"Red" - Person Talking
"Red" - Person Thinking
"Red" – Pokemon Talking
"Red" - Pokemon Thinking
And here is a sudden new chapter. Let's a go
Requisition - Chapter 7
(Scene Change: Pokemon World Tournament - Stadium F)
"W-Well, I'll be going now." Jasmine said as she offered her capped friend a timid smile, Red offering her one of his own as he gave her a supportive look.
"Battling isn't about winning or losing, it's about connecting with your Pokemon and strengthening the bond that you have with them. Just have fun and trust in your Pokemon, they'll follow you. And don't worry, there's no Shaymin losing a battle once in a Mawile, right?" Red explained with an amused smile as he moved to pat her on the head, Jasmine blushing up a storm but offering him a brighter smile and giggle as she seemed a bit more pumped up then before.
"Hehe! R-Right! T-Thanks, Red!" Chirped the brunette as she took a breath before heading onto the stadium field, feeling her tension and anxiety fluctuate as her thoughts drifted back and forth between her newest friend and the oncoming battle.
Turning once more, she saw Red still standing at the same spot from before, the raven haired young man offering her another soft smile and nod. Seeing that, the confidence that he had in her even after hearing of her rather lackluster history as a battler, she found herself steeling her resolve as she faced forward once more before stepping onto the field. The sight of Jasmine turning to see if he was still there reminded Red of a time far in the past of Leaf and himself, a soft laugh leaving his mouth when he recalled the first time they had ever stepped into a gym. Adjusting his hair and hat, he double checked that his eyes were shadowed before heading towards the stands, the young man glad to see that there were still a few empty seats in the front of the bleachers. Taking a seat, he eagerly awaited the arrival of Jasmine as more and more of the crowd poured in, the stadium roaring to life as energy and excitement filled its walls.
While waiting for Jasmine and her opponent, a brilliant idea struck Red as he quickly vacated his seat and rushed to a vendor outside the stadium selling blank canvas banners and materials to decorate them. Picking up a few blank banners and a few markers he made his way back to his seat, which was luckily still unoccupied, and hurriedly began working on a banner for his newest friend. Taking a few minutes to capture Jasmine's likeness in an almost scarily accurate manner, he took a second to observe his newest art piece before nodding proudly to himself. Setting it beside him to dry, Red began working on banners for Leaf and Blue, smiling somewhat smugly as he was sure that the moment the three caught sight of his masterpieces, they would beg him to sign them before gifting their personal banners to them. With the mental image of Leaf, Blue and Jasmine happily and proudly displaying their banners to their opponents, friends, family and Pokemon; Red worked in earnest, the minutes passing as the stadium suddenly roared to life as the match finally began.
["Ladies and gentlemen, let's get ready to greet our next set of battlers from Johto and Sinnoh! On the green side, you know him and you love him! He and his Pokemon embody the saying that 'the best defense is a good offense!' He's 'The Man with the Steel Body' and Gym Leader of Canalave City! Byron!"] Shouted the announcer as a rush of cheers passed the crowd, many spotting and calling out towards the son of the battler as Roark's embarrassment skyrocketed.
Heading onto the field was the large and ever cheerful burgundy haired man, an equally large and excited grin on his face as he offered a wave and flex every now and then. His ever charismatic display drawing more cheers and a few squeals brought even more embarrassment for Roark as the glasses wearing young man buried his face into his hands, getting wry laughs from his fellow Gym Leaders as they patted him on the back. But the youth's worries weren't for solely directed at himself, as he peeked through the gaps in his fingers towards a sinister looking haze emanating from a certain seat that was currently occupied by his mother. With said mother and wife, Ophira's face was set into a stiff smile that shone with nothing but rage and jealousy, cracking her eyes open and revealing maroon colored orbs baring the same emotions.
['And on the red side, we have a Gym Leader that still has an shroud of mystery around her even after all her appearances! A fellow Steel type expert, she's the 'Girl with a Heart Guarded by Steel,' Jasmine of Olivine City! Let's hear it for two of the most prominent Steel type trainers in the world!"] The announcer called out as the crowd cheered once more, a bit less energetic then Byron's as the ever timid form of Jasmine made her way towards the field.
Looking like a scared and trapped Pokemon, Jasmine's eyes were darting around the stadium to try and catch a glimpse of her newest friend. Managing to spot her fellow Johto Gym Leaders, she offered them and the crowd around a stiff and hesitant wave that was met with more energy then her initial debut had drawn. Squeaking a bit at the sudden roar, she jumped a bit as a soft round of laughter crossed the bleachers, crimson coloring the face of the brunette as she hurried her steps towards her side of the field. Arriving quickly, she rose her head and offered Byron her usual timid smile that was returned a hundred fold.
"Haha! Look's like we got ourselves a grand match, don't we Jasmine! I hope the audience doesn't have anything important to tend to in the next hour or so, our battling styles are pretty similar so they're in for a long show if it's going to be more then a single Pokemon each!" Byron said with a jovial and cheeky tone, Jasmine having a soft giggle leave her as she beamed the man she saw as an uncle a warm smile for helping to calm her nerves.
Grinning at the sight, he turned and offered that same grin towards their referee, the man smiling in turn as he checked both sides before nodding and touching the device mounted on his wrist. Once again, the large display above the battling field displaying the numerous battling styles and sets before the selection cursor began to randomly jump around. Watching with baited breath, the noise in the stadium dimmed to just the rapid beeping of the display as it slowly halted on a battling set that drew a mental breath of relief from Byron as the man could feel the piercing gaze of a certain someone that he desperately needed to appease and quickly. Shooting a quick glance in her direction, he immediately focused once more on Jasmine as terror was but an understatement as to what he was feeling from his beloved wife.
"This match will be a one-on-one battle between Gym Leaders Jasmine of Olivine City and Byron of Canalave City, and will take place on an ice field! The match will be concluded once one's side's Pokemon are unable to continue. Now, both trainers, select your Pokemon and release them on my signal!" The referee announced as another wave of cheers washed over the stadium, Jasmine also sharing Byron's sentiments as the shorter the battle the less she'd be stared at by the populace.
The two mulling over their choices, taking in account it was a mirror match of sorts, they soon secured their battlers before turning and nodding at their referee. The man nodding in turn, he raised his flags before bringing them down as two Pokeballs sailed into the air shortly afterwards. A pair of flashes of light following after, they soon faded to reveal the forms of Byron's Aggron and Jasmine's Mawile, cheers resounding as the two Pokemon faced the other down. Though, while Aggron seemed happy and ready to battle, sharing his trainer's enthusiasm and vigor, Mawile looked fairly timid. The Steel-Fairy was clutching her hands together while her confused and wary gaze scanned the faces of the numerous people that were watching the match, only snapping from it when the opposing Pokemon moved. A gray glow covering the body of Aggron, he slammed into Mawile as a cry left her mouth. Gritting her teeth, she spun and attempted to capture the Steel-Rock type with her jaws, being a bit stunned when it quickly dove backwards to escape her grab.
"F-Fast..." Whispered Jasmine as her own Aggron wasn't even near the speed of the older Steel type Gym Leader's, Byron seeing the awed and somewhat confused gaze of the brunette as he let a jovial laugh out.
