Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. Nothing at all.

"Your Pokemon are healed," the voice of the nurse said, her words waking Red up as he heard the door to the room shut. The sound of a tray being put on the desk next to the bed followed. Red struggled to sit up.

"All I remember was getting the room. Did I-"

"Ask for their treatment? No you did not, but I figured you were just too tired so I took the liberty for you. After all, a trainer is only as strong as the Pokemon he carries." Red didn't have to turn to face her to know she was smiling, but he gave her his gratitude as he tried to piece the previous day together.

Red heard the door open again as the nurse made her way to leave. "What was it you said I was exactly?" He asked, turning to face her, her returned his gaze with a look of confusion behind her pink bangs.

"A trainer?"

Red turned back from her to staring at the foot of the bed, his memories of the previous day all rushing back to him at once. "Right... trainer." The sound of the door closing alerted Red to her absence. Getting out of bed, Red shifted his gaze to the two red and white spheres that laid peacefully on the desk that rested beside the bed before he headed into the bathroom to shower.

"I ran away from home," Red said as he stood in the shower, letting the hot water wash over his body. "I ran away, and have no money... but that girl," the image of the girl he'd met filling his mind, "I have to see her again!"

"Nice to see you're filled with more energy then you were last night," the nurse stated as Red walked into the lobby, struggling to put on his black shirt as he held his glasses in his free hand.

"Sorry about that," Red stated sheepishly finally getting his head through the hole, "it was pretty late, I was barely able to make it to my room."

"I take it your a new trainer?" Red nodded. "So what are your plans?"

"Well, I am trying to find a friend of mine. They might have come through here yesterday, and judging from how empty this place seems to be she probably had left the same day."

"Well," the nurse contemplated, "their was a couple of girls to come through the center yesterday. Is there something recognizable on these girls like a hat may-"

"Yes! A hat! She had on a hat! Do you know where she went?"

"I did see a girl with a hat, but I'm afraid she didn't say anything about where she was headed." Red hung his head, which didn't go unnoticed by the nurse. "You could take the Gym Challenge. Where you battle eight skilled trainers for their badges and get admittance to the Pokemon League, something that televised would surely reach your friend should you not run into them while your collecting them."

"That sounds like a good idea, but money is an issue." Red admitted.

"Winning a battle against a Gym Leader can be very rewarding in the aspect of money as well," she said, "after all, the average trainer is somewhere between ten and thirteen years old, so its pretty unlikely they have their own form of income."

"So I can just travel around, and as long as I beat gyms I'll be able to afford it? Sounds too good to be true, but there is one way to find out. Where is the closest gym?"

The nurse turned to grab the pokemon of someone who had just walked in the building, taking her eyes off of Red as she answered. "The closest gym is the one in the city, but... Where'd he go?" She asked upon noticing once she returned her gaze to where Red had once been standing to find only a vacant lobby.

"Where is this gym?" Red asked himself as he frantically searched his surroundings for the building he sought. "I knew this city was bigger than Pallet but I never thought it'd be this hard to find a buil-"

"Pika pi!" The cries of a pokemon filled Red's ears, interrupting his thoughts before Red looked down to see the source be a small yellow furred pokemon with a lightning bolt shaped tail – a lightning bolt shaped tail that Red had unknowingly stepped on. Red's face twisted into a look of horror upon the realization, the pokemon's red cheeks cackling with electricity as it glared at him with a mix of pain and anger.

"I'm so sorry!" Red exclaimed as he slowly removed his foot from the pikachu's tail, putting his hands up in apology and to show he meant it no harm purposely, but it was clear the damage had been done and it wasn't going to accept his apology. "I didn't mean to do it!" Red yelled behind him as he took off running, barely managing to avoid numerous electric attacks launched at him.

"Pikachu!" The angry creature exclaimed as it released a powerful bolt of electricity, Red reaching out and grabbing a nearby street lamp to help him make a quick turn into an alley, the bolt passing harmlessly behind him.

"I said I was sorry!" Red yelled behind him, daring to look over his shoulder at the angry pikachu. "What do I have to do to get you to stop chasing me?" It was then it all became clear. "Duh! I have a pokemon now, I can capture it!" fumbling around his pocket for a pokeball he exited the alley with renewed energy as he enlarged the device and tossed it into the air, releasing his newest addition to his team in a blinding flash of white light.

