You…..are completely hopeless," Cheren sighed. "Look, I'll restore your Pokemon."

He dug a (slightly moldy) Revive out of his pocket. Bianca released her fainted Tepig, and Cheren put the Revive under Tepig's nose.

"Tep!"

"Tepig!" Bianca hugged her Pokemon. "You're alright!"

"Tep….." he replied, looking slightly woozy.

"Here," Cheren tossed a Potion to Bianca. "Make sure Tepig empties it."

Cheren walked over to my waste bin and propped it up straight again, throwing out the now useless Revive.

"I don't understand why these things are good for only one use," he muttered. Searching through his pocket, he dug out another Potion, handing it to me. "Your Pokemon needs to be fixed up as well."

"Thanks, Cheren!" I smiled broadly at him. "Come here, Oshawott!"

He waddled over to me, and I fed him the Potion like a baby bottle. "Feel better, buddy? Ready to take on the Elite Four?"

"Osha!" he nodded vigorously.

"Hey, Cheren!" Bianca said excitedly. "How about you battle White, too? With all you know, I'm sure you can battle without turning the room into a disaster area like I did!" She batted her eyelashes at him.

"I believe you're right!" Cheren agreed. "It'll be no problem for me to keep the room from getting any messier. Besides, it's not fair if you two are the only ones who get to have fun battling! It's decided. White, you'll be my opponent in my first Pokemon battle!"

Cheren smiled confidently at me, but I saw something else in his eyes – love. I gritted my teeth. Couldn't he see that it was Bianca that was interested in him, not me? Honestly, and he called Bianca the dense one!

"Let's see what you can do, Snivy!" Cheren yelled, releasing said Pokemon.

I'll have to win, I thought to myself, determined. To show that I'll be to busy to deal with love.

"Oshawott, you ready?" I asked my partner. He nodded.

"Snivy, use Tackle!" Cheren interrupted me. I smiled smugly.

"Oshawott, try to dodge and then use Tackle!" I shouted.

"Snive!"

"Osha!"

Both attacks hit their targets, though Snivy didn't seem too affected. Oshawott, on the other hand, seemed to take more damage.

"You okay?" I asked him. When he bobbed his head yes, I muttered, "Damn it. Snivy's a Grass type. This'll be harder than I thought."

Cheren chuckled. "Snivy, hit Oshawott again with Tackle!"

"Just keep going, Oshawott. Never give up!" I told him. "Now continue using Tackle!"

As our two Pokemon battled (while continuing to wreck havoc to my room), Cheren murmured, "I've finally become a Trainer…everything starts from here!"

I looked at him, surprised. Cheren had never shown that much interest in becoming a Trainer, but now….he seemed so determined.

"Tackle!"

"Tackle!"

Oshawott panted. One more Tackle, and Oshawott would be down. But Snivy wasn't doing so well, either.

"Try and hit him extra hard this time," I whispered.

"Snivy, use Leer!" Cheren commanded. Snivy got a terrifying look in his eyes and directed his gaze at Oshawott. Oshawott whimpered.

"Hey, it's okay!" I smiled. "There's nothing to be afraid of when I'm around! Now hit Snivy with a super effective Tackle!"

"Osha! Oshawott!"

Oshawott went flying at Snivy, whose petrifying gaze became worried. The last look in Snivy's eyes that I saw before he went flying was a look of pure fright. There was a crash, and I knew I had won. I also had a feeling that my trash can had been knocked over again.

When the dust cleared, Cheren stared at his knocked out Pokemon. "Return."

Even though Oshawott seemed a little worse for the wear, he also seemed a little stronger.

"Oh, Oshawott, you were amazing!" I hugged the small, blue and white otter. "And is it just me or did you just become a level six? You're the best partner ever!"

Cheren and Bianca were watching me with interest. Cheren cleared his throat. "You've certainly become quite attached to Oshawott in such a short period of time," Cheren noted. "I believe it is the same with you, Bianca, and with me. I made a strange blunder in my first battle, but this feeling I have….I'm finally a Trainer."

