I just thought I should give this a try, seeing as how there are so many trainer fics out there and my old one is crap and is abandoned.. Tell me what you think.

Summary: Two children, both blessed by Mew but only one acknowledged. Jake fights both life and unfairness in hopes of getting at least a little love from his parents. Fortunately, those life lessons are about to come in handy as Jake makes some interesting discoveries and decides who his real family is.

I do not own any pokemon or any related reference. Made up characters belong to me and are not to be used without permission.

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Did you ever feel like you're going no where? Do you know what it's like to keep walking, never back down against the reality of life and still keep going? Life is supposed to be simple when you're little. The things in life are supposed to be given to you without the fear of being hurt or abandoned.

Life ain't so simple. Tragedy happens. And when it does, what are you going to do about it? Walk away, or perhaps hide behind others? You can be a coward and turn back.

Or you can fight. Fight back, no matter what anyone says. That's what I did, and I paid for it. See, when there's more than one outside force trying to put you down, they won't stop kicking you, even when you're out for the count.

Still, even with all that life has thrown at me, I still go on, and I even escaped. I escaped into the life that I want. What I want is to be a pokemon trainer. Or maybe I just want to travel. It's probably both. I love to travel and I love pokemon. To be able to train and encourage a pokemon in a fight and travel the world, it's the freedom that takes my breath away. There's nothing more than I love than that.

After being in fights most of my life and having an unloving mother, father and brother can do that to a person. I'm sick of the cops and bums in my life. I needed this change. I needed to be able to go on a pokemon journey. After living in Pallet Town for so long, heading off on a journey would be no trouble at all.

Unfortunately, it was more trouble than I thought. The age to become a trainer was 13. The age had changed, the League believing 10 to be way too young. That was fine with me. I would turn 13 on the day of the exam, actually.

An exam, that decided who could and could not be a trainer. It was difficult, I won't deny that, but it was somehow disappointingly easy. I had passed with some of the highest scores, something that wasn't even noticed by my parents. All they cared about was Shane.

Shane, why was it always him? My parents, both successful trainers and very well known in Pallet Town, gave all their attention to him. They taught him all they knew about pokemon. The only reason I learned anything was from eavesdropping in on their private lessons.

What was so great about Shane anyway? He wasn't fat, but was slightly pudgy, more annoying than a room full of agitated Murkrow and couldn't survive without mom and dad keeping him standing.

It was unfair.

And all because of that stinkin' fire all those years ago. It was twelve years ago to be exact. A fire had lit our house on fire, and no one could get into our nursery. Somehow, for whatever reason, Mew had been flying above our house and heard our anguished cries.

Mew had saved us both and teleported Shane and i out of the house. I remember this clearly, because apparently it was a part of the gift that I remember it. Or perhaps a curse.

Mew had blessed us both. It was first me. His tail had touched my forehead and sent power into my body, almost as if saying 'You shall live.' A small, almost invisible curved moon had been tattooed onto my shoulder. The reason no one had ever noticed the strange mark because it was the same color as my skin and you had to know where to look to see it.

And then my brother. Or at least Mew was about to. When Mew had put his tail onto my brother, my parents and a large crowd of people had run into the clearing Mew had brought us, and froze at the sight. Mew had taken off in a matter of seconds, fleeing before he could bless my brother.

But the crowd didn't know that. They deemed my brother special, the one that Mew wanted. I was tossed aside, practically forgotten. It continued for years, and my brother took pride in reminding me of who was the favorite.

But that didn't matter.

My Journey.

Yes, my journey.

I am Jake Reed, here to start my pokemon journey.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Trainers," Prof. Oak called out proudly. "You are here today to begin the greatest journey of your life. You will travel far and wide, capturing and training the amazing creature we call Pokemon. Pokemon, you must remember, are not tools. They are our friends, comrades and family. You will have a relationship that can never be broken.

"But to begin this relationship, first you must go through the tests ahead of you. You should all be aware and well prepared for what you are about to do. Remember, this is not something you can just quite in the middle. If you have any second thoughts, please leave."

Nobody moved.

Prof. Oak nodded grimly. "Good. Now," he said, staring at the large amount of kids, "all of you will receive a number from this box and from then on you shall receive your pokemon." The teens stared at the red box on the table. "Remember the choices that are presented to you, don't waste it."

