AN: I do not own anything by Nintendo or any other companies involved, otherwise I would've done a few tweaks. So, yeah, I own nothing that is related in any way to Pokémon except the characters I own, which this time around will not be involved. This is basically an attempt to do a battle of opposites.

Pokémon
Champion of the Past

Chapter 1: Existence and Fear

Five days following the phone call he had received from Professor Oak, Kanto's greatest Pokémon researcher, Ash had already arrived in Viridian City. He knew that from there, he had to head west and for the most part, go the way as if he was going to Johto's New Bark Town, but rather than heading south from Victory Road, he would continue westward towards Mt. Silver. He had spent time planning out a team that would work out; he had called out to Liza of the Charicific Valley and he had received his Charizard back, as it was a valuable addition to the team. It definitely toughened up since the last time he saw it, back with the whole fiasco with the Unknown, the legendary dog Pokémon, Entei, and the endangering of Johto scientist Professor Spencer Hale's daughter, Molly; and then the Battle Frontier. Jeez, Ash has been in so many life-endangering adventures that requires him to save the world, or at least, a particular individual.

"Pika?" His Pikachu questioned, looking up at him from the ground as they stood by a lamppost, waiting for their friends to arrive. Ash looked down at his partner and smiled a little.

"Don't worry, I was just thinking about the past… It's ridiculous though that we had to save something, or someone, really important about… seven or eight times now…? I don't remember, lost count…" Ash trailed off, looking up at the sky, almost at the exact point where he saw that really rare Pokémon, Ho-oh as he learned when he arrived at Ecruteak much later, on his first day as a Pokémon Trainer. It was definitely strange, so many things happened, and yet, here he was, about to go and face off against this Champion of old. Aside from having Pikachu and Charizard on his team, Ash had chosen some respectable Pokémon choices for when he should go up against this trainer.

He had chosen to bring Sceptile, his grass-type powerhouse that seems to be the most logical choice when he's pit against this trainer's Blastoise. As to counter the trainer's Charizard, Ash will not be using his Charizard, a mistake that he had once forgotten about when he went to New Island a ways back. Rather, he will use Buizel, which he had received from Dawn through a trade for his Aipom, as it supports quite powerful water attacks. But since he was unsure of this trainer's last two Pokémon, if he had them, Ash had chosen to bring his Staraptor, his flying type Pokemon which he caught as a Starly back in the Sinnoh region, and his Gliscor, another flying type that is surprisingly adaptable to the ground also, having evolved from a Gligar. Ash figured that would be his team for this trainer, but wondered if he had even left the Mt. Silver and even journeyed anywhere else.

Ash's train of thought came to an abrupt halt when he heard the voices of Misty and Brock approaching up from Viridian Forest, and Ash smiled to see his friends since quite some time. Brock was the same as always, but it was Misty that looked the most different, since he hasn't seen her since Hoen. She had grown her hair out, and took it out of the one pigtail, just letting it flow loosely to shoulder length, something odd for Ash to have seen, but regardless, she still was a friend, after all. Ash would've also asked May and Max, and even Dawn if he could to join them, but Oak only said he can only bring two. Rather unfair, Ash had mentioned, but regardless, the fifteen year old had made the decision with these two, but he asked Brock to bring a camera to take pictures of him facing off against this trainer.

What Ash did not understand was that the two were rather hesitant about going, as he thought back to the phone calls. Were Gym Leaders not welcome on Mt. Silver because they were only meant to remain as they are, Gym Leaders? Or was it another, completely different matter that Ash was being left out on? Ash had questioned on what was wrong, but neither Misty nor Brock gave him a straight-up answer, and seemed to cave in and decided to come. Could they fear this Champion, or quite possibly, only Brock does since he was certainly old enough to have been a Gym Leader when this Champion went and collected their badges? But it didn't explain why Misty was so hesitant about it either, unless she was a leader longer than what she told him?

Brock was the same as usual, his eyes squinted in the same manner as a Cyndaquil, sort of, and his clothes were a green shirt with an orange and brown vest over it. He had dark tanned skin with beige, baggy cargo pants, and some decent shoes. His hair was brown and spiky, and if Ash remembered correctly, he had a variety of rock-type Pokémon as well as a number of others, including a Chansey, Sudowoodo, and Marshtomp.

