I agree with you as well. A proper story doesn't start after the climax, after all. What could be more dramatic, more intense and more surprisingly fulfilling then a group of young boys and girls together trying to make a name for themselves and be the best they can be?

If by any chance you're looking for people to join you I'd be more than happy. I've had a characters drafted up for a while now, a trainer from Kanto with a strong pokemon but no clue what he's doing. I've been dying to try him out, but I can write something a bit less cliche up if you desire.

Regardless, if you're looking for that third wheel to your group: it sounds like you need your misty.