Disclaimer : I do not own anything from the Pokemon franchise aside from my own Original Characters and any Original Plots I make.
Chapter 1 : Commencement
Xavier Residence, Sandgem Town, Sinnoh Region
The magnificent spring sun beat down upon the town of Sandgem in the south of the Sinnoh Region. Only a few wispy clouds could be seen as the early birds among the town's population started appearing outside their houses. A large flock of Starly and Staravia soared overhead in the direction of the imposing mountain to the west. The mountain itself still bore some snow, the remnants of the winter, on its highest slopes. The town was mostly a deep green colour thanks to abundance of trees and flower gardens. There was a slight chill in the air, however - a reminder that it was not yet summer. The peace and quiet of the town was interrupted briefly as a ferry leaving Sandgem's small port in the south sounded its whistle loudly as it set off to sea.
Far in the north eastern suburbs of the town, in a small, two-story yellow house, a 12 year-old boy was busily getting ready. He scratched his short, spiky, light blond hair as he stared at himself in the mirror. He was wearing a blue-white hoodie with a white Poke Ball symbol on the bottom left corner over a plain white tee and black and dark gray slim fit pants. On his feet, he had slipped on a pair of grey and white sneakers.
"Marcus! Are you ready for breakfast yet?" Came his mother's voice from the living room downstairs. "You're going to get late!"
"Just a minute!" Marcus called back as he continued to observe himself in the mirror. He couldn't rush his appearance. Today was a really special day for him after all. A day he had been waiting for a long time. The day he would start his Pokemon journey. He was of the eligible age and with the teachings of both the Pokemon Trainer School and passing the Trainer License Exam with flying colors, he felt that he was more than ready.
Ever since Marcus was a child, he had been infatuated with Pokemon. Whether it was seeing them in the wild or in the hands of Pokemon Trainers, he had always felt a connection with them. When he had first seen a Garchomp - the fiercest and most dangerous of the Dragon-Types - in the hands of a world renowned Trainer, his mind had been made up in seconds. He wanted to become a Pokemon Trainer too. He wanted to travel throughout the Sinnoh Region and if possible, beyond. He wanted to participate in the Gym Challenge and battle in the Sinnoh League.
He even wanted to challenge the current Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia Drake.
Many children his age had started their Pokemon journeys when they were ten. He and his two friends, on the other hand, decided to wait a bit longer. He had spent these past two years learning everything he could about Pokemon. He had learnt all about their typings, strengths, weaknesses, battle strategies and other things that would help him. He wanted to be best equipped before starting his journey and hopefully it would pay off.
"Marcus!" His mother called again, pulling him free from the confine of his thoughts.
"Yeah, I'm coming!" Marcus yelled. His outfit wasn't yet complete. The final touch was a black bandanna with a red Poke Ball symbol on it which he tied around his neck. He quickly put them on and grabbed his green backpack from the foot of his bed. Now that he was ready and set to go, he hurried out of the room and dashed down the stairs.
"Hey, squirt! Looking good!" Marcus smiled happily when he laid his eyes upon his brother who was seated at the dining table.
"I didn't know that you would be stopping by, Jax." Marcus said as he sat down on a chair. A plate of eggs and bacon was placed in front of him.
"I took a couple of days off from the Pokemon League. Like I'd miss my little brother's big day!" Jax guffawed. His older brother was in his early twenties with a musculature that was lean and well-defined. His hair was dual coloured, the majority being black, but the frontal area being snow white. His clothing consisted of a silver vest with black flame-like markings decorating it, a pair of black pants and a pair of black and silver combat boots. Marcus never really understood his big brother's sense of fashion. He was a quirky and odd individual that was for sure.
"You need to be at Dad's lab at nine o'clock, right?" Leia Xavier, his mother, asked as Marcus took a bite out of his bacon. He quickly swallowed the mouthful and then turned to his mother.
Leia Xavier was a name well known throughout the entire Sinnoh Region. She was originally a resident of the Kalos Region who had started her journey in the Sinnoh Region. Leia had once been a formidable Pokemon Trainer and she was even a League winner. After her loss to Katherine Holmes, a previous member of the Sinnoh Elite Four though, she had quit being a Trainer and instead took up Pokemon Breeding. She actually owned a ranch bit further away from the house which she ran by her lonesome. Despite having quit being a Trainer, she was still regarded as a kind of celebrity for the citizens of Sandgem.
