Chapter 1 - Dragons Spear
At the foot of the spear, behind one of the many angelic waterfalls descending from the towering rock formation a new Dragonite mother nurses her recently laid egg keeping it warm and secure within the wrap of her tail. It is another calm night at the main habitat of the Dragon-type pokemon within the Mito region, the moon is full and the stars are all out and shining their lights reflected back up at them from the many lakes that surround the home of these pokemon. The spear looked how it is named a majorly tall single pillar that rose to the mid-point between the earth below and the cloud level above, throughout this gargantuan natural formation a community of tunnels and caves some of which have water streaming out of them forming a number of protruding waterfalls spilling into the lakes below. However this one Dragonite had always enjoyed the sound of the water gracefully flowing into the bodies of water below and the still breeze that seemed to hang all around it, in the early stages of this pokemon's life as a Dratini they have always been naturally inclined to seek out a waterfall as a secure place to shed its skin when growing so it seemed an obvious choice to make nest for her baby therefore when it is born it will already be in a safe and secure place in which to grow.
The relaxing atmosphere was slowly interrupted as the sounds of battle could be faintly heard from atop the spear, a little concerned, the Dragonite placed her egg back into the nest she had made from tall grass and sticks and peered out of the entrance of her settling place looking up the tall rocky spire. Before her eyes she witnessed a number of silhouettes against the moonlight flying away from their home and they seemed to be in a hurry. The cries of battle became louder and louder as she saw another silhouette appear from the top of the spear, as the dark shape grew in size she realized that it was a falling body, with a quick look back at her egg she flew up to try and catch the falling pokemon.
Flying towards the figure it landed into her arms with such an impact it pushed her right down crashing into the lake. A little stunned but still aware Dragonite looked for what had hit her with such force, and saw a very weak Gabite eyes barely open floating a few metres away. Grabbing the Gabite she pulled it ashore and held it in her arms trying to communicate and see some life within it. As she did this the screams continued to grow in volume as flashing lights of all colours projected out from atop the spear being reflected off the earlier calm lake as the number of pokemon that could be seen flying away increased with every passing minute. Fear started to wash over Dragonite as she tried to contemplate what was going on in her once peaceful home, the thought left her as she turned her attention to the injured Gabite who started to slowly lift open its eyes . A look of fear and uncertainty could be seen within Gabites eyes as it turned its head towards Dragonite and looked straight into her eyes with all the strength it could muster it could only manage a whisper. Run.
Soon as the word had escaped Gabite's mouth it's body fell limp and its eyes closed, the sensation of fear instantly returned to Dragonite as she laid out the fallen pokemon on the ground and instantly flew straight through the waterfall to retrieve her egg, she picked it up in her arms took one deep breath and burst back out into the wilderness. As she flew up above the lake she took a look back at the spear as she ascended to try and see what exactly she was fleeing from. With that thought the moon suddenly burst into a bright white glow like she had never seen before , a light shot out from it to a top the spear where she glimpsed a figure she had never seen before and the moon light beam was heading straight for it, transfixed in observing this being she noticed the creature was glowing the exact same glow as if it was connected with the moons strange activity, as if it was absorbing something from the moon itself. Whatever it is it certainly isn't a fellow dragon type she thought to herself. With that Dragonite turned to fly in the opposite direction she did not know where that would take her but as long as it was away from here she was ok with that, she turned away and flew a metre or so before a blood curdling cry louder than she had ever heard anything before broke the atmosphere as a white light exploded outwards from the spear engulfing the spear, the lakes and Dragonite.
''Teddy Ranger! are you sleeping in my class again!?'' the booming voice of Mr Hudson instantly awoke Teddy from his strange dream ''How do you ever expect to pass this course and get into the Battle Judge Union if all you do is nod off in my classes!?''
Teddy lifted his head up and looked through his black fringe, eyeliner now quite badly smudged, to the now familiar scene of the rest of his classmates staring at him disapprovingly, whilst four seats along Mykah and his 'in crowd' started to snigger to themselves no doubt at his expense. As Teddy opened his mouth to once again give another obviously untrue excuse to Mr Hudson for his lack of consciousness in his class the bell rang to signal the end of the day, he had been saved this time. Students began to leave the class having already pre-packed their bags whilst Mr Hudson had been preoccupied leaving Teddy on his own packing away his books.
''This has to change Teddy, if it doesn't I will have to have another word with your father''
His father, Walter Ranger, was another teacher at the college and would not take to kindly to hearing more of his only son's shortcomings and lack of interest in his future
''Sorry Sir'' replied Teddy ''Just been kept up these past couple of nights''
Looking uninterested Mr Hudson retorted ''Well just do your best to get enough sleep before you attend on Monday if not I will speak to Walter''
''I will Sir'' he replied half-heartedly.
