The morning sun crept over the horizon, casting long, golden beams across the quiet town of Pallet. As the first rays of light filtered through Red's bedroom window, the day he'd been waiting for finally arrived. His heart raced, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through him. Outside, Pallet Town was waking up, the familiar sounds of distant Pidgey cooing and the soft rustle of wind through the trees filling the early morning air.
Red lay in bed for a moment longer, staring up at the ceiling, trying to ground himself. Today was the day—his adventure was truly beginning. He would leave the safety of this small town, step into the unknown, and face challenges he'd only dreamed of. But alongside the thrill, there was an undeniable weight in his chest, a fear of the unknown. What if he wasn't ready? What if everything went wrong?
The smell of breakfast wafted up through the small house, the familiar scent of his mother's cooking tugging him from his thoughts. Red threw back the covers and sat up, rubbing his eyes. His room was a reflection of the boy who was about to leave it—a mixture of old comforts and new beginnings. A shelf lined with well-read books on Pokémon battles and strategy stood against one wall, and on his desk lay his Pokédex, gleaming faintly in the morning light, its significance not lost on him. This was the tool of a true trainer, a symbol of the journey that awaited him.
He dressed quickly, his hands slightly trembling as he fumbled with the straps of his backpack. Everything he needed was packed—potions, Poké Balls, a map of Kanto that had been folded and unfolded so many times the edges were worn. His mother had been preparing for this day as much as he had. But as he looked at the packed bag, his heart clenched. He was really leaving.
Red descended the stairs, the soft creak of the wood beneath his feet familiar and comforting. The kitchen was warm, filled with the soft, golden glow of morning. His mother stood by the stove, her back to him, humming quietly as she worked. The smell of fresh toast and eggs filled the room, and for a moment, it felt like any other morning.
But it wasn't.
His mother turned as she heard him enter, a smile on her face that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Morning, sweetheart," she said softly, placing a plate on the table. Her voice had a warmth to it, but Red could hear the strain behind it. She had always known this day would come, but knowing didn't make it any easier.
Red sat down, his eyes flickering around the kitchen, trying to hold onto the details— the small, chipped vase that always sat in the centre of the table, the faint ticking of the clock on the wall, the old photographs that lined the counter, each one capturing moments of happiness, of simpler times. His mother had done everything she could to make their home a place of safety, a place of love, and now he was leaving it behind.
The clink of cutlery brought him back to the present. He glanced up at his mother, her eyes lingering on him for just a moment too long. She sat across from him, her hands clasped in front of her, as if she was trying to memorise the sight of him before he walked out the door. There was a heaviness in the air, a shared understanding that this was the last breakfast they'd share like this for a long time.
"I packed you some extra food for the road," she said, her voice soft but steady, gesturing to the small bundle on the counter. "And… well, I know it's not much, but I added a little something in case you get homesick." She smiled, a little sheepishly, but Red could see the glisten in her eyes.
He swallowed, his throat tight. "Thanks, Mom," he managed, his voice coming out a little rougher than he intended. He glanced at the bundle, a small wave of emotion rising in his chest. It was a small gesture, but it carried the weight of a thousand unspoken words—her love, her worry, her hope for him.
They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the faint clatter of dishes. Red wanted to say something, anything to ease the tension, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, he stared down at his plate, pushing the food around with his fork, his appetite gone.
Finally, his mother spoke again, her voice quieter this time. "I'm proud of you, you know. You're going to do great things out there. Just… remember to come back and visit, okay?"
Red nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He felt a lump form in his throat, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. This was it. The final goodbye.
The sun was higher in the sky by the time Red stepped out of the house, his backpack slung over one shoulder. The streets of Pallet Town were alive with the morning bustle, but to Red, it felt like a different world. Everything seemed sharper, more vivid—the crisp blue of the sky, the warmth of the sun on his skin, the soft whisper of the wind as it moved through the trees. It was as though the town was bidding him farewell, too.
His mother stood in the doorway, watching him with a smile that was both sad and proud. Red turned to her one last time, his heart heavy but determined. "I'll come back," he said, his voice soft but filled with conviction.
She nodded, wiping at her eyes. "I know you will."
With that, Red turned and began walking, his steps taking him toward Professor Oak's lab. The weight of his journey settled on his shoulders, but alongside it was something else—an excitement, a thrill that pulsed through him with every step. This was the beginning of his adventure, and though he didn't know what lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain:
He was ready.
Red walked the familiar path to Professor Oak's lab, though today, it felt as though a shadow hung over him. The usual excitement that filled his chest on days he visited the professor was dampened by the events of the night before. He hadn't been able to shake the images—those two figures rifling through Oak's private research, the flash of electricity that saved him, and the look of cold determination in their eyes as they disappeared into the night.
