"Hmmm..." I sighed to the sound of the ringing alarm clock.

I wiped my eyes open and sat up in my blue bed. I looked down at my happily sleeping buddy, Togepi, knowing I would have to disturb his slumber to get out of bed.

I looked out the adjacent window, it was a bright and sunny day. A perfect day for me to begin my journey. I can't remember how long I've waited for this day to come.

I took my legs out from under the sheets, causing Togepi to stumble to the ground. Togepi sleepily yawned to the sound of the ringing clock, he was generaly used to being woken up like that.

Slightly annoyed at the rude awakening, Togepi jumped onto my nightstand and smacked the clock. It stopped ringing.

"Preee!" Togepi chirped happily at me.

I picked up Togepi as I got out of my bed for the last time. I looked around the room, knowing I wouldn't see it in a long time. The bed opposite mine was empty, I guess my sister, Holly, had already gone down to breakfast. I turned to my TV, I was so use to falling asleep with it on and now I wouldn't even be able to see any of my favorite shows. I would only have a few pair of clothes in my napsack and I doubt I would be eating any of the delicous food I was so use to eating at home.

Even though I waited for this day for a long time, It didn't hit me until now that I wouldn't have most of the luxuries I was brought up with. Oh well.

"We better head down stairs, Togepi." I started.

"Mom and Holly are probably eating up all of the breakfast." I explained.

I headed down the hall and down the stairs, Togepi in my arms.

As you walked downstairs, the smell of breakfast reached you. Your mom and sister were already sitting at the table, and a plate had been set out for you and Togepi.

"Good morning, honey," your mom greeted. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" she asked, sounding concerned, as any mother would be.

"Ready for what? Breakfast?" I asked, obviously avoding the question.

I sat down at the table, taking in the smell of bacon, eggs and toast. I put Togepi in the highchair next to me, he was excited to eat his little bowl of Pokechow.

Your mother smiled, halfway between laughing at your humor and crying. "No, silly..." she trailed off. "Are you sure you want to leave?" she asked, trying to hide the pleading note in her voice.

"Posotive." I answered firmly.

"All of my friends are going on their journeys and so is Holly so how come you aren't bugging her either?" I asked, stuffing my face with food.

"I already bugged your sister about leaving. She woke up early, unlike you." She laughed. "Actually, Holly's waiting in the entrance hall. She wants to say goodbye to you once you're finished." Your mother's face softened at the thought. "Promise to keep in touch with her and us? Be sure to eat your meals every day and get enough rest each day."

(Holly being in the entrance goes against shadow's post but w/e)

"Opf porse p'ill peep im" I tried to say with a mouthful of food in my mouth.

I swalloed my food and noticed Togepi had finished his.

"Of course I'll keep in touch." I smiled.

"But if I were to do that I would need some sort of device to call you with."

(Eh, it doesn't really matter. She finished and left, maybe. ^^)

Your mom smiled a little, and got up from the table. She pulled a package off the counter. It was a small bag containing something similar to a watch. She handed it to you.

"I thought it was time you have your own PokeGear," she said. "The home phone and Holly's PokeGear are already programmed in. There's also a radio on there, but I don't know how to work it."

Your mom was silent for a moment, then walked up to you and gave you a hug. "Please be careful," she whispered.

"I will and you be careful too." I said releasing from my mothers arms.

"Are you ready Togepi?" I picked up my partner out of the highchair and brought him up to the level of my face.

"Togi!" He agreed.

"Well let's go then!"

I walked into the entrance hall and put my newly obtained pokegear on my wrist. I slipped on my orange backpack and was ready to leave.

You left the house and walked outside, with Togepi at your side. The sun's shining brightly, and everyone seems fairly happy.

A group of kids are watching two of the older kids, who are battling. Their Pokemon, a Zigzagoon and a Swablu, seem fairly matched, until, finally, the Swablu wins the battle. Swablu flies to his trainer's arm, a young boy with brown hair. "Nice job, Swablu!" he called. He exchanged a few words with the other trainer and checked that Zigzagoon would be alright before he left.

Noticing you, he stopped. "Hi, there," he said. "Are you leaving on a Pokemon journey?"

"Yeah, me and Togepi." I answered.

As I talked, Togepi, being natrually curious, walked over to the stranger infront of us and sniffed his legs.

"Why do you ask?" I asked, picking up Togepi who was annoyed I took him away from this new "object" infront of us.

The kid shrugged indifferently. "There's been loads of new trainers around here lately," he said. "But most of them are weak and annoying. Are you one of them? >:3 "

"Nah, Togepi and I are strong together." I looked down at Togepi.

"Right?" I asked him.

"Togi... Pree!" He happily agreed.

The kid smirked. "Ya sure, whatever," he scoffed. "Like that little puffball's going to do anything good."

He turned away and called one of his friends over. It was a dark-haired boy with an Ekans curled up at his side. "This is Blair," the original boy introduced.

Several of the younger kids are standing nearby, watching you guys talk.

"Hey." I greeted unenthusiasticaly.