Teddy left the classroom and started walking down the main corridor for the exit playing his dream again and again through his head, Teddy lived in Dragon Slate Town which was a small settlement located just outside HeartString City where Teddy attended college, surrounded by woodland and dotted with lakes and streams it feels like an isolated place, however small the town is known throughout Mito as the home of the dragons because the town lived in the shadow of Dragonspear a large rock formation that housed a rather large population of Dragon type pokemon making it an ideal attraction for tourists, pokemon researchers and trainers alike. Teddy neared the end of the corridor, the recent sleepless nights making him look trashier than he was going for. Wearing skinny black jeans ripped at the knees with one red stripe running down the leg each side, a sleeveless black top which he wore to show off his various tattoos has a thick red stripe taking up most of the room from armpit to pit running down the middle and to complete the outfit black high top shoes with red toe ends. He had always gone for a trashy 'rebel without a care' look as suggested by his two piercings, a ring on either side of his lower lip.
About four days ago a large cry was heard throughout the town that awoke the inhabitants of Dragonslate and like the others Teddy looked out of his bedroom window that night to see a large white light explode from the top of the spear and since then no pokemon have been seen in or anywhere near the spear. He knew this as he had spent the nights since the event watching out for them or any sign of any left inside, Teddy had always enjoyed watching the dragons fly around the skies of the town and could not help worrying about them and wondering what had happened to cause them to disappear.
Suddenly a shout within the corridor broke Teddy's chain of thought ''Hey Ranger! Bout time you woke up''
He looked round to see to who was shouting after him to see Mykah a filthy rich guy who enjoyed belittling everyone around him especially those who aren't rolling in money. Even his mere appearance screamed arrogance, his hair was a deep shade of purple and pulled back loosely into a ponytail, to remind everyone around him how rich he is he is always dressed in his tight fitting suit which is as white as snow with a blood red undershirt and black tie. To top it all off an orange fur scarf which he would wear no matter how hot it was again to assert his financial status on everybody within twenty feet. He continued to walk towards Teddy
''We are going to go train our pokemon'' Mykah added gesturing towards his just as arrogant group of friends ''maybe you should come?''
they all chuckled, Teddy's head dropped as he tried to hold back from replying
''oh thats right...you don't have any, good thing really would feel sorry for any pokemon owned by the likes of you'' Mykah continued to sniggers amongst his in crowd.
Feeling disheartened Teddy turned away without a word and kept walking but slightly picking up his pace, last thing he wanted right now was to be made to feel any worse in recent times especially by Mykah, he pushed open the glass pane doors and took a sharp right cutting across the front gardens of Heartstring College, laiden with all colours, shapes and sizes of plants, to take the dusty dirt path that is route 1 back to Dragonslate. Teddy never wanted to go to Heartstring College his true dream was to become a pokemon trainer and travel the Mito region building a strong team to eventually take on the pokemon league. However since his father had got a job there he was basically forced into it by his parents so he picked the most appealing course, being pokemon battle judging.
His dream seemed impossible to realize at this time because pokemon were actually banned within his household and any interest in them was discouraged by his mother, Emily Ranger, who had a strong phobia and dislike of pokemon ever since she was a child and her first pokemon a baby female Nidoran was viciously attacked by a wild Crawdaunt after she ventured into its territory. Ever since then she disliked all pokemon and tried to shelter Teddy as far away from them as possible throughout his life.
As he continued to walk down the dusty path flanked either side by tall, spaced out oak tree forest he noticed a little green figure watching him as it peeked round a nearby stump, he wasn't completely sure what it was but he started to shift his direction subtlety and make his way toward it without startling it when suddenly a group of five boys riding on their bikes raced right past him with immense speed and carelessness, they took Teddy by such surprise he just managed to dodge out of the way, he looked back to the tree and the small green figure was gone. Feeling low Teddy pressed on down the path, he tried to take any chance he could get to socialise with pokemon as his home was so against them so he would often walk through the forests around Dragon Slate just looking for them and observing them hoping one day he will be there with a pokeball at the ready to capture some of his own.