Even now, in the light of the early morning, Red could feel the lingering tension in the air, as though something was still wrong. He had barely slept, tossing and turning as his mind replayed the break-in. What had they taken? And why that book? He knew there were secrets in Oak's lab, things the professor didn't talk about openly. But now those secrets had been stolen by Team Rocket.
As Red walked, the dirt road crunched beneath his boots, the sound a steady rhythm against the quiet hum of the town. Pallet was slowly waking up, the soft clatter of shutters being opened and the faint murmur of people starting their day reached his ears. Yet, despite the normalcy, Red's mind remained fixed on the events of the previous night.
Ahead, Oak's lab loomed larger, its stone façade weathered and familiar, but today it seemed almost imposing, like a fortress guarding more than just research. The ancient oak tree beside it stretched its branches wide, casting long shadows over the yard. A few Pokémon wandered lazily in the grass—Nidoran, Rattata, and a Pidgey, blissfully unaware of the chaos that had taken place just hours ago.
Red quickened his pace. As much as he had been looking forward to this day, the weight of what had happened at the lab gnawed at him. There was no doubt in his mind that Professor Oak would be waiting for him, the usual warmth in his voice now replaced with the gravity of the situation.
He approached the lab's wide, double doors, hesitating for a brief moment before pushing them open. The interior was bathed in the soft light of morning, but it still felt different, as if the shadows of the previous night hadn't fully lifted. The faint hum of machinery filled the space, and shelves of neatly arranged Poké Balls, research notes, and ancient tomes lined the walls. Everything looked as it always had, but Red knew something was missing—something important had been taken.
As the lab doors swung shut behind him with a soft click, Red's gaze swept over the familiar space. Normally, the scent of paper and the subtle hum of equipment gave the room a comforting air, but today, the lab felt strangely empty, like the very essence of what made it a sanctuary of knowledge had been disturbed. His eyes lingered on the large wooden desk near the back, where the faintest remnants of the previous night's chaos remained—scattered notes hastily piled, a broken quill lying forgotten on the floor.
Professor Oak stood by the far window, his back to the door, seemingly lost in thought as he gazed out across the fields that bordered Pallet Town. His figure seemed smaller, more fragile than usual, weighed down by the events that had unfolded just hours ago. The early morning light cast long shadows across the room, adding to the somber air that hung over the lab.
Red hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to approach the professor after everything that had happened. Oak had always been a figure of immense knowledge and strength, a mentor who carried an air of calm even in the face of uncertainty. But now, there was a tension in the room, an unspoken heaviness that Red had never felt before.
Before Red could speak, Oak turned, his expression grave but softened with concern as his gaze met Red's. "I'm glad you're here, Red," Oak said, his voice low and tired, lacking the usual warmth that accompanied his greeting. He gestured for Red to come closer, moving toward the desk that had been the centre of the intruders' search the night before.
Red approached, his heart racing again as the memories of the break-in returned. "Professor," he began, his voice faltering slightly, "what were they after? What did they take?"
Oak let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his greying hair. He leaned against the desk, his fingers brushing over the scattered papers, his eyes distant for a moment before focusing back on Red. "They took something incredibly important," he said, his voice steady but carrying the weight of what was lost. "More important than even I realised."
He reached down and picked up one of the remaining documents, glancing at it before setting it aside. "They took a book. It contained research I've been compiling for years—data on a rare and extremely powerful Pokémon, one I've been keeping hidden, even from the wider academic circles."
Red's brow furrowed. "A rare Pokémon? Why would Team Rocket want that?"
Oak's expression darkened as he turned to face Red fully. "Because they don't just want to capture Pokémon for power... they want to control them. This Pokémon, in particular, has the potential to change the balance of power. I've kept its existence quiet for fear that it would fall into the wrong hands. And now..." He trailed off, his jaw tightening.
Red felt a chill run down his spine. Team Rocket had taken more than just a book—they had taken knowledge that could tip the scales in their favour, knowledge that could lead to disaster.
Oak continued, his voice low but resolute. "What happened last night... it's just the beginning. They won't stop until they find what they're looking for, and now they know it exists. Red, I'm afraid your journey won't just be about becoming a Pokémon Trainer anymore."
The professor's words hung in the air, heavy and foreboding. Red swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the responsibility settling on his shoulders. He had dreamed of adventure, of catching Pokémon and becoming the best trainer in Kanto. But this... this was something far beyond what he had expected.
"I understand, Professor," Red said quietly, his voice steady despite the turmoil swirling inside him. "I'll do whatever I can to help."
Oak gave a small, sad smile. "I know you will, Red. You've always had the heart of a true trainer."
