Well…this is the beginning of my Pokemon story I guess. Let's get this show on the road
Chapter 1-Genesis
Deep slumber. Smothering darkness, like a lover held close, enveloped the young boy's senses, blanketing them in a cold embrace. An icy chill pierced his spine, and his mouth tore open in an airless scream. Nightmares played on the backs of eyelids begging to open, to free themselves of the torment. Always the nightmare, the single memory of his childhood that would haunt him forever. The nightmare was that of his father's death, that Felix had always blamed himself for. Oh no, no one could have known what would happen on a simple hiking trip, but wild Pokemon have a tendency to be…out of control. Though the nightmare was only ever half true, as when the wild Scythers and Golbats had finished tearing apart his father, the Pokemon turned their visages upon himself. With blade and fang bloody and shining, they came down upon the much younger boy, who could only gape at the sight, unable to even cry out for help…
Felix jolted up from his bed, his forehead dewed with perspiration. He glanced to the clock next to his bed, a Hitmonchan with revolving hands, and a red blinking digital readout underneath flashing 6:27. Still half asleep, he began stretching and yawned. The boy stood and began walking towards the bathroom, distractedly scrubbing the sleep from his eyes, his mind still whirling after the disturbing dream. After washing up and garbing himself in a set of fresh clothes, Felix descended the stairs to a barren house. His mother had left for work as per usual. Downing a bowl of cereal, he began packing everything he'd need for the day. Soon he would start his walk to the train station to catch a tram that would take him into town for his final day at the Trainer's Academy.
Four long years he had studied there, beginning at age 11. But today was the day he was to graduate, finally receiving his Trainer's License, and with it, a starter Pokemon of his choice depending on what local Pokemon professors held in store. Pokemon were potentially extremely dangerous tools to those whom may use them only as weapons to garner power and sow fear among the masses. As such, most trainers had to be schooled and get special licenses to train different Pokemon.
Felix walked out into the crisp air and blinked back the light of the fresh Spring morning. Various Tailows and Pidgies dotted the treetops surrounding his small country abode. As he started his laborious trek to the station, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Hey! Felix! Wait up!" piped a petite girl from down the trail, dashing to catch up to her friend. She nearly tripped, but finally caught up, panting next to her friend, hands on her knees.
"Eh? Oh hey Helena. Shouldn't you be in town by now?"
Helena Hughes, a small and outgoing girl, and one of Felix's closest friends. They had met in the Trainer's Academy three years ago after Felix had been sent to the infirmary when he'd been burned in a practice battle. Helena had suffered a minor shock, and after laughing over their own foolishness, they'd been inseparable since.
"Bah! I! Over! Slept!" she gasped out.
"You uh…you look a bit winded…deep breathes Helena, deep breathes."
Helena finally let her lungs fill to capacity before emptying them, regaining her composure. The slight girl flashed her friend a smile, a twinkle in her eye. Felix recognized that little gleam. Helena was up to something. But as quickly as it had come, the spark was gone, and he grudgingly let is pass as such. The two began their journey to the train station, quickly becoming locked in conversation.
"So you're finally graduating, huh kid?" Helena asked her companion
"Yeah…" Felix replied, reminded of the fact that, despite her height, Helena was actually a few years older than himself. "Been something else getting there, but I'm happy I can train my own Pokemon now. Speaking of which, where are yours?" Helena reached to her belt, lazily flipping up the hem of her shirt, revealing a case holding four Pokeballs. Felix nodded in enlightenment. It seems she was letting her Pokemon take a breather as well instead of having them walk beside her as per usual. Probably a byproduct of her late awakening he reasoned.
"Ya nervous?" A grin tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"Like you wouldn't believe…I mean what if I fail? What if I mess up during the exam? What if I do the wrong thing during the battle. I don't even know what Pokemon they'll give me and-"
Helena only laughed, patting her friend on the back. "Settle down now, nothing to get your panties in a bunch over. The test will be easy, especially for some super genius like you. And the proctors give you a type advantage during the battle session, so no worries there. I think you're the one who needs to take some deep breathes." Felix lightly punched his friend in the arm, who proceeded to cry out in mock-pain. The rest of their walk was filled with friendly banter. Talk of family, news, gossip, and whatever else crossed their minds. But their journey ended too quickly it seemed, and nearly without realizing it, they had reached the station. Felix reluctantly swiped his student I.D. and the gates opened before him.
"Hey uh…Felix." He turned. "I uh…I have a little present for you okay? But you'll have to wait until you get back!" Childish laughter filled the space between the friends, a small smile spreading across Felix's face before he nodded.
He stepped to the platform and turned back to meet his friend's gaze. She offered him a sheepish smile, and waved him off as he stepped into the train and took his seat inside a nearby cabin.
Platform nine...where are the other eight? Felix thought absently
He waved back as the train pulled away, before fixing a blank stare on the terrain that would become his centre of attention during the ride.
Somewhere else in the world, in a region still under the cover of night, a strange man cloaked in the inky darkness murmured an order into a small receiver attached to the headset slung over his ears. Grunts on the opposite end snapped to attention and barked back their acknowledgement. An evil smile spread over his lips, murderous intent shining in his blood-red eyes. All was going according to plan…
End Chapter