The close flanks of trees started to part as Dragon Slate opened up in front of Teddy the familiar site of the blue and white buildings lifted his mood. There wasn't much besides houses within the town only the small pokemon center in the heart of the place just opposite the ''Dragon Claw Inn'' apart from that at the back off town various stalls and merchandise shops selling all sorts of Dragonspear merch from t-shirts too teapots. The house closest to the route belonged Prof. Cyan, a well-known pokemon researcher within the Mito region, his wife Miriam and his only son Albert who happened to be Teddy's best friend since either of them can remember growing up in the town together playing around in the variety of woods and lakes. Albert had been away along with his father for around two weeks on an exhibition somewhere far away in the region and wasn't expected back for another week. So Teddy was surprised when he saw him leaning against the wall of his house, the strong sunlight reflecting off of his thick black rimmed glasses, staring at him as he entered his hometown. He had light green scraggly hair, as skinny as Teddy was wearing his usual tight fit white shirt tucked into his black formal like trousers completed by leather buckled shoes. To top off his look his signature fashion statement of three pens tucked in his shirt pocket and his cyan coloured tie.
''Howdy Ho Teddy!'' Albert shouted,
Teddy had been friends with Albert for years and loved him like a brother, but really did wish he would stop greeting people like that.
''Seriously?!'' Teddy replied,
he chuckled because he was well aware Teddy hated his greeting and they embraced in a quick hug.
''Why are you back so early? Did the professor find what he was looking for?''
Albert chuckled once more before responding ''No we didn't sadly, but dad heard about the incident at Dragons Spear and found it a lot more interesting than a possible Carracosta sighting''
Teddy thought to himself how obvious that really was, it made major news all over the region after all. Albert continued
''I better go in and help dad pack away all the equipment, meet me by the lake at 6:00 I have something to show you!''
With that he headed inside to go help his father. Intrigued, Teddy continued to walk home which was a short three houses down. He unlocked the door and stepped over the threshold to be welcomed by complete silence, first home again, he enjoyed being home alone as he wasn't on the best terms with his parents in recent times. Friction with his Mother and Father started last night when Teddy expressed his want to go out and become a pokemon trainer which neither of them took kindly to and resulted in an hour shouting match between the two sides resulting in some rather harsh sentiments being expressed by Teddy over his mother's past pokemon trauma.
Heading straight upstairs he entered his room, tossed his bag aside to the floor, kicked his shoes off under his bed and collapsed onto the bed holding his head in his hands reliving last night's household civil war.
''It doesn't give them the right to stop me from living my dream''
Teddy told himself as he grabbed the television remote from the nightstand and flicked the TV on to watch the PBN semi-finals before going to meet Albert. The Pokemon Battle Network was the television station that covered all sorts of tournaments all over the region and was currently broadcasting the semi-finals of the Mazlyn City Cup which was an annual competition held in Mazlyn City where the winner would be rewarded with a very powerful move to be taught to one of their pokemon by Frederick Mason the move tutor who lived within the City.
The time quickly approached 6:00 as the semi-final match was won by a fire-type trainer known as Bert who annihilated his opponent's last of three pokemon Seviper with his incredibly powerful Magmar. Exhilarated from watching the tightly fought contest Teddy put his shoes back on and left the house, still neither of his parents were home. The lake Albert had referred to was a smaller lake of the many that surround the town but the two had always enjoyed hanging out there due to its very thick forest making it more private in addition to its distinctive feature to the other lakes was the waterfall angelically flowing into the lake directly from one of the cave mouths in Dragonspear which towered above it.
Weaving through the trees and bursting through the bushes Teddy quickly approached the clearing excited both to hang out with Albert again and also to find out what it is he had to show him. Teddy charged through the final bush into the clearing to find Albert already there sitting under a tree on his pokenav'
''I was just about to call to remind you!'' he said standing up ''thought you might have forgot.
''Never'' Teddy replied smiling ''so what is it? Couldn't stop wondering since you mentioned'' he asked.
Albert smiled back, and excitement in his eyes like a raging fire ''It happened….Dad got it for me'' he said whilst reaching into his pocket to pull out a single pokeball.
A wave of happiness and insane jealousy washed over Teddy ''wow..'' he said with a large exhaled breath ''let's see then!''
Albert tossed the ball up into the air which burst open admitting a white beam to shoot from it and make an orb between them at mid height. The pokeball closed and dropped back into Alberts hands as Teddy laid his eyes on his friend's first pokemon.
''I have never seen this before...what is it?'' he enquired
not knowing what floated before him, it was like a green translucent gel like orb within which was another white orb however this one was opaque with small black eyes, a pink mouth and a yellow swirl on the top right of it. Beaming from ear to ear Albert said
'' this is Solosis, the cell pokemon. He's a psychic type''
Solosis floated down into its owners arms making pleasant sounds, he is clearly happy thought Teddy.
His fists clenched to withstand the intense emotions he was feeling,
''Are you ok bro?'' asked Albert slightly concerned.
Teddy cracked a smile ''haha yes! hes awesome bro!''
