The bright light of the morning sun shone through the glass window of Pointy's room. She was lying in the middle of her bed on her side, her legs curled up and most of her head buried under the blankets. She was still asleep, the lazy thing.

Then, she winced, suddenly awake. She turned onto her other side, trying to fall back asleep. But she knew that falling asleep would be impossible with so much light. She forced herself to open her eyes and climb out of bed. She picked up her glasses off her bed-side table and slipped them on. She then looked at the alarm clock sitting on the table. It read in big numbers 9:34 AM. She wished she could have slept in earlier.

But despite her grogginess, she knew that today was the day she's been waiting for. For almost her entire life, she's been aiming to become a Pokemon trainer. Just two days ago, her father came home from his business trip to give Pointy a present he picked up. It was a Vulpix, being one of her favorite Pokemon because of its fox-like appearance and being a fire type Pokemon. She had named him Kitsu. She was as excited as ever to start battling against other Pokemon. Quickly, she got dressed into a tight dark green t-shirt and a pair of jeans and walked over to her beloved Vulpix, who had been happily sleeping in the corner of her room.

She kneeled down on one knee and gently nudged the Pokemon. "Wake up, Kitsu," she said to him. "Today's the big day." She noticed his eyelids slowly open up until he was finally awake. He looked around the messy room, and then up into the eyes of his trainer. He barked with delight, his six tails wagging. Pointy smiled at her new Pokemon, and then picked herself up. "Come on, boy" she said as she walked toward the stairs. The Vulpix obediently followed.

Pointy and Kitsu walked downstairs to see her mother cooking eggs for breakfast. She didn't see her father around, so she assumed he had left for work already. Kitsu bounded to her mother and noisily yipped at her feet. Mother giggled as she gave the outgoing Pokemon a small slice of bacon. As the vulpix chewed happily on his prize, Pointy picked up her knapsack and started packing her essentials. Once she had finished packing her things, she picked out a slice of toast from the toaster and walked toward the door.

"I'll be leaving now, mom." Pointy said to her mother. Her mother looked up from the stove and walked over to her. "Are you sure you'll be alright out there?" she asked anxiously. Pointy smiled. "I'll be alright." she answered. "Let's go, Kitsu," she called to her companion as she opened the door. Kitsu looked up from his breakfast and trotted up next to her. "I'm off." she said as she walked off. "Have fun!" she heard her mother call out before she closed the door. "And don't forget to write!"

Kitsu ran eagerly around your feet as you left the house, clearly excited.

Outside, most of the activity seems to be near the edge of the town. Two kids a bit younger than yourself are battling, but it appears that they have just started, and probably will not be done for a while.

A trainer with a Pikachu is sitting underneath a tree, reading. The Pikachu is perched on his shoulder, trying to get a glimpse at the page. Discouraged, it climbed up the bark of the tree and reached for an apple growing at the top.

Kitsu stared at the strange new creature reaching for the shiny apple. He ran over toward the tree the Pikachu was perched in. He tried to climb up the tall tree, but he slipped down with each attempt. He started whining with frustration, scratching at the base of the tree. The trainer who had been quietly reading almost looked annoyed.

Pointy noticed the trainer's expression, and ran over to the tree. "Oh, I'm sorry." Pointy said as she picked up Kitsu. "Is my Vulpix bothering you?"

Quite the contrary- the boy was laughing.

"Oh, I'm sure Thunder could use a little entertainment. Looks like your Vulpix is eager to battle!" He looked up at Thunder, who was now warily watching Kitsu from the top branches. He then slipped a bookmark in his book, closed it, and got to his feet.

"Say, are you a beginning trainer? 'Cause I am, and Thunder and I are just itching for a battle. Nothing serious, just a practice battle. Your Vulpix looks pretty eager, too. So what do you say?" He looked at you expectantly as Thunder decended from the tree.

Pointy gazed at the new trainer. When she realised the situation, she quickly snapped out of it. "Oh, uh, sure! It'll make a good first battle for me." she replied with relief. She then lowered her arms and freed the excited Vulpix onto the ground. He stood with his back to her and with his eager eyes looked up into his trainer's.

"Okay, Kitsu," she said to him. "Let's battle these two!" Just as if the Vulpix had understood her words, he broke into a battle pose and bared his tiny fangs at the new trainer, a small fire burning in his eyes. He was obviously willing to battle.