Jake nodded carefully, keeping his face blank but allowing his eyes to travel to his brother. Shane was nudging a friend, grinning slyly and probably bragging about his starter. Jake grinded his teeth in frustration. Shane would be given a special pokemon, courtesy of their parents. Of course, Jake had been left out but that was ok, he already knew what he wanted and it was one of Oak's choices.

Jake reviewed the pokemon that Professor Oak would be giving out, mentally reviewing if his choice was really the one he really wanted.

There were of course the normal starters that Oak gave out, along with the Johto starters that would be given out, but the new, nonstarter pokemon would consist of Growlithe, Mareep, Abra, Vulpix, Marill, both Nidorans and, of course, a Pikachu.

Electric pokemon had been the population's favorite ever since Ash Ketchum had become a pokemon master. It was rather sad, really. Why couldn't people just go on a journey their own way without trying to be someone else? Not to say it was wrong to look up to people, but honestly, the whole point of a journey is to do it yourself.

Jake eyed Shane who was staring up at their parents, Alice and Brandon Reed, who had come to help the old Professor out. Yep, he wouldn't go anywhere without mommy and daddy's help.

Jake stared at a piece of glass on one of the machines and stared at his reflection. He stared at his messy black hair that reached a little past his ears, the black and red clothing he wore as well as the backpack on his shoulder holding all his supplies. The last bit he stared at was his deep, green eyes, reminding him very much of a forest before he turned away.

Jake narrowed his eyes as he surveyed the large group of people. They were in an exceptionally large lab with lab assistant's walking around and making sure no one got into any trouble. Around fifty kids ranging from ages thirteen to fifteen walked in small groups or, like he was doing, watching the competition.

Jake stuffed his hands into his pockets and stared out the window, eyeing the open sky from out a window. It would be tough, but Jake had trained for this kind of thing. Nothing in life that wasn't tough wasn't worth it. If he couldn't work hard for it, there was no point in even trying.

Jake smirked.

Yes, things would be interesting.

"I will pass out a box now," Oak continued. "Each of you must take one slip of paper. They all have numbers on them. As you can tell, there are fifty of you, so you can make an estimate of how many there are."

Some of the kids laughed at the pathetic joke.

"When I call your number, just follow me into the room."

Jake just rolled his eyes and grabbed a slip of paper. He almost groaned as he read his number. "Number 42, just my luck."

Watching kid after kid go up and pick a pokemon was the most nerve racking thing Jake had ever experienced. What if the pokemon he wanted was no longer available? What if he got a pokemon that didn't like him? It was all just so frustrating.

"Number 42," Professor Oak called.

Jake swallowed nervously but walked up to the old man with his held up high.

"No need to be nervous, lad," Oak said with a smile as soon as the door was closed.

Jake gave a sheepish grin. "You can tell?"

Professor Oak gave a hearty laugh. "When you've done this as long as me, you'll have learned to read body language. So, have you decided on which pokemon you want?"

Jake nodded just a bit too boldly. "I have, sir. I have thought long and hard about who I would like to start on my journey. Sir, may I have a Charmander?"

Professor Oak had been smiling as Jake talked, but as soon as Jake stated which pokemon he wanted, his smile turned into a frown. "I'm sorry, Jake, but we are unfortunately out of Charmander's."

Jake felt his heart drop. "No more?" he repeated meekly.

Professor Oak nodded hesitantly. "All we have left are female Nidoran's, a Vulpix and a Marill."

Jake felt his hands form fists. "Are… are you sure there's not one left?" God how he hated sounding like this, so weak and childish, it almost made him want to break something.

Professor Oak seemed to take pity on him and said, "Well, there is one…" Jake perked up at the sound of this. "But I need to tell you a few things first."

Jake nodded, showing that he would listen.

"Have you ever heard of a shiny pokemon?"

Jake nodded again, having studied quite a lot among the past three years. "Yes, sir. They are just like other pokemon, only having a different color and are known for being generally stronger than their other species and are incredibly rare."

Professor Oak smiled. "It seems you know your research. Anyways, we happen to have a Charmander in the lab at the moment, but it's been extremely difficult."

