In the shadow of Dragon's Den, within the storied city of Blackthorn, I, Khonsu Drake, live a life many would envy, surrounded by the lore and legends of Dragon-type Pokémon. Yet, as dawn breaks on my seventeenth birthday, I feel anything but legendary. Unlike the famed trainers who embarked on their journeys with a Pokémon by their side, I had none.

"I knew money has been tight ever since Dad died, and Mom's still recovering from all the medical bills while he was sick. My dream of having my first Pokémon and going on my own journey seems impossible. Pokémon League rules state that one must begin their Pokémon League journey prior to turning 18. With only one year left and no way to afford a competitive Pokémon, it just doesn't seem likely."

Walking into the house, my mood lightens a bit when Mom greets me. "Hey, Honey, tonight people are coming over to celebrate your birthday. Nurse Joy says she has a special surprise for you."

Nurse Joy's "special surprises" have become somewhat of an annual tradition, though they never quite align with what I'm hoping for. Last year, her special surprise was for me to help out at the Pokémon Nursery. While that was a lot of fun, it wasn't the Pokémon journey I yearned for. I force a smile, not wanting to dampen her spirits. "Thanks, Mom. I can't wait to celebrate. I'm going to sit on the roof and watch the Pidgey fly by."

She kisses me on the forehead, a gesture of love and comfort that's become all too familiar in its necessity. As I make my way up to the roof, the weight of my situation feels as heavy as ever. The roof has become my refuge, a place to dream and watch the world from a distance. The Pidgey soar freely above, a stark contrast to the grounded reality of my life. Their effortless flight mirrors the freedom I crave, a freedom that seems just out of reach.

The sunsets, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, a beautiful backdrop to the Pidgey's dance. It's peaceful up here, away from the worries of the world below. I can almost forget my predicament, lost in the beauty of nature and the possibilities of what could be.

As darkness blankets the city, I head back down, the reality of my situation settling back in. Tonight's celebration will be bittersweet, a reminder of another year gone by without a Pokémon to call my own. But deep down, a flicker of hope remains. Maybe, just maybe, Nurse Joy's surprise will change everything this year.

As the guests slowly arrive, each bearing gifts, I make sure to greet all of my mom's coworkers. To my surprise, among them is Gym Leader Clair. Clair and my mom grew up together, but with her duties as a gym leader, she doesn't really get to come around as often. Excitement bubbles up inside me as I spot her, and I can't contain it. "Auntie Clair!" I shout, running up to her. "I wasn't expecting you!"

I leap into her strong arms, and she whirlwinds me around as we both erupt into laughter, culminating in a long, strong hug. She whispers in my ear, "I hear Nurse Joy has an amazing surprise for you!"

I give her a quizzical look. "Promise me it's not working at the Nursery again."

Auntie Clair just laughs a sound that's both comforting and infectious. "That, I can promise," she says as she tussles my hair, adding, "Khonsu, you really need a haircut."

I bat her hand away teasingly as I make my rounds, saying hi to everyone. The atmosphere is light, filled with laughter and the chatter of the party, a brief escape from the worries that often cloud my mind.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings, slicing through the din of conversations. Nurse Joy walks in, her arms wrapped around a large present... her surprise for me. My heart skips a beat, curiosity, and anticipation mingling together. I rush over to her, eager to lend a hand. "Can I help you carry that inside?"

Nurse Joy laughs, a sound as warm as the afternoon sun. "Not at all, young man. You will get your present at the end of the party. I'm making you wait for this surprise."

I roll my eyes but can't help the smile that spreads across my face. Pulling her into a hug, I feel her kiss my cheek. "Happy seventeenth birthday, Khonsu. I promise this will be the best birthday yet."

Her words, filled with promise and mystery, send a thrill through me. The best birthday yet? My imagination runs wild with the possibilities. Could it be a Pokémon? Or something even beyond my wildest dreams? The anticipation is almost too much to bear, but I know the wait will make the reveal all the more sweet. For now, I mingle among the guests, my heart lights with excitement for what's to come, the promise of Nurse Joy's surprise lingering in the air like a promise of new beginnings.

The aroma of heavenly pizza saturates the air, drawing everyone closer like moths to a flame. We gather around the table, voices merging into the familiar tune of "Happy Birthday." Amid the celebration, Bill Davis, my next-door neighbor, leans over with a grin. "Khonsu, what do you wish for this year?"

Before my brain can even engage, my heart answers for me. "For my very own Pokémon!" The room erupts in cheers, their enthusiasm confirming they're all clearly in on Nurse Joy's surprise.

We dive into the feast: slices of pizza, bowls of chips, stalks of celery, and of course, a double chocolate cake adorned with Oran berries—my absolute favorite. Mom's Blissey and Wigglytuff sit next to me, their presence comforting yet overly protective, as always. From the far corner, I catch a glimpse of Mom's very own Dragonite approaching, its gentle eyes watching over the festivities. It's a reminder of the tradition here in Blackthorn—receiving a Dratini on one's twelfth birthday, a tradition I've missed out on.

