And we're back! So now we are into the main story, which will basically be jumping around time, not chronological as the previous three chapters were. Like I mentioned before, there will also be a couple of AU chapters, and I plan on a couple chapters leaning more towards parody. But I hope you all stick around for the ride!

Oh, a message for the reviewer named BatonPassIsBroke. Thank you very much for your kind words! Concerning your comments about the battles, I would love to be able to write out detailed battles. Unfortunately, I am terrible at writing any kind of fight scenes, so I'm afraid that any battle I write won't do the scene justice. This story mostly focuses on Ash and Red's relationship more than it does battling, so there may not be that many battles. But, if I ever have a chapter where a battle is necessary, I'll do my best to write it out well! P.S., I also love Charizard. The whole Charmander line actually. They've been my favorite of the original group since I was little.

And to my readers, the question I asked yesterday is still in effect! I'd really like to know what your opinions are, please!

You'll probably notice I refer to Ash's Pikachu as a boy. That's because the Best Wishes series confirmed that Pikachu was a boy. I referred to Red's Pikachu as "it" because we don't know its gender. Well, let's dive in, shall we?

Disclaimer: Pokémon is not mine!


"What's going on?"

It was a day after the Princess Festival, which Misty had won handily. Ash and his friends had meant to leave the city, Ash and Brock especially wanting to escape after the exhausting shopping spree Misty had put them through. However, during the previous afternoon, a large bunch of trainers showed up in the city.

Ash, not wanting to pass up a chance of challenging the trainers, insisted that they stay a little longer so he could battle the trainers. After facing all the ones he could, the three had gone to sleep, planning to leave the next morning. However, more trainers had showed up overnight, much to the young Pokémon Master-in-the-making's delight. Ash and his Pokémon worked hard during the battles to get stronger, although Ash wished that his recently evolved Charizard was as agreeable as the other members of the team.

He was in the process of healing up his Pokémon after facing a guy with a particularly tough Marowak, when the trio heard the excited babble of a large crowd just outside the Pokémon Center.

"Sounds like something big is happening," Misty stated as Togepi chirped in her arms.

"Let's check it out," Brock said as Ash received his Pokémon back from Nurse Joy.

The three stepped outside and gaped at the sheer size of the crowd filling the streets. Ash blanched as he saw that there were just as many girls as guys, while Brock was making goo-goo eyes at all of the ladies.

"M-Misty," Ash stuttered as he glanced over at the redhead, "Tell me this Princess Festival isn't still going on."

That statement was enough to snap Brock out of his fantasies and cringe alongside Ash. Even Pikachu seemed a bit put out by the idea as he let out a small groan from where he sat on Ash's shoulder.

"Of course not," Misty replied, adding with a growl, "And just what was so bad about the festival?"

"Nothing!" the boys answered in unison.

Taking the initiative, Misty walked up to a member of the crowd and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Excuse me, but what's all this about?" Misty asked the woman.

"Haven't you guys heard?" the woman asked the trio in surprise, "They say the Champion is coming to this city today! I can't wait to see him!"

"Red's coming here?" Misty and Brock exclaimed.

The regional Champion, Red, was one of the most famous Champions in the Pokémon world, especially popular in his native Kanto. However, after his rise to fame years ago, he was rarely seen by the public, instead spending much of his time on Mt. Silver, which was located between Kanto and the nearby Johto region, though officially counting as Johto territory. It was no wonder the city was packed.

A chance to see the famed Champion was an opportunity one shouldn't pass up!

Ash, upon hearing Red's name, perked up, a wide smile forming on his face. Neither of his companions noticed this though, although Pikachu glanced curiously at his trainer's expression.

"Whoa, to think that Red would actually be coming here," Misty said in awe.

"Man, hearing that name takes me back," Brock added, a nostalgic grin on his face.

"Wait, do you two know Red?" Ash asked.

"Sort of," Misty and Brock said simultaneously.

"My father was in charge of the Pewter Gym when Red showed up," Brock began to explain, "My siblings and I were watching the match so excitedly. We were so sure that Red would lose."

"Really?" Ash interjected.

