Mantineus-Yeah, I'm making fun of Youngster Joey due to the fact that he called me MERE minutes after we battled and exchanged numbers. And then he called AGAIN minutes after that! SAYING THE EXACT SAME THING! So yeah, it got me thinking. It will be GoldxJoey since I played Gold(I tried to play again but the ability to save is gone DX)
Disclaimer-I own nothing!
Red-Ash
Blue-Gary...Just in case you forgot.
(o)(o)(o)(like my pokeballs?)
Gold had found it a little endearing when it started. A phone call as soon as he stepped one foot on Route 31 that night, telling him how good his lone Rattata was against a wild one. Gold praised him like any good friend would. And then came another phone call not much later where he said the same thing.
He did not doubt it, having lived in New Bark Town all of his life, he knew that the little rats scurried around like the plague at night. And if he kept this up, he had little doubt his new friend would have a Raticate in no time, if not a whole team of the little rodents he seemed to love so much.
But it became something more. Not annoying, no. That word was for Silver only. No, the phone calls became something else, though Gold could never place a word for it. At least, not yet, but it did spark a friendship.
(o)(o)(o)
"I heard you beat Falkner." Joey said, a smile on his face. Though Gold could not see it. "I knew you could do it."
"Thanks, buddy." Gold said on the other line.
Joey's eyes seemed to sparkle. Friends were not easily made in a world where being tough meant everything and weaklings were left in the dirt. And to be friends with such a tough guy…It was amazing!
"Well, I won't keep you." Joey said. "I'm sure you are eager to beat another Gym Leader."
Gold laughed. "Well, okay. Talk to you later, Joey."
"Bye,"
And with that, Joey released his Rattata and together they trained.
(o)(o)(o)
Gold had a nagging feeling. Joey hadn't called in a while. He normally calls at least once a day. But…He hadn't for the last three days…Not like he was counting or anything. True, he could call. But with his new found discovery of having a knack of stumbling into adventures, he had little time.
But, besides the little adventures, the nagging never seems to leave. Don't get him wrong, it just became routine. Everyone has a routine, right?
The fourth day found Gold outside of the Ecruteak City Gym, Fog badge in hand, when the phone rang. Looking at the caller ID, he quickly answered it.
"Hey, Gold." Came the greeting from his young friend. "Sorry I didn't call for three days. I was busy training Rattata, or should I say Raticate?"
"It evolved?" Gold said, not hiding the pride in his voice. "Great job, Joey!"
"Thanks," Came the muffled reply. "But look at you, Gold. Saving Slowpoke, defeating gym leaders." He paused for dramatic effect then joked. "What are you gonna do now?"
Gold looked at the Fog badge and clasped it tightly in his hand. He could not explain it, but he felt like he could take on the world with his bare hands. Then he remembered Morty.
"I'm gonna capture Ho-oh."
"Wow," Gold could practically hear the youngster's eyes turn to stars.
Gold laughed. "Hey, Joey. How do you know all of my adventures, but I know nothing of yours?"
The youngster laughed. "You're all anyone talks about, Gold. They're starting to say that you're the new Red!"
(o)(o)(o)
Joey, now eleven, was beyond amazed. Here it was, a year later, and his best friend had caught Ho-oh, Lugia, and a red gyarados. Not to mention defeat a crime ring, defeat the Elite Four, and other things that would have any child sitting at the edge of their seats.
But what really amazed him was that every time he called asking him to visit him or to battle, he would come. No questions asked and no whining; something one would expect from a hero. Gold would arrive on the back of Lugia, mostly (Joey liked to think) since Joey thought Lugia looked cooler than a typical Pidgeotto or even the wild and crazy looking Ho-oh, even though it left a beautiful rainbow trail.
But this time it was different. Gold came on his own on the back of Lugia. Something he never did, he would always come announced or be expected due to him calling him. In fact, it surprised him the first time Gold actually called him. But that was months ago; a little after his run in with Team Rocket.
Lugia landed right in front of Joey. She cooed and gently began rubbing the boy's head. The boy giggled.
"I'm glad to see you, too, Lugia."
"Hey Joey."
Joey gasped when he saw his friend. Thirteen and still wore the same outfit he had on his very first day of his journey. He was tan and a little dirty; but such is the life of a trainer. But he still had the kind, gentle smile that Joey remembered.
"Sorry for dropping in unannounced." Gold said. "I just wanted to say my goodbyes."
"What do you mean?" Joey asked, eyes widening in worry.
Gold seemed to pick up on that and laid a reassuring hand on the youngster's shoulder, a confident smile gracing his lips.
"I've been asked to participate in the Kanto region." He never looked away from his young friend. "I shouldn't be gone too long, though. A few gyms. They may even have me fight Red."
"Whoa,"
"Which reminds me, what have you been up to, Joey? All you ever talk about is your training. Been through any adventures of your own?"
