'You've got Mail.'

Ash sat up, rubbing blearily at his eyes as the sunlight came through his bedroom window, rolling onto his back and staring at the ceiling.

'You've got Mail.'

Come on. It's too early for this...

With a groan, he rolled out of bed and staggering towards his computer, slumping into the chair and opening up his e-mail browser.

Good morning, Ash. I've just received your Trainer License from the Pokemon League. Stop by my Lab when you get this message. Professor Oak.

Ash sat staring at the message for a second before springing to his feet to get dressed...

Umbreon

Moonlight Pokemon

Dark-Type

3'0"

27.0 KG

On the night of the full moon, or when excited, the rings on it's body glow yellow. Evolves from Eevee.

Gary's phone rang and he picked it up without even take his eyes off the computer screen, flipping it open and pressing it to his ear.

'Yeah?'

'Good morning, Gary. You're up early.'

'Morning, Grandpa. Yeah, I was looking over that data you sent me. What's up?'

'I've just received your Trainer License from the Pokemon League and...'

'I'll be right there.' Gary said, standing up and heading for the door, leaving the computer monitor running...

'Morning, Mum.' Ash called as he thundered down the stairs, grabbing a slice of toast from the table as he headed towards the door.

'Morning.' She said, looking up from her newspaper. 'Don't you want some breakfast...?'

'Sorry, Mum.' Ash said, taking a bite of the slice of toast'Professor Oak's got my Trainer License. I've gotta run.'

'Ash...' She began, but he was already out of the door.

Ash raced up the road to Professor Oak's Lab, pressing the buzzer outside the front door.

'Hello?'

'Morning, Professor. I'm here.'

'Ah, Ash. Good morning. Come in.' The door clicked open and Ash stepped inside, heading for the Professor's Lab.

'Well, well. About time you got here.' A voice said and Ash swung around, his fists clenched at his sides. 'Gary.'

'I can't believe you even bothered to apply for your License.' Gary said, pushing him off the wall and strolling towards him with his hands in his pockets. 'You really think you've got what it takes to be a Pokemon Trainer?'

'Hey...' Ash began, just as the door at the end of the Lab opened and Professor Oak entered, carrying a tray with three Pokeballs on it.

'Excellent. 'You're here.' He said, placing the tray down on his bench and pulling two cards from his pocket. 'These are your Trainer 're required to carry these with you at all times.' Oak said, handing them out and picking up the tray. 'These Licenses allow you to catch and train Pokemon. Now, as you can see, there are three Pokemon here. Charmander, the Fire Pokemon. Squirtle, the Water Pokemon. And Bulbasaur, the Plant Pokemon. Now, you may each choose the one that you like.'

'Well, I don't want to be greedy.' Gary said, with a wink. 'Ash, you can choose first.'

'Now, think carefully before you choose...' Professor Oak began.

'No need. I already decided.' Ash said. 'Red's always been my favourite colour, so I choose Charmander.' 'Yeah. A Fire-type's perfect for a hothead like you.' Gary said, with a smirk. 'I'll choose Squirtle.'

'Oh yeah? I'll show you who's a hothead!' Ash said, but Gary shook his head.

'You already have. Besides, I don't want my first battle to be against a beginner like you.'

'You're a beginner, too.'

'Maybe. But I've got more ambition than you. One day, I'm going to be the best Pokemon Trainer in the world.' 'Hey...'

'You are both at the beginning of an incredible journey.' Professor Oak said, stepping between them. 'And I have something else for you is the Pokedex, an electronic encyclopaedia that automatically records data on any Pokemon that you capture. For years, it has been my dream to make a detailed record of all the Pokemon in the world. However, I'm getting too old to travel around as I used to. But, with your help, my dream can still come true. Can I count on you?'

'Yeah.'

'You bet, Gramps.' 'Thank you. I know that you'll make me proud.'

'Don't worry, Grandpa.' Gary said, pocketing his Pokedex and heading towards the door. 'You can leave it to me.'

'Thanks for everything, Professor.' Ash said, accepting his own Pokedex. 'I won't let you down.'

'I know you won't.' Oak said. 'Before you go, I have something else for you.' He opened his desk drawer and took out a small box. Inside was a silver medallion in the shape of Pokeball.

'Your Father always wore this whenever he was on his training journeys. And, he wanted you to have it.' Wordlessly, Ash picked it up and Oak clapped him on the shoulder.

'Now, off you go, my boy. And good luck.'