Hey everyone. I know, I know, it's been a very long time since I last updated any of my stories, so I probably shouldn't be starting a new one, but oh well. This is an idea that's been bouncing around in the back of my brain for a while now, and I've finally decided to get it off the ground : )
I've wanted to do a rewrite of the Pokemon Anime to include an OC for the longest time. I've got a LOT of different stories planned, but then I came up with the idea for this story, so I decided to roll with this one first.
Now, this isn't going to be a normal rewrite. Oh no. You guys as the readers are going to play a vital part in this one. Why you might ask?
Because whilst this is going to be a rewrite of the Pokemon Anime, it's also going to be based off a Pokemon Nuzlocke that I'll be playing alongside writing this story : D
You might be wondering how that is going to work. Well, it's going to be explained in the foot note at the end of this chapter. For now, please remember that Pokemon is not mine, but my OC is.
I hope you enjoy this story : )
Locked in Destiny
Pokemon! I Choose You!
Pokemon! I Choose You! - Part 1
Destiny.
Powerful. Inevitable. Unavoidable.
Everyone has one, and everyone meets theirs.
Many people's destinies are tiny in the grand scheme of things, whilst some have destinies so strong they effect the lives of everyone around them.
And for two young boys in the world of Pokemon, their destinies are the strongest of them all. So naturally, theirs are intertwined.
They always have been.
The black of night had long since fallen over the region of Kanto, and that included the tiny settlement in the south-west known as Pallet Town. The sleepy little town showed precious few signs of life, which given the lateness of the hour, was hardly unexpected.
That same still and quietness could not be found in a small back-bedroom of one particular house however.
No.
This room most definitely still showed signs of life.
A television set was blaring, the sounds of deafening cheers unapologetically filling the small room, as what promised to be an exciting Pokemon battle got underway upon the screen.
Nidorino versus Gengar.
It was sure to be one hell of a match.
And watching said battle with rapt attention, their breath baited and their eyes locked on the screen with astounding intensity, were two young boys.
On the screen, Nidorino and Gengar began exchanging blows, and the announcer's voice soon started commentating.
"Oho! Nidorino begins the battle with a Horn Attack!" a man's voice yelled, and on the television screen, the viewers watched excitedly as Gengar effortlessly dodged out of the hulking Nidorino's path, "Oh, but Gengar easily dodges - not sure why it bothered since that attack wouldn't have had any effect anyway, due to Gengar being a ghost type Pokemon!"
The ghost type Pokemon's eyes suddenly started to glow with an ominous light.
"And there it is!" the announcer exclaimed in awe, "The hypnotic power of Gengar!"
Nidorino's eyes sleepily began to drift shut, the poisonous Pokemon swaying from side to side. Within seconds, the pink Pokemon was snoring lightly, clearly out for the count.
"This could be the end of Nidorino..." the announcer mused.
His theory was quickly proven correct.
With a soft sigh of discontent, Nidorino's trainer recalled him to his pokeball, the poison type vanishing in a beam of crimson light.
"Wait!" the announcer gasped as he saw this happen, "The trainer recalls Nidorino! Which Pokemon will he use now?"
The answer quickly became apparent.
Filling Nidorino's spot on the battlefield, a gigantic rock Pokemon appeared, Onix. The creature let out a huge bellowing roar that had the audience screaming in approval.
"Oh! It's Onix!" the announcer cried gleefully.
The two Pokemon on the field squared up to one another.
"Now, this giant Pokemon's on the attack!" the announcer continued his commentary, whilst on the screen, the viewers watched on as Onix lunged at Gengar, only for the purple spectre to dodge aside at the very last second, "Oh, but Gengar jumps aside!"
It was at that exact moment that one of the boys watching the battle oh-so-eagerly, suddenly felt a surge of energy rush through his entire body.
Leaping to his feet, and startling his best friend in the process, the raven haired boy turned and gazed out of his bedroom window, his russet coloured eyes taking in his own reflection in the glass.
"Yes! I am Ash!" the boy exclaimed dramatically, voicing his thoughts aloud, "And now that I'm ten, I can finally get my Pokemon License!"
Behind him, the other boy in the room couldn't help but roll his eyes, shaking his head for good measure. There was no denying that a fond smile was pulling at his lips though. The boy had noticed that Ash seemed to have developed a habit of doing this lately - randomly start inner-monologuing. It never failed to amuse him however, so he just let Ash get on with it.
Stretching his arms out and resting his hands behind his head, the boy let his friend continue without offering any kind of interruption.
"I will journey to gain the wisdom of Pokemon Training" Ash's voice was practically tingling with excitement, his eyes ablaze with passion, "And I hereby declare to the Pokemon of the world, I will be a Pokemon Master! The Greatest! Of all time!"
"Ahem!"
A voice finally cut through Ash's little speech.
Jolting out of his reverie in surprise, Ash finally returned to the here and now. He turned until his gaze fell upon the face of his very best friend. It was no surprise to Ash to see him smirking at him in amusement.
