Mark Newberry had it all as Champion of the Indigo League. Once he got to the top and started receiving sponsorships, he was set for life. His voice was now heard throughout Kanto as its leader. All Mark had to do was train his Pokémon in his spare time and attend to the issues that affected the region, and face a challenger every year. It sounded like an easy job and being the champion was every starting trainer's dream.

It was only once he was at the top did Mark realize how bored he was.

Mark remembered his life as a trainer fondly. He challenged the gym leaders and many trainers to reach the championship. However, he failed many times along the way. There was always someone more stronger than him. It was the journey that kept Mark going throughout his time as a trainer, and eventually, at the age of seventeen, he achieved his dream. And the journey came to an end afterwards.

He missed challenging trainers to battle on the roadside. As champion, he only competed in exhibition matches occasionally, while having the opportunity to spar with the Elite Four for training. The exhibition matches are too few and Mark has started to become tired with facing the same four trainers for close to two years, even though they were top of their class. His one hope for a good battle was when the Indigo League Conference came to a close. The winner had to face the Elite Four to face Mark, and unfortunately, Lance defeated him.

Perhaps what he missed the most was the adventure. To explore new places and take in new sights. To meet strangers and befriend them. To learn something new. To Mark, this was what being a Pokémon Trainer was about. He was certain that out there, someone would love to be in his position. They would not care for the flaws he saw. But for Mark, this simply wasn't for him.

In three days, the gyms associated with the Indigo League would open their doors to trainers and accept challengers. As Champion, he was expected to prepare a video, encouraging young trainers to compete in the Indigo League. Mark sat in front of a laptop in his bedroom, a click away from having the camera record him. He inhaled, then exhaled. He knew exactly what he had to say. It was going to be tough to admit it, but at the same time, it was a necessity. It was going to encourage the trainers to compete. He was certain of that.

Mark pressed the button and the laptop's camera started to record him.

"Hello trainers!" Mark started off, putting on a smile. "In just a few more days, the Indigo League will start accepting trainers to compete. In order to qualify for the Indigo League, trainers must earn eight gym badges from the Pokémon Gyms scattered across Kanto. Then, after facing their peers in the Indigo League Conference, one trainer will have a chance to battle against the Elite Four."

Mark paused, and after a moment to think it over, gave a small nod.

"After defeating the Elite Four, congratulations," Mark chuckled nervously. "I'm stepping down as Champion, and I'm not picking anyone to replace me. That's one less battle you'll have to worry about to reach the top. It may not be fair, but to me, I need to do this for myself. I hope that you'll forgive me for this. With that said, give it your all, and show the world what you are capable of. Be the new Champion of Kanto."

Mark pressed the button to stop recording. A few clicks later, the video was uploaded onto the official Indigo League website. He sighed in relief and leaned back on his chair.

Lance definitely wasn't going to be happy, but for the first time since becoming Champion, Mark was at his happiest.

The Champion stepping down was all anyone could talk about at the trainer school, located in Viridian City. The children were already excited enough to complete their education and earn their trainer cards. In doing so would they be eligible to compete in the Indigo Pokémon League and have a shot at the championship. And now, with the new development, many were excited to get started with their journey.

Among the small class at the trainer school was Daniel Hughes (Danny to his friends). A young boy from Pallet Town with long black hair and green eyes, Danny was ready to get started with his adventure along with his friends: Celena, Noah, and Jared. The four were different from each other in many ways but formed a close bond. Danny was certain that out of the four of them, one of them would end up becoming Kanto's new Champion. It was just a matter of finishing up their training so they could become official trainers.

It was an early morning when Danny stepped into the classroom with a bright smile. Trainers were already sitting at their desks, waiting for their teacher. Danny was glad to see that his group of friends were at their usual seats in the corner, already talking amongst themselves. No doubt it was about the new change with the Indigo League.