Delighted to get his best friends approval Albert reached back into his pocket to reveal another five pokeballs
''Dad gave me these, they are empty, so I can catch my own and I wanted you by my side when I did''
Still jealous yet strangely honoured Teddy nodded and enquired
''you're going to catch a second here?''
''Why not?'' Albert continued ''it's our hometown I would love to take a pokemon from home with me when I eventually leave to go on my own research missions''.
Solosis began floating around the lake admiring the scenery as the two boys watched him.
''Gonna help me?'' Albert asked extending his hand offering a shake '
'Of Course'' Teddy stated gripping Alberts hands tight.
The two sat under a nearby tree as they talked about Prof. Cyans latest exhibition and how college was since Albert was away.
''Forget him bro'' Albert said after Teddy explained what had happened on his way out of the college ''Mykah is a real jerk and when you become a trainer, which you will!, you can show him!''
Teddy laughed ''I hope so man'' he replied, no belief at all that it could one day happen
With that Solosis floated back over to the two and just over it Teddy noticed a wild Swablu perched on a tree the other side of the lake.
''Albert, look'' he said gesturing to the blue cloud like winged bird,
''perfect'' albert whispered as he stood up ready for battle.
Eager to watch a battle first hand Teddy shot up and ran to the side of the lake to get a good view,
''Ok Solosis our first battle!'' Albert shouted ''Let's go! Growl!''
Solosis let out a loud growl at the wild Swablu who flew of the tree branch and went straight for the cell pokemon
''Dodge it! Then use confusion'' Albert commanded
Solosis just managed to avoid the oncoming tackle attack but before it could counter with its confusion attack Swablu used a gust attack which blew a strong wind right in Teddy's direction. Not expecting it Teddy was blown backwards through the bushes behind him landing flat on his back.
Albert did not break his focus as Teddy heard him loudly proclaim ''Ok Solosis, lets finish this, confusion!''
smirking Teddy sat up adrenaline filling his body, he had never witnessed a live battle before and although he was eager to return to watching it an odd wide bottomed oval like stone was laying on the ground right by Teddy's foot, at least he thought it was a stone, it was a whitish yellow like colour with green patches scattered around it with a distinctive crack along the the top. As he continued to stare transfixed with it he picked it up and held it in his hands,
''I did it Teddy! I caught Swablu!'' Albert shouted as he burst through the bushes to see him ''Are you o..'' Albert paused. Where did you find that!'' he said curiously with a hint of excitement as he laid eyes on Teddy sitting on the floor holding this object. '
'What is it?'' Teddy asked
''That...is a pokemon egg bro'' answered Albert.
A tingling sensation filled Teddy's hands as they stay gripping the egg ''what should we do?'' said Teddy looking up at Albert
''Well'' he started ''let's look for a nest nearby, if there is none it has most likely been abandoned and if that is the case...I guess we both have pokemon now''.
Not quite believing the situation where he may actually own a pokemon he got to his feet and pushed through the bushes back into the clearing still clutching the egg which he then placed down gently by the tree they sat under before.
Taking charge Albert said ''let's look then''
With that Albert threw two pokeballs into the air this time Solosis was joined out by the newly acquired Swablu
''ok guys, we have a lost egg here search around the clearing and see if you can find a nest nearby!'' the two pokemon nodded and went off to search.
''It's cracked, will it be ok?'' Teddy asked worryingly
''It should be, me and dad have found a variety of eggs before with cracks and it doesn't usually affect the pokemon inside''.
The boys sat there with baited breath as they awaited the response from the searching pokemon, Teddy felt such mixed emotions hoping they found a nest to return the pokemon to its mother but on the other hand this could be his chance to begin his journey. Swablu returned and perched itself on Albert's shoulder
''Anything?'' he asked
the flying-type who let out a low toned sound signifying its search had be unsuccessful, shortly after Solosis returned with the same answer
''ok guys good job'' Albert said returning the two to their pokeballs.
He turned to look at Teddy seeing the mix of joy and fear in his eyes
''you can do it bro'' consolingly placing his hand on Teddy's shoulder.
Letting out a nervous laugh Teddy replied ''I know, when will it hatch?''
''when it is ready, just make some sort of nest in your house for it and it should be fine, take this'' Albert placed an empty pokeball into Teddy's hand ''You will need that to catch it when it hatches, it will be a baby show you should be able to just summon it straight in''
Placing the ball into his pocket he thanked his good friend as they both stood up to leave.
''You call me straight away when it hatches and I will be straight over!'' Albert said
''If i can keep it hidden from my parents that is'' Teddy replied.
The two embraced and headed their separate directions out of the clearing.