The trainer didn't have to ask his Pikachu- Thunder was already on the ground, standing in front of him. He eyed Kitsu with suspicion but didn't say anything.

The trainer smiled at you. "By the way, I'm Kyle. Thunder, let's start things off with a Thundershock attack!" This last statement was obviously directed not at you but at the Pikachu, who promptly began readying an electrical attack in his cheeks.

Pointy noticed the electric sparks surrounding the Pikachu's red cheeks. "Kitsu, get ready to use Ember!" the Vulpix heard the trainer's command, and started to prepare a small blaze for his attack as he stood his ground for the opposing Pokemon's next attack.

Both attacks were loosed at the same time. Electricity broke off from the Pikachu's cheeks just as Kitsu used Ember. The attacks shot through each other to strike the opposing Pokemon. Kitsu moaned as the lightning struck his fur, the sparks causing him pain. Thunder wasn't doing so well either, as the fire had struck his chest and blackened the fur there. Both Pokemon were now fiercely glaring at each other.

(Ember: 4 damage, +2 for being used by a fire-type)
(Thundershock: 4 damage, +2 for being used by an electric-type)

Kitsu: 14/20
Thunder: 14/20

"Hold your ground, Thunder!" Kyle told him. "Tail whip!"

Kitsu stumbled over as the Pikachu's tail slapped his chest, lowering his defense. He stood there for a moment, taking in the hurt. But regardless of his pain he stood up tall again. "That a boy, Kitsu." Pointy praised. "Now, use another Ember!" With that, the Vulpix built up another flame and threw the attack fiercely at the Pikachu.

Kitsu wasted no time in conjuring up another ember and firing it at Thunder, who squealed in pain as the fire crackled around him. Shaking himself, he scrambled to a relatively safe distance away from Kitsu. Much to Kitsu's surprise, the Pikachu didn't attack. Instead it was just looking innocently at the Vulpix and waving its tail cutely back and forth. Kitsu looked first at Thunder, then at you- what was going on? The Pikachu's innocent act caused the Vulpix to let down her guard.

Kitsu: 14/20 (Defense -2)
Thunder: 8/20

Kyle leaned down and quietly murmured his orders. "Okay, while it's surprised, Thundershock with all your might!"

Yes, we're winning so far. Pointy thought as she looked down at the Vulpix admiringly. Suddenly, Kyle's command pierced through her thoughts. "Kitsu, watch out!" she yelled as the Pikachu dashed toward the unsuspecting Vulpix, sparks flying from his cheeks. The Vulpix turned his head around quickly and looked surprised at his opposer.

The Pikachu's brutal surprise attack left Kitsu dazed and confused. The electricity shuddered through his bones, numbing his joints and slowing his reflexes. Although he wasn't fully paralyzed, constant electrical shocks can engage a semi-paralysis in which the muscles function slower than average. Weakly the Vulpix sputtered and tried to conjure up an ember as he had done before. His throat was weak and so the ember was slightly less potent, but it managed to fly through the air and damage the Pikachu all the same. Both Pokemon were panting from fatigue. Thunder showed some rather painful burns and Kitsu was trembling fron the thundershocks.

(Ember did 4 damage, -2 from being dazed)
(Thundershock did 8 damage, +2 from surprise)

Kitsu: 6/20
Thunder: 4/20

Even Pointy was still surprised by the Pikachu's swift attack. She took a glance at Kitsu, who was still posed in front of her, shuddering from the brutal attacks the Pikachu has given him. He stumbled a bit, but he was still able to stay on all four feet. "Don't give up yet, Kitsu!" Pointy said to her tired partner. "Our foe is almost finished off. Use another Ember!" With all his might, the Vulpix formed yet another flame and hurled it at the Pikachu.

Kyle quickly judged the situation. "Let's not go out without dragging that Vulpix with us! Thundershock!" Pikachu loosed another blast of electricity, and the two attacks collided in midair. Vulpix screeched as the electricity washed over his fur, and Pikachu was blasted back by the fire. A mini-explosion formed, and when the thin layer of smoke cleared away, both Pikachu and Kitsu were laying on the ground, panting, too exhausted to continue battling.

