As he approached he noticed five people standing outside the lab. Four men and a lady all were conversing feverishly about Pokemon. He stood there and watched for awhile when they all stopped talking suddenly and agreed to “take a break”. As they walked off in seperate directions, a heavyset, jolly looking gentleman walked in his direction.

“Excuse me sir,” Chris asked, “Have you seen Professor Elm?” The man looked at Chris, “I think he just went inside… are you a beginning trainer?” The man asked. Chris shook his head, “No, I already have an Eevee and a Poliwag, I was just told to visit Professor Elm before I started my journey.” The man sized up Chris and nodded suddenly, “Boy, my name is Professor Birch and I study Pokemon Habitats. I’ve decided to give you a special starter Pokemon from the Hoenn reigon.” Chris was quite suprised. “Uhh… well I’m Chris and… thank you.” he stammered. “Not that I’m being ungrateful, but why?”

Birch rummaged in his pack and replied, “Because, you have the makings of a great trainer. I can tell just by looking at you. And everyone needs a starter Pokemon!” He pulled out three Pokeballs. “Here, I have three Pokemon!” He pulled what looked to be a cellphone and flipped it open. The machine explained to Chris his choices, the grass Pokemon Treeko, the water Pokemon Mudkip, and the fire Pokemon Torchic. Chris stared at the Pokeballs for a little while, then picked up the Pokeball with a leaf on it.

“I’ll take Treeko,” he said decidedly. Professor Birch smiled and nodded, “A good choice! But let me tell you this… Pokemon are our friends and our teammates. I don’t know how you feel about them, but you should always remember that they rely on you and they help you. Make sure you  give your Pokemon your love and suppourt.” Chris stared down at his three Pokeballs. He knew the strategies, but did he know his Pokemon?

“Thanks Professor.” Chris responded. “Well, I have to get back to the conference,” Professor Birch explained, “But you can catch up with professor Elm when it ends in a few hours.” He shook Chris’s hand and disappeared into the lab.

Chris walked to a nearby park and set his pack down. “Time to get to know my Pokemon.” he said resolutely. “Come on out you guys.” He released his three Pokemon and they all appeared standing next to one another.

“Hey guys!” Chris said with a big smile, “My name’s Chris and I’m your trainer!” Eevee and Poliwag listened intently, while Treeko seemed to ignore him. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to do this, but I’m new at being a trainer, so I hope you’ll forgive me.” Eevee and Poliwag nodded. Chris looked at Treeko, puzzled. “Hey buddy, can we be friends?” he extended his hand to shake Treeko’s, but Treeko turned around quickly, smaking his hand with it’s tail. Chris was a little hurt, but he tried to ignore it, “All right guys, I’ve got some sandwiches, let’s have lunch!”

A few hours later, Eevee and Poliwag were playing tag while Treeko sat in a tree. Chris watched and laughed as they ran about. Suddenly, a loud crash came from nearby.

“You’ve got no chance against my Nidoking!” a boy yelled, and Nidoking crushed a bench next to a young kid and his Rattata. “I don’t wanna fight anymore!” the young kid cried, but the boy just laughed as his Nidoking stood over the child.

“Hey!” Chris yelled, “Stop that!” he approached the group warily. “Pokemon aren’t for personal gain or bullying!”. The kid laughed at Chris, “Look, buddy, when you have a Pokemon like Nidoking, you make the rules!” Chris looked aggrivated, but he knew none of his Pokemon stood a ral chance against a Pokemon as strong as Nidoking. Eevee leapt in front of Chris and began growling.

“Oh man,” the boy laughed harder, “An Eevee? That’s it? Wait a second… Eevee’s are pretty rare… did you find that wimpy thing in Sprout Tower?”  Chris looked at the boy shocked, but quickly regained his composure, “What’s it to you?” the kid shrugged, “That’s the wimpy Eevee I ditched!” he pointed at Eevee rudely, “It couldn’t even beat a Bellsprout!” Chris became angry, “Yeah, well, I doubt your Nidoking is much better off when it’s limited by a trainer like you!” The boy stopped laughing and glared angrily, “What did you say?” Nidoking stomped hard on the ground, and Eevee growled more fiercly.

“Poliwag, Treeko, return!” Chris put the Pokeballs away, “I said that my Eevee could run circles around your Nidoking!” the boy flew into a rage, “Nidoking! Beat them both black and blue!” Nidoking began closing in on Chris and Eevee. Chris stood his ground, ready to stick beside his Pokemon… no… his friend.