Author's Note: This is a rewrite of my old story. I'm much more comfortable with this, I'm sorry if you don't like it this way… though I don't see why since all I did was change narrative's and names. xP.

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Chapter One

I drowsily opened my eyes. I lay that way for a few seconds before jumping out of my bed. I let out a loud whoop and jumped off my bed.

"Today, I'm going to be a Pokémon trainer!" I shouted joyously.

My eyes darted to my bag that I packed ahead of time—a week to be exact—and I looked in the mirror.

"Eucch. I better go change!" I dashed into my bathroom and combed my hair with such ferocity that I haven't had in all my 16 years. When I was finished, I studied myself in the mirror before nodding in approval.

"Nice, Melly," I winked to myself.

My elbow-length light brown hair was tied neatly in a pony tail. I had on a chesto berry colored tank top with a cheri berry colored skirt that was about three inches above my knees. I had on blue loose socks and white sneakers. My shoulder bag was hanging carelessly giving me a cool look although the butterflies inside my stomach were saying otherwise..

"Today's the day, Vulpix," I told my pet, Vulpix. "Today's the day we go on our journey!"

I bounded down my stairs happily, but when I saw who was in my living room, I nearly fell down the stair when I froze. It was Jayden, my stupid, jerk, cousin.

"Jayden? What are you doing here?" I shouted at him. "Don't you have your own house to go to?"

"But I wanted to see my favorite cousin before she turns into a trainer. You know… a before and after thing," he sneered at me, ohh… that sarcastic jerk just boils my blood sometimes.

I rolled my eyes. "Go stick your head in a toilet!"

"After you."

"Stupid jerk," I muttered while walking passed him.

Jayden Shores and I were cousins. Our dads, who are brothers, were best friends and always working alongside each other because their jobs were pretty much the same. Although there was no rivalry between them, I can't quite say the same thing for us. Jayden and I have way enough competition between ourselves to make up for all four of us.

Jayden Shores was only 13 but a very determined Pokémon trainer. His dad, my uncle, Professor Shores, was a Pokémon professor and handed out the three beginning Pokémon to new trainers: Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur.

My dad, Professor Sparks, was a scientist. He studied Pokémon for a living and did experiments—not the inhumane kind. Recently, my dad was always working in his laboratory and every time I asked him about it, he just pats me on the head and walks off with a smile. What was that supposed to mean?

I arrived at Uncle Shores lab and peered into the brightfully lit room.

"Hello?" I called out uncertainly.

"Why don't you just come in, loser?" Jayden appeared out of nowhere.

I shrieked and asked, "Where did you come from?"

He pointed to his bike.

I blushed crimson red and said again, "Jerk."

Jayden walked into the lab and disappeared around the corner.

"For a 13 year old, he sure is cocky," I muttered.

I followed him into the laboratory and entered the room holding the Pokémon, for the first time ever. Uncle Shores wouldn't let anyone go inside that room except his helpers or himself. He was always prattling off about kidnappers. I think Uncle Shores has watched one too many Pokémon shows.

Oh! I forgot to tell you. There's this really popular reality show called, "Pokémon." Go figure. The main characters are Ash, Brock, and Misty. It just started and I'm a little sad that I can't watch the rest of it because of my journey.

"Hello, Uncle Shores," I smiled sweetly.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jayden roll his eyes.

"Melly! My favorite niece!" he embraced me and gently pushed me to the three Pokéballs sitting on the stand. "I'll let you choose your first Pokémon."

"What?!" Jayden shouted in disbelief. "Dad! Why does she get to choose first?"

I smirked at Jayden and said nicely, "Thank you, Uncle Shores."

While Jayden fumed behind us, Professor Shores and I ignored him. I thought for a few seconds as to which Pokémon to choose when I finally decided. I reached for the far right Pokéball containing my chosen Pokémon.

"C'mon out, Charmander!