Jake tilted his head. "Difficult?"

"Yes, the Charmander is not a shiny, but it is a different color."

"Is that a bad thing?" Jake asked.

"Heavens no!" Oak laughed. "The little guy is just very rebellious and we haven't had much time to study it. It's young, but still as old as the pokemon we're giving out today. The rebellious thing isn't a problem, but what is the problem is its sickness."

"Sickness?"

Professor Oak regarded him seriously. "It must be given a serum every once in a while to… shall we say… keep it going. It gets tired faster than the normal pokemon but strangely enough it has a lot of endurance."

"Shouldn't those two things cancel each other out?"

Professor Oak chuckled. "You would think so, but no it does not." Oak stared at him for a moment longer. "I am telling you this because you want a Charmander, and I will offer you this pokemon only on the condition that you will treat it well and make sure it gets stronger. Hopefully this journey will strengthen it." Professor Oak paused. "Of course with all that I told you, you probably don't want it anymore."

Jake looked surprised. "What? Of course not! I would love to have a pokemon like that."

"Are you sure?" Oak asked dubiously. "You could just have a pokemon ordered like your brother."

"No!" Jake shouted. Jake grimaced at the look professor Oak gave him. "I mean no, sir," Jake said more softly. He glared at the floor. "No, I won't do that."

Professor Oak nodded. "Very well. I suppose I should get you your pokemon since there are still others waiting for their own pokemon."

Jake gave a huge smile. "Yes, sir!"

Oak handed him a ball. "Here you go, lad. Take good care of it. Here is your pokedex as well, some pokeballs and a map. Have a safe journey."

"Thank you."

"Jake," Oak said seriously. "I will give you Charmander's medicine but I want you to have him examined at every pokemon center you enter. I will send word out so that they will know. Also, your Charmander is a boy."

Jake nodded and grabbed the pills and a few tubes of clear blue liquid. "I'll take care of him, I promise."

"I know you will, now get out of here."

Jake waved goodbye and ran out the door, leaving the last few people behind him. Jake ran past all the people waiting outside for the others and the other kids who already received their pokemon. He noticed Shane talking with his parents and not even notice as he ran past them.

"I don't need to be near anyone," Jake thought. "I've always been on my own so I see no reason to greet my new friend in front of others."

Jake finally stopped well away from Route one and enlarged his pokeball, a large smile on his face. "Time to come out, buddy," Jake said and threw the pokeball to the ground.

What came out almost made Jake gasp but he held it back in, wanting to give a good first impression. Professor Oak had been right when he said this Charmander was a different color. Charmander was a dark black color, his eyes a sea green while the flame on its tail was a light blue. It was also a little shorter than other Charmander's but that was ok.

Charmander stared at him disinterested. "Char," it greeted, folding its claws and glaring up at Jake.

Jake kneeled so that he was eye level with Charmander, trying to show he considered Charmander his equal. "Hello, Charmander."

Charmander just stared before sniffing rudely and turning away.

Jake wasn't disappointed. Professor Oak had told him this little guy was a bit of a rebel. They would get along just because of that, probably.

"Charmander, Professor Oak entrusted you into my care and I promise to make you stronger. You want to get stronger, right?"

Charmander gave no indication he heard but Jake could tell the lizard was interested.

"All my life I've wanted to travel and get away from my… family." This apparently caught Charmander's attention because he stared up at Jake. "I want to get stronger to and prove to people that I'm here, that I'm strong. I want to make you strong and defeat everybody I meet. I can't do that without you, though."

Charmander stared up at him. "Char," he growled and blew a little flame at him.

It was easy to dodge since it was halfhearted but Jake grunted in annoyance and shrugged. "Fine. We can go back to the lab and you can go back to being tested on and given medicine."

"Cham!" Charmander looked horrified.

"Yes, Charmander, I know all about your medicine."

Charmander growled at him angrily. "Char man ma der cahr!"

Jake shook his head, understanding only a little bit. "How about we make a deal?"

"Nader?" Charmander questioned, his eyes narrowed.

"Yea, a deal." Jake held out a few pills and Charmander made a face. Jake nodded. "I thought so. How about this, I don't give you these pills as long as you train hard and give this a shot?"