Approaching his home holding the egg rather unconvincingly behind his back Teddy pleaded in his mind for no-one to be home although it was getting late so he wouldn't be so lucky and sure enough as he went round the last house before his own he saw his mother entering the house still in her work clothes, she worked at the Dragons Claw Inn as a bar keep dressed in her black formal attire. If she goes in she go get changed Teddy thought to himself trying to figure out how much time he would have to hurry upstairs and hide the egg. He waited a few seconds outside before hastily opening the door slowly and peering in, he had calculated it just right as he could hear his mother upstairs. Teddy closed the door and sprinted across the living room, up the stairs and burst through the door of his room where he quickly but carefully placed the egg in his wardrobe amongst his clothes. Just in time, he fell back onto his bed as his mother poked her head round his door
''everything ok?'' she asked with a confused tone to her voice obviously hearing how fast he was moving
''Yeah everything's fine'' Teddy lied cracking a smile, knowing that would lead her to believe him.
''ok then, your father will be home late and we can have a talk'' she said before backing out of the room and going back downstairs.
Teddy got straight up and went back to the wardrobe where he fashioned a nest out of his clothes to keep the egg warm and securely in place. Exhausted from the days activities Teddy stripped down to his pyjama shorts and climbed into bed where he closed his eyes and played through the events in the clearing, he got to the part where Swablu's gust attack pushed through the bushes before he drifted off to sleep.
The weekend past with no real activity until the early hours of Monday morning at around 1:00am on the outskirts of the town where Teddy and Albert were walking home after spending the afternoon by the lake doing generally hanging out and discussing usual teenage boy subjects such as video games, college and girls. However when the hour struck 1:00am Albert stopped before veering left towards his home.
''Teddy I have to tell you something'' he said nervously ''well ask you something rather''
A bit taken aback Teddy replied chuckling ''ok? You couldn't have asked earlier?''
''I tried'' Albert continued ''just never found the right moment''
Becoming increasingly concerned Teddy waited to hear what his friend had been struggling to come out with.
''Oohh kk'' Teddy said at all ears ''lay it on me''
''Tomorrow I am going to leave town, to go on a research journey for my dad, he received this device called the pokedex from the Kanto region and he wants me to travel the region catching as much pokemon as I can to fill it to help with his research.''
A sinking feeling took over Teddy, he was struggling enough with life at the moment and now he was going to lose his best friend, the only person who really had a positive impact on him right now.
''You're just going to leave me here'' Teddy rhetorically asked ''that's just fucking brilliant bro thanks''
Albert quickly replied ''Please don't be like this man, I want you to come with me, you have always dreamed of being a trainer on the journey we can go through the cities and you can take on the gyms it would be amazing you know it would.''
''You know full well I can't leave, I have an egg that's my team right now and if it even does hatch no doubt my parents will take it away, there is no way I can get them to accept this'' Teddy exclaimed as tears welled up in his eyes. ''Just forget it, go enjoy your adventure'' he continued.
''Teddy please..'' Albert said disheartened
Teddy put his hand up as if to say he was done with the conversation and he walked home fighting back the tears that threatened to take him over as the feeling of isolation and loneliness overwhelmed him. Creeping through the front door trying not to awake his parents he carefully made his way upstairs where he slowly undressed, got into bed and wept himself to sleep in the sea of negative emotion he was feeling.
The sunlight cracked through the deep black curtains of Teddy's room forcing its way into his eyes making him awake from his deep sleep which he had no wish of waking up from. He opened his eyes to mere slits so he could see the clock on his bedside table which told him college had started an hour and a half ago.
''SHIT'' he shouted jumping out of bed
Teddy ran to his draws under his television to find some underwear and jeans, as he searched for some clean ones to wear he wondered why he had never set his alarm last night and it hit him, the conversation he had with albert last night where he was told his best friend since birth was leaving him alone in this town. The sinking feeling returned to Teddy as he remembered his situation and he slowly walked over to look out the window above his bed to get a glance at Albert's house, not really knowing what he hoped to see.
''ARGH you..'' Teddy shouted as he stepped on something sharp.
Looking down to inspect what had caused him this discomfort he noticed a trail of white shards coming out from his wardrobe. Nerves and excitement engulfed the sinking negativity within him as he pulled apart the clothes to take a peek at the makeshift nest where he placed the egg a few nights ago. Sure enough only the bottom half of the egg and a few shards were resting within the folded up jumpers, Teddy followed the shards seeing that they led out of the wardrobe, across the floor and under his bed.
Breathing heavily he crouched down to his knees and looked under the bed. Staring into the darkness as two white and purple eyes stared back at him.