"I think what you meant to say there was that you'd be the Second Greatest Master of all time - you know - since the honour of being the Very Best shall belong solely to me" the boy teased.
Ash couldn't help but scoff derisively.
"Ha!" he jeered at his friend in disbelief, "In your dreams!"
The other boy just smirked at him.
"Don't worry Ash" the boy continued airily, "Once I'm the Greatest Pokemon Master, I promise that I'll make you my personal assistant - you know, my Number Two".
"WHAT?!" Ash growled, obviously offended.
The other boy burst out laughing, and Ash's face softened at the sound, realising that he was only teasing. Taking a moment, Ash just took the other boy in. After all, come tomorrow, the boy wasn't going to be just his best friend anymore.
No.
Tomorrow meant that he would now also become Ash's very top rival.
Tassels of golden blonde hair poking out from under a white beanie emblazoned with a black Pokeball pattern, the boy's bright blue eyes shimmered like deadly ice. Dressed in a half-red and half-white coloured hoodie over a pale blue T-shirt, along with tan jeans and black and blue trainers, the boy was Ash's lifelong friend, and tomorrow, his travelling companion. It had gone unspoken that there was no doubt they'd be taking their journey together after all.
The boy's name... Nolan.
Cheeky and sarcastic, but also kind, considerate and fun, the other boy was similar to Ash in that they both shared in the dream of becoming Pokemon Masters, and both were very determined to see it come true.
And tomorrow, both of them, after a lifetime of agonising waiting, would finally receive their very own Pokemon.
They couldn't wait!
Shaking his head in fondness, Ash opened his mouth to make a playful retort to Nolan's teasing, but unfortunately for the young boy, he never got the chance to.
CRASH!
The bedroom door behind them slammed open with an almighty racket that rattled the glass in the window. Both boys yelped in surprise, and whipped around. Standing in the doorway to the room and looking positively furious, was Ash's mother - Delia Ketchum.
Scowling heavily, the young woman glowered down at her son.
"Ash Ketchum! Get to bed!" she scolded the boy whilst angrily gesturing at the boy's alarm clock, which had cleverly been fashioned into the likeness of a Voltorb, "It's eleven o'clock and you should be asleep!"
It was then that Delia's eyes strayed to her son's best friend, and noticing his presence for the first time, her face softened.
"Nolan!" she gasped in surprise at the boy, who smiled up at her sheepishly, "What are you still doing here sweetheart? I thought that you went home hours ago!"
Nolan sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.
"Err... sorry Mrs Ketchum" Nolan bowed his head apologetically, "Me and Ash started watching some battles on T.V. and I guess we kinda lost track of the time. I'm really sorry".
Delia's face softened into a warm smile.
She had always had a soft spot for Nolan. He was such a polite and respectful little boy - his father's pride and joy. He also always owned his mistakes - a trait that Delia personally found very admirable.
"It's alright Nolan" she assured the boy kindly, "It was a simple mistake to make - but you really should be getting home now dear. I'm sure your father is worried sick, and since you're leaving tomorrow, I'm positive that he wants to talk to you".
Guilt flashed across Nolan's face at her words. He hadn't meant to cause anyone any worry.
"Right" the blonde haired boy nodded in agreement, "I guess I should be going now then".
"Will you be okay walking home on your own?" Delia fretted nervously, "It's getting pretty late..."
Nolan didn't want to put her to any trouble, so he flashed her his most charming grin.
"I'll be fine Mrs Ketchum" he quickly assured her, "It's only a few streets away after all. I'll be perfectly safe".
Delia still looked a little unsure.
"Well, I guess if you're sure" she eventually relented with a shrug, "Goodnight Nolan".
"Night" the boy politely returned, before turning his attention back to his best friend, "Goodnight Ash. Don't forget, we're meeting up at the Professor's lab tomorrow to get our Pokemon".
"I know" Ash nodded eagerly.
"Nine o'clock sharp!" Nolan reminded him, his tone suddenly becoming slightly stern, "Don't be late!"
"I won't be late!" Ash cried in protest, now sounding a little offended, "Tomorrow's the day we finally become Pokemon Trainers! How could I ever be late for that?!"
"Because you're you?" Nolan teased playfully.
"Hey!" the other boy whined.
Smirking in amusement, Nolan turned on the spot without another word and exited the room. A few moments later, Ash and Delia both heard the front door open and then close again, signalling that Nolan had left.
Now that they were alone, Delia's scowl returned to her face as her attention went back to her son.
"Alright Mister" she scolded him again, "You heard me. It's bedtime".
A huge pout appeared on Ash's face at those words.
"But tomorrow I begin my Pokemon Journey!" Ash whined in protest as he slumped down over his toy Snorlax, "I can't sleep!"
Delia sighed tiredly, but decided that she could understand her son's excitement and reasoning. Just this once.
"Well... If you can't sleep, you should at least get ready for tomorrow" Delia said, picking up the discarded television remote and switching the channel, "Here, watch this instead".
