The ceremony for new Pokémon Trainers took place at eight in the morning. Seeming to have completely forgotten the events of last night, Genny and Roy’s morning was filled with nothing but excitement as they spoiled themselves with a large breakfast and finished up their last-minute packing together.

    Genny was all packed and ready to go by the front door, calling upstairs to Roy still in his room. “Be down in a minute!” he called back.

    He still had one last thing to grab.

    The most important thing.

    On Roy’s desk sat a leather journal with a buckle strap. A thick, heavy duty one–Roy’s father had obviously anticipated it to see some action. How ironic for Roy to find it unfortunate the journal remained in such good condition.

    He picked up the journal and never took his eyes off it as he walked down the stairs with a smile on his face.

    “There you are,” Genny said. “What’s that?”

    “Have I ever told you about this journal?”

    Genny shook her head.

   “Huh,” Roy said, surprised. He flipped open the journal he’d read perhaps a thousand times. It was filled with sketches, stamps, post cards, and written entries. Four Gym badges had been pinned to the inside of the cover, representing a challenge only half-completed. “It was my father’s. You know he dreamed of being a great Trainer, seeing the world, and making some big Pokémon related discovery. Of course, getting drafted put a quick end to that.” Roy skimmed through his father’s logs. A year’s worth of adventures taking up only the first hundred of a one thousand-page journal. Roy flipped through the empty pages. “He had all these sections reserved for the other countries he wanted to visit. We talked all the time about continuing his journey together once I came of age.” Though a tear rolled down Roy’s face, his smile never waned. “I guess I look forward to finishing that journey, and this journal... For both of us.”

 

***

 

The Dodrio crowed and the Pidgey sang as the sun rose to shine on the Rayday morning. The temperature was warm and the weather calm. Roy saw a nice day ahead.

    Excitement made the walk feel that much shorter, and before they knew it, the crowd forming around the professor’s lab came into view. The ceremony for new Trainers always drew a large assembly of friends and family who wanted to see off their children, as well as a mix of curious townsfolk looking to meet the new Trainers and watch the event.

    Roy and Genny dashed ahead and pushed their way through the crowd to find Professor Oak in front of the gate to his lab. Beside him stood a table holding three Poké Balls.

    “Ah,” Professor Oak said. “Roy. Genny. Good morning.”

    “Good morning, professor,” Roy said half a second after Genny.

    “Yes, good morning indeed.” Brayden stood to their right, outfitted in clothing that was casual but fit for travel. He wore a far higher quality (and no doubt more expensive) Trainer Bag than the ones Roy and Genny had. His typical condescending smirk brimmed with overconfidence. Roy wanted to be angry, but he just didn’t feel it. Nothing would ruin today for him. Not even Brayden.

    Mixed in with the crowd, Roy spotted Brayden’s mother. And more recognizably, his father, the renowned Pokémon Master, Draco Goldwyn. Though Roy didn’t feel any breeze, the man’s long hair blew as if by the power of its own heroic gallantry. Standing tall, his face bore the serious demeanor of a man who never smiled, and those eyes burned with intensity, determination, and well-earned confidence. A man hardened by years of experience. He had a closely trimmed beard, strong jaw, and wore a dark suit that he kept immaculate.

    “Well,” the professor said. “Now that the three of you are here, why don’t we begin.” He stepped to the side and gestured to the three Poké Balls on the table. “On this table here, I have three Poké Balls containing a Pokémon. The Grass-type, Bulbasaur. The Fire-type, Charmander. And the Water-type, Squirtle. There is one for each of you. Whoever you choose will be your partner on your journey as Pokémon Trainers. But, before you can choose which of the three will be your first Pokémon, you will have to decide together something perhaps far more important.” The professor took a deep breath as if preparing himself for whatever might follow his next statement. “Who will choose first?”

    Oh boy, Roy thought as he, Genny, and Brayden all turned to look at each other. The crowd behind them held their breath as tension tightened the air. Some people rolled their eyes. A few took a cautious step back. Delilah watched with apprehension. Only Molly smiled with a sparkle in her eyes that clearly said, “Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!” Draco’s face didn’t change. He just watched with a stern expression, arms folded.

