Rise to Victory

Lance stood before Red in the middle of the tattered battlefield. "That was an excellent battle," Lance applauded the new Champion. "It was an excellent display of skill and strength."

"I'm grateful for your words," Red humbly replied. "You put up an exceptional fight. I can see why you were the chosen candidate for becoming the next Champion."

Lance nodded. "Now, come with me, Red," Lance requested, turning around. "Return your Charizard. We will soon get your team medical attention."

Red obliged and returned his Charizard back into his Pokeball. He jogged to catch up to Lance's long strides, growing conscious of the cameras trained on him. He followed Lance back to his side of the field. They entered the hallway, away from the crowd and the prying cameras eager to document his triumph.

Red followed Lance who soon led him to a stair case that ran up to an abnormally large door. The golden doors were covered in ornate carvings that depicted various Pokemon. It reminded Red of the stone carvings in Navel Rock. The doors groaned as they slowly parted once Lance made it up to the top step.

Lance stepped into the large room, boots resounding clear on polished marble. He led Red into a large open space room that decorated the walls with every past champion portrait and their respective Pokemon team. Marble pillars lined up on each side of the pathway towards a raised platform.

"It's been so long since I've been in this room," Lance remarked, taking a small gander at the area. He gestured to the end of the room to what seemed similar to what Pokemon Centers use to heal up Pokemon. This one was hooked up to a large monitor on the wall.

"This is where we commemorate every new Pokemon Champion right after their deciding battle," Lance said, turning on the machine along with the monitor. "We want to record this very moment in history especially with someone as special as you Red."

Red simply nodded. "I'm not really not that special. Especially when compared to one of these other legends," he gestured to the past Pokemon Champions that appeared on screen. Old league winners and their respective Pokemon team appeared one at a time.

"I hope you don't see yourself inferior to these others. You are our youngest Pokemon Champion in history and soon the mass public will learn of your heroics," Lance revealed, taking his place next to the machine. "We've kept your involvement hidden from the public eye for your safety and to give you room to recover. The time has come to show the world on who truly saved it from disaster from Kuriasora."

"Is this really the time to be revealing that?" Red asked, unsure of giving his identity up. People have already been sharing videos of a mysterious trainer fending off Lugia alongside Lance. The league up to this point have refused to disclose his name. The authorities already know but the media has yet to find out it was him.

"Now is no better time," Lance said in an encouraging tone. "People need to know that the Pokemon Champion is not just some teenager who got lucky on his league challenge. They need to know what you did and how you placed your life on the line to stop calamity. Who can deny your claim to champion when you took on the legendary Lugia?"

"I see...some people will still doubt me becoming champion since there was no Pokemon Champion to fight against in the end," Red said, taking a step closer to the machine and Lance gestured to the six slots perfectly shaped for six Pokeballs.

Red let out his breathe taking in the moment. Countless time he has dreamed about this moment. Various kids talked about becoming Pokemon Champion in his hometown. People dedicated their entire lives striving to become one. This was the summit and he couldn't feel any more prouder than this moment.

This is all thanks to you guys, Red thought to himself, placing one by one Pokeball into the slots. Thank you Vaporeon, Nidoking, Pidgeot, Pikachu, Garchomp and...thank you Charizard for all of your hard work. He could feel a few tears well up in his eyes, emotions of joy sprang forth from within him. He remembered on the goals he made with Charmander at the start of his journey. It was a lofty enough goal for a new trainer but he still persevered to be the best.

The monitor flashed and displayed all six of his Pokemon. It even listed their learned moves under them for a brief moment before the table glowed and began to heal his companions. A short jingle played and his moment in history was recorded. His main six were commemorated into the Hall of Fame alongside the Pokemon that Red knew belonged to the previous champion.

The current year appeared under his name and dash followed with a question mark. His reign could be short lived if he loses soon but for now he dwell on the surreal feeling of having his name recorded.

Another ring echoed in the room, waking Red from his trance. "Your Pokemon are fully healed." Lance gestured to the Pokeballs. "I'll be getting someone on staff to photograph your triumph. Let your Pokemon out so we can capture all of them together." He walked out of the Hall of Fame, leaving Red to his devices.