"Yeah, because he only had that Pikachu of his at the time," Brock continued, "It was certainly a long match, and he used his Pikachu's speed to his full advantage. I couldn't remember the last time I saw a beginning trainer use strategy so effectively, especially at such a disadvantage."

"Unlike Ash, I'm sure Red didn't need the sprinklers going off to win," Misty teased.

"Hey!" Ash shouted, "Pikachu would've won without that, right buddy?"

"Pika!" the electric mouse cried, trying to mask that he wasn't as confident as Ash about that match.

"Calm down, you guys," Brock said, "Red eventually tired out Dad's Pokémon and won the match. I've gotta admit, seeing Ash and Pikachu years later made me think I was seeing double."

"As for me, I also first saw Red when he challenged the Cerulean Gym," Misty said, "That was back when my sisters were competent Gym Leaders. When he showed up with that Pikachu and challenged Daisy, I thought he was going to win in a snap…But he didn't even use Pikachu!"

"Didn't want it to be too easy, probably," Brock suggested.

"That's what I thought," Misty said, not realizing that Ash was nodding at what Brock said as well, "He used his own Water type, a cute little Squirtle. I thought the battle would drag on longer than it did, but what a victory!"

Ash let out a chuckle as Misty and Brock went back and forth describing Red's battles at their Gyms. He remembered when Red would call his house after he won and describe the battles to him, though taking care not to explain too much so that Ash would face some surprises. It was interesting to hear those stories from another perspective.

"I definitely want to see how much Red's grown since then," Brock stated.

"Me too!" Misty agreed excitedly, "I haven't seen him since I watched him take on the Elite Challenge five years ago."

Both of them then looked at Ash with curious expressions, prompting the ten year old to ask what they were staring at him for.

"It's just that I thought you would look more excited," Brock explained, "I mean, this is your chance to see the Kanto Champion. Most people would be jumping at the idea."

"Yeah, and don't get any funny ideas, Ash!" Misty warned, "Red didn't get his title doing nothing. I don't want you challenging him and getting an embarrassing beat down."

"Well, actually-" Ash began to explain, only to be interrupted by the crowd's sudden cheer.

"He must be here!" Misty shouted.

The three friends ran off, trying to find a place where they could best see the Champion. With some effort, they managed to find a decent spot, even if it was at the back of the crowd. They stood atop a bench in order to see above the crowd, although Ash could only just see since he was a few inches shorter than Misty and Brock. Even Pikachu had a nice vantage point, taking a seat atop his trainer's head.

Then, he arrived.

Red was a tall and lean young man. His red and white baseball cap, which he had had since he was very young, sat neatly atop his head. He wore his signature outfit: a red and white vest over a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers.

The teenager paused when he saw the huge crowd awaiting him in the city. Ash noticed a brief irritated look in Red's eyes before a blank expression came across his face. The Champion adjusted his backpack before walking on, trying to ignore the people yelling all around him, asking for autographs, battles, and much more.

The Pikachu that sat on Red's shoulder, however, seemed to have no problem with the attention. It waved to the crowd with a large smile on its face.

"Wow!" Misty sighed, her cheeks a little pink, "He's grown up quite a bit from back then."

"I can only imagine how strong he is now," Brock added, "What I would give to see him in action…"

"Oh, if only we could meet him…"

"You guys really want to meet Red?" Ash asked his friends.

When they nodded, Ash jumped off the bench and ran off. After sharing a look, Misty and Brock went after him. After a while, they spotted Ash and stopped dead in their tracks.

"Ash Ketchum, what are you doing?" Misty shrieked as she saw Ash climbing a lamp post.

"I'll get Red's attention!" Ash replied, "Hang on tight, Pikachu."

Pikachu shook his head as Ash climbed up the lamp post, getting higher and higher above the crowd.

"He really is just like a little Mankey…" Brock groaned.

Ash stopped climbing once he felt a he had gone up high enough.

"This should be good," he said to himself, "Cover your ears, Pikachu."

As Pikachu did what Ash ordered, Ash let out a rather loud shout.

"RED!"

A few members of the crowd turned to gaze up at the boy, but Red didn't seem to hear him above the roar of the audience.

"Hey, Red!" Ash continued shouting as loud as he could, "Red! Over here!"

