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Chapter 2: A New Beginning

*Beep, beep, beep

[…]

*Slam

[…]

*Groans and moans and a lot of stretching

Michael's eyes finally snap open, wide-awake as he realizes that today's the day he will become a full-fledged Pokémon Trainer. Actually, that part wasn't all true; Michael wanted to become the best Pokémon Trainer and Co-Ordinator like his role model Wallace of Sootopolis City.

"Today I'm going to make my mark on the world," Michael said to himself happily. He quickly brushed his teeth, got dressed and went down for breakfast. He ate some eggs, toast and pancakes, all his favourites. He hugged his parents tightly and as they dropped him off at the gym he had to try and hold back his tears. Today was to be a day of celebration, not sadness.

"Thanks for everything you have done for me, I promise, I won't let you down," Michael whispered into his parent's ears.

"You never have and you never will, you'll do fine" his father responded.

"He's right, you were always the brightest in your class, and we'll have nothing to worry about. But just remember that no matter what happens, you can always come home, alright sweetie?" his mother sobbed.

Michael finally loosened his grip and his parent soon got the message and pulled off as well. He gave his parents a thumbs-up and said, "When I come back home, I'll be the Indigo League Champion and Top Co-Ordinator, that's a promise!" With that, he ran up the gym steps and quickly went to the training area.

"Oh, you're early." Erika said groggily as she poured herself a cup of fresh tea.

"Good morning Erika!" Michael exclaimed a little too loudly. "Sorry, I'm just really excited."

"That's no problem, that's exactly how I was when I got my first Pokémon. I'm sorry that I only have Grass-Type Pokémon here but-"

"That's no problem at all, I've already decided who I wanted to choose when I turned 10."

"Oh, I see, well I wish you the best of luck, Michael."

Erika pulled out 3 Pokéballs from the pockets within her Kimono and placed them on the table.

"From left to right, the Pokémon within these Pokéballs are: Oddish, Bellsprout and Sunkern. Choose one please."

Michael meekly outstretched his hand and grabbed the Pokéball in the middle but he was so nervous he dropped it on the floor. The Pokéball opened and let out a bright white flash!

"BELLSPROUT!"

"OH MY- I mean, it's nice to meet you Bellsprout, I will be your new trainer from now on. I hope we can be good friends." Michael stretches his hand out and Bellsprout smiles and shakes Michael's hand with one of its leaves. After which it returns to its Pokéball and goes to sleep.

"Well, I'll leave you in Bellsprout's capable hands then Nathan. The moves it knows are Vine Whip, Bullet Seed, Magical Leaf and Acid. I'm going to go feed the Pokémon now, I wish you the best of luck on your journey Michael!"

"Th-thank you, Erika!" Michael stammers. "Thank you for everything you have taught me and also for this new Pokémon." Michael does a formal bow and Erika comes around the table, gives him a kiss on his forehead and leaves, stumbling along the way. Michael blushed immediately and leaves in a panic.

Once he got out of the gym he thought, "Hey, why not bond with Bellsprout over our first steps together?"

"Let's go! Bellsprout!" Michael throws the Pokéball in the air and it flashes a brilliant white light and Bellsprout appears. "Hmm, according to my Pokégear's Pokédex, you're a female. Why not call you Bella for a nickname?"

Bellsprout nods happily and they set off on their journey, who knows what they will encounter on their journey, stayed tuned!