Theme Song
New eyes will see the world, a trainer with a dream (Pallet Town, the road, Viridian City, and Pewter City appear from first to last)
He will not be deterred, with the help of his team (Owen stands in front of Charmander and two other Pokemon)
His goal's to win the league, training diligently (The time shifts from sunrise to nightfall, all while Owen, Charmander and two other Pokemon train)
It's not just you and me, he has a family (His parents and Professor Oak wave, but are replaced by a girl and her Mudkip)
Many tests lie ahead, evil lurks in the dark (Burt and Julia smirk, and then a Team Rocket Admin appears and does the same)
No one goes in his stead, and he must find the spark (Owen, his Pokemon, a girl, and her Mudkip step towards a door and open it)
To become great... (Red and Owen square off)
Pokemon!
Welcome back to the second chapter of this good ol' rewrite! Last chapter, Owen and Burt went to go get their Starter Pokemon and it ended with Owen being rejected by Squirtle, who went on to pick Burt as its trainer. As a result, Charmander, the one Pokemon that hadn't been picked, was given to Owen, though he wasn't happy about it. Now let's get going!
Tomoe Mami: Ayy, first review! You're a bit too kind with the improvement in later chapters (it's all cringe-worthy to me), but I'll take it XD Thanks a ton for the support, and I can't wait to blow the original out of the water!
ShadowDragon9000: Pun game too strong again. You've outdone yourself, sir. I'm in complete agreement with you on this already being better than the original, and I'm hoping this will be better than everything I write (though that's what I want with all of my newest works)! This story will have quite a few deviations from the original, mainly the order and ways in which Owen catches his team, how much stronger or weaker his team is, the development of characters (and Pokemon), and a lot more stuff. Already buying tickets? Man, that's a lot to live up to, but I look forward to the challenge!
ThreGreat0ne: I think so too, though Rei's plot (at the end) was going to be insane. Chuck Norris is too OP, so he won't appear XD There may be a change or two to Owen's team, but I don't know for sure because then I'd have to change a bunch of stuff in the other stories, and I wouldn't want to screw anything up :/ Last time, Owen was ecstatic about getting Charmander, but the change for this time will make things much different. Think of it as Gray and Durus' relationship at the very beginning, except the roles are reversed
Rales Mckoy: To be honest, I didn't either. But the combination of rereading the original, not liking K:TLG, and (I think, but neither of us remember, haha) an idea from ShadowDragon9000 inspired me to do it. This should be quite a bit different from the original, but a lot of things will stay the same too. Think of it like ORAS or FRLG, with updated graphics (or character development) and overarching plot
dragonplayer18: Squirtle's your favorite? Nice! Thanks for the support, btw! This is going to be worlds better than the original for so many reasons. Lastly, I don't believe I'm going to rewrite all of the stories, since college is only a few months away and all. However, if I somehow find the time to be able to, I will rewrite Johto or Hoenn. Johto's my least favorite region, but it's significantly worse than Hoenn. It'd be tough, but again, this is assuming I'd have the time to do so
davidtheman23: Yeah, I agree with you, though I honestly don't remember what it was like writing his stories, as odd as that sounds. Just doing the first chapter brought some of it back though. Did Ash actually want Squirtle? Honestly, I only did it because Burt's going to have Blastoise, and it'd make getting Charmander that much more awkward (fire being weak to water and all). Love the predictions (Chapter 10 tho XD), especially Chapter 8
Defender31415: Why thank you, my good man. Surprisingly, Owen will have Charmander's trust. It's just going to be him trying to get over the fact that he didn't get Squirtle, and that he might end up hurting good ol' Charmander's feelings. That's just spitballing there, so yeah XD They'll be fantastic friends though, that's for sure. Some aspects of his future will change (he'll meet Brooklyn, no doubt), like Mega Evolution, for example. I think I might give him a chance at it, but it'd only be for a very short period. But aside from that, I can't divulge any info :P
JustinThePokemonMaster: I get that, but there are going to be significant changes in some areas that'll give this story a completely different feel than the original. Thank god it's been a while since you read Kanto (utter trash, don't do it), and really? That's the first time I've ever actually done that (stumping someone, that is)! YEAH!