Noah, the oldest of the group at fourteen year sold, was a tall teen with curly blond hair, green eyes, and a surfer's tan. He wore a blue floral shirt, khakis, and sandals. From Vermillion City, Noah was the de facto leader of the group of four. With a laid back personality, Noah is relaxed when it comes to just about anything. As one of the stronger trainers at the school, he had a sense of pride, but remains calm when challenge.

Celena, from Cinnabar Island, was the most reserved of the group. She had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and pale skin, and typically wore plain t-shirts and jeans. It was hard to get her to talk about herself. In the months that they knew each other, all Danny was able to find out about Celena was was that she was adopted. Even though she never talked, she was a good listener and a keen observer. When she does talk, she is likely to have some sort of insight about what is happening.

Jared, of Pewter City, was the most timid of the four. He had short brown hair, hazel eyes, and fair skin. His typical outfit consisted of jean shorts, running shoes, and a white tank top. He was the youngest of the group at eleven years old, and had trouble seeing himself as a trainer. Jared always thought that his friends were better him than him and that he wouldn't amount to much. However, there was no one who knew facts about Pokémon than him at the trainer's school (asides from the teacher, Mr. Dechant). Danny thought that Jared's smarts would take him far.

"Heya!" Danny greeted and took his seat next to Jared, and in front of Noah and Celena.

"Danny!" Noah grinned. "You heard the news, haven't you?"

"I sure did. Becoming the Champion is going to be real easy now!"

"I'm not sure," Jared took out his notebook. "Whoever wants to become Champion still has the Elite Four to contend with. Not to mention the other trainers."

"Find out the minimum amount of battles without the Champion, Jared," Noah asked. Jared nodded and started scribbling in his notebook.

"This is a sign," Danny smiled. "This is when we're supposed to leave on our adventure, together!"

"You might be right, Danny," Noah nodded. "We're going to have a lot of obstacles in our way still."

"Twenty battles," Jared quietly answered. "Eight gym leaders, eight trainers in the Indigo League Conference, and the Elite Four. And in order to become Champion, someone has to beat all of them."

Noah let out a low whistle. "When you put in the numbers, becoming Champion still seems difficult."

"And that's only the bare minimum," Celena pointed out. "We are likely to fight trainers out on the road, and I know that we're not the only ones gunning for the championship."

The group knew exactly who Celena was referring to: Victor Price. Victor was seated towards the center of the classroom, surrounded by his friends. He was one of the oldest students alongside Noah, but more vocal than his friend. He was boastful from the beginning and made it clear that he was going to be Champion one day. And there was no doubting that he was going to be a powerhouse. His only Pokémon, a Electabuzz, was one of the strongest Pokémon Danny saw from the school.

But Danny wasn't going to let Victor win without giving it his own shot.

"We can do this though," Danny encouraged his friends. "We're going to all become strong trainers and compete against the Gym Leaders. And we're going to do it together!"

"There's no denying that," Noah nodded. "It's just a matter of looking at our challenges so we can prepare."

"And only one of us can become Champion," Celena added.

"It'll be one of you guys," Jared sighed.

Danny took his friend's words into account before shrugging. "We'll overcome those challenges when we come across them. When's the soonest we can get our trainer cards?"

"Two more months of classes," Noah groaned. "We'll have a lot of catching up to do at that point."

"There's another option," Jared started. "The Pokémon League administers tests in any city with a Pokémon Gym when the gyms open. They analyze a potential trainer through a series of tests. If they pass, they receive their trainer card, and can compete in any league in any region."

"That's what we do!" Danny declared.

"But isn't the Viridian Gym closed down for renovations?" Celena asked.

"That won't matter," Jared shook his head. "The League still has to send someone. We can find out more details online."

"Then it's settled," Noah clapped his hands together lightly. "We're going to get our trainer cards, and we're going to compete in the league!"

Danny let out a light cheer. This was going to be one of the first, and maybe the greatest, adventures he would have a trainer. He looked forward to every moment. All he had to do in the meantime was study with his friends to prepare for the exam the Pokémon League had assigned.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime, Henry. And you're wanting to throw it away just so you can read books."

