Author's Note: And so it begins! The journey you have all been waiting for is finally here! Took long enough, right?

Shout-Outs: Thank you gallantmon7196 and Y-ko for your reviews! I'm so pleased to hear that you are liking the story, and I hope you both continue to enjoy the journey!

Chapter Three: The First Step

Thin bands of sunlight trickled in through the window, slipping through the sheer curtains and bathing the room in a soft morning glow. The warmth washed over his face like the gentle caress of a hot towel, but Zayn was already wide awake.

Yesterday he had felt like he was running a marathon—Officer Jenny had led him all over Lumiose City, elbowing their way in and out of clothing stores and supermarkets, coaxing him to try on two million different outfits and color-coordinating backpacks with his sneakers. By late evening his head was spinning and his stomach rumbling. Before calling it a day, she had treated him to hamburgers and milkshakes, where they had laughed and talked until their stomachs and their hearts were satisfied.

And last night, while the world slowly turned and the full moon shone bright above the land, he barely slept a wink.

"Dou!"

Zayn lifted his head just as a black blur raced through the open door and bounced up on the bed. "Ghost!" he exclaimed as the houndour plopped on his chest and licked his face. He was not the only one who was excited, it seemed. Zayn scratched the houndour behind the ear, laughing at his pokémon's enthusiasm. "Are you ready for today?"

"Hou!" Ghost yapped, giving Zayn another wet kiss before hopping off the bed. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Zayn tossed the covers off of him with a sigh and sat up. If he was not going to sleep, he might as well get up. He stifled a yawn and glanced over at the alarm clock.

7:46.

Not too bad. The professor was not expecting his arrival until nine.

His eyes shifted to the framed photograph next to the clock. A young couple with their pokémon at their side smiled back at him, their eyes alive with laughter and youth as they posed beneath the tree. Zayn had never seen the picture before, though he knew that it was the same one his mother had carried in her purse. Aside from a leather wristband studded with tiny silver pokéballs—a gift from his mother on his tenth birthday that he never took off—it was the only thing of hers that he had left.

With a small smile, he lifted the frame up off of the nightstand and held it in his lap. He felt his cheeks grow hot as tears welled in his eyes, but he quickly blinked them back. This was a happy occasion; his mother would not want him to spoil it by crying.

"Well mom," he said as he ran a finger over the glass. "I did it. I'm finally a trainer."

The girl in the photo said nothing, only smiling up at him in silent mirth, but Zayn took comfort in that. With a whispered goodbye, he set the frame back down and stretched. Whether he was ready for it or not, it was time to move on.

Scratching his head and stifling another yawn, Zayn walked over to his dresser for the last time and, picking out tan cargo pants and a white t-shirt with blue quarter sleeves and a red half-opened pokéball emblazoned on the front, made his way to the bathroom.

It was half past eight by the time he had showered and changed. Stumbling down the hall as he slipped into his blue and black high-top sneakers, Zayn was greeted by the smell of sausage and egg as he entered the kitchen. His stomach roared, declaring its hunger to the world as he took a seat across from Jenny at the dining table. Her eyes were bloodshot and her hair a tangled mess, and her knuckles were white from gripping her coffee mug so tight, but she managed a weak smile as he sat down.

"I picked up some breakfast tacos," she stated, nodding to the paper bag in the center of the table. "And Ghost already ate."

Zayn smiled as he rummaged through the bag. "You weren't gonna cook?"

Jenny chuckled and shook her head, placing the coffee down as she sliced the flat of her hand through the air like a blade. "Never again will I attempt breakfast."

They shared another short laugh as Zayn bit into the soft taco, but the rest of their meal was savored in silence. They both had a lot on their minds, and neither one really knew exactly how to say goodbye.

By the time he had eaten his fill it was already a quarter to nine. "You should get going," Jenny said, forcing herself to smile as she motioned to the ticking clock on the wall. "It's an early start to a long journey."