"No, not really." Joey said, eyes averted, shoe kicking the dirt.
"What about gyms?"
"Well, yeah." Joey beamed. "Me and my Raticates have, to many bystanders' surprise, all of them!"
Joey opened his PokéGear and shown them all to his best friend. He really had them all, displaying them neatly yet hiding them from the world.
"Sweet!" Gold said. "But why didn't you tell me before?"
Joey looked away again. He was embarrassed.
"I wanted to tell you in person…But then, when I have the chance, I forget…Also…"
"'Also'?" Gold repeated, not letting Joey drop the conversation.
"I didn't think you'd care."
"Wouldn't care?" Gold said, looking surprised. "Joey, do you know how many trainers out there don't even have three badges? You've got 'em all and with and all Raticate team! That's something, Joey." He then slung an arm over Joey's shoulder. "Besides, you're my best friend."
Joey found himself blushing at Gold's words.
"I have to go." Gold said, holding out a hand.
"Until next time, friend." Joey smiled, clasping his hand to Gold's.
They broke apart and Gold took out another poke ball and released his Ho-oh.
"What?" Joey asked surprised. "What about Lugia?"
Joey waved frantically at the semi-forgotten Pokémon. Gold just smiled.
"I've thought about this a lot, Joey. In fact, I was spirited away by Lugia before I could call you. And on the way, we agreed it's for the best."
Joey looked up at the magnificent bird who merely chirped in a dignified manner before nuzzling his head affectionately.
"Didn't you find it strange that I found you without calling?"
"A little," Joey said. "But what did you agree on?"
"Now, I must be off." He marched towards Ho-oh. He sat upon the powerful bird.
"But Gold!"
"Look by your feet!" Gold shouted, both he and his bird rising into the sky. "You dropped something!"
And Joey looked. And right where he stood was a small red and white ball. Vacant yet used, Joey knew what it meant.
Gold gave him his Lugia.
(o)(o)(o)
"Have you challenged the Elite Four yet, Joey?" Gold asked. Despite what Joey says, he wanted him to go farther than just being the victor over gyms.
"No," Came the response. "I'm happy with where I'm at. Besides, they might quit if they lose to my five Raticate or Lugia again."
Gold laughed. It had been a month since he gave Lugia to his friend, which meant they had not seen each other in that time. But, during that time, he had six out of eight badges. The slow progress was due to a few minor bumps in the road such as dealing with a doll, helping a powerplant, capturing a Snorlax, and defeating the last Team Rocket Grunt. Just to name a few.
"Oh," Gold said. "Did I tell you how I got Misty to battle me?"
"I don't think so."
"I had to break up her date."
Joey laughed half heartily.
"That was kinda mean, Gold."
"Yeah, I guess it was." Gold never really saw it as that. "But I had to do it. She would never have battled me if I didn't."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't like it if someone did that while I was on a date."
Gold gasped silently, his body tensing. He had no idea why, but the thought of Joey on a date with some girl made his chest hurt and stomach move as if it were break dancing.
"Well," Gold began. "You can bet that I won't break up your date."
Gold did not have to hear it, but kind of felt the smile his friend was making.
"Thanks, Gold, that means a lot." Joey said. "Now can we cut the mushy stuff? It's makin' me queasy."
Gold laughed. The curious yet repulsed mind of an eleven year old on the subject of love. He could barely remember such a time.
(o)(o)(o)
"Kanto is beautiful." Gold said through the phone to his best friend.
Joey listened with slight envy. He would love to see what his friend is seeing. But he was a native of Johto, not Kanto, and he did not know where exactly Gold was nor how to get there, and Lugia was not well known in that area. Though Red claimed to have seen Ho-oh when he started on his Pokémon journey.
"I'm letting the sights sink in." Gold continued. "I mean, I did that in Johto, too, but not in depth since I could always go back with little fuss. Whereas Kanto, is a mountain and water apart. Not to mention, far."
"That's nice, Gold." Joey said. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
He really was. There were no ill feelings on his part. He was the supportive friend of the greatest boy alive. And that meant something, if only to him.
"Yeah," Gold said. "But I was rushing earlier."
"Why?" Joey found himself asking.
"Because I wanted to come back to you ASAP."
Joey could sense that it was a slip. But Gold did not seem too upset over it, nor did he correct it. There was a silence between them. He did not know what Gold was thinking, but in his own mind were firework displays and cheering chants of 'He wants to come back to me! He wants to come back to me!'
A blush crept up his face at the possible implications.
"Well, one more badge to go and I promised I'd show Professor Oak my badges when I was finished with the gyms. I'm not sure why, but I think he mentioned Red."
"You know what that means," Joey said, sounding excited. "You may become the next Pokémon Master!"
"Yeah," Gold said. "Oh, the sun is setting."
"Does it look the same as in Johto?"
"Yeah, but I can't help but feel that something's missing."
"What?"
