Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon, nor its characters, nor its traits.

...

A Tale of the Boy with the Scars

Chapter 2

After The Past

...

After Shadow had been scarred, he was always looked down upon. He was treated like a stranger, no matter where he had went. Shadow was not only physically scarred, but mentally, too. He realised that he had no defence against Pokémon, and was prone to more danger. He had decided to take a step against this.

...

Koga was outside with Shadow.

"No, no, no! Use the Pokémon's venomous attitude, not yours!"

"I-I can't... it's hard..." Shadow stammered.

"Like this! Gengar! Use Sludge Bomb!"

Koga's Gengar floated into the air and grinned. It began building up power, and then suddenly flung a toxic orb towards a test dummy.

"You see? If you keep letting your rage get the better of you, you'll never make it? What do you think will happen if you face a fire master like Blaine?"

"B-but I c-can't..."

"You can! And you better!"

Koga was a kind father, but he was a harsh teacher. He disregarded Shadow's young age, and was teaching him how to use a Zubat's main STAB; Poison Sting.

"Zubat... use poison sting!"

The Zubat didn't move. It didn't understand. It felt anger, rage and frustration coming from the dark and solemn child. It slowly flew higher, and unleashed a flurry of darts, hoping to please his trainer. The Zubat looked at him. Shadow was happy, and cheering, and the older man was clearly impressed. The Zubat finally understood.

...

"Koga?" Shadow had asked early that day, on his 8th birthday. The cuts had healed, and in Shadow's eyes, were a permanent reminder he was weak. A weak little child, a disgrace.

"Yes, Shadow?"

"I think I-I'm r-r... I think I'm ready." He stammered at first, and then blurted it out. The events of his last birthday had greatly decreased his self confidence.

Koga had understood.

...

Shadow's life continued normally till around the age of 16. He had been training with Koga's Pokémon, and had learned how to use the poison type. He never had actually owned a Pokémon himself, nor evolved one, nor caught one. His favourite Pokémon was Skylo, the Zubat he had first trained. Skylo was only level 5; the wild Pokémon were too strong around Fuschia, and it was only ever trained on test dummies.

The reason Shadow's life was normal up till the age of 16, was that Lance came again, with Nathan. Nathan was now called "Draco", as he had such a talent with Dragon Pokémon. Lance was here because "It was time", as he had put it.

Draco and Shadow's reunion was an awkward one; they acted like acquaintances. To a stranger, the two didn't seem to be twins: they weren't alike in any matter other than family. Draco was tall, tan and strong. He had dark blue hair, light grey eyes and wore denim jeans, big brown boots and a leather jacket. His nose was round and his jaw was wide; he was quite the ladies man, too: confident and open minded.

Shadow, of course wasn't like this at all. As said before, he had dark purple hair and light purple eyes: he was still pale and averaged height. He was built up like Draco, but he was decently shy. People were afraid of him: he had that intimidating look about him, not to mention how he always wore a black hoodie, and the hood always shadowed his face. He wore tracksuit pants most of the time, and black trainers. No-one spoke to him much, and he usually kept to himself, masking his rage.

They greeted each-other and left it at that, and Lance had another talk with Koga.

"I think they're ready."

"Yes, of course. But they can't start in Fuschia, the wild Pokémon are too strong."

"I have a grandmother in Pallet town, they can start there?"

"They can't both start at the same time; too much competition and they'll argue over who challenges Brock first."

"What about New Bark? I'm sure Draco could go there with my Mother?"

"I guess so. Has Draco got a Pokémon yet?"

"Yes, he has Sylvia, his Dratini."

"I think I know what I can give to Shadow..."

...

Shadow was lounging around in Koga's gym.

Koga entered holding a Pokéball. He tossed it to Shadow.

"Here."

"What's this?"

"Well, it's time you started your own life in your own way. Lance is outside, he'll give you a ride to Pallet Town on his Dragonite."

"An adventure? Like the Pokémon league?"

"Yup, and you'll start now." He brought Shadow outside where Lance was waiting.

Shadow hesitantly climbed onto the Dragonite's back. Maybe things were finally looking up for him? Who knew? And what Pokémon had Koga gave him? Dragonite kicked off the ground, and bore Shadow away from the closest thing he had to a father...

...

And that's Chapter 2! Hope you enjoyed.