Begin Act I: New Life

Chapter One: Clashing Personas

The world was completely white. I saw no colors, no sounds, nothing tangible; just empty, white space. Complete stasis. I floated gracefully in the blank void, hovering and unmoving. I couldn't see my own body. Just pure white. Of course, I couldn't really move either (I mean, my body's gone...) Total silence loomed over the endless sea of nothingness. Not a breeze filled the 'air' nor even the sound of my heartbeat; the place was completely empty and devoid of matter.

Me? Only one word could describe my feelings right now. Drained. No emotions, no anger nor sadness nor joy. Just nothingness - like this white world around.

I asked myself the obvious question.

Am I dead?

The voice of a lady from calmly replied, sweet and soothing. I should have been terrified, but her voice just seemed to cast away all doubts with calm reassurance.

No Liam, you're alive and fine. Well, at least your spirit is. I can't tell if your body is still alive; I only reside here with the spirits. However, most of them are from the dead, but don't let that worry you. Right now it seems like we're the only ones here, so don't feel too shy, okay?

...Who are you?

I am the voice of a spirit, the crying soul of a lost one, just like you. And also like you, I don't have a physical form in this realm.

So this is supposed to be 'heaven' or 'limbo' or something?

Well, not exactly.

Then what is this place?

We are in a portal between lives, a separate part of the universe - no, not even that, something more ethereal. Call this place the rest stop for spirits on their unending journey.

So the stopgap for reincarnation then.

Well, something similar, but not exactly. What I mean is, you are going to be the same while totally different at the same time. Right now, I am taking you through a realm which leads to a world inhabited by Pokémon. This might not look like a portal to another land, but trust me, I will guide you step by step into that world.

Wha-what? Pokémon world? Me?

Yes. You're taking a journey into a wonderful land, but before we get there, I need you to help me out. I need to figure out your nature; I need to know your soul.

What do you need?

I only want you to answer a couple of questions for me. I need to discover what kind of person you are. This world of Pokémon is quite similar and fascinatingly different from the human world. These creatures live just like people do: talking, discovering, questioning, and living. Yet there's something marvelously distinct about them. The tenet of their action is not their belief, but rather their instinct and drive - you can see this clearly in any battle. So what drives all of this?

Their nature. It is the core of their character. The essence of their soul. It guides and shapes them both in times of joy and hardship. Melodious as a symphony, violent as a clap of thunder, or rough as the eye of a storm, a Pokémon's nature is the lifeblood of their existence.

So you want to know who I really am?

That's why I'm here with you. I wish to know you more. I will craft you a living form which resonates in tone with your true spirit. Are you ready to find out who you are?

...Yes. I am ready.

Very well; I am bringing you through the portal. Answer honestly and with your soul. Search your spirit for the truth. Don't think too hard; trust your feelings, dear child. Your soul is drifting away with me. Come now; let your heart fly away and let your instinct run free. Let the interview begin!

The blank realm began to glow, as if a light shone around it. The white tone became brighter and brighter, and looking around, I saw the whole portal shine in a blinding flash. The voice let out a quiet hum as she lulled me into a deep, spiritual sleep...

When I woke up, I found the realm filled with much-needed color. I saw strange waves of green, purple, and blue rise and fall into each other. The colors wildly collide into each other and create strange patterns. I could hear the faint and beautiful sound of a gentle breeze rustling in the air. Calm, like I'm sensing an inner peace. Am I looking at my soul right now? Funny, I never imagined it to be so colorful and lively.

Welcome to the portal, the final ground for spirits entering the land of Pokémon. It is time that I take a look at your soul.

First, do you have many close friends? Are you liked by others?

I... I don't know. I hope so; I try to be nice to the others around me. But I'm not sure if I'm all that popular or even well-liked. Maybe it's just my own problem... I try to cling on to what friends I have, but I'm afraid they'll turn away. And when they do, when I'm alone, things fall apart... Again, maybe it's just my fault.

You care about others, but you seem to be a bit harsh on yourself. You're very close to your friends, but you're insecure without the company of them?

I guess so... I'm a totally confident guy around others y'know? Laughing, playing, battling, and having a fun time with the few I have... But alone, I think that confidence just kinda withers away. I'm a different person without them. Maybe that's why I have trouble making new ones.

But you said you were different with others - I sensed that glint of emotion! I felt a jump of joy in you when you thought about that. Maybe a rush of confidence too. Can I know why?

