Chapter One: First Steps

Lyra could barely contain her excitement; today marked the beginning of her journey! She hadn't slept at all last night, her mind having kept her awake with dreams of Pokemon. She envisioned herself running through the grassy fields, climbing mountains and exploring dark caves, capturing Pokemon – water, fire, ghost… it didn't matter what the type was. All Pokemon had their strengths and weaknesses, and a good trainer could overcome anything.

"Sweetie, your breakfast is ready!" Her mum called from the floor below.

Lyra was already dressed. She was wearing the usual attire – baggy denim overalls over a pink short-sleeved shirt, topped with a cute white beret atop her head. Her light-brown hair was tied up in pigtails supported by pink hair ties. Knee-high white socks and closed black shoes finished her look. Appearance meant little to her – looks were not an indication of skills. With a burst of energy, she raced down the stairs. Their home was a small one, but she could never imagine living in a bigger household. Pink and red roses painted on a yellow background covered the walls, giving an earthly feel to the place. She moved to the kitchen and planted herself down in the chair across from her mother.

"Good morning!" she chirped.

Her mother, a young woman in late thirties with honey-brown hair and warm brown eyes, smiled down at her, drying her hands on her apron. "My little girl has all grown up! I can't believe you are setting off on your journey today…" There was a smile on her face, but Lyra noticed her eyes shimmering with tears and felt saddened. She'd be leaving for her journey today and Arceus knows when she would return.

"I'm going to perfectly fine, I'll have my Pokemon with me," Lyra answered, standing up from her chair. She walked to her mother and wrapped her arms around her waist. This would be her last night in the comfort of her home for a long time.

Her mother rubbed a hand through her daughter's hair, stroking it tenderly. "If only your father could see you now… he would be so proud of his little girl." She sniffed again, wiping a tear drop from her face using the back palm of her hand.

It had been five years since her father's passing. He had been attempting to climb Mt. Silver when a freak accident occurred, causing a tonne of rocks to come crashing down on his head. His Pokemon had tried to save his life, but they had perished under the weight of the rock. Lyra pulled back from her mother, trying hard not to let tears fall. She had to be strong. "Ethan is going to pick me up and take me over to the lab," she said.

"Do you know which Pokemon you are going to choose?"

Lyra nodded. "Totodile, for sure." Totodile, the water-type. Chikorita, the grass-type. Or Cyndaquil, the fire-type. All were powerful in their own right, but the element of water appealed to her senses the most. The water element reminded her of the waves crashing against the shoreline near her home. It was soothing to listen to and brought her great sense of peace just be watching the waves. Besides, Totodile was cutest of the three available starters.

"I can't wait to see your companion!" Her mother gushed.

Their tender mother-and-daughter moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. "That must be Ethan," Lyra said. She darted her eyes around the room searching for her belongings, only then realizing that in her excitement, she had forgotten to pack last night. Fortunately, her mother came to her rescue.

"I've already prepared for your journey, sweetie. I'll be waiting for you here! You should probably go now. You don't want to keep the professor waiting!" She bent down and gave her daughter another hug, then ushered Lyra out of the house.

Her childhood friend, Ethan, also a fellow Pokemon trainer, waited outside. He greeted her warmly, tipping his black and yellow cap downwards, strands of black hair peeking out from beneath. Despite the heat, he was wearing a red sweat shirt, and brown pants. A small, round blue Pokemon with a white belly was standing beside him. It was a Marill, and he had received the Pokemon from his father a year ago as a gift for graduating from trainer's school with top marks. "Morning, Lyra."

"Morning, Ethan!"

Ethan smiled at her warmly. "I'm sure you're excited about starting your journey, so let's not waste time. The professor's waiting, come on!"

New Bark Town was a small place, and as its name suggested, was built near a forest. The homes lacked heating equipment and therefore had to use firewood to keep their houses warm during the winter months. Basic supplies such as food and water could be purchased from Cherrygrove City which was located about a kilometre away to the east. A part of her felt sad to be leaving, but to spend another year here in this tiny town with little to do but dream wasn't all that appealing.

There were only two other houses in the town. Ethan lived in a two-storey house with a yellow roof, and the other house was occupied by their friendly neighbour, Belinda. Her son, Joey, had recently left on his journey and Lyra knew it wouldn't be long before she encountered him, although she hoped not to since they hadn't parted on good terms. Up ahead, she spotted the lab. It was easily identifiable since it was the only building with a picket fence around it, designed to keep wild Pokemon from entering.

