Hey guys! So this is my first fanfic, so I apologize for any roughness you may encounter… Anywho, the OC sheet and other information is at the bottom of the page!

Chapter 1

The sound of passionate arguing filled my cramped house. Occasionally, one of my parents paused to take a breath, allowing the calming silence to settle, only to be swept away in the ceaseless debate once again.

I sighed in complete displeasure, closing my book after reading the same sentence twenty times. Hands massaging my temples, I decided to pay an unexpected visit to Tavon and Arabella, my next door neighbors. Although they were twice my age, they were the only friends I had. Maybe if my parents ever cared about something else rather than their own selfish desires, they would at least try to make me a priority in their lives.

But this was the life I was given. Nothing could change that. So instead of longingly fantasizing about a life I could never have, I opted for silence, keeping my mouth closed and stepping lightly across my bedroom floor to grab my brother's faded blue flannel and some wool socks. Before I walked out of my dark room, I hastily stuffed my book in the hidden pocket of my backpack and walked to the staircase. The last thing I needed was to be arrested for owning an outlawed book.

The angry voices accompanied my movements as I creeped down the rickety stair case and snuck to the door. I checked the kitchen. No one paid attention to me. With my hand on the doorknob, I felt a light nudge on my right leg and heard a low thump sound as something hit the floor. Looking down, I saw a grey-streaked Herdier wagging it's tail slowly with my brown hiking boots sitting inches away from its mouth.

"Thanks, boy," I smiled lightly, crouching down to pet his head and put my shoes on. I stood up and turned back to the door, only to be nudged again. Large, pitiful brown eyes gazed into my grey eyes. I frowned and looked to the kitchen once more. It wasn't fair for me to leave whenever I could when my parents argued, yet Herdier could not. His tail twitched again when he saw my smile. Together we snuck out of the house and into the bright autumn sun.

He had been in my family ever since I was born. With both parents working to have enough money and no babysitter, he was my childhood friend. To see him with streaks of grey and arthritic limbs caused a pang to echo in my heart. Best friends are defined by those who will sit, listen, and comfort no matter the circumstances. And my best friend was dying. Sentimental feelings flooded me. Picking him up in my arms, we continued on down the asphalt streets and past numerous buildings.

In terms of politeness, the citizens of Aspertia City were pretty high on the scale. No one really liked me, but they still managed to smile at me. I smiled back. Yet no one could possibly be more rude than the National Police. They sneered at me, relying on their "superior" wits and brawn to intimidate me. Probably suspecting that I was doing something illegal, they always bullied me more than the others. What's funny is that I was breaking the law. No one, not even the President himself, could tell me what I could and could not read. So I perfected the act of defiance: I sewed a secret pocket into my backpack and carried illegal books to those who asked for them. So like a drug dealer, but better. I met their predatory gazes with confident glares, my harsh grey eyes flashing. Away the walked, leaving me in peace until the next time.

Herdier yipped loudly at the sight of Tavon and Arabella's apartment building. My shoulders immediately eased from the the stress of my home life. Although Herdier was my best friend, he could not give me advice, so I had to rely on Tavon and Arabella.

Punching the elevator button for the top floor, I leaned against the wall and closed my tired eyes. The sharp ding of the elevator jolted me from my position, effectively scaring Herdier. He jumped from my arms and padded through the now-open door, glaring at me the whole time. Resisting the urge to shower him in affection and apologies, I strolled casually into the apartment.

"Honey, there's an intruder in our house," called an amused voice. "We really should change our keys."

I scoffed. "If you change your keys, I'm blaming you for my inevitable suicide because I couldn't escape the jail-like confines of my cursed home, Arabella," I said. She laughed pleasantly and shook her head from where she sat on the plush sofa.

"Stop being so dramatic." She reached down, her long brown hair touching the floor to pet Herdier. "We would never do that. No we wouldn't. Of course we wouldn't." I shook my head at her baby voice and looked to the left toward the kitchen and then to the right, toward the bedroom. Their apartment was small, but it was cozy, just like a home should be. The walls were exposed brick, with a few abstract paintings here and there. A television set was situated straight across from the elevator with a currently occupied couch and coffee table in between. The simplicity was perfect.

