Chapter 1: A Fresh Start

       The sun warmed her pale face as she walked through the garden. Ria Mikalah was a young girl living in a town in Johto. The town was on a mountain where few people could travel. Because of this, Ria had very few friends.
       Today, she couldn't have been happier. It was her tenth birthday, and she had finally gotten her Pokémon Training License. Now she could journey with her friends around Johto. Of Course, they had all started training two years ago, so she would have to catch up a little before she could face them with confidence.
       Suddenly, Ria's mother came running up behind her. "Ria! Where have you been? We have to leave in a minute or we'll be late getting toProfessor Elm's lab!"
       Ria nodded and took a whistle from around her neck and brought it to her mouth. She blew into it and played a short tune on it. Immediately, Mareep began running towards her. Ria and her mother led them all into the barn, except for one. Ria held one small Mareep behind. She took out a Pokéball and let the Mareep in. This was going to be her first Pokémon, if Professor Elm approved.
       Everyone in her family had a Mareep as their first Pokémon.Then again, no one in her family had ever gone off to train Pokémon. They were all Mareep shepherds. Ria would be the first to battle other trainers, battle gym leaders, and attempt to become a Pokémon Master.
       After loading a few things into a bag, Ria, her brother, and her mom climbed into the village helicopter. There was no other way to get down from the mountain, except through the grass, which was filled with wild Pokémon.
       
       When they arrived in New Bark Town an hour later, Ria was anervous wreck. What if she said something stupid? What if her little brother started crying? Whatever was going to happen, she wouldn't have time to think about it since they were walking into the lab already!
       Professor Elm stood smiling at them as they walked towards him. "Ria Mikalah, today you are going to begin your long journey to becoming aPokémon Master." Seeing Ria's little brother get teary-eyed when he said it was a long trip, he added "Don't worry, you can visit home whenever you want Ria, and I'm sure your brother would appreciate it if it was more often than not."
       "The other trainers will be here in a few minutes. Why don't you go and change into your training clothes?" suggested one of the Professor's aides.
       Ria came back a few minutes later, no longer wearing the shepherd's cloak she had worn earlier. She now wore a sea green, pleated skirt and a crisp white blouse with a flower stitched onto the pocket. She had a small pouch tied around her waist where she would carry her medicinal herbs.She also carried a small backpack for her Pokédex, clothes, food, etc. Her hair was no longer tied up in a bun either. It was now in a single braid down her back and tied at the end with a ribbon; a flower tucked into the knot.
       
       The other trainers had arrived, and had also brought their families. Small children were running around underfoot, older children checking the belongings they had in their bags, and parents chatting with each other and Professor Elm.
       Professor Elm motioned for all of the trainers to step forward. The room went quiet and the small children returned to their parents.
       "Yesterday, the five of you were children just like the young ones over there. Today, you become Pokémon trainers and have grown into young adults. You will face times of triumph and times of rejection after losing abattle. Come now and choose your Pokémon."
       The first trainer stepped forward to look at the Pokéballs.He chose one and released it. It was a Cyndaquil and once it was free, it ran to the aspiring trainer. Obviously, they were meant for each other.
       The second trainer walked over and picked a Totodile. The girl seemed excited about her new Pokémon's jumpy personality.
       The other trainers took their turns, until only Ria remained.She stepped towards Professor Elm and handed him the Pokéball. "Everyone in my family has had a Mareep as their first Pokémon. Am I allowed to continue the tradition?"
       Professor Elm nodded and released the Mareep. It stood confused where it was even when Ria called to it. Then she remembered. She took out the whistle and blew into it. The Mareep understood that it was to be Ria's now and stood next to her.
       "Here are your Pokédexes. These are the latest models and have your names engraved on the back. Also, here are your Pokéballs. Four should be enough to keep you supplied until you can buy more at a Pokémon Mart." Professor Elm handed out the supplies.
       Before they left the lab to head for Cherrygrove City, Ria walked over to her little brother. She picked him up and held him. "You know Peter, now that I'll be out training you have to take care of the Mareep. Do you think you can handle such a big job?"
       Peter nodded his head and hugged Ria tightly. "Will you catch a Dewgong for me?"
       "Of course I will Peter. I have to go now. I love you Peter."

       Ria looked ahead on the path and sighed. This was it. She was finally a Pokémon Trainer. She thought of Peter's sweet face and smiled. She made a promise to herself that she would not return home until she had a Dewgong to show her brother. And with that, she walked down the road her mission clear in her sights.