A.N.: Hello all to chapter 1 of my first ever fanfiction. Although I've been reading the stories on this site for a few years now, I have never registered for it. I've read several Pokemon fanfics, but they've all lacked something. I'm hoping that this story will fill the gap. Just as an advanced warning, as of the uploading of this first chapter, I have yet to plot out the entire story. Basically, I'm going to wing it!

Anyways, this story bears little resemblance to my real life. I will admit that the names are unoriginal, but I've named many of my characters after my friends and acquaintances. If any of you ever read this, don't take it too personally that I've borrowed your names, as no last names will be used (and the first names are quite common). The main character is named after yours truly, but don't assume that he has my personality (I can be just as evil as anyone else, unlike the character).

Finally, I do not own anything relating to Pokemon! I'm just a fan, and am borrowing things from the games and the anime to channel my creative urges. I Do claim the rights to my own original characters though. Pokemon itself is the copyright property of Satoshi Tajiri and Nintendo.

0000000000 The Start of Every Journey 0000000000

"Andy! WAKE UP!"

Andy bolted up with a start. He had been dreaming that he was in a battle with another trainer. However, he couldn't see the other trainer, the trainer's Pokemon, or his own for that matter. The battle had not been going well, but he couldn't remember any details. Andy shrugged and then leapt out of bed.

In the bathroom, Andy looked at his reflection for a minute. He was a skinny, dark haired teenager, and wore thin frame glasses (or green contacts if need be). He put on his contacts, seeing as glasses would be inconvenient for what he would be doing. He finished his morning routine in the bathroom, and then practically flew down the stairs.

His brother, Patrick, was already putting juice, toast, and chicken soup on the table. Phil, his other older brother, was taking plates out of the cabinets. Marissa, his older sister, was getting the peanut butter out of the refrigerator, and Virginia was putting the rice in bowls.

"Morning!" Patrick called out as Andy went to grab condiments from the cabinets. "Today's the big day!"

"Yeah! I'm so excited!" Andy grinned.

"First Pokemon, wow!" Virginia said as everyone finished what they were doing. "I remember getting my first Pokemon."

Everyone sat down at the table, which was a memorable event in itself. Usually, everyone was busy with their respective jobs, and the day went with no one seeing each other until late at night. Today though, the family called in late because they all wanted to see Andy off on his first Pokemon journey. He had started late, due to the death of their parents a little more than a year ago.

At first, Andy was living with his parents, and his siblings were all out having their own adventures. However, when his parents died in their plane crash, his siblings all returned home immediately. At first, there were some annoying legal troubles, as well as financial problems, which added to their sorrows. But eventually things calmed down enough for Patrick to finally marry Virginia. She had been Patrick's friend since they were five, and had grown up closely with the rest of the family. The wedding was a year after Andy's parents had died, after which Patrick and Virginia took custody of Pat's siblings.

It had been a year ago since all that had happened, and today was Andy's thirteenth birthday. He was quite late in receiving his first Pokemon, but he didn't mind all that much. He had really missed being with his siblings, and though he was excited to go on his journey, he wanted to make his time at home last as long as he could.

After breakfast was cleaned up, Andy got ready to leave. He changed into a dark green t-shirt, somewhat tight black jeans, and black and white sneakers. He looked around his bedroom, focusing on his backpack. It was already prepared with extra clothes, rope, a first aid kit, a blanket, a towel, his Poketech, and a sleeping bag. He looked around his room and stuffed some bags of Pokemon food into it. It was his brother Phil's recipe. He was a Pokemon emergency medical caregiver, as well a powerful Pokemon trainer. He was always running out of the house to help injured Pokemon in the towns nearby.

As he left his room (his backpack would be retrieved after he got back) Andy was met by his family.

"Alright, are you ready to go?" asked Patrick.

"Yeah, you know what Pokemon you're going to choose?" Virginia inquired.

"Well, I was going to go for a Squirtle, but any Pokemon will do." Andy responded.

"Well don't choose a Pokemon you can't handle!" exclaimed Marissa. "This journey would be even tougher if you do."