Slightly annoyed by the trainer's remark before like that puffball can do anythingI decided to challenge him.

"It's not really my place to diss, but.. ugh... I really can't see how a trainer, such as yourself, can talk so big with a tiny blue bird by your side."

The boy glared at him. "What do you mean, tiny blue bird?" he snarled. "This Swablu happens to be a Dragon type, making it a dragon. Besides, when it evolves, it'll be huge, and we'll take down anything. Can you say the same for your little egg there?" he sneered.

Behind the boy, Blair smirked. "You tell him, Kyle," he said. Kyle narrowed his eyes in anger.

((Swablu's not a Dragon type; Altaria is. Perhaps you could use that to your advantage... >D))

"Swablu isn't even a dragon-type and unlike your little bird, I don't have to wait for Togepi to evolve to take down anything!" I started to humiliate the boys in front of a crowd.

"You talk tough, why don't we battle and end this already." I challenged.

"Preeeee!" Togepi hopped down from my arms and posed like a boxer, ready for a challenge.

Kyle and Blair both seem to be fuming with anger now.

"Of course I know Swablu's not a Dragon-type!" Kyle said hotly. "I was just testing you! And for your information, I'm going to cream you when we battle!"

"Go get them, Kyle!" Blair encouraged.

The other kids began crowding closer, chanting, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

"Well then, let's fight and being the nice guy I am, I will let you make the first move." I said.

Kyle smirked again. "Bad idea," he said. "Now I'm going to get the upper hand!"

Pointing with a finger, he commanded, "Swablu, use Peck!"

Peck: 4 HP damage, 100 Accuracy

Peck is highly accurate, It would be useless trying too doge it...

"Togepi, use Charm!" I commanded.

(Charms the foe and sharply reduces its attack, 100% accuracy)

Togepi used Charm, lowering Peck's attack strength. The Swablu went slower - it seemed confused, and flew away from Togepi after a weakened version of its attack.

Peck: -2 strength

Togepi: 18/20 HP
Swablu: 18/18 HP

"You just got lucky!" Kyle said.

"Luck had nothing to do with it..." I smiled.

"Togepi, use Metranome!"

Togepi began turning its fingers, and a blue glow surrounded its body.

"Swablu! Quick! Use Tackle!" Kyle shouted.

Metronome resulted in a wave of water as Swablu came close. It was Surf! And a powerful one, too, since Swablu dove right into it.

Surf: 10 HP damage, 100 Accuracy

Swablu: 8/18 HP
Togepi: 18/20 HP

Kyle looked mad. "That was definitely luck!"

Let's get it why it's down...

"Togepi! Tackle, quick!" I commanded.

While Swablu tried desperately to recover, Togepi launched forward and Tackled it. Swablu came crashing to the ground, but it wasn't finished yet.

"Swablu, Peck! Hurry!" Kyle shouted.

Swablu struggled to get up, and hit Togepi with a Peck as the other Pokemon prepared for another Tackle.

Togepi: 14/20 HP
Swablu: 4/18 HP

Just a little more, "Togepi! Jump into the air and launch another tackle!"

Togepi leapt into the air, flailing its little feet, and careened headlong into the Swablu. The attack sent the bird Pokemon flying back a ways. It fell on its back and stayed there as it lapsed into unconsciousness.

Togepi gained 35 experience!

"Hmph." Kyle grumbled, recalling it. "It was luck! All luck! If your crazy metronome hadn't become surf... here." He shoved $50 into your hands.

The other kids, stunned at Kyle's loss, suddenly erupted into cheering. "New champ! New champ!" Kyle flushed pink and stepped back, trying to blend into the crowd. Suddenly a hush fell as the other kid, Blair, stepped forward.

"So you beat Kyle. Mmm, so tough. You'll only ever really become the champ if you can get through me." He sneered, and the other kids began whispering to each other. "Think you can do it, or are you just gonna take your puffball and call it quits?" His Ekans twined around his ankles, hissing ominously.

"Togepi isn't fluffy in the slightest," I corrected. "And by the looks of it, your snake is hiding behind your legs."

I brought my right leg behind me and brought my fists above my chest.

In a ready stance, "But, if it's a battle you want! It's a battle you'll get!"

"Toga-Preeee!" Togepi chirped up and down.

"Now," I punched outwards, "You can make the first move!"

I looked down at Togepi, who inturn looked up at me. "Try dodging the first move, buddy." I whispered.

Blair uttered what sounded like a growl, and his Ekans slid forward. Its forked tongue flicked in and out as it fixed Togepi with an unblinking stare. It then slithered forward into the center of the makeshift ring, hissing. Togepi stepped forward as well.

Ekans: Level 6, 25/25 HP
Togepi: Level 6, 19/25 HP

"Wrap!" barked Blair. Ekans slunk forward and curved around Togepi, but he obeyed your orders. Tucking his head flaps and feet in, he was able to roll quite easily. He bounced out of the way right where Ekans would have enveloped him.

Ekans: 25/25
Togepi: 19/25

Blair cursed under his breath.