Ash turned his attention back to the television, and saw a very familiar face on the screen.
Professor Oak, a family friend to the Ketchums, was the Kanto Region League's Professor - meaning that he was the man that gave new trainers their starter Pokemon and Pokemon Licences.
New trainers like Ash and Nolan.
The man was currently presenting his live show, and tonight's topic was on the new trainers that would be leaving Pallet Town, and the starter Pokemon available to them.
"Good Evening Pallet" the Professor greeted as the programme started, "Tomorrow's the big day for the newest class of Pokemon Students. I'd like to introduce you to Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle".
The screen changed to display the images of the three different Pokemon.
"Each one is available for new trainers" the Professor continued, "Which one shall you choose?"
Needless to say, Ash was enthralled within seconds.
"Go to bed when this is done" Delia ordered her son sternly.
"Alright" Ash muttered, his eyes fixed to the screen and clearly not paying the slightest bit of attention to his mother, "I'm going".
"And change into your pyjamas, okay?" she reminded him.
"I'm going" Ash repeated blankly.
Rolling her eyes, Delia decided to just let it go. Shaking her head, she left the room, closing the door behind her, effectively muting the sound of the television.
She doubted that her son would be in bed any time soon.
Nolan couldn't help but allow a small, forlorn smile to creep onto his face as he came to a halt and took a moment to simply look up at the bouse before him.
Admittedly it wasn't much to look at.
It was just a small building with a tidy lawn, with a large oak tree looming over the driveway. The place was quaint and homely, just like all the other building in Pallet Town. To anyone else, there wasn't much remarkable about it. But this building was different from all the others to Nolan.
This was home.
The home he had lived in his entire life. The home present in every single memory. The home that he would be leaving behind tomorrow in favour of the open road. The home he wouldn't see again for months.
Nolan's eyes suddenly swam with unshed tears, but the boy quickly blinked them away before they had the chance to fall.
The ten year old boy had promised himself that he wasn't going to do this.
Tomorrow was the day he had anxiously been awaiting his entire life. The day that he would finally become a Pokemon Trainer and take the first step in making all his dreams come true at long last. He wanted it to be a happy day. A brilliant day.
And it would be.
Quickly shaking himself out of those depressing thoughts, Nolan hurriedly approached the front door, that had been painted dark blue. Always dark blue, for as far back as he could remember. The boy immediately noticed that all the lights in the house were out. He took that to mean that his Dad was already in bed.
Nolan smiled to himself. He probably wasn't in too much trouble for his tardiness then.
Slipping a key out of the pocket of his hoodie, Nolan slowly unlocked the door, and silently tip-toed inside. He was just creeping into the pitch-black living room, intending to head to the kitchen to get a drink... when...
CLICK!
The lights snapped on.
Dazzled into blindness by the sudden brightness, Nolan couldn't help but let out a small yelp of surprise. He immediately shielded his eyes from the insensity of the light. Rubbing at them furiously, Nolan only lowered his hands once his eyes had adjusted and he could bare to open them again.
What he saw immediately made him want to close them again.
Standing in the centre of the living space, hands on his hips and a heavy scowl marring his handsome face, stood a man that looked like a much taller, much more muscular version of Nolan. Short blonde hair styled into a buzz cut, and a neatly-trimmed beard of matching gold, the man's dark brown eyes were narrowed in clear disapproval. He was wearing a grey T-Shirt and black sleep pants, a clear sign of the late hour.
The man was Nolan's father, and he was clearly furious.
Nolan gulped fearfully.
He was so busted.
"Nolan Uther Zachariah Locke!" the man, whose name was Nathaniel, boomed in his deep voice that was sounded rather gruff from tiredness.
Nolan shuddered.
His Dad had just full-named him. That was not a good sign.
He was in so much trouble.
"Err... hi, Dad?" the boy said lamely. He didn't dare say much else at this point, for fear of adding fuel to the proverbial fire.
Nathaniel's nostrils flared angrily, eerily reminiscent of a dragon type Pokemon.
"Don't you 'Hi Dad' me young man!" the man scolded disapprovingly, "Just what sort of time do you call this?!"
Nolan swallowed hard, and looked down at his shoes.
The boy knew that his father was generally a very easy going and laid back type of guy. He was firm but not overly strict, and the man was quick to correct any of his son's wrong-doings, but he hardly ever raised his voice.
Nolan knew however that the one thing that could really set his Dad off was being tardy. The man just couldn't abide by lateness. He especially disapproved of Nolan ever coming home late. It stemmed from a deep-set concern for his son's wellbeing, as any parent would feel.
"Err... late?" Nolan mumbled in a tiny voice.
"Yes! Very late" his dad agreed, tone still heavily annoyed, "Do I even want to know where you were until this time of night? Or what type of mischief you've been up to?"
Nolan shuffled his feet nervously. He'd always hated being scolded by his father.
"I was just at Ash's house" he informed his father, "There wasn't any mischief involved, I swear".