Kitsu: 0/20 HP
Pikachu: 0/20 HP

((Since Kitsu technically would've won before fainting, he'll still earn EXP. He earns 30 exp. =D))

"Kitsu!" Pointy called worriedly. Without hesitation she ran over to Kitsu's side. She kneeled down and picked up her defeated Pokemon. "Kitsu, are you alright?" she asked him. The Vulpix looked up at her and made a bark of reassurance. The trainer smiled. "It's alright, Kitsu." she said. "You did good." She gently stroked his dirtied orange-red fur. She had expected herself to win her first battle, but she decided ending up with a draw was good enough for her.

Kyle approached Pointy, carrying his Pikachu in his arms. "That was an exciting battle," he said, smiling. "Thanks," he added. Noticing your Vulpix, he said, "Is your Vulpix badly hurt? We should go over to the Pokemon Center and get our Pokemon healed."

As Pointy noticed Kyle walk toward her she got up, her Vulpix still lying in her arms. "Okay. Thanks for a good battle." With that, she started toward the Pokemon Center. "Oh yeah, I don't think I had mentioned my name yet. My name is Draca Orbire, but you can call me Pointy." she said to him. "It's nice to meet you."

Kyle grinned. "Hi, it's nice to meet you, too."

You two walk to the Pokemon Center, and Vulpix is healed in no time.

"So," Kyle says, as you lounge outside the building. "You're a new trainer, right? Do you um...have any goals or anything? =O "

Pointy looked at Kyle as they both walked beside each other along the roads of their hometown. "Well, no...nothing special." she answered. "Just to become a strong Pokemon trainer. Although I'm aiming to train mostly fire Pokemon. Theyr'e my favorite kind." Kitsu barked with excitement as he ran alongside his trainer. "What about you? Do you have any goals?"

"Well, my Pikachu and I are really close," Kyle said, shrugging. "We're going to be the best of partners and possibly become the strongest of them all."

The two of you take a short walk through the town, and you notice a large Skarmory flying through the air. Its eyes are staring down, possibly looking for something.

Pointy stared up at the large silver bird as it prowled the skies above them. She also noticed the cold stare of the Pokemon's red eyes as he scanned the ground below. "Hey Kyle," Pointy said. "Look up there. It's a Skarmory." With her right index finger she pointed up at the Skarmory flying overhead, her finger following the bird wherever it flew. Kitsu looked up at where his trainer was pointing, and started to growl at the new threat.

Kyle frowned a little. "That's weird," he said quietly. "Wild Skarmory flying in the skies over our town if definitely unusual."

Small whisps of electricity flashed from Pikachu's cheeks, the mouse Pokemon sensing trouble like Kitsu.

The Skarmory circled overhead for a while, and suddenly increased its speed, shooting toward a certain part of the town...

Kitsu started barking loudly as the Skarmory shot toward the town. "Oh no. This looks bad." Pointy said to herself as she watched the bird Pokemon anxiously.

"Come on, Kyle. Let's follow him!" Pointy then started to run toward the destination the Skarmory was heading. Kitsu followed closely behind.

The Skarmory called out, a sharp cree sound. It gathered even more speed, heading straight for the ground. As you get closer, you notice a small group of Slakoth huddled at the base of a tree. As the Slakoth cry out in alarm, you realize the Skarmory is aiming for them!

"Oh no. That Skarmory must be aiming for those Slakoth!" Pointy cried in alarm. When Kitsu realised the situtation, he rushed toward the group of defenseless Slakoths and stood in front of them. He looked up menacingly at the Skarmory, his teeth bared. To Pointy, it almost looked like her Pokemon was building up an Ember.

The Skarmory didn't lower its speed even when Kitsu stepped in the Slakoths' way. Instead, it zipped down at an immense speed, its sharp beak pointing right at the Vulpix.

Skaaaah! it shouted, making contact just as Kitsu unleashed a blast of Ember. The Skarmory immediately flew up at the burning flames, flapping its wings furiously as it felt the heat. Kitsu suffered a bit of Skarmory's impact and was hurled back, trying to get back on its paws.

The Slakoths cried out in alarm.

"Kitsu!" Pointy cried in distress. She wanted to run toward her poor Pokemon, but she was afraid the Skarmory would hurt her, too. She was confused, and didn't know what to do. She turned to Kyle. "Kyle! What should we do?" she asked desperately.

