An island surrounded by sparkling blue water-Dewford Town. Visitors and locals alike surf alongside their Pokémon. Some prefer not to battle the waves, choosing instead to relax on the warm sand, sunbathing in their swimsuits.
A few food stalls line the beach, their aromas blending deliciously with the salty breeze. At one particularly popular stall, a married couple work together—one at the counter, the other in the kitchen. Their teenage son, Stephen, acts as a waiter. Though he's experienced, the number of customers keeps him constantly on his toes.
"Stephen! Send these fried noodles to table four, and there are three new customers at the entrance!"
"Yes, yes! Here are your fried noodles. Welcome—please take a seat at table seven!"
After a long, busy day, Stephen slumps over a table, groaning.
"This is child labor! I should report this to Officer Jenny!"
"Oh, my son," his mother chuckles, "I know you're exhausted, but this is the last task. Please take this Pokémon food to the Wingulls."
"Wing! Wing!"
"See? They're already calling for it," she adds with a smile.
"Stop chirping, I'm coming!" Stephen grumbles, heading to the backyard and placing the food on the ground.
As he watches the Wingulls eat happily, his fatigue begins to fade. Then he notices one Wingull standing alone, apart from the others.
"What's wrong? If you don't eat soon, the others will finish it all," Stephen says, holding out some food.
"Wing?" The Wingull tilts its head, then carefully eats from his hand.
It acts a little clueless at first—perhaps it's never tried Pokémon food before. But after the first taste, it starts eating eagerly.
When the flock eventually flies out toward the sea, the same Wingull lingers behind, looking back at him.
"All done? You can go now. I'll prepare some extra food for you next time, don't worry."
"Wing!" It gives a cheerful cry and flies off to join its companions. Stephen waves as it disappears into the sunset.
When he returns to the shop, his father is already cleaning the kitchen.
"Stephen, have you decided about your journey yet? You're fifteen now. Other kids your age are already traveling to different regions."
"I always thought ten was too young to start. I wanted to learn more about Pokémon and traveling first. But… I guess now's the right time. Are you and Mom going to be okay without me? The stall's pretty busy."
"Don't underestimate us," his father laughs. "We'll manage—and I'll hire help if needed. So, you've decided to go? You can visit Professor Birch in Littleroot Town to get your first Pokémon."
"Oh no! I don't have any more excuses," Stephen sighs. "Fine, I'll start packing tonight." He quickly retreats to his room.
"What an introverted kid," his father chuckles. "Why can't he just tell us how he really feels?"
Of course, both parents already understand why Stephen hesitated to leave.
In his room, Stephen sits quietly for a while, deep in thought.
"So… this moment finally came. Forget it, I should review the starter Pokémon first."
He opens his notebook and mutters as he studies:
"First, Treecko—the Grass-type. Its final evolution, Sceptile, is cold and fast, and it can turn the leaves on its arms into blades.Second, Torchic—a cute, chick-like Fire-type. Its final form, Blaziken, is Fire and Fighting type, with powerful legs that can deliver blazing kicks.Lastly, Mudkip—a Water-type Pokémon that looks like a salamander. Its final evolution, Swampert, is Water and Ground type—immune to Electric attacks, though weak to Grass.Hmm… my first Pokémon will shape my whole journey. This choice is important…"
"Of course, my choice is…"
The next morning, Stephen wakes up to his mother's voice. The excitement from last night still buzzes inside him. After eating breakfast almost without tasting it, he shoulders his bag and stands at the doorway.
"Take care, son. Here's a bento for the trip! Do you need more allowance? Your dad's too stingy sometimes."
"Mom, it's just a short trip—two or three days to get my first Pokémon. Don't worry. Where's Dad?"
"He went to buy ingredients for today's business. I think… he didn't know how to say goodbye properly, so he just left early."
"I understand," Stephen smiles softly. "Please tell him goodbye from me."
He heads to the jetty and buys a ticket bound for Petalburg City—the first step of his Pokémon journey.