Zayn nodded, dusting his hands on his pants as he stood up. Ghost trotted up next to him, dragging the beige knapsack that he and Jenny had picked out yesterday behind him. The contents tumbled out as the bag was tugged across the floor; Ghost eagerly helped Zayn round up the trail of bottled water, bagged foodstuffs, camping equipment and assorted clothing as Jenny laughed.

Once his gear was packed neatly away and Zayn had shouldered the bag, Jenny attached the green bedroll to the top and stood back. "You look every bit the part," she stated as she looked him up and down. Then, reaching into her pocket, she withdrew a large black pocket knife and pressed it into his hand. "For emergencies," she explained. "You never know when you'll need it." Her eyes began to mist over, and she chuckled as she dabbed at them with her knuckle. "Oh, look at me!"

Zayn slipped the knife into his pocket and stepped forward, pulling her into a long embrace as his own vision began to cloud over. "I'm gonna miss you, Jenny."

"Me too, Zayn." Jenny kissed his cheek as she stepped back, a sad smile gracing her lips. Her manectric nudged at her leg from behind, whimpering softly. "Manny's gonna miss you, too." Kneeling down, she scratched Ghost behind the ear. "And I'll miss you most of all!" she said, laughing as he gingerly licked the breakfast grease from her fingers.

Glancing up at the clock, Jenny stood up and tousled Zayn's hair. "Get going, kid," she said as she handed him the school release form and walked him to the door. "Before I change my mind."

Nodding, Zayn gave her one last hug and, adjusting the weight of the knapsack and bending down to give Manny one last pat on the head, turned and stepped out into Lumiose City. The first of many steps, he thought solemnly as the door to Officer Jenny's apartment closed behind him.

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Professor Sycamore's laboratory was an enormous three-story brick building nestled on the edge of Lumiose City's South Boulevard. It's entrance was preceded by a well-manicured lawn, and a sturdy wrought iron fence surrounded the perimeter. At the from of the cobblestone walkway were two stone pillars adorned with red pokéballs carved out of a glossy marble.

Ghost looked up at Zayn and whimpered. "I know boy," Zayn said, adjusting the knapsack on his back as his eyes scanned the building. "I'm scared, too."

"Out of my way!"

Zayn turned just as a young boy with feathery blond hair and thick-rimmed glasses came running up from across the street, a green and black backpack slung haphazardly over one shoulder. He was garbed in a plain green t-shirt and knee-length khakis, with energetic green eyes that glowed with childish enthusiasm; from his short stature and slight build, he could not be any older than thirteen or fourteen.

"Whoa!" Zayn exclaimed as he reached out and grabbed the loose strap of the kid's backpack, pulling him to a halt. "Slow down before you hurt yourself!"

The boy swung his arms wildly, twisting and squirming as he tried to break free from Zayn's grip. "Lemme go! Lemme go!" he shouted, stomping his sandals into the concrete sidewalk.

With a sigh, Zayn released his hold and watched as the kid stumbled forward a few steps. When he whirled around, his round face was flushed a light pink. "What's the big idea?" he demanded, balling his hands into fists.

Zayn glanced down at Ghost, who returned his confused look, before turning his attention back to the kid. "What idea?"

"You're making me late!" the boy hollered, pointing an accusatory finger at him. "You're making me late and now I won't get to choose a pokémon!"

Realization dawned on him, and Zayn pointed to the laboratory. "You're here to see the professor, too?"

The boy rested a fist on his bony hips and huffed. "What'dya mean 'too'?" he asked, gesturing to the houndour at Zayn's feet. "You have a pokémon!"

Ghost bared his fangs, displeased with the way the boy was speaking to them, but Zayn silenced him. Digging into the depths of his pants pocket, he withdrew the wrinkled release form and held it up for the boy's inspection. "I'm here to get my trainer's license." He then knelt down and scratched the houndour behind his ear. "Ghost is my partner. I'm not here to get another one."

Seemingly at ease with his explanation, the annoyance in the boy's eyes melted away and the childlike glimmer returned. "You got a pokémon before your license?" he asked, squatting down so that he was face-to-face with Ghost.