"I like reading books, Jason."

"You can read books whenever. This is a shot at the championship we're talking about!"

Henry smirked and closed the book he was reading. Learning about the drought that affected Azalea Town would have to wait. His younger brother was insistent on having this conversation now. The least he could do was at least give some attention instead of not paying attention.

The two brothers were outside the city limits of Goldenrod City. It was the only place where Henry could have his Pokémon, Onix, out safely. Despite his large size, Onix needed time out of his Poké Ball. It was a nice day out with a gentle breeze and sunlight coming down on the two brothers. Henry was sitting on top of his Pokémon with his back resting against Onix's headfin. Jason was down on the ground, looking up towards his older brother. Onix was coiled up on the ground, taking a nap.

"It sounds to me like you should go to Kanto then," Henry told Jason. "I'll be rooting you from home."

"I don't want you to root for me," Jason stomped his foot. "I want you to come with me. I want you to challenge the league too. Then, we can see which one of us is the better trainer!"

"But I'm not interested in that," Henry chuckled. "Can't a guy just read books in peace?"

"Five years ago, you graduated at the top of your class at the trainer school in Violet City. You're now seventeen and are putting that training to waste."

"And you were top of your class three years ago, same place. You're fifthteen now."

"This isn't about me. I'm trying to show you that you have the potential to be a great trainer," Jason huffed. "I mean, why did you even bother doing so well at the trainer school if you weren't going to do anything with it?"

"I wanted good grades," Henry shrugged. "Now, I want to learn more about history. Nothing wrong with that."

"Let's talk history, family history," Jason started. "Mom and dad were both ace trainers who competed in multiple leagues. They met in the semi-finals of the Ever Grande Conference 25 years ago. And if we go back to the first Pokemon Leagues held over a hundred years ago, a Silva competed in that. And you would just neglect our family tradition? Can't you tell that training and battling is in our blood?"

Of course Henry knew of his family history. He was the one who've done all of the research to see how far his family line went back. The Silva's were big names when it came to being trainers and he had the records to prove it. Yet, there has not been a Silva who managed to become Champion of any region. While he did not have the urge to travel and compete like Jason did, making history was an entirely separate matter. Even if it meant just accompanying his brother on his journey, it may be worth it.

"You're going to go with or without me, aren't you?" Henry asked.

"I am, but I would like for you to come with me."

"Well, looks like I'll have to come with you."

Jason raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really?"

"Really," Henry nodded. "If a Silva is going to become Champion, you'll need me my help."

"Aren't we going to be competing for that spot?"

"Maybe. I might challenge the gyms just to keep my skills sharp. Onix will need the training so we can protect you?"

"Protect me?"

"Team Rocket is growing more active in the region," Henry pointed out. "I wouldn't want you to get hurt by them."

"And here I thought that you were stuck in the past," Jason chuckled. "Are you really that confident that you can protect me?"

"Sure am."

To emphasize on his point, Henry slid off Onix's head and landed on the ground in front of Jason. He stood up straight, a foot taller than his brother. While Jason was more slim, Henry was bulky. Their size were the only different thing about the brothers, who had the same blue eyes and brown hair. Whenever he wasn't reading a book, Henry was usually taking part in some physical exercise (usually rock climbing). Jason was quick on his feet, but other than that, he definitely wasn't up for a physical confrontation. Henry, on the other hand, wasn't afraid to throw down with some thieves when it came down to it, especially if it meant protecting his younger brother.

"Show-off," Jason playfully punched his brother in the arm.

Onix rose his head from the ground and Henry raised his hand. "Don't worry about it, Onix. It's time to go home."

Onix nodded as Henry recalled him to his Poké Ball. The two brothers headed back to the road leading to Goldenrod City, walking side by side. Jason was grinning, excited at the prospect of finally traveling with his brother.

