A Journey Begins
Perhaps it was fitting that it was raining, but I did not care yet as I was still a toddler.
I don't remember that day, which is probably for the best, but I still feel as if I am repeatedly living through it again and again.
I am secure enough in my pride to admit that sometimes I wake up in a cold sweat thinking about the night my mother died and my father was kidnapped in front of me. I remember the blurry nightmares I recounted to the kind old matron at the orphanage.
I remember the day after the night a lot better.
I had just turned three that day; it was my birthday. I still hadn't realized that there was no one with me to celebrate with. The Rattata around me wouldn't help me blow out the candles, of course. Then, something had happened, and the matrons at the orphanage loved to tell me about the next day when they found me in a basket with a red ball.
Anyway, onto lighter matters.
Today, I turned ten, meaning I am finally an adult in the eyes of the law and free to start my Pokémon Journey, just like my parents.
I look at the locket in my hands and open it to reveal a plain-looking couple, the husband and wife, with black hair and brown eyes. The man was tall with wide shoulders and a red cap that partially hid his messy hair, while the woman was lithe and short with short wavy hair. I don't know their names, but I know they were great trainers.
I will make them proud.
By great luck, I had managed to convince the famous researcher, Professor Samuel Oak, to give me my Starter Pokemon, though he did warn me to arrive on time or else his limited supply of Starters would be finished.
Hence, I will be there an hour early.
I tie my shoelaces and stand up. I try to fix my hair and then put on an excited smile. As I was just going to walk for ten minutes from the Pallet Town Orphanage to Professor Oak's Lab, I decided that it was a calm start to a whole new journey.
As I strolled through the quaint streets of Pallet Town, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building up within me. The town was serene, with houses neatly aligned, and the gentle rain washed away any dust from the streets. People nodded and smiled as I passed by, offering their congratulations for finally becoming a Pokemon trainer. Their words and encouragement only fueled my determination to succeed.
When I arrived at Professor Oak's Lab, it was still early, and I wasn't the only aspiring trainer in the town. I saw a few other kids while walking to Oak's Lab, some of whom I recognized from the orphanage, and they were looking at me a little enviously but waved at me in encouragement. I gave them a smile in return.
Professor Oak's lab was a sturdy, two-story building with a spacious yard that was filled with Pokemon habitats, and a vast, lush garden surrounding it. It was both a research facility and a haven for Pokemon lovers. I felt my heart race as I approached the entrance. This was the place where I would receive my very first Pokemon.
As I entered the lab, I was greeted by a wave of nostalgia. I had been here a few times before when the professor had organized some summer camps for children. Memories of watching him tinker with his Pokeballs and tending to injured Pokemon in the lab's clinic flooded back. The scent of books, the soft humming of machines, and the chatter of the researchers gave the place a warm and welcoming ambiance.
I saw a familiar face, an elderly researcher who chaperoned the children often, and I approached him.
"Hey there, kid," he said with a warm smile. "You must be excited to start your journey today."
I nodded vigorously, barely containing my enthusiasm. "Yes, sir! I'm ready to become a Pokemon trainer just like my parents were."
The researcher's smile widened. "I'm sure they'd be proud of you. Remember to get your Pokedex from Professor Oak as well. Better hurry, Gary stayed at the lab overnight!"
Gary Oak was Professor Oak's younger grandchild, with Daisy being his elder sister. Gary was an arrogant boy when we were at school, one of the more popular kids due to his grandfather. I hope he doesn't treat his Pokémon like he treated his classmates after starting on his journey.
Putting Gary out of my mind, I looked at the old researcher in front of me. He patted my shoulder and returned to his research. I couldn't help but walk faster to the lab after hearing his words.
I glanced around and spotted Professor Oak speaking with another young trainer. My heart pounded with anticipation as I approached him. He was a renowned scientist in the Pokemon world, and I had heard countless stories about his adventures and discoveries when he was the Champion of Kanto.
"Professor Oak," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "I'm here for my Starter Pokemon. I don't want to miss this opportunity."
The professor turned his attention to me, studying me for a moment. "Ah, yes. You're the one who arrived early. I appreciate punctuality. Are you sure you're ready for this, young trainer?"
I nodded firmly. "Professor, I've been dreaming of this day for as long as I can remember. I want to follow in my parents' footsteps."
