Flames of Despise
Red was frantically searching the room for any signs of where had Emily went. He checked under the beds, in the closet, in drawers of the nightstand and even in the bath tub while chanting here name.
"Damn it, Emily!" Red cursed as he checked under the beds again hoping for a sign.
"Um, what are you doing?" asked a voice with a hint of disgust.
"Oww!" Red bumped his head on the wooden structure of the bed on his way out. He got out from under Emily's bed rubbing his aching head.
"Emily!" Sure enough, the orange haired girl stood at the doorway holding her bag at her side. Her hair happened to be down as well as looking as if it was just washed.
"Yeah, who else, weirdo," Emily said entering the room, and closed the door behind her. "I can hear your voice all the way from the entrance. Crying my name over and over. Did you really miss me that much?" She said in a mocking tone.
Red looked away blushing. "It's just that I thought you could have been kidnapped figuring that you didn't leave a note and all your stuff was gone."
Emily blinked. "What are you, my guardian? I don't always have to tell when I'm leaving," she rudely replied.
"Well, it would have at least been nice to leave I don't know, a note! 'Hey, Red. I'm leaving for awhile. I'll be back in awhile so don't worry about me," Red acted that last in the best Emily voice he could muster.
Emily rolled her eyes. "If it really is that important, I went to the hot springs." She replied in a bored tone. She dropped her bag onto her bed to take out some hair brushes and bobby pins.
Red sighed, crossed his arms, and leaned against the wooden post of his head. "There hot springs on this island?"
"Yeah, Cinnabar Island is known for hot springs. Sheez, you didn't about this even though this is your home region," Emily said.
"Well, sorry for not reading up on the spring when I planned my journey," Red sarcastically said.
"Fine, be like that. I went to clear the fatigue I felt in the morning."
"Then, why did you take your backpack?"
"Why else? I can't let a certain boy rummage through my stuff when I'm gone." She shot look at Red.
Red lifted his hand defensively. "I wouldn't so such a thing?"
"What, invade my privacy? Of course you would, I mean you where looking through my side of the room when I was gone, right."
"Hey, I was looking for clues to where you went!" Red snapped back. "I thought you could have been kidnapped."
"By who?" Emily insisted for an answer.
"I don't know? Team Rocket maybe, because you're the daughter of the-"
"Yeah, I know," Emily cut in.
"I was just worried," Red softly said. "You can't blame me for that."
Emily abruptly stopped what she was doing. For a brief moment she was silent. "Yeah, I understand." She continued to collect her stuff.
"Oh, and get ready," Emily said directing a finger to Red's dirty clothes.
"Why?"
"Because, I haven't had dinner, so I'm going out for some food. You could use some as well, seeing you had some action today," she explained.
Red agreed, feeling embarrassed for being so filthy. Taking a pair of clothes, Red walked into the bathroom to take another shower.
Emily changed into clothes more comfortable for walking around in the warm climate. She fixed her hair using the mirror she had in her bag. She was going to put it up in her usual style but her mind was set on other things that she couldn't get it right.
"Screw it, I'm letting my hair down," she said frustrated, dropped her hair supplies into her bag. She turned around hearing the bathroom door click.
Red exited with same style of clothes he always wears only this time he wore a white shirt under his vest. His brown hair was wet, sloppy, which was a first for Emily, who always saw him with his red hat.
Red gave her a weird look realizing what she was wearing. "Urh…umm-are you actually going to wear that," he pointed a rude finger at her attire.
"Y-yeah! What's wrong with it?"
Emily had on a pastel yellow sun dress that reached to her knees. A black belt was tied around her waist making her look more like a Combee. Her loose hair color sort of clashed with the bright color of her clothes in Red's opinion.
"It's just…very strange to see you in a dress. Makes me feel uncomfortable, that's all."
"Are you saying I look hideous in dresses?" Emily narrowed her eyes.
"Err-no! Just that I've never thought you would bring a dress on a journey!"
"I brought it just in case I ran into some hot climate," Emily snapped back. "Now stop staring you pervert, and take this to comb your hair." She carelessly tossed a black comb.
Red swiftly caught the comb. "I can just wear my hat around," he mumbled.
Emily was turned around. "In this blistering heat! You'll be sweating like a Grumpig with that sweaty cap. Just go without it for tonight." She said in a demanding voice.
Red sighed returning to the bathroom. He fixed his hair by combing the black mess to the side for a cleaner look. He took a good look in the mirror before deciding it was perfect.
Emily was finished with her personal grooming as well. She took out a small coin purse with a gray chinchilla-like animal decorating the cover from her bag before leaving with Red.
Both young trainers wandered to the outside and traversed the bustling city. Emily took her time to admire the city rich with culture. She kept her purse close to her body as she did some tourism. Red had a hand in his pockets and the other hand was covering his eyes.
Just as Red was beginning to wish he had his hat back, Emily pulled him to what seemed like a beachside restaurant. She took him inside alleviated from the warm island climate outside. The place was dimly lit as they made their way to a free table right next to window.