    This was always the most contentious part of every year. Picking your first Pokémon was a crucial decision. One where you did not want to be the last to choose, leaving you with no choice at all. People had spent up to two hours in heated arguments previous years. Some even got into fistfights over who chose first. And many locals in the crowd knew of the bitterness between Roy and Brayden, so some of them probably expected just that.

    Genny took a step back. “You two go first. I’ll be happy with whoever my partner is.” Offering to choose last was a rarity, but considering how conflict-averse Genny was, Roy could’ve guessed it from her.

    That left Roy and Brayden. And if Roy knew Brayden, he had a feeling he knew how this would play out. Brayden smiled in his irritating way and stepped to the side, gesturing Roy toward the Poké Balls with exaggerated gentlemanship. “By all means, Roy. Choose first.”

    Roy was wise to what Brayden was doing. He wasn’t letting him choose first out of kindness. There was a reason the three starter Pokémon were Grass, Fire, and Water types. Brayden may as well have been offering to let him choose first at Rock, Paper, Scissors. Type advantage didn’t guarantee victory in battle, but it certainly helped. Brayden wanted to choose second just so he could pick whichever Pokémon held the advantage over Roy’s. Not that it mattered what Brayden chose though. Roy already knew which he wanted. He’d always known. At least now he wouldn’t have to worry about not getting it.

    Roy stepped forward and took the Poké Ball sitting on the right, declaring out loud for everyone to hear. “I choose the turtle Pokémon. Squirtle.”

    Roy pressed the button and the Poké Ball opened, releasing a bright light that took the shape of a Pokémon that cried out its name.

    Squirtle resembled a blue-skinned turtle standing on two legs. The tip of its tail curled in a swirling shape. It smiled up at Roy with purple eyes. Roy smiled back and took a knee. “Hey, Squirtle. My name’s Roy. Looks like you and I are going to be partners from now on.”

    “Squirtle!” it replied, cheerfully.

    “This is my first day as a Trainer,” Roy said. “I’ve never done this before, but I guess you’ve never worked with a Trainer. We’ll have to learn together.”

    “Squirtle,” it said again with a smile. Roy guessed he would have to get used to that. Pokémon’s vocal cords allowed them to say their own name but nothing else. As much as they knew about Pokémon, the creatures remained shrouded in unsolved mysteries.

    Roy pointed the Poké Ball at Squirtle and pressed the center button again, firing a red beam. Squirtle’s body returned to light and was absorbed back into the ball. He pressed the button a second time and the ball shrunk down to a more portable size. Roy stood, and the professor approached him.

    “Congratulations, Roy. You’ve received your first Pokémon.” The professor handed Roy a belt with five Poké Balls attached to it. “And with these, I hope you will catch even more partners and create a full team. Though if you want to catch more, you can always purchase Poké Balls at any local Poké Mart.”

    The professor handed Roy something else. A flat rectangular object, about the size of a pocket notebook. Bright red with several buttons on it. “And with this Pokédex, I hope you will learn all about those you catch.”

    Roy flipped open the Pokédex, just like a notebook, and pressed the button to turn it on. The words NO DATA appeared across the screen.

    “The Pokédex is empty now,” the professor said, “but with each Pokémon you encounter, you can scan and register its data.” The professor smiled. “Think of it as a Pokémon encyclopedia. One that you’ll have to work hard to fill up yourself. It was once my dream to complete the Pokédex with every Kantonian Pokémon. But I’ve gotten old and now leave my dream to the younger generations.” He lowered his voice and placed a hand on Roy’s shoulder. “But you already have a dream of your own, don’t you, Mr. Ackerman? One both old and new.” He raised his voice again. “Whatever kind of Trainer you decide to be, I know you’ll make the right choice for you.”

    Roy slipped the Pokédex into his pocket and wrapped the belt around his waist. “Thank you, professor.” They shook hands.

    Roy returned to Genny’s side. She gave him a congratulatory thumbs up. Roy looked over to his mother and saw a similar smile, eyes filled with tears and pride.