Maybe it's because I think differently with those close to me. Like maybe I can throw off all my worries and finally get up. Not so withdrawn anymore. But I guess in those moments I forget who I really am deep down...

So you hide your true feelings and insecurities?

I paused and looked up. The green-and-purple void now was stained with black, ugly gashes. I shut my eyes again.

Like fear and anger and stuff?.. Yeah, maybe you're right. I guess I'm truly not that great of a guy, right? Well congrats. I think you've found my sterling-silver soul, madam.

Yet even as the realm was now a canvas with ugly black marks, I still heard her motherly voice call for me.

Come now, don't be so hard on yourself. In fact, I think you're letting your fear take over you right now. Let your true emotions take over, and relax so I can get a better view into your soul.

Now, how about we take a look at something more positive? Tell me what you're like with your friends. Your best ones; the ones you cherish.

Okay... well, definitely more secure. Probably open and kinder too; maybe even a braver. Like I said before, laughing and having fun - what I truly want to be. Friends matter to me.

But I hope you don't depend on them?

...That might be an issue for me.

Something tells me I'm looking at two different people right now. A troubled child who uses the mask of companionship to hide his dark feelings of fear, and maybe that mask might be bolstering your confidence too high sometimes...

The black stains grew bigger, swallowing up the other swirling colors.

I guess you've got it right.

I understand; thank you. I'm starting to get the rhythm of your soul. It's a lively and steady rhythm with contrasting jolts and pangs. Two melodies; interesting. I think I can make a good form for you with this.

The colors, from orange to blue to the dreaded black, started to swirl into each other more quickly, and the gentle breeze in the background was soon accompanied by the faint noise of a dim spark. I closed my 'eyes' and began to contemplate again.

Now, in the Pokémon world there are many evils, just like in yours. However, in that world some lead to repercussions that are in a far greater magnitude. In times like these, this is caused by the actions of some, who in blind greed or wrath, create only great anguish and suffering for others. Yet, do you truly believe that everyone is good, deep down inside?

I do.

Of course, people make terribly bad decisions just like you said. Some people are buried in hatred and fear, and they hurt others, but I truly believe that everyone is good, deep down inside. They just do bad things, but really, anyone can change. Maybe they didn't mean it. Maybe they just wanted to do something good for others, but they got led astray.

So if everyone is innately benevolent deep inside, why does this terrible suffering happen? What would you do to change this?

I- I don't know. I guess if they learned to think differently, to listen to others outside their dogma, maybe things wouldn't be so bad as they are in that world. I try to be nice to others. I try my best at what I can. I'll try what I can to make things right. I want to help others, but there's so only so much I can do... and I'm only one kid.

Yet even if you are just 'one kid', you hope for the best.

Now for my final question. Do you think terrible things, like what I said earlier, can change?

I think we can change things, but there's a lot in the way. Maybe we can do it slowly, but at least one step at a time. And I'll try my very best, with what little skill and courage I have alone... to help.

Thanks for talking this with me. I felt a bit better about myself, more prepared for this world of Pokémon you're taking me to.

No, thank you. You helped me out a great deal; together, I think we've just found out who you truly are. I can see it now, your nature, just right in front of my eyes. I have crafted just the perfect form for your soul; how wonderful it fits you! Now, our interview is over. Take a breath of fresh air. Oops, well, that's not too possible here.

She expired a tiny sigh, comforting me as the dream began to calm down. No more spinning colors or black stains; the canvas now faded away into pale hues.

Just relax.

...

The colors stopped, freezing into a swirled, dull mural with drab hues of green and gray. The sounds, now a symphony of wind and waters, stopped too, leaving me almost back to the original realm. Something was different, though, about this place. I could see, just a speck in the far distance, something very colorful and lively.

...

...

It seems to me that you appear to be... the Impish type.

Around friends, you're playful, cheerful, and you love pranks. You are truly confident around them. You're also kindhearted and friendly - even without others. You said earlier that you don't think they like you; that it is all your fault. I have to disagree. Instead, they look positively to you.

Me?.. No, I don't think so.

Oh? You don't? You probably just don't notice it. People see you like a spark of hope.

Spark of hope?

Indeed. Even during the darkest hour, you provide a sense of cheerfulness and a bit of bravery. You want to change the world - or at least you try. Things might not always go your way, but you know this and you press on.

Yet there is a serious caveat which eats away at you.