Tinted windows blocked much of the sunlight and had only a single light bulb hanging above their table. Emily took her place as Red sad adjacent to her. The dinner hour was starting to die down and a waitress approached them no more than a minute later.
"What will it be for tonight?" asked a brunette woman wearing a red tee with the words Magmar's Resort with a chibi Magmar enjoying a drink on a sunset beach. She passed them the menus and took out a pen and notepad from the black apron around her waist.
Emily didn't waste time to order. "I feel like trying Lickitung's Tossed Salad."
She jotted down her request. "And to drink, ma'am?"
"The Hitmonchan Punch," she answered.
Red felt pressure fall on him when the waitress turned her attention to Red as well as Emily. Red shrank back in his chair as he read through the dinner options.
"Uhh..erhm-I will like a…The Volcano Surprise…with uhh Magmar Pop," Red just read the first option that caught his eye.
"Alright, your orders will be ready in a few minutes," the waitress said taking up the menus.
"Do you even know what you just ordered?" Emily asked once the woman was out of earshot.
Red sheepshisly shrugged. "I just thought it would be nice to try something…exotic for a change."
Emily rolled her eyes, placing her bag to the side. "Well, don't complain to me when your meal turns out not so well,"
Red chuckled. "So, how do you feel?"
"Do I look all that sick to you," she retorted.
"No, it's just I want to make sure that your feeling all better, because yesterday you didn't look all that well." Red's turned to the waitress that came with their beverages in glass cups with straws. He received his drink to immediately start drinking from as if he just came from a long dry trip.
Emily accepted her drink more calmly then her friend. "Well, if it will make you stop worrying, I'm completely fine today. It was just fatigue that came over me yesterday and this morning." She stirred the ice cubes in her drink with her straw.
Red nodded. "Alright, I just was making sure."
"Yeah." Emily halfheartedly said as she continued to shake the contents of her drink. Red looked up to see her like she was in deep thought. An uneasy silence fell onto the table and it seemed like only Red felt it.
Red thought it was best to drink for he had an excuse to not continue the conversation. He was nearly finished with his drink when Emily spoke up. Her voice was much gentler than usual.
"How much of a burden am too you?"
Red abruptly stopped, his gaze drawn to Emily's somber expression. She stared at him back waiting for her answer. Red gulped down the rest of his drink.
"What are you talking about?" Red asked in a confused tone.
"Don't give me that look!" Emily snapped back. "I'm asking you how much have I held you back from progressing on your journey?"
Red paused once more to think about. Such a strange question to ask, Red thought. He decided to answer anyways.
"I'll make it clear, you're not a burden to me," Red said with a smile. He begun to drink on the water that was once ice.
"Don't lie to me." Emily barked back. Red raised an eyebrow.
"How am I lying?"
"Don't play stupid with me. I know that you think that I've been holding you back. I dragged you into Team Rocket's affairs when you helped my grandfather. During our battles against them, you did most of the work. Recently with Kuriasora, I placed your life in danger yet I failed to help you and just ended up being the damsel in distress by having you carry me to safety," her voice increased as she continued.
Red raised a hand to stop her before she start to yell. He took in a deep breath. "Emily, I can see why you feel that way but please try to see it from my point of view. I see you as the girl who guided me through Saffron. I see you as the girl who bought me a bike to allow me to ride to Fuchsia City. I see you as the girl who helped me cross the vast ocean to here. I see you as friend who helped me along the way and without you, I'll still be back in Celadon City trying to get into Saffron."
Red pushed his empty cup to the side. Emily looked conflicted; she looked down at her untouched beverage.
She opened her mouse to speak but no words came out. She closed her mouth feeling stupid. A wide smile stretched across her face. The smiled turned into a soft giggle.
"What is it, now?" Red asked.
"Hehe, oh nothing," Emily laughed finally taking a sip from her Hitmonchan Punch.
"You can just say nothing for laughing after such a serious matter," Red claimed.
"That's the reason. I've never seen you act so mature and serious that I actually thought of you as my elder for a moment," Emily said in a mocking tone.
It was Red's turn to roll his eyes. "At lease you are back to your old self."
Emily nodded. "And tomorrow-"
"I will go with you to the gym and I will cheer you on this time," Red answered her question before she could ask it. "Now get ready because I see our course is on its way."
Emily smiled back. She enjoyed the rest of her meal as well as the rest of the night.
Emily and Red went to the Pokemon Gym early the next morning. Red convinced Blaine to make an exception for her and skip the key in mansion search. They went straight to the battle part which got called short because Blaine had to go to the Research Lab on the island for an important matter.
Emily left the gym with a brand new badge as well as red disc for her collection. She healed her Pokemon before meeting up with Red at the edge of the island.
"Let me get my Lapras out!"
"No need," Red interjected. "This path isn't all that long that and leads to Pallet Town. So, we will be riding my Charizard from here."
"Are you out of your mine!" Emily shouted. "You expect me to get on your dragon that barely knows how to flight across the ocean."