    Brayden stepped toward the table. “Well, if Roy is picking Squirtle…”

    Roy frowned. He knew what Brayden would choose. The Pokémon that held the type advantage over Squirtle was Bulbasaur. Brayden would certainly go for that one to spite him.

    “Then I guess I’ll choose…” He reached out and Roy almost gasped as Brayden took hold of the Poké Ball in the center of the table. “This one.”

    Brayden spun around and threw the Poké Ball high. With a flash of light, the Pokémon inside emerged.

    “Chaaarr!”

    A wingless bipedal dragon with orange scales, a yellow belly, and teal eyes landed in the dirt. There were claws on its feet but not its hands. A flame burned hot and vigorous at the tip of its tail; a sign that this particular Charmander was strong and healthy.

    Brayden chose Charmander? Roy was certain he’d want the Pokémon with an advantage over Roy’s. It would’ve been just like Brayden to choose a Pokémon that one-upped his. Unless... Was Brayden really so overconfident and condescending that he felt he didn’t need an advantage? Roy’s fist shook at his side. But what was he getting so worked up for? It’s not like he and Brayden were required to battle. And if they did eventually battle at some point down the line, they’d have other Pokémon to use, so it was unlikely the two Pokémon would ever engage each other.

    The professor gave Brayden his own Pokédex and belt of Poké Balls, along with a speech similar to the one he gave Roy.

    At last, it was Genny’s turn. She approached the table with a spring in her step and took the final Poké Ball from the table. She released Bulbasaur and, after introducing herself, didn’t hesitate to hug her new companion.

    The frog Pokémon’s stubby body stood on four thick, short legs, had green-blue skin with dark green spots, a flat snout, pointed ears, and red eyes. It carried a plant bulb on its back as big as its body.

    Showing equal friendliness, two long vines emerged from underneath its bulb and hugged Genny back. Rather than return the Bulbasaur to its Poké Ball, she picked it up to carry in her arms (which the Pokémon seemed to enjoy) then went to receive her Pokédex, Poké Balls, and motivational speech from the professor.

    Genny returned to Roy’s side and Professor Oak raised his arms, speaking to the crowd. “Let us congratulate Pallet Town’s three newest Trainers!”

    The crowd applauded. Roy even saw a few tears from both his and Brayden’s mother. Only Brayden’s father remained firm, not bothering to uncross his arms. Roy gave a furtive glance around the crowd for Genny’s parents, hoping they’d at least show up to see their daughter off, but they were nowhere to be seen.

Roy looked to Genny and they smiled at each other. “Well,” Roy said. “Shall we set out?”

    Genny nodded. “Yes.”

    Hitching up the backpack on his shoulders, the two of them started down the dirt path.

    “Hey, Roy,” Brayden called. Roy rolled his eyes. Now what? He turned to face Brayden who had his arm held out, Poké Ball resting in his palm. “Not leaving already, are you? We just became Pokémon Trainers. What do Trainers do? They battle each other.”

    A challenge already? They’d only just received their starters. Most Trainers liked to catch some Pokémon and familiarize themselves with their team before having their first battle against another Trainer.

    “Don’t do it,” Genny whispered. “You know how renowned a Pokémon Master Brayden’s dad is. Who knows what he’s taught him in advance. Brayden just wants to humiliate you in front of everyone.”

    Genny was right. While one had to be eighteen to become an official Pokémon Trainer, there were no laws against minors having casual battles at home. This may be Brayden’s first day as a Trainer, but this would unlikely be his first battle. But what about Roy? He’d spent the last several years working under Professor Oak and held far more Pokémon knowledge than most new Trainers. But could knowledge hope to beat experience?

    “You’re not scared, are you?” Brayden smirked. “Not with type advantage?”

    While Pokémon could certainly still win with a type disadvantage, they usually had to be well trained to do so. Right now, Roy’s Squirtle and Brayden’s Charmander were both untrained and on equal footing. Now more than ever would be when Squirtle’s type advantage would be most beneficial. Brayden was obviously baiting him. Yet his overconfidence kept pissing Roy off.