"We're all Trainers!" Bianca chirped. "Let's go to Professor Juniper right now!"

"Yeah! Let's go!" I cheered.

"I agree," Cheren said, looking at me. "But first, we'd better go apologize to you mother about this messed-up room." Cheren walked out of the room and started down the stairs. Bianca followed, sighing. "I'd better come, too."

"What the heck," I shrugged. "If everyone's going downstairs, I'll just follow. Wait up, guys!" I ran after my friends.

I stopped.

"Ow, my feet…" I moaned. I looked down at the shoes I had slipped on and groaned. I was wearing the only pair of sneakers I owned, a raggedy pair of black sneakers with pink laces. The soles were falling off, and they were a couple of sizes to small. I would have to walk for now. Until I earned enough money to buy new shoes, I was stuck.

As I stumbled down the stairs, I heard Cheren mumble, "I'm very sorry about all the trouble, ma'am."

I jumped down the last few stairs, my feet wincing. I grabbed the railing to help me balance and watched my friends mutter apologies to my mom.

"Well, um….." Bianca scratched her arm. "We can clean up….."

"Clean up?" Mom laughed. "No worries. I'll take of it later. I mean, I'll have all sorts of free time, with both my children being on adventures!"

That reminded me of something. I staggered back up the stairs to my room. Surprisingly, the letter I had been writing was in the same place on my desk it had been when I left it. It hadn't been shredded, or fallen behind my desk. My pen had not been as lucky. It had fallen into the Giant Chasm (the space behind my desk, named after the legendary place near LacnosaTown). I didn't care that much, I just grabbed a blue pen and continued writing.

-Oshawott. He's a wonderful little thing, and is already a level six. Bianca chose Tepig, like you, and Cheren was stuck with Snivy. But he seemed pretty happy about it.

I'll write to you again when I reach Accumala Town. Until then!

Love, your sister White

I hurried as quickly as I could back downstairs, sticking the letter into an envelope while doing so. I licked the envelope close and reached the bottom of the stairs at the same time.

Mom looked at me, pausing mid sentence.

"Sorry, Mom. Just finishing a letter to Black," I explained. "You don't think you can mail it…..?"

"Of course, sweetie. I'll do it later," Mom smiled. "As I was saying, shouldn't you three be on your way to meet Professor Juniper?"

"Oh yeah! We were just heading there when we stopped to apologize," Cheren said. "Please excuse us. Come on, White! Bianca! Let's go thank Professor Juniper!"

Cheren started out the door, then turned around. "I'll wait in front of the Pokemon Research Lab for you Slowpokes!"

"Oh! Wait!" Bianca groaned. "I've gotta go home first!" She turned to my mom. "Thanks for having us over!"

She rushed out the door, pushing past Cheren. Cheren looked to make sure she was out of earshot before saying, "You have a beautiful daughter, ma'am!" Then he too ran out the door, blushing like mad.

Mom approached me, grinning. "My, my White. Looks like somebody might have a little boyfriend…"

"MOM!"

"Sorry!" she said, laughing. "I'll just change the subject, sweetie."

"Good," I muttered.

Mom laughed again. "Pokemon battles are so lively, aren't they? I could hear the Pokemon's cries clear down here!"

I grinned. "Yep, it was pretty exciting."

"It sure reminded me of my first Pokemon battle!" Mom smiled. "Oh, and you know? After a battle, you need to rest your Pokemon!"

"Mom. Seriously. I'm not stupid, you know," I rolled my eyes.

"Well, did your little boyfrie – I mean, did Cheren heal your Pokemon? Come on, I picked up a few tips from your Aunt Aka. She IS a nurse, you know," Mom said, taking Oshawott's Pokeball and putting it in our healing machine.

"And by healing, you mean the machine that Aunt Asa got for us," I sighed.

"Of course I do!" Mom said happily. "Here's your Pokemon back. Oshawott, right? Bianca told me. It's looking great!"

"Thanks, Mom," I said, taking Oshawott's Pokeball and sticking it on my belt.

