The afternoon sun hung low over Blackthorn City, casting long shadows across the jagged mountains that surrounded it. The faint roars of Pokémon echoed through the valleys, mixing with the hum of activity from the city below, a constant reminder of the power that lay hidden in those rugged peaks. Below, the city sat cradled between the rocky slopes, its winding streets alive with the energy of the people and Pokémon that called it home. Lita stood on the wooden porch of her family's house, the planks creaked under her shifting weight as she stood, unable to keep still. The cool breeze lifting her wild red hair would usually be a refreshing touch against her skin, but her mind was already elsewhere—fixed on the small TV inside, where the annual Pokémon League broadcast was about to begin.
She may have been only eight, but the annual Pokémon League always set her heart racing. This wasn't just another event—it was the event, the grand stage where only the best trainers from Johto and Kanto tested their strength. The towering stadium overflowed with tens of thousands of fans, their cheers vibrating through the screen. And today, before the tournament battles began, the Elite Four would take the stage, delivering their words of encouragement to the brave challengers.
Then, there she was—Karen. With her wavy, silvery-blue hair, confident stance, and eyes that glinted like ice, the reigning Champion took the microphone. Lita felt a flutter of awe in her chest as Karen's graceful voice carried through the TV speakers, congratulating the trainers who had qualified and offering words of wisdom to those who had fallen short. Everything about her was magnetic—the strength she exuded, her cool composure, and the way she stood tall above all others.
Karen left the stage and stepped onto the field, her long, silvery-blue hair flowing behind her as she gave a confident smile to the cheering crowd. The stadium lights glinted off her poised figure as she prepared for the traditional Champion's exhibition match—this year, against Bruno, the Elite Four's seasoned Fighting-type expert. Lita rushed inside, plopping down right in front of the TV, her heart pounding in anticipation as she excitedly called for her parents.
Karen sent out her Umbreon, its sleek black coat shimmering under the stadium lights. Bruno countered with his towering Machamp, flexing its four muscular arms, ready for battle. Lita's breath caught as she leaned forward, her legs crossed beneath her, but she barely felt them. Her fingers tightened into fists, knuckles white, and her eyes stayed glued to the screen, unblinking.
The battle unfolded like a perfectly choreographed dance, Karen's movements precise and deliberate. Umbreon weaved in and out of Machamp's heavy blows, each of Karen's commands graceful and composed. Lita leaned even closer, barely noticing how close she was to the edge of her seat despite sitting on the floor. Her body bounced slightly in sync with every dodge Umbreon made, her breath freezing in her throat each time the Dark-type Pokémon narrowly escaped one of Machamp's devastating punches.
Then, without warning, one of Machamp's fists connected with Umbreon, a powerful blow that sent the Dark-type skidding across the field. Lita gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, eyes wide in shock. "No, get up!" she whispered under her breath, her heart pounding even faster now. Umbreon struggled to its feet, shaking off the impact, and Lita's fists tightened again, her body tense with anticipation.
As Karen's strategy played out, Lita could hardly contain herself. Despite the hit, Umbreon remained calm, dodging the next attack with precision. Lita was drawn deeper into the battle with each perfectly timed counter, her heart racing as if she were there, battling alongside Karen. Her wide eyes shimmered with excitement, and she found herself almost mouthing Karen's commands under her breath, fully immersed in the intensity of the match.
When the battle finally ended, and Umbreon stood victorious, Lita's fists clenched tighter in silent triumph, a beaming smile spreading across her face.
The screen panned back to Karen, and her voice carried over the roar of the crowd. "Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled trainers should try to win with the Pokémon they love best."
Lita's breath hitched. Karen's words resonated deep inside her, striking a chord she hadn't realized existed. She leaned back slightly now, her mind spinning with excitement and determination. Karen wasn't just strong—she was smart, confident, and commanded respect with ease.
Lita's small hands slowly unclenched but still trembled slightly with the adrenaline coursing through her. She could see her future clearly now, inspired by the champion's poise and power. "One day," she thought, her heart swelling with resolve, "I'll be just like her."
