"And now for the final battle! The Champion, Gary vs. the challenger, Red, for the Pokémon league title!"
Vance Campbell watched as his hero, Red, battled the former champion Gary for the title in a clip from 20 years ago. Vance was probably Red's biggest fan. It helped that Red was the greatest known trainer in Kanto, if not on the entire planet, because of his skill and his kindness toward Pokémon and humans alike. He was the master of the art of Pokémon training and many who followed him have tried to imitate his success. Vance would become another one of these tomorrow, as he was going to get his first Pokémon from Professor Oak and his new assistant, Professor Willow, who would be taking over within the next 10 years.
Vance found sleep hard to catch that night as he was filled with excitement for his new Pokémon. He already knew which Pokémon he was going to choose, and he couldn't wait to go pick it out at Oak's lab. When he finally did fall asleep, he dreamed of battling Red's Charizard with a Gyarados. In a close match, Gyarados came out on top, although Charizard had put up a great fight against a water-type. Vance was in awe as he shook his idol's hand, but was disappointed when he realized it was only a dream.
Vance awoke at 7 a.m. to a horrendous alarm, but he welcomed it with open arms. In just an hour, he would be picking out a brand new Pokémon that would guide him to becoming the greatest Pokémon trainer ever. He combed his short brown hair until it was the way he wanted it, and made his way downstairs to a large breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast made by his mother.
"Eat up, Vance," she said, "you need your strength for today."
"Thanks mom, this smells great!" Vance took a plateful of food and devoured it happily. His mom was a great cook, which was necessary with a teenage boy in the house.
"Hey Vance!" Vance's dad came down shortly after, "you ready to start the big Journey?"
"Of course, dad! I've been anxious for weeks, watching Pokémon tapes and all kinds of crazy stuff."
"This is a big step, Vance, I hope you know what you're up against."
"I know, dad," Vance replied, "I've been preparing for it. I know I have what it takes."
Vance finished his delicious breakfast and went to his room to finish packing. "Tent? Check. Sleeping bag? Check. Town map? Check. Pokégear? Check. Extra clothes? Hey, where'd - "
Vance looked up confusedly from his backpack and saw his pajamas and extra clothes sitting on the bed.
"Ah, there we go. Extra clothes, check. Just gotta leave room for Pokéballs and my Pokédex."
Vance ventured downstairs with his backpack ready to go to Oak's lab. "I'm leaving guys."
"Vance, be careful out there," his mom said, giving him a kiss, "come home every once in a while."
"I will, mom."
"Be strong, Vance," his dad said, "believe in yourself and you will go far. I hope to see you in the Champion's circle!"
"Thanks, guys. I'll see you later, don't worry."
Vance hugged his parents, then walked down Route 1 to Pallet Town, where Oak's lab was. He was careful to stick to the path, as he might encounter a 1-on-0 Pokémon battle if he didn't. It was a very short route, taking less than five minutes to arrive at the lab. When Vance got to the door, he saw a sign that said "New trainers, come right in!" Trainers? I thought I was the only one coming at this time. He walked in to what looked like a regular house. A living room with a couch, TV, sofa, and fireplace was the first thing he saw. It was all very clean too. This doesn't look like a lab. Just then, silver-haired Professor Oak came in with his long lab coat.
"Ah, Vance," he said, shaking Vance's hand, "it's good to see you again. Are you ready to choose a Pokémon?"
"Of course! But first, a question. Are there others coming today?"
"Oh yes," he said, "more trainers will be coming later on. But they aren't coming until later on. For example, I have a young woman coming around 11 and young man at 2. Although, unlike you, they each already have a Pokémon. Perhaps you'll get to meet them at some point on your journey."
"That would be cool. I look forward to meeting and battling all kinds of trainers."
"You sound like you have the will to learn," Oak said, "that's a good thing for someone who wishes to become a good trainer. Now, shall we get started?"
Oak led Vance out of the living room and down what looked like stairs into a basement. When they got down there, Vance knew where he was immediately. Now this is more like it. The large desk, computer, lab desks, and giant screen gave away that this was where Oak did most of his work. He saw a fairly attractive woman standing near a circular machine that held three Pokéballs. There's what I've been waiting for all my life.
"Vance, this is my assistant, Professor Willow. She will be taking over the lab within the next five to ten years."
"Very nice to meet you, Vance," she said with a smile. She was very pretty, with long brown hair and beautiful green eyes.
"Same to you, Professor Willow. Have you enjoyed working with Professor Oak?"
"Absolutely," she said, "he's been wonderful, and I have learned a lot from him. He is just a book of Pokémon knowledge!"
"Why, thank you, Professor Willow. I know you will do a good job with this lab when I retire. Now, let's get this boy his Pokémon! I know he's been looking forward to it."
They walked over to the machine with the Pokéballs and stood around it. The balls were on pedestals that labeled each of the starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Vance's excitement peaked at this moment.
"So, Vance," Oak said, "have you made your decision yet?"
"I thought long and hard about this decision," he said, "and after careful consideration, I have decided to choose Charmander!"
He took Charmander's Pokéball from the pedestal and held it in his hand. My first Pokémon, I am going to become the best with you. I guarantee it.
"Let it out Vance," Willow said.
"Really? Ok, go Charmander!"
The ball opened and with a flash of light, Charmander appeared. It stood at about two feet tall. Vance first noticed the ever-famous flame burning bright on its tail. It exclaimed "Charmander!" with great excitement when it saw its brand new trainer. Vance was overjoyed at this.
"It seems to like you a lot," Oak said, " and now for your parting gifts. Here are five Pokéballs and your Pokédex, updated to record the latest data on all of the currently known Pokémon."
"Thanks a lot, Professor." Vance took the gifts and said his farewells to Oak and Willow. He looked at Charmander's Pokéball and smiled, ready for whatever challenges would lie ahead of him on his journey.