"Now, if you're going out, don't forget your cross-transceiver!" Mom said. She handed me my cross-transceiver and I smiled.

"Thanks, Mom," I said again, hugging her. I strapped it on my wrist as my mom asked, "You're going to thank the professor too, right? She DID give you a Pokemon. And she mentioned something about a Pokedex."

"A POKEDEX?!" I shrieked.

"Better get going, honey!" Mom grinned.

"Oh, crap, I hope I'm not late!" I exclaimed, running out the door. "Bye, Mom! I love you! Call me if I forgot anything!"

As I stumbled out the door in my tight shoes, some Pidgeys fluttered overhead. I saw Bianca pacing in front of her house, but didn't think much of it. I started walking towards the Professor's house.

"Heard you're going on an adventure! Congratulations!" a neighbor told me.

"Thank you!" I replied. "Hey! Cheren!"

"White!" Cheren waved at me from in front of the lab. "I'm sorry, but could you go to Bianca's house? I'll bet she's spacing out like she usually does. She's totally flighty."

"Course I'll check on Bianca! She's my friend." I emphasized the last word. "Like you."

Cheren smiled brightly, and I face palmed myself on the inside. I had a feeling I had made his crush worse.

I sighed. I'd better go get Bianca.

As I passed my house, I saw that my mom was putting my letter in the mailbox. She waved as I passed by. I turned to the right and knocked on the door of Bianca's house. It creaked open. I cautiously stepped inside.

"NO, NO, A THOUSAND TIMES NO!"

I stepped back. Bianca's father was yelling at his usually bouncy daughter, for one reason or another. Her mother stood in the kitchen, trying to keep out of the argument.

"But, Daddy, I'm…"Bianca yelled, tears in her eyes. "I'm a good Trainer who got a Pokemon and everything! I can totally go on an adventure!"

Bianca turned around and noticed me for the first time.

"Um….." I began. "Are you alright?"

"Oh…..it's OK," Bianca said, embarrassed.

"Are you sure?" I asked worriedly.

"It's fine!" Bianca forced a smile onto her face. "I'll be waiting for you in front of the lab, OK?"

Bianca walked out the door. I turned to look at her parents. Her father huffed and turned to look at the TV. Her mother smiled sadly and went back to cleaning dishes. I decided it wouldn't be polite to hang around, and besides, Cheren and Bianca were waiting for me. I left Bianca's house.

As I forced my aching feet to carry me toward the lab, I saw Bianca. She looked like a changed person. The tears were gone, and she looked as happy as ever. She held a finger to her lips, as if saying That's a secret, OK?

I nodded, then approached Cheren.

"You ready?" he asked. I nodded. "Great! Then let's go meet the professor!" Cheren entered the lab, Bianca following like a puppy. I brought up the caboose.

As we entered, we lined up with Bianca on the left of me and Cheren on the right. Professor Juniper, a young woman with light brown hair and a white lab coat, smiled at us.

"Hi there!" she greeted us. "I've been waiting for you young people!"

Bianca and I looked at each other. Young people? This lady can't be a day over twenty seven!

"Let me introduce myself. My name is – " the professor continued, but was interrupted by Cheren.

"Professor Juniper? We know your name," Cheren said impatiently.

The young woman chuckled. "Come, come, Cheren! This is not a time to take things lightly! Today is a day to always remember, so it's best to behave with some formality."

Cheren blushed crimson. "I apologize."

"Apology accepted," Professor Juniper said warmly. "Now, once again, my name is Professor Juniper, and I am researching when and how the creatures called Pokemon came into existence."

The professor paced back and forth, taking our Pokeballs, observing them, and then giving them back.

"Hmm. That's unusual. You've already had a Pokemon battle!" she said, surprised.

Bianca and I pointed at Cheren.

"Hey! It wasn't my fault!" he complained.

"No, it isn't anything bad!" Professor Juniper reassured us. "I was just thinking, maybe that's why…" She paused, then continued. "It seems that your Pokemon have already begun to trust you!"