Red plucked each Pokeball from the machine and released one by one his teammates onto the lustrous floor. Pikachu and Vaporeon appeared with awestruck expressions as they gawked at the room. Pidgeot, Nidoking, and Charizard materialized and each gave a gleeful expression to each other. Everyone jumped at the sight of Garchomp.

The newly evolved dragon felt slightly woozy and plopped himself on the floor. Legs splayed, he placed his claws at his side and didn't respond to everyone's congratulation. He let his hammer-shaped head drooped in a dejected way.

- "You sure got taller, bud,"- Pikachu hopped onto Garchomp's wide head. - "You're even taller than Charizard over here. Heck, you even look tougher than him!"-

Garchomp sighed. - "I'm not as strong as you guys. I lost every match I had today,"- Garchomp in a somber tone.

"Not holding up well, pal," Red walked up to him, probing Garchomp's aura. He felt this defeated aura before. Just like Charizard after his loss. "I sensed it when you evolved. Frustration and then anger. Turmoil and doubt swelled within you, but I'm guessing your issues lie deeper than just today's high pressure matches. You sure did take out your anger on Lance's Haxorus and Gyarados."

-"I saw those bruises you left on Gyarados,"- Pidgeot took Garchomp's side. - "You defeated Haxorus, a new Pokemon Lance brought out today. You dealt enough damage to Gyarados so I could take it out without expending all my energy. I'm sure you did well in all your battles today. You're just being to harsh on yourself."-

-"Am I really?"- Garchomp lifted his head, facing his comrades, facing his trainer. - "I'm just...angry at myself for being so weak for this long. Not physically but mentally."-

- "You really are...hold on. Are you really speaking in complete sentences without spouting some nonsense about wanting to bite my tail,"- Charizard said, bewildered.

-"Where did our beloved goofball go?"- Vaporeon asked, sniffing Garchomp's tail.

-"Repressing painful memories does that to you, I guess. I was caged and taken from my family. Cry and hide was all I could do,"- Garchomp weakly smiled, looking up. - "But I have no need to be afraid of anything anymore. Not when I have this family."-

Red couldn't help but smile as his Pokemon spirits became lifted. "No more stressful battles because we finally made it." He plucked Pikachu from Garchomp's head and waved his hand towards the only screen in the room. Everyone was registered into history with their portraits proudly displayed. "We are officially champions of the Indigo Pokemon League. Obviously, I couldn't have done this without you guys but words can't even express how grateful I am to have you all part of this team."

Vaporeon's excitement couldn't be contained. She gleefully yelped and jumped into Red's arms, leaving Pikachu to scramble onto Red's open shoulder. Pidgeot murmured a pleased trill as both Charizard and Garchomp simply gave each other a reaffirming nod, physically exhausted from their battles. Nidoking unexpectedly broke into tears.

His fears and doubts expelled, Nidoking felt he could finally relax. - "I'm re-re-really sorrry for getting emotional,"- Nidoking sobbed, wiping away tears. - "I just...feared the idea of failing this challenge. Red picked me up as a meager, foolhardy Nidoran to fight alongside him. He pushed me to reach new heights but I still held some thoughts that I couldn't live up to his expectations."-

-"We all harbored those feelings,"- Pidgeot revealed, scanning the group's faces. - "We knew that despite the battles we fought together, there was still a chance that we will falter and disappoint. But I'm sure we all gave it our all for this challenge."-

Red felt the camaraderie between his Pokemon. A shared goal has really brought this group together he thought himself. "Charizard, don't forget to thank these two for teaching you your steel type moves," Red gestured towards Pidgeot and Pikachu. "They really saved you when you were in a pinch."

-"I'm guessing our plan for you to deal with Dragonite worked perfectly,"- Pidgeot boasted, proud of his work.

-"Your plan?" Charizard questioned Pidgeot. - "Red was the one who came up with the idea. And your lousy teaching hasn't improved since you tried to teach how to fly."-

-"Plus, I'm pretty sure my Iron Tail was far more useful since it contains more stopping power,"- Pikachu jumped into the conversation.