The houndour shifted nervously, looking to Zayn for assurance. Zayn laughed and patted Ghost's back. "Well, it's more like he found me." Almost as an afterthought, he extended his hand in courtesy. "Name's Zayn."

The kid grasped his outstretched hand excitedly, his glasses slipping down his nose as they shook. "Harry! Harry Bo Whitestar!"

"Well, Harry," Zayn said, adjusting the knapsack as they stood back up. "I guess we should get in there. We're late."

His eyes widening, Harry nodded and together they headed towards the lab. Well, Zayn thought as Ghost padded next to him, at least I'm not the only one starting this journey late.

As soon as they walked in, a lady in a flowing white lab coat greeted them at the door. Her lavender hair was cropped short, and she wore half-moon spectacles that were attached to a chain around her neck. She eyed the houndour by Zayn's feet warily, but made no mention of him. "Your release forms, please." They both handed her their sheets of paper, which she inspected thoroughly before nodding and pinning them to the clipboard she had tucked beneath her arm. "Leave your belongings here. You can pick them up on your way out," she instructed them as she turned down a corridor to their right. "Up the stairs, third floor and to the left. The professor's expecting you two."

Zayn glanced at Harry and shrugged, slipping the straps off of his shoulders and setting the knapsack beside Harry's backpack against the wall. Motioning for Ghost to follow, the boys silently ascended the stairs and made their way to where the professor awaited them.

Bookshelves lined nearly every wall on the third floor, and in the many rooms they passed by Zayn caught several peeks at large computers with numerous lights blinking on and off. Scientists in white lab coats ran back and forth, jotting down test results and monitoring the computers for any significant changes.

Harry whistled and leaned in closer to Zayn as they walked past an assistant with a mug of steaming coffee in his hand and dark circles under his eyes. "I bet this place never sleeps!"

Zayn could only nod in agreement as they came to a set of solid oak doors at the end of the corridor. Curved handles in the shape of gold-plated pokéballs jutted out from the center, and an enormous bronze 'S' was painted on each door. "Well," Zayn muttered down to Ghost as he brushed his fingers over the wood. "This must be it."

Harry was nearly quaking with excitement as he grabbed the doorknobs with both hands and shoved as hard as he could.

The office was brilliantly lit, with high-vaulted ceilings and more bookshelves along the back wall. In the center of the room was a large wooden desk laden with open boxes and stacks of paper, and to the left was an enormous window that overlooked the laboratory's backyard. The walls were all painted in a rich dark blue, adorned with a variety of paintings and letters of recognition, and the floor was a slick green-flecked marble.

"Ah, you're here!"

Zayn turned as a tall thin man with curly dark hair emerged from their right. He was dressed in the same white lab coat as his assistants, though he wore a high-collared blue shirt and tight black pants beneath it. The buckle on his belt was a golden pokéball, and on his feet were brown slip-on shoes. "Tres bien!"

Harry rushed past Zayn, nearly tripping over his feet in his furor. "Professor!" he exclaimed, grabbing the man's hand in both of his and giving it a firm shake. "Harry Bo Whitestar! I'd like to get my pokémon now!"

"Ah, Harry!" Professor Sycamore said, slowly pulling his hand free and stepping back a few paces. "The boy with special permissions. Yes, your parents warn—er, told me about you. Such enthusiasm!"

Harry beamed with pride, pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose as he turned and pointed behind him. "And that's Zayn! I don't know his last name, but he already has a pokémon!" Then, turning around, he scanned the area behind the professor eagerly. "Can I pick my pokémon now?"

"You have to be registered as a trainer, first." A soft voice spoke up from behind them.

Zayn turned around as a young girl stepped into the office. Her wavy crimson hair was pulled into tight pigtails, pinned in place with light gray bows, and she wore a beige knee-length skirt with black leggings that complemented her long legs. Her white t-shirt had a red five-point star sprawled in the center, but it was barely visible beneath the gray vest. Her eyes were the same light brown as the dress shoes she wore, though they were hidden behind a pair of large black-rimmed glasses. Strapped to her side was a brown and blue satchel, and her hands were cloaked in white fingerless gloves. She glanced at the houndour by Zayn's feet and tsked. "Apparently, you didn't know that."