As we eat, laughter and stories fill the air, and gradually, we make our way outside. The backyard transforms into a Pokémon haven, surrounded by Dragonair and Dragonite, majestic creatures I've grown up admiring. Bill's Gyarados makes a spectacular sight in the pond behind our house, its serpentine body gliding through the water with grace.

Then comes the moment I've been waiting for. "Present time!" Mom announces, her voice cutting through the buzz of conversations. A wave of electric energy sweeps through the crowd, palpable as if a Mareep had just unleashed a Thunder Shock. The anticipation is almost too much, a mix of excitement and a tiny thread of anxiety—what if the surprise isn't what I hope for?

I glance around at the assembled guests, their faces alight with excitement and smiles. Pokémon of all types and sizes mingle among them, a living tapestry of the world I've longed to join. The sight is a stark reminder of my wish, a desire that's remained just out of reach until now.

Nurse Joy steps forward, the large present now in her hands. My heart races as she approaches, each step echoing like a drumbeat of destiny. This is it, the moment that could change everything. The air is thick with expectation, every eye on me, every breath held in suspense.

As she places the gift before me, the world seems to stand still. This isn't just a present; it's the embodiment of my dreams, the key to a journey I've yearned to embark on. With trembling hands, I reach out, ready to unveil the future that awaits me. The promise of adventure, of battles and friendships, of victories and challenges—it all starts here, with this box, on the eve of my seventeenth birthday, in the backyard surrounded by the creatures that have filled my dreams.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

The wrapping paper crinkles under my fingers, a symphony to my ears, each tear a step closer to the destiny that awaits.

tearing open the package, my hands shake with anticipation. Inside, nestled within a secure incubator, is an egg. The shell swirls with colors, mesmerizing as if the very essence of the Pokémon world is encapsulated within it. The colors dance in the fading light, a beacon of untold potential.

Nurse Joy, standing by with a smile that could outshine the sun, says, "I believe it's a Dragon-type egg, but its markings are not distinct enough to confirm." My mom, her eyes twinkling with excitement and pride, adds, "A new beginning for you, Khonsu."

I'm in utter shock. "Nurse Joy, where did you find this?" My voice was barely above a whisper, choked with emotion.

"I was making my rounds around the Ice Path, looking for injured Pokémon, when I found this abandoned egg." Her voice is warm, filled with the care and dedication that defines her.

Hugging the incubator to my chest, I feel warmth spreading through me, not just from the device keeping the egg at the perfect temperature, but from the realization of a dream turning into reality. Tears slowly roll down my cheeks. "Nurse Joy, this is perfect. I don't know how to say thank you."

Bill yells from the back, his voice booming with enthusiasm, "You can thank us by winning the Pokémon Tournament this year!"

All the guests cheer in unison, a wave of support and expectation washing over me. I catch Aunt Clair's eye; she gives me a sly smile, a silent challenge. One I can't wait to take on.

[Item Received: Mysterious Pokémon Egg]

[Quest Started: Hatch the Mysterious Egg]

The celebration continues as the rest of the guests come over to deliver their gifts. [Item Received:  backpack]  filled with essentials for a trainer on the go: [Items Received: camping gear, potions, super potions]  and to my surprise, even a few [Item Received: Hyper potions]. [Item Received: Pokeball belt] equipped with [Items  Received: twenty regular Pokéballs], [Item Received: a detailed map of the region], and then Bill walks up with his gift—[Item Received: Luxury Ball].

"I bought this for you when you turned 12," Bill says, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "but I didn't think it was appropriate back then. Remember how special your Pokémon are, and create a friendship that is unbreakable, and you will become a Pokémon Master."

I give Bill a huge hug, overwhelmed by the support and belief everyone has in me.

The last to give me a gift is my mom. Wrapped in a sleek package is my very own [Item Received: Pokédex], complete with my Trainer ID Card.

Khonsu Drake

Age: 17

Trainer Level: 1

Experience: 0/100

Badges: 0

Pokémon: None

Holding the Pokédex in my hands, I feel a surge of determination. This isn't just a device; it's a symbol of the journey ahead, of the challenges I'll face and the friends I'll make. Tonight marks the beginning of my adventure, and with the support of my family, friends, and the mysterious Pokémon egg waiting to hatch, I step into the future, ready for whatever comes my way.

The party wrapped up pretty quickly, and I helped Mom clean up afterward. Through the window, I saw Aunt Clair standing in the backyard, gesturing for me to come out. "Hey, Mom," I said, "Aunt Clair wants me to go outside. Are you okay finishing up by yourself?"

She gave me a warm smile, the kind that always made me feel like everything was going to be okay. "Of course, dear. I asked Clair to talk to you."

Outside, two Dragonites, Wigglytuff, and Blissey were all huddled around the incubator, peering at the egg curiously, almost as if they were trying to guess what was inside, just like us. "Hey, Khonsu, come sit down next to me," Clair said, patting the ground beside her.