Two years later, on her 10th birthday, Lita's parents surprised her with a small Eevee, wrapped in a bright red ribbon. The moment Lita laid eyes on her new Pokémon, her breath caught in her throat, and tears of excitement welled up in her eyes. She gently scooped the Eevee into her arms, feeling its soft, brown-and-cream-colored fur against her skin. The little Pokémon blinked up at her with wide, curious eyes, its tail wagging timidly, as if sensing Lita's joy.
She couldn't believe it. This was the day she'd been waiting for. "I'm going to name you Luna," she whispered, stroking the Eevee's fluffy coat. Luna blinked up at her with a curious tilt of her head before leaning in to nuzzle Lita's cheek, her small tongue darting out for a quick, playful lick. Lita giggled softly, feeling the warmth spread through her chest. From this moment on, they were partners.
From that day forward, Lita and Luna were inseparable. Unlike most kids her age who rushed into battles, eager to test their Pokémon's strength, Lita knew she needed something more. She didn't want to push Luna too hard, and didn't want to rely solely on battles to grow stronger. She wanted Luna to trust her first—to form the kind of bond she had seen between Karen and her Pokémon.
Every day, Lita would take Luna for long walks around Blackthorn, sometimes wandering the winding paths into the mountains. The cool mountain breeze brushed against their faces, and at night, the stars twinkled above them. Lita loved the night best of all. "One day, when the time's right," she'd whisper to Luna, "the moon will guide you to become the Umbreon you're meant to be."
Luna would tilt her head, blinking up at Lita with those wide, trusting eyes. Then, without warning, the Eevee would leap up onto her lap, licking her cheek as if to say I'm ready whenever you are. Lita laughed, her heart swelling as she scratched behind Luna's ears. These were the moments she cherished—the quiet nights, the closeness between them.
While most trainers relied on battles to evolve their Pokémon, Lita was determined to take a different path. She wanted to follow Karen's example, evolving Luna through patience and friendship rather than brute force. Every evening, before bed, she would sit with Luna curled up beside her, brushing the Eevee's fur and whispering dreams of their future battles. Sometimes, as she spoke, Luna would nuzzle closer, resting her head on Lita's lap with a content sigh.
Lita was in no rush. She knew that when Luna evolved, it wouldn't just be through strength alone—it would be a reflection of their bond.
One evening, as they sat beneath the clear night sky, the moon casting its pale glow over the mountains, Lita felt a familiar nudge at her side. Luna pawed at her leg before jumping onto her lap, her tail wagging slowly. Lita smiled, looking down at her companion. "You feel it too, don't you?" she asked softly. Luna licked her cheek again in response, settling comfortably in Lita's lap, her eyes half-closed as if she trusted Lita to guide them on this journey.
Lita's heart swelled with pride every time she saw Luna grow more confident. They were on the path to something great. One day, she thought, we'll be just as strong and graceful as Karen and Umbreon.
However, as Lita's admiration for Karen grew more intense, her mother began to notice a shift in her daughter. One evening, as they sat together watching League highlights, Lita's mother gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You know, Lita, it's great to have someone you look up to," her mother began, her voice warm and soft. "Karen's an incredible trainer, and I can see why you admire her so much."
Lita beamed, her eyes still glued to the screen, where Karen's Umbreon was gracefully dodging another attack. "I want to be just like her," Lita said, almost in a whisper. "Strong, smart, and unbeatable."
Her mother smiled, but there was a touch of concern in her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to be like her," she said, "but don't forget—you're Lita, not Karen. You don't have to copy everything about her to be strong."
Lita blinked and turned to face her mom, confused by the gentle warning. "But I want to be like her," she repeated, her voice uncertain. "She's the best."
"She is," her mother agreed, squeezing her shoulder. "But what makes Karen special isn't just the Pokémon she uses or the way she battles. It's the way she does it her own way. You can take the things you love about her—her strategy, her calmness, her love for Dark-types—but make them yours. You're strong, Lita, and you're going to be a great trainer one day. But the world doesn't need another Karen. The world needs you."