Despite the change in her hairstyle, Misty actually looked prepared for this climb up Mt. Silver, despite her being hesitant on the phone. She was wearing a mid-sleeved jacket that was aquamarine in color, with her shirt underneath was a deeper cerulean, which Ash found suiting since she came from Cerulean City. She wore regular blue jeans, which Ash found to be the big difference aside from her hair since she always seemed to wear shorts when she traveled with him. Her shoes were a deep indigo, but the only colors on her that were not any type of blue were her hair and her skin. Ash had no doubt that she would have her water Pokémon with her.

When they were close enough, Ash was the first one to speak, "Hey guys, it's been quite a while since we saw each other. Most definitely, the biggest change is you Misty, haha…" Ash spoke, half-jokingly as the water-trainer just glared at him, clearly a little upset.

"And what exactly is wrong with being different, Ash? I mean, surely during the times you were gone, you caught a vast amount of Pokémon, though it was mainly the grass or fire types you caught that did any evolving. So if anything, you changed also." Misty pointed out to the trainer, remembering his Charmander becoming a Charizard and Chikorita becoming a Bayleaf, and heard about Torterra, Infernape, and Sceptile, as well as Quilava. Regardless, Ash gave a sigh then a shrug.

"Ash, are you certain you wish to go through with this?" Brock couldn't help but ask, trying not to put any concern in his voice, which he only received a look from Ash.

"Why are you so concerned, Brock? I mean, the worst that could happen is to encounter some powerful Pokémon like a Tyranitar mother or something like that. For all I know, that trainer could've moved on when Gary traversed up that way, since someone knew of where he resides…" Ash suggested, but he knew he wasn't fooling anybody, though, oddly enough, Brock appeared to have relaxed a little, as did Misty.

"If we come across a trainer, then yeah, I'll fight him, or her, if I have to, but if not, then at least I can say to Gary that he was wrong about a trainer being up that way. Just like that time with the Viridian Gym when he encountered a Pokémon that would not register to the Pokedex, which, now reminds me… Did they ever find a replacement Gym Leader to run that gym?" Ash spoke, looking in the direction where the now rebuilt, and remodeled, Gym was. Misty and Brock looked at it, and both honestly had nothing really to say.

"That I haven't been informed of, Ash, neither Misty nor I… All we do know is that he was a semi-finalist in Pokémon League a ways back, but he lost. Thing is, it's believed that he breaks the rule of all Gym Leaders, and that is using a large diversity of Pokémon, rather than sticking to one particular type. He'll be starting as the holder of the Earth Badge next year, but nobody knows much else besides." Ash heard as Brock explained the situation, all of which were gazing at the Gym. Ash wondered who this new Gym Leader could be, and just hoped it wasn't Team Rocket again, but if Brock and Misty could learn the basics of who to deal with, this doesn't sound like them.

"Well, whoever they are, I would like to know them, and perhaps get a real challenge from the Leader, rather than having lackeys do the dirty work. I mean, I never had a true Gym Battle for the Earth Badge, and I hope to change that next year if I can. But that would mean I'd have to go around and challenge you guys again…" Ash trailed off, and then looked up to the sky, the wind lightly whistling through the nearby trees as he thought it over. But he knew that the fight with this Gym Leader would have to wait; he had to do this investigation Oak had asked him to do.

"Anyways, we'll discuss this later, okay guys? Right now, we have to do this search that Oak had supplied us, or rather, me with, for this trainer, or Pokémon, that put quite a number on Gary's team. I was able to surpass Gary back in the Silver Conference, even with the type disadvantage, so I could succeed where Gary couldn't." Ash said, trying to keep high hopes while his Pikachu was doing the same thing. Without another word, all three made their way westward towards Victory Road, only to continue heading in that direction to begin the ascend up the mountain.


Despite the harsh, cold conditions of the mountain, Ash remained close to his friends, his Pikachu on his shoulder to ensure it wouldn't get separated from its trainer. Misty, despite her warmer attire of clothing, was having a hard time dealing with the cold and heavy air, and surprisingly, Brock was having similar issues. How Ash was able to remain so calm and normal despite the harsh conditions had the two Gym Leaders slightly puzzled, however, they did what they could to keep up with Ash.

On a nearby cliff, overlooking the trio, stood the trainer they were looking for, which Misty and Brock also had a bit of fear of being here. Red looked down at the three of them, but his red eyes mainly watched the one leading the trio with the Pikachu on his shoulder. So his theory was correct, Red thought, and such a trainer that looked like him did exist, but as to why he'd bring Brock and Misty, the first two Gym Leaders of Kanto here to a dangerous environment puzzled him.