"Don't worry about it, Andy will learn to cope," Phil interrupted. "since he's been working at this for years now."

"Yeah, I'll be fine guys!" Andy said. "I'll see you guys later!"

Andy left the house and headed down the hill. An hour later, he arrived at the laboratory of Professor Oak, the world famous Pokemon expert. As he climbed up the steps, Andy started pondering his choice of Pokemon. "Maybe Squirtle is too easy. I could always go with Charmander. But wait, I don't want everyone to think that I'm trying to be Rissa…maybe Bulbasaur. No, Squirtle is the best choice! But what if Professor Oak already gave Squirtle away? Maybe Bulbasaur would be a better option…or Charmander."

When he finally reached the door, he finally made up his mind to choose Squirtle. When he went inside, he called out "Professor Oak! Are you here? It's Andy!"

A voice from the room to the left called out "Andy? I'm in here!"

Andy looked into his room, he saw another boy there. He looked to be about the same age as Andy, making him somewhat curious. Normally, one was allowed to be a trainer when they turned ten years old, so a kid his age receiving a starter Pokemon was rare. As Andy walked over to them, the kid said "Thanks Prof! I'm off now!"

The boy dashed past Andy with only a quick sideways glance at him. Andy watched the boy leave, and then turned his attention back to the Professor. The Professor looked a little guilty as Andy wet up to him and shook his hand.

"Hey Professor! I'm here to finally get my starter Pokemon! And I want to receive a Squirtle!" Andy exclaimed.

The Professor looked sheepish as he said "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that I gave all three Pokemon away."

"WHAT!" Andy shouted. "How did THAT happen? There should only be three trainers at most today."

"I know, and I apologize," said Professor Oak gently "but that young man there needed a Pokemon as well, and I couldn't say no."

"WHY NOT! I need a Pokemon too!" shouted Andy. "What do I do? Wait until you have more Pokemon?"

"Well, normally I would have to say yes, but today seems to be an exceptional day." The Professor said. "I DO have another Pokemon available, but I need to explain the situation to you."

"What situation? What's wrong with this Pokemon?" inquired Andy.

"Well, this Pokemon is very young, and it lost it's parents to a group of criminals" Professor Oak sadly said. "It may not be willing to leave. It took me a while just to get it accustomed to the safety of my laboratory. It's scared, and if I let you take it, it may not be able to handle it."

"Can I talk with this Pokemon then?" asked Andy slowly. "I want to see if it will agree to go with me first then."

"Yes, a wise idea" Professor Oak took a Pokeball out and pressed the button. A white light bursted out and took shape. A small, brown Pokemon appeared with a skull on it's head, holding a bone.

"Cubone" it cried. Then it looked at Andy and ran for cover under a nearby table.

"Hey little buddy," said Andy gently as he and Professor Oak slowly crawled over to the table. "I won't hurt you. I just want to talk to you."

"Cu?" question Cubone quietly.

"I came here for a starter Pokemon, but Professor Oak here no longer has any." Andy said softly. "I was wondering if you would maybe want to join me on my journey?"

"Bone!" cried Cubone with a shake of it's head.

"I know you're scared. The world is a scary place, and there are many bad people out there." mumbled Andy. Then, as Cubone nodded sadly, he said more strongly, "But you shouldn't be scared! There are so many things to see, and the world can be beautiful!"

Looking sadly at Cubone, Professor Oak said, "I understand that you don't like the idea of leaving the safety of my lab because of what happened to your parents. But Andy here will be there to protect you."

Andy nodded and said, "I won't put you in danger. Being a trainer means battling, but if things get too bad, I will put a stop to it, even if it means hurting myself."

Andy looked into Cubone's eyes as he said sadly, "I lost my parents a couple of years ago. Life was scary for a long time. But things turned out alright. I understand your pain, and if you choose to come with me, I won't ever leave your side."

"Bone! Cubone!" Cubone said happily.

Cubone stepped out of underneath the table and walked up to Andy. Professor Oak looked at them both and said, "It seems Cubone has chosen to accompany you after all! That means we can finish up here."

