Behind a cluttered desk, Professor Gary Oak stood waiting, arms crossed and a familiar grin on his face. His brown hair had grayed at the edges, but his sharp black eyes still held the same spark of adventure.
“Welcome,” he said. “You’re right on time. And I’m glad to see you’ve already begun bonding with your partners. That’s exactly how I started out on the road, battling, learning, and sometimes failing spectacularly. I remember my first battle like it was yesterday... scared out of my mind, but thrilled.”
The three friends smiled.
“But today isn’t just about memories.” Gary turned toward a door behind him. “There’s someone you need to meet.”
From the back room stepped a boy about their age, with short brown hair and black eyes that mirrored Gary’s. He carried himself with cool confidence and held a Poké Ball casually at his side.
“This is my son, Valentin Oak,” Gary announced. “He’s starting his journey too. You might be seeing a lot of each other.”
Valentin gave a slight nod. “Let’s make it interesting, then.”
Two other trainers entered behind him. A girl with striking blue hair and dark eyes, wearing a confident smirk, leaned against the wall. “Conny Thas,” she said. “I’ve been training with Growlithe since I was eight. Hope you’re ready.”
Beside her stood a tall, quiet boy with messy black hair and piercing red eyes. He said nothing, just offered a small nod.
“That’s Sylas Toaz,” Gary explained. “He’s quiet, but his Gastly speaks volumes.”
A tension sparked in the room, not hostile but electric.
Gary chuckled. “Why don’t you scan your Pokémon before you all go throwing Poké Balls at each other?” He handed them each a Pokédex, sleek and red, warm to the touch.
The trio took a moment to scan their Pokémon.
Lotad
- Level: 7
- Type: Water/Grass
- Ability: Swift Swim
- Moves: Water Gun, Absorb, Astonish
Pichu
- Level: 7
- Type: Electric
- Ability: Lightning Rod
- Moves: Thundershock, Quick Attack, Charm
Nidoran♀
- Level: 7
- Type: Poison
- Ability: Hustle
- Moves: Tackle, Growl, Poison Sting
Valentin smirked. “We should battle. Three on three.”
Doni looked at his friends. They nodded.
Outside, the two groups spread out into an open training field behind the lab. The sun was high, the air crisp.
Match 1: Doni vs. Valentin
Valentin tossed his Poké Ball. “Let’s go, Squirtle!”
The Water-type emerged with a confident cry.
Doni stepped forward. “Lotad, I choose you!”
The battle began quickly. Squirtle charged with Tackle and defended with Withdraw, using the terrain to its advantage. Lotad countered with Absorb and a precise Water Gun, holding ground with surprising tenacity. As Squirtle tried to finish with a spinning Aqua Tail, Lotad struck back with a desperate Astonish, causing both Pokémon to collapse simultaneously.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“A draw,” Valentin said, returning Squirtle. “Not bad.”
Match 2: Aqua vs. Conny
Conny grinned and released her Growlithe, its orange fur bristling with heat. “Let’s warm things up, boy!”
Aqua took a breath. “Nidoran♀, let’s try our best.”
Growlithe lunged with Bite, pushing Nidoran♀ back early. Nidoran♀ retaliated with Poison Sting and dodged Ember, only to get scorched on the second blast of flames. Aqua’s commands grew sharper: “Growl, then Tackle!” But Growlithe’s speed and raw power gave Conny the upper hand. A finishing Ember sealed the win.
“Good effort,” Conny said, flipping her hair. “But I told you Growlithe’s got bite and burn.”
Aqua silently recalled her partner, holding her head high.
Match 3: Terry vs. Sylas
Sylas didn’t speak. He simply let out Gastly, who hovered in the air, eyes glowing.
Terry beamed. “Alright Pichu, let’s go!”
Gastly tried Hypnosis and followed up with Lick, casting a creepy atmosphere over the field. But Pichu darted through with Quick Attack, dodging attacks with unpredictable energy. A Thundershock caught Gastly off guard, and another hit sent the ghost tumbling.