"You were at the Ketchums for all this time?!" Nathaniel asked incredulously.
"We were watching Pokemon Battles on T.V. and I just lost track of the time" Nolan admitted sheepishly.
Nathaniel regarded his son carefully, and quickly saw the truth in his words. His son was a terrible liar after all. The boy simply had too much of a conscience to be good at it.
He let out a deep breath, pinched the bridge of his nose, before wiping his hand down his face as he put effort into calming himself. It seemed to do the trick.
When he continued, it was in a much softer voice.
"I expected you home on time tonight because I really wanted us to spend your last night at home together" the man informed the younger male in a saddened tone of voice, heavy with disappointment, "It might be months before we get the chance to do so again".
Nolan swallowed hard.
The boy felt a fresh wave of guilt and shame wash through the pit of his stomach.
"I'm really sorry Dad" he whimpered, "I... I didn't think about it like that".
Nathaniel sighed once again, looking down at the bowed head of his dejected son. Whilst it was true that the man was upset and disappointed, it was obvious to him that the boy before him felt terrible for his thoughtlessness.
Taking pity on the younger male, Nathaniel reached out and gently removed his son's beanie to ruffle his golden hair. He replaced it a moment later.
"I know you are, and you're forgiven" he assured Nolan, who finally picked his head up to look at him, "But when you're off on your journey, I fully expect you to take the time to remember your old man - and by that I mean take the time to call me. Just because you're growing up and starting a new chapter in your life, doesn't mean I don't expect us to still spend time together as a family when we get the chance. I'll always be your Dad after all. I'll always care".
Nolan swallowed hard, once again trying to blink back tears.
Stepping forwards, Nolan hugged his Dad tightly. He only came up to the middle of torso, so Nathaniel leant down to squeeze his son back tightly.
"I'll remember" the boy promised earnestly, his face half-buried in Nathaniel's chest, "I love you Dad".
"I love you too Kiddo" Nathaniel whispered back, pressing a kiss to the top of Nolan's head before he stepped back out of the hug, "Now, about tomorrow. Are you sure you don't want me to come up to the Professor's lab with you?"
Nolan considered it for a few moments, but then he shook his head.
"No thanks Dad" he said, "I'll look silly since I know that none of the other new trainers are taking their parents with them".
Nathaniel barely managed to hold back a sigh. He was a little disappointed, but he nodded regardless. He didn't want to embarrass his son in front of his peers. After all, he remembered what it was like to be a ten year old boy. Kids' teasing could be ruthless.
"Alright Kiddo, if you're certain" Nathaniel reluctantly agreed.
"I am. But I'll definitely come home before leaving Pallet Town" Nolan continued, his words drastically brightening Nathaniel's spirits, "I want you to meet my new partner Pokemon!"
Nathaniel couldn't help but smile at his son's enthusiasm.
He had always loved Pokemon just as much as his son clearly did. To see his boy finally entering into that world... it was everything he'd always wanted for his child.
"I can't wait" the blonde man confessed, "I'm so excited to see my baby boy finally have his own Pokemon!"
Nolan blushed furiously.
"Dad!" he whined in protest, "Don't call me a baby!"
Nathaniel just laughed.
"You'll always be my baby Kiddo" he gleefully told his son, who pouted, "I'd get use to it".
"Dad!" he whined louder.
Nathaniel's laughter quietened down into chuckles.
"Alright, I'll stop" he smiled, eyes still twinkling in amusement, "Besides, it's way too late to properly tease you right now. Go on up to bed Kiddo. You have an important day ahead tomorrow. You'll need some sleep for it. Trust me".
Nolan just beamed up at him, still obviously overexcited at the prospect at what the day would bring.
"Right" he nodded, his beanie bobbing about wildly, "Goodnight Dad".
"Night Son" he replied softly.
Nathaniel watched on with a smile as Nolan bounded off up the stairs, the man hearing a door close just moments later. Sighing, the smile slipped off the blonde man's face as he turned on the spot, before collapsing into an armchair.
Off a side table, Nathaniel picked up a framed photograph. He smiled sadly.
The photograph was of a beautiful young woman, whose striking blue eyes and kind smile were an exact match to Nolan's own.
"Oh Natalie... if only you could see our boy now" he whispered mournfully, "You'd be so proud".
A calloused thumb affectionately brushed over her image.
"Watch over him out there" he pleaded desperately, "Please... please keep him safe".
If only Nolan knew just how much he was going to be missed.
Later that night, Ash's excitement had finally given way to exhaustion. Having changed into his pyjamas and crawled into bed, the raven haired boy was now tossing and turning in an restless sleep.
It wasn't surprising though.
The poor boy was simply too wound up to have a peaceful night's rest.
Watching Professor Oak's programme had been fascinating for Ash, and even now, deep in his sleep, the things he had learnt were still playing heavily on his mind. So much so in fact, that the boy actually began to talk in his sleep.
"Raising Bulbasaur... that would be really simple... it's perfect... for beginners" Ash muttered to himself.