Professor Oak went to the table and took Cubone's Pokeball and tossed it to Andy. Andy nodded, and pointed the ball at Cubone. "Ready Cubone?" he asked. "I think I'm gonna name you too. After all, you're part of the family now, and should have your own name, right?"

"Cu!" cried Cubone excitedly.

"Um, lessee here…Bones? Nah, how about Gold? No, too weird. I know! Gilbert!" said Andy.

Cubone grinned, and Andy said, "Alright! Gilbert, return!"

Cubone nodded, and the Pokeball beamed a red light at Cubone, withdrawing Cubone into it.

Professor Oak then walked up to Andy and said "You'll need these." He handed Andy five Pokeballs, and a Pokedex. "This Pokedex will serve as both a guide, and as identification along your journey."

"Thanks Professor!" said Andy happily. "I think I'm ready to go now!"

Professor Oak nodded, "Take good care of Cu…err, I mean Gilbert. He's gonna be a handful. I wish you good luck!"

"Bye! And thanks again!" said Andy, then he walked out of the lab.

An hour later, Andy arrived home, just in time for lunch. His family was already in the living room, waiting for him.

"That was quicker than I expected!" cried Phil excitedly, "What Pokemon did you get?"

Andy simply took out his Pokeball and said "Here." The Pokeball opened, and Gilbert bursted out again. "CUBONE!"

"Huh?" said the entire family in unison, "Cubone?"

Quickly, Andy told them of the situation. Cubone seemed to be a little nervous with all the people around, but Andy reassured him by saying,"Relax Gil, we're all family now!" Cubone indeed seemed a little calmer as Andy finished speaking with his siblings. After the small party (it was Andy's birthday after all!), Andy took Gilbert to his room.

"This is our room at home!" exclaimed Andy proudly, "feel free to look around, just try not to break anything!" He winked then started packing some more items into his already crammed backpack. As Gilbert explored the room curiously, Andy finally finished his packing and pulled out his Poketech. He opened it and sent a quick email to a couple of his friends. Then he said "Alright, I'm all packed and ready to go! Gil, you ready?"

Gilbert turned to Andy and happily said "Cu!"

As they went back into the living room, Andy's family was all gathered again.

"Before you leave, we all have a little gift to give you each" said Virginia as she gave him a small item with a string, "Here's mine. It's an ancient crystal. I found it during my own travels, and I think of it as a good luck charm. Keep it."

"Oh wow Ginny!" said Andy as he looked at the stone in awe, "It'll be a great necklace too!"

"Wait!" cried Patrick, "I had a feeling that Virginia would give you that, so I got you this!"

Patrick handed Andy a small necklace chain, "There! Now you can replace the cord with it."

Virginia rolled her eyes and said, "Geez, thanks for replacing MY cord!" Patrick just laughed and kissed her on the cheek.

Marissa walked up to Andy and said "Before this love fest gets too out of hand, I'll give you this." She handed him a bone, "This Thick Club will be helpful for Gilbert. I found it, but never needed it, so it's yours"

Then Phil laughed and said "Hey, you guys all gave him the good stuff! All I have to give him is THIS!" He then handed Andy a blue rock, "Since none of us can use it, I thought maybe you might be able to. It's a water stone, and it's really hard to find, so don't lose it. Maybe you'll find a Pokemon that you can use it on!"

Andy smiled and looked at his family, "Thanks you guys! I know I'll be fine with you all supporting me! I'm gonna miss you all!" Andy gave everyone a hug, then turned towards the door, "Bye everyone!"

"Take care bro!"

"Good luck Andy!"

"Bye runt!"

"Have fun man!"

As Andy left, he turned to his house and took out Cubone's Pokeball. "Gilbert, come out!"

Gilbert appeared, "Cu?"

"We're leaving, so let's take one last look at home okay?" Andy asked.

Gilbert nodded.

After a minute, the pair turned away and walked towards the horizon.

"Next stop, the docks!"

I hope you all have enjoyed this first chapter! OR if not, then don't read it! :) Feel free to review, I would like to hear your feedback and CONSTRUCTIVE critism. Flames and/or pointing out spelling errors do NOT count! Next chapter will be out soon I hope!