Chapter 1

"[Happy birthday John!]" everyone yelled. We were at my home next to the pond where Shocker my Mom's Blastoise lived. I was now 10 and ready to get my Trainer license. Most of the people were either Pokémon or from the lab. I didn't get along well with the other kids.

Opal was sitting to my right, while to my left was a Riolu I named Spphire and in my lap was a Zorua I named Ruby. Sapphire and Ruby were left in the care of the lab as eggs by their parents. The trainers didn't want the eggs so they had no choice.

When they hatched Opal and I asked them to play with us. Ever since we were inseparable. As I was remembering all the time we spent together Opal touched my shoulder. [What are you thinking about?]

"Why don't you tell me?" I shot back with a smile. She just shook her head. She never looked through my mind. She only used her powers to talk to me and to translate what any Pokémon were saying.

"I was thinking about how we all met and what you three mean to me." I answered her. "You three are like younger sisters to me. It sucks that I can only get one starter." I scratch Ruby's head and she pressed against my hand.

[What is stopping you from coming back to get them?] Opal asked genuinely curious.

I look and Sapphire as she munches on a Poffin. "The lab is where trainers get starters. It is kind of a policy of one per person. I don't think they will let me."

We got quiet after that. Sapphire didn't have a care in the world as she munched down snacks and Ruby just stayed in my lap loving the attention I gave her. Opal was a little sad and started petting Ruby as well.

After the food came the presents. Most of them were generic presents from the researchers. Such as a tent, some potions, among other things. Professor Birch handed me my trainer license and a Pokédex but no Pokéball. I was a little confused but she only smiled before walking away.

Now it was my parents turn. They walked up with two small boxes. I opened my dads first inside was a military coin now attached to a chain with one of his old dog tags. I look at him surprised. My dad just grinned placing a hand on my shoulder. "I'm proud of you son. But tomorrow I'm going to put you through hell."

I put the necklace on proud of it. "Thanks dad." I was actually looking forward to the next few years. I wasn't going on my journey yet. I needed some practical experience and training. So I was going to use the Trainer aid program that spread out from one of the larger regions. They have trainers help with odd jobs not important enough for police or the Poké rangers in exchange for money.

Mom's gift was a belt for storing Pokéballs. It was plain but I loved it none the less. As I was getting ready to organize everything Jenna came over with the girls. Opal was carrying a long but small box. I was confused at what was going on but looking around everyone was all smiles. Mom was even tearing up.

The girls placed the box on the table. All three cried out, I didn't need a translation for it though. "Thank your girls." I said starting to open it. When I removed the wrapping it revealed a black case with a button on the front. When I pressed it the seam lit up and the case opened. What I saw made my jaw drop.

Inside were three Pokéballs. What made them special was that they were one solid color. One was red, the other blue. The one in the center however caught my attention the most. The ball was pink with yellow flecks and a prismatic coating to make it shine like a rainbow when light hit it just right. These balls were custom made for my friends, my sisters.

I was speechless nothing could come to mind as I looked at everyone. The girls were just as speechless, seems as though they didn't know what was in the present either.

After a moment of silence everyone started clapping. I was still speechless. "It seems your plan went to well Professor." One of the researchers said. I turned to look at her.

"No I didn't do much. Your parents are the ones who got the Pokéballs and I just had Jenna sign some paperwork to release Ruby and Sapphire from the labs care. This is your present from Jenna." She said making me look and the blue Gardivoir.

[Happy birthday John. Please continue taking care of my daughters.] she said tears in her eyes. Seeing that I ran over to her and hugged her trying not to cry myself.

"You know I will. They are family, and I will give my life for family." I told her trying to stop the burning in my eyes. I felt an arm touch mine as Opal, Ruby, and Sapphire hugged Jenna. They all had tears in their eyes.

When I pulled away I turned to everyone. "This is the best birthday a new trainer could have. Thank you, all of you."

"How about you make your trainer status official before thanking us." Everyone started laughing after a man said that. Even the Pokémon gathered chuckled.

"O-of course." I said ducking my head shyly before grabbing the Pokéballs. I walked over to the girls a little nervous.

"Do you still want to see the world with me?" I asked them knowing the answer but still scared. Ruby and Sapphire looked at Opal and pushed her forward. Opal stumbled a bit but caught herself. She started berating them, but Sapphire only turned her around to face me.

She then saw that I was holding the Pokéball meant for her. "I made you a promise years ago and I will keep it. Would you be my starter Opal?"

Opal looked at me, she knew that I wanted her as my starter for three years now. I talked it over with her mother Jenna, my parents and the professor. We have even talked about this to each other. Now we are at the point of no return. Now that the choice was in front of her she was hesitating. I had one more thing to say before she either accepted or turned me down.

"I'm not going to lie or play it down. This will be hard. We will face many dangers and fight some tough battles. Even then I will only go with you by my side. Otherwise I will stay here and be your big bro." I finished with a smile placing a hand on her head. I wanted her to feel my thoughts, my emotions. To let her know that I meant what I said.

She paused for a second, everyone holding their breath. She straightened up her horn glowing its signature pink. [we waited to long for me to say no now!] she yelled before grabbing my hand and tapping her head against the ball.

It opened and in a flash of light Opal disappeared inside. The ball didn't rock or wiggle. The center flashed red once before fading. There it was my first Pokémon was Opal. For three years we waited and planned. This was a bit of an overwhelming moment. But now was not the time. I pressed the ball against my head. "Thank you. You can come back out Opal." I then tossed the ball. It opened releasing Opal who had her hands together her body tense.