Warrior of Hope: So is the life of the great WoH XD Owen and Charmander will eventually become friends... I hope. You're spot-on with it being a role reversal of Gray and Durus (said that in a response, oddly enough), and I'm glad that I might actually be able to throw people off a bit with this story and the changes. Sadly, Leaf won't be appearing (Julia is basically this story's Leaf), but the rest of the predictions were great!
Finlay Real: Nuuu! As soon as this story's completed, I'm deleting the original XD Or maybe I won't. Idk yet. Kanto's always my favorite too, mainly because it's the first region I was greeted to when I played Pokemon (my brother's Red version). Plus, the nostalgia of the anime factors in too. Can't wait to see how this turns out!
Owen's Team
Charmander, (m), level 5, Scratch, Growl
"Honey, you're back!" Owen's mother exclaimed after he opened the door and slogged his way inside, head hanging.
The ten year old sighed and sat down at the wooden table in his kitchen while Charmander awkwardly closed the door behind himself and wiped his feet on the carpet, not wanting to track any dirt in the house. He then began to look around for his trainer, unable to find the five foot tall boy. Turning to his left, Charmander walked into the family room and spotted the den, which he scurried towards.
Again, Owen sighed. He brought his hands up to his face and didn't move a muscle as his mother placed a plate of steaming hot pancakes in front of him. She quickly spun back around, reached into the fridge, and then pulled out a bottle of soda, which she opened and placed next to the meal.
"So where's that Squirtle you were so excited to introduce to me? Is he inside?" the woman in her late-thirties asked, peaking her head around the corner in hopes of spotting her son's Starter Pokemon. Once she was sure it wasn't there, the black-haired mother turned her attention back to Owen and waited for him to respond.
He didn't, however, and continued staring at his food. Despite the pit in his stomach, he wasn't the slightest bit hungry. No, it was more of an empty feeling than one of hunger. The rookie trainer's mother sensed his odd attitude and took a seat next to him in concern, causing Owen to turn slightly.
"I didn't get Squirtle," he spat, though his mother didn't seem to understand the significance of the outcome. "It turned me down and went with Burt. I shouldn't be a trainer."
"Well, what Pokemon did you get? I'm sure it's a great one."
Owen shook his head adamantly and nearly slammed his fist against the table in frustration.
"No!" he shouted loud enough for everyone in Pallet Town to here.
Charmander, having heard the sudden shouting, scampered out of the den and put his back against a wall before peaking around to see Owen and his mother sitting at the kitchen table.
"I got Charmander, and I didn't want it. Bulbasaur was my second pick."
The lizard recoiled at the statement and retreated to the den, where he jumped on the couch and sat down in depression. Hanging his head shamefully, Charmander held back tears even though his trainer's harsh words continued to echo in his head.
"If he didn't want me, then why did Professor Oak tell me that I was going to him?" the Fire-type thought to himself. "Why would he do that to me?"
Shaking his head to free himself of such thoughts, Charmander's attention was drawn to the television. A battle was on, and one of the trainers, a boy with a red cap and shirt, was using a Charizard. The other, a boy that looked much like the obnoxious one that Owen and Julia had been with at the lab, stood behind a Blastoise.
"Charizard, Mega Punch!"
Charmander's eyes went wide as he watched the fully evolved beast zip through the air while his fist was engulfed in white energy. While swinging at the bulky tortoise, Charizard let out an explosive roar upon impact. As a result of the devastating blow, the Blastoise was sent spiraling into a wall behind its trainer, and everyone in the stadium let out deafening cheers in support of the victors.
"Blastoise is unable to continue! That means Red is the winner, and the Champion of the Indigo League!"
Continuing to watch the TV, Charmander kept his eyes glued to the screen as it flashed to Red and his Charizard, who embraced with smiles and laughter. Meanwhile, the losing trainer was seen with his Blastoise, and they both had looks of despair plastered on their faces.
"So what if he wanted to pick Squirtle?" Charmander thought to himself as he rose from the couch and began to walk towards the television. "If that guy can beat a Blastoise, I can do the same against Squirtle!"
"Charmander?" Owen asked halfheartedly as he poked his head into the room. As soon as he saw Charmander, he moved to reveal himself, and the Fire-type noticed Owen had changed into a red vest along with a pair of black shorts, and black basketball shoes. Charmander then flashed a genuine smile, which perplexed his rookie trainer. "We're gonna head out now."
The Fire-type nodded in response and began to walk out of the den. He turned around one last time, however, and smiled at the television, which was showing a replay of Charizard's Mega Punch attack.
