Instantly, the woman's Pokémon reacted first by pounding on my back, dislodging the egg down my throat. I swallowed a mouthful of milk before I coughed, "Impossible. My mother died when I was born."

"Thank you, Mr. Mime," she said to the Pokémon. She knelt next to my chair, making our eyes level. "I'm sorry that so much of your life has been a lie. None of that should have happened."

"I want my dad," I whispered, incomprehensive. Obviously, a crazy lady kidnapped me. "I want to go home." She handed me two letters. One was open, yellow with age. The other, addressed to me. Both had Dad's handwriting. I opened my letter first.

Lydia,

I wish I could have told you this in person. However, I write to you in haste. Your mother never died. Every time I look at you, I see more of her each day. The photo by my bed of the girl in pink and blue is your mother when she was your age.

You also have a brother. He is a year older than you are. Recently, he went missing, and the organization that was after him is targeting you. Wherever you are, please, stay safe.

The government here is corrupt. People on the inside like me are trying to fix it. Do not return home. You will only find misery here compared to what you have there. Find Delia Ketchum.

I love you, my darling daughter,

Dad.

I flicked my eyes to the woman, but hers were downcast. I unfolded the older one.

Darling Delia,

I miss you dearly. Each day, I see more of your personality coming from Lydia. It is getting harder for me to keep your existence and Red's a secret. She would love you both, but she is so young. Maybe one day. She is about to start school. How did you keep from worrying on Red's first day?

How is he, in school, at home, anywhere? I wish I could meet him. I got that picture you sent me. Is that a Polywag he is playing with?

It may take me longer to reach you. I love you.

Love,

Ralph.

"But," I stuttered, "Why? I would've kept quiet."

"Or you would've been excited and told all of your friends at school. Too many questions would've been asked." She stood, taking my hand and leading me to the front door. She threw it open. Maddelina brushed against my leg. "To your country, this place is immoral, vulgar." I stepped into the sunlight. Children played with more Pokémon than the amount of people present. "A person can have more than one Pokémon as a friend for life. Here, Pokémon Trainers raise their Pokémon to challenge gyms, other trainers, and grow through battle."

"How can having Pokémon fight be a good thing?" I asked, appalled. My eyes gazed upon a purple-haired girl with a Pidgey and a brunet with a Rattata.

"Pidgey, use tackle!" the girl shouted.

"Dodge it, then use tail whip!" the boy commanded.

My mom - my MOM - must have noticed where I looked. She gestured to them. "When Pokémon battle, they grow stronger and gain more trust with their trainer. Not all Pokémon grow up with people. Pokémon learn new moves and evolve."

She handed me a pair of tennis shoes. They were slightly battered, but comfortable.

"Sorry for the hand-me-downs. The clothes I ordered for you should come in later today. Right now, Professor Oak is waiting for us," she told me. Maddie hopped into my hands. Mr. Mime closed the door behind us and Mom led me to the Professor's Lab.

Once inside, a loud crash hastened our steps. An old man and a blond collected books that fell to the floor. Mom and I helped replace them, she asking, "Are you alright, Professor?"

"I'm fine," the old man replied when all the books were back in place. "Hello, Delia. Eh, who's this?"

Mom sweatdropped while I groaned. "This is Lydia," she explained, "My daughter."

"She's a month early. No matter." The Professor gestured to the boy. "This is Kyle Tryst. He is beginning his journey today."

Kyle nodded, his bangs falling into his eyes. To no one in particular, he questioned, "Is Lydia starting her journey today too?"

I froze. Why would I leave? I just met my mom and there are people searching for me. Dad wants me to be safe. Before I could answer, my mom said, "Tomorrow morning, that's why we're here now."

The Professor nodded, ignoring my wide eyes. "Very well," he amended. "There are three Pokémon here. They are held inside these Poké balls." As he mentioned, three were on a table, side by side. "When I was young, I was a serious Pokémon Trainer. But now, in my old age, I have only these three left. Both of you can have one. Go on, choose!"

"Ladies first," Kyle said, smiling.

The first Pokémon was a Bulbasaur. In front of each Poké ball was a card. This one stated, Grass type. It's very easy to raise.

Squirtle was the next one. Water type. It's one worth raising.

The final one was Charmander. Fire type. You should raise it patiently.

Immediately, I vetoed Bulbasaur. It was cute, but I already have a grass type. Squirtle could protect my Oddish from a fire type. Charmander could hurt Maddie by accident with the open flame at the end of its tail. I made my decision, announcing, "Squirtle. I pick Squirtle."

It came out of its Poké ball, energetic.

"Do you want to give it a nickname?" asked Professor Oak.

"Sure." I thought for a moment, searching my mind for a name for him. "George."

Kyle read the two cards left, choosing the Bulbasaur. He thanked the Professor, and then turned to me. "Do you want to have a Pokémon battle, your Squirtle against my Bulbasaur?"

I nodded hesitantly to the sound of Professor Oak moaning, "Oh for Pete's sake... Lydia, you've never had a Pokémon battle before, have you?"

I shook my head.

"A Pokémon battle is when Trainers pit their Pokémon against each other. The Trainer that makes the other Trainer's Pokémon faint by lowering their Health Points, or HP, to '0,' wins. But rather than talking about it, you'll learn more from experience. Try battling and see for yourself."

I thought of the words those two kids were using earlier. Prior to my speaking, Kyle shouted, "Bulbasaur, tackle!"

I copied him. "George, tackle!" The Bulbasaur hit first, but George rebounded fast.

Professor Oak interjected, "Inflicting damage on the foe is the key to any battle."

"Bulbasaur, tackle!" The grass type rammed its head into the water type, George copying on the Bulbasaur. Kyle met my eyes. "Quit mimicking me."

"Make me," I taunted. The two Pokémon tackled each other twice more before the Bulbasaur fainted.

"Bulbasaur, return," Kyle called. "Nice skills." He gave me $80.

"Thanks," I replied, hugging George. "You did great."

"Hm!" the Professor exclaimed. "Excellent! If you win, you can earn prize money, and your Pokémon will grow! Battle other Trainers and make your Pokémon strong!"

We nodded, making a silent vow to battle the other again.

jakefan, thanks and, tada!

Pete the Rock, no, I am not including Digimon. I honestly had no clue about the Pokémon section of the Games category. Thank you for telling me that.

So, what does everyone think? See y'all later! -Z