"Haha! My Aggron is pretty fast, huh! But think now, Jasmine! How can a Pokemon that's more known for its defense then speed be moving so fast?" Byron called out towards the younger Gym Leader as she flinched upon hearing the man's question, anxiously scanning his Pokemon before her eyes widened when she saw the almost mirror-like polish the Pokemon's hide possessed.
"Rock Polish... Aggron used the energy and movement from its Iron Head to use Rock Polish at the same time...!" Answered Jasmine as Byron grinned upon catching the young lady's reply, nodding his head happily and shooting her a thumbs up as she shot him a less nervous smile at his confirmation.
Calling out to Mawile in an attempt to encourage her, Jasmine tried to help direct her to calm herself before trying to catch Aggron only to feel her own self confidence start to crumble as the cheers for Byron grew and washed the cheers for herself away. Clenching her fists as she watched Aggron continue his hit-and-run strategy, Mawile helplessly trying to catch the Steel-Rock type by trying to guess when its next attack would come, Jasmine soon saw the morale and hope of Mawile falling as she shot a desperate and pleading look towards her trainer. Feeling an all too familiar surge of panic and anxiety begin to fill her, Jasmine called out for Mawile to use Flamethrower, the tiny Pokemon calming a bit upon hearing her trainer's voice. A determined glint in her eyes, she tried to spot the quick moving Pokemon before nodding and letting loose a torrent of flames from its jaw-like horn on its back.
A startled cry leaving the mouth of Aggron, instantly Mawile and Jasmine's hopes were raised as the Steel-Fairy Pokemon rushed forward as fast as her legs could carry her. Lunging at the body of the larger Pokemon with her jaws ablaze, Mawile and Jasmine pinned their hopes on the oncoming Fire Fang as Aggron roared in defiance as fire encased his fist. Meeting the Fire Fang of Mawile with a Fire Punch of his own, Aggron overpowered the maw of flames gnawing on his hand before he secured a tight grip on the lower jaw as a squeak left Mawile's mouth. Drawing his arm back, Aggron hurled Mawile back towards her side of the battling field, the smaller Pokemon crying out as she struck an outcropping of ice as it shattered upon impact. Debris covering the form of Mawile, her form was soon seen struggling to rise from the pile of ice as a murmur crossed the bleachers.
["A wicked Fire Punch from Aggron and Mawile is struggling to get up! Is this it folks, will this set the match in Byron's favor?!"]
"Wasn't this supposed to be a mirror match!? How could two trainers who specialize in the same typing be so different!?"
"Byron has this in the bag!"
"Come'on Jasmine, win one for Johto!"
"This was Sinnoh's win as soon as Jasmine showed up, lucky break for us!"
"Y-You can still come back and win this, can't you Jasmine!?"
"Aww man! Why'd Jasmine had to battle today!?"
"C-Could we tag her out for Clair or Whitney!?"
Hearing those jeers, even if they were trying to hide them by huddling in a small section near the edge of the bleachers, Jasmine felt the corners of her eyes sting with an all too familiar sensation as Byron had a frown soon cross his face. Gritting his teeth, he clenched his fists before directing a heated glare to the small section of the stands where the more cutting words were originating from. Instantly, they died as the piercing and burning gaze the older man was sending them froze them over with fear, the group quickly vacating the stadium as Byron returned to look at Jasmine with a softer and kinder pair of eyes. Aggron also halted in his assault against Mawile, the Steel-Rock type sharing the sentiments of his trainer as he urged the downed Pokemon to continue and do her best despite the obvious tears of frustration and glint of defeat that were lining her eyes. Silence soon reigned as an awkward air took place, many a tad uncomfortable and unsure what to do with the aftermath the instigators had left for them all. But, before Byron could reassure and console the brunette, a voice broke through the silence as eyes turned towards the capped young man sitting on the far side of the front row. Sitting there by himself in the corner of the front row bleacher, Red could be seen standing with one hand on the railing and the over cupping his mouth, the sight of him calling out to Jasmine causing many to do a double-take as the scene was absolutely absurd.
"Jasmine." Called out Red as the brunette flinched deeply upon hearing his voice, jumping a bit as she snapped to stare at him with her eyes wide with panic and shame.
"Remember, there's no Shaymin losing a battle once in a Mawile." Continued the capped youth with a completely stoic face and serious tone of voice, an out of place wind seemingly appearing from nowhere as silence reigned over the stadium.
Everyone blinking in disbelief at the words that left the young man's mouth, Jasmine followed suit before the full impact of his statement struck her. Trying to hold back a giggle hearing his terrible pun once more, her laughter soon broke free when she saw Red hold up a banner with an absolutely horrible drawing of what she assumed what herself, given that she could see her name written beside said drawing with rather beautiful penmanship. It was absolutely hilarious to the brunette; the awful pun, how utterly horrible Red's drawing skills were in contrast to his elegant penmanship and the fact he was sporting such a proud glint to his eyes even though his face was so stoic, it was just too much for the poor young lady. Quickly moving to cover her mouth as a choked giggle squeaked out, the brunette found herself desperately holding in a growing sea of laughter that began to bubble in her stomach. But, even for the Steel type Gym Leader, it proved to be too much as Jasmine began giggling at the contrasting scene in front of her before fully laughing when she shot another glance at Red, seeing him glow with pride as he raised the banner up a bit for her to see better.
As she happily laughed, Jasmine drew the attention of everyone watching the match as all eyes on her grew in size, all in attendance unable to believe that the normally shy and withdrawn young lady had such a graceful and beautiful laugh. Even more unbelievable then Jasmine so happily and openly laughing was the fact that the person who was making her laugh was the same person who decimated a top contender and left without saying a word the day prior. Two trainers so starkly contrasted against each other appeared to be as close as best friends, a textbook example of yin and yang. Spending a few precious seconds laughing, Jasmine finally managed to calm herself as she wiped a few stray tears from her eyes, beaming a bright smile at Red while the capped young man returned it with a small smile of his own. Patting herself on the cheeks, Jasmine took a deep breath before refocusing her attention onto the battle before her. Her eyes gaining a determined glint to them, she shot a glance at Byron as the man flinched a bit at the fire that was suddenly burning in her eyes, though a fierce and proud grin crossed his face once his stunned state passed.
"Mawile! I'm sorry, but can you keep going?" Jasmine called out to the downed Pokemon, Mawile blinking as the tone of her trainer was completely the opposite of what it was moments earlier.
Shakily turning her head towards her trainer, the Steel-Fairy type could only stare in a somewhat stunned and confused manner as the young lady that was staring at her was a completely different person then the one who had selected her to battle. There was none of the timid or anxious energy that was devouring her earlier, a refreshed and somewhat apologetic smile on her face as Jasmine directed it towards her. Snapping from her stupor, Mawile mustered up the rest of her energy as she stood once more, turning to face Byron's Aggron as the titan grinned upon seeing her stand. Taking a breath, Mawile nervously awaited her trainer trainer's orders, shooting an equally anxious glance towards Jasmine as the brunette had a softer smile grace her face.
"Sucker Punch!" Jasmine suddenly called out in a sure tone when she saw a slight twitch from Aggron's leg, Mawile flinching before she shot forward almost automatically.
