A.N.: Hey. Thanks for reading. The intro already pretty much says everything you need to know about this fic. It's an alternate universe where Red and Gold/Ethan never existed; or, if they did, they never went on Pokémon Journeys; or, if they did, it wasn't in Kanto and Johto. Consequently, the top Trainers in both regions, and the only "heroes" to speak of are Silver and Blue, who make their own journeys unopposed. Also consequently, Team Rocket is much, much stronger... and it's up to Silver and Blue to stop them. How do the stories of the two "Rivals" unfold when they're on their own? Can they stop Team Rocket? But also, will they? Both are pretty dubious characters for "heroes" as is...

Hope you guys like this. Don't forget to "RnR"; all feedback is always much appreciated.

-Oswald

NO PLACE FOR HEROES

A Pokémon Fanfiction

Chapter 1

The sun had only recently set when Silver began to make his way to Viridian City down the rugged mountainside of Indigo Plateau. The city lights dimmed out the stars; but in their own way, they were beautiful, like a little pond of lights among the dark verdant forests.

Not that Silver cared about beautiful lights; or beautiful anythings for that matter. The Johto Challenger -this was his current title- had only taken that road because it was the fastest and the most discreet. He had pressing business in Viridian City, and he needed to get there, quick; preferably without anyone knowing anything.

Things had gotten very bad, very fast.

Beside Silver, his Magneton's low electric glow lit the way. A few paces in front of them, Silver heard something rustling through the bushes.

"There!" Silver said sharply in a loud whisper, pointing the source of the noise out to Magneton, who immediately made for the bushes. A male Nidoran, now caught in the glare of Magneton's electrical light, had been trying to scurry away; but being located, it presently turned towards the Electric- and Steel-type Pokémon and, growling, bared its teeth and got ready for battle.

"Magneton, use Discharge." Silver said coldly.

The enemy Nidoran didn't stand a chance. It fainted immediately.

Silver was taking no chances.

"Magneton..." his Pokémon said obediently, with a slight nod of its whole massive body.

"What the hell do you want, a goddamn medal?" said Silver with clear disdain. They continued on their way.

Once they approached and entered Viridian City, Silver immediately called back his Pokémon so as to not draw attention to himself.

Despite his best efforts, Silver felt a tinge of nostalgia as he made his way through the dark streets. He remembered this place.

He'd better remember this place. He'd grown up here.

But that was a long time ago, and it was all behind Silver now. Even alone, however, he exerted himself to not let an ounce of emotion show on his expression.

Showing emotion was the sort of thing weak people did.

In silence, the red-haired boy made his way to the local Pokémon Center and had his Pokémon healed, before getting a room and going to sleep. He needed to be rested. The next morning, he'd make his way to the Viridian Gym.

His pressing business in Viridian City was specifically related to that Gym, you see; and to the man he supposed he might find there.

Downstairs, on the ground floor of the Pokémon Center, there was a lot of hustle and bustle. Everyone was talking and making a big fuss. This, Silver thought, was good: it meant no-one would take notice of him.

Even if the reason there was such a commotion was directly related to his reason for being in Kanto.

Silver's father, you see; Silver's dear, dear father, as he sneeringly thought of him... Silver's father, whom Silver expected to find in Viridian Gym, was at it again.

Team Rocket had taken over Johto.