"Does he really think Red will just waltz over here?" Brock wondered, partially amused by Ash's antics.

"He is so embarrassing," Misty muttered, putting a hand over her eyes as members of the crowd pointed and laughed at Ash.

While Red didn't hear Ash's shouts, it seemed that his Pikachu did. The Pokémon perked its ears up and searched for the source of that familiar voice. When it spotted Ash on the lamp post, Pikachu pat Red's cheek. He looked at the Pokémon, who pointed in Ash's direction.

When Red looked over at where the Pikachu was pointing, Misty and Brock saw the teenager's eyes widen considerably.

"He actually got his attention," Misty said in shock.

"Alright, it worked!" Ash cried happily as Red started to make his way over.

"Red's really coming over here," Brock stated in disbelief as Ash slid down from the lamp post and landed on the ground.

The crowd was still cheering as it parted just a little to let Red through, although that didn't stop people from trying to touch Red without his consent. His Pikachu sparked its cheeks as a warning to the others not to try anything funny.

Red paused just in front of Ash. Misty and Brock couldn't help but stare at the height difference between them, with Ash only coming up to just a couple of inches below Red's shoulders. It really added to the intimidating aura the Champion was giving off. They were worried that Ash's actions might have gotten on Red's nerves.

But Ash didn't appear aware of any of that. As his Pikachu and Red's called out to each other brightly, Ash beamed at the Champion.

"Hey, Red!" Ash greeted happily, "What's-OW!"

Misty and Brock's jaws dropped as Red reached out and bonked Ash's head without warning.


After Red had hit Ash over the head, just hard enough for Ash to let out that shout but nothing too bad, he had grabbed the boy's wrist and started to pull him away. As they ran, Ash called for a girl with red hair and a man about his age to hurry up and follow.

The two, who Red supposed were Ash's companions, did their best to keep up as Red pulled Ash down several twisting alleyways, several members of the crowd giving chase. After a while, the group managed to elude the rabid fans. Red then took them into a very small, almost unnoticeable, coffee shop. The owner of the shop greeted Red, having seen him in the shop a few times before.

Red liked the shop since it was so hidden that no one would notice it. He had run across it by accident back when he was still a trainer collecting badges. He liked the owner very much, as well as the atmosphere of the shop. A year after he became Champion, he managed to stumble across the shop again while he was trying to escape from some overly eager fans. After learning that he could hide out and relax in the shop, and sampling the delicious coffee, Red mentally marked this place as one of his very few safe havens.

The four sat at a table, with Ash sitting next to Red and Ash's friends sitting across from them. The shop owner brought out a sweet smelling coffee, Red's usual, and asked for the others' orders. After the redhead and the spiky haired guy ordered different types of coffee, Red covered Ash's mouth before he ordered. He gave a look to the shop owner. Understanding, the owner gave the other two their coffee and Ash some juice.

The last thing Red wanted was Ash hyped up on caffeine…

Red noticed Ash's companions eyeing him and Ash warily, while his and Ash's Pikachu, and the redhead's Togepi, drank their own juice and played on the floor nearby. Ash rubbed his head as he frowned at Red.

"Why'd you hit me?" he asked.

Red gave Ash a very stern look, which he had learned from his mother and Mrs. Ketchum, among other things. A look that Red had slowly perfected over the years. Ash's frown deepened at that.

"Don't look at me like that! I'm a good climber, I wouldn't have fallen."

Red's eyes narrowed at Ash's words.

"C'mon, I've climbed higher than that and been okay!" Ash insisted.

A cough interrupted the pair. Ash's companions were reminding them of their presence. Red looked at them, keeping his expression mostly blank as he concentrated on trying to place their faces. He was so sure he had seen the pair somewhere before. He remembered feeling the same way just a couple months earlier, when Red had gone to Vermillion City and seen a picture of them concerning the sinking of the S.S. Anne. Where had he seen them before?

"Oh, right!" Ash said, a smile back on his face, "Guys, I'd like you to meet Red. Red, this is Misty and Brock. They were the Gym Leaders I challenged in Cerulean and Pewter."

"You may not remember us," the girl named Misty said.

"The two of us were young when you arrived at our Gyms," the one called Brock added, "You faced my dad and Misty's sister."