Lita fell silent, her mind swirling with the weight of her mother's words. She was only ten, still too young to fully grasp the meaning behind them, but a small seed of doubt planted itself in her heart. Who was she, if not someone trying to be like Karen? Her admiration for her hero was clear, but now, for the first time, she wondered what it would mean to be herself.
Her mother, sensing her daughter's hesitation, smiled softly. "It's okay to be inspired by her," she said gently. "But find your own path, Lita. Take the things you admire about Karen and use them to make yourself better, not to become her. You'll figure it out in your own time. Just don't be afraid to let the world see you for who you are."
Lita nodded, though she wasn't quite ready to fully understand. "Okay, Mom," she said quietly, though her mind was still fixed on the TV. She knew her mother's words held truth, but right now, all she could think about was being like her hero. Figuring out who she was… well, that could wait.
Two years later, a week after Lita turned twelve and her family traveled to Cinnabar Island for a vacation. The warm sun bathed Cinnabar Island in a golden glow, the light shimmering off the ocean's surface as the waves gently rolled onto the sandy beach. Lita stretched out on her beach chair, her red hair catching the sun, and she could feel the cool mist from the ocean breeze tickling her skin. The beach, though filled with hundreds of people, had a wonderful energy—peaceful, yet alive with the sound of nature and families.
Behind her, the city of Cinnabar was in the final stages of its reconstruction. Thirteen years ago, the island had been nearly wiped out by a catastrophic volcanic eruption, and Lita's mother had told her stories of how the once-bustling city had been reduced to ash and rubble. But now, the skyline was dotted with cranes and scaffolding as new buildings rose from the ashes. The research lab had been one of the first structures rebuilt, its glass walls glinting in the sunlight, a beacon of scientific achievement amidst the ongoing restoration.
Lita sighed contentedly, the warmth of the sun relaxing her muscles as she closed her eyes. Luna, was curled up on the beach chair between her legs, napping peacefully. The sound of construction, mixed with the soft lapping of waves, created a soothing rhythm, and before long, Lita found herself dozing off as well.
She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she woke to the low growl coming from Luna. The soft rumble reverberated through the little Eevee's throat, her fur standing on end. Lita blinked groggily, rubbing her eyes as she sat up, feeling the heat of the sun on her skin. "What is it, girl?"
Luna's ears twitched, and her growl deepened, her eyes fixed on the nearby lunch basket that Lita had packed earlier that morning. The basket was trembling slightly, the lid shifting with small, irregular movements. Lita squinted, confused at first. She heard the faint rustling of items inside, and then—crunching. It sounded like something was rummaging through her food, the crinkle of plastic wrappers and the sound of items being chewed filled the air.
Lita carefully slid off the chair, moving closer to the basket. Her heart was starting to pound, equal parts curious and cautious. She reached out and slowly lifted the lid. Her eyes widened in shock.
A small Pokémon was huddled inside, munching on her sandwiches. The creature had a rounded, brown shell, segmented limbs, and eerie red eyes that blinked up at her with little care for the interruption. "A Kabuto..." Lita whispered, her voice a mix of surprise and awe. The ancient Pokémon, seemingly unbothered by being caught, continued chewing, completely unfazed.
Luna's growl deepened, her body tense as she took a step forward, ready to protect her trainer. The Kabuto's tiny claws clicked against the basket as it shifted, clearly not intending to leave without finishing its meal.
Lita's instincts kicked in. She grabbed one of her Pokéballs from her bag. "Luna, let's do this!"
As Luna jumped off the beach chair and into position, growling at her opponent, the Kabuto feeling threatened leapt out of the basket, determined to defend its food.
"Luna, use Shadow Ball!"
The Eevee immediately sprang into action, her mouth glowing with dark energy as she formed a ball of shadows and hurled it toward the Kabuto. The ancient Pokémon flinched as the attack hit, quickly scrambling back to its feet and making a dash toward the ocean.
"Oh no, you don't!" Lita yelled. "Luna, Tackle it before it gets away!"