Professor Oak smiled, a twinkle of approval in his eyes. "That's the spirit! Let's see which Starter Pokemon is the right fit for you, right after Gary." He gestured to his grandson, who was standing right behind him.
Gary messed up his spiky hair and stepped in beside his grandfather.
Professor Oak began his explanation to both Gary and me, "The choice of your Starter Pokemon is crucial, as it will be your first partner on this incredible journey. Here are your options: Bulbasaur, the Grass-type; Charmander, the Fire-type; and Squirtle, the Water-type."
Gary studied the Pokeballs, each one holding the potential for a lifelong friendship and adventure. Professor Oak continued, "Now, take your time, and think about which one you'd like to choose. These Pokemon will accompany you throughout your journey, so make sure you pick the one that resonates with you the most."
Gary considered the options carefully. Bulbasaur, with its plant bulb on its back, seemed like a sturdy and reliable choice. It was known for its versatility and strength. Charmander, the flame-tailed lizard, symbolized the fiery spirit of adventure. Squirtle, the water turtle, seemed both friendly and determined.
After a moment of contemplation, he reached out and touched one of the Pokeballs, seemingly feeling something. With a smirk, he said, "I choose Squirtle, Gramps."
Professor Oak handed over Squirtle's Pokeball to Gary, who immediately opened it. Out came a small, blue, turtle-like Pokémon with a shell, cute round eyes, and a water spout on its back. It said joyfully, "Squirtle!"
Gary's smirk grew into a genuine smile as he looked at his Starter, erasing most of my worries regarding him becoming a trainer. It seems he cares more for Pokemon than people. He said to Squirtle, "C'mon, buddy, we are going to be the strongest in the entirety of Kanto and win the Indigo League!"
Squirtle matched Gary's enthusiasm with a "Squirtle!"
Professor Oak turned to me and said, "Now, onto you, Slate."
I stepped forward, time to put this show on the road.
As I stood before Professor Oak, my heart raced with anticipation. The moment had finally come for me to choose my very first Pokemon, the one that would be my loyal companion throughout my journey. It was a decision that weighed heavily on my shoulders, as I knew the bond between a Trainer and their Pokemon was one of trust.
The professor's kind eyes met mine, and he spoke, "Slate, please choose between Charmander and Bulbasaur. Take your time and consider which one resonates with you the most."
I gazed at the three Pokeballs, each containing the essence of a future partner. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, allowing my emotions and instincts to guide me. As I contemplated the choices before me.
I reached out for one of the Pokeballs. The choice was clear. I selected the one that felt right, the one that resonated with my heart. It was Bulbasaur. The Grass-type Pokemon seemed to emit a calm and reassuring aura. The choice was easier than I would have thought.
"I choose Bulbasaur," I said with conviction.
Professor Oak nodded and handed me Bulbasaur's Pokeball. The moment I took it into my hands, a warm feeling of connection washed over me. I knew that this was the beginning of an incredible journey and that Bulbasaur would be my partner, my friend, and my companion.
With a sense of excitement and determination, I released Bulbasaur from its Pokeball. The small, green creature emerged, blinking in the lab's artificial light. Its vibrant green skin and the plant bulb on its back gave it a distinctive appearance. Bulbasaur looked at me with inquisitive eyes, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Hey there, Bulbasaur," I greeted my new friend. "I'm Slate, and we're going to embark on a fantastic adventure together. Are you ready?"
Bulbasaur let out a cheerful cry and nodded its head in response. It seemed eager and ready for battle.
Professor Oak watched our interaction with a knowing smile. "A wonderful choice, Slate. I can see that you and Bulbasaur will make a great team. Now, don't forget your Pokedex."
I thanked the professor and received the electronic device that would document and provide information about the various Pokemon we would encounter on our journey. With Bulbasaur by my side and the Pokedex in my pocket, I felt like I was on the verge of a grand adventure.
As I left Professor Oak's lab, leaving Gary and Squirtle with him (they didn't want to leave right now for some reason), I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and gratitude. This was the day I had been waiting for, the day I would honor my parents' legacy by becoming a Pokemon Trainer. The light rain had stopped, and the sun was beginning to break through the clouds, bathing Pallet Town in warm light.
I was no longer an orphan, but a determined Trainer with a Pokemon partner. The world was vast and filled with opportunities and challenges, and I was ready to face them all. My heart swelled with the promise of the journey ahead, and I knew that I would do everything in my power to make my parents proud and become a skilled Trainer.