"That's right." Marcus said with a nod. "What time is it now?"
"Eight." Leia replied as she took a seat next to Jax, ruffling her eldest son's hair. "It's better to get there earlier rather than later, so I think you should set off as soon as you're done eating."
"How are you feeling, baby brother?" Jax asked his younger brother.
Marcus hesitated a little before finally nodding. "I'm feeling fine. A little nervous about starting my journey but otherwise, I'm good."
"That's to be expected!" His older brother laughed, patting him on the shoulder. "Oh, this takes me back! I remember getting my first Pokemon! Have you decided on what starter you want to pick?"
"Not yet. I've done the research but I guess I'll only be able to make a choice once I actually see them." Marcus replied. He stood up as he finished his breakfast and took his plate over to the dishwasher. "I'll be back as soon as I'm done at the lab!"
"Alright!" The woman replied cheerfully and placed a chaste kiss on her son's cheek as he rushed out of the kitchen. "Good luck!"
Pokemon Laboratory, Sandgem Town, Sinnoh Region
The Pokemon Laboratory which belonged to the famous Professor Rowan wasn't too far away from the Xavier Residence. Marcus sucked in a deep breath before starting to walk. He had only gone a couple of streets when a figure slammed into him from the side. Marcus was knocked off his feet into a grassy area to the side of the road, with the figure lying on top of him. Groaning, Marcus looked up and caught himself in a pair of gray eyes. Pushing the figure off, he rolled to his feet and held out a hand to his childhood friend, Nia Oliver. The black haired girl grinned up at him before taking his hand and allowing herself to be pulled to her feet.
"Did you really have to do that, Nia?" Marcus huffed as he aimed a playful glare at the girl.
"Just wanted an exciting way to say hello." Nia shrugged.
"So you sent me flying? Real mature" Marcus fired back, sticking his tongue out at the girl. Bangs of her wavy knee-length black hair were parted, framing the sides of her forehead while the rest of it fell down past her back, reaching to her knees. Her gray eyes glittered with excitement as they usually did when she was reading a history book or a novel on ancients myths and legends of the Pokemon World. For her Trainer's attire, she wore tight black trousers with black fur ruff around her ankles, a long-sleeved black top underneath a violet coat with dark purple fur lining the end of the sleeps and the bottom of the jacket. A ring of black furred ruff was wrapped gently around her neck and finally, a pair of black sneakers were worn on her feet.
"Coming from you?" Nia retorted. The two twelve year olds held each other's gaze for a moment before bursting into laughs and snorts. "Come on, let's get you your Starter already!"
The black haired girl instantly latched her hand around Marcus' arm and began pulling him along. Nia Oliver had moved to Sandgem Town a few years back and she and Marcus had instantly hit it off even if she sometimes found him annoying. The two of them often competed each other in the Trainer's School and that competition they had motivated them to be the best possible Trainers they could be.
It took around another five minutes for both Marcus and Nia to reach Professor Rowan's Pokemon Laboratory. The man himself was stood in front of the lab doors along with the third member of their trio, Braedon Hayes. Once they arrived, the normally grouchy man grinned at them. He had once told his class that this was his favorite part of the job. Setting new Trainers off onto their journeys with their Pokemon partners.
"Hey guys!" Braedon greeted with a beaming grin on his face. "Looks like I beat you guys here!"
"Well, there is a first time for everything." Nia snorted and the hyperactive twelve-year old deflated slightly, jutting his lips out in a pout.
Braedon was a boy that Marcus had known all his life. They had practically grown up together, unlike Nia who had joined their group the same year they had started attending the Trainer's School. He was an exuberant youth with a fiery personality who was passionate about all things Pokemon. He had medium length, messy blazing red hair and orange eyes and his travelling garment consisted of a black T-shirt underneath a sky blue jacket and gray, slightly baggy pants tightened by a black belt with a silver metal buckle. A scarlet red pair of shoes with black panels and white soles were worn on his feet.
"Being punctual is important in life." Professor Rowan exclaimed, as he crossed his arms behind his back. "No one will take you seriously if you arrive late." Marcus, Braedon and Nia exchanged an exasperated glance as the old man began rambling. They liked the Professor a lot but they weren't exactly keen on listening to another one of his lectures. Of course it would be rude if they just interrupted him, so they let him finish while paying only minimal attention. "Now then, why don't you three come on in."
"Yes, professor." The three twelve year olds spoke in unison.