    Roy turned to face Brayden, grabbing the Poké Ball at his side containing Squirtle. Genny sighed behind him. She didn’t need to worry though. Roy wouldn’t lose this battle. He refused to.

    “Atta-boy.” Brayden’s smile grew. “But what’s a Pokémon battle without the traditional wager?”

     Fuck. He wants to wager too?

    Traveling Pokémon Trainers often made their living wagering on battles. This wasn’t the only way Trainers could make money, but it was the most prevalent method. This led more cynical people to view Trainers as nothing more than gamblers. Pokémon training was a cutthroat sport at times. One had to be good to make it as a Trainer, lest they go broke.

    “Fine. How much?”

    Brayden shrugged. “Money is no object. One thousand.”

    There were a few gasps from the crowd. Son-of-a-bitch! Was he insane? It wasn’t all Roy had, but he’d be wagering a good chunk of what he’d saved up for his Pokémon training career. That was almost a month’s worth of working at the professor’s.

    Then it hit him. One thousand. He’d be wagering the entire bonus Professor Oak had given him. It was the exact amount. Brayden couldn’t have known about that, could he? No. Impossible. Roy was just being paranoid. Roy didn’t want to bet that much. Especially the bonus the professor had been so generous to give him.

    “I don’t have that much on me.”

    “That’s no issue,” Brayden said, reaching in a side pocket of his bag and pulling two devices from within.  “Just take one of these. Consider it a gift from me.” Brayden tossed one of the devices across and Roy caught it. He recognized what it was immediately. It resembled a calculator but with a slightly larger screen. It was a Poké Wagerer. A device commonly used by Trainers. By linking it up to one’s bank account and then syncing it with a nearby Trainer, one could place bets using the money in their checking account. After a battle, the Poké Wagerer would then transfer the agreed amount to the winning Trainer’s account. Roy had planned to get one eventually but didn’t expect he would need one so soon. He hated accepting one from Brayden, but it would allow him to wager the full amount Brayden had suggested.

    “So then?” Brayden said. “One thousand?”

    Roy could almost feel Genny shaking her head behind him, begging him not to agree to a betting sum than was normally only seen in high-level matches. Roy looked back at the condescending smirk on Brayden’s face. Roy wasn’t about to back down now.

   “Agreed,” Roy said. He caught a disapproving frown from the professor and he felt a spike of shame. Don’t worry, he thought. I won’t lose this battle.

    Roy turned on the device and entered his personal information to link his bank account. He then synced it to Brayden’s own Poké Wagerer and entered the amount of one thousand Unovan dollars. When the words: Do you want to wager this amount? appeared onscreen, Roy hit yes, then waited for Brayden to hit the agree button on his own device. A few seconds later, the Poké Wagerer flashed the message: The wager has been set. Roy slipped the device in his pocket and looked back to Brayden’s smiling face. Roy heard a muffle of worried murmurs coming from the crowd.

    “Well then,” Brayden said. “What are we waiting for?”

    Roy threw his Poké Ball into the air, releasing Squirtle. Brayden did the same, sending out Charmander. Roy suddenly felt nervous. He’d never even had a practice battle before. But he forced himself to take a deep breath, relaxing himself. He’d studied under Professor Oak for years. Even if he had no battle experience, he knew the moves and tactics of all three starter Pokémon. He could do this.

    “Professor Oak,” Brayden said. “Serve as our judge, won’t you?”

    The professor sighed but stepped forward. He raised his hand. “Begin.”

    “Squirtle,” Roy shouted. “Use Water G–”

    Before Roy could finish his command, Squirtle had already charged forward, going for a Tackle attack instead. “Squirtle, no! Wait!”

    Brayden chuckled. “How embarrassing.” Charmander spun around and with a swing of its tail, slapped Squirtle across the face, knocking it to the ground.

    “Squirtle!” Roy shouted. Squirtle got to its feet quickly. “Wait for my command next time.”

    The turtle looked back at Roy. “Squirtle?” it said, with a look of shame and confusion.

