The player then finds Birch on Route 101, where he is being chased by a Poochyena. After the introduction, Brendan or May soon leaves to join Birch, who is out in the field. Upon arriving at Birch's house, his wife greets the player, and upstairs the player meets Brendan or May (whichever is the opposite gender as the player), the child of Professor Birch who will become one of the player's rivals. The player's mother suggests that the player introduce themselves to Professor Birch, a friend of Norman's. After exiting the van, the player's mother explains that they have just arrived at their new home they then enter the house together, and there are Machoke movers carrying boxes. The story starts off with the player riding in the moving van, which arrives in Littleroot. The player starts their journey in Littleroot Town, where the family has just moved from the Johto region after the player's father, Norman, became the leader of the Petalburg Gym.
Pokémon Sapphire Version's boxart, featuring Kyogre Pokémon Ruby Version's boxart, featuring Groudon For the Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, see EX Ruby & Sapphire (TCG).