Stopping short of the titan, she lashed out with her jaws as it struck cleanly against Aggron's jaw. A startled yelp leaving the larger Pokemon's mouth, Jasmine instantly went on the offensive as more and more of a relaxed air took hold of her. A soft but giddy smile on her face as she alternated to look between Red and Mawile, wincing a bit when Aggron spun and slammed an Iron Tail against the smaller Pokemon. Biting back the twinge of anxiety that wanted to spring from her heart, she mentally shook her head as she called out for the tiny Steel-Fairy type to latch onto the offending appendage with her jaws. A yelp sounding from Aggron as Mawile's jaws were set ablaze, she bit down on the tail of the titan as Aggron tried to shake the smaller Pokemon loose. Panic setting in as an uncomfortable amount of heat began to fill it, Byron's Aggron clenched its fist as fire danced on its hand once more, the Iron Armor Pokemon about to swing at Jasmine's Mawile only when a sudden surge of heat stalled its attack.
"Aggron!" Shouted Byron in a concerned tone, grimacing as his partner gained a red hue to his polished hide.
["Folks, it looks like Aggron was burned by Mawile's Fire Fang! Aggon's attacks are going to be landing a little lighter now unless it can get rid of that burn!"]
"Nice going, Mawile! Iron Head!" Yelled Jasmine as a sudden thump in Mawile's chest caused a strange and sudden surge of energy and warmth to fill her tiny body, her eyes gaining a fierce light to them as she sprinted towards the larger Pokemon with a gray glow shrouding her body as she slammed headfirst against Aggron.
Many in the stadium wincing as an audible and heavy sounding thud echoed through the stands, Arrgon flinched as he took a step back and shook his head, the impact managing to rattle his brain despite being a relatively light hit. Cracking open an eye, Aggron's eye soon widened when the sight of Mawile charging him down with her hand glowing white. Letting a cry leave her mouth as she struck the titan on the head with a heavy Brick Break, Mawile turned and landed another Sucker Punch as Aggron's mouth was quickly filled with fire. Her jaws slamming against his jaw, Aggron yelped once more as he was forced to swallow the fire that he had readied for Flamethrower, though he grit his teeth and grabbed Mawile before throwing her back to her side of the field. Dropping to a knee, the larger Pokemon began to pant a bit before wincing as the pain from its burn suddenly flared up, Aggron staring down Mawile as Byron mirrored the action as he stared at Jasmine.
"That girl... She's really finding her stride now, isn't she! To think that the meek little Jasmine Myron always worried about could battle like this! And it's all thanks to that guy there, isn't it?" Byron thought to himself with a grin on his face, shooting a glance at Red as the raven haired teen could be seen holding a small banner with terribly drawn image of what he assumed to be Jasmine on it.
Studying the young man, Byron himself began to sweat a bit as the pressure that he seemed to unconsciously exude was utterly insane. Everything about the capped man seemed fairly normal and the way he carried himself, aloof and without a care in the world, seemed like that of Cynthia but it was his eyes that drove home the difference between him and her. His eyes were like two pools of crimson that seemed to have no limit to their depths, as if the young man they belonged to had seen things that no person should have seen, survived things that no one should have survived. The eyes of the young man who had cheered Jasmine on weren't eyes that someone of his age should have, eyes that no one should ever have. Tension filling his body, Byron was feeling dubious about his intent and goals in the tournament and with Jasmine, his experience and instincts screaming at him to avoid the man by any means possible. But hidden in those depths of endless crimson, he finally saw it, saw what drew Jasmine in and allowed her to laugh so blissfully at his words of encouragement.
"You've got a good friend there, Jasmine." Byron suddenly said with a mirthful tone as Jasmine flinched a bit, her face soon burning crimson as she looked down and began to fidget a bit in embarrassment.
"M-Mhmm... W-We just met but... I-It feels like I've known Red my whole life..." Replied the brunette in a tone of equal embarrassment, though there was an unending sea of warmth to her words that brought a smile to the man's face.
With Aggron, the Steel-Rock type flashed Mawile a toothy but grimaced grin as the smaller Steel-Fairy returned it with a much more energetic and eased smile of her own. It was staggering to the two, that the Mawile that had battled at the beginning was the same as the one standing proudly in front of her trainer and not shying away. Mawile turning to look at Jasmine, she felt her heart beat harder and her desire to win burn hotter then it had ever during her time with the brunette. The tiny Pokemon shifting to look at Red, she instinctively shivered as something about the human instantly set off alarms in her head. Swallowing lightly, she shook her head and focused once more on Aggron as another grimace flashed across his face as his burn flared up once more. Gritting his teeth he pulled his arm back as a sphere of deep blue formed in his palm, the titan then slammed the sphere directly below as a large pillar of water suddenly ruptured with Aggron at its center. A surprised cry leaving Jasmine and Mawile, the two were confused and worried about Aggron as the Pokemon was half Rock type, but their worries were for naught as Byron had a wide grin on his face as a sizzling sound could be heard from the epicenter of the column of water. Before long, steam soon replaced the pillar of water as it died down, Aggron stepping out of the cloud with a wide grin on his face as Jasmine and Mawile snapped from their worried states with shock replacing it.
["Incredible folks! Looks like Aggron used Water Pulse to get rid of its burn! The match isn't over yet, let's see how much longer these battlers can keep it up!"]
"Mawile! We need to end this now! Use Focus Punch!" Ordered Jasmine as Mawile let out a cry of confirmation, rushing down Aggron while drawing her arm back.
A deep blue aura shrouding her hand, she stopped just short of the titan before slugging Aggron dead center with all of her might. Aggron's eyes bugling from her sockets, he stumbled back while clutching at his abdomen, gritting his teeth as the tiny Pokemon's punch dissipated through his body. Snapping his eyes open, his body gained a bright silver glow as Jasmine's eyes widened while Bryon grinned in turn, Aggron letting a roar leave as he unleashed the Metal Burst that he built up with Mawile's help. That silver glow suddenly turned into a harsh burst of energy that sent Mawile rocketing back with a cry leaving her mouth. Hitting the ground, she skid for a bit before stopping, the tiny Pokemon laying motionless as the referee moved to check on the fallen Pokemon. About to raise his flag, he stopped halfway when Mawile tried to force herself to stand back up, her arms shaky as she pushed against the ground. Locking her defiant eyes with Aggron, the giant shot her a proud and warm grin as the tiny Pokemon finally let herself drop after a few more seconds of trying to rise.
"Mawile is unable to continue! The winner is Aggron and the match goes to Byron!" Announced the referee as a resounding roar of applause and cheer sounded for both sides of the stadium, Jasmine rushing over as Aggron knelt down and picked up the downed Pokemon.
["And there it is folks! After a fierce and heated battle, it looks like Byron's managed to edge out Jasmine for Sinnoh's first victory! Let's give it up once more for our amazing battlers!"]
"Mawile... Thank you, you battled wonderfully. And thank you too, Aggron, for helping push her." Jasmine said in a soft and warm tone, the titan before her grinning as he gently held out the semi-conscious Pokemon for her trainer to take.
"Maw..." Whispered the Steel-Fairy type in a heartrending and self-loathing tone, instantly twisting the hearts of the two beside her as Aggron vehemently shook his head and reassured her of her battling prowess.
"Aggron is right, Mawile. You and Jasmine, while the start was rough you two really came to battle with all of your heart." Byron called out as he strode towards the trio, drawing the gazes of the three as Jasmine and Aggron shot him a pair of smiles.
"Thank you for battle and your kind words, Byron. I'll definitely work harder and next time, I'm sure that next we battle things will be different!" Vowed the younger Gym Leader in a tone of absolute sincerity, Byron flinching a bit before grinning and extending his hand towards her.