Luna darted across the sand, closing the gap between herself and the Kabuto, who was awkwardly dragging itself across the beach toward the waves. Just as it was about to slip into the water, Luna leapt forward and slammed into it, sending the Kabuto rolling further onto the shore. It flailed its legs in an attempt to retreat, but Luna circled around, blocking its escape.
Lita seized her chance. She threw the Pokéball, watching as it bounced off Kabuto's shell and absorbed the Pokémon in a flash of red light. The ball dropped onto the sand, shaking once, twice, three times, before it finally clicked shut.
Lita's breath caught in her throat, "Did we really do it?" her heart raced as she picked up the Pokéball, a huge grin spreading across her face. "We did it!" she cried, lifting the ball triumphantly. Luna barked excitedly, jumping up onto Lita's legs, her tail wagging furiously. Lita couldn't believe it—this was the first Pokémon she had ever caught.
Still buzzing with excitement, Lita hurried to the Cinnabar Research Lab. The sleek, modern building stood just beyond the beach, its glass walls offering a glimpse into the state-of-the-art technology inside. Lita entered the lab, explaining to one of the researchers what had happened. The researcher's eyes widened when they saw the Pokéball in her hand.
"You found a Kabuto?" he asked, sounding surprised. "That must be the one that escaped from the enclosure this morning! We've been looking for it all day."
Lita's grin faltered slightly. "So, I have to give it back?"
The researcher opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted by a more senior member of the staff, a graying man with a kind expression. He stepped forward, glancing at Lita and then at the Pokéball she held tightly in her hand. "Your first catch, huh?"
Lita nodded, her heart sinking slightly.
The older researcher smiled warmly. "We wouldn't want to take that away from you. A trainer's first catch is something special. Go ahead and keep it."
Lita's eyes lit up, her excitement bubbling back to the surface. "Really?"
Lita looked down at the Pokéball, her grip tightening around it. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The senior researcher beckoned her over to a nearby table where he began treating Kabuto's injuries from the battle. "Kabuto is a fascinating Pokémon," he explained as he worked. "They lived millions of years ago, long before modern Pokémon like your Eevee. This particular one was only a few years old when it died and became a fossil, which means it was still young when we revived it."
Lita looked at Kabuto, "That must be why it was so easy to beat, it doesn't have that much experience defending itself" she reached her hand out to rub its shell, "Sorry little guy, if I knew you were that young I would have been a lot more gentle."
As he spoke, Kabuto sat on the table, its red eyes blinking up at Lita as she gently offered it a treat. Its tiny claws clutched the food, and it cautiously took a few bites.
Lita smiled, running her hand over the smooth surface of Kabuto's shell. "You're gonna be part of our team now," she said softly. "I think I'll call you Trilo."
Kabuto blinked again, and for a moment, Lita could have sworn it gave a small, content nod.
By the time Lita turned 14, her path was set. Her family was spending their summer vacation visiting relatives in Kanto, but her mind was already on her own journey. With the latest season of the Pokémon League just around the corner, Lita saw the perfect opportunity. She wanted to travel through Kanto, challenge the Gyms, earn her badges, and qualify for the Pokémon League. Her goal was clear: climb her way to the top, defeat the Elite Four, and finally meet her hero, Karen, in person.
Lita sat cross-legged on the floor of her aunt and uncle's house in Vermillion City, Luna curled up beside her while Trilo rested comfortably on the windowsill. In front of her lay a notepad, its pages filled with lists and notes. At the top, she'd written down her main goals: "Assemble team, challenge the Indigo League, defeat the Elite Four, meet Karen." But she knew she needed more than just determination. She needed a solid team.
She began by making a list of the Pokémon she wanted to add to her roster. Her hand moved quickly as she scribbled down the names, Houndoom, Sneasel, Rhydon, and Tyranitar. Each of them, in their own way, reflected the strength and tenacity she admired. Tyranitar especially had captured her imagination. The thought of capturing such a notoriously destructive Pokémon thrilled her, but she knew it would be a challenge, and one she'd need to work up to.
