~ Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived. ~
Jean Luc Picar



Dear Reader:

What you are about to read is true. This is not some fictional bullshit written in a café somewhere in the Pokémon world. No, this was written on the road with a trainer, who just happens to be the narrator. It is through his eyes that you will experience this story. I myself have tried to change this into a third person tale, and to find out more information from the others who experienced this, but alas, I don't want them to relive what happened those fateful days when everything that could go wrong did. Although this tale doesn't start on those said days, please bear with me, for the tale will reach those days. It's just the time that lead up to those days needs to be explained as well to tell how it came down to what happened. I pray to Arceus that it doesn't happen again, but what you are about to read may help if it ever does. Just remember that this started as a stupid kid's tale of his journey and then turned into more.

I ask that you, the reader, be patient with me, for trying to recollect all the journal entries and checking for a somewhat accurate result based on memories is not as easy as it sounds. Entries have been written more than once, and I, for one, am striving to be accurate. Although, I also know that no matter what, rewriting tales that have happened what seemed like forever ago means that things are easily changed and misconstrued. I will only skip out on minor details; what he wore that day; what he did on days when, honestly, nothing happened; and when it's simple things, such as, "I packed up camp, released *insert Pokémon name here* to walk with me, and then left." I feel that it isn't important to have that information, and that you, the reader, mostly just wants to know what happened. However, as the reader, you deserve to know everything else that has happened: all the deaths, fights, arguments, and sex. Nothing in those manners will be left out.

Please note that all the entries were written once every two weeks in the beginning, when nothing major was happening, and the trainer's memory could hold everything. The later entries (chapters in this case) were written once a day (if time allowed), for they could have been easily forgotten; though, I'm afraid they haven't been. For this release, I am simply writing them out without worrying about what day is what, and what journal entry is what entry. One chapter here could easily be three journals, or could easily be half of one. Bear with me, though, for all will be told in time.

Before I start ranting, I'm signing off here. Please enjoy this story, and I hope that someday, you yourself can enjoy a journey as Nath once did; though, I pray that it doesn't turn out like his. In addition, if any words show up between parentheses then those are my little notes to you. Enjoy them. You never know, they may include some information you didn't know.
Seikiru

*~*~*

The Salaceon League just formed, and like all other leagues out there, it contains eight gym badges, four people forming an Elite Four, and of course, a champion. Salaceon is where I call home, a small region just west of Sinnoh surrounded on two sides by water, while the other two sides form into mountain ranges that extend as far as the eye can see.

Salaceon is not filled with any new Pokémon species beyond the first known 493. If any legendaries make an appearance here, they never are caught; though, they are almost never found. Regions outside of the mountains and ocean know either very little or nothing at all about Salaceon. All in all it's a rather peaceful place.

Though, hell if I really know what's going on outside my little hometown... the name is not important, hell none of the names of the towns in Salaceon are important...mostly because I can't ever remember them (remember that these were rewritten multiple times, that at some intervals the future may be talked about slightly). All that mattered to me was getting my gym badges and winning the Salaceon League prize.

With me being at the age of 16, you would have already thought that I would have long since left on my journey, and that I'd have a badge or two by now, even if I was one of the worst trainers out there. Well, think again, because I'm just starting my journey, and this is only the third day or so that I've been on the road, to be precise.

Brown hair, cut short; green eyes that never seem to be able to look away from anything; and the height of an average man, I'm what one would call a normal trainer at least by other's definitions of normal. My name is Nath, nothing special but for some reason I get teased a lot for the name. I know what I'm doing as a trainer from watching others, television, and reading books. I've talked to the professor of my home town Prof. Pine, and got all the advice I've could ever need that I could probably write a book on the subject if I wanted to. I am ready for this adventure and if I'm not then I'm not sure where I went wrong.

*~*~*

Unlike most other regions where there is a set group of starters, here in Salaceon you get a random selection of three a fire, water, or a grass from a collection of starters all around the Pokémon world. When I arrived at the lab I was given the five starter pokéballs, my pokédex, and then shown to a room. Once in the room three Pokémon were placed in front of me.

A Treecko was first, he looked like all of the Treeckos I've seen in pictures, yet he was more intimidating and honestly scared me. When I shook my head my vision drifted to Squirtle who was napping, obviously the lazy one of the bunch I moved on. My eyes fell last on a Cyndaquil, and sparks flew when my eyes met her eyes. I knew then and there she was the Pokémon I had to have and I couldn't choose her fast enough.