-"Hey, I'm not that bad of a flier, I think,"- Charizard said feeling hurt.
"Come on, Emily. You just got to have faith in him. I mean he is already gotten the hang of it," Red patted his friend.
Emily softly sighed. "I'm going to regret this," she muttered. She took Red's hand and pulled onto Charizard's back. Wrapping her arms around the trainer's waist, she shifted into the most comfortable position.
"Alright, let's go!" Red ordered once Emily was settled.
Charizard bent his knees low before launching himself into the air. He caught the wind in his wings as he glided towards the ocean. A sudden strong breeze caused him to lose balance.
"I knew this was a bad idea, Red!" Emily shouted as they dropped.
Charizard recovered from the rough start and flew back up and higher.
"Don't curse me, yet. Wait till we hit the water," Red said.
"God I want to hit you so hard right," Emily hissed but kept her firm grip around him. Red laughed it off making her curse him some more.
They flew for a good amount of time. Charizard didn't show signs of letting down any time soon demonstrating his endurance. He however had to stop just please Red's curiosity.
Looking down below, Red saw a lone island in ocean. It was so small that it looked like a person could walk the whole place in ten steps. Its size didn't deter from a man to land on it to explore.
That normally wouldn't have caught Red's attention, but there was something else that he couldn't ignore. The lone person had on a Kuraisora attire.
"Charizard, we must land on the island below us," Red ordered.
"What's going on-ahhh!" Emily's voice trailed of as Charizard went into a steep dive.
Charizard harshly landed making the small piece of land shake. It was all covered in sand that was kicked up in the air by the force. Charizard didn't show any signs of being hurt and instead had his face in a mean snarl.
Red and Emily jumped off onto the sandy land. Emily now realized what Red's intentions were, reaching for her own Pokeball. All three froze in place to react to their foes first move. The opposing threat however than make the first move.
Facing away from them, the hooded figure stared out into the ocean as he was before they came. He didn't even stir from all the commotion that could have woken up a Snorlax from his slumber. A straight posture, feet together and hands at his side, he didn't looked like anytime soon he would be fighting them.
"What are you doing here?" Red raised his question. No answer.
"Why are you here?" Silence again.
"Tell us why you are here you asshole!" Emily was getting annoyed by his silence. Her harsh tone didn't at all affect how the Kuraisora member reacted.
Without turning back, the strange man spoke in a deep, monotone voice that had some authority behind it. "You who shares a powerful bond with the fiery lizard."
-"Fiery Lizard?"- Charizard was offended.
"That will be me," Red talked back. "What is that you want?"
Another pause. "You have this powerful aura that dwells inside of you." He finally turned around to reveal his face. Young, strong looking facial structure surprised Red who expected a much older fellow. Chestnut hair covered his entire forehead and stopped just above his eyes. His eyes were pale green. His eyes also had some strange feel to them. As if they were devoid of all emotion that made a human being a human being, but they looked as if they contained a great secret.
"What do you mean? And what are you doing here?" Red blurted out his questions.
"I see…you still haven't taken notice of it, yet."
"Who the hell are you? I know you are part of Kuraisora so where is your partner as well?" Emily asked looking around to catch a glimpse of the mysterious man's partner.
"Names are just labels placed on us so they don't speak the truth of who we are," he replied his eyes still on Red. "But if you must know it, the name that I bestowed on myself is Leer."
"Leer as in the move used by Pokemon?" Red said perplexed.
"I don't have much more time for answering your dull questions, so I'll be on my way," Leer spoke weakly. He took out his own Pokeball making the trainers flinch.
A large Crobat appeared before their very eyes. It gave them a nasty look before swooping down to his trainer. Leer reached out an arm to grab on of Crobat's smaller wings. Crobat didn't slow down even a bit by the added weight and flew off without a hitch.
"Wait! Charizard!" Red called his Pokemon.
-"It's too late. I can't catch up with that insane speed,"- Charizard muttered not pleased.
"Let it go, Red. We won't be reaching them any time soon," Emily took noticed how far Leer was now.
"But we can't just let them get away," Red argued hopelessly watched him disappeared in the horizon.
"I know how you feel, but there is nothing we can do now." Emily grabbed Red by the shoulder. "Let's just continue on."
-"We will get them next time,"- Charizard encouraged his trainer. –"And next time I will become a more adept flier so I can keep up with such speed."-
Red nodded accepting Charizard's words that sounded nonsense to him but he felt the support behind them. He took on last look into the horizon before hopping back onto Charizard. With his signal, Charizard was back on his course.
Charizard let out a sudden roar when he caught sight of the small town. Emily slightly tightened her hold on Red feeling her insides shake from the intensity of the roar.
Red peered around Charizard's head to get a great view of his hometown from the sky. Only a few people were outside of their houses and they were all kids but Red could barely tell from how high he was.
"We're home, buddy," Red patted his companion. "Hold on tight, Emily. We are going in for the landing."
Emily readjusted her body to get an even tighter grip on Red who was starting to feel uncomfortable from all the tight grips.
