Blue

I strode across Pallet Town and made for my grandfather's lab. Pausing at the doors, I pushed them open apprehensively. What could be so important that Grandpa had to summon me all the way back to Pallet Town? I was still quite far away from the Pokemon League, and I was rather busy.

"Ah, Blue!" Grandpa called when he saw me. "I'm so grateful to you for coming."

"Anytime, grandpa," I mumbled, fidgeting with the amulet I wore around my neck. He had better have a good excuse for bringing me back here. I caught sight of a girl standing beside him.

She looked about fifteen, just a little younger than me. Her shoulder-length brown hair was silky straight, and her warm brown eyes blinked at me in awe. She must be another amateur Grandpa took in.

"This is Katherine," he introduced. "She's my friend's granddaughter. Kathy, this is Blue, my grandson."

I tore my eyes away from her as a thought struck me. Could she be the reason I was called here? I hoped he wasn't thinking what I suspected he was thinking…

"Would you take her under your wing? She could learn a lot from you," he said, glancing at her. "I'm rather busy, so I thought you could be her role model."

I groaned. "Grandpa, you know I intend to be the Pokemon Champion, not a teacher."

"It won't hurt for her to tag along," he reasoned. Ignoring him, I spun around and marched towards the door. Who did Grandpa think he was, anyway? Ordering me around like that. I'm sixteen, and perfectly capable of making decisions by myself, thank you.

"Please, Blue." Kathy's pleading voice reached my ears. My hand froze inches away from the door handle.

"I promise I won't inconvenience you. I'll do whatever you say. Please just let me follow you," she pleaded. Her soft, feminine voice was like running water, quenching the flames of anger.

I felt my defenses crack. Damn. She was a potential weakness, and I always dealt with weaknesses by getting over them. Oh, bother.

Mouthing a curse, I turned back towards her and sighed. "Fine, come on."

"Thanks!" Kathy bounded towards me, her hair flying. As I pushed open the door, I looked back to where Grandpa was standing.

"You owe me one, Gramps."

xxxxxxx

Kathy

I followed Blue meekly, watching the sandy-brown spikes of his hair as they moved with his strides. I had a feeling he was not someone to mess with. He was not much older than me, but he already had four badges, from what I heard.

We crossed Pallet Town in silence. Then, as we approached the grass, I gathered my courage to ask him a question.

"What kind of Pokemon do you think I should get? You know, 'cause I only have one," I asked hopefully. Any tips from this master would be priceless.

He stopped in his tracks and fixed his gaze on me. I cringed, suddenly feeling like I made a mistake in asking him.

After a moment, as if choosing his words carefully, he said: "It's your team, so it's up to you to choose."

My heart sank. I had no experience whatsoever dealing with Pokemon, how was I going to be able to pick? I stared at my feet in depression.

"However, you'll need a well balanced team with various types and abilities." My head snapped up. I wasn't expecting that. I felt at ease knowing he wouldn't ignore me completely.

We stepped into the long grass without another word. I felt very anxious, knowing that wild Pokemon could take us unawares, but Blue seemed totally unperturbed, even bored. It was like he was walking on a street instead of here.

At that moment, I decided that I admired him.

A loud squeaking interrupted my thoughts. I looked over Blue's shoulder to see a Ratatta growling at us, whiskers quivering. I glanced at Blue. His hands were shoved in his pockets.

"You handle it," he said, yawning. I stared at him quizzically. What the hell was he talking about?

He sighed. "Watch, and learn." He pulled out a Pokeball. "Charmeleon, Metal Claw!"

Before the smoke had even dissipated, I saw vaguely the form of his Pokemon leap towards the Ratatta, claws unsheathed. There was a sound of metal tearing through flesh and a shriek of pain.

As my vision cleared, I saw the Charmeleon standing triumphantly over the form of the fainted Ratatta.

"Good. Return." Blue stowed away the Pokeball. "Don't bother, it'll wake up later," he added, seeing my worried expression. I nodded, still trying to absorb the fact that he was so well practiced and efficient dealing with Pokemon. Were all good trainers like him?

My admiration for him increased twofold.

xxxxx

Blue

I wondered what Pokemon she would have. Could it be one of the special starter Pokemon, or would it be just a normal, common one?

I didn't have to wait for the answer.

Another Pokemon appeared, this time a Spearow. I stared at Kathy meaningfully and she reluctantly reached for her Pokemon. It was rather amusing that we were already like teacher and student.

"Go, Treecko!" The Grass Pokemon faced the Flying Pokemon warily. "Pound!"

The Spearow used Growl.

"Grass types fear Flying types, you know," I called.

"What?" she shrieked, suddenly anxious.

"Be glad it doesn't have any Flying attacks yet," I added, smiling. The Spearow dealt Treecko another scratch.

"Take it out, Treecko!" With a final blow, the heavily injured Grass Pokemon knocked out its opponent.

"Thanks." Kathy slumped the ground, a little weak in the knees. "I suck," she muttered.

I couldn't help chuckling. It appeared she still had a lot to learn about battle tactics and leveling up. Already my mind was running through all the different ways I could teach her what she needed.

Darn. I kicked myself mentally. I had previously planned to ditch her after she learned the basics. It appeared that 'basics' were still a long way to go.

"Catch." I tossed her a potion. "It'll help restore your Pokemon."

She gave me a grateful nod and, after tending to her Pokemon, we continued along our way.

"As I said, Grass types are weak against Flying types. They also fear Fire types, but I don't think you need to worry about them right now."

Kathy listened attentively as I spoke.

"You'll need to capture more Pokemon. You'll need a Pokemon that can counter the weakness of yours. Electric Pokemon would be good, as Flying fears them, but as there are none of those Pokemon here, you'll have to make do with a Flying type."

She nodded eagerly. "Thanks!" She bounded off in front, and I sighed, smiling. Energy was what usually came with being an amateur.

When I caught up with her, a Wingull had appeared in her way. Immediately, she threw a Pokeball. The Wingull avoided it easily.

"Weaken it first," I told her, and she started battling. I just yawned and looked up at the sky.

Where are you now, Red? How many badges have you got now? I'm stuck here with an amateur while you move further ahead of me…

"Blue, I got it!" Kathy's voice brought me out of my reverie. She showed me the Pokeball and I nodded unconcernedly.

"But…"

I glanced at her.

"My Pokemon are both badly hurt." She looked apologetic.

"We're almost at Viridian City. There's a Poke Centre there. You can heal your Pokemon when we get there."

"But I can't battle anymore," she said, eyes downcast.

"I'll do the battling."

"Yay! I wanna watch!"

She was so amusing I might even consider keeping her.

xxxxxxxx

A/N:

The map will be based on Leafgreen/Firered games, but the Pokemon will be mixed. I might get a couple of things wrong, so please correct me if you spot a mistake. Reviews please!

I do not own Pokemon or the characters involved.