"We moved to Hoenn in January," a kid wrote in his journal.  "Dad decided to move to Littleroot Town so that my sister (Julia) and I could battle here instead of back in Johto.  Also, dad wanted to live somewhere different.  I think, though, that he wanted to battle here, too.  Or, at least, make a name for himself.  Though, Professor Oak wanted my dad to work with the local professor, Prof. Birch, to study new Pokémon."  He put his journal down for a minute and then thought about what to write next.  He continued, "Tomorrow is my first official day as a Pokémon Trainer, even though I've had my Treecko for 7 years now.  Of course, he isn't very powerful because I am not allowed to battle any trainers.  I also think that I am getting a late start (I'm 14 already).  But my mom made us get out of Middle School before we became Trainers.
"Unfortunately, Hoenn doesn't really have any of the older and more traditional Pokémon, such as Meganium or Onix.  It's a shame, too, because I'm pretty much an expert when it comes to the older Pokémon.  However, they do have a lot of unseen Pokémon here.  That's where, supposedly, my Treecko and my sister's Mudkip came from.
"So, tomorrow, March 17th, will be the most significant day of my life thus far.  Let's hope that the road ahead is full of adventure, surprises, and lots of action.  And let's also hope that some day I can be as powerful as my dad."

Chapter I
A Fresh Start

Andrew awoke to the sound of his mother's voice calling him down to breakfast.  He put on his black pants and black shirt and then ran downstairs.
When he finished breakfast, he dashed back upstairs and put on his black unbuttoned over-shirt.  He ran a comb through his short blonde hair and grabbed his PokéNav and Pokédex.  His sister was already waiting for him at the front door with his backpack (undoubtedly black).
When the two of them walked outside, they were greeted by their father.  He smiled and said, "I wish the two of you the best of luck out there."
"Thanks, dad," said Andrew.  Julia agreed.  They hugged their father and mother (who had also come out to tell them goodbye) and turned to leave.
"Oh, and Andrew-don't let me down," Drew called.
Andrew nodded, and replied, "I won't.  I promise."
With that, Andrew and Julia began their journey.  They were armed only with 10 Pokéballs each, and their respective Pokémon.
As they left Littleroot Town, they heard a man screaming.  To their left was what looked like a scientist getting attacked by a small grey dog.
Andrew pulled out his Pokédex and aimed it at the unknown Pokémon.  It classified it as Poochyena, a Dark-type Pokémon.
"Julia, let's get 'em," Andrew said.  He threw out the Pokéball with Treecko inside, unleashing his Pokémon.  Julia did likewise.  "Treecko, Vine Whip!"  Andrew's Grass-type Pokémon lashed out at Poochyena with leafy vines.
Poochyena turned around and decided to attack Treecko with Bite.  Treecko, at Andrew's command, used Absorb.
"Good job," Andrew remarked.  He took out a Pokéball and threw it at the injured Poochyena.
The Pokéball wriggled once.
Twice.
And then Poochyena was his.
Andrew picked up the Pokéball and recalled Treecko.  "You okay?" He asked the scientist.
"Oh, yes, thank you," said the man.  "I don't exactly know how to repay you for saving me."
"That's all right.  I got myself a new Pokémon," Andrew replied, showing the man the Pokéball containing Poochyena.
"That's it!" the man exclaimed.  "I'll give you a Pokémon."  The man walked over to a sack on the ground and took out a Pokéball.  "How would you like a Torchic?" he asked.
"Well, I think my sister might want something," Andrew answered.
"No, that's all right," said Julia.  "While you were battling, I found a Taillow and caught it.  You can go ahead and take the Pokémon."
"Cool!" Andrew cried.  The scientist handed Andrew the Pokéball.
"My name, by the way, is Professor Birch," said the Professor.
"Nice to meet you, Professor," Andrew said, shaking his hand.  "My name's Andrew.  Andrew Anderson.  My family just moved here.  Oh, and this is my sister, Julia."
"Did you say that your dad just moved here?  And your last name is Anderson?  That means that…you are the son of Drew Anderson, the famed Pokémon Master, aren't you?" Birch inquired.
"Yeah, I am."
"In that case, we should expect many  great things from you."

* * *

Andrew and Julia arrived in Oldale Town the next morning.  To both of their disappointment, it did not have a Gym.
"Well," Julia started, "I guess it is sort of like Cherrygrove back in Johto."
"True," Andrew agreed.  "We should continue, in that case.  I mean, it is morning, and it's a beautiful day."  He motioned to the sun gracing the glistening dewdrops that beaded on blades of grass around them.  Julia also noticed the clear blue sky.  "We do have all day."
"I was thinking that we could rest here for a day," Julia responded.
Andrew shook his head.  "No way.  I don't want to waste time here."
"You're way too ambitious."  Andrew shrugged in reply.  "Well, what's it going to be?" Julia questioned.
"I guess we can stay here if you want to," Andrew sighed.
They went to the Pokécenter, healed their Pokémon, and booked a room (because Pokécenters doubled as motels for passing trainers).
Though against Andrew's wishes, they were going to continue their quest tomorrow.  To Andrew, he was already a day behind in his journey to prove himself, not only to the world, but also to his father, as well.
I can't let him down now, he thought as his mind drifted back to his father's words.  It's too late to turn back now.