Charizard circled above Pallet Town before deciding on an ideal place to land. He dived down where the group of kids were playing at the edge of town.
A boy who looked as young as six years old noticed Charizard first and alerted the rest of the group. They formed a ring large enough for him to land in.
Opening his wings, Charizard glided right into his target. He knees quivered landing rougher than he initially wanted it to. He lowered his body to allow his passengers to get off.
Emily was the first to hop off and Red after her. As soon as Red touched the ground, the children scrambled after him.
"Red, your back!" Exclaimed blonde boy.
"And you got new Pokemon!" a small, frail-looking girl said approaching Charizard.
The rest of kids either cling onto Red or approached Charizard to get a chance to touch him.
Charizard lowered his to allow the small children to pat his head. They hesitated at first until on brave kid tried it only to enjoy it and soon all the kids were all over him.
"Just be careful with flame on his tail," Red warned the kids.
"I guess your popular with the children of your town," Emily said watching the kids climb onto Charizard's back and didn't seem to mind it at all.
"Well, this is a small town so we all know each other pretty well if you know what I mean," Red replied.
Emily rubbed her arm feeling a bit ashamed. "Actually, I don't know what you mean."
"Oh." Red remembered about Emily's upbringing. "I've known these kids since they were born. Everyone here is friendly so it is easy getting along."
"Yeah," Emily muttered. If only it was just as that easy back there, she thought.
"Oh it's almost dinner time," Red said after he checked the time. "Come on, I want to you to meet my mother."
-"Well, that wasn't that bad,"- Charizard said grabbing the kids that were on his back.
"Sorry guys but I have to go. We will come back tomorrow to play some more," Red said returning his Charizard to his Pokeball.
"Alright, I had to go back for dinner anyways," the boy who greeted Red first said.
"Well bye then," Emily waved following Red. He took him to the middle of Pallet Town where he home was.
"Don't worry she is a nice lady," Red assured Emily and knocked on the door.
The door was answered in a matter of seconds. Red's mother stood there with an apron stained with red sauce and a wooden spoon in one hand. She looked confounded for a second before a radiant smile appeared.
"Red honey, you're home!" she exclaimed embracing her soon in a tight hug. "Why didn't you call beforehand? I would have prepared a great meal for your arrival!"
Red's strained in his mother's strong hug. "Mom, please-stop."
"Huh?" Red's mother let go of her son seeing there was someone else at the doorway. "And whose is this beautiful lady at my door steps.
Emily felt awkward being in front of her traveling partner's mother. "I'm Emily Mrs. Ketchum," she managed to say. "I'm friends with your son, Red."
"Come on in dear," she hushed the kids into her home. "Forgive me for I didn't make enough food for three people. I'll get started on it." She tightened the knot on her apron.
Emily followed Red's mother into the kitchen while Red went upstairs with his and her stuff. The mother already has started on cutting more vegetables. Emily felt weird being in Red's home. A cheery mother added to her awkward state. Never in her life has she thought of a good parent.
"Want to help, Emily?" Red's mother nicely asked.
Emily realized she was staring at her for awhile. "Umm, sure!" She didn't want to feel this left out and decided working would make her feel included in this home.
"Here, I'll let you cut the veggies while I get started on the main course," she said leaving her to cutting duty.
Emily blankly stared at the cutting board. Come on, Emily. You have cut vegetable before! You once helped the maids cook once every week…until father found out and fired the maids and the cook for allowing to do so, Emily sighed and began to cut to push back the painful memory.
A knock on the door sounded.
"Red, can you get that please!"
Red's footsteps thundered as he climbed down the stairs. He left his stuff in his room and Emily's in the guest room. He opened the door to see it was Blue's cousin, Leaf.
"Hey Red," she cheerfully greeted. She had on the same attire that Red saw her when she started her Pokemon Journey. "Heard from Charles that you were in town. So, I decided to stop by and say hi."
Charles?...oh yeah Daisy's son! Red remembered the kids he met first. One of them was Daisy's son as wells as Blue's nephew.
"Oh, welcome come on in," Red allowed her inside. Leaf entered carrying bags of groceries that Red took notice for the first time.
"I brought your groceries from my visit in Vermilion City, Mrs. Ketchum!" Leaf announced placing the bags on the counter.
"Oh thank you, sweet heart," the only adult in the house replied.
Leaf stopped cold when she saw Emily. "Umm, who's this other girl?" Leaf rudely asked.
Mrs. Ketchum rummaged through the grocery bags. "Oh that's Red's friend who also travels with him."
"What?!" Leaf walked up to the girl. "Excuse me but who are you?" She asked in a demanding way.
Emily was so into cutting the vegetables and trying to not feel weird that she barely heard the question.
Leaf saw it like she was ignoring her. She placed a hand on her shoulder making Emily stop. Looking up, Emily jumped back seeing it was Leaf.
"Erh-who are you?" Emily nervously asked. She placed the knife down realizing she was holding it like a weapon.
"That was my question to, you,' Leaf huffed.
Red got in the middle of the two girls to wash his hands in the sink they both blocked.