"That's exactly the kind of Pokemon I'm gonna be. I'll be the strongest, and Owen's gonna have to count on me! I know it!"
000
Walking along Route 1 in total silence, Owen and Charmander kept their eyes focused on the road ahead. Sounds of wild Pokemon and trainers searching for something to capture filled their ears, though Owen didn't seem to listen to any of it, unlike Charmander. Every time a new sound was heard, he'd turn towards it with intrigue and, after several seconds, go back to looking on ahead.
"What kind of Pokemon can I catch around these parts?" the ten year old whispered to himself before glancing to the right, where he saw a flock of Pidgey mauling a bug catcher. "Pidgey are pretty cool."
Charmander looked up at his trainer after hearing the comment, and Owen returned his gaze with a confused expression.
"Char?" the bipedal lizard asked while wagging his flame-tipped tale from left to right. "Mander-char-char!" he exclaimed, pointing to his right.
Owen's eyes shifted in the direction that his Pokemon had pointed, and a slight smile appeared when he saw single Pidgey poking around the grass. Clearly, it had separated from the flock, as evidenced by the fact that it was the only other bird in the area.
"Okay, go use Flamethrower on it," Owen ordered, only for Charmander to sweat-drop and shake his head. "Seriously? You're not going to listen to me?" the Pallet Town native asked in agitation, only for Charmander to shake his head again.
"Charmander!" it shrieked, swiping at the air and then pointing at its claws. "Char!"
"Oh, sorry," the blonde muttered, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Go use Slash!"
This time, Charmander face-palmed at his trainer's idiocy before playing charades once again. The new team went through the same process about five more times before Owen finally guessed correctly, though by the time he did, the lonesome Pidgey had already flown back to its flock.
"Darn it!" the ten year old hissed while stomping in a blind fit of rage. "That's it, we're going to attack that flock and see if we can catch one of 'em!" Owen declared before running towards the several dozen Pidgey.
"That's... not a good idea," Charmander thought to himself while deadpanning.
However, he still ran after his trainer and, after catching up, stood by his side.
"Charmander, I want you crawl through the grass and then use Scratch on one of them, okay?"
The orange creature, who had been looking at Owen, turned to take a look at the enormous flock of Pidgey. Even though he didn't want to go anywhere near them, he sighed and thought to himself.
"If I can pull this off, then maybe he'll be happy about not getting Squirtle. Yeah! I'll do it!"
"Ch-" Charmander stopped mid-response when he watched a tiny creature spring out of the grass and stab one of the Pidgey in the leg.
The Flying-type squawked bloody murder as it fell to the ground, and the rest of the flock scattered in an instant, leaving their wounded mate behind.
"What was that!?" Owen shouted in shock. He then turned to his Starter Pokemon and eyed him intently. "Was that you? Nice work!"
Charmander shook his head immediately, leaving his trainer baffled. As if on cue, the attacker shot out of the grass once again, and both Owen and Charmander stared at it.
It was a tiny, purple rodent-like Pokemon with a horn slightly above its forehead and a pair of large ears that were teal on the inside. Small spikes rode along its spine, as well as behind its ears, and it had four sets of sharp white claws on the end of each foot.
Owen quickly reached for the Pokedex in his black backpack and pulled it out to scan the wild Pokemon.
"Nidoran, the Poison Pin Pokemon. It is small, but its horn is filled with poison. It charges then stabs with the horn to inject poison."
Looking up from the Pokedex, Owen watched as the wild Pidgey began to fly away, only for Nidoran to spring after it and bite down on its leg. The winged creature squawked in pain once again before being thrown into the ground, angering Charmander while Owen froze up in fear.
"Char!" the Fire-type lizard cried before charging towards Nidoran, who had crashed down upon Pidgey and looked ready to inject the bird with poison from his horn. "Mander!" Charmander grunted as he swung his arms towards the Poison-type.
Due to the sudden growth of his claws, which were significantly longer and surging with white energy, Charmander dealt a wicked blow to the aggressive Pokemon. Nidoran was thrown backwards and rolled through the grass as a result of the attack while Charmander bent down and helped Pidgey off the ground.
Owen watched closely and a smile spread across his face. No longer paralyzed by fear, he began to move towards both Pokemon, but he stopped dead in his tracks when he watched Nidoran rise to his feet.