Noticing the lack of a human in the living room, I walked to the bedroom and saw the always pristine form of Tavon sitting at the ancient computer on the bed. Careful, so as to not disturb his rapid typing, I climbed on the bed and leaned my head against his shoulder, his long, light green hair tickled my nose and I sneezed.

"Bless you, Fallow," he said in his usual deep voice. The constant sound of his typing gently lulled me into a state between sleeping and alertness.

If there was one person that I could trust with anything, Tavon would be that one person. I trusted and loved Arabella as much as him, but he and I were alike in more ways. Whereas Arabella was more action-oriented and outspoken, Tavon and I preferred assessing situations and silence. Mysterious and polite, any woman that passes by him instantly falls in love. But it was not his manners or his hidden nature that intrigued me: it was the constant adoration and devotion he poured on Arabella. He only had eyes for her. And to a kid that practically grew up without parents, I naturally wanted someone, no matter who it was, to care for me like that.

My eyes opened as he snapped his laptop shut, but I promptly closed them again when he ran his fingers through my unruly red hair. We laid in silence for a few more minutes, listening to the gentle hum of the television in the living room.

"You had nightmares last night," he calculated. "You have shadows under your eyes and you are stiff." I merely nodded. I didn't have to tell him anything. He always knew what I was worried about. "What was it this time?"

"Oh, just the usual. A room with no doors or windows, a light with no source, and millions of laughing voices," I said. "But there was a slight difference this time. The room started spinning around me and chains wrapped around my wrists and ankles. When the room finally stopped spinning, I saw President Javan addressing the voices. He turned to me, smiled, and then I jolted awake. Just a typical nightmare." A sarcastic smile slid onto my face.

Tavon paused in his ministrations with a slight frown. "The President…"

"It really isn't that big of a deal. Besides, I'm not here to talk about my problems," I cheerfully jumped out of the plush bed. "I believe you said you needed a book of the illegal variety?" Running out of the room, I grabbed my trusty backpack that sat dormant beside Arabella and grabbed the book. She stood up next to me and read the cover.

"A Study in Time: Unova. Huh. Well I won't question why he wants it," she said, walking toward the kitchen. I followed after her, with Tavon trailing slowly behind. "How much is it if we keep it a week?"

"For as much as you guys do for me, nothing."

"Fallow, we know you need the money. People aren't borrowing books because they are afraid of getting caught. Now come on, how much do—"

"How do you feel about the government?" interjected Tavon suddenly. Arabella and I both stared at him in confusion.

"I'm sorry… What?" I asked. Where did that come from?

He sighed in frustration. "How do you feel about the government? What do you think of the President? The Police? Everything." Caught off-guard, I didn't answer for a few minutes. Arabella stared worriedly between Tavon and me.

I finally said, "Quite frankly, I despise it," gauging their reactions, I slowly continued. "They talk of freedom and peace, but what freedom do we have? People live in fear of the National Police, or at least they do in Aspertia. Maybe they do in other cities as well, but I wouldn't know that since I can't leave my city. It costs hundreds of dollars just to go to Floccesy Town. I see girls my age walking in fear because the police might take advantage of them. They make us pay for everything they do.

"No one can battle anymore, because that's how rebellions are started. The government's response? Give all Pokemon, including wild Pokemon, a serum that stops them from leveling up past level 25. Oh and speaking of rebellions: let's ban all books that have to do with overthrowing the government, because that's how ideas are started. And while we're at it, let's just ban every book that somehow disagrees with our politics," I paused for a quick breath. "People don't enjoy this, but we have been conditioned to living under the mask that we are better off now than we were fifteen years ago when Team Plasma came back! This is not freedom. This is oppression."

Tavon and Arabella studied each other for a couple minutes, silently discussing my answer. She briefly nodded, then walked to the bedroom. Unlike the usual silence, the one that filled the room was awkward and deafening.

"Why?" I asked suddenly. Contemplating answering, Tavon just looked at me. Arabella returned with a large envelope and a small metal box a moment later.

He answered slowly. "For years, we have been looking for one who would finally break through this false mask, as you put it. We have waited, desperately seeking others who were brave enough to deny the government so vehemently as you have, Fallow," I stared in confusion. "Arabella and I are part of a resistance of some sorts. We work in the shadows and find ways to undermine the government. We would have acted a long time ago, but the truth is that we needed a young person of strong determination and great passion to lead us," he said gently. Suddenly feeling dizzy, I grabbed a stool from the kitchen table and sat in it.