"Leaf, meet my friend and traveling partner, Emily, and Emily, meet my childhood friend, Leaf," Red introduced them booth to each other as he scrubbed his hands with soap.
"You never told me that you had a person traveling with you?" Leaf exclaimed feeling angry.
"I just met recently met her, Leaf," Red answered now drying his hands.
"You just met this girl and had her join you on your journey even though you barely know her," Leaf scolded Red.
"Hey, he doesn't your seal of approval on who gets to travel with him," Emily's uncouth attitude made a remarkable recovery. She has gotten into many arguments with girls in the past that she was ready for any retort.
Leaf opened her mouth to speak but couldn't think of anything to say back.
"Ladies, if you don't hurry up then dinner won't be finished until the next day," Mrs. Ketchum said grabbing the spices from the cupboard above.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure it's done in the next hour," Emily said returning to her job.
"And I'll make sure it gets done in the next thirty minutes!" Leaf proclaimed picking up a pot.
The two entered in a heated competition to see who could finish first.
Oh god, what have I started? Red thought in dismay. We won't have a nice family dinner if these two are hotheaded like this for the rest of the night!
Laughter filled the dining room. The remains of good meal remained on the plates of the four plates. The sun was already setting as it gave the living room an orange hue from where Red sat.
"And then I told Professor Oak that he was actually holding a Voltorb, but it was already too late. The poor old man got shocked before he could drop it."
"Oh my," Emily giggled.
Leaf laughed. "And that's why I set up an appointment for him to go get glasses this weekend," she finished her story.
"I'll the dishes tonight, Mom," Red said taking his plate to the sink.
"Oh I have to go," Leaf announced seeing the time. She placed her plate in the sink.
"Alright, dear. Thanks for stopping by," Mrs. Ketchum said picking up hers and Emily's empty plates.
"And thanks for the wonderful dinner, Mrs. Ketchum," she replied. "Oh tomorrow we got to hang out, Emily."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Emily nodded.
"Get Red to show you to my house," she said before she went out the door.
"Emily, can you return my Pokemon back into their Pokeballs as well," Red asked seeing her go through the back door to retrieve her Pokemon from their own lunch Red's Mom prepared.
"Will, do!" she responded.
"She seems like a nice girl for you, Red," Mrs. Ketchum teased.
"Keep it down, mom," Red pleaded in a whiny tone. "And you haven't seen her in the way I've seen her."
"Red, a true gentleman doesn't peek on a girl when she's changing!" Red's mother exclaimed.
"I didn't mean like that," Red's face turned bright red.
Mrs. Ketchum giggled. "I know you didn't. Just teasing!" She placed the leftovers in the fridge for future storage. "Look at the time! It's almost ten. Time sure felt short with you kids around. I'll be going to bed so you'll better go to bed when you're done."
Red nodded as his mother walked away. Emily entered telling the deed was done. She also felt tired and went upstairs into the guest room. Red was the last to retire to his room after finishing the dishes.
He bade everyone a good night before going to bed. His room was left untouched since the last time he was hear. He didn't leave time to dwell on the day's events and went straight to sleep.
Red awoke to the smell of putrid smoke. Feeling a bit groggy he shook his head for a clearer mind. That's when a beeping noise was finally being registered by his brain.
"Red! Red! Wake up!" banging at his door was the thing that finally woke him up.
Red jumped from his bed to answer the door. A frantic Emily entered his room. She had on her backpack on top of her pajamas. Intense heat followed after Emily. Red took a few seconds as to what Emily was so scared off.
The stairway that led to the ground floor was completely engulfed in flames. Fire crawled up the walls setting everything in its reach on fire. Looking past the hallway of fire, the living room was also set ablaze.
"Mom!" Red exclaimed running to his mother's bedroom. He didn't even knock and opened the unlocked door. His mother lay asleep in her bed.
"Mom, wake up!" Red yelled. He grabbed her sleeping form to roughly shake her.
She lazily woke up from the rude shove. "Red? What's happening?" she said groggily.
"No time to explain, Mrs. Ketchum," Emily said taking a quick glance to see if the fire has made it to the room.
"What! Is that why I smell like something it burning?" the mother jumped up from her bed.
"We got to hurry before the whole place is burnt up," Emily hurried.
"But how are we going to escape when the stairway is blocked?" Red exclaimed.
"Red, take out your Charizard and we can ride him out of your mom's window," she gestured to the only window in the room.
"Great idea," Red said reached down to his waist to feel no Pokeballs. "Crap, I forgot my Pokeballs."
"Well, hurry and get them!" Emily scolded. Red didn't think twice to go out through the door.
The intense heat was almost unbearable as it reached to the top floor. He held his breathe when neared the smoke that began to build up on the second floor. Scorching flames still did not reach his door but it was nearing at a dangerous rate.
He ran inside and searched his room in a frantic manner. Dammit, where did Emily put them?
"It's in your bag, Red!" from across the hallway, Emily's voice rang.