Lyra had been there several times before to learn about Pokemon in the foyer, but this would be her first time stepping into the lab part itself. She was giddy with excitement. It was hard not to race ahead. Ethan led the way inside the building and she was immediately greeted by cool air. She spotted the professor standing beside a round desk with a glass dome. A smile broke out on his face the moment his eyes locked with hers.

"Lyra, it's a pleasure to be the one to give you your first Pokemon!" He stuck out his hand and Lyra accepted it. "Which one would you like to choose? The male Totodile, the female Cyndaquil or the male Chikorita? Take your time – this is an important decision," he explained, gesturing to the dome.

Lyra's response was immediate. "Totodile!" she blurted, causing a soft laugh to leave the man's mouth.

"It seems you have given this a lot of thought already." He pushed a red button, which brought the glass dome down temporarily. He picked up the ball containing the Totodile and gave it to Lyra. "Say hello to your new friend, Lyra. I'm sure he will serve you well in the journey to come."

As soon as her hands made contact with the item, the pokeball glowed. Shocked, she dropped it. The pokeball opened, a column of white light burst from the ball, temporarily blinding all present. When the light faded, her newly acquired Totodile stood before her, giving her a happy grin. "I'm so sorry," Lyra blurted, falling to her knees. She embraced her new friend. "I hope I didn't hurt you."

If the Totodile had suffered any form of pain, he did a good job of not showing it. Totodile's scales were cool to her touch, but surprisingly smooth. His teeth were still quite small, yet they were fully capable of inflicting serious harm if someone accidentally put their fingers too close. "Are you going to give your friend a nickname?" Professor Elm asked.

"I shall call him Toto." Not the most original name around, but it would do. Toto wagged his tail and grinned, showing his satisfaction for the name. "He likes it."

While Lyra stroked Toto on his head, the professor explained all she needed to know about being a trainer. "I'm sure you already know about the basics of being a trainer, but I thought I should provide you a summary of notes just so you are aware of what awaits you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a vertical rectangular blue object and handed it to Lyra. "That is a Pokedex. It is used to recording data on any Pokemon you come across. It can also store information about your Pokemon. To access its full features, you'll need to insert your ID card to register the device."

Lyra took the object and cradled it, ensuring not to drop it this time like she had with the pokeball. "Sounds simple enough."

"The full list of a Pokemon's moves can be viewed on your device. When you are ready to update your Pokemon's moves, you can simply press your pokeball against your Pokedex and two screens will appear. The current moves your Pokemon knows will be shown on the left, while the moves your Pokemon can learn that are available to be purchased for a fee, are shown on the right. To purchase a move, you'll have to scan your trainer ID card," he explained. "Although, some moves are free if your Pokemon can learn that move naturally. You can also visit a nurse at the Pokemon Centre to update your moves with the machines there."

.

How Pokemon learned moves was a real mystery to her. It was something scientists were still looking into, but not a lot of progress had been made. Evolution was also another mystery that boggled even the greatest of minds. Lyra cared little for science – she was more concerned with raising Pokemon than worrying about their biology. "What else should I know?"

Professor Elm looked skywards, stroking his chin thoughtfully then looked back down again. "Pokemon grow stronger with each battle. The more battles you fight and win, the stronger your Pokemon will become. You want a strong team to contest the Indigo League so I suggest fighting every trainer that steps on your path."

Lyra lifted a brow. She had heard of the Indigo League before, but never investigated it further. She didn't know the names of the trainers, she didn't know who the Champion was and she never cared to either. Her neighbours had discussed it before and they had mentioned Indigo League was home to the most arrogant of trainers in the region. They didn't sound like people she wanted to meet. "I don't know if I want to take on the league challenge."

The professor frowned. "Don't be silly, Lyra. Of course you want to take on the league challenge. I know it sounds intimidating, but I know you can do it with Toto at your side." He grinned down at Lyra's companion. "Your first stop should be at Cherrygrove City. I want you to drop by Mr. Pokemon's house to pick up something for me," he said. He grabbed a piece of paper, then scribbled something down on and handed it to Lyra. "This is my number. Don't worry about giving me yours – your mother already gave it to me."

