CHAPTER TWO.
The never ending darkness consumed him. The look on his face however, was not one of terror. Instead Magnus seemed overjoyed, giggling like a little boy as the shadows wrapped round his waist and lifted him upwards. Rising towards the sky, the smile on his face grew, this was what he'd hoped for. Upon reaching what seemed to be the very top of the shadows, Magnus outstretched his arms. They collided with the shadow, and disappeared, followed by the rest of his body. To an onlooker, it would appear that Magnus Colt had been swallowed by the shadows. As morning broke and officers raced along the plains to the trail Magnus had left. There was no evidence of the existance of Magnus, or the shadows that had consumed him.
His eyes bolted open. What had he just seen? Darkness, shadows. As his eyes focused he saw the stern face of an elderly man. His mind jolted and he instantly forgot about his dream. "Who-Where.." Jake stammered. "Calm down my boy" The man interrupted. "You've had a nasty fall!" It all came rushing back. The crime scene. The gates. The fall. The young boys face. Jake jolted upwards, a searing pain blasted through his skull. He cried out and grabbed his head. "Nurse!" Cried the man. "Yes Professor Oak?" said the sweet voice of a young woman. "The boy appears to be in pain Nurse Joy! Can't you do something?" Cried the Profeesor, seemingly worried. The nurse approached Jake and grabbed his head. "I usually treat Pokémon, not humans Professor! But this may do the trick" She grabbed a large needle and jammed it into Jakes arm. Jake bit his lip. He wanted to cry out in pain, but only children were scared of needles. He would never embarass himself in front of the Professor, or a pretty girl for that matter! Within minutes the pain seemed to evaporate, and Jake could stand up and survey his surroundings.
He appeared to be in some sort of medical room. One with strange equipment and diagrams of what he assumed to be Pokémon. Glancing out of the window he saw the iron gates he fell from. Less children were gathered there, but it seemed there were a few that were too eager to leave. Trying to climb the gates but failing. The dark haired child had gone. Perhaps Jake had been mistaken. He was unsure. Realizing he was in the Professors lab, he glanced over to a desk. It had three Pokéballs on it. Oak followed his gaze and smiled.
"Jake Spade eh?" The Professor said knowingly. "I've heard of you" Jake seemed confused. He cleared his throat and prepared to ask how the Professor knew his name but was interrupted once again. "I've heard the stories Jake, Jake Spade...The real life Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up." Jake blushed and turned away. "I know how you've been disappointed each year Jake, and I know the hardships you've had to deal with. No family to support you, no friends around. But still you continue to worship the life of a Pokémon trainer. I'm suprised you dared to come back this year, after being mocked other years. But there you were, lying on the ground in a bloody mess. Stupidity, or dedication?" Jake was confused, were these insults, or compliments? Again he was about to ask, but was interrupted.
"A Pokémon trainer needs a true heart, one that will follow its destiny to the very end. Rarely these people come along. I believe that you are one of these people." The embarrased look on Jakes face turned into one displaying a huge grin. He turned back to the Professor and finally spoke. "All my life I have dreamed of becoming a Pokémon master, every year I was too late to begin my dream. People called me too old, but I believe that now is my time." The Professor nodded. He walked to his desk and beckoned Jake to follow. "You've had 7 years to choose. I'm sure the decision will be easy for you."
Jakes smile faded. He looked at the Pokéballs and was tempted to grab all three and run. Each year he had prepared everything. Well, almost anything. He'd completely forgotten which starter to choose. The Professor looked at Jake and shook his head. "Perhaps you aren't ready after all." He sighed. "NO!" Jake cried, tears began to form in his eyes, but he pushed them back. He had to choose now. Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur. It seemed impossible! Ever since the day he was born he'd dreamed of being a master. And now he'd never acheive that because of this moment. Inspiration suddenly struck him, and he knew which starter to choose.
Born in January, his Star Sign was Aquarius! All his life he'd loved the sea. Surely Squirtle was his destiny! "Professor Oak. I go with my heart and choose Squirtle as my starter!" Jake cried triumphantly. Oak smiled and handed him the Pokéball. Grasping it tightly, Jake eyed the Pokéball up and down. All his life he'd played with imitation Pokéballs. Designed for children to capture Pokémon Plushes. This was completely different. Much heavier. To think the ball contained a life was overwhelming. Once again Jake had to hold back tears.
He grasped Oaks hand tightly, and thanked him for his help. Oak beamed at him and said he looked forward to hearing from him. Stepping out into the world and walking down the long driveway, he pumped his arm and Pokéball into the air with a sense of pride. The children at the gate cheered, then ran as they saw Oak. The gates slowly opened, and Jake stepped out. No longer as mere Jake the dreamer. He was Pokémon trainer Jake. And this is his adventure.