Red nodded at that. Truth be told, he actually did recognize the pair after Ash's introduction. Brock had been the oldest of that huge group of siblings who looked way too alike. He had noticed him because he looked about the same age as Red. And he also recalled Misty as being that little girl who looked a couple years older than Ash. The one that seemed to know much more about water Pokémon than the sister he had challenged.

Red felt a little bad when he saw that the pair seemed a bit uncomfortable by how quiet he was.

"Red doesn't really say much," Ash informed them, "Don't worry about it, guys."

"I'm kind of surprised you two know each other," Brock stated as he looked between the two.

"I've known Red my whole life!" Ash explained. It was times like this that Red was glad the kid was such a talker, "We're both from Pallet Town. He and I used to play together a lot. By the way, how's Green? I haven't seen him in forever."

Red put up a thumbs up. Green was traveling around, doing some more training. He and Red only ever saw each other whenever Green made the effort to climb Mt. Silver to either challenge him, and lose, or brag about Gary.

"That's so cool that you grew up together!" Misty said.

"It'd be cooler if Red would visit more often," Ash muttered, "This is the first time I've seen you since a month before I started my journey."

Red shrugged his shoulders. He couldn't help it. It's not like he didn't want to visit his hometown. He wanted to see his mother, Professor Oak, Daisy, Mrs. Ketchum, and the others way more than he did. He would've liked to have been there when Ash and Gary started their journeys, mostly because Green had said how he had returned home to see off Gary.

But being the youngest to become the Kanto Champion, having received the title at the age of eleven, and being the longest holder of the title now that he was entering the fifth year of his "reign" prevented him from doing so.

It had been kind of bearable the first couple months after he took on the Elite Challenge. His Pikachu loved the limelight well enough, much to Red's amusement. But as more people bugged him about interviews, pictures, autographs, love confessions and so on, the more frustrated he became. Red barely had any time to himself. He couldn't even battle without someone from the media or an overzealous fan showing up.

While training was also a major reason, Red largely chose to spend most of his time at the top of Mt. Silver in order to escape his fame. After all, thanks to the treacherous terrain and strong Pokémon, the only ones who ever made it to the top were tough trainers who wanted to challenge Red, just how he liked it.

But Red didn't like to spend every waking moment up there. He wanted to revisit the places he'd seen and people he'd met during his travels. So, every few months, he left the mountain in order to explore. It usually worked out in that he was able to avoid garnering attention.

But sometimes, like today, things didn't work out in his favor.

"Since you spend so much time on Mt. Silver, we never get to talk," Ash said, "I can't even call you. There's so much stuff I wanted to tell you about."

"So tell me now," Red replied.

Red noticed Misty and Brock stare at him out of the corner of his eye, since it was the first time he talked in front of them.

"…Will you tell me what you've been up to since we last met?" Ash asked hopefully, Misty and Brock also staring at Red, wanting to hear about the adventures of the legendary Champion.

"Deal," Red said, chuckling at Ash's excited face.

Ash got up from his seat and picked up Pikachu, who was making weird faces with Red's Pikachu in order to make Togepi laugh. The ten year old held up the Pokémon proudly to his old friend.

"First things first…This is the Pokémon I started out with, Pikachu!"


Done! I wanted to end there since we know Ash's story. And you can leave Red's adventures to your imagination. I'll write some adventures later on. As you can see, this chapter was only partly from Red's perspective. For future chapters, the chapters will either be from Ash's perspective, Red's, or a switching perspective like this one. I might have something different for another chapter, if I write it.

As you can see, I'm doing something kind of different by pointing out a lot of the negative aspects of being one of the greatest trainers, especially a Champion. After all, fame isn't always glamorous, as they say. And for Red, it really gets on his nerves at times. I'll be getting even more into this aspect in other chapters, because, even though this story is mostly about Ash and Red's friendship, I want to drive home some other points, such as the idea that being a Champion isn't as great as everyone thinks.

Also, I tried to mesh together the game universe and anime universe with how Misty and Brock have seen Red. And I hoped you guys enjoyed seeing more of Red being a brother/parent figure for Ash.

Please keep reading and reviewing! Also, if you would answer the question from last chapter, I'd like that!