He tossed this way and that, his mind unable to switch off for the night.
Ash's arm flailed outwards, knocking into his bedside table. It caused Ash's Voltorb alarm clock to roll off and land in the boy's hand. His fingers subconsciously tightened around it.
"Then... there's Squirtle... Choose it or loss it..." he yawned out.
Violently, Ash tossed about in his bed again, his arms began to pick up speed. The clock was still clutched in Ash's grasp... for now...
"Oh... Hold on... Charmander" he mumbled in his sleep, "Those in the know... say that's the best way... to go...".
With one last particularly violent thrust of his arms, Ash finally did the inevitable. Letting the Voltorb clock slip through his fingers, the device was sent hurtling across the room. It hit the far wall and shattered.
Landing in a crumpled pile on the floor, one thing was for certain.
That clock would never chime again.
And thus a few hours later, and dawn had broken over the town of Pallet, Ash Ketchum dreamed on, blissfully unaware that morning had finally arrived.
Nolan silently fumed on the doorstep of Professor Oak's Laboratory.
Arms crossed so tightly it would be a miracle if the boy could ever disentangle them, Nolan tapped his foot impatiently against the concrete, a furious scowl growing across his youthful face.
The time was nine fifteen.
Unsurprisingly, there was still no sign of Ash.
He was already fifteen minutes late - on today of all days - and there was no sign of that changing any time soon. Nolan's face was already an impressive shade of red as his blood boiled in his veins.
He honestly could not believe it.
Being best friends with the boy for the best part of a decade, Nolan knew that Ash wasn't the most reliable or punctual person in the universe. Still, he had hoped that considering this was the most important day of their lives so far, his friend might have made an effort to break that annoying habit.
He had been sorely disappointed.
Bitterly, Nolan wondered if this was karma. He knew he had upset his Dad last night by returning home so late, too late for them to really spend any time together. He wondered if this was the world's way of punishing him.
The boy angrily forced that notion from his mind.
Still furiously stewing on the front door step over his bitter thoughts, Nolan jolted in surprise when the door behind him abruptly opened without warning. Turning on the spot, Nolan saw Professor Oak standing in the doorway, an apologetic look on the older man's face.
"Nolan" the man began warily, not wanting to upset or distress the boy, "It's been a quarter of an hour now. The other new trainers are starting to get antsy. I know you wanted to wait for Ash, but this isn't fair on them. We really can't wait any longer".
A soft sigh of thinly veiled disappointment slipped the boy's lips.
"Alright" Nolan whined, hanging his head sadly.
Professor Oak stepped aside to permit Nolan entrance into his Laboratory.
"I am sorry" Professor Oak said with pity.
Nolan glanced up at him, offering the man a strained smile for his kindness.
"Don't be" the boy shrugged his shoulders, "I told Ash to make sure he was on time today. It's his own fault he didn't listen".
Professor Oak opted not to reply to that comment, and instead led the boy further into the laboratory. Nolan looked around at the stark white floors, the towering bookcases filled with every imaginable subject, and the strange machines and equipment all humming away.
Following the Professor into the back room, Nolan immediately clapped eyes on three other people. He knew all of them, considering they had all been in his class in Trainer School. One was a particularly quiet boy called Chase, and another was a pretty girl named Elaine. Nolan had never really spoken to either of them, so he didn't know them particularly well.
Both of them looked irritated at being force to wait, but both were far too meek to protest out loud.
Unfortunately, the third person held no such qualms.
It was this same person that Nolan had had the most interaction, despite the boy's dearest wishes for the opposite.
"It's about time!" the person cried in a nasally voice.
Nolan closed his eyes and tried to calm his brewing temper. It was a difficult challenge for the boy however, since this person irritated him like nobody else.
"I can't believe we've all been kept waiting because of your loser of a best friend!" the voice snapped.
Nolan's eyes burst open, burning angrily for the insult towards his friend. His fists clenched by his sides.
Turning, he glared into the sneering face of none other than Gary Oak.
"Of course you can't" Nolan was unable to resist retorting, his tone practically oozing sarcasm, "Because you haven't got any!"
Gary narrowed his eyes angrily at those unkind words.
Nolan felt a tiny pang of remorse for saying those words. He knew it was really unkind of him, and out of character too. Gary just always brought out the worst in him, and no matter how many people scolded him about it - his father, Professor Oak, Mrs Ketchum... - he just couldn't seem to avoid arguing bitterly with the other boy. He didn't mean to be so mean. He just couldn't seem to control it.
Still, after today he'd hardly ever see Gary again, if at all.
The thought warmed him all the way through.
"I'd rather have no friends than losers like you and Ashy-Boy" Gary sneered, trying his damnedest to appear unfazed by Nolan's mean remark, "At least he finally did a smart thing for once in his life and didn't bother to show up".
"And why is that?" Nolan drawled, eyes narrowing.