The moment was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. Both Red and Oak turned as the door creaked open, revealing Officer Jenny, her face stern but kind. She stepped into the lab, her blue uniform crisp, the badge on her cap gleaming in the sunlight.
"Professor Oak," she said, nodding to him before glancing at Red. "We're still investigating the break-in, but we need more information about the stolen research. Anything you can tell us could help."
Oak straightened, though the weariness was still evident in his features. "Of course, Officer Jenny. I'll help in any way I can." He turned to Red. "This may take a while. You should go prepare for your journey. But remember—stay vigilant."
Red nodded, glancing at Officer Jenny, who gave him a brief smile, though her eyes were shadowed with concern. Red knew she was good at her job, but this wasn't an ordinary case. Team Rocket wasn't just a local gang—they were organised, ruthless, and dangerous.
Before Red could take a step toward the door, it flew open with a sharp bang. The sudden noise caused both him and Professor Oak to jump. Standing in the doorway, with his arms crossed and a smirk firmly planted on his face, was Blue. His usual air of cocky self-assurance filled the room almost as quickly as he did, and Red felt a pang of irritation at the sight of his rival—and friend.
"Well, well, looks like I made it just in time," Blue said, his voice carrying the kind of casual confidence that never wavered. He took a few steps inside, his sharp eyes glancing around the lab, though he seemed unaffected by the weight of the previous night's events. "What's the matter, Red? Look like you've seen a ghost."
Red straightened, pushing the tension of the past hours to the back of his mind. "You missed all the fun," Red said, his voice steadier than he felt. "Team Rocket was here last night. They broke into the lab."
Blue's expression flickered for just a moment, the smirk faltering, replaced by a flash of surprise. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, and he shrugged as if it didn't matter. "So, they came and went, huh? Big deal. Not like we can't handle them, right, Gramps?"
Professor Oak, who had remained quiet while the two boys exchanged words, finally stepped forward. His eyes rested on Blue, though his usual grandfatherly warmth was tinged with the same seriousness he had shown Red moments earlier. "Blue, this isn't something to take lightly," Oak said, his voice firm but calm. "They didn't just break in—they stole vital research."
Blue raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Research? What kind of research?"
Oak hesitated, his gaze shifting between Red and Blue. There was a moment's pause before he spoke again, his voice lowering. "Information on a rare Pokémon. One that could be... incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands."
That piqued Blue's interest. His smirk returned, but this time there was something sharper behind it. "Well, that sounds like our cue. Guess we'll have to track these Rocket goons down and show them who's boss."
Red could feel his frustration growing. Blue always managed to brush off even the most serious situations, treating them like another challenge to be conquered. "It's not that simple," Red said, his voice edged with impatience. "They're dangerous. And they're after more than just rare Pokémon—they want power. Real power."
Blue shrugged again, his usual arrogance on full display. "Power, huh? Well, that's what we're all after, isn't it? But I'm not scared of some thugs in black. They can try to stop me if they want, but they'll learn soon enough who's going to be the greatest Pokémon trainer in Kanto."
Oak sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Blue, this isn't just a game. Team Rocket is more organised than you think, and what they're after... it's more than just power for power's sake. This is a threat to Pokémon everywhere. You both need to be careful."
Red nodded, feeling the weight of Oak's words pressing down on him once again. But Blue seemed undeterred. In fact, he looked more determined than ever. "I get it, Gramps. But that's what we're here for, right? To take them down and prove we're the best."
Oak glanced between the two boys, his expression softening slightly. He knew they were both strong trainers, but the road ahead wasn't going to be easy. "Just promise me you'll be cautious. Don't underestimate them."
Red and Blue exchanged a look. Despite their differences, there was a shared understanding between them—this was bigger than just the rivalry that had driven them for years. Team Rocket was a threat neither of them could ignore.
Finally, Blue broke the silence. "Well, no use sitting around talking about it. If we're going to deal with Team Rocket, I'd better get my starter from you, Gramps."
Red's eyes flicked to Oak, whose face seemed to age a little more with each passing minute. Oak moved toward a shelf at the back of the lab, his steps heavy, as though the weight of the world was on his shoulders. From behind a protective glass case, he lifted two Poké Balls, each one polished and gleaming in the morning light.
"These are the Pokémon that will accompany you on your journeys," Oak said, his voice tinged with both pride and sorrow. He handed the first ball to Red, who accepted it with quiet reverence. The weight of the Poké Ball felt significant in his palm, as though it carried the future inside it.
"Charmander," Oak said with a small smile, though it was clear he was thinking of the danger that lay ahead. "A strong and fiery companion, one that will require your care and attention."