-"There is no doubt that my Steel Wing was more effective than a silly tail attack. The windup just leaves you open to counter play!"-

-"Hah, then let Charizard tell us whose move was more impactful on the outcome!"-

Both Pokemon turned to the fire type, expecting an answer. Charizard let out a rare chuckle. - "I'm not going to spoil the fight. We can all watch together on the replay soon. Red did promised us a watch party for all of us to see ourselves fighting today."-

"You guys will love to see how Nidoking made Lance's Charizard look like an amateur with his close-combat skills," Red added and began to sing every teammates' praises.

The giant doors creaked as they opened. "I don't want to interrupt your little celebration but I brought along some important guests that would love to meet you," Lance abruptly announced.

Walking behind the dragon tamer was a pair and a young man. Red didn't know who the young man was but he immediately recognized the other two as Aaron Stark's family. The tall, gray-haired woman was the wife of the late Aaron Stark accompanied by her middle aged son. She looked weak and clung on to her son for assistance. The young man bare a striking resemblance to his father. Sleek black hair was combed back and his sleek gray suit gave him an air of importance. His right hand kept his leather satchel secure at his side and his other arm was offered to his mother. He helped his mother approach the new champion.

"We are Aaron Stark's family. I'm Iris stark," Iris Stark introduced in a noble manner. "My son, Walter Stark accompanied me here. We are here on the behalf of my dear husband."

"You shouldn't have," Red politely replied, feeling bad for having the poor women come here.

"No, we are here to thank you," she said.

"Thank me? Thank me for what?" Red blinked in disbelief. He glanced at Lance who simply shrugged.

Walter placed a hand over his dear mother's hand locked with his arm for support. He turned away from her to face Red. "We will like to thank you for putting a stop Kuriasora. We were told by Lance on how you helped him in taking down their organization along with their leader."

"It wasn't just me! The gym leaders of Kanto, my close friends and the Elite Four here," Red interjected.

"We would like to still thank you. We learned of what they did to my father after the events transpired. I just wanted to know as why my father would keep quiet about this group. The same group of terrorist that killed my father," Walter paused, thinking carefully. "I now know he was only trying to protect us but it still cost his life in the end."

"Aaron isn't here with us but we are here in his place to greet the new champion," Iris said, bowing her head. "Not only to thank you but to hand something of great importance."

Walter reached into his leather satchel to pull out a weathered stone tablet. He held it out the ancient relic that was no bigger than school textbook. Red took the granite stone, feeling weird sensations from touching it.

"This is what Aaron wanted to give to the next Kanto Champion," Walter said. "I don't know much of it's true purpose but he said that it needed to be closely guarded by the next champion."

An forgotten could still be felt in this item, but faintly. Etched into the stone was a blue swirl that reminded Red of a hurricane moving across the ocean. It was not that heavy so he could safety place it onto his backpack for safekeeping.

"I don't know what it could possibly be, but I really thankful for attendance," Red thanked, slightly perturbed that Aaron kept this for the future champion. Did he know that he was gonna die? He entrusted this to his son.

"It's known as the Squall Slate. I'm sorry I can't give you any more info than that mostly because I don't know much about it myself," Walter added, reading Red's confused look.

"I can sense there is some hidden power associated with this tablet but I can't say for sure," Red mentioned. "I can't help but get the feeling that Kuriasora wanted there hands on this."

"I'm sure it would be safe in your hands now," Walter said, noticing his mother was feeling fatigue. "I'm sure you have a busy schedule ahead of you. I'm glad to have met you, Red."

Iris Stark gave Red a long look. "I'm sure my husband would have loved to battle such an individual as yourself," she said with a somber smile.

Lance and Red watched both mother and son leave the great hall.

"Kuriasora...If I recall, there are members still on the loose. One of them being Drake," Red brought up Lance's relative. It's been on his mind after finding out. Both were fighting their family at Navel Rock. "Who is Drake really? Is he really related to you?"

Lance glanced at Red with a worried look. "Drake...Drake is my younger cousin," he paused, as if he was weighing on what words to say. "His sister is Clair, the gym leader of Blackthorn City. Our family descend from the secretive dragon taming clan from Johto. You must understand Drake...he was raised as to be the next heir in line to lead our clan but the Dragon Clan Elder deemed him unworthy and gave the title to his sister to uphold."