Sylas looked surprised for a brief moment. He nodded slightly and returned Gastly.
Terry pumped his fist. “Yes! You did it, buddy!”
Gary Oak stepped forward, clapping slowly. “Now that was fun to watch. Rivalries, victories, losses… all part of the journey.”
He smiled proudly at all six trainers.
“Now that you’ve got your Pokédex and your first real battles under your belts, your journey begins in earnest. Route 1’s waiting. Pallet Town is behind you. The world’s ahead.”
The two groups exchanged glances some friendly, some competitive.
Before they hit the road, they made a stop at the local Pokémon Center. Inside, a kind nurse Joy greeted them and directed them to the counter.
“Trainer IDs, please,” she said cheerfully. “We’ll get your Pokémon healed right away.”
The trio handed over their cards and waited as their partners were treated.
“Your Pokémon are all set,” the nurse said with a smile. “Also, you’re entitled to one free meal per day as a registered trainer.”
They enjoyed a warm meal in the center’s lounge—simple rice bowls and berry juice while their Pokémon ate nearby. The rest restored, the road ahead clearer.
Later, outside the Center, the six trainers stood together at the edge of Route 1.
Valentin adjusted his backpack and looked at Doni. “This was fun. Next time, I’m not settling for a draw.”
Conny flipped her hair. “Next time I’ll win even faster.”
Sylas gave a silent wave.
Doni smiled. “Bring it on.”
Terry grinned. “See you in Pewter City!”
With a final exchange of nods, the rival group turned and headed north ahead of them.
Aqua glanced at the road. “So… Pewter City. First Gym Battle. Ready?”
“Totally,” Doni said, then paused as they passed a small Poké Mart. Something caught his eye in the window. He stepped inside and returned a moment later holding a shiny new fishing rod.
“Really?” Aqua laughed. “You’re planning to fish already?”
“You never know what you’ll find in the water,” Doni replied with a grin.
Before they left Pallet Town, Doni insisted on trying his new rod near the shoreline south of town, facing the distant silhouette of Cinnabar Island.
“Just one try,” he said, casting the line.
Moments later, the rod bent sharply.
“No way!” Doni cried, reeling with determination.
From the water emerged a shimmering, blue-tinted Shiny Poliwag!
“Scan it quick!” Terry shouted.
Doni whipped out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
**Poliwag **
- Level: 5
- Type: Water
- Ability: Swift Swim
- Moves: Water Gun, Double Slap, Double Team, Tackle
“It’s fast!” Aqua warned as Poliwag used Double Team, creating a blur of copies.
“Lotad, let’s go!” Doni called. His partner landed in front of him, ready.
Poliwag opened with a surprise Tackle, hitting hard.
“Absorb!” Doni shouted.
Lotad responded, energy glowing green as it sapped Poliwag’s strength.
Poliwag fired back with Water Gun. Lotad staggered but held firm.
“One more Absorb!”
The attack hit its mark. Poliwag wobbled, weakened.
“Poké Ball, go!” Doni threw the capsule, holding his breath as it shook... then clicked.
“Welcome to the team!” Doni said, eyes sparkling.
Now officially underway, the trio moved up Route 1. Surprisingly, they found no trainers on the road just rustling grass and chirping Pidgey.
“That’s weird,” Terry said. “I thought this route was usually busy.”
As they approached the outskirts of Viridian City, a uniformed Pokémon Ranger stepped into view.
“You kids need to evacuate this area,” he said. “We’ve had reports of Team Rocket activity nearby. Be cautious.”
Eyes wide, the trio thanked him and moved quickly through the route.
By the time they reached the safety of Viridian City, the sky was darkening.
They spent the night at the Pokémon Center, grateful for the comfort.
The next morning, bright and early, they stocked up on supplies and headed north.
Ahead loomed the thick trees of Viridian Forest, where adventure and their first Gym challenge in Pewter City awaited.
To be continued...