I walked over and sat down. "So, have you thought about where you want to start your journey?" she asked, her gaze piercing yet supportive.

I had thought about it—a lot. "I was thinking of training around here and battling your gym first."

Clair shook her head, a gentle smile on her face. "That's not possible. I require trainers to have at least five badges, but really, you need eight to challenge me. And the Pokémon around here are way too strong for a beginner. You should make your way to Violet Town. There's a Novice Pokémon Tournament going on there in about three months. Perfect time for your egg to hatch, catch two more Pokémon, and travel there from Azalea Town."

Her words sunk in, heavy with truth. "Do you think Mom will be okay without me?" The concern must have been clear in my voice.

Clair put her arm around me, a reassuring gesture. "Khonsu, she has me and Bill. The three of us have been friends since we were five. We won't let anything happen to her."

Almost on cue, Bill joined us, sitting down with that familiar grin of his. "Hey, Clair, you telling Khonsu here all our old travel stories?"

"I'm pretty sure he knows them all, no thanks to you trying to over-exaggerate them," Clair retorted with a laugh.

Bill shouted back, "Hey, I would have beaten you in that league tournament if I hadn't felt sorry for you!" Their playful banter, recounting their historic battle in the Pokémon League Tournament, filled the air.

"That's always the story, Clair. We can battle right now if you'd like. I have my starting six on me," Bill teased.

That's when Mom came out, chuckling. "There will be no battling tonight. It's way too late for that, and we do not need Officer Jenny coming with a noise complaint on such a special day."

Bill then turned to me, his expression serious. "I reached out to my daughter Emily and her friends Sam and Katie to look out for you on your journey. They're hoping to make it into the tournament this year, as they were unable to qualify before."

Emily was practically my sister; I'd always wanted to travel with her on our very own Pokémon Journey.

"Do you know where you're going to start out?" Bill asked after a moment.

"Well, Aunt Clair suggested I head over to Violet City for the Novice Tournament," I replied, still processing everything.

"That's good advice," Bill said, nodding. "The interleague tournaments are where all the real contenders build up strength. You should try to hit all four of them before the Final Pokémon League Tournament. Plus, they're a great way to make some cash. A Pokémon Journey is really expensive."

As I absorbed their advice, a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbled inside me. The path ahead seemed daunting, yet thrilling. With my egg soon to hatch and the prospect of meeting up with Emily and her friends, my journey felt real for the first time. The world of Pokémon, with all its challenges and adventures, awaited me, and I couldn't wait to step into it.

Mom came over and joined the three of us, her eyes drawn to the incubator where the Pokémon, equally curious, were gathered around the egg. "The Pokémon really seem curious about the egg," she observed, a hint of wonder in her voice.

Bill chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, me too. I already started a betting pool in the city seeing what it will hatch into." Both Clair and Mom gave him an annoyed laugh, but there was a twinkle in their eyes.

"Don't worry," Bill continued, grinning, "everyone knows that Khonsu will be getting half the pot."

Clair leaned in, her gaze fixed on the egg. "I've seen thousands of Dratini eggs, but I have never seen an egg like that."

Mom then turned to me, an idea sparking in her eyes. "Khonsu, maybe Dexter knows what type of egg this is."

I nodded, pulling out my Pokédex. The device came to life with a soft glow. "Greetings, Khonsu. I am Dexter, updated with the most recent international Pokédex. How may I be of service?"

"Dexter, can you analyze this egg?" I asked, hopeful.

The Pokédex's screen flickered as it began its analysis.

Analyzing... Analyzing... Analyzing...

After a moment, Dexter's voice returned, tinged with digital disappointment. Unable to determine Pokémon Egg. Please hatch the egg and scan again.

Clair let out a soft chuckle. "Well, looks like even Professor Oak isn't perfect," she said, her eyes still fixed on the egg with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

Mom's smile widened, and she reached into her pocket, pulling out an envelope. "Well, I have another surprise for you. I went ahead and purchased a flight ticket to Azalea Town to start your journey." She handed me the envelope, her eyes sparkling with pride.

[Item Received: Azalea Town Express Plane Ticket]

I took the ticket, feeling a surge of emotions as I hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Mom. This means everything to me."

Bill nodded approvingly. "You should do some odd jobs around the town to save up some cash for your journey while you wait for your egg to hatch." Clair and Mom nodded in agreement, their faces showing a mix of pride and anticipation for what was to come.

As the conversation wound down, a yawn escaped me, louder than I intended. Mom chuckled. "Go get your egg and bring it to your room. It sounds like it's time for bed."

Gathering the incubator in my arms, I felt the weight of the upcoming journey, the excitement of the unknown, and the comfort of knowing I had a support system behind me. As I headed to my room, the reality of my adventure began to settle in. With an egg that no one could identify and a ticket to Azalea Town, my journey as a Pokémon trainer was about to begin in earnest. The road ahead was uncertain, but with my family and friends' support, I felt ready to face whatever challenges came my way.