Cheren, Bianca, and I looked at each other. "Cool!" I said, summing up all our thoughts.

Well, not quite all.

"Professor? Can we…can we nickname our Pokemon?" Bianca asked tentatively.

"Of course!" Professor Juniper exclaimed. "What would you like to nickname them?"

"I was thinking….maybe I'll name Tepig Black?" Bianca looked nervously at me. "After White's brother. That's OK with you, right?"

"Of course! It's an awesome name for Tepig!" I smiled at her. Meanwhile, the professor tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Your brother's name is Black?" she asked me. "I believe that he went on a journey two years ago. His starter was Tepig, am I right?"

"Yep!" I grinned. "Now, it's my turn. I think I'm going to name Oshawott…... …..Samuel. Sam for short. You like that?" I sent out Oshawott. "Do you think the name Sam fits you?"

"Oshawott!" he said happily, nodding. I beamed, returning Oshawott to his Pokeball. "And you, Cheren?"

"Hmm…" he replied thoughtfully. "Snivy's name will be…Thyme. Yes, I like that."

"Why would you name a Grass type Pokemon Time?" Bianca asked, confused.

"T-H-Y-M-E," Cheren spelled. "Like the spice."

"Oooooh."

"Black, Sam, and Thyme," Professor Juniper said. "Those are all such great names!"

She turned around. "As for why I gave you all Pokemon –"

"It's for the Pokedex, right?" Cheren interrupted again.

"Pokedex?" Bianca asked.

"I'm….astonished," Professor Juniper said after a minute. "Nice work, Cheren! You've already studied Pokemon extensively, haven't you? Still, let me explain everything from the beginning, for everyone's -"

"Bianca's sake," it was me who interrupted her this time. "I already know what a Pokedex is and how it works." Translation: I'm not going to be outdone by Cheren!

The professor sighed. "Fine. Let me explain for Bianca's sake. Now will you two just SHUT UP?!"

"Yes," Cheren and I said in small voices.

"Good. The Pokedex is a high-tech device that automatically records the Pokemon you encounter," she explained. "So, I want you three to visit many places and meet all of the Pokemon in the Unova region!"

We were silent, until Bianca asked, "ALL of them?"

"Yes, this is my request," Professor Juniper said. "White! Cheren! Bianca! You'll go on an adventure to complete the Pokedex, will you not?"

"Of course we will!" I said immediately.

"OK!" Bianca exclaimed. "I mean…..Yes, professor!"

"Thank you very much," Cheren said politely. "Because of you, I can become a Pokemon Trainer, exactly as I've always wished."

I was blown away. Cheren had always wanted to be a Trainer? Why hadn't I noticed before? Why didn't he tell me?

Professor Juniper's words suspended my thoughts. "All of you, thanks! You have given me the best possible answer!"

The young woman took out three devices from her pocket. She handed on to Bianca, then one to Cheren. Finally, she gave one to me.

A Pokedex!

"T-thank you!" I squeaked. I was so excited, I didn't even mind that it was pink.

"Next, I need to teach you how to meet and catch Pokemon," the professor smiled. "Meet me at Route 1, OK?"

And with that, the famed Professor Juniper walked out of the lab.

Bianca grabbed my arm. "S-since the professor asked us, it's OK to go on an adventure, right?"

"Yep," I answered. Bianca started into space.

"I can explore and maybe find out what I want to do in life. I think I'd like that," she mumbled. Cheren looked at her, perplexed.

"Of course," he said. "We can travel however we want while we complete the Pokedex."

We were silent for awhile.

I clapped my hands together, startling them. "Well, I'm going to go to Route 1. The professor doesn't seem like a woman who likes to be kept waiting."

I walked out of the lab and stopped. My mom stood in front of me.

"Come on! White, wait up!" Bianca grunted, crashing into my back. She pushed past me along with Cheren and stood beside me.

"Oh, there you kids are!" Mom exclaimed. "And…..? What did the professor have to say?"

"Well, she asked us – " Bianca began.