Professor Sycamore spread his arms wide, a grin lighting his gaunt face. "Splendid, you all made it! Tres bien!" Then, clearing his throat, he motioned towards the girl. "You are correct though, young lady!"

With a wave that beckoned they all follow his lead, the professor strolled over to his desk. "Before you can choose your starter," he began as he rummaged through the boxes that littered the top, "and before you can battle, you must first become registered as pokémon trainers!" He finally opened the desk drawer and pulled out three slim rectangular items.

Zayn's heart began to pump with anticipation as the professor slowly fanned the electronic devices out on his desk. Though they each varied in color, all three had the same white horizontal line that slashed through the middle of the pokéball logo in its center.

"This here," Professor Sycamore explained as he held up the pink one and handed it to the girl, "is a pokédex. These are each programmed specifically for you, and will serve as your trainer's license and as a guide on your journey."

Zayn watched as the girl pressed a button on the bottom of the pokédex. The white line glowed as the top half of the device slid up, revealing a thin holographic screen, and an image of her began to form in its center.

"Angel Diffido from Lumiose City of the Kalos region," an animated voice declared, and several charts with numbers started to appear next to her image. "Current rank: beginner, current badge count: zero. This pokédex serves as authorization that Angel Diffido is a registered pokémon trainer, as regulated by the Kalos division of the International Pokémon League Organization and validated by Professor Augustine Sycamore."

Professor Sycamore picked up the other two pokédexes—one a hunter green and the other a steel blue—and handed them to Harry and Zayn, respectively. "In addition to your encyclopedia," he started as he rummaged through another box on his desk. Pulling out a small, ornate wooden box with three elemental symbols engraved in the lid, he carefully set it down and beamed at them. "You will need to pick your starter!"

Next to him, Harry pumped his fist into the air in excitement. "Finally!" he hollered as the professor opened the lid and set it aside.

Zayn glanced down at Ghost, who gazed up at him in uncertainty, before leaning in to get a better look at what was inside. The inside of the box was lined with a soft purple velvet, with three pokéballs nestled in the cushion, each one adorned with the symbol of the pokémon it held within. Curiously, there were three empty slots where pokéballs once sat.

Professor Sycamore glanced at all of them pointedly as he picked up the ball with a green leaf on its top half and tossed it around in his hand. "I warn all of you, before you take this final step. This is a long and dangerous road you are about to embark on. Many trainers have come back defeated, and a few have even perished on their path to glory." He then returned the pokéball to its resting place and motioned to the three young trainers. "If you are truly prepared, then step forward and claim your right as trainers!"

Zayn pocketed the blue pokédex and stepped back, watching as Harry lurched forward and nabbed the ball with the leaf.

"This one's mine!" he exclaimed as he pressed the white button and released the pokémon within. A small pokémon with light brown fur and a green shell on its back emerged from the red light, rubbing its tired eyes with tiny hands as it glanced up at Harry. The boy's eyes widened in excitement as he held up his pokédex and pressed the button.

"Chespin, the Spiny Nut pokémon," the device declared as a picture of the little creature appeared on the screen. "Chespin can flex the soft spikes on its head, making them so stiff and sharp that it can even pierce through stone."

Harry knelt down next to the chespin and pulled it into a tight embrace. "We're gonna be a great team, Chespin!" he shouted as the chespin squirmed in his grasp. "C'mon, we should get started!"

"Excuse me, professor?" the girl, Angel, spoke up as Harry and his somewhat reluctant chespin made their exit. Zayn glanced at her as she pointed to the box. "It's customary for new trainers to pick from three designated starters, but I see six spots in the box for pokéballs."