"Well, it's just so obvious that I would beat him as a trainer" Gary's infuriating smirk widened, angering Nolan further, "He's obviously decided to save himself the humiliation! It's just a shame you didn't do the same - it's such a pity that one of the Pokemon here is going to be wasted on a wimp like you!"
Nolan's face turned scarlet in outrage.
"Shut up Gary!" Nolan yelled at him, "I'll happily wipe the floor with you when we get our Pokemon!"
Gary just laughed arrogantly at him.
"Ha! That's a good one!" he taunted nastily.
Nolan ground his teeth together furiously, before taking a step towards the other boy threateningly. He never had the opportunity to act further however, as Professor Oak swiftly got between them. Chase and Elaine both looked on, clearly uncomfortable with the scene unfolding before them.
"Alright boys - simmer down now" Professor Oak chided them, looking down at both the boys sternly, "Otherwise neither one of you shall be leaving this laboratory with a Pokemon today - is that understood?"
Nolan's eyes widened in horrified alarm.
Gary's did much the same.
"Yes Sir" Gary hastily cried out, not wanting to see if his grandfather was being serious or not.
"Sorry Professor" Nolan bowed his head apologetically.
The Professor nodded solemnly, before allowing both his eyes and his expression to soften ever-so-slightly.
"Good. Now I know that not everyone is present yet, but I feel it would be best to get started" the Professor said, getting down to business, "First thing's first, we need to set you all up with your Trainer ID's. You won't be able to enter the Pokemon League without them. Did all of you bring the paperwork that the League sent out to each of your addresses?"
The man's question was met by four affirmative nods. Professor Oak smiled.
"Good, we'll need those as well as a consent form filled out and signed by your appropriate parent or guardian" the man informed the four children.
From out of the back pocket of his jeans, Nolan fished out the requested documents, as well as the form that Nathaniel had signed, giving his parental consent for Nolan to become an offical Pokemon Trainer.
Around him, the others all similarly produced the necessary paperwork.
"Excellent" the Professor beamed happily, "Now we'll need to enter all this information into the computer, and we'll also need to take a photograph of you all for your ID cards".
Nolan swallowed anxiously at those words.
He wasn't a big fan of having his picture taken. It just made him feel very uncomfortable. Still, he wasn't about to let that put him off. If having a camera shoved in his face was all it took for him to get a Pokemon that day, then he would literally just have to grin and bare it.
Gary noticed Nolan's discomfort and grinned nastily.
"Make sure you go last Nolan" he whispered unpleasantly in the blonde's direction, "Just in case you crack the lens".
Nolan's eyes flashed in annoyance, but he bit back a retort in case the Professor heard him.
Gary's grin widened smugly behind the man's back.
"I suggest that we get started as this will probably be quite a lengthy process" the Professor informed them.
Truer words had never been spoken.
It took well over an hour for the Professor to enter all the required data into the Pokemon League's Trainer database. It was amazing what type of information was needed from them, and it took a lot of time creating accounts for them, and that wasn't even including the uncomfortable process of being photographed.
Finally however, after what felt an eternity, the initial part of the process was completed.
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
Everyone's eyes were eagerly fixed upon one of Professor Oak's many instruments. The device whirred softly as it spat out four small plastic identification cards into a metal slot. Smiling in pleased satisfaction, the Professor reached in and removed them.
"Congratulations" the man said to the four youngsters sincerely, "Now all each of you has to do is write your initials and surname on the back of the card, along with your signatures, and you'll be an officially licenced Pokemon Trainer".
Taking his ID Card with trembling fingers, Nolan felt his heart fluttering wildly in his chest.
The boy could scarcely believe it, but the moment he had dreamt about for years on end had finally come after so much agonising waiting. Hastily grabbing a pen, Nolan flipped the card over and signed the back, scribbling his initials also, along with his surname.
N. U. Z. LOCKE.
And that was it.
Nolan Locke was finally a Pokemon Trainer.
Eyes shining with unshed tears, the young boy took a deep breath as he just took a moment to appreciate just how pivotal this second in his life truly was. He honestly couldn't remember ever being quite so happy before.
A huge grin lit up his entire face as Nolan turned his attention back to the Professor.
"Now, there will be some more matters of paperwork to attend to in a short while" the man warned them, before smiling warmly, "However I think we ought to move on to something much more fun before one of you bursts with excitement".
The children all laughed at his words.
"Follow me everyone" he said, leading them over to a staircase that he began to climb.
Nolan couldn't keep the grin off his face as he followed the older male. Even Gary shoving his way past him to be in front couldn't dampen the boy's spirits. He was finally a Pokemon Trainer.
Absolutely nothing could ruin his mood today.
The Professor led them into a different area, walking over to a strange sort of device that stood in the centre of the room. The five of them gathered around the almost altar like instrument.
Professor Oak pushed a few buttons on a control panel. Almost immediately, the device opened up and started moving, revealing three pokeballs. With another push of a button, a secondary compartment opened up, revealing a further two pokeballs.
Nolan's entire body was trembling with excitement.
