Dawn

I still have a brief memory of the wonderful dreams that night, the night that marked the beginning of my very own journey. I dreamt of being surrounded by tons of Pokémon, which turned from hostile to friendly in a flash. They melted into Shadow, who first sneered at me arrogantly but then went into a battle with me. I didn't know how battles worked though, so her unknown monsters absolutely demolished mine, before launching me into a never-ending abyss of darkness.

I sprang up into the dim light of dawn. I checked the Hoothoot clock. It was sometime past 5. I really should get some more rest. I lay, spread, on the bed, staring at the ceiling and still panting. That wasn't real. It wouldn't be.

I tossed and turned, but the sight of her in my own mind - now her scent, her belongings, and her imaginary presence here as well - simply haunted me. So I got up instead. Onto my feet, I slipped into those girly pink slippers (how furry could they get?) and stepped out of the room.

The house was oh so familiar to me, after countless times playing with her throughout my childhood - until she left. I walked into the balcony and looked up to the clear, dim-lit sky. I silently watched as a great yellow ball emerged from beyond the horizon and rose, changing its colour gradually, lighting up the grey sky, and spreading its brilliant golden pigment towards everything in existence. Had I witnessed too few dawns, or was this one particularly beautiful and captivating? I wasn't sure, but I firmly believed that this signified the dawn of a brilliant, fulfilling journey.

As I gazed into the morning sky for an unknown period of time, I heard some noise behind me. Probably the videophone ringing. I checked the Hoothoot clock, which said half past six. Who would call at such a time? Curious, I went over through the living room to the device and answered the call.

Shadow's familiar face filled the screen as she shrieked, "MOOOOOOOM! I NEED MY - " and absurdly halted. I failed to hold in my giggle. "LUCIFER!" she cried. "What are you doing at my home?"

"Just hanging around," I replied casually. "Checking out your cute bedroom."

She wasn't happy. "Mom probably let you in huh? Aww mom," she sighed. Then she noticed something. "Hey, what's that behind you? It looks kinda cool!"

I looked back, and sure enough, Houndour was there, laying by me. "My new pet, or friend, or partner, whatever you call that," I was almost singing.

"Wow, that's so cool! Do uncle and auntie finally let you have a Pokémon?"

"Not sure really. Your mom talked to them last night and ta-da," I smiled. "She said I'm on my journey!"

"It was that easy? Tell me more!"

So I told her how I gradually befriended Houndour, how I threw a tantrum after the attack, and how I decided to leave home. Houndour rubbed his ears against my legs endearingly while I told our story. "That was a long story, but I got to be a trainer anyway," I concluded, leaving her impressed.

"Thought mom would convince them one day," she looked smug. "So, are you planning to catch up with me?"

That struck. My dreams came to mind, and I once again realised I lacked the basics. It left me speechless.

Fortunately aunt Cherry came along. "Hey Shadow," she greeted. "So you figured out Lucifer is coming too?"

"Yay! I'm so looking forward to beating him."

"Let's see about that. Look at his determination; I'm sure he'll be catching up in no time. What were you calling for in the wee hours of morning anyway?"

Shadow paused for a split second then remembered. "OH MOM! MY WINTER CLOTHES! It's getting a little cold right here."

"Chill out, sweetie. Where are you?"

"I'm now staying at someone's house on route 216."

"Right, I'll ring the delivery man," and so she did. Surprisingly for me, the delivery man arrived literally immediately, riding on a Pelipper. She put together a package of clothes like magic (mothers are that amazing) and handed it over. As he left flying, she turned to me. "You too, Lucifer. Do bring yours if you're going there...or should I get you some?"

I snapped out of my trance. "I'll...probably be fine," I replied bashfully. What a good mother Shadow had...

And so I began to pack my stuff - if I had any stuff to pack anyway. Auntie actually gave me lots of daily items, even some snacks, from their home and forbade me to refuse. Luckily I did have a bit of pocket money with me - probably worth a Poké ball or so? I stuffed all these into one of their spare backpacks - thankfully a blue one - and nervously zipped it up.

Some time later, I was all set, clenching onto my stuff, standing by my buddy. I stepped out of the warm house. "Thanks auntie," I waved. "It was a good night."

"How short your stay's been! You should be taking your time."

But of course, I couldn't wait. "Sorry auntie, I'm just too excited to wait, haha!" After stroking Houndour's short fur, I turned towards the road ahead, only to see someone arriving. I recognised him to be no-one but Shadow's dad! He looked delighted as he noticed me too, not too far off.

"What a coincidence, Lucifer!" he laughed. "I'm just back from my business trip to Rustboro City. So I see you've just finished visiting our home, yeah?"

Auntie briefly told him about today's me while I blushed. He looked psyched.

"I can't believe it, little boy! So you're growing up like our cute Shadow!" he gave me a thumbs-up, then hesitated a bit. He rummaged in his briefcase, and got hold of something. "Well then let me give you a little gift. I happened to have got it on my way home."

In my confusion, he handed a metallic ball, half-red, half-white. My basic knowledge told me it was a Poké ball. Could it be...?

"I just caught it nearby, and you know, I'm not really a full-time trainer anymore," he said kindly. "So I thought you could take care of this Pokémon." I still couldn't believe my ears. Another Pokémon as my companion, for free? I was a bit embarrassed, but again, I was too stoked to refuse it. After all, I was ready to find tons of Pokémon friends, just like in my dream. "Try releasing it," he said.

I recalled how they did it on TV, and carefully pressed the central button. Slightly to my shock, a bright white light snuck out of the open ball and materialised right before me.

After I composed myself, I focused my eyes on the creature released. Right at that moment, I recognised its form, and was flabbergasted. Flapping its blue and purple wings, it had skinny legs, a fanged mouth and no eyes. I recalled that this must be a Zubat - and my memory wasted no time reminding me that it had been exactly this species that hurt us that night. That night that tired Houndour out and left both of us so injured; that night that twisted my fate and set me on this unexpected journey.

All of a sudden, Houndour howled and leapt upwards, widely opening its jaws under fierce, furious eyes, looking to attack the creature. With its swift muscles, it prepared a forceful bite. I was surprised and after quick thinking, I stepped forward to hug its belly hard, resisting the foul smell it emanated, and hold it back from action.

"What are you doing, Houndour?" I shouted to it, looking into its angered eyes. It relentlessly struggled in my embrace, roaring towards the bat, even raging at me. Accidentally it scratched my arm, revealing red blood oozing out quickly. What a strong paw! I tried to ignore the pain and went on, trying to comfort it. "This Zubat is now our..." Then I was struck by a sudden realisation.

"Could you mean...this Zubat is the...very same...?"