Elizabeth chewed the end of her thumbnail, nervous about what awaited her inside. She knew that she was fairly old to be only just now getting her first Pokemon, but she didn't mind. All the other kids had gotten theirs years ago and were building up their teams, most her age had left Pallet Town and gone off on their adventures. But Elizabeth had stayed, she'd wanted to learn from her mother how to bring out a Pokemon's inner beauty and after spending several years working at the family salon she finally felt ready. So today was the day. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and stepped into Professor Oak's lab.

By the time Elizabeth emerged from the lab, she felt like a whole new person. Now she was a real trainer. Now she could begin her journey. Now she had a Pokemon companion. Looking down at the timid Pikachu at her side, she crouched down and gave a soft smile.

"Now, what shall we call you?" The Pikachu tilted her head and lifted her ear, waiting to hear what she would now be known as. "How about... Bitsy?" The immediate look of disgust on the electric mouse's face told Elizabeth everything she needed to know. "Hmm, Fluffy? No, that's a bit... unoriginal. How about... Tippy?" The Pikachu considered this for a moment and then nodded. "Good! Now, I have a present for you, Tippy." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a pink ribbon, carefully reaching around Tippy's neck and tying it in a bow at the back of her neck. A pleased crackle of electricity came from Tippy's cheeks as she examined her new accessory before letting out a squeak of "Pika-Pi!"

"Oh, I'm so glad you like it." Elizabeth reached down and scooped the newly named Tippy up into her arms, letting her clamber up onto her shoulder where she settled and nuzzled against Elizabeth's blonde hair. Elizabeth smiled to herself. This was what it felt like to be a trainer... To have a companion that already felt comfortable with her was more than what she'd hoped for. She adjusted her bag on her shoulder, took a breath and set off towards her new future as a Pokemon trainer.