(Grey's POV)

  As I stepped out of the Elite Four's facility, the weight of my newly acquired license felt both exhilarating and daunting in my pocket. Along with it came 5,000 Pokédollars to kickstart my journey. I couldn't help but think about the contrast—the games and anime never really explored the practicalities of finances or food stocking. In those worlds, trainers were often sponsored by professors, given Pokédexes, and provided with stipends that made their adventures seem effortless.

  For me, it was different. I had to manage everything myself, catching only six Pokémon for my league run. It wasn't just a choice; it was a necessity. My family's financial situation meant they couldn't support a rotating team, and since both my parents worked full-time, they wouldn't have the time to care for additional Pokémon left at home.

  I walked toward our house, wanting to say goodbye to the familiar faces I knew before leaving. When I arrived, my parents greeted me with huge smiles. I recounted the details of the day, and I could see the pride in their eyes. They gave me a few things they thought would be useful—a travel pillow and some basic supplies—but the real support was in their words.

  "I'm going to grab the stuff from my room," I told them. I had pre-packed weeks ago, confident I'd at least pass the exam. I grabbed my notebook, which was filled with my long-term plans, and a large blank diary for daily notes.

  When I came back down, my parents handed me another 1,000 Pokédollars. I hesitated, wanting to refuse. I knew how hard they worked for every cent.

  "It's okay, really," I started, but my father shook his head. "We know we can't fully support your ambitions," he said, his voice warm but steady. "But this is the least we can do to help. We believe in you, Grey." I took it, realizing that refusing would hurt them more than the money would help me. It was a small boost, but it meant everything.

  With a final wave, I stepped out into the world. I walked along Route 16 until I found a quiet spot away from prying eyes. It was time to talk to Axew. I released him, and he emerged into the evening light, looking up at me with that same earnest determination.

  "Listen, buddy," I began, sitting down. "I chose you because I believe in your potential. I'm not the most optimal trainer for you—I don't have the resources of a Blackthorn—but I have knowledge and I have ambition."

  Axew's eyes shone with expectation. I continued, "I want to reach a level like Lance. I'm challenging the Indigo League. If we win enough matches, we'll face the Elite Four—the same people who gave you to me." Axew's eagerness radiated from him. "So," I said, extending my fist, "are you willing to work with me?" Axew met my fist with his own, replying with a determined, "Axew!"

  With that bond forged, I headed back to Celadon for final supplies. I'd talked to him out here specifically so I wouldn't advertise having a Dragon starter in the city. The League thankfully kept the top four's identities quiet on their site to protect us from nefarious people.

  In Celadon, I stopped by the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy congratulated me and handed me a medkit. "Consider it an investment," she said with a wink. "Rarely do I see a kid with this much promise. Besides, I might get some bragging rights if you make it to the League and appear on TV!"

  Next was Officer Jenny. She wished me luck and said she'd inform the other Jennies about me so my journey would be smoother. She even gave me a book of police training drills, which I knew would be incredibly helpful.

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  Finally, I hit the Poké Mart. I bought a tent and a phone. Thanks to Joy's medkit, I didn't need to buy potions or antidotes yet. I picked up six regular Poké Balls, bringing my total expenses to about 3,000 Pokédollars. The tent and phone were the big costs, but I needed them—especially the phone for the Pokenet.

  I left Celadon and headed back to Route 16. The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a golden hue over everything. I realized time had moved fast. I assumed the Pallet trainers would be starting tomorrow morning, waiting for their scores and getting their starters a day late.

  I could have tried to catch something in the tall grass, but I decided to call it a night. I set up my tent and released Axew. "We can sleep together tonight," I told him, and he nodded. I took out my diary to write down my plans for the day.

  (Grey's POV thoughts)

  I decided to review some of my plans before sleep and write a bit about today in my diary. While I didn't have a fixed idea of what my starter Pokémon would be, I had mapped out a course for myself. My goal was to head to Fuchsia City to earn my first badge. I wasn't foolish like most trainers who immediately challenged their home gyms right after getting a Pokémon only to fail miserably. I didn't want to waste my money or time unless I was absolutely confident I could secure that badge.

  As for the Pokémon I intended to catch, I hadn't fixed my sights on any specific ones. I was going to limit myself to six catches, so unless a Pokémon truly impressed me, I wouldn't bother trying to catch it. I had learned that sticking to a rigid plan often backfired; too many trainers wasted hours chasing after rare Pokémon, only to come up empty-handed.

  I recalled a story from a trainer I met in Celadon—a guy had devoted months to raising a Magikarp in hopes of evolving it into a Gyarados. His dedication was admirable, but the outcome was disastrous; the Gyarados ultimately turned on him. I shook my head at the thought. It was a lesson learned: specific plans often lead to disappointment.

  I had a rough idea of what I wanted, but I remained flexible. I aimed for a balanced team with a Fire, Grass, and Water core to handle basic weaknesses. Keeping a Ground-type Pokémon was also on my list, primarily to learn Earthquake. However, with Axew by my side, I might be able to sidestep that necessity since it could learn Earthquake in the future. Still, having a Water-type was essential for Surf, and Kanto had an abundance of excellent Water-types.

  This was another reason for heading to Fuchsia. I could access the lower levels of the Safari Zone. I had heard that the stronger Pokémon there could be deadly, so I needed to be cautious. I also noted the importance of frequent visits to the Pokémon Center. I didn't have a Pokédex, so I'd need their help to check the current moves of my Pokémon.

  With all of that in mind, I realized I should probably get some rest. Tomorrow, I needed to cover a lot of ground on Route 16 and train Axew rigorously. He was essential for winning my first badge.

  Day 1: Diary Entries

  Current Finances: 3,000 Pokédollars remaining after purchases

  Axew: My first Pokémon.I need to build a strong bond with him and train him.

  Plans: Head to Fuchsia City for my first badge. I will avoid challenging any gyms until I feel ready.

  Pokémon Goals: Aim for a balanced team (Fire, Grass, Water, possibly Ground). Open to change based on what I encounter.

  Important Note: Frequent checks at the Pokémon Center are vital since I don't have a Pokédex.