I named her Eve, a name that I had picked out for my first Pokémon when I turned ten. That seemed like so long ago and between now and then a tragic event happened that left me traumatized and scared of Pokémon. When I turned 14 I was saved by a Pokémon during a forest fire, I was so grateful that I wanted to be a trainer again. I don't like talking about either experience, for both of them have left me traumatized and afraid, even if one of them brought me back to loving Pokémon.

Eve and I left the lab and headed towards our first destination. Our first journey together and I was ready and willing to go. Eve stayed out of her pokéball; I hated the things and honestly thought of them only as a mark of "ownership" a word I despise, and a way to where your friends can't get captured again. Although even I had my shortcomings and decided long ago to only let one or two of them follow me outside of their pokéballs at a time.

I carried her in my arms; she was too small to walk beside me and even though she seemed naturally curious she seemed content to just nuzzle into my arms and sleep. Not to say that she had her moments where even she didn't want to be in my arms and instead on the ground where she was sniff everything and explore anything new.

I was told in the lab that Eve was the oldest Pokémon there and that at 11 months old she was about ready to enter adulthood, (apparently Cyndaquils and other Pokémon enter adulthood early so that they can keep their species populated). I was given warning to watch out for her first heat cycle, and after getting a long chat on what it was, I agreed. Eve would be staying in her pokéball when that cycle started, unless I found her a mate, but even then I wasn't ready to look for her one. She was my little Eve, my first Pokémon, and even though Pokémon and human relationships weren't aren't allowed in Salaceon I wasn't ready for her to love someone else.

We made our first camp at the entrance to a forest that would lead me to the first gym badge. I made dinner and then sat back and watched Eve. She was adorable playing around in the grass throwing rocks and trying to get leaves to burn. According to Prof. Pine her hotspots were ready to be used at her age, but the conditions in the lab stop her from being able to use them, so I'd have to wait for her to figure out how to use them in order to breathe fire. I was positive though that she'd be able to reach that stage soon.

I also spent time at camp writing the first half of this journal entry and then trying to figure out what Pokémon I wanted to join my team, and would eventually lead me to being the Salaceon Champion. My choices were Pidgeot, Pikachu, Glaceon, Lucario, and a Cherrim. It seemed to me to be a simple team even if finding a Lucario is Salaceon was a quest upon itself.

"Birdie....." I looked around, certain that I heard a female voice somewhere near me. I shook it off as the wind playing tricks on my ears. I'm not able to understand Pokémon so it had to be a human, right? I looked around noticing Eve in the field looking into the sky. The voice did say birdie right?

'Fear!' My eyes widened in shock and I rushed forward desperate to protect Eve from the bird Pokémon. I was too late though, I had to have a clumsy moment when I didn't need one and tripped sliding to the ground a few meters away from Eve. I also had trouble getting to Eve's pokéball off my belt, and as I screamed out for her to run. I had to look away, though in my heart I knew it was too late. Within seconds the Fearow picked her up and took off with her in its talons.

I watched him take off and then stood running after him. What kind of trainer would I be if I didn't try and help Eve? I had to try something, even if meant running after the damn bird until it landed.

After about ten minutes of running after my Eve my strength left me. I knew then that Eve was doomed, and even though I kept running I could already feel unconsciousness worming its way into me. 'Crack!!' I looked up the sound of a thunder scaring me even more then the Fearow. Thunder meant lightening right?

I watched the sky ahead my energy returning from the adrenalin, I ran as fast as the new energy would let me, if the Fearow was struck with lightening I had only one chance to hope that I could catch Eve before she hit the ground with a splat...if the Fearow let go of her that is.
The sky darkened for a split second and a lightning bolt hit the Fearow thankfully it looked like it didn't hurt Eve, though she was falling from the sky. I cried out and ran faster; though I knew it was hopeless Eve was a goner doomed to hit the ground without anyone to save her.

'Swell!' The call rang out like an angel on earth as I watched the body of Eve land on the back of another figure with wings then float to the ground with the figure. I ran faster desperate to save her from another bird Pokémon , even if it looked like the Pokémon saved her.

I arrived where I saw the bird carry Eve and looked around before walking into the clearing. It was when I entered the clearing that I noticed a human, a Swellow, and a Luxio. Eve was positioned in a small grass bundle that seemed to be a bed, and the three were crowded around her. "E...Excuse me?" My voice was shaky and I couldn't be blamed for it, he saved Eve and I was grateful for it but I couldn't help but feel ashamed for letting it happen.