"Thanks," Red said grabbing his bag off the floor. He went back to his mother's room who was putting on a bathrobe.
"Charizard, help us escape!" Red shouted throwing the Pokeball into the ground.
Charizard appeared with the red glow. His large form took up most of the room and the floorboards underneath him creaked. He let out a yawn oblivious of the danger they were in.
-"What's goi-"
The ground below let out a loud crunch sound as its weaken state was starting to give in.
"Charizard, we got to go before the house collapses on us. You have to carry all of us," Red rushed to the large double window. He pushed them open.
"Grab on to him Mom! Emily!" Red yelled.
Emily hopped onto Charizard's back without a hitch and Red's mom did so without hesitation. She did so with ease which surprised Red who didn't think she would know how to properly mount Charizard. Both ladies rushed Charizard to go.
-"Alright, here I go." Charizard said approaching the exit. He found out the window was still to small for his stature.-"Forgive me but your lives are on the stake so…"- He roared charging at the window with Metal Claw. He tore away at the plywood with ease making it looked like Red's house was made of toothpicks.
Once he finished making his larger entrance, he grabbed Red by the waist.
"Wait, there is room on your back!" Red cried.
-"Sorry but we are in hurry!"- Charizard held his trainer in his arms as he launched himself from the burning house. He flew up high into the dark sky.
Charizard circled around the house to give his victims a good view of the house that was set ablaze. The neighbors had slowly begun to form a crowd from a safe distance from the flames.
"We got to land and help put out the fire," Red urged.
Charizard glided down to the ground in front of Red's neighbors. They all looked relieve seeing that Red and his mother were completely fine.
"Red!" Leaf yelled rushing from the crowd. She gave him a large hug that caught Red off guard.
The embrace was broken by Emily's urgency. "We got to put this fire out before it tried to expand! Lapras, come and help us."
"Oh yeah, sorry!" Leaf broke her hug to go help Emily. "Poliwhirl, come on out!"
Leaf's Poliwhirl joined Lapras on extinguishing the raging fire. They concentrated their water moves to different areas of the house.
Red reach into his back thinking of a good pokemon to help. Crap, I don't have any water types! I can't do much in this situation.
-"Don't worry, Red. Leave this to them two girls,"- Charizard huffed seeing his trainer's berserk state.
Charizard looked back to the fires that were being put out by the combined work of Emily and Leaf. His eyes lit up. A snarl appeared on his face.
-"Red!"- Charizard hissed. His alert state caught Red's attention.
"What is it, Charizard?" Red asked.
-"Quick follow me! Before he gets away!"- Charizard stretched out his wings. He ushered him to get on. Red didn't understand the urgent situation but decided to follow through.
"Red, where are going?" Emily exclaimed seeing him leave during an emergency. Charizard left before Red could answer.
Red clenched his legs around Charizard as he fly up high. He stopped midair as he sniffed the air to find the location of what he was tracking. Catching the scent, he dropped down into a dive. Red hugged his body closer to Charizard to lessen the air the whipped against his face like knives. Red saw Charizard was heading into the forest that was near his hometown.
-"I got you!" Charizard snarled opening his wings to soften their landing. He landed with a large thud in between two trees.
Red hopped off placing a hand on Charizard's Pokeball on his belt like cowboy lays a hand on his pistol before a standoff. Red's hand fell limp when he saw who it was.
"I'm surprised, Red. Your Charizard managed to track me even thought I tried to mask my scent," said in a bored tone Red's brother.
"You! What are you doing here?" Red shouted with anger.
Ember pulled back the hood of his jacket to reveal himself under the moonlight. "Don't mind me, Red. I was just in neighborhood and since Mother's home was close by, I thought it would be nice to pay a visit after how many years it's been."
Red's teeth gnashed against each other. "You saw that our house was on fire yet you did nothing to stop it nor even stop it from spreading! How could you stand there and do nothing?!"
Ember kept his blank gaze on Red and spoke clearly, "What makes you think that I did nothing but watch?" he posed the question.
"Well, what is it that you did…" Red voice fell to a faint mumble.
"That's it, Red. If I wasn't there to stop the fire…then the only logical thing to think is that I was there to start the fire," Ember said nonchalantly.
Red's draw dropped. He thought about it but hearing from Ember's mouth left him speechless. He felt confused as to why he would do such a thing but his curiosity slowly shifted to anguish.
Charizard stepping forward to growl at his trainer's brother brought out Red's anger. He clenched a fist reminded on how he could have died a terrible death if it weren't for Emily. His mother would have been dead as well if it weren't Charizard.
"What is it, Red? Confused as to why I would do such a thing?" Ember asked the questions for Red. "Can the great trainer Red who wants become a Pokemon Champion to two things together?"
-"Shut up, you bastard!"- Charizard shouted opening his mouth wide.
Red held an arm to keep Charizard from recklessly charging in. He slowly breathed to contain his hatred because if he lost his cool then he could end up doing he might regret.