"He left to join an organization with ludicrous ideals?" Red questioned Drake's motives.

"I never got to ask him about it after he left his home. I would love to know more on why he left. I always thought Drake left because he felt he was slighted by his sister," he stopped to think. "However, after seeing him in Kuriasora, I can't help but feel like there is something more deeper going on with in my cousin..."

Lance grew silent, deep in thought. He raised an eyebrow realizing he was still in the Hall of Fame and became aware of Red's presence once more."We can talk more about it in detail after today for today is a cause for celebration. Kanto finally has a new Champion. we need to get started on your merchandise," Lance enthusiastically brought up.

"Merchandise?" Red stared back in a worried manner.

"Of course! So how big should your head be on your very own bobble head?" Lance asked. He pulled two souvenirs from his pockets. "Here's mine and the soon to be discontinued Lorelei. Being sold for a limited time which is when Lorelei official resigns."He gave Red both signed merchandise of the Elite Four members.

"Shouldn't we wait a few days to get started on merchandise?" Red asked sheepishly.

Lance stepped back in dismay. "But we have already started on it," he replied.

"Without my permission!" Red exclaimed.

"Yeah, didn't you see the people wearing shirts with your name in trendy phrases or the flags with your face on it?" Lance

Red shook his head. I went tunnel vision when I made it to the final battle, he admitted in his head.

"Well, it doesn't matter anymore right now since you need to prepare for your after battle press conference," Lance brought up. "Well, Pokemon Champion, let's go greet the press. They are eagerly waiting for your presence," Lance motioned towards the open doors.

Red gulped, slightly nervous about dealing with the press conference. "Let's get this over with," he muttered, following Lance. "It can't be more nerve wrecking than that last battle."

"Wait! Hold on!"

Both looked back towards the voice. It was brunette young man that Lance brought along with him. He was waving his camera to get their attention.

"We still need a few shots before you can set foot outside the Hall of Fame," he said, pointing towards the empty wall that would be the backdrop of his snapshot.

He motioned for Charizard and Garchomp to stand in the back to not block the others. The shorter Nidoking and Pidgeot were shuffled towards the front. A spot was made for Red so he could stand in the center of his Pokemon team. Vaporeon proudly stood at Red's feet. Pikachu, feeling a little mischievous, ignored the cameraman's instruction to climb Red's back and planted himself on Red's right shoulder.

"No, this is fine. We can take the photo like this," Red reassured the photographer. Pikachu sported a winning smiled having accomplished a goal.

"Everyone get ready! 3..2...1!"

Pikachu snatched Red's hat at the last moment and placed on to himself for the photo. The camera flashed to capture the triumphant moment.


Red hoped to see his friends and family after the press conference but none stayed. Emily appeared before the event to inform Red they will all be waiting for him in Pallet Town. He was left alone to travel the short Route 1 back home.

Red stared off towards the mountain range and spotted Mt Silver's peak in the distant, towering over the neighboring mountains. The sun was slowly descending behind the ridge, urging Red to hurry back home. They were to hold a party in his honor at Professor Oak's lab.

Red was walking down the old beaten path towards Pallet Town. Both Charizard and Pidgeot were exhausted from the gauntlet known as the Elite Four Challenge. He decided to give them the much needed rest and traveled on foot, and it wasn't too far. The scenery was both nostalgic and relaxing for the young champion. The atmosphere changed once Red looked over to the mountains, eyes off the road.

An oppressive aura alerted Red of a new presence. Further ahead the rugged path was a moderately sized boulder with a clean flat top. A man sat on top with his legs crossed. He wasn't there a split second ago, as if he appeared out of thin air. The shocking factor was not due to the fact this person appeared on the rock the second Red turned away but because the individual was wearing the notorious Kuriasora uniform.

"You sure know how to give a press conference," masculine voice drew Red's attention. The lone member pulled back his white hood. "But did you really think that Kuriasora is over. That you are the hero that the media now makes you out to be."

Basking in Red's shocked expression, Joey devilishly smiled. "Your brother would be disappointed in you."