In the early hours of the morning the regular busy streets of viridian were at peace. On the outskirts of the city their was life. In the backyard there was sudden bursts of bullet like flames blazing into the sky.

Alex - that's it. One more time

A 13 year old boy was training his pokemon in his back yard. Looking determined. In front of him was a young charmander named Zinc.

Alex - good work Zinc. Have a little rest before we battle.

Zinc nodded happily and breathed heavily.

Alex - I think today will be the day Zinc

Zinc - char

Zinc agreed as he bit down into an apple. Alex walked over to Zinc and looked down into his silver eyes.

Alex - how come your always happy?

Zinc looked confused for a moment then carried on eating his apple.

Alex's dad walked out from the back door pokeball in hand looking serious.

Dad- you ready?

Alex turned quickly. Zinc threw the apple over his shoulder and ran in front of Alex.

Alex - today will be the day when we win dad.

Dad - I'd like to see that

He threw his pokeball. After a flash a raticate glared at Zinc. Its huge teeth gleaming at him. Zinc stared back with attitude.

Dad - lets begin

Alex - ok Zinc ember

Flamed bullets shot out at raticate.

Dad - dodge and use quick attack

Raticate swifted to the side the ember missing. Suddenly raticate became a blur and struck Zinc head on. Zinc flew to the ground.

Alex - dragon rage go!

Zinc flipped him self up and with a little roar and burst of blue flames shot from his mouth hitting raticate.

Dad - wow, when did you learn that?

Alex - we've been training lots.

Dad - your not the only one with new moves. Lets show him raticate. Use screech

Raticate let out a harsh sound. Zinc and Alex covered their ears with pain.

Dad - now shadow ball

A black ball formed in raticates mouth before firing it at Zinc.

Alex - quick break it down with ember

Zinc's ember collided with the shadow ball. The ember burnt away at the shadow ball making it smaller but still it hit Zinc.

Dad - charge in with quick attack

Alex - Zinc watch out

Alex shouted to late. Raticate smashed into Zinc sending him air bourn.

Alex - Zinc counter with ember

Zinc still in the air shock of the attack and fired a round of ember at raticate then landing smoothly.

Alex - good job Zinc. Lets attack with a metal claw

Dad - metal claw?

Alex's dad was I shock as he watched Zinc slash down at raticate striking it critically with its claws shinning.

Dad - you have learnt more then I thought Alex. I'm impressed.

Alex - then watch this. Iron tail go

Zinc's tail glowed he swished is body but before his tail hit raticate the light went out not sending any damage to raticate.

Everyone came silent…

Alex - were still working on that one…

Dad - just a bit… raticate use hyper fang

Alex - dodge it Zinc

Raticate lunged at Zinc. Clamping his jaws shut only skimming Zinc as he dived backwards.

Alex - dragon rage

Dad - shadow ball

Both pokemon attacked with their all. The two attack collided causing a small explosion. Alex flew backwards with the impact.

Alex - Zinc?

Alex got up looking into the dust cloud. As it cleared the pokemon came visible. Zinc was laying down as raticate only just stood. Wobbling from side to side.

Alex - Zinc. Are you ok

Alex ran over and picked up Zinc.

Zinc - char

He said with a smile

Alex - you did great Zinc

Dad - he sure did

Alex's dad walked over. Patted raticate on the head softly and sent him back to the pokeball.

Dad - you have improved since our last match

Alex looked upset

Alex - we have but were still not good enough to beat you. That mean's I'll never be able to become a trainer.

Dad - you might not of won Alex, but you showed great skill in that battle. I think your ready to start your journey.

Alex beamed at his father with a sudden smile

Alex - really?

His dad nodded back

Alex - did you hear that Zinc. Me and you can start your journey.

Alex looked down. Zinc gave a weak smile as he laid in Alex's arms.

Alex - once you get some rest we'll head out.

A few hours later Zinc was back to normal. He was running around the tree in the back yard whilst Zinc packed up a few final things.

Alex - I think I'm all set dad.

Alex was now dressed in his travelling cloths. He was wearing a grey shirt with the sleeves rolled up. A pair of black jeans with black boots. His dark brown hair was now tidier then before but still looked scruffy.

Dad - I got something for you

He went into his pocket and pulled out two black bandanas.

Dad - ones for you and ones for Zinc

Alex - their awesome. Thanks dad.

Alex ran out side excitedly showing Zinc his bandana. Alex tied it around Zinc's neck and then his around his neck. Zinc

Looked happy with his new present.

Alex and Zinc walked back into the house and towards the front door.

Alex - I think we'll head out now.

Dad - not so quick

Alex - what's up?

Dad - you don't think I'll let you go on your own do you?

Alex - ermmmm yes?

Dad - you remember peter right? My friend from pallet? Well his son peter has started his journey today too and I gave him a call saying you to should head out together.

Alex - you don't mean PJ do you?

Dad - yeah. He's a good kid.

Alex - he's annoying

Dad - he's nice

Just then came a knocking at the door.

Dad - this will be him now

Alex groaned as his dad answered the door

Dad - hey peter

PJ - hey mister White

PJ walked in. he was tall and very skinny. He had a confusing look on his face as always. Brown hair with a bowl hair cut and small eyes and big teeth. He was wearing a big coat that reached his ankles.

PJ - hello Alex

Alex - hi PJ

Alex said rudely. His dad gave him a look

PJ - I got my first pokemon today

Alex - yeah I know…

PJ - would you like to see her

Alex became much more excited

PJ released a pachirisu. She zipped her head around the room quickly

Alex - wow what is that?

PJ - she's a pachirisu but I just call her Patch for short.

Alex - cool

Seeing Patch, Zinc ran over happily to say hello.

Alex - say hello to Patch, Zinc

PJ became panicked

PJ - no, don't…

Before he could finishing warning Zinc, Patch sent a thundershock at him.

Alex - hey!

PJ - I'm so sorry

Patch climbed up PJ's coat and sat on his shoulder looking around as she hadn't done anything wrong.

Alex - you ok Zinc

Zinc - char, char

He said happily.

Dad - well then. You boy's should be getting off, it'll be midday soon.

Alex - your right dad. Come on Zinc

Alex picked up his back pack of the table and headed for the door.

PJ - nice to see you mister White

Dad - have fun

PJ followed Alex out the door to start their journey