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charizard-daily · 8 years ago

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(So I accidentally wrote a fanfic and thought I’d share, along with a picture I forgot to post back in February as it’s kind of fitting.)

The egg gave a small wobble. Then another. ... Was that a little growl?

The mother Charizard smiled a toothy grin at the single egg in her haphazard nest, built out of the odd pebbles she had been able to find around the fiery valley she now called her home. It would be a good Charmander, she decided. It would be a strong one, just like its father.

Admittedly, the new Kanto branch of the Charicific Valley didn't have much in the way of population just yet- maybe a dozen or so Charizards roaming around- but there was one male that stood above the rest. He had been trained by a human, as most of them had, and clearly one that had known what they were doing. When it came time to spar over the females he had made swift work of the other males and stood victorious over his fallen enemies with the regal air of a king, barely sustaining a scratch in the scuffle.

Now she, the young and naive Charizard that she was, had never witnessed males fighting to impress females before. She had been hand-bred by her own trainer for her color- black and sleek and shimmery- but upon hearing of the new valley opening up nearby, he had placed her in its care until such time he would have time to train her himself. It was something like a species-specific daycare in that way, and he thought he could take advantage of it to toughen up his new shiny while also preventing her from damaging her perfect hide in actual battle. Female Charizard would often only spar for nesting spots, after all, and even then it was considerably less violent when the valley was still so empty and had more than enough room for them all.

But the young mother hadn't even intended upon making a nest, in truth. She was a timid one, preferring to watch the other Charizard from a safe distance and admire the way they fought.

That one male, though- he was different. Something about the ease with which he dispatched his opponents had caused her heart to flutter and she had cautiously joined the other females that had been watching the fighting that day.

She hadn't meant to catch his eye.

Though the other females had scoffed about camouflage and that their child would likely be killed in the more competitive environment the valley presented, he had ignored them. He'd chosen his mate and that was the end of it. The others could take their pick of his fallen opponents. If it came true that the resulting Charmander was a shiny creature like his mother then he'd teach it to protect itself. He'd proven himself capable of that.

Now, as the first bit of shell chipped away, the very same Charizard- the giant of the valley that stood easily twice as high as any other- joined the mother and lowered his head beside where she lay coiled around the nest.

{What if it looks like me?} she whispered, looking up at him with worry in her eyes. {Are you certain we can protect them?} {I can,} came the reassuring reply. {I will protect them myself and no one will dare touch them. I promise.} She gave him a small nuzzle with her black nose, ignoring how small it was compared to his own. He would never hurt her, regardless of how much larger he was. He was a kind creature at heart, even if he showed no mercy in battle.

She could only hope their child would have inherited that trait from him.

Her train of thought was interrupted when he lifted his head again and took a tentative step towards the egg. For just a moment, his expression seemed worried. {Should... should they be taking this long?} She laughed softly- a velvety, purring sound- and finally brought herself to her feet to stand beside him. {I should think I have more reason to be worried, don't you? It's my first child.} He hmph'd in response, but lowered his snout to the egg to give it the gentlest of nudges. {Hey, you alright in there?} No response. {... Kid?} Not even a wiggle. {Is there something wrong?} he asked, turning back towards his mate. {Shouldn't there be some movement? Should we help-?} Though she had to swallow the little bit of anxiety that was beginning to rise in her, she offered a smile. {Let it be. Not all eggs hatch at the same speed.} {They were able to break that missing chip off on their own, right?} {Yes. I'm sure they're fine.} As if to agree with this statement, a small squeak of a roar issued from the egg and something inside seemed to throw its weight against the side of the shell, causing it to fall over and begin to roll. The pebbles around the nest were there to stop it from rolling dangerously far, but the father quickly placed his nose against the egg again, stopping it before it had gone more than an inch or two. Reacting to the halted movement, the inhabitant of the egg squeaked again and began hitting the shell in the direction of the Charizard's nose, causing the egg to crumble under the frustrated assault. It only took a moment before the barrier had been removed and the poor father found a pair of feet pounding against his nose instead and he broke into a wide grin. {Alright, alright, settle down-} Another kick for good measure, but the hatchling obeyed with another angry squeak. Once that was settled and the danger of them rolling away mid-attack was gone, the Charizard pulled his head away and gave the shell another small nudge. {Go on, then. Come out of there.} {- In your own time,} the mother added, determined not to make her child feel rushed during their first five minutes of life. {We'll wait for you.} Their baby, however, was equally determined to escape from its shell and after a few seconds of scuttling sounds, the tiny body tensed just before the remaining egg practically exploded apart, leaving a panting Charmander on its back, looking very pleased with itself.

