“You really have to sit here and snuggle up to me every morning, don’t cha.”

He’d say to the Pokemon. The Flareon let out a happy squeak. 

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

He’d say back with a laugh. Their ears would perk up as Brian’s mom shouted from the kitchen. With a quick change of clothes he was more than ready to start the day, and shortly made his way downstairs. The snow white wolf with bright blue eyes and pure blue hair lovingly hugged him as he came into the kitchen, and grabbed a plate of food.

She then placed 3 red pokeballs on the table as he was eating.

“Now that you’re finally of age, dear, have you ever wanted to go on your own Pokemon journey?” 

Brian nervously smiled, knowing where this was going.

 “I’ve...thought about it, but never really decided on it yet.” he replied. 

Anau ruffled his snow white hair. 

“I swear, you and your siblings are so alike.” she said, chuckling. 

“If it helps you with your decision, I used to be a pokemon trainer as well. I was just as nervous as you before I started out, but look at where I am now: a Pokemon Professor and former Gym Leader.” 

Brian looked at the 3 pokeballs carefully, then smiled up at his mother. 

“Well, it’d be cool to have a Pokemon partner of my own. I love adventuring and finding new places, so...why not, sure!” 

“Alright.” said his mother, smiling down at him. 

“The one on the left contains Litten, a fire type. The one in the center is Popplio, a water type and the one your brother had chosen. The last is Rowlet, a grass type. Choose wisely~” 

Brian sat there for a couple minutes, thinking about which one to choose.

“Okay, I think I decided.”

He’d say, picking up the one on the right. 

Out would pop Rowlet, letting out a proud ca-caw as he flew about in the air and landed on Brian’s shoulder.

“Ya know, I’ve always been very fond of Grass types. They’re usually the most gentle and sweet.”

Anau softly chuckled.

“Out of every trainer I’ve given a starter Pokemon to, very few choose Grass types, it seems. Do you want to give him a name, too?”

He locked eyes with his new partner.

“Hmm…Robin sounds cool, and being that he evolves into Decidueye, it would be very fitting.”

The snow white wolf nodded.

“Definitely! Anyway, I think you should get going when you’re able. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy the Pokemon Trainer experience.”

“Yeah of course, Ma. I’m sure it’ll be great!” 

She handed him a card shortly after he was done packing stuff in his duffle bag.

“I figured this might be handy to you. This’ll allow you to participate in the region’s Gym Challenge. Please don’t lose it.” 

“Don’t worry, I won’t lose it. Besides, when have I ever misplaced something important?”

He’d proudly state.

His mother gave him an eyebrow raise.

“O-OKAY SO I’ve done it a couple times- But it always turns up later! I promise I won’t lose this though!”

Brian would respond in a panic.

Anau chuckled and hugged him, softly kissing his nose.

“I know you won’t. You seem just about ready now. Be sure to call me every now and then, so I know you’re okay.”

“I will, I will. Gosh. You’re so worrisome.”

Brian would respond back as he let go of her hug and walked towards the door.

“I worry because I’m your Mother. It’s what we do. Just be safe and go explore.”

Brian opened the door, turned around and gave her a thumbs up, smiling.

“You got it, Ma.”

The door would close soon after.

It’d then open.

“Wait. Who took over your gym when you retired?”

Anau glanced back.

“You ask way too many questions. Don’t worry about it.”

Brian squinted.

“Alright alright, fine. I’m going.”

He walked down the castle’s steps, continually making sure he had everything in hand. 

“DoN’t WoRrY aBoUt It, she says.” 

He’d say in a mocking tone towards his partner. His Rowlet gave him a confused chirp. 

He walked to the city’s exit. The words on the sign leading out that direction read “Route 5/Merrycrest Forest.”

“Dunno why she couldn’t have told me right there. Buuut, I’m not gonna worry about it, cuz ya know why? This adventure’s only getting started, my boy. There’s so much more to see and learn!”