It was happening.
It really was happening.
The moment was now.
It was finally time.
Looking up at the Professor in awe, Nolan found that he couldn't speak, too overwhelmed with emotion. Chase, Elaine, and even Gary all seemed to be suffering from the same affliction.
The Professor just smiled down at them understandingly.
"Yes, it is rather a momentous occasion" he said to them, chest puffed out importantly, "The Pokemon that you choose today will not only be your very first companion, but also your partner. Each and every one of you will be responsible for your own partner. You need to show your new friend the utmost care, attention and love. In return, you shall also be loved, fiercely might I add. Pokemon are very special creatures. Never forget that".
Stepping back, the Professor walked over to a desk with another computer on it. He typed on it for a few moments.
"Now, in the interest of fairness, I have decided to randomly generate a list of each of your names" the Professor explained as he activated a program on the computer, "This list will determine the order in which you get to pick your Pokemon. I've taken Ash off the list. He will be given the final remaining Pokemon... should he ever turn up".
Nolan and the others all waited with baited breath.
After what felt like a thousand years, but was actually less than ten seconds, the list was finally generated.
"Ah" the Professor smiled as he looked over the list, "In fourth place, we have Chase. In third we have Gary. The second to choose shall be Elaine. And the first to pick with be you, Nolan".
Nolan couldn't believe his good luck.
"WHAT?!" Gary cried in horror, "No way!"
The boy couldn't believe that his rival would get to pick out his starter before he did. That was just so wrong on so many levels that it wasn't even funny.
"Gary" the Professor's tone held a very clear warning.
Gary grumbled furiously under his breath, but he didn't protest any further.
Nolan couldn't have cared less in that moment.
"Go ahead Nolan" Professor Oak offered kindly, "Choose the partner that will be your companion on your journey".
Nolan's heart was hammering in his chest as he slowly stepped up to the altar. He was barely breathing, as if somehow that necessary action would shatter the moment.
His eyes scanned over each of the five Pokeballs. Each one had a different emblazonment upon its surface.
A jade green leaf.
A burnt orange flame.
A cerulean water drop.
A striking gold lightning bolt.
A pleasant brown circle.
The boy took all but a moment to consider.
With trembling fingers, Nolan began to reach out towards one of the pokeballs, the moment that would change his life forever finally upon him...
And there's the first chapter : )
What did you guys think of Nolan? Personally, I'm still trying to get the character down in my head, but I always find it takes a while before fully getting to know a new character.
Anyway, let's move onto the main subject of this note.
How this story is going to work in relation to my Nuzlocke : )
Now, I've never completed a Pokemon Nuzlocke before in my entire life, just throwing it out there. I've started a few in the past, but then got bored. I've never lost one either, just never completed one. I really want to finish one though, and that's why I've decided to put the two ideas together - playing a Nuzlocke and writing this story.
So, to make things interesting, I'm not going to be the one to make the major decisions. You guys are : )
But first thing's first, let's go over the rules I'll be playing by : )
Rule 1
In each new area I can only try to catch my first wild encounter. If I fail to catch it or knock it out, I cannot try for another Pokemon.
In addition to this rule, I have added some other elements for my Nuzlocke.
First of all, I will only be counting areas that have wild Pokemon that appear in grass. I will NOT be catching Pokemon from routes that only allow for Fishing and Surfing. This is because there are WAY more Water Pokemon in Kanto in comparison to other types, and I feel it would get boring to have too many of one type. That being said, if the route includes both grass and water, I can pick either to get my encounter from.
Also, I will be limiting the number of Pokemon I can use to one in three.
What I mean by this is that I have grouped together every area I will be able to get a new Pokemon from into groups of three. You guys as the readers will then be asked to vote on which one of those three Pokemon I use throughout the Nuzlocke. This in turn will be the Pokemon that Nolan catches in the story. He will NOT be catching the other two Pokemon in the story, as they will not be used in the Nuzlocke.
This means that in the Nuzlocke, I will be able to use a total of fourteen Pokemon that come from wild encounters. These will be the fourteen Pokemon that Nolan catches over the course of the story.
Hopefully this will become clearer once we properly get into the story : )
Finally, I will be playing with the Duplicates Clause. This is to make the encounters more diverse and interesting.
Rule 2
Every Pokemon that is captured and then voted to be added to the story and Nuzlocke must be given a nickname.
When making your votes, feel free to leave suggestions for nicknames. I'll either pick which one I like the best, or come up with nicknames for each Pokemon myself if nothing calls out to me : )
Rule 3
If one of my Pokemon faints in my Nuzlocke, it is gone and cannot be used anymore. In addition, that Pokemon will be written out of this story. No Pokemon is safe from this. Not even my starter Pokemon.
Now, as fair warning, I will state right from the beginning that Nolan will not go through this story winning every battle he gets into. I know I'll have to play that way in the Nuzlocke, but constant winning doesn't make for an interesting story. I will be writing this with creativity in mind. The Nuzlocke is merely what that'll be based on.