    “How fitting,” Brayden said. A novice Pokémon for a novice Trainer. Scratch attack, Charmander.” The Pokémon rushed toward Squirtle. Roy ordered a Withdraw attack. Obeying this time, Squirtle retreated into its shell. Charmander swiped with its clawed foot but barely managed to scratch the hardened shell. Charmander jumped back.

    “Can’t hide in there forever,” Brayden said. “Let’s force him out, Charmander. Use Ember.”

    Charmander gave a spit and shot a bullet of fire out of its mouth. The flame exploded against Squirtle’s shell but fortunately didn’t seem to do much. Charmander continued the onslaught, launching a continuous barrage of Ember attacks against the shell. Even at this distance, Roy could feel the heat from each explosion against his face. He broke out in a sweat. Both from the heat and the stress. If it was hot for him, he could only imagine how hot it was inside that shell. What should he do? Squirtle couldn’t hide in there forever. Charmander continued to spit flaming bullets at Squirtle and all of Roy’s knowledge fled from his head, his mind drawing a blank under the building pressure. Roy stood frozen for a moment, his hands shaking, then shouted the first move to come to his mind. “Water Gun!”

    The shell on the ground spun around, water ejecting from the holes in the side, sending flows of water spraying out in all directions like a super-powered sprinkler. Charmander jumped around dodging each stream, but eventually one connected and the dragon was knocked back. “Yes!”

    Charmander struggled to its feet. That super effective attack must’ve done a lot of damage. “All right, Squirtle,” Roy said. “Now Tackle it.” Squirtle emerged from its shell and ran forward.

   “Stand your ground,” Brayden said. Charmander planted its feet firm in the ground and held out its arms, stopping Squirtle’s charge. Charmander struggled to hold it as Squirtle continued to push forward. Charmander was pushed backward, but stood standing, its heels digging trenches in the dirt.

    “Now Ember,” Brayden said. Charmander opened its mouth and shot a fiery bullet, which hit Squirtle in the head and threw it back on the ground.

    “No!” Roy shouted as Squirtle staggered to its feet, looking badly hurt. Squirtle had a resistance to Fire-type attacks, but at that close of a range, it may as well have been super effective.

    “Now Furry Swipes,” Brayden said. Charmander sprinted forward and scratched at Squirtle with its hands. It scratched again and again, hitting repeatedly.

    “Get back, Squirtle!” Roy said, but Squirtle looked too stunned to move. With a final swipe, Squirtle fell to its knees.

    “Now finish it,” Brayden said. “Ember!” The attack exploded against Squirtle’s body. It tumbled backward, then, unable to stand, fell to the ground.

    “C’mon, Squirtle. Get up,” Roy mumbled, sweat trickling down his neck. Squirtle weakly started to push itself up, but failed and fell back down. After a few seconds of unresponsive silence, Professor Oak raised his arm high.

    “Squirtle is unable to battle. Charmander wins.”

    Roy rushed out, skidded to his knees, and picked Squirtle up in his arms, giving him a gentle shake. “Squirtle. Hey, Squirtle.” The turtle opened its eyes, smiling up at Roy. Roy breathed a sigh of relief. Squirtle would be all right.

    “Nice work out there,” Roy said. “Take a rest.” He returned Squirtle to its Poké Ball then took out the Poké Wagerer from his pocket. On the screen were the words: Battle Results. Below that were two options reading: I Won and I Lost. Brayden had likely already pressed the I Won button and was waiting for Roy to press the other. The transfer wouldn’t be made until both Trainers had selected different results. Roy grudgingly pressed I Lost and watched the rapidly scrolling numbers as his account decreased by one thousand. One fucking thousand. The entire bonus the Professor had been so generous to give him. Gone. Just like that.

    Clenching his teeth, Roy slammed his fist into the dirt road, drawing blood on his knuckles. Roy sat there on his hands and knees, eyes glued to the ground, fighting back tears and feeling the stares of the entire crowd on him. Though no one said anything, Roy could practically hear what they must be thinking. What was he thinking, challenging the son of Draco Goldwyn? Did you see how he could barely control that Squirtle of his? How could anyone be foolish enough to gamble one thousand dollars on their first-ever b   Glaring up at Brayden, Roy’s blood boiled with hatred. Brayden looked back at his father, who simply nodded.