The human turned around first, and his smile caught me off guard. "Hello there." He straightened out and walked over to me. I looked him over I was reminded somehow of an electric Pokémon the way he moved seemed just like them. His black hair was uncombed and messy, the blue jeans fit perfectly with the black jacket and light blue t-shirt, and I was instantly given the image of a Luxray. "I'm Dan; I take it that you are this little Cyndaquil's trainer?"

I tried to smile, "Yes I am, I'm Nath...thank you for saving her." I was almost in tears, I was only three days into my journey and already almost lost Eve, what kind of a trainer was I? "Really D...Dan thank you for helping her."

I figured he'd yell and scream but he didn't all he did was keep that same smile, "Any time Nath." He motioned towards Eve, "She just lost conscious, being captured probably scared her into passing out. She's alright though; I made sure that she didn't get hit by the Thunder attack." I smiled and returned Eve to her pokéball for some better rest.

"Thank you again Dan, would you like to join me for dinner at my camp, I'm sure that your Pokémon could use a good meal." He accepted my offer and we returned to our camp.


*~*~*

Dan left me early the next morning with no good bye just a note attached to a great ball.

Dear Nath:

I'm sorry for heading out but a little birdie told me I had to go. I'm leaving you this great ball but you have to promise me that you will only use it to catch a Pokémon that is rare. Call it a strange feeling but we met for a reason. Remember Nath not all Pokémon are nice, and even if they seem nice they might not be and the same goes for humans.

You told me last night that you heard a female's voice, listen to it. You may be surprised who is talking to you and what she has to say. You should head along the path to the left of your camp to the next town, there your first badge will be, should you even still want to be on the badge journey. I personally believe that the journey for gym badges is pointless and that the Pokémon League has no meaning, strength is measured by your friends and how you use it to protect others. Where the Pokémon League is just meant to show who can train their Pokémon better, who created the better fighter for upcoming wars.

Hopefully we'll meet again Nath; I would very much like to be friends with you. You carry a weird Aura with you Nath, one that brings danger to you and others constantly so be careful, for you may never be truly in peace until you work out what ever demon lies within you. One day I know you will be a great person who will help out the world.

Dan

With a bit of confusion involving some of Dan's words I packed up camp and left heading down the path Dan pointed out.

*~*~*

If you have ever been hit by a Leech Seed attack then you know what I mean when I say it fucking hurts, and if you haven't been hit by one count your blessings. Now I know you are wondering how in the world I managed to get hit by a Leech Seed though be patient I'm about to explain.
I was almost out of the woods heading the first town, what Dan said about the Pokémon League struck me hard and I was thinking about not doing the gym challenge. "Duck!" It was the female's voice again, and again instead of following or paying attention to what she said I tried to locate her.

That turned out to be a bad idea as I was soon slammed into the ground vines slowly wrapping themselves around me and a few seeds digging into my back. I screamed out in pain feeling my energy rush out of my body in a painful manner that I still can't find words for.

I couldn't see anything the way the vines had me ensnared I could only see what was ahead of me and I was becoming scared. "Eve burn off these vines please!" I took a breath readying myself for the fire but it never came.

'Cynn!' My eyes widened and I looked up the small body of Eve flying over me and slamming into a tree.

She fell to the ground and stood on her feet wobbly, "Eve ember attack!" She opened her mouth a small flame flying towards the enemy, I heard a cry of pain and couldn't help but chuckle in pride. She looked down at me and blew a small bit of fire at the vines holding my body before it could absorb more of my energy and I broke free after a little struggle.

Sitting up I instantly located the attacker, a small Cherubi. Yet this particular Pokémon was a bright blue instead red, or even the shiny color of orange. The Pokémon looked up at me and the look on its face could only be described as evil.

I wasn't sure what the problem with this Pokémon was but I knew somewhere that I had to catch it and send it Prof. Pine in some small hope that he would know. I ducked quickly another Leach Seed attack flying towards me and it zoomed over my head missing by inches.

Eve dashed in front of me and I hummed in thought trying to figure out why this Cherubi was attacking me. It didn't make sense, Pokémon never attacked humans unless ordered, and there wasn't a single soul around. I gave Eve a command to attack the Cherubi.

The flame hit the Cherry Pokémon harder than I thought it would be able to. I managed to dig a pokéball out of my bag and I threw it towards the Cherubi. The ball hit the Cherubi and sucked the small Pokémon in. A few shakes later the Cherubi was mine. I picked up the ball and Eve and rushed towards the town.

