A/N: Welcome to the introduction chapter of A New Journey. It's a short one, something I wrote to get the story going. All my love goes out to Game Freak, Creatures and Nintendo for having one of the most amazing game, anime and manga franchises. Before I start, I do want to mention that Red is MY Red from Red and FireRed. His team as well as the naming is all based on what I had before. My OC, when she is introduced, is also based on my character from Emerald. I do not own anything except my ideas for the story. Sorry for the long note here, This will be the only time. Please enjoy.
Intro: Home
It felt like eternity since I last saw home, My journey started so long ago and finally I've returned. Taking a walk, nothing seems to have changed, my walk leading me to the shoreline that bordered my home. My name has already reached far with my accomplishments but something was calling me, I could feel it as the cool breeze washed over me. I closed my eyes and took in the sounds around me, the small waves hitting the shore, the town behind me with everyone busy working on my welcome home party. I had become a champion, and they wanted to make sure I was treated like such. At least for today, I would indulge them and enjoy tonight with everyone.
I told them they didn't' have to do this, but my mother insisted. I smiled, and let her have her way. I was starting to regret it, as she got everyone involved. "Red!" I hear a girl's voice shout out behind me, I opened my eyes and turned around to see Blue's sister, Daisy, running up to me. She looked winded, as if she ran the length of the town to find me.
"Is everything okay?" I asked a bit concerned that something could be wrong.
"Your mom sent me to find you, everything is almost ready!" She let out as she tried to catch her breath.
I couldn't help but think of Blue, He took his defeat hard and despite our differences, or the conflicts we had on our journey, he was my friend and someone that I have come to respect more then ever.
"Red?" I heard Daisy ask, shaking my head I look down at her.
"Sorry. I was thinking." Rubbing my eyes, I realized quickly that I hadn't slept well the last few nights. My body has grown use to barely sleeping on my journey and being able to relax was a luxury I won't take for granted anymore.
As we walked to where my mother and the others had set up for the celebration, I couldn't concentrate on Daisy's talking and thankfully she didn't notice that I was lost within my own mind again. This happens far more frequently then I'd like to admit as my mind starts to thinking and wander to it's own devices. I could see Professor Oak, and my Mother talking. Oak looked over at me with a smile, and he motioned me over. As soon as I got close, the celebration began.
Hours went by quickly, I don't remember much of what went on. I do remember Professor Oak asked me to follow him as everything died down a bit.
"I'm proud of you Red. You taught my grandson more then I'm sure you realize, and you bested the most powerful trainers in Kanto." He turned to me as we reached a hilltop that looked over Pallet Town.
"I owe much to Blue, He pushed me to limits I never thought possible and we all grew cause of it. I have a bond that has only grown stronger."
"You two really have grown." Oak smiled, and put his hand on my shoulder.
"Professor." I started, my long pause drew a strange look upon Professor Oak's face. I let out a sigh, shaking my head. "Forget about it, I'm sorry. I've had a lot on my mind."
"It's okay Red. You know you can talk to me with whatever concerns you may have. Why don't you head home and get some sleep. "
I nodded, before saying my goodbyes. I returned home only to find my mother passed out from the day, having run around and worked herself to exhaustion. I smiled as I quietly made my way past the couch she was on, and into my room. It wasn't long before I was nearly tackled by my overly energetic Pikachu.
"I'm sorry for not spending time with you today, Sparky." I laughed, as he moved and draped himself on my hat.
"Pika, Pi Pikachu!" Sparky let out, just glad I was back as I sat on my bed, Sparky jumping down beside me. "We've been through a lot, All of you have been there for me no matter what." I put my hand under his chin and scratched, Sparky eating up every second of it.
I stopped, flipping off the lamp by my bed and laid back. As my eyes watched the shadows on the ceiling, Sparky curled up beside me, almost instantly drifting asleep. I almost envy him, for I couldn't fall asleep as easily. I closed my eyes, my mind returning to the league and of my battles. Each one hard fought, each victory forcing me to adapt. The bond I felt with my Pokemon was strong, and they knew that I didn't like to put them in harm, but each one did there best. I was proud of everyone of them, and I made sure they knew it.
I'm not sure when it happened, but sleep finally overtook me. For the first time since I left on my journey, my dreams were not of the encounters that I had. Instead it was a long forgotten memory, of me and Blue sitting atop a hill overlooking Pallet Town. It was the day that we decided to become Pokemon Masters, and the same day that our rivalry began.
