GC003

==Synopsis==
Justin and Connor meet Professor Birch and save him from a pack of wild Poochyena.
==Summary==
In Littleroot Town, a man, Professor Birch, goes through his research on Pokemon Habitats and goes out to explore Route 101. He takes two Pokemon with him for protection.
Justin and Connor unknowingly pass Professor Birch when they finally enter Littleroot Town. Justin and Connor ask for directions and ultimately find Birch's research laboratory. Justin and Connor meet Abigail, one of Birch's research assistants. Abigail is happy to help the young trainers. She hands Connor a Pokedex and upgrades Justin's, so he can later register for the Hoenn League.
Abigail hands the trainers some beginning items: potions, Poke Balls, and status medicine. Connor asks if he can acquire his first Pokemon. Abigail explains that a girl came by a few days ago and claimed one of the Starter Pokemon, but they have two more to choose from. When Abigail goes to retrieve the Pokemon, she cannot find them. She realizes Professor Birch took them for protection on Route 101. Abigail advises the boys to wait until he returns but Connor is eager to both meet the Professor and claim his first Pokemon. Justin and Connor leave the lab, intending to return with the professor.
Meanwhile, Professor Birch studies the wild Wurmple in the area. He wonders if environment has any impact on Wurmple's evolution into Silcoon or Cascoon, knowing environment impacts personality. As the professor studies, he stumbles into a turf war between Poochyena and Zigzagoon as the former try to steal supplies gathered by the Zigzagoon and their Pickup ability. When the Poochyena notice Birch, they turn their fangs on him. Birch climbs up a tree. He intends to call out of the Pokemon to protect him, but he drops his bag.
Justin and Connor hear barking. Eevee's superior hearing listens to the distinct call for help, leading Justin and Connor to Professor Birth in the tree. Eevee attacks the Poochyena with Shadow Ball, which causes them to scatter, but a Mightyena, appears and attacks to defend its pack. Eevee struggles to battle the horde alone even if much stronger.
Birch calls to Connor to pick one of the two Pokemon he has in his bag to battle. Connor randomly picks a Treecko. Connor does not know how to command Treecko until he scans the Pokemon in his new dex and learns its move pool. It only knows Pound and Quick Attack, but the speedy Pokemon does enough to scare away the Poocheyna while Eevee defeats the Mightyena. Finally safe, Birch jumps from his tree.
Birch escorts the boys home, and Abigail treats the Professor's wounds. Birch thanks the boys for their help and offers Connor the Treecko he used as his first Pokemon. Connor happily accepts. Birch calls out the remaining Pokemon, a Torchic. Since Torchic is all he has left, he offers the Fire-Type to Justin as appreciation for his help in defeating Mightyena. Justin is initially taken back by the offer, but Eevee jumps down to greet Torchic and welcome him to Justin's team. Justin accepts his new Pokemon.
Afterward, Justin and Connor intend to return home to Petalburg City.
==Major Events==
*Justin and Connor arrive in Littleroot Town
*Connor receives a Pokedex and Justin's Pokedex is upgraded
*Justin and Connor meet Professor Birch
*Professor Birch gives Justin and Connor a Torchic and Treeko, respectively, as gifts
*Connor continues to join Justin back to Petalburg City to meet Justin's father
For a list of all major events in this anime, please see Major Events (Grand Conquest). 
==Characters==
===Humans===
*Justin
*Connor
*Rachel (silhouette; mentioned)
*Professor Birch
*Abigail
*Scientists
===Pokemon===
*Eevee (Justin's)
*Torchic (Justin's)
*Treeko (Connor's)
*Mudkip (Rachel's) (flashback)
*Mightyena
*Poocheyna (herd)
*Surkit
*Duskull
*Lombre
*Swellow
*Golem
Category:Grand Conquest