Charmander seemed to think about it. "Mad, char?"

"I won't tell Oak, I promise. I don't know what Oak was talking about you being weak, but I'm sure with training you won't need these."

"Char!" Charmander blew out some fire in agreement.

"So we got a deal?" Jake asked, holding out a fist.

Charmander stared up at him for a moment. After a full two minutes, Charmander and Jake punched each other's fists.

"It's a deal then," Jake said, grinning just a bit too dangerously. "C'mon, we'll head to the beach first."

"Mander?" Charmander questioned.

"Forty-nine other people became trainers today," Jake said. "Route one will be crowded like a woman's clothing store. The pokemon of that route will know and won't come out till later."

Charmander nodded. That made sense, especially if one wanted to train and capture others pokemon. Charmander stared up at Jake, wondering about this strange human as they walked. Jake wasn't like any human he had ever met. Most just gapped at his strange skin color. It wasn't his fault that he was born this way!

Also, this human had made a deal with him. A good deal at that. No more medicine! The thought alone almost made the little Charmander do a little jig but he had his pride and dignity. He also had an image to uphold.

"Here we are," Jake said, smiling broadly.

"Mander," Charmander said wondrously. They were on top of a large cliff that over looked the ocean. Waves crashed against the rocks and made sounds like thunder. The water shimmered were the sun gleamed down and both noticed a few Seel playing in the water.

"It's my favorite spot to come to," Jake whispered. "When I can't stand things at home I usually come here."

"Cham?" Charmander asked, determined to get more information out of its trainer.

"Don't worry about it."

"Mar," Charmander growled.

Jake just chuckled but turned back to look at the ocean. It was so beautiful and so perfect…

"Hey, loser!"

…and now it was ruined.

Jake scowled and turned to face the source. "Shane," Jake growled lowly.

"I thought you'd be here," Shane said with a victorious smirk on his face. There were two boys on Shane's side, glaring up at him.

"Here with your little posse?" Jake asked, folding his arms.

"Of course," Shane said with a grin. He looked around with a sniff. "I don't know why you would ever come to a stupid place like this, but I guess since your unwanted at home I guess you have no other choice."

"Char!" Charmander hissed. The fire lizard bared its fangs up at Shane, causing him to laugh.

"Is that your pokemon? What a freak! I guess it fits you, though."

"Shut your mouth," Jake snarled. "You can say what you want about me, but don't you dare insult Charmander."

Shane made a face. "Aw, did I hit a nerve? I don't see why, I was only telling you the truth."

Jake grinded his teeth as Charmander continued to growl. "Out of my way," he hissed at the three.

They just laughed at him. "Do you really think we'd let you go without a battle?" Shane taunted. "Right, Blake? Right, Brandon?"

The two just snickered and nodded.

Shane spun a pokeball on his finger. "I'm going to enjoy pummeling that freak pokemon of yours."

"No," Jake hissed out angrily.

"Why, you scared?"

"Of course not, you idiot," Jake said. "We both just got our pokemon and I know for sure Charmander here has no battle experience. I'm not willing to risk his health over some stupid thing with you. And as for your pokemon, I have no idea how strong it is because it's specially bought." Jakes voice turned mocking. "What's the matter, Shane? Can't raise pokemon without mom and dad getting everything for you?"

Shane's face reddened in anger. "Go, Drattini!" he shouted. He smirked as a small, snake like pokemon came out. "No need to be jealous. You've put up with the same stuff since we were both a year old. We both know who is loved in our little family."

This time Jake actually growled. "Charmander, I'm not going to put up with the shit spewing out of his mouth and I'm sure you can't either."

"Ma!" Charmander agreed, claws at the ready.

"Good, now go!"

"Charmander!"

Shane smirked. "This is gonna be easy. Drattini, use slam."

"Dodge it!" Jake shouted, feeling his adrenaline running from the amount of anger he was feeling.

Charmander was obviously feeling the same amount of anger and it showed in the battle. As soon as it was out of the way of Drattini's slam attack he slashed at its head.

"Good job," Jake said. "Now use ember!"

"Char!"

"Get out of the way!" Shane shouted.

"Tini!" Drattini tried to slither out of the way but it was too slow.