'This is it. I can hardly wait! I'm going to be the very best Trainer there is!' Marcus thought excitedly.
Professor Rowan turned around and began walking into the main part of the lab, the soon-to-be Trainers following him. The old Pokemon Researcher led them into a large room with a large computer on one side. In the center of the room was a circular table with three Poke Balls sitting on top of it. Numerous other equipment was also set up all around the room, expensive equipment. Marcus had been in this room many times before and he knew his way around. He also knew not to touch anything lest he face the Professor's wrath.
"I actually have a little surprise for you three." Professor Rowan began as he stood next to the circular table. He had an uncharacteristically bright grin on his face which unnerved Marcus a little. "You see, during my last trip to the Hoenn Region, my colleague, Professor Birch, gave me the three Starter Pokemon of Hoenn for research purposes. I was supposed to send them back once I finished but I thought it might be interesting if you three were to take these Pokemon for yourselves. Professor Birch agreed to it as well."
Marcus exchanged a look of confusion and surprise with his friends before they turned back to face the Professor. He wasn't as familiar with the Starters of other regions as he was with Chimchar, Piplup and Turtwig. The Trainer's School mainly focused on Pokemon that could be found in the Sinnoh Region. That meant that all of the knowledge he had picked up wouldn't help him make his choice. He wasn't too worried though. Starters of any region had incredible potential that even the worst of trainers could do wonders with.
"Before I introduce you to your future partners, I must inform you that there is something special about these three Pokemon in particular. Now, normally each starter Pokemon is bred by an accredited league breeder, ideal for beginning trainers. This way we aren't sending out youngsters like yourselves with baby Pokemon that know moves far outside their ability. However, this time is different. Because I have such faith in you three and you've all proven yourselves well beyond the average beginners, the Pokemon that you will receive each come with an advanced move."
"Isn't that a bit…unfair?" Nia questioned uncertainly.
Professor Rowan shook his head. "Far from it. You have all put more effort into your studies than most beginning Trainers so I believe that it's only right you get some special treatment. Besides, it's not like training these Pokemon will be a walk in the park. Just because they know the move doesn't mean they can use it quite yet. They aren't developed enough to make good use of it and will need a lot of work." The esteemed Pokemon Researcher suddenly clapped his hands, making everyone jolt back. "Now then…I believe it is time to introduce you to the Pokemon."
The three aspiring Trainers watched as Professor Rowan pressed a couple of buttons and a black screen on the circular table blinked to life, displaying images of three Pokemon with varying shapes and colors. Marcus leaned forwards slightly as did his friends to look at the screen.
"Here they are! One of these will become your very first Pokemon," Professor Rowan stated, gesturing to the screen on the table. "The Poke Ball with the leave symbol contains Treecko, the Grass-Type Pokemon. The one with the flame contains Torchic, the Fire-Type Pokemon, and the last one with the water droplet contains Mudkip, the, well, Water-Type Pokemon. If you click on the images, it will show you the details for each of them as I am aware you are not too familiar with the Hoenn Starters. Now, who will choose first?"
Marcus and Braedon exchanged glances before turning to Nia. "Ladies first." They chorused in unison.
Nia smiled at their words before she walked up to the table. Her nose scrunched up in concentration as she clicked on each of the Pokemon's profiles, going over all the details. Two minutes later, she grinned and grabbed one of the Poke Ball, tossing it high into the air. A burst of white light erupted from the red and white container to reveal a small and green gecko-like Pokemon. It looked around at all the people in its presence before turning to it's future Trainer with a stoic look in its eyes.
"Oh it's so awesome. Hi Treecko, I'm Nia and we're going to be great friends." Nia was practically drooling at the sight of her long awaited Pokemon. Treecko stared at her for several seconds before nodding once and looking away.
Professor Rowan walked up to the black-haired girl and handed her some items. "Here you are Nia, your PokeDex and Poke Balls. While the older PokeDex models were used to simply identify Pokemon a Trainer encounters, these newer ones can also scan Pokemon and offer more detailed information, such as their gender and current move sets. Go ahead, try it out."
Nia nodded and held the PokeDex over her brand new Treecko. Within seconds the device beeped and a list of data sprang forth about both the species and individual.
"So you're a boy? Cool." Nia's grin returned in full force as she read further down the list. "No way! You can use Leaf Storm? That's crazy!"