"Good night, Joey." Came the whistful response.
"Good night, Gold."
(o)(o)(o)
Mt. Silver was not a difficult place to navigate. Compared to the other places he had to go through, it was a cake walk. Finding Red was also easy. He stood at the top, staring down upon everything. Gold could tell he was in deep thought, yet a little sad.
Red turned as soon as he was close. Gold stared into the eyes of the Master and saw depression. Loneliness was his only other companion besides his Pokémon.
"So you defeated Blue?" Red asked, a faraway look came across his features upon mentioning the name. "Congratulations. He's the toughest Kanto has to offer."
The Master broke down.
"You miss him, don't you?"
Red nodded.
"He kept you going, even when things looked tough, right?"
"Y…Yeah,"
"And he supported you?"
"As good as a rival can."
"And being away from him is liking missing a part of yourself."
"It's tough being the Pokémon Master." Red said, controlling his emotions. "There's an image you have to keep or risk becoming another scandal in the tabloids."
"That sucks." Gold said.
"You have no idea…" Red said. "But I've worked so hard to just give up. So be prepared, for I won't go easy on you."
The fight was intense, leaving both down to their last Pokémon. The final commands were given. An explosion covered the make-shift arena, hiding both monsters. The dust cleared, revealing Gold's Pokémon to be the last one standing.
"Great battle," Gold said.
"It was the most intense battle I've had in years." Red said, smiling.
"Though one thing bugs me," Gold said, receiving a raised brow in return. "Why didn't you just hide out in the middle of nowhere like that lady on Route 28? Maybe that way you two could have been together."
"It's not that simple when the Elite Four recommend your significant other as a gym leader. Hiding isn't so easy when they know you everywhere."
Gold thought on this a little bit. There was no doubt in his mind that he was in the same boat as Red, he could not say that he did not know what these feelings were; less he deny them and one thing he learned on his journeys was that that should never be an option.
"But I don't have to worry about that, anymore." Red said, giving a genuine smile. "I am no longer Master." He tipped his hat. "Good luck, Gold. Hopefully your time as Master won't be as lonely."(1)
(o)(o)(o)
Joey was excited. Gold had done it! He beat Red! And here he was, upon request from Gold's mom, standing at the bank of the lake that started Route 29 with the famous Professor Elm, Gold's mom, the kid he recognized as Silver from what Gold had told him, and many other people the youngster did not know, but somehow knew Gold.
The majority were talking excitedly about Gold's return and to both Elm and his mother, introducing themselves and just talking about Pokémon; never seeing the uncomfortable look the female flashed them. Joey did not have to worry, though, he was the first one there, third if you counted the two native New Bark Town residents and formally introduced himself and was surprised to find that his mother already heard about him. It made him blush that Gold would tell his mother about him!
But that was not the reason he remained silent. He was waiting for his best friend's arrival. But, could he still be considered one? Joey thought a lot about the sprouting feelings he has for the trainer. Doubt of reciprocated feelings arose, but another part of his mind said not to worry.
The only other quiet person was Silver, the fourteen year old standing next to Joey, though not too close. Both rival and friend stared out as far as they could see in respected silence.
They did not wait too long, for a wild CAW! Rang out joyously and Joey spied the shadowed form of Ho-oh, a vibrant rainbow trailing behind it. Everyone stopped and stared as their champion came into view, riding upon his mythic bird. Everyone stepped back, creating a semi-circle from bank edge to bank edge, giving them a place to land.
Ho-oh landed with a loud victory caw, wings raised before lowering itself so its trainer could get off. And once he did Joey could not take it anymore. He took off running, not caring about the stunned gasps and strange looks he knew were aimed at him. He ran towards his destiny.
"Hi, Joey." Gold said, a smile gracing his lips.
Joey ran harder, nearly knocking over his best friend whom did not have time to brace for the added velocity. The youngster hugged his elder tightly around his waist, his head nuzzling his well toned abdomen. Gold slowly laced his arms loosely around the youngster's neck.
"I missed you, Gold."
"I missed you, too." Then Gold did something that would have shocked everyone if it were not for the fact that Ho-oh 'coincidentally' raised a wing, covering the two trainers from sight.
Gold leaned forward and chastely kissed Joey on the cheek. Ho-oh triumphantly crowed loudly then lowered his wing.
"Our little secret." Gold whispered, walking towards the crowd of friends and family, a beaming Joey following behind.
(o)(o)The End(o)(o)(2)
1) There, I gave Red(Ash) depth! Instead of being the 'tough, man of few words'(Since all that's said is '…' when you begin the fight), I made him a tough, lonely, man who wishes for nothing but the quiet life with his significant other, Blue(Gary). I used color names because this is in the game world.
2)*Audience claps. I pretend to be surprised.* Why are you all clapping?
Audience member- Because this is the longest canon story you've EVER WROTE!
Me-*In mock surprise*-So it is.