[It worked, right?] she asked still in a daze.

"Yeah Opal it worked. We are partners now." I told her catching the ball as it came back. Opal grinned and began dancing with joy. She ran over to her mom both of the talking to each other. I let them be as I turned to Ruby and Sapphire. "How about you two? I still have two empty spots on my team." I said hold their Pokéballs up. They both ran over and tackled me. We laughed as I tapped them both with their respective ball. Again the balls flashed once then they didn't react. I let the two back out.

They shook themselves and turned to me. I was still on the ground and they tackled me again. This time they both had tears in their eyes as they never thought this would happen. "Yeah I know, welcome to the team." I told them, petting their heads in an attempt to soothe them.

I now had my team, and it felt right. My dad walked over to me his smile now faded. "Hate to break the moment but you know what this means right?"

I looked him dead in the eye. "Yes sir. They are not only my team but my family. I will protect them as they will protect me."

Dad smiled ruffling my hair again. "Atta boy. Now get up so we can take a picture."

We worked together to get the girls composed for the picture. We stood together all of us happy. The camera flashed and the professor showed us the picture. There we were, happy and excited for this new start.

Everyone started coming up to me and shaking my hand. Saying congratulation, and wishing me the best. I was going to stick around for a while to make sure we were capable. After today however free time will be scarce.

For now I put the Pokéballs on my new belt and got my gifts organized and helped to clean up the party. It didn't take long and it was just my parents, Jenna, the girls, and myself. Jenna came over to us.

[You four can go. I'm going to talk with Max and Sandy.] She hugged Opal telling her something before going back to my parents.

"I guess I need to show you girls around the house." I started to head for the front door.

[John, Ruby wants to know what you mean. We already have been in your house.] Opal translated.

I turned around. "You were always guests then. Now I'm showing you it as your home."

The girls seemed a bit shocked at this. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Come on let me show you around." I opened the door for them. The tour was short, as they said they have been here before.

The last spot on our little tour was my room. We never played in there. I was always more interested playing outside. So my room turned into more of a study room. "Well girls here we are, my room. Well I guess it is more our room from now on." I opened the door.

Inside was a desk on one wall. On it were various books on Pokémon as well as my notes. Next to it in the corner was a large bookshelf filled with more books. All of them were about Pokémon and their care. Next to the door was a closet and a dresser with six drawers. My personal stuff amounted to a takedown recurve bow and a knife my dad gave me.

On the other side of the room was a new queen sized bed. The girls looked at then at me. I was only a kid after all. "Did you think I would put you in your Pokéballs at night?" I told them jumping on the bed. "Come on this is where you guys are going to sleep from now on."

Ruby and Sapphire didn't hesitate to jump on me. We started laughing at ourselves. Opal on the other hand was more hesitant. I pulled ruby onto my chest and pat the spot next to me. "Come on Opal we have room to spare." Ruby and Sapphire also called to her.

Opal clenched her fist and jumped. She almost missed but caught herself before I could catch her. We all had a chuckle when she plopped herself next to me her face buried in the bed from embarrassment.

Her cheeks were puffed up and I wanted to poke them. I was stopped as a pink glow surrounded my lifted hand, stopping it. Opal turn her head and I could see her golden eyes under her blue hair. She was a little angry.

[That is not nice John.] she said putting some distance between us.

"Well pardon me for trying to tease you when you are being so cute." I tell her with a chuckle. Ruby jumped off my chest allowing me to sit up. Outside the window it was getting dark and when I realized that I could feel my body get tired instantly.

"Well it is getting late we better get ready for bed. For the next few days you guys have it easy. Just get used to living here. I on the other hand will be with Dad. So I won't be around from early morning to late afternoon." I grab a change of clothes from my closet and the towel from a hanger on the wall. "Good night girls." I tell them before leaving to clean up before going to bed myself.

The girls all wished me good night. Though I can only assume Ruby and Sapphire did. I took a shower and brushed my teeth like my mom and dad raised me. When I got back to my room Sapphire was asleep under the covers while Ruby and Opal were on the floor talking.

"What are you two talking about?"

Opal and Ruby are a bit startled but calm down quickly. [we were just talking about what we were going to do tomorrow while waiting for you.]

"Why didn't you go to bed like Sapphire." I pointed at the sleeping Riolu that was hugging one of my pillows with her face buried in it.

Opal and ruby shook their heads. [You would not want to wake us up to get in. Most likely you would sleep in the chair.]

I missed the hook for the towel when she said that making it fall on the ground. "Now where did you get an idea like that?" I say picking up the towel.

[John did you forget that I can read your mind and emotions?] Opal shot back with an accusatory tone.

"I thought you didn't read other people's minds." I walked over to the bed.

[Didn't have to. Your emotions were screaming your intent. Now get in so we can all sleep.] she lifted the bed covers with her powers so I could get in.

I sighed and got in. Sapphire woke up and swapped the pillow for me. Opal took my other side pulling the cover back up over us. Ruby jumped up and laid down on my waist placing her head on my stomach.

"Good night everyone."

They all called out quietly. Opal didn't even use telepathy. She knew that I understood them. As I closed my eyes I felt a small hand grip mine.

'Good night Opal. I love you little Sis.' I thought. Her grip tightened slightly. As soon as I relaxed I felt sleep take me.