Also, please remember that this is a going to be a rewrite of the Pokemon Anime, so I won't be killing any of my Pokemon characters off in the story. They'll leave under various different circumstances : )
However, I have made a modification to this rule in the interest of story telling.
Pokemon will ONLY be written out of the story if they are lost in the Nuzlocke BEFORE I take on the Elite Four. What this means is that once I reach the Indigo Plateau, my team is safe. Say for example Lance kills my starter, I wouldn't then write my starter out.
I've made this change to the rule because I feel it would be really unfair to write out characters that are lost at this point in the game, especially ones that have been on Nolan's team for so long.
To compensate for this however, I can only take on the Elite Four in my Nuzlocke ONCE, and in-game, the death rule will still apply. How well I do will determine how well Nolan does in the Pokemon League at the end of the Kanto arc of this story.
So basically, I need to try to keep everyone alive until I've got through the Victory Road and grinded up all my Pokemon to make their future in this story secure : )
Now that we've gone over the standard Nuzlocke Rules, let's cover the additional ones I'll be playing by : )
Rule 4
Gift Pokemon. I will be using Gift Pokemon in this Nuzlocke, as it will allow you guys as the readers several opportunities to make various decisions that will impact the outcome of this story. The Gift Pokemon include : -
The Starter - Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle. This Pokemon will ALWAYS be on the team. The only exception will be if it faints and I have to write it out of the story. I'm SO hoping that doesn't happen : )
The Magikarp you can buy from the Magikarp Salesman - I know this one isn't technically a Gift Pokemon since you have to buy it, but you don't catch it yourself so I'm counting it as a gift.
The Eevee in Celadon City - Another fun Pokemon because it means that once I've got it, you guys will get to decide which Pokemon I'll be evolving it into. I won't be counting votes for this until that time.
The Fighting Type - Another opportunity for you guys to influence the story as you'll get to pick between Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan. I'm actually really interested to see which one is more popular because I love both : )
The Lapras - Whilst I do love Lapras as a Pokemon, this one feels a little redundant. You get SO many Gift Pokemon that are or can be Water types that its not even funny. Still, I'll be including it : )
The Fossil - Now, in the interest of story telling, I will only be using ONE fossil Pokemon. It feels a little much to write Nolan with two. So when the time comes, you guys will be able to vote on which fossil Pokemon I will get - Kabuto, Omanyte or Aerodactyl. Again, I won't be counting votes for this yet.
Finally, The Game Corner Pokemon - This one is going to be really interesting to see what you guys pick since you'll have a LOT of Pokemon to choose from. I'll only be getting ONE Game Corner Pokemon however, and I won't get it until after I have all eight badges. This is both in the interest of story telling and to add challenge to the Nuzlocke.
With these seven Gift Pokemon, the maximum amount of Pokemon I'll be able to use in my Nuzlocke will be twenty one. I feel like this is a solid amount to work with, whilst not too over the top for Nolan to catch over the course of this story : )
Rule 5
A Level Cap will be set in place whilst I playing my Nuzlocke. I will only be able to grind up my team to the level of the next gym leaders Ace Pokemon.
This one isn't so much in direct relation to this story, but more to add challenge to the game. It is important however, because it makes the game harder and thus the risk of losing a Pokemon and having to write them out of the story is much greater.
Rule 6
Evolutions. Again, in the interest of story telling and to add challenge to my Nuzlocke, I will be setting a limit on the number of Pokemon I can evolve both in the game and thus this story.
For each gym leader and elite four member that I beat, I will be allowed to evolve one Pokemon.
This means there will be a total of twelve evolution over the course of the story. It won't necessarily happen after each gym badge in the story either. Creative liberty and all that.
You guys will get to vote on which of my Pokemon I get to evolve after each gym badge, however I am adding one more special rule in terms of evolution. My Starter.
My Starter Pokemon will only be allowed to evolve into its middle stage after I have earned three gym badges. It can then only evolve again into its final stage after winning six gym badges. This is purely for story pacing : )
It should be interesting to see which Pokemon you guys pick to evolve since it'll be an insight into which Pokemon you guys value more ; )
And I think that about covers all the rules : ) If you guys have any questions, please leave them in a review and I'll try to clarify anything : )
For now though, what I need from you guys is pretty simple. All you need to do is leave a review to vote on two different topics.
Question 1 - Which game do you guys want me to play the Nuzlocke on?
The options are Pokemon Fire Red and Pokemon Leaf Green.
This is important because it'll determine which exclusive Pokemon I'll be able to encounter.
Question 2 - Which Starter do you guys want me to pick?
Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle.
When making your choice, please feel free to leave a suggestion for a nickname : )
Please leave a review with your votes on these two questions. By the end of next week, I'll count the votes, and then I can officially start the Nuzlocke and get writing, so please vote if you read this story because I'm honestly itching to get started : )
I really hope you all enjoy this story and have fun with the idea behind it.
Until the next time, keep on reading : )