Ethan smiled. "Before you leave, you should say goodbye to your mum. See you soon, Lyra!" Her friend said his goodbyes and Lyra nodded. She left the building with Toto following close behind. As her mother had promised, she was waiting for Lyra at the entrance of their house. She was there now holding a small pink shoulder bag.

"I've packed the standard items a Pokemon trainer needs for their journey," her mother explained, handing the bag to her daughter. The standard items were the trainer's guidebook, her phone, her bank card, a bottle of water and a protective case for a Pokedex. There was also a cream-coloured pokebelt used for keeping her pokeballs secured safely around her waist.

Lyra took it and slung it over her shoulder. "Anything else I need to know?"

"Would you like me to look after your money?"

She nodded. "You know you don't have to ask. Of course you can." She remembered Ethan telling her about the money system in the Pokemon world. When a trainer lost a battle, they were expected to give ten percent of their current earnings to the victor. It was wise to keep half her earnings with her mother for worst case scenarios. If she lost a battle she'd have to hand over ten percent of her current earnings to the victor. Carrying around stash loads of cash wasn't a smart idea. What if the bag got stolen? Or worse, what if she lost all her money against difficult trainers?

Her mother leaned over and kissed her daughter on the forehead then pulled back, smiling proudly. "Go and get them, sweetie!" She took a step back and waved.

.

Lyra headed back to the lab where she found a strange boy with shoulder-length deep red hair, looking into the window, muttering. She had never seen him before and wondered what he was doing here. She thought about approaching him, but decided against it. Besides, she had other things to do than make friends with this stranger. Pushing thoughts of the stranger aside, Lyra continued on her way to Route 29. Ethan was already waiting for her.

"I'm going to show you how to catch some Pokemon," he said, walking towards a grassy patch. "You basically just wonder around until a Pokemon jumps out. A battle will commence and it's your job to weaken the wild Pokemon until it can barely move. That's when you throw the ball. To improve your chances of catching the wild Pokemon, make sure you inflict it with some status condition. Ooh, there's a Pokemon!"

Lyra stood on the edge of the grass patch, and watched as a Pidgey lunged at Ethan's Marill. Marill used a bubble attack and the Pidgey countered with a tackle, but it did little damage. Marill attacked again, causing the Pidgey to fall over. The Pidgey was still conscious, but very weak. The perfect moment to throw a pokeball. Ethan hurled a ball at the Pidgey. A beam of red light hit the Pidgey turning into nothing but air, as Ethan explained. The light returned and the ball rocked back and forth until it stopped moving. Pidgey had been captured.

"Oh, that's how it works."

"The stronger the Pokemon is, the more resistant it is to being caught. You'll need better pokeballs to improve your catch rate," Ethan added, picking up the pokeball. The one he was holding was the standard red and white pokeball. "I wish I could accompany you on your journey, but you and I walk different paths."

Lyra nodded. Ethan was more interested in completing the Pokedex, rather than becoming the next champion. The world of Pokemon opened many doors for trainers. Some opted to become scientists and researchers, others wanted to teach young people about the world of Pokemon. Some made it their life's mission to breed and raise Pokemon while others specialised in nursing the injured back to good health. It didn't matter what decision a trainer made – not one career choice was better than the other.

Lyra, on the other hand, just wanted to see how far she could go, but the professor believed she could become the Champion. She wasn't convinced, but if the professor thought she had a chance then she might as well try. "I guess this is goodbye… for now," she said, giving her friend a brief hug. She pulled back and looked past the grassy patch. Cherrygrove City was only a short walk away. Grinning, she took her first step into the patch of grass. She was now one step closer to fulfilling her dreams.

.

The path to Cherrygrove was a safe one. There were a couple of wild Pokemon to contend with, but they seemed weaker than Toto. Despite having only received her Pokemon, Toto already seemed eager to battle. Sometimes her companion would run into the grass to fight and Lyra had to run after him and pick him up. Fighting wild Pokemon to become stronger wasn't a bad idea, but not every battle had to be fought otherwise she'd never reach the league.

She was still heading towards Cherrygrove City, making her way through grassy patches, when she received a phone call. Answering the phone, she was surprised to hear the professor's anxious voice on the other end. "Please come back, Lyra! Something terrible has happened!" He hung up on the phone and Lyra felt her heart race.