"To complete – "Cheren continued.

"The Pokedex!" I finished.

"She asked you to complete the Pokedex!" Mom gasped. "I can't believe it! Well, actually, I can. I already knew she was going to ask."

"Mom! You knew and you didn't even bother telling me?!" I complained.

"That's why I brought you three these Town Maps!" Mom went on cheerily, as if I hadn't interrupted her. "Take them with you!"

She handed me a Town Map. I shoved it in my bag as she handed Cheren and Bianca theirs.

"Here you are, Cheren."

"I'll take good care of it."

"And one for you too, Bianca!"

"Th-thank you so much!"

"As for your room, White," Mom smiled. "Or what's left of it, anyway….no need for any of you to worry! I'll take care of tidying up. Ok, White?"

"Thanks, Mom!" I said appreciatively.

"Ahh, Pokemon," Mom sighed. "They're so cute, but they have enough power to destroy a bedroom! They really are something. With Pokemon like that at your side, you'll always be safe! Cheren, Bianca, I'll let your parents know!"

Mom rubbed Cheren's head affectionately. "I hope that, in addition to Pokemon, you'll find lots of places you like in the Unova region, and mature into wonderful adults! Have a great trip!"

Mom walked away.

"Your mom sure is nice," Bianca breathed.

"If I use the Town Map, I'll always know where I am…" Cheren turned to me. "That's certainly helpful."

"Shouldn't we be going?" Bianca asked. "The professor's waiting."

"Yes, we should," Cheren nodded. "Are you alright, White? You aren't moving as quickly as usual."

"Just…shoe…..problems…." I winced, glancing down at my sneakers.

"Let's go, let's go!" Bianca tapped her foot impatiently. "White, just hurry and come as quickly as you can, OK?" She walked off, and Cheren sighed.

"You don't think I could walk with you…..?" he began, and I shook my head.

"I don't want….to slow you down," I lied. My mind silently screamed, I'm not interested!

Cheren ran after Bianca, and I hobbled along. Finally, I could see the edge of NuvemaTown, and the beginning of Route 1. Cheren and Bianca were waiting for me.

"White! White!" Bianca was jumping up and down. "Hurry up!"

"Bianca says if we're starting a journey together, she wants us all to take our first step out of town at the same time," Cheren filled me in.

"Yeah! So hurry up and get over here!" Bianca pushed me next to Cheren and stepped up on my other side.

"On three," Bianca said. "One….."

"Two….." I continued.

"Three! OK, here we go!" Cheren exclaimed. We took one step forward as a group. Then I tripped and landed on my face.

"White!" Bianca shrieked. "Are you alright?!"

"Peachy," I muttered from the ground. I stood up, wobbling, and saw Professor Juniper watching us with amusement.

"Well!" she giggled. "That was entertaining. But now that everyone's here, I'll explain. The Pokedex's pages update automatically whenever you meet a Pokemon. But you gain even more information when you catch a Pokemon. So, I'm going to demonstrate how to catch a Pokemon."

Professor Juniper waded out into the tall grass that we had been warned never to approach as children. Suddenly, a small, brown animal with glowing orange eyes jumped out.

"Whoa!" Bianca exclaimed. "That's a…" She quickly checked her Pokedex.

"A Patrat!" she finished.

"Go, Minccino!" the professor sent out a tiny gray chinchilla with large ears and a long tail. "Use Pound!"

The Minccino brought its hands together and jumped on the Patrat. Patrat squealed, then used Leer, which I recognized from Snivy.

"Use a Pokeball after lowering the Pokemon's health!" Professor Juniper shouted, taking a red and white sphere out of her pocket. A Pokeball!

The professor chucked the Pokeball at the Patrat. It opened, caught Patrat, and landed on the ground.

"Now make sure it shakes three times before picking the Pokeball up," Professor Juniper warned. "A Patrat can't do much damage, but if you try to pick up a Pokeball holding a larger and more dangerous Pokemon, it could escape and do serious damage to you."

The Pokeball on the ground shook once. Twice. Three times. Click.