Kyle seemed to be as surprised as you were. "I say the best way is to attack and get rid of that Skarmory! But it looks really strong..."

Pointy watched as her Kitsu tried to attack the Skarmory multiple times, but had very little luck. The Skarmory was also attacking Kitsu. Its attacks were strong, and the Vulpix's health went down quickly. Pointy turned to Kyle again. What about your Pikachu?" she asked as she looked down at Kyle's Pokemon. "Do you think your Pokemon could help out?"

Kyle looked embarassed for a moment. "Oh um, yes, of course!" he stuttered. "Pikachu, use Thundershock!"

Pikachu stepped forward and unleashed a wave of electricity. Skarmory, being a Flying-type, was paralyzed. Skkaa! it screeched, falling to the ground.

Pointy smiled with relief. "Yes!" she shouted. She looked over at Kitsu, who was stumbling, weak from the wounds the now-paralyzed Skarmory had given him. "Okay, Kitsu. Try using Ember on the Skamory, now." Pointy called over to her Pokemon. Then, despite his wounds, Kitsu managed to produce a flame, and he threw it at the Skarmory.

The Skarmory, unable to move, took the Ember full blast. Because it was a Steel-type, it was dealt extra damage. Cringing, it finally gave up, its wings going limp.

You have gained 25 exp.! Kitsu is now on level 6, and needs 55 more experience points for the next level!

Kitsu let out a cry of triumph, and it suddenly looked stronger, as did Pikachu. Kyle looked at Pointy with a smile on his face. "This is good," he said. "We stopped the Skarmory."

Looking back, the Slakoth are slowly wandering about, not trembling in fear anymore.

"Yes!" Pointy cried out with cheer. She ran over to Kitsu and picked him up in her arms. "Good job, Kitsu! And your'e even stronger, now. I'm so proud of you." the trainer praised. Kitsu replied with a happy bark.

Pointy then looked at Kyle. "Kyle, your Pikachu did great, too!" she said to him. "Thanks for your help." The trainer looked at her Vulpix again, thinking of how much damage he took. "Do you think we should heal our Pokemon, again?" she asked Kyle.

Kyle smiled in triumph. "Great job, Thunder! You too, Kistu!" Turning to Pointy, he said, "Hey, no problem, we couldn't let those poor Slakoth be hurt." Laughing a little, he added, "Yeah, we should probably go get our Pokemon healed again."

As the two of you made your way into the Pokemon Center, the lady behind the desk smiled in a friendly way. "Back so soon?" she asked. "Do you need your Pokemon healed again?"

"Yeah." Pointy answered. With that, the trainer set her Vulpix down on the floor of the Pokemon Center. She took out Kitsu's Pokeball and pressed the white button to summon her Pokemon inside. She put the Pokeball on the counter in front of the nurse.

The nurse smiled. "Alright, please wait a moment."

*beepbeepbeep* *healing music*

The nurse gave Kitsu back to you, and healed Thunder as well.

As you two left the Pokemon Center, Kyle turned to you and asked, "Anything else you have in mind to do? Like say, save more Slakoth from an angry Skarmory or maybe protect the town from a raging Rayquaza?" Kyle smiled.

Pointy also smiled. "I don't know." she replied. "Actually, I was hoping I could go out and train my Pokemon." she added. "I plan on catching and training Pokemon so that I can beat the Elite Four! ...What about you? Do you have anything in mind to do?"

Kyle shrugged. "I want to go into the field of Pokemon medicine," he said. "My grandmother's first Pokemon was gravely injured, and she quit her early life as a Pokemon trainer when it died. So, I want to help Pokemon for both the sake of the Pokemon and the trainer."

Kyle fiddled with Pikachu's ears. "So... where are you heading for?"

"Well.." Pointy hesitated. "I heard that the next area is called Kiti Woods, so i'll most likely be headed there," she finally answered. "What about you? do you know where your'e headed?"

Kyle shrugged again. "I'm not really sure. I don't know a lot about medicines yet, but I guess you could find some anywhere. I still have a lot to learn."

Kyle looked down at his Pikachu. "I heard that electric Pokemon can help a lot in making medicines," he said. "That's why I decided to start with a Pikachu."

Pikachu looked up at its trainer. "Pikaa!" it squeaked.