After the ceremony, Alex and I left the school before the new trainers started battling in the grounds.

"See you soon near the Pokemon Center!" said Alex, leaving.

I headed home to say goodbye to my mom and dad.

"Take care, Gavie" said Mom, running her hands through my hair. "I want you to make it to the league this year, okay? I expect a lot from you. And don't forget to visit dad when you go to Slateport!"

"I won't, Mom."

"Okay. Here's $5000 to get you started. Do you have your Poke Balls and Pokedex?"

"Yes, Mom" I sighed.

"That reminds me, I haven't seen your Pokemon. Show me!"

I unhooked the only pokeball on my belt and sent out Mudkip. I hadn't even seen my Pokemon until now.

The white light subsided from the ball, revealing the blue mud fish. It had a puzzled look on its face, unaware of its new surroundings.

"Hello there, Mudkip" I said, bending down. "I'm your new trainer, Gavin."

"kip" it said, apprehensively.

"Don't worry, Gavin." said mom, detecting the worry on my face. " Blaziken was the same way when I got him. Course, he was a Torchic back then. You'll earn its trust."

"Thanks, Mom" I said. "Mudkip, return!" I shouted, as I recalled it into Pokeball.

We finally said our goodbyes, and I headed to the Pokemon Centre, stocking up on potions and a couple of revives on the way. I was down to $800 now.

"Sup." came his familiar voice. "Finally glad to be leaving Mauville, huh?"

"Yeah" I replied, If I could see myself, I'm sure I would have a delighted look on my face.

"Anyway, there's this important thing we have to do." He said, grinning. He unhooked his Pokeball from his belt.

"Of course." I replied, unhooking Mudkip as well. "One-on-one, no items." I declared.

"Go, Mudkip!" I shouted

"Go, Torchic!" he yelled as well.

The two starter Pokemon faced each other. Mudkip looked back at me, with the same apprehensive look on its face as before. Alex's Torchic, on the other hand looked directly at my Mudkip, eager to fight.

"

"Tackle!" I ordered

"Scratch!" he countered.

Both pokemon launched a flurry of the only damaging move they knew towards the other.

"Come on, Mudkip, just one more tackle!" I ordered. Mudkip had very little energy left, so did torchic. The Pokemon which could muster strength for one last attack would win.

Unfortunately, that Pokemon would be Torchic.

"Dammit!" I growled, as Mudkip lay on the Pokemon Centre floor, clearly fainted.

"Hey!" shrieked a female voice. We turned around to see one of the Joy sisters look at us furiously. "No battling in the Pokemon Centre!"

"Sorry!" both of us said in unision, before he continued "Can you please heal our Pokemon, Nurse Joy?"

"Okay" she replied, still not happy. But at least no damage was caused to any furniture or medical equipment.

After healing up, we then headed to route 111. Ready to go onwards to Lavaridge for our first gym badge.

And away from this city.

Note: Another short chapter. The next chapter will be longer than this, and hopefully more interesting.

Criticism appreciated as usual.