"Pika…" His Pikachu said rather simply and quietly, perched on his shoulder and looked at the three as well. Red was standing upright, and quite honestly, he didn't have any concern on whether he was seen or not; people knew he was here anyways, so there was no point in hiding. In fact, Red would never have the intent to hide from a trainer that could, perhaps, surpass him. But that was the whole question; could this trainer who looked like Red even surpass him, one of the greatest Pokémon Masters and a Pokémon League Champion?

"…" The response was silent as always from Red, and it was there that he saw the trainer stop, and turned to look at him. For a split moment, the two had made eye contact with one another, before Red walked into the cave that was connected to the cliff.

Ash could not believe at what he had just seen, it probably had to be an illusion or a Ghost-type Pokémon was playing tricks on his mind. It was a trainer, standing only moments ago on a cliff overlooking the valley, with what appeared to be a Pikachu on his shoulder much like Ash's case now. And his clothing almost was similar, though opposite in color to Ash's, although the hat was designed quite differently. Misty and Brock had looked moments after, just barely catching a glimpse, but their fears were most certainly confirmed; he was here after all.

Ash could see on their expressions that they had seen him also, and though he knew that they knew, Ash knew best not to pry into business that was not his. All he knew now was that Oak's theory on a powerful trainer being on Mt. Silver was true, more disappointment for Ash since Gary was right, but Ash knew that he could maybe, just maybe, have what it takes to defeat this trainer.

He and the two Gym Leaders pressed onwards, managing to avoid wild Pokémon attacks, mainly to avoid their behaviors. Even with the sightings of some rather rare Pokémon, the fifteen year old knew that he would have time after this to try, but that was, if his Pokémon were up for the test against this supposed trainer's team. And since he was a Champion as well, Ash knew full well this trainer, who appeared to be a little older than him, would definitely be no pushover. This would be perhaps his biggest battle in his entire five years of being a Pokémon Trainer. If he can do this, then at the very least, Ash has the right to be called a Champion, since he was able to beat one of old. But Ash did not know of what to expect out of this fight; things could go either way in all honesty; Gary had Pokémon from all the regions like Ash, only in larger numbers and more diversity, and still lost.

Ash showed no concern as he approached what appeared to have been a campsite of sorts, as if a trainer had been here quite some time ago. It even more confirmed of what he had seen. They had traveled all day, and Ash figured that before the final push into the cave, the three of them should at least have a break here. That trainer had nowhere really to go, except flight from his Chrizard if what Gary said was true, but by the look into this trainer's eyes, he most certainly was not going anywhere. And this would now be the time to question Misty and Brock on their experiences with this trainer, hoping to gain an edge.

"So, I believe you saw him as well, even if just a glimpse, I saw that you both recognized him even when he was not fully visible. So tell me, who is this trainer that I'm about to deal with?" Ash asked, for once, sounding serious as his Pikachu lept off his shoulder and landed on the ground nearby, as Ash watched Misty look to the side, while Brock looked down to the ground. Silence ensued for the next while, and Ash was about to just cut it, but then saw Brock stand, which surprised Misty.

"It was against Pokémon League rules that we cannot disclose any information about any trainers we came across unless the trainer himself or herself was known. And, unfortunately, why Oak would even disclose the information to you was unneeded to be heard. However, though we cannot say anything of this trainer as Gym Leaders, we can, at least, tell you as your friends…" Brock began, looking towards the mouth of the cave, and then back to Ash.

"When he began his journey, he too had issues fighting my Geodude and Onix, however, I was surprised that he used an unusual method to fight my rock Pokémon at the time with only a Pikachu and a Butterfree. Though he had the type disadvantage in both areas, somehow, he came out victorious on his first try against me. He did not use electricity from his Pikachu, nor did he use the spore abilities from his Butterfree. How he was able to defeat me with simple, yet effective combat strategies still confuses me today…" Brock explained, and Ash was certain he misheard that; he had used a Pikachu and a Butterfree against a rock-type user? But before Ash could question, Misty had turned her head to look at the fifteen year old.

"It was not even three days later he had arrived to my gym and challenged not just me, but also my three sisters in battle at, like brock, a type disadvantage. He did not use his Pikachu until the end, so, surprisingly, he used a Charmander and Squirtle, where both fire and water are hardly effective against my water types. Like the battle with Brock, he used methods that took me off guard, and ultimately, my defeat with him, forcing me to confer up the badge to him. But at the time, he had a kind and caring heart for his Pokémon, as if treating them like his brothers and sisters, yet didn't seem to talk at all. I don't know, but how I see it, he was hurt back then, and even just briefly seeing him now, that pain hasn't gone away…" Misty explain her side, and so far, Ash knew that this trainer had a deep trust towards his Pokémon to use types that were at clear disadvantages, and still stood victorious, like how Ash managed to beat Gary's Blastoise with his Charizard back in the Silver Conference.

