A Faithful Encounter

The morning sun rose softly over the horizon as I made my way along the dirt path leading toward Pallet Town. The cool air was still, and the scent of fresh grass filled my lungs, grounding me in the reality of my decision. Today, I'd meet Professor Oak, get my Pokédex, and take my first real step toward becoming a Pokémon Trainer.

As I neared the outskirts of Pallet Town, a strange noise caught my attention—angry squawks and frantic footsteps. I picked up my pace, pushing through a thick line of trees until I came upon the scene.

A dark-skinned boy with messy black hair was backed against a tree, clutching a small, fainted Dratini to his chest. His clothes were tattered, and his determined face bore signs of a recent struggle. Circling him was a swarm of angry Spearows, flapping their wings and screeching loudly as they prepared to strike.

"Hey!" I shouted, rushing forward. "Chansey, let's help him out!"

My loyal Chansey hopped forward, nodding at me with a sparkle of determination in her eyes.

"Chansey, use Thunderbolt!"

Chansey's body sparked with electricity before a powerful surge of lightning shot into the air, hitting the Spearows in one crackling bolt. They squawked in shock, fluttering and scattering away from the boy, retreating back into the trees.

The boy looked up, wide-eyed, as I approached. "You… you saved us," he said, breathing heavily. He slowly relaxed, holding his Dratini close to his chest.

"Are you okay?" I asked, reaching out a hand to help him up.

"Yeah, I'm fine—thanks to you and your Chansey." He smiled, still catching his breath. "I thought I'd be a goner. I'm Raven, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Raven. I'm Joytrice, but you can just call me Joy." I nodded, glancing at the Dratini in his arms. "What happened to you two?"

Raven scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Well… Dratini and I were training out here when a flock of Spearows showed up out of nowhere. We tried to take them on, but they ganged up on Dratini, and it fainted. When I tried to protect it, they went after me too." He shrugged, embarrassed. "Guess I got in a bit over my head."

"Sounds like it." I smiled, reaching into my bag. "Luckily, I have some healing supplies. Let me take a look at Dratini."

Raven handed over his Dratini, his eyes full of worry. I carefully sprayed a potion on its wounds, and after a few seconds, Dratini's eyes blinked open. It let out a small, grateful cry, nuzzling its trainer's hand as Raven grinned in relief.

"You really know your stuff," Raven said with a grin. "You must be a Nurse Joy."

"Sort of…" I hesitated, glancing down. "My family runs a clinic, but I'm actually here to become a Pokémon Trainer. I was on my way to see Professor Oak and get my Pokédex."

"Really?" Raven's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'm from Pallet Town! I went to Professor Oak just a few days ago to get Dratini as my starter."

"Looks like we have something in common, then." I smiled, feeling a spark of excitement. "Maybe we'll both be Champions someday."

He laughed. "One step at a time. But, hey—you saved my life back there. Why don't you come over to my place? I owe you a treat."

"Are you sure?" I asked, surprised by his offer.

"Of course! It's the least I can do." He flashed a confident grin. "Besides, I've got a feeling we're going to make a great team."

As we walked together toward his house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. I had left my family behind and taken my first steps toward my dream. And here, on the outskirts of Pallet Town, I had met someone who understood the fire burning in my heart—a fellow trainer who'd be by my side, facing whatever challenges lay ahead.

And as we walked side by side, I knew my journey was truly beginning.