Ruby runs away from home to take part in Pokémon Contests, which his father does not approve of. He meets Professor Birch, who is trying to escape from two Mightyena. Ruby fails in fighting them off with his Poochyena, and joins Professor Birch in running. However, Ruby loses control of his Running Shoes and runs off the side of a cliff. He is saved by what he describes as "a green Pokémon". Professor Birch's bag and Pokégear fell with Ruby, and through the Pokégear he is contacted by the Professor. Birch introduces himself but is cut off when the "green Pokémon" from before reveals itself. Ruby is surprised that it can speak, until it pulls off its cloak of leaves to reveal that it is a human girl.