The Beginning

Chapter One

Beginnings aren't always easy. The beginning of the World, for example; did anyone know what to do from the very start? Looking at more modern times, World War One began with over three thousand deaths on its first day. Not a good start.
A not-as-extreme example of a sketchy beginning comes in the form of Charlie Justice, a ten-year-old boy from New Bark Town, Johto. As I say, Charlie's beginning was not as extreme as a war, but difficult, to say the least.

It was a surprisingly sunny day for a funeral. How ironic that the World was so full of life today, when Charlie's wasn't. The funeral was his father's. Charlie had always been closer to his father than he had his mother, and now everything in his life had just spiraled downwards.
The whole family was here, even his Aunt and Uncle from Hoenn. It was nice that they came all this way to pay their respects. Charlie didn't recognise most of the faces though, for they never really had family get-togethers. He decided to stay next to his mother and grip her hand tightly for security.
The funeral was taking place in the cemetery through the woods behind the lab. Charlie's father had always liked to walk through the woods with him. It was where they went to talk and make dens and other stuff that Charlie couldn't do with his mother. The thought of times past made Charlie give a weak smile. He squeezed his mother's hand tighter as tears welled up in his dark green eyes. His mother bent down to his level and looked at him, her eyes watery too. She straightened his little tie and ruffled his mop of brown hair, like his father used to.
"You're so brave" was all she said before she embraced him and began to weep. Charlie returned the hug and began crying gently too as the coffin was lowered into the grave.

The following week was hard for Charlie and his mother. There had been many tears and sleepless nights. Charlie himself became very shy and subdued. It was summer, so he usually would have been riding his bike with friends or walking through the woods with his father. To tell the truth, Charlie had been counting down the days until the reading of his father's will. Not for selfish gain, but so that the last memories of his father could disappear off and stay with only Charlie and his mother.
He hated the fuss everyone had been giving him. He understood why people did it, but it didn't stop him hating it. Most of the neighbours had been round to give him a hug and tell him "what a brave soldier he was" or "how proud your father would've been". He didn't care how proud his father would have been. He wouldn't have needed to be proud if it hadn't have been for that explosion at the lab.
The lab had been fixed pretty quickly after the explosion. Professor Elm hadn't released any other details other than Gold Justice's death and a few pieces of equipment were destroyed. Charlie remembered very clearly watching the news after the incident and praying with crossed fingers that his father, Gold, hadn't been affected. Unfortunately, Elm came on and said what he did. It was difficult to shake it from his mind.

Finally, the day of the will reading came. It took place at Charlie's house, as there were only two beneficiaries.
Charlie and his mother sat on one couch, whilst the reader sat in the armchair opposite them. He sat with a Herdier next to him. He pulled out a letter and opened it shakily. He was an old man with wispy, white hair and a thick moustache. Charlie didn't like the look of him from the moment he met him.
The reader's voice was smooth and calm, but it sounded forced. "I'm so sorry for your loss," he said. "I'm sure-" he looked at the front of the letter. "-Gold was a very good man." The reader forced a smile. "I shall now read the will."
Charlie's mother put her arm round Charlie and squeezed reassuringly, but Charlie wasn't sure who for.
The reader unfolded the will, placed a pair of spectacles on his nose and began to read:

Here within is the last will and testament of Mr. Gold Ash Justice. This document is to be read only once the aforementioned person has passed away.
Firstly, to my dearest wife, Crystal Sarah Justice, I leave my royalties. These include my earnings, the house we share, all my personal belongings and our first- born child, Charlie. Also, I leave a request, which she may find enclosed with this will.

At this point, the reader paused and leant down to his Herdier, which, Charlie just noticed, had a pouch around its neck. From the pouch, the reader drew another letter. This one, he gave straight to Charlie's mother, Crystal. She stared at it for a second, as a single teardrop fell onto the words scrawled onto the front in scruffy handwriting that looked like Charlie's. It read: "My beloved Crystal, open when alone." She lay the letter on the coffee table between the two parties and signaled for the reader to carry on.
He cleared his throat and read on.

And to my only child, Charlie Gold Justice, I leave a surprise and a request, to be read aloud by the solicitor.
Elm has the surprise at his lab. Go there the day after the reading of this will and receive it. I knew I was going to die, Charlie, I was just waiting for them to find me, and they obviously have. Now it's your turn to find them, Charlie. Elm will give you the details. But please, find them.

Charlie was at a loss for words. His father knew that he was going to die? Why didn't he do anything about it? Why should Charlie have to go see Elm? All these questions were running through his head as the reader finished reading the will.

I have many regrets in my life, but none is greater than having to leave my family behind. I should have given up on my dealings whilst I had the chance. Remember what I told you both to do, and always remember that I love you both.

SIGNED
Gold Ash Justice

P.S. Charlie, name him Gold.

millsieminor 2011