And So The Story Goes... [MOD]

It was the day. Well, considering it was only 5 am, one could argue that it was only just barely the day, but the day nonetheless. Shifting onto his left side, Takero opened his eyes. His sleep had been poor, as the thought of finally setting off excited him to a point of restlessness. Grabbing at his clock, he peered at the glowing red digits. He smiled to himself before sitting up. Rubbing at his eyes, he yawned loudly, and heard a stirring from the floor below the bed. Unkempt claws scratched the wooden surface as Owgli attempted to stand on his paws, tail wagging furiously as he sniffed the bed on which Takero sat.

"Okay, okay, I'm up." The teenager shifted his weight, turning to get off the bed and onto his feet, his first pokemon trotting behind him as he made a beeline for his bedroom door. He was partially glad he'd woke so early. After all, he wasn't really one for heartfelt good byes, he just found them a bit awkward. Over a small breakfast of cereal, a shower and getting dressed into his usual attire, he decided it'd just be best to leave a note to the family he was leaving behind. Besides, they had pretty much done their goodbyes the night before. It had been so perfect, the five of them; laughing and actually loving each others company, he didn't want to risk doing that.

Checking over his backpack, he noted that everything he needed was packed. Taking a deep breath, and holding back tears with it, he grabbed at the nearest pen and paper, before scribbling away his goodbyes over the wooden, dusty kitchen top. Placing it at an angle against the wall, he popped the lid back on the pen and placed it in front of the note. He took one last look at the homely kitchen, grasping at his backpack and slinging it over one shoulder. "You ready, Owgli?" The dog grunted in response, as they both headed towards the front door.

"Thank you for letting me do this. And thank you for the bottom of my heart for protecting me these last few years when dad couldn't be around to. You guys are the greatest. I'll bring you back eight badges - that's a promise."

It was darker than he thought, and as the wind cuddled him in its icy blanket, he questioned if this was the right choice. But then, he looked at the canine like creature beside him, the eyes of whom burned with eagerness, and he knew that this was what he wanted. Reaching the city limits, he turned back, nodding it a goodbye, and heading directly towards route two, and Viridian Forest.

As they traveled through the route, noises echoed from each and every angle, each seeming to take a closer stance than the last. He quivered a bit, as it seemed to get darker around him. Owgli also seemed uneasy, his ears pointing upwards, listening for any form of danger coming their way. As Takero took another step, Owgli ran in front, leaning back on his paws slightly and growling. Looking ahead, he could see the silhouette of another being. This was it, his first encounter.