"Since he was progressing so fast through the Gym Leaders in succession, using similar means against all the Gym Leaders and even his rival, who would also face us later, I watched him battle through the Pokémon League, and since his Pokémon were all toughened up from being at type disadvantages, he used his team accordingly against every trainer he came across, and ultimately, fought his rival in the semi-finals. The battle was quite heated, but this trainer managed to make his way to victory, leaving his rival in utter shock, as if he never truly lost.

"It was then just this first-timer against the League Champion, Lance in the finals of the tournament. Now this trainer had never fought Dragon types before that Lance was so proud of, but he did have a method to fight his way to victory, a startling one at that. This trainer never had his Pokémon fall completely in battle, like most trainers would, and would shift between Pokémon if things were getting too heated against his team. Eventually, when it seemed like Lance had his Pikachu cornered by his Dragonite, it was his Pikachu that came out superior after using a powerful Thunderbolt." Brock explained from what he knew based on what he had seen back then. "And you know the rest from there, Ash…" Brock finished up, before taking his seat next to Misty, who was still eying the cave in case Red would walk out.

Ash nodded when he needed to as he listened to Brock, and when he finished, Ash looked at the rock-type user, before saying, "Alright, I know his style, which sounds pretty difficult to counter, but… do you at least know his name? I have to at least know it before I go in and challenge him…" Ash showed that even after coming all this way, there was absolutely no chance he was backing down from this fight. But rather than Brock saying it, it was Misty who covered his lips before he said a word.

"Many people had wondered why he was given his name; some thought it was because the color was his favorite, but, no… Nobody knew why he was given that name, yet, people did get to hear it that time ago when he showed his ID to us Gym Leaders when he would not speak to any of us… His name is, "Red"… But Ash, is there nothing Brock and I could say to have you stay back and avoid this battle with him?" Misty spoke, certainly concerned for the fifteen year old. When Ash shook his head, Misty knew that it was expected, despite her fears.

"Then, there is no reason for Brock and I to carry on too far into the cave with you; if we remember Red, he prefers to fight trainers one at a time. And he does not really like spectators that much, despite Pokémon League being a very crowded and spectator-filled environment. So from here on, Ash… You're on your own, sorry…" Misty spoke, closing her eyes and looking downward to the side, and as much as Brock wanted to protest, Ash stood up, his Pikachu running to climb up his shoulder.

"Don't be, Misty… I mean, if anything, it's because you two do not wish to see him, face-to-face again when you had such a hard time with him that long ago. But, if I'm not back in fifteen minutes, then that means that this Red and I are on even terms, yet I cannot say for certain it'll be like that. I mean, if what you say is true, he just may use either his Pikachu or Blastoise when I go to use Sceptile, or another method like that against my other Pokémon, right? But, you guys know me enough that I can stand on my own, and even if I do lose against him, it's not like I have anything really important to lose like a title or a Gym Badge, right?" Ash explained at how he looked at things, and for some reason, he saw the two Gym Leaders relax a little, before they stood up also.

"We'll remain here while you deal with Red… I don't know how he's going to feel battling you or what he'll be thinking, but he most certainly may not have fought anyone like you before, Ash. You could be the only one who would have actually stood any significant chance on par with him, to at least be even with him if not better…" Brock spoke, trying to encourage Ash one time more before he would enter the cave and make his way towards the greatest Pokémon Trainer Kanto and Johto, possibly even the Pokémon World, has ever seen.

Ash nodded as he approached the cave's entrance, and then he took one look back at his friends, and smiled again before he stepped in, where his Pikachu emanated the cavern with a Flash. Next thing he knew, the Pokémon Trainer walked through the cave, avoiding any necessary fights with any wild Pokémon along the way. Despite it being dark, the Pokémon he saw in here varied quite a bit in species and rarity; most he found very interesting due to them living in this cave despite the harsh conditions outside. Ash would hear every step he would make as he made it deeper through the cave. Ultimately, he reached the deepest part, which not only appeared to be a dead end, but also appeared to be Red's living space. Ash had only walked to the stairway leading upwards to where the battle area was situated, and standing at the highest point, he saw the Champion was waiting for him. His Pikachu had sparks emanating from its cheeks, and was growling quite a bit. Red had his hand holding the end of his cap, sort of in a tipping motion, before tilting his head in a manner for Ash to step up to the plate. This battle, Ash knew, would be his most difficult challenge ever…