A sigh of relief could be heard from his mother, as well. {He's orange,} she whispered to the other Charizard. {He's not yellow.} He smiled to her once again. {It wouldn't've mattered. Did you see him shatter that egg like it was glass? And the kicking? He's going to give me a run for my money when he grows up.} {Do you suppose he's going to be a fighter, then?} The giant Charizard lowered his head to his son. {What do you think?} he asked, giving the Charmander a small push with his nose to encourage him to stand. {You want to grow up and fight things like your papa?} The Charmander looked up at the giant face for a moment in awe- was this really his father?- but he stumbled up onto his wobbly back legs and placed his front claws on the huge nose presented to him. He considered the size of it for all of three seconds before he opened his mouth and bit down on it as hard as he could, growling in what was likely supposed to be a terrifying manner. This earned a full-on laugh from the Charizard, for all that he didn't even flinch at the attack. {No fear! Look at him, China- look at him just launching straight into biting the first thing he sees! That's the way, son- don't let 'em see you scared.} His mother shook her head and sighed, sitting back on her haunches to better take in the sight.

Just what she needed- two boys that fought first and asked questions later.

---

A year or so passed quickly for the Charizard family. The mother had done her level best to keep her new son out of trouble, but she learned very quickly that he was, in fact, just like his father. Other Charmander quickly began appearing in the valley as more of the Charizard paired off, and her son was always eager to greet them and get right down to wrestling and play fighting.

Thankfully no one tended to get hurt, and she slowly became more accepted by the other mothers once it was realized her son was considered 'normal,' but it made her no less nervous. Sooner or later the play fights would become more serious as the next generation struggled to catch up with the previous one's pecking order and the newcomers sought a place within it. It wouldn't be long before the first of them started pulling out actual attacks and some of the more aggressive among them started evolving.

She shuddered to think of the first time her son challenged a Charmeleon to battle and, like his father, refused to back down until one of them fell.

To her mate's credit, however, he took a much more active role in raising their son than most other males. He seemed to sense her apprehension and took it upon himself to spar with the Charmander as often as he could. Often it amounted to his laying flat to the ground and daring the much smaller Pokemon to do damage to him- any damage- and correcting his posture or technique when it was necessary, but both father and son considered it sparring. As a result, their little boy had yet to 'lose,' if such a thing existed between children only pretending to battle. It made his father practically glow with pride if anyone so much as mentioned his son in his presence.

That is, until the day the inevitable happened.

Unfortunately, it was the father who heard the news first.

The woman who was in charge of the Charicific Valley was talking on the phone just outside the station near the entry gates, and it just so happened that the son had decided to wander in that direction, causing the giant of a Charizard to follow to ensure he didn't get into any trouble or get himself lost.

"Yes, of course," the ranger was saying, holding the phone up to her ear as she leaned on the pole the telephone was hung on. "China is doing very well, I'm sure she'd be happy to see you again." The Charizard lifted his head at the mention of his mate's name, eyes narrowing. This didn't escape his son's notice, however, and the small thing went hopping back up to him with interest. {What is it, Papa?} {Shh, the human is talking about your mother.} Charmander turned towards the ranger curiously. {Mama?} "I'm glad you called, in fact. I needed to ask you something." A pause. "I'm sure you're very busy, but you see- it seems China had an egg." Another pause, and judging by the expression on the woman's face she was getting quite an earful from the other end of the line. "No, no, it's alright, sir. I realize you hadn't planned on that and no, he isn't. That's why I was going to ask if you've heard of the Starter Seekers program."

The Charmander honestly had no idea what any of this meant. Starter Seekers program? And who would be calling up the human ranger about his mother? Before he could voice any of these questions, however, he heard his father growl behind him and turned back to look at him with confusion. {Papa-?} {We need to go.} {Why?} {Just- just come with me, we need to warn your mother.} {Warn her about what?} This went unanswered, as the next second the Charizard had swept his tail around behind his son and sent him flying, catching him in talon-like claws before turning and taking off at a run.

He had to warn her and they had to come up with a plan. They had to.

Unfortunately, this wasn't easily done. The giant suggested running, China pointed out that there was no where a couple of their size could hide. He suggested angering the humans so they'd leave her in the valley or abandon her, China reminded him that abandonment took more forms than just conveniently leaving her with her family. He suggested fighting, as he was wont to do, and she could only shake her head. Violent Pokemon were put down if they proved to be a danger to humans, and she had no wish to harm her trainer for all that she wanted to stay here.

That was the first of many sleepless nights for the younger Charmander. Sleeping while two of the more powerful Charizard in the valley argued was virtually impossible. Finally, it ended up that his father's frustration turned upon his mother and he began accusing her of preferring the company of her trainer over him. She, tired and facing the hopelessness of the situation, could only say that he was her trainer, and a Pokemon did belong with their human.

They never spoke of their son. He was a problem they couldn't even begin to face until the initial one was solved.

Sadly, that never happened before the young man appeared at the valley gate one bright spring morning, grinning proudly as the ranger met him. "Welcome back, sir! I assume you're here for China?" she asked, sounding as though it were the simplest matter in the world. "Did you think about what I suggested for her little one?" The man nodded, pulling his backpack off his shoulders. "Where am I supposed to sign?" "Right here in the office, sir. I'll send someone out to get your Charizard for you."

Charmander shifted uncomfortably from his lookout spot on the cliff nearby, unsure what all of this meant. He had been asked to wait here until a man matching that description arrived, but why? And why did he have to try and outrun the ranger's Charizard to go and get his mother? One of his friends was going to try to evolve today, too- he could be gathered around the lava pool watching that instead.