The pikachu had exited the alley soon after, electricity playing upon its face in anticipation of revenge, but upon it spotting the blue skinned pokemon with a green bulb on its back, it readied itself for an even fight. Bulbasaur and Red both grinning in anticipation as they looked at the pikachu with determined red eyes. "I think it's time we're on the offensive," Red stated aloud as he pulled out his Pokedex.

"Bulbasaur's known attacks are Tackle, Growl, Vine Whip, and Leech Seed," the automated voice stated, Red only smiling at the information.

"Vine Whip!" Red commanded as the pikachu become enveloped in white light, the vines that Bulbasaur controlled missing it entirely as the pikachu ran circles around Bulbasaur and Red with such speed that they both had difficulty following it. "It's using quick attack! Try to hit it with Vine Whip!" The attack once again passing harmlessly through an after image of the pokemon, leaving Red and Bulbasaur to look around in panic for something to try to slow it down. Bulbasaur's cry suddenly alerting Red that the pokemon had instead decided to just finish the attack and hit Bulbasaur instead of dodging with it. The two pokemon being separated by the force of the impact as Bulbasaur slid back a few feet, and Pikachu simply kicked off Bulbasaur to do a mid-air flip and land gracefully on the ground.

It was a skilled opponent for sure.

"I'm afraid you won't catch much of anything like that young man," a voice said. Red and Bulbasaur instantly turning to look at who had spoken, only to see a elderly man with a warm smile observing him. The pikachu had even taken an interest and turned to see what had suddenly distracted its opponents.

"Whadda you talking about? Weakening it and throwing the pokeball is the only way to capture it!" Red exclaimed, not even caring to hide the anger in his voice towards the man that interrupted his capture.

"It can capture it, that much is true." He admitted. "However, it doesn't garentee your pokemon's loyalty or respect. True strength comes from the bonds between you and your pokemon but you can't do it without forming friendship."

"So your saying I have to befriend it?" Bulbasaur looked back at his new trainer with worry in its eyes, it didn't take a mind reader to see the conflict in Red's face. I have to make a bond, if I don't, how can I expect to beat Blue? Sighing, Red returned Bulbasaur to its pokeball, a move that surprised Pikachu as it relaxed its fighting stance to one of confusion. The old man smiling as he watched Red kneel as he put his hand out, a slow gentle motion that was probably meant to show Pikachu he meant no harm.

Pikachu, however, took it as an opening.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Red yelled in agony as he felt his body being struck with all the electricity Pikachu could manage. Red barely able to open one of his eyes long enough to see that the creature was smiling. The attack, luckily, had lasted a couple seconds at the most, leaving a barely conscious Red knelt on the ground, smoke visibly lifting from his body.

"I think he likes you." The old man beamed.

"You evil old man! You set me up for that!" Red exclaimed as he stood up, something that he judged from the surprised look on Pikachu's face, wasn't expected of him. "I'm going to get that Pikachu! Then I'm going to get you!"

That boy sure is something, the elderly man thought as he watched Red pounce on the Pikachu, scooping it off the ground before it even registered it's attack failed, taking an electric attack and not only staying conscious, but have enough energy to go after the creature himself. Admittedly, riling him up a little for his adrenaline to kick in explains it. Red, could do nothing but look at the creature, no longer any strength to even fight back with a spark, its eyes betraying its tough front as it eyed the angry Red with worry. The elder, however, kept his beaming smile as he noticed Red's expression loosen, followed shortly after by his grip. Pikachu landing harmlessly on the ground as Red fell to his knees.

"I'm sorry Pikachu. I shouldn't do things like attack pokemon for silly reasons like defending themselves. I just got angry and got carried away. You can zap me as many times as you want if it'll help you forgive me." Pikachu and Red stared at each other, Red half expecting the Pikachu to just run if it couldn't muster the energy to zap him again. However, he didn't expect the Pikachu to lick his hand before nuzzling up to him.

"It seems he likes you."