With her list complete, Lita pulled out her Pokédex and began researching each Pokémon's habitat, carefully taking notes. Houndoom, a fierce Dark-and-Fire type, thrived in rocky, secluded areas. Sneasel, a cunning Ice-and-Dark type, preferred the colder, forested regions up north. She already knew of wild Rhydon and Rhyhorn roaming near the rugged cliffs of Victory Road. But Tyranitar—that would be the toughest to find. Its only known habitat was the treacherous, snow-covered peaks of Mt. Silver, where even experienced trainers hesitated to venture.
Mt. Silver was legendary, not only for its wild and rare Pokémon but for its harsh, unforgiving terrain. The sheer cliffs, narrow mountain passes, and frigid temperatures made it one of the most dangerous places in all of Kanto and Johto. Stories circulated of trainers who attempted to hike the mountain, only to disappear without a trace, lost to the cruel elements or attacked by the powerful Pokémon that called it home. Even the trainers who did return often came back injured or forced to abandon their climb halfway up. Many called it the ultimate test of a trainer's endurance and skill, and few made it to the summit, even a former champion of the Pokémon League never returned. Lita felt a shiver of anticipation run down her spine just thinking about it. She knew that if she wanted to face and capture a Tyranitar, she would need to prepare herself for one of the hardest battles of her life.
But the risk didn't scare her—it motivated her. Mt. Silver was the kind of challenge that separated good trainers from great ones. And Lita, she wanted to be great.
As she mapped out her journey, Lita felt her heart race with anticipation. While her dream was to become a Dark-type master like Karen, she couldn't ignore the significance of her first capture: Kabuto, a Rock-and-Water type. It was the first Pokémon she had caught, the beginning of her path as a trainer. And now, as she planned out her team, she realized that Tyranitar, her biggest goal before the League, was also a Dark-and-Rock type—perfectly blending the two elements she admired most. It made sense that Rock-types would become part of her journey, too.
Lita wasn't just drawn to Rock-types because of their strength; she admired their endurance, the way they could take a beating and still stand strong, like the mountains themselves. Rock-types, much like the jagged peaks of Blackthorn City, withstood the test of time and weathered any storm. They were solid, unwavering, and just as untamed as the wild spirit of Dark-types. They weren't flashy, but they were resilient, and that's what made them powerful.
Her mother's words echoed in her mind. "Be inspired by Karen, but stay true to yourself." Lita realized that perhaps this was her first step in carving out her own identity as a trainer. She was already wild and untamed, much like the Dark-type Pokémon she loved. But Rock-types? They symbolized toughness, durability, and the power to endure. Even when worn down, they could still persevere, pushing forward when most others would break. That was a strength she wanted to embody.
"I'll be a Dark-type master," she thought, "but I'll also be tough like the Rock-types, unyielding, standing strong no matter what comes my way."
Her dual focus on Dark and Rock-types felt right to her—like the perfect balance between her inspiration and her individuality. This was her way of staying true to her wild, determined nature while also building the tough, enduring team she needed to achieve her dream.
Lita closed her eyes for a moment and let herself dream. She imagined herself standing face-to-face with a towering Tyranitar, its eyes glowing with power and defiance. In her mind's eye, she challenged its strength, battling fiercely, and just when it seemed overwhelming, she'd triumph. She would tame the beast, just like Karen's powerful Dark-types, proving that she could command the respect of even the most intimidating Pokémon.
Her eyes snapped open, filled with determination. She tucked the notepad into her backpack and stood up, looking out the window. The sun was setting over Vermillion City, casting a golden light across the streets. She could see the Pokémon Center in the distance, the lighthouse standing tall by the harbor, and beyond that, the vast horizon of Kanto she was about to explore.
With her bags packed and Luna at her feet, tail swishing with excitement, Lita said goodbye to her family. Trilo perched on her shoulder, its claws gently gripping her jacket as she waved to her family. Lita knew her journey wouldn't just be about power and battles—it would be about discovering who she was, learning from each challenge, and building her own identity. Her mother's words echoed in her mind once more, "Be inspired by Karen, but stay true to yourself."
As she took her first steps out of Vermillion, the city lights fading behind her, Lita smiled. "I'm ready," she thought. "It's time to begin."