"Looks like I will have to spell it out to," Ember sighed, a sigh that comes from an older brother after his little brother asks for help on an stupidly easy math problem. "I wanted to kill you and mother." He said it with a straight face which almost made it hard to believe if it weren't the dead serious tone.
That was it. Red lost all morality.
"Charizard, tear this asshole up!" Red yelled jumping back.
-"With pleasure!"- Charizard lunged at defenseless Ember with killing attempt.
Red's Charizard lifted a claw aiming for Ember's head. His claw dropped down yet he was the one that was knocked back.
"Charizard!" Red exclaimed seeing his Pokemon thrown into the base of a tree.
"That was bit too close, Charizard," Ember mumbled to his savior that was his own Charizard. "A second later and my head would have been lying at your feet."
-"Don't make such pleasant remarks at our foe,"- Ember's Charizard scoffed. He brought his tail forward to reveal his form that was still obscured to Red.
Red gasped seeing that the reason Ember's Charizard was difficult to see was because his exterior was pitch black as the night sky. Scarlet red eyes that reminded Red of blood pierced into Red's body making him feel vulnerable.
-"What the hell? I thought I checked that there wasn't anybody else in the vicinity,"- Charizard said getting back up.
-"Tracking by scent is easily deceived,"- the shiny Charizard mocked.
-"A shiny Charizard!"- Charizard exclaimed never has seen one with his own eyes. –"You guys are pitch black as they say!"-
Ember's Charizard frown. –"I believe dim gray is a more accurate description of my color."-
"A Charizard? I should expected a Charizard from you but a shiny?" Red said but shook his head from such a distraction. "I don't care if you had a goddamn legendary Pokemon. You tried to kill me so I won't let escape! Charizard! Air Slash!"
Red's Charizard jumped in the air to deliver the blow. Ember's Pokemon jumped back after being cut by a sharp move.
-"Not bad,"- the injured replied. –"But let's see if you can handle my own!"- He fired his own that slashed Charizard across his chest. He clutched his chest feeling it was deep enough to cut into his skin. Blood dripped out from the wound.
-"Gah! You-that hurt!"- he rubbed the blood of his chest only to smudged his belly.
"Charizard, don't let up! Metal Punch!"
Charizard lunged again recklessly.
"Block the move with Iron Tail!" Ember finally ordered.
The darker Charizard brought forth his tail but was caught by a Metal Claw. The attacker brought his Mega Punch forward and pulled his foe's tail to reel him in.
"Wing Attack." Ember calmly ordered.
Ember's Charizard brought his right forward slapping Charizard as well as redirecting the blow. Charizard released his foe's tail allowing to spin around to escape the punch.
"Now, Shadow Claw."
A harsh purple aura surrounded Charizard's claw as now faced the surprised Charizard. He slashed across him the chest opening up a new wound and knocked him onto his back.
"Charizard, get up and Dragon Rage!" Red ordered feeling frustrated.
Charizard ignored his pain and hopped back onto his feat unleashing his Dragon Rage.
"Fire Blast to overpower him."
The quicker blue flames hit first but it was engulfed by a large fire move. Red's Charizard dealt with the fire by air slashing it. He rushed in the second he saw his opportunity to deal major damage with a Slash attack.
Ember's Charizard thought fast and brought out his Iron Tail to make him to block the move.
"Now Charizard, Flamethrower!" Red shouted.
Charizard smirked. He knocked back the powerful tail making the Shiny one lose his balanced as he stumbled backwards. Charizard unleashed a raging inferno that sent the other flying into the tree.
"We got him, Charizard!" Red exclaimed.
"Not so fast," Ember said gesturing to his Charizard that got up with any serious damage. "I hope you see now much far apart our strengths are. Look at your Charizard."
Red's own Charizard was panting heavily clutching his hurting chest that managed to stop bleeding. He dropped to his knees and the Blaze aura took over his body.
"No, I can't accept that I have lost," Red proclaimed.
"Don't be so oblivious to the fact you don't the power to defeat me," Ember stated. "I was going to let you live as a reward for surviving the fire but it seems I will have to withdraw my proposal."
"Enough of your claims," Red barked back. "I haven't given up and so hasn't Charizard!"
Ember's Charizard regrouped in front of Ember. He rubbed his neck as if he just received a sore neck from the fighting.
-"Kill them? Fine by me. I will enjoy ripping apart this Charizard who left me a nasty bruise,"- Ember's Charizard mocked rubbing the bruise on the back of neck.
-"I won't-let-you,"- Charizard mutter out of breathe.
"He is at his limit. A simple scratch can end him but let's compensate for his incredible determination," Ember said. "Fire Blast him."
-"The line ends here,"- the dominating Charizard declared. He approached his prey with a wicked smile.
-Gah! I can't move a muscle!- Charizard though his body crying in agony. He looked up to make eye contact with those blood lust eyes.
"Charizard, we can't let it end like this!" Red urged. "Flamethrower back!"
-"You can barely maintain your gaze so what makes you think you can fight back."- He grabbed the weaken Charizard by the throat picking him up with only one arm. He lifted him up to the height his feet didn't touch the ground and he could look up to his gasping victim.