Once Nia stepped back, Marcus let Braedon go next. He didn't really mind which Pokemon he'd get so long as he got one. He watched as the boy practically teleported to the table, snatching the Poke Ball with flame symbol without even looking at the details and releasing the creature within. An orange chick-like Pokemon appeared before them. It seemed a little confused at first, looking around at all the people staring down at it, before letting out a triumphant cry and puffing out its chest in what Marcus presumed was some attempt to show off.
"Alright, Torchic, I'm your new trainer. Nice to meet ya!" Braedon shouted in typical Braedon fashion. "I plan on being the world's greatest Pokémon trainer and only want the best on my team. That sound good to you?"
The Fire-Type Pokémon's eyes shifted as it let out another proud call and waddled over to Braedon while nodding feverishly at his declaration. Braedon's smirk widened further at that.
The fiery twelve year old collected his PokeDex and extra Poke Balls from Professor Rowan before rejoining Marcus and Nia. He checked out his Torchic, who was female, with his PokeDex. Much to his immense pleasure, he discovered that his new Pokemon knew the advanced move, Crush Claw. Marcus suspected, however, that Torchic wouldn't be able to make use of the last move till much later. First he had to work on building up the Chick Pokemon's physical strength.
Finally, it was Marcus' turn. There was only one Poke Ball left so he didn't bother looking at the detail. He simply stepped up to the table and picked up the water Poke Ball and gently tapped the button. Not everyone had to throw their Poke Balls, after all. Another flash and a new Pokémon joined the group. This one looked like a small, blue, amphibious, quadrupedal Pokemon with a fin on it's head. It stretched out and yawned cutely. When it noticed there were others around, the little blue Pokémon froze and began to back away slowly.
Marcus smiled and got down on both knees, trying to look small and mimicked the Mudkip's posture as best he could.
"Hi there." He said in the gentlest voice possible. "My name's Marcus. It's nice to meet you."
It seemed to have the desired effect as the Mudkip stopped backing away and actually took a step closer. It tilted its head, as if curious to inspect this new creature. Marcus wondered how many humans it had actually met.
"I'm hoping to travel and see the world, getting the chance to battle against all kinds of opponents along the way. I hope we can be friends and do it together. I'm sure I can help you grow into a powerful Swampert one day. So what do you say? Do you want to become my partner?"
At the mention of growing stronger, the Mudkip's timid nature immediately vanished and it jumped forward onto Marcus' stomach, full of enthusiasm. Marcus just laughed. "I'll take that as a yes."
Once he received his PokeDex and Poke Balls, Marcus gave Mudkip a quick scan, confirming it was a male and knew the moves Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Mud Slap, and much to his surprise and joy, Ice Beam. Though he suspected that the last move would require a lot of training. From what he knew about Ice Beam, both perfection in aim and power was required to master it.
Professor Rowan stepped forwards and gave them all a wide smile. "With that settled, it's time you three head off and begin your Pokemon journey. I can't promise it will be easy, but no matter what course you follow, I can promise it will a journey worth taking."
"Heck yeah it will be! My debut as a Trainer starts right now!" Braedon cried as he posed dramatically.
The bearded old man chuckled at his enthusiasm. "You three may take your leave now. Take care of yourself and be sure to stay in touch!"
"We will!" They exclaimed and after a quick goodbye, Marcus let Mudkip climb onto his shoulder – while Nia and Braedon recalled their Pokemon – before they all rushed out of the lab in a hurry.
Xavier Residence, Sandgem Town, Sinnoh Region
"Hey, Mom! I'm back!" Marcus called as he and Mudkip entered his house. Nia and Braedon had run off back to their respective home as well to say their own goodbyes.
"We're in the kitchen, sweetie! I'm just finishing up with the dishes!" Leia called back.
Marcus and Mudkip proceeded to make their way into the kitchen just as Leia was stacking the last plate in the cabinet. She was wearing a white apron and a pair of yellow rubber gloves and had her back turned to him. Jax was sat on the dining table with a book laid out in front of him. The six year old looked up when he entered though, a curious glint in his icy blue eyes.
"So what kind of Pokemon did you end up getting?" Jax asked as Samantha also turned to face her eldest son, pulling the yellow gloves off of her hands.
"A Mudkip!" Marcus stated proudly with a grin, waving his hand down at the Mudfish Pokemon hiding behind his legs.