"Haha! I look forward to that day then, Jasmine!" Chuckled the man as they shook hands, the crowd going even more wild as the two departed from the field.
"Was that really Jasmine?!"
"That the guy?"
"No kidding! She was a completely different person when that guy called out to her!"
"Do you think... A-Are they dating!?"
"Mmm, let's get going."
"T-There's no other explanation, right?!"
"I-It makes total sense! The shy and quiet maiden being swept off her feet and saved by the cold and commanding hero, it just fits too well!"
"But that guy... H-He's in no way, shape or form a hero..."
Whispers passing through the crowd, Red tuned out most of them as he collected his banners and headed towards the main lobby to congratulate his friend on her battle. A small smile crossing his face with the knowledge that he was able to help a bit with Jasmine's shyness, Red was lost in though before he found himself suddenly grabbed with a rough set of hands by a pair men.
"It's good to see you again!"
"Where've you been this whole time, man!"
The two tightening their holds on him, they roughly pulled the startled and stunned young man towards an empty part of the stadium. Panic crossing his eyes, it was almost immediately replaced with a cold and terrifying glint as he grabbed the wrist of one of the men before wrenching it with an abnormal amount of force. A cry of pain leaving the man as he moved to grab Red's wrist, he found himself in a hammerlock as Red broke free from his partner's hold on him. Grunting, Red shoved the man towards his partner and pinned the two against the wall in a frightening show of strength, the two grunting and gritting as he only pushed harder and tightened his hold when they tried to break free. With such a violent event suddenly occurring, it brought about a bit of panic as numerous people pulled out their phones and devices and began to record and take photos of the scene.
"R-Red!" Cried out Jasmine as the brunette followed the crowd that had formed around the trio, nearly falling backwards when she saw her newest friend currently wrestling with the pair of men.
About to move to call for help, Jasmine froze when she caught a glimpse of the raven haired young man's eyes when he grabbed the collar of the other man before slamming him against the wall when he tried to move. The Red that she knew had honest eyes that shone with kindness, intrigue and a twinkle of childishness; nothing like the cold, oppressive and almost feral glint that she was currently seeing. The Red in front of her wasn't the Red that she had met earlier in the day, the one who had drawn such a horrible drawing yet was so proud of doing so, the one who had cheered for her even when she was battling so poorly. A cry breaking her from her frozen state, she watched in horror as Red applied more pressure to the arm of the man held in a hammerlock, almost bending it to the breaking point only to pause when a sharp whistle broke through the tense atmosphere. The crowd breaking when a number of officers and security personnel rushed towards the scene, standing ready when they caught sight of Red and the two men he was currently pinning to the wall.
"Sir! Release those men and back away slowly with your hands up!" Ordered one of the officers as he released his partner, a bark of confirmation leaving the mouth of the released Arcanine as it stared down Red.
Taking a breath, Arcanine was about a let loose a warning roar only to freeze the instant Red turned his gaze on it. The eyes staring it down didn't belong to a human, at least not any human that the Arcanine had met during the time it was alive. Those eyes belonged to a predator, an apex one, that only saw Arcanine as nothing more then an insignificant pebble on the side of a road. Anxious shakes soon wracking the canine Pokemon's body, the officer gained a dumbfounded look as did the others who had released their Pokemon to help with any erratic or sudden movements from the man. Arcanine, Granbull, Luxray, Manectric, Stoutland; all of the Pokemon who had caught the eyes of the man were reduced to a frightened state, meekly hiding beside or behind their trainers as everyone soon gained fearful and anxious expressions on their faces after seeing Pokemon trained for dealing with criminals reduced to such a state. Just as tensions were at their peak, the security personnel sharing worried and nervous expressions, a pair of voices shattered the air like a hammer breaking a pane of glass.
"Red!"
The voices of Leaf and Blue snapping Red from his own defensive and instinctual stupor, he blinked and looked at the pale faced men currently sweating bullets before releasing them. The men falling onto their rears and scrambling away, they sprinted out of the stadium as if the devil were on their tails. Watching them go, Red's eyes sharped once more before dulling when he was beset by Leaf and her panicked fretting, Blue heading over with a concerned and sharp look of his own.
"Red! Are you okay?! Did they hurt you!? What did they want?! Y-You're not hurt, right!?"
"You alright? Didn't look like friends of yours."
The two asked as Red shook his head in the negative, Leaf and Blue shooting a glance towards the direction the men had fled. Following after the two, a couple of officers and their partner Pokemon were hot on their trails, the Stoutland leading them having picked up a scent that was left by a hat one of the men had dropped in their haste to escape. Seeing the distraught and worried expressions currently resting on the faces of the two, he offered them a small smile in an effort to break them from their anxious states. His smile grew a tad larger when they sighed before moving to pat him on the back, or embrace him in Leaf's case, when they saw that he wasn't harmed or shaken by the event. But that peace didn't last long as when their worries, passed next came Leaf and Blue's anger as they struck him upside the head. Wincing, Red shot the two a betrayed and confused look as they merely glared at him, motioning with their eyes at the crowd he had created with his reckless action. Stiffening, he fell back to his usual defensive and cold mask as he shot the people around him an equally cold gaze that scattered the crowd, leaving only the officers and security personnel as they cautiously moved towards him.
"S-Sorry sir, but you need to come with us." Stated the leader of the current assortment of law enforcement personnel in a slightly nervous tone, gulping a bit when Red turned to look at him with those ruthless eyes.
But his worries were lifted slightly when Red's eyes softened, nodding his head as they moved to follow after the man as him and his team led Red towards the main security building on the tournament grounds. Though, Red wasn't alone as Leaf was adamantly clutching onto his arm with her eyes scanning each and every person that came into view with a critical eye, Blue sighing at her behavior as he apologized to the poor men and women being scared off by her uncanny gaze. Laughing wryly, the officers escorting the trio held their tongues as Blue's gaze towards any unknown person was equally if not more frightening then Leaf's. But just as they were about to exit the stadium, they were stopped when a brunette approached the group, setting off alarms in the minds of Leaf and Blue as they moved towards their oldest partners. But they were set at ease when Red smiled at the newcomer, her eyes lined with nothing but worry as she glanced between the officers currently standing between the raven haired youth and herself.
"Excuse me, but could she come with us?" Asked Red in a polite and soft tone, instantly breaking a portion of the image that the officers had built of him in their minds.
"U-Uh, I'm not sure that's a good idea, sir. This isn't a party, we're going to be bringing you in for questioning." Replied the leader in a somewhat confused tone, though he straightened out his tone and stood a bit straighter as he shot Red a serious look.
"B-But Red didn't do anything wrong! T-They grabbed him first!" Exclaimed Jasmine in earnest as she took a step forward, Leaf instantly taking a defensive stance as she scanned the brunette head to toe.
"Hmm... W-Well since you seem like you've witnessed the incident, I'll allow it miss Jasmine. But this could affect your match, you might miss it if you come with us." Warned the man as Jasmine brightened up a bit, hurriedly nodding her head as she quickly moved to stand beside Red as a tinge of red colored her face.
Sighing at the sight, though a few of the men suddenly and strangely felt an overwhelming amount of envy for the youth, the group moved towards the security office with Red introducing Jasmine to Leaf and Blue. While Blue seemed to get along fine with the brunette, Blue likening her to a much more friendly version of Red to the man's ire, Leaf seemed to a bit cold to the Steel type Gym Leader.