"Nido!" the Poison-type shrieked, causing both Charmander and Pidgey to recoil violently. They then watched as the purple rodent sprinted towards them, his horn glowing bright white, and he lunged towards Pidgey, who was too injured to get out of the way in time.
Noticing the wild Pokemon's condition, Charmander jumped in front of him and took Nidoran's Peck attack head-on. Throwing both of his arms up in front of himself like he would a shield, Charmander screamed at the top of his lungs as he felt Nidoran's horn sink into his right hand.
"Charmander!" Owen hollered as he watched blood fly into the air. Even though he tried sprinting towards his Pokemon, the ten year old's legs refused to move and remained glued to the ground he was standing on. Pidgey, who was by Charmander's side, soon found himself being attacked by Nidoran, who had yanked his horn out of Charmander's hand and delivered a ferocious kick to the bird's chest.
Owen watched Pidgey roll along the ground and slam into a tree, leaving Charmander all by his lonesome. Nidoran then swiped at the ground by the lizard and reared his head back in preparation of dealing one final blow. Much to his surprise, Nidoran caught a glimpse of Owen throwing his hand forwards, which stopped his attack briefly.
"Use Scratch, Charmander!" the rookie trainer demanded.
Nidoran was suddenly launched into the air as Charmander swung his left set of claws upwards. Flipping through the air before crashing into the grass-covered ground, Nidoran struggled to his feet and glared daggers at Owen and Charmander, who had rushed to Pidgey's side in concern.
"Ran! Nido-ran!" the rodent grunted loudly as he took off towards his foes. Despite his speed, Nidoran was unable to reach Charmander in time to deal an uncontested blow.
"Use Scratch again!"
Charmander acted without hesitation and delivered another painful blow to the wild Pokemon, who limply bounced along the ground before skidding to a halt about thirty feet away. Afterwards, the Poison-type slowly got up and glared at Owen and his Pokemon spitefully. Shaking his head in disgust, Nidoran bolted into the forest and disappeared, forcing the trainer and Charmander to shift their focus back to Pidgey.
"Here, Pidgey, you're going to need this," Owen said as he pulled two bottles out of his backpack. The yellow one was labeled 'Potion' while the purple said 'Antidote' and had the symbol for Poison-type Pokemon on it. "This may sting a little bit, but you'll feel a lot better really soon."
The bird nodded reluctantly and Owen sprayed his wound, which made the bird flinch in pain. He then used the Potion, which caused Pidgey to shoot up onto his feet and beam.
"Haha, see? Good as new, just like I told ya," Owen said through laughter, drawing a nod from Pidgey while Charmander smiled at his trainer. "Now go catch up with your flock! They're probably worried sick about you."
The Normal-type nodded at Owen before turning and nodding at Charmander thankfully. With that, the bird took off at mach speed, leaving Owen and Charmander in the grass.
Sighing in relief, both Pokemon and trainer stood up and headed back toward the rode that led to Viridian City, and they walked along in silence.
"Hey, Charmander," Owen began, prompting his starter to turn towards him. "That was really cool how you saved Pidgey. If it were up to me, I would've been too scared to do a thing."
Beaming, the bipedal lizard turned away from his trainer and looked up at the sky, where he saw a tiny speck catching up with all of the other Pidgey.
"I knew we were gonna be like that guy and his Charizard. I knew it!"
Well, that was an abrupt ending, if I do say so myself, but it seemed fitting. To recap, Owen and Charmander stopped by the former's house, where Charmander learned he was his trainer's last pick. Then, they helped save a Pidgey that was getting mauled by a male Nidoran. Next chapter, Owen will have a competition with Burt and Julia, and that's about it. Till then, peace out.
Next Chapter: "Second Chances"
As Owen and Charmander continue to spend time in Viridian City in hopes of adding their first teammate, they run into the Nidoran from the day before! However, after learning that Julia and Burt are also searching for Nidoran, Charmander and Owen must hurry, or else they'll lose out on catching him a second time! Will Owen beat his rivals to the punch?
Pewter City Arc
Chapter 4: To Protect a Friend
Chapter 5: A Fateful Intervention
Chapter 6: Rocked and Rolled
Chapter 7: Making Amends
Chapter 8: Turning a New Leaf
Chapter 9: Charmander vs Squirtle!
Chapter 10: Bringing the House Down