-"Pathetic excuse for a Charizard,"- he spat letting him go. He unleashed a torrent of flames before he touched the ground.
Red remembered of being in his burning seeing the large flames, the intense heat that was unbearable for his eyes. Now his Pokemon was experiencing the hell that he could have fallen into if the fire had reached him.
"No Charizard!" his voice rang. He wanted to help him but what could a human do. That's when he remembered about the rest of his Pokemon. He nearly ripped of his bag off his back to dig out his Pokeballs.
Grabbing the first Pokeball he found he dropped his bag on the ground. "Charizard, I got help. Hold on!" He raised his hand to throw the Pokeball.
-"I got this, Red!"- a thundering roar resonated from the burning mass. Red stopped in mid-throw.
"How can he still be alive?" Ember asked his Pokemon.
-"I don't know? I got him close up so it was impossible for him to react!"- Ember's Charizard said. He extended a Shadow Claw ready to strike at the moment Charizard freed himself from then flames that engulfed him. To his surprised the flames surrounding Charizard took on his shape.
A fiery version of Charizard formed in front of Red's eyes. The fire slowly changed to a harsh red that burned with the intensity of a volcano.
"I've never encountered such a strange phenomena," Ember said with hint of surprise in his tone. "Charizard, stop him before he can act any further!"
The predator of the night rushed at his fiery foe with a Shadow Claw. He slashed at the swirling flames only to immediately regret his decision.
-"Gah!"- he jumped back clutching his right claw that covered in burn marks.
"What is it?" Ember asked. He saw steam flowing from Charizard's attacking claw. Burn marks? What is this madness? A fire type can't get that easily burned from feeble flames? Or are they?
-"This power that flows through me,"- Red's Charizard tried to describe how he felt extending his wings that also retained a fiery coating. –"I will now be able to protect you, Red. With this power, I will win this battle!"-
Red was left speechless, not understanding what was happening. A second ago he thought Charizard was goner but now he acts as if he is totally fine.
"Are you sure that you feel find?" Red asked.
-"What do you mean? Of course I feel fine! I have the power to finally crush this foul foe!"- Charizard boasted. –"Prepare to taste the flames of a true fire type!"-
Charizard raised an arm to his shocked opponent. The fire on his body all moved to towards his arm like a river flowing down the stream. As if he had mastery over all fire, Charizard controlled the fire to palm of his arm. A bright orange orb slowly came to life in his hand.
-"This –this is incredi-"- The flame orb spontaneously exploded in his hand. Charizard was knocked onto his back from the recoil. His fire body quickly disintegrated into nothing as if never existed before. The light that illuminated the entire area disappeared leaving the remaining people in the dark.
-"Grr!"- Charizard weirdly growled as he clutched his head feeling extremely fatigued. He let out a small growl before falling blacking out.
Red stood still trying to comprehend what just happen. His Pokemon became a living torch with incredible power only to last a few seconds and pass out. He slowly walked up to his unconscious Pokemon to fall onto his knees right next to its tired body.
"That was-something else," Ember remarked. "In all my years of being a trainer, I have never seen that before."
-"That fool burnt my hand,"- Charizard said blowing his singed claws. He made his way over Red massaging his hand.
Red lay a hand on Charizard's belly feeling it slowly move up and down. He lifted his head to see Ember's Charizard tower over him. His features were harder to see in the dark but his red eyes were easily distinguishable.
"Stop there, Charizard," Ember ordered.
Ember's Charizard lowered his claw that Red didn't see him lift before. He slowly back away looking quite displeased.
-"I could tear this kid and his blasted Pokemon to piece at your order, Ember."- Charizard quietly said.
"I don't it's time to get ourselves in some gruesome business," Ember replied. He lifted up the hood of his sweater. "It's time we made ourselves scarce."
Ember's loyal Pokemon lifted up his head. A deep sniff made him realized what was coming. –"Next time, this kid won't get such a lucky break."- He returned to his trainer.
Ember shot Red a cold stare. "Don't go thinking that you can fight on par with me now," Ember coldly said. "We were just taken by surprise but it won't ever happen again. For now, harbor that hate and maybe next time you will put up a more decent fight." With that he disappeared into the woods.
Red knelt there to take in his words. He suffered another lost and was close to death once again.
"Red!" a faint voice sounded in the distance.
Red barely heard it as he wallowed in his lost.
"Red!" the voice rang again louder. The chanting of his name got louder each time it cried.
"Red! Red!" now two feminine voices shouted his name.
Red looked down at his badly beaten Charizard. His belly was covered in thin blood with deep gashes, his jaw hung open with some blood trickling out.
"Red!" both voices rang together.
Red couldn't take it anymore. He pushed his hat off his head and yanked his raven hair. He lifted his head to the moon that watched over him and with a deafening voice he shouted, "Shut up!"
A/N: I hope this story doesn't feel too rushed. A lot happens and I tend to skip over the details sometimes. I will get better at adding more vivid detail but for now, thanks for reading!
