As Blue stood at the entrance to Lavender Town, he sighed. He had hoped that he would never have to visit the small town for the reasons that he was. Blue had never been one to show much of his feelings or thoughts beyond the exuberant, arrogant exterior that everybody thought was his personality. Underneath that, he was still just a twelve-year-old child, much like other trainers. Unlike most other fresh trainers however, he had watched one of his Pokemon die.
While the small funeral took place, he had released his other Pokemon so they could say their final farewells together, as a team and a family.
Even days after the funeral, he remained in Lavender Town. He continued to visit the grave of his departed comrade, day after day.
After staying for a week straight, somebody greeted him as he stood by Raticate's gravestone: his rival. The times they had fought flashed through Blue's mind, and he steeled himself. He couldn't be weak. Being weak meant that Raticate had defended him for nothing.
Blue smirked at his rival Red, and casually spoke. "What kept you, Red? Hahaha! I thought you'd turn up if I waited here! I guess Team Rocket slowed you down! Not that I care! I saw you in Saffron, so I decided to see if you got better!"
He wouldn't forget.
He would always remember his friend and ally Raticate, who gave his life so that Blue could live.
...
A short segment about Gary's lost Raticate.
...Hey... Somebody had to...