Arabella gently placed the objects down and put her hand on my shoulder. "It's a lot to take in, I know, but you are the only one who can do this. This whole operation is dangerous, but with your ideals and drive for truth, you can lead us and take back Unova."

The room was spinning. I was in a nightmare. But this was a nightmare I could never wake up from.

"You need to leave as soon as possible. We have made all of the arrangements for you to leave Aspertia and arrive to the first safe house," Tavon said as he picked up the envelope. "In here is your passport and some money in case you ever need it. Also enclosed is a map of the safe houses, all coded of course. And in this box—"

"Stop! Just stop, for one second," I yelled, breathing heavily. How is it that I came here seeking refuge from an argument, but now I'd leave the leader of a rebellion? It was too much.

"Fallow, you can do this. We have watched over you for years and we know you can do it," I looked up into her kind, blue eyes. "When you leave Aspertia City, you will travel along the main path for a while, but then you will veer off into the woods to the left of Floccesy Town, where the first safe house is. Some people are there to help you."

Tavon came over to us, clutching the metal box tightly with both hands. He crouched down to my eye level. I stared wearily back at him. "Please. You're the only one."

What's funny is I actually believed him. After years of mundane activities, book dealing, and ceaseless arguments, I finally felt that little piece of encouragement, spurring me into action. This was so much more than me, though. This would benefit everyone. No more lies. No more fear. No more oppression.

And I could be the one to change it all.

Herdier nudged my foot. Looking down, I knew what I was going to do. My answer was clear.

"Yes. I'll do it," I said with faith. Arabella almost cried in happiness, and Tavon had never looked more relieved. Opening the box, though, there was obvious stress written on his face ice again. Arabella lifted the small, oval shaped object out of the box.

Cocking my head in confusion, I received it. It was smooth and cool to the touch, almost like it had been kept in a refrigerator. Holding it close to my face, I listened intently to Tavon's explanation.

"In order for this mission to work, you need to keep this safe, secure, and out of the eyes of anyone who is around you. This is of utmost importance. Do I have your word that you will keep this safe?" I merely nodded in reply, too transfixed by the shiny, dark blue exterior for a verbal answer. "Now, you need to leave before it hatches. No later than sunset tomorrow, understood?" But I was too shocked to hear the end of his sentence.

Was this a Pokemon egg? "Tavon, Arabella… Is this…?" They nodded. "But if this is a Pokemon, then it hasn't been treated by the serum, which means…"

Arabella answered for me. "Which means that you are the only person in Unova that will have a Pokemon that can take down the President. You can do it. We are supporting you."

"But now you need to go home," Tavon said, placing the egg back in the box and putting it in my backpack along with the envelope. "Leave tomorrow morning. You will reach the safe house by sunset." Sticking my arms through the backpack, I turned to Arabella and Tavon one last time. I guess they saw the fear written on my face, because they enveloped me in a group hug.

"Take care, sweetie," said Arabella. "We'll pray to Arceus for you and your Pokemon. But just know that you have others supporting you as well." She kissed me on my forehead and quickly said, "We will take care of Herdier while you are gone. He won't stay at your house." Herdier yipped in happiness and I leaned down to kiss his furry head one last time.

"Be a good boy, Herdier. Do everything they tell you and don't tear up their furniture," I said.

"He's asking why you have so little faith in him, Fallow," said Tavon humorously. I wondered in confusion as to why he said that when he gently kissed my forehead. "Good luck. If you ever need help, come find us. We have your back."

The elevator doors opened up and I stepped inside. Turning around, I waved goodbye, a sad smile on my face. The doors closed.

A single tear fell from my eyes.

Hi! Thanks for reading this, seriously, it means so much. Okay so I need a lot of OC's for this thing, so hit me up with everything you got. I'm gonna limit it to one OC per person, but if I need more later I will definitely up the number. And you can choose if you want your OC to be a Rebel, which is the resistance group, a Citizen, which is a person living in the city with no affiliation to Rebel or National Police, and then a NatPol officer, which means you will work for the government, battling the rebels and such. So this is how I'm gonna need the format to be:

Name:

Age:

Gender:

Appearance:

Personality:

Pokemon (if any):

Pokemon levels and personalities:

Backstory:

Role in Story (Rebel, Citizen, or National Police):

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE Review! Thanks again!