"Gotcha!" Professor Juniper said, picking up the Pokeball and returning Minccino to his.

"You got all that, right?" Professor Juniper turned back to us.

"Yep!" Bianca and I nodded. Then we turned to Cheren.

He held a notepad completely filled up with notes, and he seemed to have started writing on his left arm.

"Can you run through it one more time, please?" he asked…..no, he begged.

Professor Juniper sighed. "First, lower the Pokemon's health. Pokemon that still have all of their energy are difficult to catch. If you can, use your Pokemon's moves to make the Pokemon you want to catch fall asleep. Or paralyze it!"

Cheren scribbled something onto his right arm(there was no more room on the left).

"Um…okay!" the professor clapped her hands together. "To wrap this up in the best possible way, I have a gift for you."

"Ooooh!" I squealed. Cheren and Bianca looked at me. "Um, I mean, awesome!"

Professor Juniper dug some Pokeballs out of her lab coat. "Here you go! Your very own Pokeballs!"

She handed five to me, five to Bianca, and five to the human notepad…I mean Cheren.

"Now remember: Pokeballs are for catching Pokemon and holding the Pokemon you catch. Not for playing around with!" Professor Juniper looked at us sternly. "I'm going on ahead. I'll be waiting for you in AccumalaTown."

And with that, the Professor Juniper walked away.

"She forgot to say that Pokemon jump out at you in tall grass," Cheren huffed.
"Cheren….we're fourteen years old. We should know that by now," I said gently.

He sighed. "You're right. Well, I'm off to AccumalaTown. See you girls there."

"I can't wait to get there so I can shop for more Pokeballs!" Bianca said excitedly. Cheren started to walk away, but Bianca stopped him by putting her hand on his shoulder.

"Wait! I have an idea!" she smiled. I groaned inwardly. One of Bianca's 'ideas' had ruined my room. "I thought of something we could do that would be really fun!"

"Bianca, we really need to hurry. I expect the professor is waiting," Cheren heaved a sigh.

"Would you just listen a minute? Seriously!" Bianca grumbled. "I was thinking, why don't we see who can catch the most Pokemon? The person carrying the most Pokemon, including your starter, is the winner!"

"I don't know….." I said worriedly.

"Actually, I think that would be interesting," Cheren said. "And it will fill up the Pokedex pages, too…..I'm in!"

"Well, I'm outnumbered!" I sighed. "I guess we could do this…."

"Me and Tepig will do the best!" Bianca smirked.

"Tepig and I," Cheren automatically corrected.

"Whatever!"

Cheren and Bianca walked off into the tall grass, jabbering amongst themselves. I slowly followed them.

Unexpectedly, a Patrat jumped out at me and seemed to be aiming for scratching up my face.

"Holy sh!t!" I screeched. "Sam, come out!"

I released the blue otter. He took one look at the attacking Pokemon and Tackled it. If Patrat could talk, it would have said OWWWW!

The opponent pulled itself together and jumped at Sam. Though the attack hit him dead-on, it didn't do much damage.

"Tackle again!" I shouted. Sam walked over to the Patrat and pushed it over.

"Pat…" it groaned. It shakily stood up….and ran away.

"You were great, Sam!" I said enthusiastically. "Our first ever wild Pokemon battle!"

Sam returned to his Pokeball, and I walked out of the tall grass.

"Did you know that there are wild Pokemon in the tall grass?" a hobo asked me.

"Yes, you idiot," I rolled my eyes at him.

I continued along the path and avoided a large patch of tall grass. But there was another just ahead. I checked my map. Beyond that, AccumalaTown.

"White!"

I looked up from my Town Map, startled. It was the human notepad.

"Hey! White! Hurry up!" the human notepad waved his note-covered arms around.

"I'm coming, huma- Cheren," I corrected myself. I had to stop thinking of him like that.

I carefully waded through the tall grass, inching toward Cheren.

"White! Look out!" Bianca's voice rang through the sunny morning.

"Bianca?"

I turned around. Another Patrat was leaping towards me.

