Red Ash

Red Horizon

I blew out a puff of air. I was lying down in my bed, in a dark room. I look at the clock beside my bed. It read 4:01. I smiled to myself and whispered "Happy Birthday to me."

Wait. I should explain who I am. Well, first off, my name is Ash. According to the time and date, I am now 16 years old to this date. I have traveled to many wondrous regions. Usually my friends would travel with me, but after this last journey, I decided to take a little vacation from my dream.

Speaking of dreams and friends, I looked at the foot of my bed. I saw a little movement from the yellow animal at the foot of my bed. Then again, he only moved a lot if he had a bad dream. I quietly and carefully got out of bed, so I wouldn't disturb my friend's sleep and get electrocuted.

I crept quietly past my mom's room. She was one of the main reasons why I am taking a vacation from my dream. She has been alone for most of these 6 years that I have been traveling, only being able to see me through video calls and when I come back for a week after each region.

I managed to get to the new balcony my mom had built with Mr. I always called Mr. Mime Mr., because I thought it was easier for me to do. It was kind of like his nickname.

As I walked over on the balcony, I looked towards the east, where I can see a pale blue light on the horizon. I knew what that light was, and I let a smile creep onto my face. It was the light from Cerulean City, home of a great friend. But, over these last few years, I was starting to think of her more than a friend. I mean, she is about a year older than me, but I think I win in the height department, considering I am now about 6'1. She was tomboyish last time we met, but as I video called her yesterday, she was obviously a totally different looking girl.

Flashback

I finally got back home. I left Pikachu and the others at Oak's lab. I had to video call her, I just had to. I quickly typed in the number and waited till the Gym Leader's face showed up on the screen. She looked amazing. Her crimson hair had gotten longer, because it was like a flood of hair tumbling down her shoulders. Her face didn't change much: Her deep sea eyes still flashed between green and blue. She had a faint smile on her lips, and I never realized had it always appeared during our calls. She was just wearing a faint blue t-shirt with a wave on it, and she was wearing surfer's shorts.

"Hey." I said, my brain suffering from an overload of emotions. It has been a year since I saw her, and she laughed at my look of shock and awe. I couldn't help myself, and I started laughing with her. I smiled awkwardly after we were done laughing. My mouth just wouldn't work, my tongue refusing to form words. I haven't talked to her since I left for Unova, and she obviously changed just so she can see my face and my reaction. Put on her signature side ponytail, which was a lot longer than usual, she asked "So, how was Unova?"

"I was fine. I meet some new friends named Cilan and Iris." Her face scrunched up a bit when I mentioned the Dragon Master in training. I wonder why? "They both went back to Unova, to continue their dreams."

Her face lit up when I said they went back. Sometimes, this girl is really hard to read. Or maybe it is true: maybe I am a little dense. Nah. "So, how is Cerulean doing?"

She had a smile on her face as she spoke. "Oh Ash, you should see it. It is so beautiful. The waves look crystal, my sisters are out of town, and my training is going great!"

"That is good to hear." I told her. "So, are you coming to the party tomorrow?"

"Of course, Mr. Pokémon Master." She stuck out her tongue, just like old times. She always mocked me like that, calling me what I wanted to be for a while, but I never achieved.

"Hey, don't mock me, Orange Top." I shot back, a sly smile crossing my face. She soon had a red face. I thought of calling her "Tomato Face," but I remembered two very important things: One, she had a mallet, and two, she has good aim.

"Oh, we're not finished yet. Let's continue this tomorrow though… I just got two trainers wanting to challenge the gym. So ya tomorrow Ash!" she called out, then the call ended.

I was sad to see the screen go black… I don't know why…

Present

I still remembered that talk. She seemed so beautiful, yet I am worried one day, she will be snatched up by another dude. I don't like this feeling. My mom and Brock call it jealousy, but I am not jealous! I am just… never mind.

As I was still looking at the horizon, a speck of orange and red appeared on the horizon. I couldn't help but smile. As the shape flew closer and closer, my only prayer was that it would slow down.

Thankfully, one of my best friends managed to slow himself down and land in the front yard. I should mention that my friend is a dragon.

At 7'11, Charizard stood, head arched proudly towards my direction. He never looked stronger and happier, his flame burning brighter, his eyes confident, his orange skin glistening in the early dawn.

I saw what he was about to do just in time. "Not now Charizard!" I yelled to him. He stopped just in time, flames sparking in the back of his throat. Charizard loved to make an entrance, roaring with power and prestige. He looked a little upset, but he got his old smile back after he heard "Pika?"

The little mouse Pokémon apparently awoke from my yell. He tiredly walked over on his hind legs, wondering what was going on and rubbing his eyes. After he stopped rubbing them, he looked at the fire and flying type that landed in our front yard and made an excited "Pika!" noise.

Pikachu, being a Pokémon, jumped from the balcony to Charizard. I, being human, proceeded to put on a white T-shirt, jeans, and a green jacket vest thing that mother never explained to me what it was. I looked atop my dresser, and say a familiar sight. The very first hat I ever wore on my Pokémon adventure. I went over to it, picked it up, and brushed off the dust. The League symbol was still on there, still bright red as ever. The symbol was the only thing that still looked new though; the green, white, and blue were a bit faded. I put it onto my head. A little snug, but otherwise it still fits.

Then, being Ash Ketchum, I took a running start and vaulted over the balcony's railing, to the ground a story below. I landed on my feet, did a little roll, and took off running. I would at least get a mile run in before the guests arrive. Charizard flew above me, growling in challenge to race me. Pikachu jumped on my shoulder and nodded. I sprinted as fast as I could to the edge of town, my large Charizard close behind, giving a guttural chuckle. I swear, I thought I heard him talk.

I thought he said "It's been so long since you took up a challenge."