*~*~*

Once at the town I sent the Cherubi to Prof. Pine, with a note to be careful and to try and figure out what was wrong. Once that was done I left and headed back into the forest to locate a Pidgey to add to my team.

I found the Pidgey a few hours later resting on the ground with its flock. I set Eve down and pointed to a Pidgey at random, "That's the one." Eve nodded and ran forward tackling the Pidgey to the ground while the rest of it's flock flew away. "Ember!"

I decided to not give the Pidgey a chance to attack and the sooner it was caught the better. I pulled out a pokéball and threw it. The Pidgey was sucked inside the pokéball and the ball shook a few times before dinging.
I caught my first Pokémon, I rushed forward and picked up the pokéball and released the Pidgey. After giving a small inspection of the Pokémon I decided on the name Mirror. It seemed right for the Pidgey. Who seemed to shine like a mirror and being a female Pidgey who could learn the Mirror Move ability it seemed right.

I returned her and walked back towards the town. I stopped every so often to train Eve and Mirror so they could have some training. Although, my thoughts were mostly on gym battles and what was I going to do about them? I was unsure and at that moment I couldn't decide whether I should go for all the badges or ignore them.

*~*~*

I walked into the gym heading towards the main room unsure what I would find. I know I said I was unsure about the league but one gym badge wouldn't kill me right? I also figured that if I gave it a try that maybe it would help me make my choice. The main room where I was scheduled for my first match was rather large as expected for gyms though filled with what looked what a natural forest with Metapod, Kakunas, and Silcoons hanging on the trees resting. "This is amazing."

"Thank you young trainer!" I looked up at the voice and chuckled. "I'm Jabril, the gym leader here!" He started walking backwards slowly towards his position, "I know you are here for a match against me and I except. It will be a two versus two battle and you are free to use the whole forest as an arena." He took his place on his side and I stepped over to mine.

We both reached down to our belts and pulled out our first pokéball. "Go Scizor!" Jabril's Scizor released from its container and landed on the middle of the field. I set Eve on the ground and she can forward about as pumped up about this fight as I was. "Alright then Round One, Scizor versus Cyndaquill. Go!"

The fight started off with a bang, (Seeing as all the talking is rather boring here I'm opting it out to just make sure the battle can be read) Scizor was fast and it was hard to keep up with his movements and somewhere I knew that some special tactic would have to be used to beat him. I looked around the forest Eve taking her time following Scizor's movements dodging all the attacks she could manage.

Scizor vanished from view Eve blinked looking around quickly trying to find some sign of the disappearing Pokémon. He appeared a few seconds later his arms crossed above Eve and he slammed into her. Eve cried out in pain and I couldn't help but wince in pain as well. I closed my eyes as Jabril called out the finisher move and sent Eve flying slamming her into a tree annoying a Metapod that was sleeping in the branches. I rushed over and picked her up she was out of the fight and I knew it. I returned her to her ball and released Mirror.

Mirror took her position in the air, all the bug Pokémon in the forest shivering in fear from the Pidgey. Jabril returned his Scizor and threw in his second Pokémon a Quilava. The second round started and I sent Mirror into the air.

Quilava smirked though and Jabril called out a Fire Spin attack which reached and covered Mirror. I couldn't see what was going on and all I could hear was the cries of pain from Mirror and only a few cries from the Quilava. I wasn't sure what I doing and was calling out moves just to call them out, knowing somewhere that Mirror would fall.

The Fire Spin faded a few minutes later but damage was already done and Mirror fell from the sky slamming into the floor unconscious. I flinched and returned Mirror the sound of Jabril's laughter ringing in my ears. "Trainer your Pokémon are weak!" He laughed and returned Quilava. "You will never make it in the Salaceon League and you will never be the champion!"

I growled at him and clinched my fist and turned away going to heal my friends, behind him I could hear him yelling, "Train your Pokémon, they aren't suppose to be your friends, they are to be used for power! For fame!"
It was then that I decided I would no longer be a gym challenger, I would prove Jabril wrong, Pokémon become powerful through friendship and I would prove it.

I also knew that Dan was right, the Pokémon League was just a sad hope for trainers, meant to show who could train their Pokémon better and to show which trainer could train the strongest war machine, and I hated it. With Jabril's laughter still ringing in my ears I left that gym, and vowed to never return.Chapter End Notes:First off thank you for reading this chapter. I ask that you please review and critique it, i'll take every word to heart and will do my best to make it better.

Also I'm looking for someone to proof read my stories for me, my grammar itself isn't all that great and it would be nice to have someone look over this for me