Kit's POV (Flashback):

"Pichu Pi!"

"Happy birthday, sweetie!"

"Thanks, you guys!" I smile to my mum and her Pichu, who are sat at the table, which has been laden with... pancakes! Yum!

I grin and hurry down the final steps, accepting a hug from both of them. "Come on, you'd better eat up!" Mum chuckles, allowing me to sit down and scarf the delicious pancakes as if someone was going to take them from me. Well, Pichu tried to, but I just gently flicked his little tummy and he giggled, getting the message.

I finished in record time, but can you blame me? I love pancakes and it's my birthday! I wanna get to the good part; presents!

Once everything is cleared away, Mum places a small wrapped box on the table. "Come on, I know you've been waiting for this!" She laughed. I chuckle and unwrap the present eagerly.

"Oh... isn't this...?"

I take out the Z-Ring from the box, recognising all the little beads and chinks. I then pull out the pouch, which contains her Z-Crystals, aside from the Electrium-Z. She's giving me her old Z-Ring and Z-Crystals?

"It's time I moved on from all those," Mum smiled, holding up the Electrium-Z. "Pichu and I are going to hold onto this one. It's definitely special to us. But the rest of them are all yours. We haven't used a Z-Move in years. We barely even battle anymore. There's no need to keep hold of them when they could be so much more useful to you."

I smile and slide the Z-Ring onto my wrist, adjusting the strap slightly so it fits perfectly. My eyes then dart to the final present in the box; a Pokéball with a pretty light green bow attached to the top. "Did you already get me a starter Pokémon?" I ask in surprise, picking it up.

"Actually, that's Stormwing's Pokéball," Mum replies. "What?!" I look up at her in shock. "You're giving up Stormwing?!"

"Stormwing isn't meant for being a house pet," Mum sighed. "She needs to be out on a journey. She needs to be let out into the open and battle. She needs a Trainer. Besides, at least when you have her I'll know you're safe. She's always had a soft spot for you and she's very strong."

I nod, realising that this probably is the best thing for poor Stormwing. Being pent up in a Pokéball or a PC isn't what she needs.

I hug Mum. "Thanks so much. I promise I'll let her out a lot and take good care of her." "I know you will, sweetie," Mum smiles, hugging me back. "I know you will. Now, do you know what starter Pokémon you'd like to get? I'm sure Stormwing would love to go on a flight, so we can go anywhere for a starter."

I bite my lip, knowing exactly where I want to go. I've always loved Charmander, it's so cute and cool! Who wouldn't love an adorable little lizard that turns into a sweet dragon?

But... the reason my mum and I moved out to the Kalos region when I was little was to get away from the Kanto region. My mum's never told me why or let us go back even just to take a look. I don't understand it. It's like she's super scared of the place. But I really want a Charmander and it is my tenth birthday... plus she did say I could go to any region to get a Pokémon...

"Maybe... maybe Kanto?" I ask hopefully. "You know I love Charmanders." Mum looks down at me. I can see how tense she is from my question, but she slowly nods. "Okay. I know how much you love Charmander. But we won't stay long."

I cheer excitedly, along with Pichu. Mum laughs at us both. "Come on, then. Send Stormwing out outside, then we can get going."

I nod and hurry outside, excited to finally see Kanto and get a Charmander.

~•~

"Hello there! You must be here for a starter Pokémon! I'm Professor Oak!"

"Hi, Professor! Yup, I want to get a Charmander!"

"Someone's eager!" The Professor chuckled. "Come right this way, young lady! Let me show you the starter Pokémon!"

He leads me to a room with three Pokémon on the table. "Oh, what are you three doing out?" Professor Oak asks, chuckling. "No matter. One of you is about to be chosen!"

All three Pokémon look at me. They're all so cute! Squirtle, deciding he's not interested, returns to his nap. I smile and gently pet him. "Squirtle..." he yawns.

I then look to Bulbasaur and the gorgeous Charmander. Bulbasaur is hiding behind Charmander, though he's watching me curiously. Charmander is kind of just sitting there.

"Hi, I'm Kit," I smile to them, offering my hand. They both sniff at me, then approach. "Char," Charmander greets, then Bulbasaur gently nuzzles my hand, seeming to take a liking to me. I smile and pet him, then turn to Charmander. "Hey, Charmander. Would you like to come with me?" I ask him hopefully.

Charmander looks between me and Bulbasaur, then nudges Bulbasaur over instead. "Char. Charmander," he states, Bulbasaur looking up at me with wide eyes.

"Aw, did you wanna come with me, Bulbasaur?" I smile. "Bulba..." Bulbasaur admits, using a gentle Vine Whip on my wrist like a Sylveon would use its feelers to hold their Trainer's hand. My heart melts for the shy Bulbasaur. Come to think of it, Bulbasaur are usually not picked over Charmander or Squirtle. This little guy probably just wants a home and somebody to take care of him. Poor little guy.

I pet Charmander's head. "You're a lovely friend, aren't you? Bulbasaur was lucky to have an awesome friend like you." "Charmander!" Charmander smiles proudly.

I then gently pick Bulbasaur up. "You wanna come with me and be my partner, Bulbasaur?" I ask. His little face lights up. "Bulba! Bulba Bulbasaur! Saur!"

I giggle and happily collect his Pokéball from Professor Oak.