    Roy’s head drooped back down at the dirt. He felt a hand on his shoulder and realized it must be Genny, but he didn’t look up. He couldn’t meet her eyes. Then he heard Brayden speak as he walked past them. “How embarrassing. Don’t think I’ve ever seen such a humiliating display. You’re just not cut out for this. It’s not too late though. You can still return that Squirtle to the professor. I’d hate to see it left in the hands of such a novice.”

    Roy finally sat up and whipped his head back to glare at Brayden, his teeth and fists clenched. He wanted to snap back a retort but couldn’t find the words.

    “Well, I’m outta here,” Brayden said. “Pokémon to catch, reputation to build. Lance isn’t going to defeat himself after all.” Brayden disappeared over the hill. He must think he’d crushed Roy’s spirit with this battle, but no. Roy wasn’t about to turn back on the dreams he’d waited his whole life for. Staring at the spot where Brayden stood, Roy felt his spirit burn with motivation. He was going to get out there. He was going to catch a team and train them to be the strongest he possibly could. Then he’d train them to be even stronger. Then his Squirtle would trounce that distorted Charmander and whatever other Pokémon Brayden happened to have on his team. You enjoy this   while you can, Brayden. You won’t keep me on my knees forever.

 

***

 

Roy and Genny kept mostly silent as they walked down the road leading out of Pallet. The rest of the sendoff being as awkward as it was, Roy had just left, unable to bring   himself to say anything or even look at his mother or the professor whose generous bonus he’d so carelessly thrown away.

    After thanking and saying goodbye to Roy’s mother and the professor–and probably apologizing on Roy’s behalf–Genny caught up to him. She still hadn’t returned Bulbasaur to its ball, opting to carry it in her arms.

    At the edge of Pallet Town, Roy and Genny reached the spot where the road split into three pathways. All three of them led to Viridian City but took different routes. Traditionally, each of the new Trainers took a different trail depending on which Pokémon they selected as their starter. Having chosen Charmander, Brayden would have gone down the center path.

    “Well,” Genny said. “I guess this is where our journey starts.”

    Roy saw trepidation on her face and he put a hand on her shoulder. “You’ll be fine.”

    Genny nodded. “Yeah.” Adjusting the strap on her Trainer bag, she approached the left path, a spring in her step, and turned back to Roy. “So, uh… I guess this is it.”

    “I guess so.”

    “Good luck, and… I’ll see you around. Hopefully, we’ll run into each other sometime.”

    “I’m sure we will.”

    Genny nodded. “Thank you.” She set Bulbasaur down. “Let’s go!”

    “Bulba!” it responded in a scratchy voice, and the two ran side by side down the trail. Roy watched her until she was out of sight. He turned to face his own path and all the possibilities that lay along it. He simultaneously wondered where Genny’s adventure would take her. She’d claimed many times to not care where life led, so long as it was filled with friendship and happiness. Roy’s Trainer goals on the other hand were clearer. He’d see the world–as he and his father promised they’d do–and make a discovery that solidified the Ackerman name in the history books.

    But where did he start?

    The same place his father and most other Trainers did. The same goal Brayden likely aimed to achieve as well: to conquer all eight Pokémon Gyms of Kanto. To defeat the Leaders that reigned there and earn their badges, and with them, be granted access to the Indigo Plateau, where he could potentially earn the right to challenge the Pokémon League Champion, Lance, the greatest Trainer in all of Kanto, and if Roy defeated him, earn the title of Champion himself.

    Roy opened his father’s journal to the last page he’d ever written. Grouday, Jira 4th, 1055. A few days before the war had begun. Finally picking the adventure up after all these years, Roy flipped to the next empty page to add his own entry.

 

Rayday, Uxine 1st 1096

Today marks the beginning and continuation of a shared dream.

 

Pen scratching away, Roy raised his foot and set off down the right path, taking the first step on his journey to be the very best like no one ever was.

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To be continued...

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