It's my 10th birthday, and today I can finally have my very own Pokémon. I wonder if I'll get one from my parents or if I'll have to catch one myself. Hopefully, I'll get a strong Dark-type Pokémon. But first, I need to go home, because today was my last day of school and tomorrow I can begin my very own journey. Even though I would much rather stay on my parents' farm and take care of the Pokémon—especially my father's two Houndoom. Just two months ago, his female Houndoom laid an egg, and it could hatch any day now.
When I walk through the door, my mother Lily and my father James greet me, while my father's male Houndoom welcomes me as well. For as long as I can remember, he and his partner have always been there, watching over me—even though Dark-types are usually aggressive toward anyone but their trainers. Even my mother needed five years before they finally accepted her.
The first words out of my mouth are about the egg—asking if I'm allowed to take care of it. My mother just shakes her head and sighs, saying that I am just like my father. My father only nods and walks into the living room. I head straight into the garden, where our small but beautiful farm lies at the foot of the mountains. I walk directly to the cave where the Houndoom live and see the egg with its mother. As I approach, she watches me for a moment, while her partner walks past me and lies down beside her.
Slowly, I sit next to the egg. As if it could feel me, it suddenly begins to shake—and then, with a cracking sound, a small male Houndour appears. It looks at me, walks straight over, and starts playing with me under its mother's watchful eyes, while its father goes to call my parents. A few minutes later, when they arrive, the little one is already asleep in my arms.
My father takes a picture and says: "Son, how about this—shall it be your starter?" I look up, filled with hope, and ask, "Really?" My father glances at Houndour's mother, and when she nods, he smiles and says, "There's your answer. Now, tell us your plan. What do you want to do? Because you're still too young to run your own farm."
I look up and say: "I do want to have my own farm someday, but I'd rather raise Dark-types. That's why I'll travel through Kanto and Johto until I have my team. Then I'll open my farm."
The memories still feel fresh, as if they were from this very morning—even though it was already two days ago. By now, I had everything I needed: a tent, a backpack, and my Poké Ball with Houndour inside, plus extra Poké Balls. Right now, I stand in front of my house as my parents say goodbye, making me promise to call them once I reach the next town. And with that, I set off on my journey.
My plan was to start training at the foot of Mt. Moon, together with my Houndour. On the way, we encountered a few Caterpie and even a Rattata. The Caterpie were easy opponents, but the Rattata was much tougher. It dodged Houndour's attack and countered with Tackle. Houndour couldn't avoid the hit, but in return it used Ember. Because of the close distance, the flames hit Rattata directly on the head and knocked it out