"Drattini, use thundershock!"

Jake gapped. That spoiled brat had one good Drattini. His thoughts went back to the battle as he heard Charmander cry out in pain.

"Another slam," Shane ordered, grinning in victory.

"Dodge it!" Jake cried out.

"Mander," Charmander growled and jumped over the snake pokemon.

"Ember it now!"

"Char char char!" Charmander launched a series of small flames at Drattini, hitting it head on.

Shane growled in frustration. "Use another thundershock!"

"Finish it with another ember!" Jake called, excitement filling him.

The thundershock that Drattini threw at Charmander was dodged, but the ember attack hit its mark, forcing the dragon pokemon to fall unconscious.

"You did it, Charmander!" Jake cheered. Charmander was panting, and Jake noticed a bit of purple liquid in its mouth. "Charmander, are you ok?" Jake asked worriedly.

Charmander shrugged him off, his face turning into a fierce growl. "Char," he said dismissively.

Jake sighed. Charmander had probably only listened to him in battle because Shane had disgraced them both with his words. The strange liquid that Charmander was starting to spit up was causing him to worry, though.

"You little cheater!" Shane shouted, causing Charmander and Jake to look up.

"What are you on about now?" Jake asked, completely irritated.

"I know that freak pokemon of yours couldn't have won without cheating," Shane growled angrily.

"Your mouth spews out more shit than your mouth," Jake told him. "Charmander won fair and square, now get out of our way."

"I don't think so," Shane said savagely.

Jake regarded Shane. What was with the little brat? Just because he didn't get what he wanted didn't mean he had to act like this.

Shane looked past Jake and saw the cliff. He turned to his little grunts. "You know, I think my dear brother could use a little water to cool off. What do you guys say?"

"Good idea, boss," the two laughed.

Jake stood at ready. "I'll break your face if you come anywhere near me," he threatened.

"You don't scare me," Shane said dismissively. "Get him."

Blake and Brandon both lunged at him, missing him completely as Jake jumped to the side and punched Brandon in the face. Brandon responded with a pathetic jab while Blake tried to kick Jake. Jake easily avoided the attacks. He had been in worse situations before.

Jake actually paused to wonder why the two boys just didn't use heir pokemon and thought that they were probably too dense to remember.

"Char!" Charmander growled savagely and slashed Blake away.

"Thank's, buddy," Jake said gratefully. Unfortunately, he got so side tracked that he didn't notice Shane run up to him and punch him across the face. "What the hell's your problem?" Jake snarled.

"You are," Shane said angrily. He regarded Charmander as the small lizard spat more fire at Blake and Brandon. He smirked and sprayed something on his Drattini, waking it up.

Jake grimaced. "A revive? What other crap did your parents give you?"

Shane grinned, seemingly happy with Jake's words. "It seems you really do know that you're not a part of our family."

Jake had a hurt look on his face momentarily before turning back to his tired Charmander. "Charmander, I know you don't trust me yet, but I promise I'll help you out of this mess."

Shane laughed and turned back to Blake and Brandon. "Release your pokemon."

This time both Jake and Charmander paled as two more pokemon joined the fray. Charmander was now faced with a Drattini, Bulbasaur and male Nidoran. "Damn cheaters," Jake muttered.

Charmander nodded in agreement and spat out some more purple liquid, causing the others to laugh.

"Not only is your pokemon a freak, but it's not too healthy, either," Shane laughed.

Jake ignored him. "Charmander," he whispered. "I've been in a lot of fights in my life, and I know from experience that you need to get rid of the weakest first. Drattini is very weak still, but that Bulbasaur won't stand against your flame."

Charmander regarded Jake for a moment before nodding and launching an ember attack at Bulbasaur. Jake didn't have time to help his pokemon out ask Shane and the other two bastards tried to attack him again. It turned into an all out wrestling match with Jake getting more punches and kicks than he could give out.

It didn't matter if he had been in a few fights in his life. What mattered was that he was outnumbered and unless you were an experienced fighter, which Jake was not, you could not fight your way out.

Jake spat out some blood and nailed a kick in Shane's family jewels. Shane yowled in pain and turned back to his pokemon. Drattini, forget the freak lizard and use thundershock on Jake."

