Gregory Johnson couldn't help the excitement that built in his chest as he gazed at the thick envelope in his hands. His eyes tracked back and forth over the elegant script inscribed upon its back.
The Pokemon League Association.
Fingers jittery with anticipation, Gregory slid his thumb under the envelope's lip and, with a quick flick of his wrist, popped open the wax seal, embossed with a depiction of a Pokeball, grabbing the bundle of papers and an ID card. With his lips in a grin that split his cheeks wide, he inspected his new trainer ID. Staring back at him is a portrait of himself along with some personal information such as his birthday, address, and Trainer number. Satisfied, he slid the card into his back pocket and opened up the papers.
Gregory,
We extend our sincerest congratulations on your recent graduation from the Pokemon Trainer Academy. With this accomplishment, you are now one step closer to embarking on a grand adventure into the world of Pokemon. You will experience many hardships upon your journey, but you will also find many moments of joy as you encounter different types of people and Pokemon. Enclosed, you will find your new Trainer ID, allowing you to participate in all league-sponsored tournaments and events, most notably this year's Annual Silver Conference. It will also allow you access to medical, lodging, and transfer services provided by Pokemon Centers free of charge. Speaking of charges, please be sure to link any existing bank accounts to your trainer number so that any winnings or wagers you accrue are transferred to the appropriate account.
However, you will need a Pokemon partner to do any of that! Enclosed, you will also find a voucher, which you may take to your closest league-affiliated Pokemon research center or Gym to claim a starter Pokemon. We wish you the best of luck as you learn and grow with your Pokemon!
-Mr. Charles Goodshow,
President, Pokemon League Association
Gregory read over the letter a few more times, letting the words sink in. With reverence, he folded up the letter and slipped it back into its envelope. Which he then placed into the backpack, sitting on his bed.
'It's finally time! I wonder what type of Pokemon will be waiting for me at the research center?' he thought to himself as he began gathering the things he needed together. He did one more check of all the gear inside his pack: camping gear, fire starters, cooking supplies, berry pouch, first aid kit for himself, Flashlight, a few potions, antidotes, winter jacket, boots, and finally, a few changes of clothes. He grabbed his pokegear from the nightstand and slung his pack over a shoulder as he left his bedroom. Gregory's steps thudded loudly down the stairs, the sound echoing throughout the house as he took them two at a time.
"Gregory! How many times do I need to tell you not to run in the house!" his mother's shout greeted him when he reached the bottom and headed to the kitchen.
"Sorry, Mom!" he said. "It's just I finally heard back from the PLA! I can finally begin my Pokemon journey!" he said, running up to her and flashing his newly acquired trainer ID.
His mother, Sasha, was an average-sized woman in her mid-30s. Her long brown hair was in a braid that ended at her lower back, and she had sun-kissed skin that matched his own. As she turned to face him as he entered the kitchen, her hands on her hips, Sasha's green eyes locked onto him. They had a severe set to them that matched her slight frown. The stern look on his mother's face melts to reveal a brilliant smile.
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"Oh! Gregory, I'm so happy for you!" she said as she took his ID and inspected it. Once she returned it, she placed her hands on either side of his face and said, "I'm so proud of you!" A little embarrassed by his mother's compliment, he quickly shook off her hands.
"Jeez, Mom, stop it. I'm 16 now, not a little kid," then a second later added, "But thanks."
"Myles! Get in here. Come look at what Gregory got in the mail," she said as she smiled softly at her son's bashful response.
"what is all the fuss about in here," Gregory's father said as he entered the kitchen.
Myles was a tall man, reaching about 6', with an athletic build that he maintained despite nearing his 40's. His dark black hair, which Gregory inherited, was cut short and had slight streaks of gray appearing on the sides. His slight resting smile and faint laugh lines bespoke his easygoing nature and proclivity for merriment. "Dad, Look! The PLA sent me my trainer ID and Pokemon Voucher! I can finally start my Pokemon Journey!" He said as he grabbed the letter from his backpack, shoving it and his ID in his father's hands.
"Oh?" he replied, taking the letter and ID from his son. He looked over the note and ID for a few moments. After a moment's consideration, his mouth turned up in a slight smirk.
I don't know, Greg, this ID can't possibly be yours; the boy in this picture is much too old to be my son," he finished with a wink, snaring Gregory in an iron-clad side hug.
Gregory was indignant despite knowing his dad was teasing and tried and failed to break out of his dad's grip.
"ha-ha, hilarious, Dad..." he said while still trying to wiggle out of the hug when his dad, with a rare sincere expression on his face, cut in and said, "I'm so happy for you, son; I know that you will be able to achieve whatever you set out to accomplish."
As soon as he finished saying that, a playful smile took over his expression, and with a wink, Myles released his arm from around his son.
"When do you plan on going to get your Pokemon?" his mother asked.
"Right now," Gregory replied before his stomach betrayed him by unleashing a churning gurgle that seemed more a monstrous roar than an indication of hunger.
"Woah there, son, hold your Ponyta! Let me whip you up some breakfast before you go dashing away!" his dad said.
'I-I suppose I could go for some food,' Gregory replied sheepishly.
Gregory sat at the table and waited for his dad to finish making him breakfast; by what he smelled, it was eggs and bacon. His mother placed a plate of toasted bread in front of him as she took a seat across from him.
"Did you pack the winter clothes we bought you?" his mom asked, taking a bite of her piece of toast.
"yup, sure did," Gregory said, crumbs of toast showering down on his plate like rain whenever he took a bite. He washed the dry bites down with a sip from the glass of oranberry juice his father just placed in front of him.
"How about the your pokegear? Did you remember to charge it up last night?" At this point, his mom was starting to fret over him, pacing worriedly around the kitchen.
"Sasha, sweetheart, here, sit down and have some breakfast," Myles said, a steaming plate full of bacon and eggs, thin streams of steam rising from the food, balanced in one hand. He gently guided his wife back to her chair with his free hand. "I'm sure Greg made sure to pack everything he will need," He shot Gregory a sly wink as he deposited the food onto the table.
"Yeah, Mom, don't worry I made a list of all that I would need and double-checked everything this morning," his dad sat next to his mom, rubbing his hand up and down her back in comforting motions.
"I know. I'm sorry, I'm just worried about you, dear," Sasha said, letting out a full-body sigh.
"Of course, sweetheart, there's no need to worry. I'm sure our son will be calling us whenever he gets a chance to," He said the last part with a very pointed stare in his direction.
"y-yeah, I'll be sure to call every couple wee-" At the slight tightening of his dad's stare, he quickly corrected what he was saying, "I mean, every other day?"
"Stop threatening our son," Sasha said, laughing lightly, swatting Myles softly on the arm. He just shot Gregory another wink.
"Just promise you'll call whenever you can," She said.
"will do, mom."
Having satiated his hunger and with a promise to come to show his parents his new Pokemon before leaving, he started making his way toward New Bark town's Pokemon research center.
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