"S-So you're all really childhood friends?" Asked Jasmine with stars in her eyes, unable to believe that she was actually speaking with the prodigies of Kanto many had spoken about during her tenure as a student in Johto's foremost trainer school.
"Mhmm, doesn't look like it, huh? But believe it or not, we were all rivals back in the day, though I managed to beat these two out by a bit. I managed to become Champion way before the two of them." Blue quipped with pride as he puffed out his chest, Jasmine gasping in shock while Leaf and Red gained dead looks to their eyes.
"Don't believe this idiot, Jasmine. Only reason he became Champion was because I didn't bother even challenging the League. If I did, well, let's just say that our current win-loss record would be a lot more skewed towards me then it currently is." Added Leaf with a sneer and a snide tone of voice, Blue's eye twitching as he moved to bring his forehead against her own as lightning began to spark between them.
"Right, cause you're so much better then me! Remember, you're only up by one, Leaf!" Snapped the man in an irate tone, Blue's twitch only growing when the smug expression on the woman's face grew as she released Red to push back against his forehead.
"That's right, I'm up by one! Me! Not. You." Sneered the the woman as Blue's anger and irritation seemed to double, Red sighing as he turned towards a wide eyed and somewhat frightened Jasmine as Leaf poked Blue's cheeks in a haughty manner.
"Don't worry, they're always like this." Said the raven haired young man in a somewhat resigned tone, moving to pat Jasmine on the head as a squeak of surprise left her.
"Be quiet, Red! Just cause you're ahead in wins doesn't mean anything, you big idiot!"
"Shut up, Red! Don't think that you're going to be thrashing us like when we were kids!"
A startled yelp leaving Jasmine when the two brunettes turned to snap at Red with vexation and irritation in their tones, she clutched the hand currently patting her head to her chest as her heart hammered in her chest. The sight instantly stalled the mind of Leaf as she blinked at the sight before quickly securing Red's free arm for herself, shooting Jasmine a challenging glare while Blue sighed as he calmed himself down. Awkwardly leading and surrounding the four were the officers who were doing their best to avoid eye contact with any of them, not wanting to add to the already uncomfortable atmosphere. That awkward and somewhat strained air followed the group until they reached the security office, the leader leading Red and Jasmine to a secure room for a brief rundown of what they had experienced and witnessed. Watching them leave, Leaf and Blue dropped their casual and worried expressions, their faces growing fierce and calculating as they turned to face each other.
"Those two guys, you thinking what I'm thinking?" Asked Blue in a tone that held nothing but tension and apprehension, Leaf clenching her fists tightly as as she knit her brows together in a mix of anger and disbelief.
"I really hope that we're wrong. We took care of them when we were all kids, we helped crush what was left of them Johto and you and I made sure that everything that was related to them in the Sevii Islands was reduced to dust." Leaf said through grit teeth, Blue's eyes softening as he moved to pat the other brunette on the back.
"We both know that the only reason that guy hasn't shown his face was because he was looking for Red. The fact that guy made such a scene during his first public battle in over decade didn't do much to help him." Blue added with a mirthless chuckle, Leaf cracking a tiny smile as she shook her head at the memory.
"Only thing we can do now is wait and hope that they've grown enough brains to not show their faces. I was hoping for things to stay peaceful, like they they have for the past few years." Leaf whispered in a light tone, her eyes shining with a fond glint while letting her head drop slightly.
"Don't worry. The two of us were able to take them on, with Red here, well... Let's just say, it's gonna be like me putting out a campfire with Blastoise." Blue reassured the brunette with a larger smile on his face, Leaf giggling as she could only agree with his comparison.
"Still... For his sake and ours, I hope they don't show..." Leaf muttered with a tone that held a twinge of fear, Blue instantly understanding when he recalled the eyes of his best friend when they arrived earlier.
Shivers ran down the spines of the two when they caught sight of Red's eyes when he was pinning the two men to the wall, Blue and Leaf not even taking into account the fact he was easily overpowering two grown men with ease. While Leaf was worried about had her beloved had endured during his tenure on Mt. Silver, Blue was keenly aware of the hell that Red had experienced during his decade of solitude. What Blue had seen was clearly Red acting on instinct and going on the defensive which, for Blue's crimson eyed best friend, was an overwhelming offense. If the two brunettes' predictions were right about who those two men were working, then there would only be chaos and devastation when should they chose to act. Letting a sigh leave him, Blue refocused on the door that Red had been escorted through, letting his mind run through a few of the many potential scenarios that could play out during the coming weeks of the tournament.
(Time Skip - Half An Hour Later)
(Scene Change: Pokemon World Tournament - Main Security Office)
"I see... Your story matches up with what the cameras caught in the stadium and with what miss Jasmine had claimed to have witnessed, sir. I'm sorry to have taken so much of your time." Stated the leader of the officers who had apprehended Red, the older man bowing his head while Red waved him off with a somewhat flustered expression on his face.'
Turning to Jasmine, he silently pleaded with the brunette to help him with the man's earnest apology, only getting a giggle in turn as Jasmine shook her head in the negative. Seeing his newest friend abandon him to his fate, Red mentally sighed as he tried to reassure the man bowing towards him that he was just properly doing his job, the captain not raising his head until Red reluctantly accepted his apology.
"Thank you, sir! You're free to leave, but would you like to stay here for a while just in case? Who knows if those two men or their friends are going to pull something like this again. Or if you're more comfortable, do you want a few of my men to watch your back for a day or two?" Asked the captain as Red once more shook his head in the negative, the older man letting a somewhat sullen sigh leave as he was secretly hoping that Red would accept and stay or allow him to shadow such a powerful feeling trainer in the hopes of gaining some insight about his strength.
Finishing up the paperwork for the whole ordeal, which was finished after another ten minutes, Red and Jasmine were walking beside Leaf and Blue as the quartet chatted about what had happened during their questioning. Seeing as there wasn't much to go off on, Leaf and Blue shot Red a look that he immediately recognized, the crimson eyed man nodding his head as they mirrored it before turning to chat with Jasmine once more before she felt left out of the strange exchange. It wasn't long before the four were settled in the main concession area of the tournament grounds; the sounds of people and Pokemon laughing and playing, pots and pans clanging and sizzling taking a firm hold on the warm and lively sector.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Red suddenly said after swallowing one of the many sticks of fried funnel cake he was currently hording, cautously setting down his delectable treats while shooting the three an equally wary gaze.
"Settle down, no one's going to take your food." Blue sighed as he took a bite of his hotdog, his irritation only growing when Red's wariness grew at his dubious words.
"You said the same thing before taking the last s'more when we were nine." Red snapped back at him as Blue's anger nearly blew its lid, the man lunging at before shaking Red by the collar of his shirt.
"Y-You're still holding a grudge about that!? Damn it, Red, stop being so petty!" Roared Blue as Red broke free of the man before locking him in a headlock, Blue struggling violently as Red soon gained a bit of a pout as the brunette struck one of his weakest and most embarrassing faults.
"S-Should we help?" Jasmine asked in a meek and anxious tone, scooting a bit away from the two arguing men as Leaf shook her head with an exasperated expression on her face.