Drattini turned away from the exhausted Charmander and fired off an electric attack, causing him to scream. The attack caught Jake unaware and sent him into a small type of shock.

"Draa," Drattini said tiredly but received a harsh scratch attack.

How cowardly, Charmander thought angrily. I knew humans couldn't be trusted.

Charmander looked at the fainted Bulbasaur and Nidoran. They were weak, but in numbers they had done a good job. Charmander gripped his arm in pain and could feel the sticky substance rising up his throat, causing him to spit it out. Charmander grimaced; knowing that by now one of the professors would have forced that medicine down his throat.

Charmander turned back to the Drattini but noted its attention was focused on the humans. Charmander turned back to look at the human who he had been given to. Jake, that's his name, Charmander thought.

He fought pretty well for a human. Evidence of that was that the three other boys had more bruises than Jake did. If that cheating Drattini hadn't interfered, then Jake probably would have gotten out of it.

What happened next shocked the Charmander. The three humans tossed Jake over the cliff, taking advantage of his paralyzes. Charmander stopped himself from running over to the cliff. Why should he? Jake was just another human, after all.

But he was the first human who had bargained with him. No one had ever given Charmander the chance to refuse the horrible medicine and have freedom. Charmander growled angrily and turned back to the Drattini.

"Next time we meet, I'll skin you alive."

Drattini glared at him. "We shall see."

Charmander smirked and ran off the cliff, dodging the hands that tried to grab him. Jake was still falling, but fell into the water as soon as Charmander jumped. Jake must have hit his head, because he was unconscious when Charmander saw him.

Charmander took a deep breath and released the liquid that all Chars have in their tail so that they could survive in the water. If that special liquid didn't exist, all Chars would have become extinct from either rain or falling into rivers.

There he is, Charmander thought, swimming after Jake and trying to pull him up to the surface. Crap! Charmander glared at a rock that was entwined in seaweed and attached to Jake's arm.

Things just better and better.

Charmander started to choke as his air supply was starting to become nonexistent. Just when Charmander thought he was done for, a huge current swept them into a water cave and, for a brief moment, allowed Charmander to breathe. The current ran so fast that all Charmander could do was hold onto Jake tightly so that they didn't separate.

Charmander used the light on his tail to see through the dark water. The special, jelly like liquid had formed a type of blue bubble over his flame to keep it safe. Just as Charmander thought he was about to die, the current pushed him under and then straight up, right through a hold in the ceiling.

Charmander panted harshly as he landed; staring at the opening he had been pushed out of. He stared as more water shot out of opening and making it seem like a miniature geyser. "That was close," Charmander said, spiting out more purple liquid.

Battling with himself, Charmander finally took out the pills in Jake's backpack and swallowed them, grimacing at the horrible feeling that went through his body. That would be the last time, Charmander vowed.

Charmander turned back Jake and noticed that he wasn't breathing.

"Oh, crap!" Charmander started pumping on Jake's chest. "Breathe, dammit! Breathe!"

When Jake gave no response, Charmander finally lost it and jumped on Jakes chest, causing a huge amount of water to burst out of Jakes mouth.

"Thank Mew," Charmander said, watching Jake cough loudly.

Jake stared weakly at Charmander before saying, "I… I just understood what you said." And then he fainted.

Charmander stared before sighing. He really should just leave and find his own freedom, but Jake seemed to have that same type of rebellious aura that Charmander prided himself on. Also, he was really weak and wouldn't make out in the wild.

Sighing once more, Charmander dragged Jake's unconscious body away from the water and somewhere dry, having no idea where he was.

What a great way to start a journey, Charmander thought wryly.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Shane scowled at the water, wondering if Jake would come up or not. He didn't really care, but curiosity drove him to stay. When five minutes passed and there was no sign of Jake, Shane recalled his almost unconscious Drattini, cursing inwardly. That Charmander had been strong, taking out three pokemon had been proof enough.

How could that useless brother of his have gotten such a pokemon? The Charmander did look sick, though. The strange purple liquid was worth thinking over as well. Shane stared at his pokeball before glancing at the fallen Nidoran and Bulbasaur. They had all been poisoned…

"Oh well, not my problem." Shane stretched. "Brandon, Blake, I'll be seeing you, I guess."

