Something soft thumped against my chest.
I groaned, my eyelids fluttering open — and froze.
A tiny bird Pokémon — a Fletchling — was staring at me from the foot of my bed, its black eyes unblinking. Its little head tilted curiously, as if wondering why I was just lying there like a stunned Slowpoke.
Wait. Pokémon?
I jerked upright, my heart pounding. This wasn't my room. The faded posters of games and anime I used to have were gone. In their place, the walls were covered in warm, patterned wallpaper. The bed felt different. The air smelled… cleaner, fresher, almost sweet.
I had dreamed of this countless times.
But dreams didn't usually feel this real.
The last thing I remembered was collapsing into bed after a marathon gaming session — hours of Pokémon and a little Hogwarts Legacy thrown in before I finally passed out.
"Azuku!"
The name rang out from downstairs. My eyes widened. That was… the name of my in-game trainer.
"Coming!" I called back without thinking.
I swung my legs out of bed, pulling on a blue undershirt, long trousers, and my red cap with the Poké Ball stripe. My fingers shook as I adjusted the brim. This couldn't be happening… right?
I hurried downstairs. My mother stood in the kitchen, sunlight streaming through the window behind her. She turned, smiling warmly.
"Good, you're up. Professor Sycamore will be in town today to give you your first Kalos starter. Have you decided which one you want yet? I know you've worked hard for this day."
I stared at her for a moment, my brain catching up. Professor Sycamore. Starters. This wasn't a dream.
Before I could answer, the doorbell chimed.
I opened the door — and nearly forgot how to breathe.
Standing there was Professor Sycamore himself, tall and elegant in his lab coat. Beside him were my neighbor Serena and her mother, Grace.
"Bonjour," Sycamore greeted with a friendly smile.
"Uh… hi. Come in," I managed, stepping aside. I looked to Serena. "Wait, are you getting a starter too?"
She shook her head with a small smile. "Not today. I just wanted to wish you luck."
Inside the living room, Sycamore released three Poké Balls.
"Here are your choices," he announced. "The Grass-type Chespin, the Fire-type Fennekin, and the Water-type Froakie. Any of them would make a fine partner. Take your time."
The three Pokémon appeared before me, each tilting their heads, eyes sparkling with curiosity. But my gaze locked immediately onto Froakie. Something about the calm way he stood, watching me, made it feel like he was already waiting for me to choose him.
I knelt to meet him eye to eye.
"My name's Azuku. Would you like to travel the world with me?" I asked softly, holding out a fist.
Froakie's mouth curled into a little smirk, and he bumped his fist against mine.
A grin broke across my face. "Professor, I choose Froakie."
Froakie hopped onto my head like it was the most natural thing in the world.
The rest of the day passed in a warm blur. My mother hugged me tightly at the edge of town, her voice thick with emotion.
"Be safe, check in once in a while… and enjoy your journey."
"I will," I promised. Serena and Grace waved as I set off.
The dirt path of Route 1 stretched ahead, lined with wildflowers. The sky was impossibly blue. I had never felt more alive.
Then — rustling in the branches above.
I glanced up to see a male Pikachu staring down at me. My heart skipped. This was my chance.
"Well," I muttered with a grin, "I'm gonna catch one."
Froakie hopped forward, already in battle stance.
"Quick Attack!"
Pikachu darted forward with his own, the two clashing in a blur of speed. "Kick him away!" I called. Froakie spun, launching Pikachu into the air.
"Thunder Shock!" Pikachu cried, sending a bolt of electricity down.
"Block it with your frubbles!"
Froakie whipped off the bubbles from his neck, forming a makeshift shield that absorbed the shock.
"Now, Quick Attack again!"
Froakie struck clean, and I didn't hesitate.
Poké Ball in hand — throw — red light — shake, shake, shake — click.
"Yes! I caught Pikachu!"
I hugged Froakie, laughing with pure joy.
"Our first capture."
I released Pikachu, handing him an Oran Berry. "That was a great battle. Welcome to the team."
And as the three of us stood together on that sunny path, I knew one thing for certain — this journey was going to be incredible.