Jax whistled as he lifted himself off his chair and walked over to his younger brother. The twenty-two year old man knelt down and looked at the Mudkip with a calculating look in his eyes. As he did so, Leia walked closer as well, a look of confusion plastered on her face.
"You got a Mudkip? I thought the regular Starters were Chimchar, Turtwig, or Piplup?" Leia questioned as she watched her eldest son reach one hand out to pet his younger brother's first-ever Pokemon. The Mudkip seemed shy at first but eventually he leaned into the older boy's hand and let him rub his head.
"Professor Rowan decided to let me, Nia, and Braedon choose from a different set of Starters." Marcus recounted what the old researcher had told them.
"I think Mudkip is gonna be an awesome Starter!" Jax exclaimed as he straightened himself, turning to look at his younger brother.
"Yeah, you're right." Marcus agreed as he bent down and picked the Mudfish Pokemon, holding him tight in his arms. "Mudkip and I are going to rise to the top together, aren't we buddy?"
"Mudkip!" The Water-Type cheered.
"Well I think Mudkip is just adorable." Leia chuckled as she rubbed Mudkip's head, the Mudfish Pokemon growling affectionately under the woman's touch. Soon, Leia stopped petting the Water-type and turned to look at her younger son. "Alright, Marcus. I've already got you packed up. I've got a backpack full of some things you may need for your journey and I want to go over everything with you."
Leia led both her sons out of the kitchen and into the living room. Once they entered the living room, Leia walked over to the couch where a grey-white backpack with several pockets and zippers was laying on top of it. She picked it up and turned to face Marcus.
"Here. I have a fresh change of clothes if your current ones get dirty. I packed a few snacks in case you get hungry. I packed a jacket in case you get cold. Here is your sleeping bag since you will have to camp outside some nights. Here are some nice rubber gloves and a water keg so you can do your laundry and dishes. Here is a thermometer so you can take your temperature. I also got Tylenol, cough syrup, your toothbrush and toothpaste, a few bars of soap, and….."
"Mom! Okay! I get it! Thanks a lot!" Marcus cried as Mudkip watched curiously. Only a mother would be able to pack so many things inside such a small backpack.
"Well, alright. I trust you." Leia sighed.
Marcus let Mudkip climb back onto his shoulder before the twelve year old turned to look at his mother. "I gotta get going, Mom. I promised Nia and Braedon I would meet them at the street corner so we could say our goodbyes before leaving. Are you ready, Mudkip?"
"Mud, mudkip!" The Mudfish Pokemon cried, nodding his head in confirmation.
"I understand. You wouldn't mind if we saw you off, would you?" Leia asked hopefully.
"Not me. I don't like sappy goodbyes." Jax quickly interjected.
"Really? Or do you just not want to come because you know Braedon is gonna hound you for a battle?" Marcus teased and Jax rolled his eyes.
"That kid seriously needs to lay off the sugar." The twenty-two year old muttered under his breath before he grinned at his younger brother. "All that aside, I do wish you the best of luck, baby brother. Have fun and stay safe! Also, try to keep in touch! I know it might get difficult to do so when you're on your travels but a call every now and then wouldn't hurt."
"I will! Come on, Mom, let's go! Bye, Jax!" Marcus called and waved goodbye to his older brother before he shouldered on his backpack and walked out the door with Mudkip on his shoulders, followed by Leia.
The group of three stepped outside and began walking toward the street. Marcus turned around and paused. He wanted to take one last look at his home for twelve years before he began his journey. He had so many great memories here. The aroma of his mother's cooking, his cozy room, his constant arguments with his older brother. He would miss it all.
"Marcus?" Leia questioned, noticing her son's almost sad expression.
"Nothing, Mom. I'm fine." Marcus replied quickly. He then closed his eyes and turned around, continuing on his way.
Author's Note: And so the journey begins! This is the third time that I am rewriting Shining in Sinnoh as I wasn't happy with either of the previous story. I'll definitely be changing some things in the story. One of my biggest problems with Shining in Sinnoh was that i had my character catch too many Pokemon and didn't know how to juggle it all.
I've changed some things such as have Marcus' starter Pokemon be a Mudkip instead of Chimchar. The other Pokemon he catches will also differ from the Original Story. I have also introduced other OCs who will have their own stories later down the line. I really hope that no one has a problem with me giving Marcus a Hoenn Starter. I just thought it might be interesting. I hope I gave a good enough explanation as well though I'm not too happy with it myself.
Stay tuned for the next chapter!