Your cheeriness hides your gaping sense of instability without others. Bravery and cheerfulness on the outside masks the pangs of insecurity inside. Malignant feelings of hopelessness, cowardice, anger, and despair inflict wounds on you while you are alone. This façade of brightness hides the darkness deep inside. All it takes to expose this is something that can wear away the outside layer.

Outside layer and bitterness inside...

You allude that you cannot bear to be alone. Perhaps this feeling of loneliness can erode you most easily. It's difficult to break you, but when you are broken, it's also hard to snap right back. The fear and pain you experience alone - is that why you try to hide your insecurities? Is that why you keep trying to discard these feelings with your mask of companionship?

Oh? Perhaps this is what you do to hide your fear and inadequacies? Do you use your streak of pride and pent-up confidence now - ironically, the malefactor you blindly relied upon to face the beast - to cover up that insecurity?

I paused. She hit it right on the target.

I-I guess so.

Yes.

Yes I do.

You need to let go of that and listen to your true feelings in your soul.

Still, there's a positive side to all of this again. The darkness inside may wrack you and try to break you, but you shall surely destroy it in the end. Your true nature is not the darkness within; rather, it's the light that radiates from you. Interestingly, it's what's outside that matters. Truly, you think you can conquer yourself.

But be careful, and don't let your pride get the best of you. My last warning is this: watch out for your reckless arrogance. It is a double-edged sword; it may give you a sense of false hope, only to destroy you moments later. It did that to you before, and I think you don't want that to occur any time ever again. I know that you become a tad prideful sometimes with that pent-up confidence with your companions.

Yet right after as she spoke those painfully true words, she began to talk in soothing tones. Wait, was that a chuckle from her? No, no; that's not bad at all! Maybe she really cares about things, after all...

That's quite unusual for an impish type like you, though. Don't take it too harshly on yourself. That reminds me! Now, do you recall how I mentioned that one's nature determines his or her identity as a Pokémon? Now is the time that we finally uncover your character. Everything is set; let's find out who you are.

She stopped for a moment, the brief pause hanging heavily.

A spark of hope for others and a close friend who fears of letting others slip away. A worrying, embittered soul on the inside hiding under the mask of false confidence. A proud, cheerful person on the outside with a fearful, insecure attitude inside... Essentially, two clashing personalities in one.

An impish person like you should be...

the Pokémon Pikachu!

Yes! Awesome!

Glad you're happy with that. Now our last step is to choose a partner: one who will always try to be at your side whenever and wherever you are. The one who will weep and share joy with you, run alongside you in strange lands, and never part from you in the darkest of times. Your compliment and your foil. Most importantly, your partner will be there to help you conquer yourself.

Who will you choose as your partner - your best friend? Of course, he will be your age.

I can choose?

Naturally. Well, I can't make him out of thin air, but I'll get it done one way or another. Now, again, who will he be?

A partner... someone who is brave and active even alone, unlike me. Someone who knows his powers and limits, unlike me. Someone more confident and skilled, unlike me. Most of all, someone who understands me, unlike... me.

It will be done. All right, now the last step is to simply choose who he shall be...

Interesting choice; I didn't expect that. Okay, we're all set. I have learned everything I needed to start the process. Liam! Your life is about to be changed forever. Be brave, and never turn back. Don't worry; we shall meet again. So, are you ready? What are you waiting for? Let's go!

Bring forth the spark of hope!

Welcome to the world of Pokémon!

The voice, like a fleeting dream, got quieter and quieter until it died away. The realm began to spin around like a vortex; it was like a tornado! The now-dull colors began to sharpen up and spin around, focusing on that speck in the distance, which got larger and larger. I could see it now - the faint image of a sky and land! The world began to come into view, brighter and brighter until it flashed away, lulling me into a deep sleep. Still, for a brief moment I saw green hills, trees, a little plain...

...and the lone figure of a small, red Pokémon walking amicably toward the hills.

Have you ever wondered about worlds beyond our own? What if you woke up one day, and you were a Pokémon? What if all of a sudden you find yourself in a new world, where you can speak and interact with other Pokémon? Let's go far, far away into another land, into another world that is similar yet not quite like our own. Let's go on a marvelous adventure and journey filled with excitement, despair, joy, anger, and everything else in between. But what is your true purpose and destiny in this Pokémon world? Ah, that's the real mystery... just do the best you can, Liam. I'll be watching you all the way from here.