Chapter 1:

Luna's Faithful Encounter

I am an only child in my family. My mom was a top coordinator and the former 
gym leader of Celadon City. My dad passed away when I was young, so I don't 
remember anything about him. Hime, my childhood friend, moved to Snowpoint 
City recently due to economic reasons; I hope to see her again. My goal is to 
be a Pokemon Master, and I know I'll achieve that goal someday.

It was a warm, beautiful day. The Pidgey were singing, and the Butterfree 
were flying in the bright blue sky. Today, I get my very first Pokemon.

"Which Pokemon should I get – Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander? They're all 
so cute!" I thought to myself. Before I left my house, my mom gave me a 
special necklace that was the color of the moon.

"Luna", she started, "if this necklace starts to glow when you're around a 
Pokemon, then that Pokemon is destined to be your partner." As I left, I 
waved goodbye to my mom and Umbreon, and was off.

It wasn't a far walk to the lab, but I took my time, looking at the cherry 
blossom trees that were in full bloom. Just then, I saw a yellow figure run 
passed the trees. A bright light glowed around my neck. Could it be my 
imagination? I wondered, but I kept walking, as if nothing happened. When I 
got to the lab, my heart started to pound. This is it. And with excitement, I 
walked inside.

Professor Oak greeted me, and I greeted him back.

"There are three brand new Pokemon waiting for you, Luna, please choose one." 
I took my time deciding. The necklace didn't glow when I was near each of 
them, so I decided to choose Squirtle. As I exited the lab, my neighbor, 
Christian dashed towards me.

"What seems to be the problem, Christian? Why are you in such a hurry?" I 
asked with concern.

"Today, I get my first Pokemon. I woke up late today and I'm worried that 
someone might have chosen the Pokemon I wanted", Christian looked down and 
saw my Squirtle, his face suddenly covered with sadness. "Well, I better get 
going, see you guys around!" And with that, Christian went the opposite 
direction, towards his home.

I decided to take a little break by the cherry blossom trees before I started 
my journey. Squirtle took a nap in a shady area, and I gazed at the trees. 
Several petals softly fell on the both of us. I became a bit drowsy and 
almost fell asleep, until I heard a twig snap. I looked around, and I saw a 
shy, little Pikachu. The Pikachu looked at me with an innocent look. I smiled 
and pet it. Suddenly, there was another bright light; it terrified the 
Pikachu, making it run away. W-what happened just now? I sat on the ground 
for a few minutes, then, grabbed my stuff and decided to run after it.

Hours passed, yet there was no sign of the Pikachu, I kept looking. Finally, 
I found the Pikachu, but it was being attacked by a Pinsir! I had an absolute 
fear of Pinsir, but I didn't want to see the Pikachu get beaten up. It 
started to rain, I thought of what to do, and finally came to the conclusion 
of protecting the mouse Pokemon. The Pinsir put up a good fight, and bruised 
us very badly, so badly that neither of us could stand up. "This is the end 
for us…" I said hopelessly. Suddenly, a lightning bolt stuck Pikachu, giving 
it strength into using one last move, a powerful Thunderbolt. The move was so 
powerful that it made the Pinsir faint while trying to flee.

The next afternoon, Pikachu and I woke up, still bruised and beaten on the 
ground. When we had enough strength, we decided to go back to Pallet Town, 
and get some nursing from my mom. As we got home, my mom nursed our wounds 
and prepared a meal for us. However, my necklace began to glow around 
Pikachu.

"Luna, that Pikachu is destined to be your partner." my mother pointed out. I 
guess wasn't imagining things, but I just couldn't abandon Squirtle.

"Wait…where is Squirtle?" I worried. I dashed out the door, going back to the 
place where I left Squirtle. As I walked outside, I ran into Christian, who 
was with my Squirtle. "Oh Christian, thank goodness you found Squirtle!"

"No problem, I found it wandering around Pallet Town, I think it was looking 
for you", he replied.

"Oh, Squirtle, I'm so sorry!" I apologized while hugging Squirtle. "How can I 
ever repay you, Christian? I should, somehow!"

"Oh, you don't have to. I already had enough fun with Squirtle yesterday." 
Chrstian had that same look on his face like back when he first met my 
Squirtle.

There was a silence. I thought about it, and finally said, "I can tell that 
you two have a very strong bond. Christian, Squirtle, you guys should start a 
journey together."

"What? Are you serious, Luna? I mean, giving up your Squirtle like that?"

I shook my head. "I'm not giving Squirtle up. I'm giving it to a very special 
friend."

Christian thought about it, and accepted to take Squirtle. "I know you two 
will make a great team." As Pikachu and I parted ways with Christian and 
Squirtle, the cherry blossom trees dropped their petals, as if they we crying 
while witnessing this farewell. I looked at Pikachu, who climbed onto my 
shoulder. We both looked up at the trees. Several petals gently fell upon us. 
"Everyone is wishing the best for us, Pikachu, even the cherry blossom 
trees." And thus, we were off.