"Well, Angel," Professor Sycamore said as he picked up the two remaining pokéballs. They both had a blue water drop emblazoned on the front, which Zayn found peculiar. Usually, only one water pokémon was available as a starter to new trainers. "Normally there are only three starters to choose from, as there are only three new trainers that begin their journey at any given time. However, there was a mix-up with the League's scheduling for our fall starters, and I had to expand the roster to six. This kind of thing usually happens when we have people register last minute."

He held out the pokéballs in each hand, his gaze shifting from Zayn to Angel and back again. "The only two left are the water-types. If you're ready, you may choose your starter."

Without hesitation, Angel reached out with a gloved hand and grabbed the pokéball closest to her. "I guess I'll take this one," she whispered as she pressed the button and released the ball. When the light subsided, a blue frog-like critter with yellow eyes and white bubbles around its neck and nose hopped towards her.

Holding up her pokédex, Angel activated the encyclopedia and waited for the entry to read out.

"Froakie, the Bubble Frog pokémon. From its chest and back, froakie creates bubbles called frubbles, which act as a cushion and soften the blow of an opponent's attack."

A small smile tugging at her lips, Angel bent down and patted the little frog. "Hi, Froakie. I'm Angel, and I'd like to be your partner." The froakie croaked and smiled back, gripping her hand with its two white forepaws. Giggling, Angel scooped up the froakie in her arms and carried him out of the office.

Professor Sycamore grinned as he held out the remaining pokéball. "Well, Zayn, it looks like Squirtle is your new companion!"

Zayn shook his head and knelt down beside Ghost. "No, professor," he said as he scratched the houndour behind the ear. "Ghost is my partner. I just came for my license." Ghost licked Zayn's hand affectionately as the professor sighed.

"Officer Jenny did mention your other pokémon," he explained as he knelt down next to the pair. "You can keep your houndour as a companion, Zayn. But the League decrees that all beginners must start off with a registered starter. It's what they're bred for, and it puts everyone at ease knowing that our future champions are beginning their journey with the right pokémon."

Taking Zayn's hand, the professor pressed the pokéball into his palm. "Now, I know you're used to it just being you and your houndour, and that's OK. But think about this." He stood up and leaned against his desk, drumming long thin fingers against the wood. "As a trainer, you'll need all the help on this journey that you can get. That kind of help is something that Squirtle can give you!"

It was something that Zayn realized he had no say in; it was either leave with Squirtle, or turn in his pokédex and go home before he even got started. Defeated, Zayn turned his gaze to Ghost and sighed. "Well, are you ready for this?"

"Dou!"

With a small grin, Zayn nodded and stood up. Maybe it would not be so bad after all. Pressing the button on the pokéball in hand, he released the squirtle from its confines and pulled out his pokédex.

"Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle pokémon. It draws its long neck into its shell to launch incredible water attacks with amazing range and accuracy. The blasts can be quite powerful."

The squirtle blinked and looked up at Zayn. "Squirtle?" it chimed, its violet eyes twinkling with mirth as they swept back to the floor...and froze.

"Hou!"

Zayn and Professor Sycamore looked down just as Ghost stepped forward, fangs bared and a low grumble rising in his throat. "Houndour, hou!"

The squirtle's eyes narrowed as it raised its arms defensively. "Squirtle, squirtle!"

Zayn blinked as he ordered Ghost to stand down, but the houndour paid little attention to him.

"Oh my," Professor Sycamore muttered. "It seems your houndour dislikes Squirtle, though whether it's due to type weakness or a clash of personalities I couldn't say." He chuckled and scratched his head. "You have your work cut out for you with these two, I'm afraid!"

His shoulders sagging, Zayn returned Squirtle back into the pokéball and clipped the ball to a velcroed slot on the waistline of his pants. He glanced down at Ghost, who gazed back up at him and wagged his tail as if nothing had happened. Great, he thought with a sigh. This is not how I pictured my first day as a trainer turning out.

Thanking the professor for his aid, Zayn motioned to Ghost and together they took their leave. He finally had his license and his heart soared at the possibilities that opened up with that thin blue device in his pocket. But if the professor was right about his new pokémon and Ghost not getting along, then it was going to be a very long journey.