"Just leave them, they've always been like then since we were kids. Red's always held grudges over the tiniest things and Blue's always been an idiot who makes things worse." Leaf said tiredly while munching on a fry, her words casing both Red and Blue to freeze as they turned to glare at her.
"Right. Says the girl who always abandoned her best friends whenever they got in trouble."
"Leaf still owes me for eating the cupcake my mom made for me when we were seven."
Choking on the fry as crimson colored her face, Leaf quickly gulped down a mouthful of water before turning to shout at the two. Watching the three begin to argue with each other, Jasmine felt a bit out of place and began to wonder if she was really welcome to such a tightly knit group. That sentiment only grew when the insults that were being thrown around became less sharp, the anger that was on their faces melting to joy as laughter replaced shouting. Wiping away a tear from his eye, Blue grinned as Leaf and Red mirrored the action; the three letting a content sigh leave them as Jasmine could only stare on with envy and melancholy coloring her face.
"It must be wonderful to have such close friends, huh." Muttered the brunette under her breath, offering the three a small smile as they turned to look at Red.
"So, what were you saying earlier? About forgetting somethin?" Asked Blue in a curious tone, Red smiling somewhat proudly as he handed the trio their custom made banners.
"Ah! That's the banner that you were holding, Red!" Gushed Jasmine as she remembered the piece of canvas he had proudly displayed during her match, Jasmine taking it before happily opening it.
As soon as she gazed on that piece of canvas, she let out a laugh that she hadn't meant to let leave. Quickly clamping a hand over her mouth, she tried to hold in her laughter as the picture looked far worse up close then it did from afar. It wasn't even close to what she looked like, Jasmine unable to hold in her laughter any longer as a string of laughter escaped with tears beginning to line her eyes. Watching the scene with eyes full of disbelief and shock, Red snapped to look at Leaf and Blue as their faces were flushed and their teeth grit tight to stop their own laughter from breaking free. Snickers soon leaving the two, they turned away and clenched the banners in their hands tightly as the knowledge that their dear childhood friend was still the absolutely terrible artist they remembered was a comforting one.
It was almost unbelievable just how awful of an artist he was when his handwriting could rival his battling with how elegant and beautiful it was, the toddler-grade pictures strewn beside their names only making them laugh harder as the two were unable to hold their laughter any longer. A pout soon crossing Red's face, he began to silently sulk and fume as the three continued to laugh at his heartfelt gifts to them, the poor raven haired youth letting his head drop as the three tried to reign in their laughter. Before long, they were back to their usual selves, though Red was opting to ignore the three to their distress and irritation; only breaking when Leaf and a coerced Jasmine made a grab for one of the many snacks that he was hording. Once that tiny and rather hectic scene passed, the four were back to their usual selves, Jasmine happily fitting into their small and somewhat dysfunctional family before the time to depart came.
"W-Well, I'll be going now. There's a meeting for the Gym Leaders in Johto soon that I need to get to." Jasmine told the three in a sullen tone, Leaf shaking her head as she patted the young woman in a reassuring manner.
"Don't sweat it, Jasmine! You've got our numbers! Just give any of us a call and we'll be there!" Chirped the brunette as Jasmine brightened up considerably, happily nodding her head as she bid the three farewell.
"I'm surprised that you got along with her." Quipped Blue as the man turned to stare at her from the corner of his eyes, Leaf shaking her head with a tiny smile on her face as she shot him a knowing look.
"Same here. But she reminded me of Red, I just couldn't leave her alone or shoo her away." Leaf replied with a somewhat wry tone, Blue snickering as she shared the sentiments of his brunette companion.
"So, Team Rocket is back, hmm." Red said in a frigid tone, instantly killing the amiable atmosphere as the three shared sharp gazes with each other.
"What's the plan, Blue?" Asked Leaf as she cracked her knuckles, the brunette narrowing his eyes as he shook his head in the negative.
"For right now, nothing. As much as I want to crush them before anyone gets involved, it'd be best to avoid provoking them any more then Red may have. It ain't favorable, but it's the smartest thing to do at this point. Alerting or tipping off anyone else would only cause stress and tension for the higher ups, the tournament is supposed to be a time of unity and fun not a time to be worrying about the possibility of some criminal organization from the past attacking." Stated the young man as Leaf and Red grit their teeth, bitterly nodding their heads at their best friend's reasoning.
"Should we let any one else know?" Asked Red in a worried tone, Blue reluctantly shaking his head as a sullen sigh left the man.
"Who knows who is working for them right now. Even if we told my gramps or any of the people we know we can trust, who knows if the ones who they tell will be working for them. Best to just keep it to ourselves until something big happens." Added Blue as the two nodded their heads, sighs leaving them before they moved to throw away their trash and recyclables.
Sharing a few more brief words, Leaf and Blue departed to their own matches, Red deciding to look around for any suspicious individuals or activity before his own match. The three agreeing to meet up once more for dinner to discuss their plans for the sudden appearance of Team Rocket, they could all be seen with muddled expressions on their usual calm and collected faces. As Red passed by a vendor selling cotton candy, he paused when his Xtransceiver rang, the raven haired man narrowing his eyes when he saw that it was an unknown number.
["..."]
["..."]
Silence and static was all that was heard and seen on the other line before a sound of someone smirking in satisfaction could be heard, the line going dead as Red clenched his fist tightly. Checking his call log, he tried to redial the number only to see that it was dead and disconnected. A grunt of frustration leaving him, his eyes burned with an eerie and unsettling glow as he headed towards the stadium where his next match was being held. Many giving the young man a wide berth, they gulped and adverted their gazes when they caught sight of his frightening eyes, the trip to the stadium taking no time at all without any distractions. Heading straight to the waiting room, he took a seat and awaited the call for his match, Red moving his hand towards his Pokeballs while letting his eyes close in an effort to calm himself.
(Scene Change: Pokemon World Tournament - Stadium A)
(Time Skip - Fifteen Minutes Later)
["Ladies and gentlemen! Let's give it up for our next set of battlers! Battling in the green corner and representing Hoenn, he's a former top contender for the Champion title who retired to help his father further his research on the behavior of Pokemon in the wild, let's go wild for Brendan Birch of Littleroot Town!"]
"May, look! It's Brendan!" Max gushed as he stared with shining eyes at the young man lightly patting his cheeks down on the field, May's eyes also gaining a glint as she shouted at him.
"Brendan! Hey! Good luck out there!" Yelled the brunette with vigor, drawing the attention of Ash and their companions as they blinked.
"W-What, you two know a top contender for Champion!?"
Shouted Ash, Serena, Dawn, Iris, Bonnie and Clemont in unison; startling the two Maple children as they shared sheepish expressions. Quickly running down memory lane, of how they were childhood friends of sorts, Ash gained a determined glint to his eyes as he followed the young man below. Roars and cheers resounding from the crowd, a Brendan with his signature white cap could be seen stepping onto the field with his eyes sharp and focused. Taking a deep breath, he let out his stress and worries as he ran his hands across his partners, nodding mentally as he stood at the ready for his opponent.
["And his opponent battling in the red corner! He made quite the stir during his first match, representing Kanto, give it up for Red of Pallet Town!"]