What had happened? She hurried back towards home as fast as her legs could carry her. The professor had sounded awfully stressed and Lyra hoped he had not been hurt. She had almost reached town when her eyes rested on the red-headed male she had seen earlier looking in through the window. He moved to block her path, lips twisted into a maniacal sneer, dark eyes burning with hate. Lyra stepped back, unsure.

He took a couple of steps towards her and lifted his arm, pointing a finger in her direction. "I just stole this Pokemon and you're going to be my first victim! You should be honoured." He hurled his pokeball out onto the ground. A Chikorita emerged from the light. So, the male had conveniently stolen a Pokemon that had a type-advantage against hers. That explained why he had been looking through the window earlier. "Take this weakling down, Chikorita!"

Toto jumped in front of Lyra, eager to defend his master. Lyra glanced down, met Toto's eyes and nodded. She looked back at the red-headed male. "Stealing Pokemon is wrong. Toto, use Scratch!" She had always assumed her first battle would be against Joey, not a bullying thief. Totodile lunged at the opponent and scratched at its face. Chikorita cried with pain.

The red-headed male hissed. "I chose you because I thought you were powerful!" he whined. "Get up you useless Pokemon!" he screamed, pointing an accusing finger at his wounded Chikorita.

"Why are you so cruel to your Pokemon?" Lyra replied.

His eyes met hers. "Why are you so nice to yours? Pokemon are tools, not friends! Chikorita, use Tackle!" Chikorita lunged forward, smashing his sturdy body into Toto's own. Toto stumbled backwards, but fortunately regained his composure quickly. "You're doing rather well for someone weak."

Lyra flinched. "Toto, use Scratch again!" Lyra ordered. Scratch was the only move Toto knew at the moment, but Lyra knew in a few levels time, Toto was able to learn a water attack. Lunging forward, Toto swiped a claw, slashing the Chikorita in the face. A whine escaped the Pokemon's throat. He attempted to fight back, but the short battle had drained him of energy. He flopped to the ground.

The red-headed male swore, giving his Pokemon a hard kick in the sides. "Hmph. I let you win that round. I was testing you. Next time, the real battle begins and I will crush you. I'll crush everyone who gets in my way." He retrieved his weakened Chikorita and ran away.

.

During his escape, the boy had dropped his trainer card. Lyra went over to pick it up and found the name, 'Silver' at the top. She pulled her eyes away, looking in the direction the boy had taken. "I will never lose to someone like you." Pocketing the card, she turned around and headed back towards her hometown, noticing the window to the lab had been smashed to pieces. The professor was standing nearby, a little shaken, but appeared to be unharmed. "What's the problem, professor?" Lyra asked, jogging over to the lab. She spotted a policeman standing next to the professor.

The officer turned to face Lyra, looking at her with suspicion. "It's said the criminal will always return to the crime spot… did you steal the Chikorita?" His eyes fell on Lyra's Totodile.

"What? No way. Professor Elm gave it to me this morning," she defended.

The professor nodded. "It's true. The Totodile was my gift to her."

The policeman relaxed. "I'm sorry I accused you, it's just there have been many strange happenings occurring recently. The police in Hoenn are still recovering from the effects of Team Magma and Team Aqua's plans and I hear that in Sinnoh they're having trouble with spacemen. We have to be careful. Do you know who might have done this?"

Her thoughts moved to the red-headed male she had just defeated in battle. "There was this guy with long red hair looking through the window earlier... I fought him recently actually. His name is Silver."

The professor shook his head. "The poor Chikorita…" He turned to face Lyra. "Never mistreat your Pokemon, Lyra."

"Of course, professor." The professor gave his statement to the policeman and Lyra followed him inside to provide more details about the thief. After an in depth discussion, the policeman left, promising to bring the boy to justice.

Lyra breathed a sigh of relief. What a day it had been. Totodile had been at her side for less than two hours and already she had defeated her first trainer. Unfortunately, the kid hadn't given her any money so she was still broke. Would she cross paths with trainers like Silver? She hoped not. The types of trainers she could possibly face weren't her only worry though – she had to start thinking about what Pokemon to use on her journey to contest the league. She healed Totodile using Elm's computer, then headed back outside to continue her journey.