"Good job, Togepi!" I called out.

"Now, use Charm," I thrusted my arm foward. "And go in for a tackle!"

Togepi looked at the hissing Ekans, its eyes suddenly growing wide. It uttered a peculiar squealing noise, and the snake's movement slowed. A twinge of something shot through its sensitive heart. This was just a baby Pokemon, and it was already hurt? Why did he have to defeat it? Besides, it was just a weak little thing. If his trainer did insist on him attacking it- which he hoped he would not at that point- he would be sure not to hurt it too much.

"Ekans, what are you waiting for? Poison sting!" shouted Blair. Ekans gave him a withering look and grudgingly slithered forward towards Togepi. Before he could rake the Egg Pokemon with his teeth, though, Togepi tucked its head-flaps in and rolled forward, tackling the unsuspecting Pokemon.

Ow, that hurt. For a pathetic little thing that still packed a punch. Ekans lunged forward, catching one of Togepi's headflaps with its poisoned teeth, though its heart wasn't in it. The poison dropped off and sizzled on the ground instead of entering the bloodstream.

Tackle- 4 damage
Poison sting- 2 damage, -2 for charm, so 1 damage.

Ekans: 21/25
Togepi: 18/25

That ekans seems really strong... I looked at the poisonous-liquid on the floor and let out a heavy sigh, "Good job, Togepi!"

I looked at the enraged ekans, it was getting ready to launch at its next command.

I thrusted my sleeve-covered arm out, "Togepi! Metranome!"

Blair snorted impatiently. "Ekans, use Wrap! Are you going to let yourself lose to an egg?" he hissed.

Ekans surged forward, enraged by the sudden taunt. As it wrapped its purple and yellow coils around the egg Pokemon, Togepi started waving his blue-glowing fingers back and forth. Just as Ekans was about to squeeze the life out of Togepi, it stopped, entranced by his cuteness. The Ekans only Wrapped half-heartedly.

As Togepi's fingers slowly faded to their normal color, a dark aura surrounded him, filled with sparkles and stars. As quickly as it had come, the aura faded, but it left a sheen that seemed to sparkle with defense.

Wrap: 2 damage, -1 from Charm
Cosmic Power (Metronome): Defense +1, Special Defense +1

Ekans: 21/25
Togepi: 17/25

I examined the scene closely. Togepi was still being strangled by Ekans. "Togepi!" I called out, "launch a tackle!"

Togepi twisted around in Ekans' grip and jumped, slamming into the snake's chin. Ekans reared back, loosening its grip on the small Pokemon. Shaking its head, it tried to see Togepi admist the stars in its vision.

"You coward!" Blair cried. "Poison Sting, and hit it hard this time!"

Ekans shook its head to clear its vision. It lunged at Togepi, digging its fangs in mildly. Togepi easily shook off the blow, and Cosmic Power's added barrier shielded some of the damage.

Tackle- 4 damage
Poison sting- 1 damage (2 damage, -2 for charm, -1 for Togepi's defense, 1 damage so it does something)

Ekans: 17/25
Togepi: 17/25

How could he treat his Pokemon like that.. How could someone be so mean?

I shook off the thought and looked toward Togepi. "Good job, buddy!" I smiled, "Your doing great!"

"Preee!" He cheered.

Togepi doesn't really know many moves, I guess I'll try another Metranome...

"Togepi!" I called out, "try another Metranome!"

Togepi flailed its little arms, at first appearing to do nothing. Then a low thrumming was heard by all, and soon it grew louder. Togepi raised its stubby arms and the thrumming turned into a shriek targeted at the Ekans' ear sockets. Hyper Voice.

The snake shrank back, writhing at the painful sound. It seemed to burn his ears and sent blazes of pain down its body. Struggling to move its trembling body, it slithered lopsidedly forward. Togepi, finishing up the attack, was caught off-guard as Ekans shot up to it and wormed its way around its circular form, squeezing it tight. The eggshell protected it for the most part, but parts of it cracked and the little Pokemon squealed as the snake constricted around it.

Hyper Voice: 9 damage
Wrap: 2 damage, -1 because of charm
Togepi took 1 damage from Wrap's effect as well.

Ekans: 8/25
Togepi: 15/25

I unplugged my fingers from out of my ears. I could still hear a slight ringing sound from the Hyper Voice.

I quickly shook it off and focused back on the battle. Togepi's shell was starting to break, Ekans was sqeeuzing him to death!

"Togepi!" I yelled, "Tackle again!"

Togepi squirmed, flailing its little arms and legs, trying to land some sort of strike on its captor. No good- due to its lack of mobility, it was unable to reach the muscles tightening even further around it. Ekans struck at its immobile opponent with fangs that dripped poison. The attack was still a bit halfhearted, but this time the poison managed to hit true, seeping through a small cut on the head and into the bloodstream.

Tackle: Missed, dealing 0 damage
Poison sting: 2 damage, -1 from charm, 1 damage
Togepi took 2 damage from poison and 1 damage from wrap

Ekans: 8/25
Togepi: 11/25 [poisoned]