They blinked up at him. "But I thought we would all be traveling together," Brandon said weakly, nursing his bruises.

Shane sneered but was also nursing his own bruises. "As if. I travel alone. I don't need weaklings to hold me back. You two were only here to help me put that brother of mine in his place. If he survives, then I'll deal with him later. If not… well, he wouldn't be the first trainer to die on a pokemon journey."

The two gapped at him as he headed back to meet with his parents. He would probably need a few more items and that HM his father had been talking about…

Shane smiled. It was so nice to be the favorite of famous pokemon trainers and receive whatever he wanted.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When Jake finally came to, he had a pounding headache. He groaned as he sat up and noticed it was dark. "How long have I been out?" he asked groggily.

"For a day and a half," said a voice.

Jake jumped and turned to see that the only one who was with him was Charmander. "Did… did I just understand you?" he asked incredulously.

Charmander gave him an amused look. "Apparently you can. Not many trainers can understand a pokemon so quickly."

Jake stared at his hand. Charmander was right. It usually took months before a trainer and pokemon bonded enough to understand each other. Jake collected his thoughts. "Did you say I was out for half a day?"

"Yes. When you had fallen, I jumped in after you but we were dragged through a rough current and popped out of some type of geyser. I have no idea where we are."

Jake sighed and looked around. There was a small fire going, as well as a small pile of berries, fish and a half eaten Pidgey. "You took care of me?' Jake asked incredulously.

Charmander waved it off. "Don't think too much about it. I was hurt badly as well and needed to heal. I just rubbed berries on your wounds to help them heal. The thundershock that hit you had caused you to go into shock. Humans don't have much resistance at first to a pokemon's attack and can go into shock after such a vicious attack, especially with all the stress that you had been feeling."

"What do you mean at first?" Jake asked tiredly, wanting to go back to sleep.

Charmander yawned widely, obviously just as tired as Jake. "Say you capture an Elekid and it plays with you by shocking you. The first time will hurt like hell, but since it's your pokemon and they know restrictions, playful zaps won't really hurt that much."

"That's interesting," Jake said. He turned to the berries and fish. "You don't mind, do you?"

"They're for you," Charmander said sleepily. "I already ate."

Jake made a move to grab some fish, but stopped as he felt a weight on his arm. "What is that?" he asked incredulously as he stared at seaweed and rock on his arm.

Charmander shrugged. "Beats me. It got stuck to you in the water and I couldn't get it off. I managed to get your clothes off, though."

Jake just noticing he was lying only in his boxers in a pile of leaves, blushed slightly. He noticed they were next to the fire so that they could dry. Since half a day had already passed they were quite dry but Charmander just left them there.

"Thank you," Jake said gratefully and stuffed his mouth with berries. After a few minutes of silence, Jake asked, "Are you alright too? And what was that purple stuff that you spat out in the battle?"

Charmander looked annoyed at the questions and said, "I'll only answer your questions if you answer mine."

Jake nodded. "Sounds fair."

Charmander smirked. "Ok, who was that other human and what did he have against you?"

Jake looked uncomfortable. "He's my brother. Only by blood, mind you. Other than that, I wish I had nothing to do with him."

"I can see why."

Jake ignored the comment. "When we were little, there was a fire in our house. Shane and I were only one at the time. Miraculously, Mew save us."

Charmander's jaw dropped.

Jake nodded. "Yep. Incredible, isn't it? Anyways, Mew was going to bless us both. That day was both a blessing and a curse. I remember it all, even though I was only a year old. Mew blessed me first." Jake paused to smile briefly before it turned into a frown. "Then it was Shane's turn. Shane never got a chance to be blessed since my parents and a whole bunch of adults had found us. All they saw was Mew hovering over my brother before it flew off.

"They took it as a sign that my brother was to be loved by the legendaries and treated him like a king. Mum and dad forgot about me. They did raise me with clothes, food, and stuff like that. What they didn't give me was attention and love. They had completely forgotten about me, and instead raised Shane into the spoiled brat that he is."

Charmander growled as Jake ended his story. "Disgusting," he snarled. "Pokemon would never that to their own." He trailed off for a moment. "May I see your mark?"