"I've been thinking," Jason started. "If we're going to travel together, we'll need a name for ourselves."

"We have names already."

"I'm talking about a name for our duo. I was thinking something along the line of the Goldenrod Boys."

Henry laughed. "Seriously, the Goldenrod Boys?"

"Oh, like you could do better!"

"The Silva Brothers."

Jason paused. "Alright, that's better. We'll call ourselves that. Count of three: one, two, three."

"Silva Brothers!" Henry and Jason exclaimed in unison.

Anthony Lombardi tugged on the sleeve of his trench coat with one hand while waiting in the elevator descending down. While he normally kept calm and stoic, meeting with the boss always left him on edge. Anthony was dangerous on his own, but the boss was on an entirely different level. It certainly didn't help that he was the bearer of bad news. He had every right to be worried about what would happen in the next five minutes.

Anthony pressed his sunglasses against his eyes and then ran his hand through his jet black hair.

The elevator door slid open with a ding.

Anthony stepped forward, briefly glancing over two guards in their black uniforms. The guards looked away from him as he walked past them, heading towards the boss. They knew of his reputation and didn't want to face him. Smart move, but his reputation wasn't going to save him if the boss was displeased. He stopped in front of the metal door, took a deep breath, then opened the door.

The office was dark with the overhead lights turned off. The only source of light camp from a lamp on the boss' desk. The light allowed for Anthony to step in without bumping into anything, while only providing an outline of the boss, seated at the desk in a comfy red chair. Anthony placed his hands behind his back, grabbing his wrists. He stood still and exhaled, calming his nerves.

"Sir," Anthony greeted with a slight nod.

"Lombardi. What have to come to report on."

"The champion stepping down," Anthony answered.

"You think I didn't know of that?"

"No, sir," Anthony shook his head. "I followed up on the announcement to see what kind of effect it would have. There is a new wave of trainers heading to Kanto. Shiplines heading to Vermillion City are booked, tickets to the Magnet Train are sold out, and all Pokémon Centers within cities with Pokémon Gyms are packed with traveling trainers."

"And you bring this up because you believe that these trainers may interfere with my plans."

"It is a possibility, sir,"

There was a brief silence in the room. "Good work, Lombardi. These concerns that you have are valid."

"Thank you, sir."

"Business will proceed as normal, including the planned takeover of Silph Company. Your task will be to ensure that all current operations are going according to plan."

"Is there anywhere you would like me to start, sir?" Anthony asked.

"Viridian City. For good reason, I've kept the grunts away from the renovations. But if a curious trainer decides to put the effort in and take a peek, it may prove to be my downfall."

"I am make sure that no one takes too close of a look?" Anthony raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. Just until the wave of trainers in Viridian City pass through. I'll send grunts to take over your position, and to provide you with further orders. You are dismissed, Lombardi."

"Sir."

Anthony stepped out of the room, and once he heard the door closed, sighed immediately in relief. After taking another breath, he walked forward, ready to leave the base. It would take a day for him to travel to Viridian City, and there was no telling when he would be dismissed for his next job.

Anthony didn't care about what may cause him trouble on the way. He was a loyal member of Team Rocket, and he would go through with his mission.

A/N: Hey everyone. The name's Archer. Some of you might remember me from a cancelled Pokémon fanfic I ran before. This will be a kind of reboot.

Just a quick reminder about my experience with Pokémon. FireRed was the first video game I've ever played. I've been a fan of the series for years and have been looking forward to writing about this. I wasn't too thrilled about the first story I wrote, but I have a good feeling this time around. I've been wanting to write this story for close to four years, and with Summer just around the corner, I'm ready to get started. This story will take pieces of game, anime, and manga lore, as well as portray a more realistic version of the Pokémon World.

While I normally give update times on when I'll post chapters, I'm just going to focus on this for the foreseeable future. Expect sporadic updates throughout the Summer unless otherwise.

Until next time.