"Now please give a big round of applause to Professor Birch." The MC stated, stepping down from the podium. The crowd erupted in simultaneous clapping right on cue. Professor Birch stepped to the podium very hesitantly. He looked to his left and noticed Professor Elm staring into the sea of new up and coming Pokémon trainers. He looked to his right and observed Professor Oak staring right back for reassurance. Professor Birch noticed that the crazy Professor Rowan was not in attendance. Professor Birch cleared his throat and started:

"We are all here today…umm… we are gathered here today because of this one dream. Wait, no…. you are all here for a specific reason. That reason is to become Pokémon masters. And I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors, thank you." The mic whined as Professor Birch stepped down from the podium into his seat next to Professor Oak.

Genis observed the socially awkward professor but really did not think much of it. Most of the assembly seemed like a blur, and at any rate he did not care much for it anyway; and in a blink Genis found himself standing in line waiting to receive his first Pokémon. There were three lines. Each professor had a line and were passing out Pokémon to their new trainers. Genis was in Professor Oak's line. The lines moved fast, but not quick enough. Genis found himself looking around and rating all the future trainers.

"I bet I'm better than most of the trainers here," Genis thought. He was probably right. His mom was the former Cerulean City gym leader. She taught him everything she knew.

"Name.." said Professor Oak eyeing Genis in a way that made Genis uncomfortable. Genis had heard stories of the old Pokémon guru from his mother. He noticed the grey hair that Misty described so well, and they owl eyes that seemed to never blink.

"Name, young man, what's your name?" Professor Oak said again a little more demanding.

"Oh, I'm sorry my name is Genis." Genis said not taking his eyes off of Oak' could see stories in the old man's eyes that seemed to interest Genis to no end. Genis wanted to know more about the old man's past.

"You gotta last name son?" Professor Oak asked

"Yeah, um... Ketchum," Genis said. Professor Oak blinked. He blinked again. Then he stared at Genis.

"Did you say Ketchum?"

"Yeah, Genis Ketchum," Professor Oak stared down at Genis, mouth open as if he was going to vomit. Genis braced himself but instead, Oak just smiled and said:

"Well I'll be. Who would've guessed? But there's one thing i gotta know son. Tell me, what's your mothers name?"

"I don't see what that has to do with anything," Genis snapped.

"Oh i guess your right," Oak said still smiling. " So what type of Pokémon do you think best suits your style?"

"Water." said Genis

"I thought so" Oak said reaching down for the blue colored Poke balls. After five seconds of rustling through the balls, his wrinkled fingers finally decided on one. "Here ya go son. Treat that Pokémon with love and care and it will do you great wonders." Genis took the Pokeball and preceded away from the creepy old professor. As he was walking away he could feel the professor's eyes burning down the back of his neck. Genis turned around and yelled

"My mom's name is Misty!"