"SAM! HELP ME!" I shrieked, releasing my Oshawott.

"Osha!" Sam glared at the Patrat, then body slammed it.

The Patrat jumped on Sam, furious.

Oh crap, I thought to myself. Sam is already weak from the other Patrat's attack, and this one seems stronger.

"Use Tackle again!" I yelled. Sam bounded toward the Patrat, and landed a critical hit on its back. But the Patrat wasn't done yet. It flew onto Sam's back, weakening him further.

"Use Tackle one more time!" I screamed. Sam nodded, and hurdled toward the Patrat. He leaped on it, and the battle was over.

"Osha! Osha!" he cheered.

"Thank you so much, Sam! This is the second time you've saved me from a Patrat!" I smiled. "Hey, did you level up again?"

"Oshawott!" Sam sent a blast of water into the sky.

"And you learned a new move!" I was ecstatic. "Who's the smartest Pokemon ever? That's right, you are!"

Cheren cleared his throat. "Why didn't you catch it?"

"Those things creep me out," I shuddered. "Who won the contest?"

"Both Bianca and I have two Pokemon now," Cheren informed me. "And you?"

"Just one. I didn't feel like catching another Pokemon," I scratched my arm. "I've decided that any Pokemon I catch will become part of my final team."

"Hmm," Bianca said, approaching us. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea. How will you fill up your Pokedex?"

"Oh, I'll start catching Pokemon once I'm the champion of Unova," I winked. "Now how about we go? The professor is waiting."

"OH YEAH!" Bianca practically shouted. "Come on, we better hurry!"

Suddenly, my cross-transceiver started ringing. I checked the caller ID. "It's the professor!"

"Oh no, we've made her wait to long," Cheren moaned. "We're dead, we won't be Trainers, we're dead….."

"W-what do you mean we won't be Trainers?!" Bianca shrieked.

Cheren looked up sadly. "Professor Juniper will take our Pokedexes and our Pokemon, and we won't be able to go on an adventure…."

"NOOOO!" Bianca cried. She and Cheren started rolling around on the grass, sobbing.

"Guys…guys…." I tried to calm them down, but gave up. I answered the cross-transceiver. "Hello?"

"Hi, White! Do you know where Bianca and Cheren are? They aren't answering their cross-transceivers," the professor said worriedly.

I held my wrist up so the professor could observe the scene.

"Hmm," Professor Juniper said, the stress draining from her face. "What are they….?"

"They think that you're calling because you were getting impatient, and now you're going to take away their Pokemon and Pokedexes," I explained.

"Interesting. White, would mind turning the volume on your cross-transceiver all the way up?" she asked. I complied.

"Done and done, Professor Juniper," I reported back.

"Good. Now walk closer so they'll be able to hear me," the professor said. I tip-toed closer to my bawling friends.

Professor Juniper took a deep breath, and….

"CHEREN! BIANCA! TURN ON YOUR CROSS-TRANSCEIVERS THIS INSTANT, YOU CRYBABIES!"

Cheren and Bianca looked up into the (tiny) angry face of the Pokemon professor. They slowly took their cross-transceivers out and clicked them on. Professor Juniper's furious face appeared on them.

"Thank you," she said poisonously as I turned down my volume. "I am in front of AccumalaTown's PokemonCenter. I'd like to show you all around, so please hurry on over!"

Her face disappeared.

"Right! PokemonCenter!" Bianca said to herself.

"Well, I'm going on ahead," Cheren told me. "We all should hurry!"

As my two childhood friends walked away, I thought, I'm about to walk into a town that symbolizes me becoming a Trainer. I am about to start an adventure!

I felt Samuel's Pokeball press into my side, and I smiled.

I've already started my adventure. I am a Pokemon Trainer, and I will become champion of Unova!

Well, that took forever. But it didn't turn out half-bad, did it? Now review, before I collapse from exhaution!

I shall try to update regularly, but this chapter alone has over 7,000 words. It might take awhile.

As inspiration strikes.~spottedmask77