Still, he was loyal to his parents and not more than ten minutes later he arrived, panting and stumbling over his own feet, to where his mother lay alone waiting for him. {H-he's here- he's here, M-mama.} His mother smiled warmly at his words, though it didn't quite touch the sadness in her eyes. {Thank you, dear.} {Where's Papa?} {Papa... had to go.} {Where?} Her small laugh sounded forced, but she rose to her feet and lowered her head to his level, turning him so he faced the large volcano that stood behind the valley. {You see that mountain?} {Mm-hm.} {He's right up at the very tip-top of that.} {Can I go up there?} {No,} she said, sounding genuinely saddened, {I'm sorry, dear. Only your papa.} {Can he take me up there next time he goes? Will you ask?} {... Next time I see him, I promise I'll ask him for you.} {Mama?} Charmander turned back to face her with concern on his face. {Why is there a trainer here that knows your name?} She sighed, but opted not to answer his question directly. {Do you remember what I told you about humans? About trainers and their Pokemon?} {They're our friends, right? We have to protect them because they're not very good at fighting by themselves.} {And in return they love us and look after us- they take care of us when we're sick.} {Yeah, and they take us to cool places and help us battle and get stronger! And we go on all sorts of adventures and make new friends! That's what it means to be a trainer's Pokemon, right?} His mother smiled again, trying her best to sound encouraging. {That's right. And do you know what they call a human's first Pokemon?} {What?} {A starter. It's considered a great honor and responsibility to be a human's starter Pokemon. They're very young and need a lot of help when they first start out.} {You mean they have small humans, too? Like baby Pokemon?} {Yes. Very small humans. Just like you.} {Wow!} {You'd... you'd grow up together. Grow old together. Most importantly,} she closed her eyes and put her head up beside his, giving it a small nudge, {you'd always have each other.} He looked confused by the slight break in her voice, but gave her head an awkward return hug. {So we'd be friends forever?} {Forever and always. When you don't have anyone else- you will always have your trainer.} He didn't like the way this conversation was going. {But I don't- I don't need a trainer yet, right? I've still got you and Papa, and you're always there instead.} {... Not always.} She pulled her head away and he noticed the tears that were beginning to show in the corners of her eyes. {Not forever.} {W-why not?} {You're growing up,} she said, her voice getting shakier the more she tried to steady it. {There's a trainer out there right now that needs a Pokemon exactly like you. I've known since the day you were born that you'd make a fine starter when you got older, I only... I only wish I might have prepared a little more.} Suddenly, the Charmander realized just how small he was in a world so much larger than even his behemoth of a father. {Mama, a-are... am I going away?} {Oh honey,} she whispered, her smile broken by the tears she could no longer help, {not far away. Never far.} {How far is not far?} {As long as you can still close your eyes and picture me and Papa- as long as you can still remember where it is your papa sits on top of that mountain of his- you'll still be right here,} she paused to raise a claw to her chest, giving it a small tap, {right here close to my heart. That's how close we'll always keep you.} He wasn't sure when it started, but he was suddenly aware that he was crying as well. {What if I want to talk to you? What if I miss you?} {You can always talk to us, honey. We're a family. We'll know and we'll listen no matter how far away we may seem to you.} He hiccuped and lifted up his arm to wipe away his tears, ignoring the fact it was a hopeless venture at this point. He was crying too much to ever hope to dry his face entirely. {W-what if my trainer isn't nice? What if-} {Oh no,} she jumped in quickly, {no, no, no, honey- honey, they'll be nice. Your trainer is going to be so nice and you and they are going to get along so well. You'll have all those adventures you ever wanted and- and one day you'll see us again and you can introduce us. You can show them off to us.} {R-really?} {Of course. You can- you can make them parade around in front of us and we'll fuss over them until you're embarrassed of us.} The Charmander managed a choked laugh at the idea, but at least it got him to crack a broken smile. {... Promise?} {I promise with all of my heart.}

He might have had something else to say, but was interrupted when another, smaller Charizard dropped out of the air behind his mother. {There you are!} the newcomer said, grinning brightly and striking a sharp contrast to the others' tears. {China, there's a trainer here for you. And I have good news!} China turned slowly to face her, taking in a deep, steadying breath. {What is it?} {Your little one has been chosen as the first Charmander for the Starter Seekers program! He's going to be a starter!} China's smile was shaky and slow. {I know. Will you- will you take him to the little station? I'll catch up in just a moment.} {Sure thing, dear! Come along now, you little firecracker- get your game face on! You're going to get a human!} The Charmander did his best to comply with this request, though there was nothing to be done about the tear stains. As he walked past his mother, he paused a moment to look up at her one last time. {I'm going to make you proud of me, Mama,} he said, looking determined. {I'm going to grow up and be a strong Charizard just like papa and I- I'll see you then, okay?} {Of course,} she replied, bending down to give him a final nuzzle, {I know you will. I'll be waiting, and you just take your time.}

As her son walked away with the other Charizard, still trying to look like a little soldier with his shoulders back, China lifted her eyes heavenward.

{Arceus, if you'll listen to a desperate mother's plea, I beg you... please send my son the kindest trainer you have.}