The plane began its descent into the Viridian City airport. A summer filled with fun visiting his dad at the Cinnabar Islands had concluded and a new school year was about to start.
Vert, having just celebrated his tenth birthday, was eager to go home and get his trainer's license, and more importantly, to receive his starter Pokémon.
The tires of the plan hit the tarmac and before long they were taxiing to the gate.
Once safely docked, Vert exited the plane to see his mom standing there waiting for him and next to her was his best friend, Azure.
"Hey!" called Azure.
Vert waved and ran over.
"How was your trip?" asked Mom.
"Really good. I gotta get my luggage though!" Vert bolted.
He waited for the conveyor belt to start moving, frantically bobbing around with anticipation.
"What's with all the excitement?" asked Mom.
"I have to get— There!" Vert ran over and grabbed an incubator off the conveyor belt.
"Whoa! Is that what I think it is?" asked Azure as he ran to Vert's side.
"Yup, a Pokémon egg."
"What's inside it?" Azure continued.
"No idea. My dad gave it to me on the last day. I think it's gonna be a while till we find out."
"Don't forget, Vert. Until you get your trainer's license, that's only going to count as a pet. So, it's just as well," Mom reminded.
"Right, I know," Vert replied.
They packed up the car and headed towards home, grabbing a bite to eat on the way, then dropped off Azure. After a short drive that felt like years, they pulled into the driveway.
"So, when do I get my license?" Vert asked.
"I made your appointment for tomorrow. We'll leave bright and early to head to Pallet Town. Okay?"
"I can't wait!"
The night crawled by, but finally it was morning.
Vert flew out of bed, got dressed and brushed his teeth. He ran down the hall to the kitchen where breakfast had already been prepared.
A few concerningly large bites later, his stomach was full, and he was heading to the car.
"Mom! Come on, come on!" called Vert.
"Yes, yes. You brought your backpack, right? Are you still planning on walking home?"
"Yup!"
The drive down Route 1 to Pallet town was short but scenic. Plentiful of Pidgeys and a few small darts of purple that could only be Rattatas hiding among the trees and well developed trails. It was a clear day, you couldn't have asked for a better one. Before long they arrived at the Pokémon Lab.
Vert raced out the car and stood by the laboratory doors. His mom followed, barely able to keep up with her ten year old.
Finally, they entered the lab.
The Pallet Town Pokémon Lab was a busy place, the main hub for new trainers to start their journeys, people came from all over the Kanto Region to take their tests. Machines lined the walls and lots of people were running around in lab coats. There were Pokémon getting inspected. An Eggsecute was hooked up to a machine that appeared to be monitoring it.
Through the window, a large pack of Tauros ran around outside. They approached the front desk.
"Hi, my son is applying for his Trainer License. We have an appointment."
Vert was handed a clipboard and then jotted down his vital information.
Vert Briston. Age 10, Birthday: June 23rd. Hometown: Viridian City.
Once he finished, he returned the clipboard to the receptionist.
She looked it over.
"Everything looks good." Just a moment, and we'll have one of our Exam Proctors get you started."
A short while later, a young man with spikey orange hair and an arrogant energy stepped out from the back. He was wearing a labcoat just like the other technicians.
"Hey Amy. Who's taking the license exam?" he asked.
"Green, this is Vert."
Green extended his hand to Vert.
"Nice to meet ya. I'm Green Oak. I'll be handling your exam today."
Vert went starry eyed.
"Former Pokemon League Champion Green Oak is going to handle my trainer exam!? No way!" Excited, Vert grabbed his hand and started jumping up and down.
"I guess you're a fan?"
"I sure am!"
"Awesome! Are you ready…" Green looked over the clipboard again. "Vert?"
Vert nodded with a ferocity that would lean you to think his head would fly right off.
"Alright, well let's get the exam under way."
Green led Vert into the examination area.
It was an indoor field, with trees and even a small creek. The local breeds of pokémon were all in attendance. At first glance you would be fooled into thinking you were back outside.
Green began.
"There are three parts to the license exam, did ya study?"
"Yup! The battle portion, the knowledge portion, and the catching portion."
"Exactly, pass all those and you have officially earned your license, and the opportunity to choose your starter pokémon."
"I can't wait!"
"Confidence. I like that, kid. Are you ready to start?"
"I sure am!"
"We'll start with the catching portion. Here in the exam area, there are Rattatas and Pidgeys. These are technically my Grandpa's Pokémon, so you won't get to keep what you catch. This is just to show that you have the fundamentals down." Green handed Vert six pokeballs. "You run out of pokeballs; you fail this section. So, take your time, and examine your targets carefully."
Vert took the pokeballs and rushed out onto the field.
He looked around for any pokémon that stood out to him.
Finally, he spotted a lone Rattata that was sniffing around a log.
Quietly, Vert approached, doing everything in his power not to startle it. He wound up his pitch, took a deep breath, and let that pokeball fly.
Direct hit!
The ball bounced off the Rattata, and immediately it was collected into the ball.
The ball shook, once, twice, three times, it broke out!
"Gragh! It was so close too!"
The Rattata fled.
Vert continued his search.
Two Pidgeys, and two more Rattatas. Each broke out. Vert was down to his last pokeball.
"Looks like you only got one left, kid. You gonna be able to pull this off?"
At Green's taunt Vert grew more determined. Eyes narrowed, breathing controlled, he dropped low. Then, there it was, he spotted one final Rattata. He looked a bit more aggressive than the others; it had a scar next to its left eye. A real tough customer.
"This is my last chance." Vert closed his eyes and held the ball. He took a deep breath. Finally, he was ready.
He wound up for the pitch and threw the pokeball. It flew true and hit the Rattata. Once again it was collected into the ball.
It shook.
Once.
Twice.
Three times…
Caught!
Vert jumped for joy! The first hurdle towards his license was out of the way. He looked towards Green who had a knowing grin. He was ready for battle.