Chapter 2 – The Neighbours

"Ci-caw! Ci-caw!" Red was rudely interrupted by the loud cries of a Pidgey that had landed on his windowsill.

"Shoo! Go away!" He sat up, annoyed for a moment. Slowly, it dawned on him what day it was.

"Today's the day!" Red shouted excitedly.

After Red changed into his red jacket and baggy blue jeans, he grabbed his trusty red cap and rushed downstairs, almost falling down in the process. He saw that his mom was up already.

"Wait, Red, I left something in the PC for you! I went all the way to Pewter to get it, and that was hard work! Don't forget to take it!"

Hearing this, Red dashed back up the stairs and checked his PC for the item. It was a potion.

Red retrieved the shiny, brand new spray botle from the PC and said a word of thanks to his mother.

"Right. You're ready now! All boys leave home someday. It said so on TV, remember? Professor Oak, next door, is looking for you." Red's mother said.

"Okay Mom," Red replied while nodding his head. After a quick bowl of cereal in silence, Red prepared to leave.

"Be careful!" Red's mother called out.

"I will!" Red dashed out of his house, full of anticipation.

Unbeknownst to him, his mother had a glistening tear in her eye. She opened the cupboard that she had told Red never to touch and peered inside, taking out an old photo frame.

In the photo, a handsome man was standing proud and tall beside her. She was carrying tiny Red in her arms, who was just a baby.

"Look, honey! Our boy… He's grown so big… He's setting out on his own Pokémon journey, just like you!"

Red's mother wiped the tear off her face and wistfully repeated in her heart, "Just like you…"

Stepping out of the door, Red breathed deeply. Then, he strode purposefully towards Blue's house, just next door.

Blue was a boy the same age as Red. He lived with his grandfather, Professor Oak, and his older sister, Daisy. Red and Blue used to be best buddies, but as they got older they drifted further apart. Recently, Blue had even begun to view Red as a rival, apparently because they were the same age and height.

"Who's that?" Instead of Blue's voice, a familiar, gentler voice rang out. It was Daisy.

"It's Red here!" Red cheerfully replied.

"Oh, it's you! Hi Red! Do come in for tea!" With a click, Daisy opened the door. Daisy was much less of a bully than her younger brother. Red had noticed on several occasions that Daisy could make friends with Pokémon easily.

Red sat down. Looking around, he asked, "Wait, where's Blue? Why isn't he eating breakfast?"

While skilfully pouring tea from a teacup, Daisy, with a hint of approval, answered, "Blue is out at Grandpa's lab. He woke up extra early to receive his Pokémon today. I've never seen him so determined..."

"Oh. He's there early... He probably got his Pokémon already... Hmm…" Red was deep in thought.

Suddenly, Red exclaimed, "Sorry Daisy! I need to go! I'm very late!" Red hastily gulped down his scalding tea, which stung his throat. He took deep breaths, composed himself and shot out of The house like a bullet.

Red rushed to Professor Oak's lab. He burst through its doors. However, to his disappointment, Professor Oak was not in his lab. The only people in the lab were his three astute laboratory assistants. In the distance, standing rather impatiently, was Blue.

"Yo! Red! You're finally here!" Blue drawled.

"Blue..." Red said through gritted teeth.

"I always knew you were a bit slow, Red, but why are you so late?" Blue teased, chuckling. "Anyhow, Gramps isn't around! I don't know where he is!"

Disappointed, Red turned and walked out of the lab. "Where could Professor Oak be?" Red thought, scratching his head. Red gazed at the entrance of Route 1. He could just make out the tall grass.

Red decided that he would set out without Professor Oak anyway. He was sure that there wouldn't be any Pokémon that were too strong to pose a danger to him.

Feeling confident, Red strode to the edge of the tall grass. His legs became jelly as he realised that he was truly starting on his journey. His very own Pokémon legend was about to unfold.

"Here goes nothing…"