Just like the last time, the cheers and roars died down as an eerie silence drifted around the stadium grounds. Walking with eyes sharper then they usually were, Red quickly locked onto his opponent and nodded slightly when he saw Brendan's potential. Stepping onto his side's trainer box, Red and Brendan were staring each other down as the referee stepped onto the field. Looking at both trainers, the young woman was shaking with excitement as they were both powerful trainers on their own, the match that would be taking place would no doubt be an amazing one. Shaking her head to help focus, she nodded as raised her arm before starting the selection for the field and style of battle.
"This match will be a two-on-two battle between trainers Red of Pallet Town and Brendan of Littleroot Town, and will take place on a rock field! The match will be concluded once one's side's Pokemon are unable to continue and substitutions are not allowed. Now, trainers, select your Pokemon and release them on my signal!" The referee announced as wave of cheers suddenly washed over the stadium, the two young men having never broken their gazes until they turned to look at their Pokemon.
Mulling over the thought, Brendan selected his pair with the most diversity for battles, turning to shoot a quick glance at Red before nodding at the referee. With Red, the young man ran his fingers across his set of Pokeballs when one of them twitched slightly, the crimson eyed youth nodding as he settled on the eager Pokemon inside. Shooting a gaze at the referee, he nodded as well before the woman raised both of her flags. Giving the two men a quick look before bringing her flags down, two Pokeballs flying into the air before two flashes of white light illuminated the field. A confident cry leaving the mouth of Brendan's Castform, the tiny Pokemon drew cheers and gushes from the audience as it happily danced about and showed its love for people. But an earth shaking roar froze the amiable atmosphere as Red's Blastoise unveiled his cannons and scanned the grounds for his opponent, narrowing his eyes on Castform as the tiny Pokemon shuddered a bit at the fierce and somewhat feral glint to the titan's eyes.
["Looks like Brendan is going with his Castform! Castform as well known for being able to manipulate the weather to suit their needs, will that be enough for the tiny Pokemon to topple Red and his monstrous Blastoise!"]
"Sunny Day!" Shouted Brendan as Castform quickly shook of its initial fear, letting loose a cry as she let loose a bright orb of light into the sky.
Quickly, the temperature rose as the sun seemed to shine even brighter then it did before. Blastoise narrowed his eyes as the sudden increase in sunlight allowed Castform to change her form, the Sunny form coming into view as electricity began to crackle and dance around the body of the tiny Pokemon. A cry leaving her mouth, Castform let loose a wicked Thunderbolt that struck without issue, Blastoise letting a sound of surprise leave him as the sudden and quick attack exceeded the expectations of the titan. But after that surprise passed, irritation followed as Blastoise trained his cannons on the Weather Pokemon. A cry leaving his mouth, he let loose a powerful Hydro Pump that tore through the stream of electricity, taking both Castform and Brendan by surprise as they didn't hear a single command or see a signal for such an attack.
"Quick Castform, protect!" Ordered the brunette as his tiny partner yelped and shrouded herself in a shell of pale green, crying in surprise as she was still sustaining tiny bits of damage despite the shell of defense by the power the Hydro Pump held.
"The heck is up with that power..." Muttered Marlon with wide eyes, gulping slightly as he was unable to break his gaze away from the Blastoise currently gouging the earth with its hydro cannons.
"Remarkable... That young man's Pokemon, they're simply monstrous." Added Juan as he was leaning over the edge of his seat, using a monocular to better study the size and shape of the Water type battling.
"The power of that Blastoise... It may just rival that of mine, Mega Evolved..." Whispered Siebold in a tone that held trace amounts of disbelief and astonishment, clutching the Mega Stone embedded in his tie.
Confusion was running through the minds of everyone as a Water type attacks under a Sunny Day were reduced to about half of their normal power, the fact that the Hydro Pump from Red's Blastoise was able to damage a Protect-clad Pokemon spoke volumes of the power that the giant held. Before long, the defensive shell cracked and soon shattered as Castform was sent flying back as the torrent of water broke through its barrier. Frowning at the sight of Castform still conscious and able to battle, Blastoise shot an apologetic look towards Red as the raven haired young man shook his head with a small smile on his face, gesturing with his eyes towards Castform the Weather Pokemon rushed forward with her eyes glowing blue. Caution coloring the face of Blastoise, he stiffened before smirking slightly as he was forced to retract his cannons as the Disable cast by Castform affected him without issue, the Water type bringing his arm back as a sphere of bright blue energy soon formed. A roar leaving the mouth of the titan, Blastoise let loose the Focus Blast he had built up as it sped towards Castform, the sphere shredding the top layer of rock as it picked up speed.
"Castform, use Ominous Wind and send that Focus Blast off course!" Yelled Brendan with sweat beginning to drip down the side of his face, the tiny Pokemon yelping as she quickly spun and released a spiral of purplish wind that wasn't able to completely reflect the speeding orb.
Clipping Castform, a wince crossed her face as she and her trainer watched the sphere impact and explode, creating a disturbingly large crater as the two and the other in the audience paled a bit at the power the Shellfish Pokemon possessed. Wincing, Castform shot a look at her trainer as Brendan grimaced but nodded, the Weather Pokemon nodding as her eyes began to glow once more. Not wanting to be on the receiving end of whatever she was planning, Blastoise kicked off the ground as the earth beneath his foot was ripped apart. Closing the distance between Castform and himself as quickly as he could, Blastoise braced himself when he saw Castform's eyes lose their blue glow. When the attack he was bracing himself for failed to come, Blastoise narrowed his eyes as he stopped before the tiny Pokemon with his fist shrouded in a bright blue glow. Letting a roar leave his throat, he slugged the smaller Pokemon with a charged Focus Punch, sending Castform rocketing back before cratering the wall of the stadium. When the dust cleared, she could be seen with swirls for eyes, completely unconscious as Brendan recalled her.
"Castform is unable to continue, the winner is Blastoise!" Announced the referee as she raised her red flag, the crowd cheering loudly as Brendan secured his next battler.
["Looks like the first round goes to Red and his Blastoise! Will Brendan be able to turn this around!? Blastoise doesn't look very tired and if Red's Venusaur is anything to go off of, it won't be an easy Pokemon to beat!"]
"Sceptile, I need you!" Shouted Brendan as he released the Grass type, a cry leaving the mouth of the Forest Pokemon as he leveled a gaze at Blastoise.
The two titans staring each other down, Blastoise was about to move only for a strange rift in space to suddenly appear beside him. Confusion coloring his face, he was suddenly stuck by the Future Sight that Castform has set up just before her defeat. Quickly bringing his arms up to shield his face, Blastoise was soon beset by a beam of psychic energy that actually forced the titan to take a small half-step back. Grunting as he endured the brunt of the psychic assault, Sceptile rushed forward with the leaves of his wrists extended with the use of Leaf Blade. Closing the distance within seconds, Sceptile let loose a relentless assault as Blastoise winced under the super effective blows, the Grass type smirking as he increased the ferocity of his strikes.
["Looks like Blastoise is being pushed back! Brendan has trained his Sceptile well, folks! That speed and the power of its Leaf Blade is simply astounding!"]
"Go Brendan! Show that guy just how powerful Hoenn is!" Shouted Max as he leaned over the railing, drawing wry and embarrassed looks from his friends.
"Ho? That boy's Sceptile is quite the specimen. A few more years and it'll be quite the Pokemon." Ramos quipped as he took in the form and shape of the leaves of the Pokemon's tail, nodding approvingly with a smile crossing his face.