"Yeah, I guess he does," Red replied, petting the creature, "I don't know if you have a family that is waiting for you or any friends that would miss you, but I'm aiming to get in touch with a certain friend of mine. One, that is very special to me, so if you don't have any objections, I'd like to ask you to join me. I can't promise I'll become the trainer you need, but I can promise that we'll meet some new friends and have a great adventure. Whadda you say?"

The Pikachu stopped for a moment, as if it were thinking over what he had told it. It was only a pause of a couple seconds, but like the lightning, it seemed to be the longest seconds of his life. He was positive Pikachu would turn him down but to his surprise the creature seemed to nod as if accepting him. "Really?" Red asked, disbelieving.

"It seems that Pikachu gained respect for you. I'm sure you've taken the harder road because of me, but I can assure you that it's worth it. You're not catching pokemon, you're catching family. Family that will stand by you just as you will stand by them." The elderly man explained, his eyes distant as if he were reliving a fond memory. Red, however, turned back to Pikachu as he took out an empty pokeball, determined to not give Pikachu anymore time to change its mind.

The boy will definitely go far, the elderly man thought as he watched Pikachu get absorbed the by pokeball, its DNA becoming encoded in the red and white spherical device.

"Thank you sir." Red bowed to him. "I'm sorry about my actions before, but thanks to you I have a new friend."

"It's okay, you're young, but you don't have to call me, Sir. It's far to formal, you can call me Mr. Fuji." He explained with a small bow, Red slightly confused on how that was any less formal. "You see, the old like me have no place in the world anymore as the next generation takes over. It's the cycle of life, and as long as I get to pass down my knowledge or be of help to anyone I'll happily live out what's left of my life." He beamed.

"I'm Red. Uh, I was wondering if you could tell me where the Gym is?" Red asked sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

"I can do far better than that, I can show you. Follow me, Red."

"Thanks, so can you tell me anything about the leader? I need to know all I can if I want to beat him." Red asked as they walked through the city, buildings Red hadn't even come close too springing up out of what appeared to be nowhere. He had been so sure he'd been looking everywhere, but as it turns out he'd gotten lost in only a fraction of the cities true size.

"The leader is a cold man who uses ground types." The anger in Mr. Fuji's voice was hard to detect, but Red could tell it was there. "You should stay away from him at all costs, Red. I've seen with my very eyes the horrors this man can pull on the battlefield."

Is he really that good? Red thought as he and Mr. Fuji came upon a building that was different from the others. It was bigger, more defined, like a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The only thing that let Red know that it wasn't a warehouse were the signs both around the building and above the door that read, 'gym'.

"Well, Mr. Fuji, this is where my first badge is waiting for me!" Red exclaimed, determination in his voice. "Do you want to come in and watch me beat this guy?"

"No, I'm fine," Mr. Fuji replied with a half-hearted smile, his expression becoming serious as he spoke again, "promise me you'll be careful."

"Of course. I got my friends with me!" Red answered as he gestured to his pokeballs on his belt.

"Be serious Red," he said, his eyes gazing into Red as if they could see his soul, "your friends will always be there, but they can't always get you out of trouble. Doubly so where this man is concerned. He is bad news, through and through, so I say again. Promise me you'll be careful."

Red was honestly shocked at this new side to Mr. Fuji. What happened between those two? "Sure. I'll be careful." Red answered as he went to open the door, nodding at Mr. Fuji as he did so. However, his eyes turned back to the knob as it refused to budge. "What is with this door?"

"It seems there is a note, apparently he isn't in, and won't be for a while," Mr. Fuji replied, Red following his line of sight to see the note himself, his heart sinking further within his chest with each word, "this is most troubling."

"Yeah, now I have to wait even longer for my first badge!"

Oh, Red, this goes far beyond that.

"This should work out better for you, you can come to this one last and when you do, I promise to watch you battle him and see what kind of great trainer you have become!" The words cheered Red up as he imagined his Venasaur blowing through the competition. Hopefully, by that time Red and his pokemon really can beat him!

"Yeah, you're right, Mr. Fuji!" Red beamed. "You'll see, I'll be the trainer that surpasses everyone."

"My, my," Mr. Fuji replied happily, all traces of seriousness and anger having evaporated from his voice, "do you have any pokemon besides Bulbasaur and Pikachu that could help you in this dream?"

