• Chapter 1

    It was early summer. The sun slowly rose over the horizon, its rays hitting on a small, two-story ranch house. An Absol that slept on the back porch opened his eyes has he felt the warmth on his white fur. He got to his paws and stretched, yawning. He then headed into the house. In the kitchen a young woman was already up, cooking. She had a blue headband that kept her black hair out of her emerald green eyes.

    The woman looked at the calendar that was hanging from the wall by the videophone. One of the days was circled in a bright green marker. Beneath it something was written: ‘Journey begins today!’ She returned her attention back to the meal she was preparing. Absol rubbed his head against her leg. The woman smiled, petting him. “She’s grown up so fast Arlo. It only seems like yesterday that I was holding her for the first time in my arms.” Absol licked her hand. “If only Ranger was here to see her off.”

    Meanwhile, upstairs a dark haired girl slept beneath her light covers. The walls were covered in posters of Pokémon, several trainers, and Gym leaders. A few plushies where scattered about the wooden floor. She groaned as her Poké Ball alarm clock began to go off. Without looking she reached out toward the end table to turn it off, succeeding after several tries. Slowly she sat up, the covers sliding off her sky blue, satin pajamas. She yawned and stretched, opening her brown eyes part way.

    “Morning already?” she muttered to her self, rubbing her eye. She yawned again as she got out of bed. She made her way down the hall to the bathroom and took a quick shower. She glanced at her calendar as she walked back into her room. A large smile spread across her face. “Today’s the day!” She exclaimed, punching the air. Masako ran to her dresser and took out a red T-shirt, a pair of blue-gray jeans and a pair of socks. She put on her bra and followed it up with her shirt. The rest of her clothes soon followed. She stood before her full-length mirror as she pulled her long black hair into a ponytail. Masako then made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

    Her mother smiled, she had just finished setting the table for their meal. “Morning Masako.” She said.

    Masako sat down at the table. “Morning Mom.” She began to pour some Pecha juice into her tall glass. “Have you heard anything from Dad?”

    “Not yet.” Her mother replied as she took her seat. A small look f disappointment came across her daughter’s face. “I’m sure he wishes he was here instead of being on the tour.”

    Masako only nodded and began to eat her breakfast. After eating she stood up and went to finish packing her backpack as her mother washed the dishes. When she finished she began to put on her shoes and her jet-black jacket.

    “Masako, wait.” Her mother called, as she was about to take off.

    Masako looked over her shoulder. “What is it Mom?” She questioned.

    “I wanted to give this to you.” Her mother took her gloved hand and placed
    something in it. “It’s like a going away present.”

    Masako looked at her hand. Her mother had placed a shrunken down Premier Ball in her hand. On top of the orb was a magnetic clasp that was strung onto a silver chain. She looked up at her mother. “Thanks.”

    Her mother smiled and put it on her daughter. “It looks great.” She hugged her child. “Be safe and call us whenever you can.”

    Masako nodded and returned the hug. “I will Mom. I promise.”

    And with that Masako walked down the road, away from the ranch, finally starting her journey as a Pokémon Trainer.