Jake blinked. "How did you know I got a mark?"

"All humans who are blessed by one of the legendaries receive a special mark."

Jake showed Charmander the mark on his arm, allowing the fire lizard to rub a claw over it.

"Now it's your turn," Jake said.

Charmander scowled but nodded. "Well, my story will probably answer all your questions so that's probably a good thing." Jake raised an eyebrow. "First thing you have to know is that my father was a Charmeleon while my mother was an Umbreon. As you should know, the mother always gives birth to its own kind, so I should have been an Eevee.

"As you can tell, that didn't happen. My den was a cave that connected to many underground caves. One day, there was a huge battle inside our cave. A human had come to capture my parents and keep the eggs to himself. As you can guess, my siblings and I were not born yet. Father battled long and hard, or so my mother told me. Father had won, banishing the human from the cave, but a huge cave in had happened."

Charmander paused and took a deep breath.

"My mother had been guarding the eggs and was about to be smashed under all the rocks. Father pushed her out of the way, along with one egg so that their family could continue. Mother had been tired since she had battled the previous say already." Charmander's voice was full of sorrow now. "Father and my siblings died under the rocks."

Jake rubbed Charmander's shoulder. Charmander felt grateful for the comfort but continued his story.

"So it was just me and Mother. Mother carried me deep into the underground caverns, having no idea how to get out. It was pitch black and the only reason she didn't get lost was because she was a dark type and could see perfectly. Eggs, when growing, need light to be healthy. Mother had used her moonlight and flash attack almost every minute of the day. The only time she would stop was to hunt for Zubat or Golbat for food.

"There were many large pokemon as well, such as Rydon that could trample her to death, so she would also send out the poison in her pores that Umbreon's are so famous for."

Jake nodded, remembering reading about the poison that Umbreon's can give off in a book.

"So naturally," Charmander continued, "I didn't exactly grow in a healthy atmosphere as an egg. Mother was so excited when I was born." Charmander smiled and his eyes grew soft. "She said I looked exactly like my father but with her coat." Charmander voice changed. "But because of the poison she gave off, I was poisoned. A type of poison sack formed in my body and it makes me sick. Mother thinks that my body will grow used to it as I get older.

"She even thinks I could learn toxic when I get older." Charmander stared up at Jake. "I guess that explains why I have a dark coat. It's because I grew up in a pitch black area with a false light. I also explained why I'm sort of sick all the time."

Jake nodded carefully. "I think your mother may be right, though. You did extraordinary against Shane and his little thugs. Their pokemon went down."

"But I was completely exhausted," Charmander pointed out.

Jake shrugged and scratched his arm with the rock and seaweed on it, annoyed that it was very itchy. "You'll grow with experience. Remember what I said earlier? I promised to help you grow."

Charmander was silent for a moment. "Thanks…"

Jake grinned. "You are welcome. Do you mind if I ask about your mother?"

"She died," Charmander said bitterly. "Raising me the way she did took a lot out of her. Humans had found us when I turned two months. They took us to the old mans house and tried to heal my mother. She didn't make it… And that's when they started to study me."

Jake took out his pokedex. "You don't mind if I check your stats, do you?"

Charmander shook his head.

Jake's pokedex, which was dry because of his waterproof backpack, scanned Charmander. Jake's eyes nearly widened in shock as he checked the stats. Charmander's speed, special attack and defense were quite high for such a young Charmander. The other stats were a bit on the low side but that could be remedied.

Charmander's attacks were very good, however. From the normal scratch, growl and ember, there was an attack called crunch. That could only be learned as an egg move. Charmander's parents must have been very powerful

Charmander stopped talking after that and Jake didn't push him. Instead, they both got comfortable in front of the fire and closed their eyes, ready for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow they would have to find out where they are and get to Veridian City.

Jake yawned widely. "Tomorrow we'll get up bright and early. Tomorrow is also when we start training. We won't get pushed around anymore and prove how tough we are. Right?"

"Yea…" Charmander said sleepily.

Jake smiled, his eyes still closed. Tomorrow his real journey would start, and he would prove how great he was.

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So how about it? Would really like reviews. It's not that hard, people.