"Red might be in trouble, the Sceptile is very well trained." Erika said in an anxious tone as she clasped her hands together, noting the sheen and color of the Forest Pokemon as it turned to slam its tail into Blastoise.
"It'll be fine, Erika. That Blastoise of his... I could only dream of having one like it." Quipped Misty as she took in the numerous scars and the discoloration of the titan's body, her eyes shining when she saw the fire and fierce smirk that was currently on the Water type's face.
A shout of defiance leaving Blastoise, he caught Sceptile by his tail, the Grass type making a noise of surprise when he felt his feet leave the ground. Yanking his arm back, the Shellfish Pokemon tossed Sceptile back to his side of the field, Sceptile easily landing on his feet as he snapped around to stare at Blastoise. But all he got in turn was a a Skull Bash to the abdomen, spittle and saliva leaving his mouth. Landing on his own feet, Blastoise drew his arm back as an icy mist shrouding his hand, the titan letting a roar leave him as he slugged the Forest Pokemon across the face with a heavy Ice Punch. Crying as the side of his face that was struck froze partially, Sceptile snarled as he drew his arm back and retaliated with a heavy Leaf Blade, slicing into Blastoise's face as a small splash of crimson flew into the air. Grinning as the Grass type was actually able to pierce his hide, Blastoise threw all restraint out the window as Sceptile seemed more then happy to oblige, the two simply standing there as they took turns striking each other with blows that would have dropped weaker Pokemon.
Before long, there were two sides of the stadium cheering for either of the two battlers, shouts of encouragement and perseverance echoing through its walls as many felt themselves holding their breaths awaiting the outcome. Those breaths finally left as Sceptile dropped to his knees, panting heavily as he weakly craned his head upwards to glare at the bloody face of Blastoise, the Water type bearing a wide grin as he nodded towards the Grass type. A weak laugh leaving Sceptile's mouth mouth, he shook his head incredulously before falling face first into the ground. Blastoise offering the fallen Pokemon a look of praise, he turned to shoot a sheepish look towards his trainer as Red sighed while shaking his own head. Snapping from her stupor, the referee quickly moved to raise her flag as Brendan moved onto the field to check on his oldest friend.
"Sceptile is unable to continue! The winner is Blastoise and the match goes to Red of Pallet Town!" She announced as the crowd took a second to catch up before they erupted in cheer and applause, Red turning it out as he strode towards Blastoise before wiping away the streaks of blood that covered his face.
["And Red is the victor, folks! Just how far will this rising star go!? What other Pokemon does this young man have and what surprises will he bring!?"]
"How... Brendan had the type advantage and his Sceptile is one of the strongest ones I've seen..." Whispered Max in a tone of disbelief, the others consoling the youth as Ash and Gary were shooting the capped young man a look filled with a strange mix of emotion.
"That was a once in a lifetime match, thanks. That Blastoise of yours... Just how did you train it?" Brendan asked curiously and in awe as he helped support Sceptile, the Grass type shooting Blastoise one more challenging look that the titan returned with a smirk on his face.
"It took a while. Your Sceptile, it's strong. You're a great trainer." Red answered with a small smile on his face, offering his hand as Brendan blinked before grinning as he reached over to shake the older man's hand.
"I won't lose next time!" Declared Brendan as Sceptile mirrored his declaration, the four sharing one more look before the two trainers returned their Pokemon.
Heading back into the red corner's waiting room, Red paused and shot a glance towards a man in the upper area of the stadium stands. As if he was waiting for Red to notice him, he merely smirked before turning and exiting, the crimson eyed youth narrowing his eyes before leaving himself. Taking a single step into the waiting room, Red was instantly grabbed before he was drawn into the bountiful chest of a woman. Confusion, embarrassment and panic filling him, he tried to free himself only to pause when he smelt the nostalgic and comforting scent of his mother, the raven haired youth looking up and seeing the woman that took the seat of the most important person of his life.
"You battled great out there, Red!" Gushed Scarlet as she tightened her embrace on her treasure, Red growing hot in the face as he began to notice the numerous stares from the others in the room.
"M-Mom, please stop." Whimpered the young man as Scarlet giggled before letting him go, Red letting a sigh of relief leave as he rose to offer his mother a warm and loving smile.
"When did you get here?" Asked Red as his mother latched onto his arm, the pair heading over to a healing station as Scarlet recounted her past few days of traveling and taking in the sights.
It wasn't long that the two were happily laughing and smiling as they found a small table to talk at, Scarlet having prepared a lunch box for the two of them to share. Watching them with eyes wide with disbelief and confusion was Zinnia, the Lorekeeper unable to believe that it was really the woman from the few photos that her grandmother had. Her surprise and muddled state of mind allowing her emotions and instinct to take hold, she soon found herself standing before Scarlet and Red, Zinnia only snapping from her stupor when she felt their eyes on her person. Her eyes sharp, she to speak only to find her words frozen in her throat when Red's eyes were sharper and colder then anything she had seen before. The air around him, and in turn her, was almost suffocating, Zinnia finding it hard to even take a breath as he moved between his mother and herself.
"Red, sweetie, calm down." Scarlet said in an even tone, her face calm but her eyes shining with a strange glint to him as she scanned the young lady in front of her from head to toe.
Heeding her words, Red relented and eased the intensity of the stare he was sending the unknown woman who had suddenly appeared and was silently glaring at his mother. Zinnia took a shaky breath as she took a step back from the frightening young man who couldn't be any older then herself, bringing her defenses up as she returned to look at Scarlet. She could see it in the eyes of the older woman, the glint of recognition and familiarity that shone in her eyes. That was all that Zinnia needed to see to know that the woman in front of her was the "deserter" that a few of the elders whispered about in the shadows of her home.
"You must be Higana's granddaughter." Said Scarlet in that same level tone, Zinnia clenching her fists as all doubts that she had about the pair in front of her were eliminated.
"...Yes, my name is Zinnia. And that must mean, you two are both Draconid people like me." Whispered the raven haired young lady with deep emotion coloring her voice, shaking slightly as Scarlet' eyes softened seeing her reaction.
"Let's talk somewhere a little more quiet, Zinnia. Red, can you go get something light for her to eat? And some tea if you don't mind. I'll send you the room we'll be talking in when we find it." Requested Scarlet in a soft tone, Red nodding somewhat hesitantly as he released Pikachu.
"Watch over mom, Pikachu." Ordered the crimson eyed young man as he scratched the Electric type behind his ears, Pikachu giving him a nod in the positive before shooting Zinnia a wary and defensive look.
Red departing to follow his mother's request, Pikachu hopping onto Scarlet's shoulder as the older woman smiled gently and scratched his ears softly. Turning to offer Zinnia that same smile as the younger lady remained as stoic as she could, though the small shakes of her shoulders and fists spoke of how she felt inside. The pair heading to find an empty room to talk, they were unaware of the man who snapped a photo of Red from the shadows of the lobby. Checking the photo, he fixed his hat before moving to shadow the women as they exited the stadium and headed towards one of the many cafes that had temporarily popped up during the tenure of the tournament. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number and checked his watch, nodding as he let a bit of distance grow between him and the two he was pursuing.
["This is Six, currently following his mother and their acquaintance as subject has left them alone. Eight, keep eyes on him and report if he's less then fifty yards from me. I'll report their location when they arrive so the rest of you be ready to move when I do, we'll need to be quick about this."]
And that's a wrap. Thanks for reading, stay awesome.