From: otaku (animeotaku@mindspring.com) Subject: [PW!] The Unforgiven Newsgroups: alt.games.nintendo.pokemon Date: 2000-10-27 20:52:52 PST One year ago, Saffron City ?Get out! Just get the Hell out!? ?But-but mother, I?? ?There is no excuse for what you?ve done! You?re not my son! Do you hear me? You?re not my son!? Jake Riley blinked back tears as he hurriedly gathered what he could, stuffed it in a backpack, and ran out the door, his mother?s voice echoing in his mind. A small Nidoran followed closely behind, whimpering at the bitter cold and his trainer?s sadness. The night was cold, and the freezing wind chilled him to the bone. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him, until he tripped over a rock in the road. Falling over onto his face, Jake winced as he felt the cold wind slice at a wound that had opened up on his right cheek. Blood poured down his face from the cut, as he felt his body become numb. He collapsed, succumbing to the pain. Present day, Pallet Town ?Nidoran!? Jake mumbled and pulled the sheets over his head, only to feel the gentle pouncing of Magus, his Nidoran, on his back. ?Ok, ok, I?m getting up.? He nudged the small rabbit Pokemon off the bed, and stood up, stretching. He shuffled his way to the miniature bathroom, and after a quick shower, got dressed and tied his unruly blue hair into a ponytail. Gathering up his things, Jake recalled Magus back to his Pokeball, and slipped the Pokeball onto his belt. Slowly walking down the stairs of the small hotel, Jake dropped his key off at the front desk, and paid the bill, which seemed somewhat overpriced for a mere nights stay. Of course, when your town is home to one of the most famous Pokemon trainers ever, it has to be expected that things will be overpriced. Glancing at his watch, Jake noticed it was only 7:30 in the morning, but there was already a crowd of at least two dozen younger kids gathered around Professor Oak?s laboratory. Nudging his way through, he made it through the crowd of youngsters, almost all of them clamoring for a Pikachu. Professor Oak came out of the lab, megaphone in hand, with two burly looking assistants at his side. ?Now now, don?t worry. I have enough Pokemon for all you eager young trainers!? The Professor blinked when he saw Jake, who stuck out like a sore thumb in the group of ten year olds. Walking over, he grinned. ?Are you here with a younger brother or sister?? ?No. I?m here for a Charmander, and my Pokedex.? Jake said simply, crossing his arms. Professor Oak laughed sheepishly, and shrugged. ?Well, why not? A lot of kids seem to be starting later anyway.? Reaching into his pocket, the elderly professor pulled out a small Pokeball and handed it to Jake, along with a Pokedex. ?Good luck on your journey, and don?t forget to treat your Pokemon with kindness and respect!? Jake simply shrugged and turned, walking toward Viridian forest. * * * ?Now?let?s see what kind of a Charmander I got.? Tossing the Pokeball down, Jake took a step back when his Charmander came out scratching, nearly slicing Jake?s leg in the process. ?Feisty little thing. I wonder if his bark is worse then his bite.? Releasing Magus from his Pokeball, Jake stood back to watch just how skilled his new Charmander was. ?Charmander, Char!? The orange lizard glared at his opponent and lunged forward with surprising speed, raking Magus across the face with his claws. Magus knocked it away with his horn, and growled. Jumping into the air, Magus prepared to perform a Tackle attack, but the Charmander was too crafty to fall for that, and grabbed his opponent by the neck at the last minute, flipping him over and slamming the Nidoran down onto the ground, and onto his back. The Charmander placed one foot on the back of Magus in triumph, and laughed. Smirking, Jake recalled his fallen Nidoran back to his Pokeball, and clapped. ?Excellent work, my friend. I believe the name Vegeta would suit you well.? Vegeta shrugged not really caring what the human thought, and jumped into a tall patch of grass, and began attacking a Caterpie. Jake sighed, and recalled his Charmander back to his Pokeball. ?There?ll be plenty of time for that later. Right now I need some breakfast, and I?m sure you could use some as well.? Touching the scar on his right cheek softly, he continued walking the path to Viridian. His journey had only begun. -- -Animeotaku