Red held the ball firmly, his heart beating faster. Charmander. His first true partner. He had always admired Fire-types, their strength, their passion. Now, this Pokémon would be by his side through the trials that awaited them.
Oak turned to Blue, holding out the second Poké Ball. "And for you, Blue... Squirtle. A determined Pokémon, one that will mirror your own drive and confidence."
Blue took the ball with a grin, tossing it into the air and catching it again with ease. "Perfect. Squirtle and I are going straight to the top."
Oak watched the boys for a moment, his gaze lingering on them with something akin to both pride and worry. "You're both starting an incredible journey, but remember—this isn't just about battling gyms and earning badges. There's a much larger fight happening, and I fear you'll both be drawn into it sooner than you realise."
Red felt a shiver run through him, the weight of Oak's words sinking deeper. Blue, on the other hand, seemed unfazed, his excitement for the road ahead outweighing any concerns. But Red knew better. The events of last night, the shadows that lurked just beyond the light of Pallet Town, were proof enough that their journey would be anything but simple.
"Well," Blue said, breaking the silence, "looks like we've both got what we need. Better get going before you fall too far behind, Red."
Red shook his head but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "You wish."
Blue's teasing smirk lingered in the air as he sauntered toward the door, confident as ever. Red watched him go, the familiar rivalry between them flickering back to life despite the heavy conversation they had just shared. As much as Blue's arrogance grated on him, Red knew that same drive and confidence had always pushed him to do better, to be stronger. And now, more than ever, he needed that strength.
Professor Oak stood quietly, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed the two boys. The professor's shoulders seemed more slouched than usual, as if the weight of everything rested there. His eyes, normally bright and full of curiosity, were shadowed with worry.
"Red," Oak's voice cut through the moment, drawing Red's attention away from the door. Blue was already gone, the sound of his confident strides fading into the distance. "There's something else I need to give you."
Red blinked, confused for a moment as Oak turned back toward his cluttered desk. He watched as the professor shuffled through some papers before retrieving something small, yet significant: a Pokédex. Oak held it with great care, as though it was more than just a piece of technology, but a symbol of what Red's journey would truly be about.
"This," Oak said, handing it to Red, "is your Pokédex. It will be your guide, your companion in this world of Pokémon. It's more than just a tool to record data—it's a map of everything you're going to discover."
Red took the Pokédex, feeling the smooth surface beneath his fingers. He had seen one before, but holding it now, as his own, felt monumental. This device would be his key to understanding the world he was about to explore, to encountering creatures he had only ever dreamed of.
Oak smiled faintly, though the worry never left his eyes. "I've entrusted this to you, because I know you'll be careful. The road ahead isn't going to be easy, Red. You'll face challenges, ones you might not be ready for. But you have a good heart, and that's what's going to guide you."
Red nodded, his throat tight with emotion. There was so much he wanted to say—to thank Oak for believing in him, to promise he would make him proud—but the words wouldn't come. Instead, he gripped the Pokédex tighter, feeling the weight of the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders.
The lab fell into a contemplative silence, broken only by the hum of machinery and the occasional chirp of the wild Pokémon outside. Red glanced out the window, toward the road that led out of Pallet Town. It stretched far, winding through the fields and forests, leading to places he had only heard of. The world beyond seemed vast, daunting, but for the first time, he felt ready to face it.
Oak's voice, softer now, broke the quiet. "You'll do great things, Red. Just... don't forget where you started. And if you ever need help, my door is always open."
Red gave a small smile, grateful for the professor's steady presence. He stepped toward the door, his backpack heavy on his shoulders but his heart lighter, filled with the anticipation of what was to come. He knew he wasn't the same boy who had walked into the lab just moments ago. The break-in, the danger, the responsibility—it had changed him.
As he opened the door to leave, Oak called after him one last time, his voice laced with the wisdom of years spent watching countless trainers come and go. "Be careful, Red. The world is bigger than you know."
Red nodded, the finality of Oak's words echoing in his mind. He stepped out into the sunlight, the warmth of the day a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in his bones after the events of the night before. The road stretched ahead of him, long and full of unknowns, but Red felt the spark of excitement ignite in his chest once more.
With Charmander's Poké Ball securely clipped to his belt and his Pokédex in hand, Red took his first step away from the lab, away from the safety of Pallet Town. The world was waiting for him, and he was ready to meet it head-on.
As he set off, the faint outline of Blue was visible in the distance, already heading out on his own journey. Red watched him for a moment, then turned his gaze forward, determined to forge his own path, to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He knew the road would be difficult, but with Charmander by his side, and the lessons he had learned from Oak, Red felt a new kind of strength.
This was just the beginning.