I stared at the three red and white balls that seemed to be glaring at me, seeing into my soul and exploiting all my weaknesses… for instances, my lack of skill when it comes to making a decision. In those poke balls lived three different Pokémon… all of which could possibly end up being mine. Their lives were literally in my hands.

"C'mon Serena," Tierno, a large boy with a carrot top head and squinty eyes said, "It's not life and death or anything… I'm sure they're all beautiful when they battle… all Pokémon are, after all. It's like they're dancing! That's why they're amazing!"

"Tierno." Trevor, a small boy with ginger hair said in a warning tone.

Now I felt pressured… I was holding everyone up. I squirmed, feeling uncomfortable being surrounded by four people whom I had just met. I ran my hand over the three Pokémon, hoping it might tell me something. Of course, it didn't. Chespin, a grass Pokémon; Froakie, a water Pokémon; Fennekin, a fire Pokémon. All seemed captivating in their own, unique ways.

"Don't rush her," Calem said unexpectantly, "It is a big deal. Pokémon deserve a trainer who understands them and their individuality. Serena is holding three lives in her hands, one of which is about to be changed forever. This choice will change her life forever."

Tierno looked down at his feet. I stared at Calem in shock for a moment. He literally had just voiced what I had been thinking. I went back to looking at the poke balls. As I stared at them, one seemed to move slightly. I payed more attention to that one, curious. Froakie. Something in my mind clicked and I closed my hand around Froakie's poke ball and handed the other two on.

Calem looked at me with a weird expression, and something gleamed in his eyes. Oh no, I thought, He didn't want Froakie, did he? "Thank goodness!" Shauna exclaimed, "I was hoping you wouldn't choose Fennekin! It's just so adorable…"

"Chespin it is for me, then." Calem said. Guilt gnawed at me.

"Oh, and Serena?" Trevor said nervously, "You should take this as well. It's a pokedex, so you can record all the Pokémon you meet along the way." He handed over a small, rectangular device with a screen.

"Thanks." I said, not sure what to do with it.

"Well, we should get going now!" Shauna declared cheerily, "Our adventures await!"

I looked nervously at the poke ball in my hand. Would Froakie even like me? What if he just decided to run away because I was such an awful trainer?

"Serena?" A voice cut through my thoughts. "Earth to Serena!"

I looked up at Shauna, who was wiggling a piece of paper in front of my face, trying to get my attention. "Sorry." I murmured.

"Here!" She shoved the piece of paper at me, "Get your mum to read this, and then meet us at route 2! Be seeing you!" The four of them all left, leaving me staring at the piece of paper. After a moment, I started walking back towards my house, mulling over everything that just happened.

"Oh, Serena!" Came Shauna's voice again. What does it take to lose this girl? "I almost forgot! Let's battle! You and me!"

"Oh…" I looked down at Froakie's poke ball. Would it even listen to me?

Before I could object, Shauna released her Fennekin and an orange blur of fur leaped through the air and landed on the pavement. The poke ball in my hand shook and it was as though I could sense the Froakie's anticipation for battle. It was a little creepy. Hesitantly, I launched Froakie onto the battle ground.

He was a little blue frog, his neck shrouded in white foam, making it look like he was wearing a scarf. He croaked and looked at me with his big, wide green eyes. For a moment, I could have sworn I saw him actually smile at me, before he turned his attention to the Fennekin in front of him.

Shauna jumped on the spot and clapped her hands. "Yay! Let's get this started! Fennekin! Used tackle!"

The little fox-like Pokémon charged towards Froakie, and for a moment, my mind blanked. My memories wandered and I saw a middle-aged man, instructing his Haxorous. It was battling a weaker Pokémon and the man knew he was going to win. He turned and smiled at me, before turning his attention back to the battle. I remember watching that man in admiration, wanting to be just like him and attempting to memorise exactly how he battled with his Pokémon.

I snapped back to the present battle, using those memories as guidelines. "Froakie! Dodge and use water gun from behind!" My Pokémon obeyed and hit the shocked Fennekin square on its back. The Fennekin slumped forward and quickly scrambled to its feet again.

"Tackle again!" Shauna ordered.

"Dodge!" I said calmly, finding a rhythm to the battle. It was relaxing. "Now, come back with pound and finish them with water gun."

Shauna's Fennekin lost its balance and slumped on the ground. It didn't get back up. "No!" Shauna cried, "I wasn't done watching my cute lil' Fennekin yet!" She returned her Pokémon to her ball and smiled at me. I decided to leave Froakie out for a little bit. "You're really good, Seri!"

"Thanks… Seri?" I asked, confused.

"Oh," Shauna explained, "That's what I've decided to nickname you! Don't-cha just love it?"

"Umm…"

"Well, I'll be off!" And Shauna ran backwards for a bit, waving and smiling at me, before she turned back around and headed towards Aquacorde Town, and I headed back towards Vaniville Town. Froakie bounced beside me, looking up at me.

"You and me now, buddy," I said to the little frog Pokémon, "What do you think about that?"

The frog croaked cheerfully at me and did its weird smiley thing again. It was like he could actually understand me or something. I smiled to myself as I feel happiness and relief flood through me. A Pokémon actually likes me. Maybe this adventure would be fun.