"I... have Mankey," Red replied, hanging his head, "I didn't catch it using a pokemon or by making friends, so I'm scared to let it out since I know it must hate me."

"Ah, that does present a problem. A problem you must tackle, you have to show it you're its friend like you did Pikachu."

"I can't. I can't face it alone." Red explained as his head hung even lower.

"You won't be alone my boy, you'll have your friends with you. As long as you have friends, you'll never be truly alone. I had just wished I had discovered that truth earlier in my life." He countered as he lifted Red's face to meet his, the renewed hope filling Red as he gave Mr. Fuji a warm smile.

"I'm kinda curious though," Red began as he got Mr. Fuji's attention, "why are you being so nice to me?"

Mr. Fuji only looked at Red, before he burst out into laughter as if it were the funniest thing in the world. "Why am I being nice to you? Why wouldn't I be? A person has the chance to make another person's life better each and every day, whether it be through helping them in actions, or just by being there for support. I would be a fool to not take the chance and help."

Red couldn't help think of the girl, the way her just being there and talking to him had helped set his life on the path he was on then was proof enough to believe what he was saying, but his mind then thought of Blue, and how he had basically done the opposite to him for the entirety of his life. "Why? Why do it if there is no guarantee for them to do it for you?"

Mr. Fuji could probably tell why Red had asked, and his answer reflected that. "You see, Red. The world is initially pure. People who for whatever reason fell off the path of purity and light are the reason for the corruption of the world, so if you pass up the chance to help another, and let them get corrupt and continue the cycle, all because you worried they wouldn't do it for you, you would be a fool."

"I see. Thanks Mr. Fuji. You've taught me more than I think you'll ever now."

"That's fine." He smirked. "As long as you learned. Now I must be off, I've got to go make breakfast still, but I must say, this has been the best walk I've embarked on in my life. I'm visiting a friend right now, but once you reach Lavender town find me again!" The two simply waved goodbye as Red watched Mr. Fuji walk out of sight. He walked slowly, but to be honest Red fought back the urge to ask him to stay with each labored step the elderly man took. Once he was sure he was alone he took out the pokeball that contained Mankey and eyed it wearily.

"He was right, this is a problem I'm gonna have to face sometime." Throwing the ball into the air, he eyed the pokemon in question take form within the white light, its light no longer threatening to blind him, but the fear of what he was releasing with it making him wish it did.

"Mankey!" The creature exclaimed angrily as it looked around it's surroundings, its memory coming back to it about being captured as it struggle to find anything familiar to it. Its eyes finally settling on Red drove it over the edge as it realized he was the one that took him away from all of that. It rushed at him, its eyes overcome with blinding rage, but Red didn't resist, he didn't even release Pikachu or Bulbasaur to help him, fearing he'd only draw them both into it as well.

"I'm sorry about what I did! I just want to be your friend!" Red yelled, hoping his words would get through to it, but the relentless barrage of attacks didn't stop, and to make matters worse his fight with Pikachu was beginning to catch up with him. The mankey jumped onto Red's face, grabbing him at the shoulders as it rammed its head into his face. His glasses falling to the ground beside his crouched form, as he tried to defend himself as best as possible. The attack threatening to break his nose until a small stream of fire knocked the pokemon off of him.

Turning to see what had attacked him now, he was surprised to see a charmander, its eyes focused on Mankey rather than him, but he didn't care. His eyes were wide in even greater surprise at the trainer that stood behind the pokemon – Blue.

Authors Note: I know it has been a while. Trust me, I'm terrible at updating regularly anymore. I'm trying to work on it, but real life is saying no you won't. I also failed in coming up with a song to match the events of the chapter. So if someone would like to leave a review with a song you feel does, I'll check it out and if I agree... well, we'll have a new chapter title.

I am also taking this story slow deliberately, because I want to do this one perfect. Plan everything to a T, leave the right hints, make the growth of his character just right. I'm trying to be too much of a perfectionist about it honestly. Anyway, you've all been so kind as to favorite and follow so far, so if you would like too, please be so kind as to review. I'll try my best to be quicker next time, while not skimping out on quality. I do plan to finish this though so if that set's any of your minds at ease I'm glad.

Till next time, Later.