Forrest = Green/Blue/Gary/Rival from Kanto.

Aoi = Blue/Green/Leaf/Female playable character from Kanto.

I chose the names Forrest and Aoi so we wouldn't have three major characters coincidentally all being named after colors. Of course in a way they still are, since forests are green and Aoi means blue.

Chapter Three

Professor Oak sighed, leaning up against the wall of the lab as he looked out at Pallet, the morning sun spreading over the small town. It was still fairly early in the morning, perhaps much too early by many people's standards, but Samuel had been up for some time now, simply enjoying the morning.

His eyes shifted across the front of the lab, gaze settling on Red, who was sitting cross-legged in the grass, his normal neutral expression spread over his face. Having spent two nights resting in the lab, this was Red's third day in Pallet Town, and his first time heading outside since Samuel had found him. He hadn't done much in his time here, making no indication of what he thought of his current situation, often just spending the day on the couch, silently watching the professor as he worked.

He had finally decided that the boy needed some fresh air, and had brought him outside. He hadn't complained or seemed eager at the idea, just following him out when he had invited him to come. Silence was something he had grown used to around Red though– as not a single word had escaped his mouth in his time here.

It didn't matter what he said to the boy, how he approached him, he could get no vocal response from him. At first he hadn't thought too much of it, thinking that Red just merely needed some time to become comfortable with the new surroundings. But he seemed to have adjusted to the lab, no longer flinching or pulling back whenever the professor entered. Of course he still watched him with that wary gaze of his, and he never answered questions with more than a nod or a shake of a head– but he was willing to answer them.

There was still so much he didn't understand about the boy, and it was frustrating that he wasn't able to get clear answers.

"Mander~" A small voice sang, and orange shape happily dancing about Red in the grass. The small Charmander dove in front of the teen, laying out on his back, exposing his belly to the human, watching him hopefully. Red's gaze flickered down to the Pokemon, regarding him, but not petting him as he so clearly wanted him to do. "Char..."

Professor Oak didn't understand what the fire type's fascination was with the boy, as Red had done nothing but basically ignore him in the time he had been here. He didn't push the Pokemon away, even letting him climb over him at times, but he had never so much as even stroked Charmander. But the Pokemon seemed determined to win over him, constantly following Red throughout the day, and even staying with him in the lab overnight.

Red had recovered much quicker from many of his wounds than the professor had expected, the cuts on his body mostly healed and the bruises already starting to fade, and his strength having swiftly returned. The fact that he had been dehydrated and possibly in the first stages of starvation just a few days ago was startling.

He looked a lot better as well with fresh clothes and a shower, though the borrowed outfit hung a bit loosely on him. Despite them appearing to be about the same age, Red was clearly thinner than Forrest.

Professor Oak was surprised that he had been able to keep Red at the lab undisturbed– no Forrest barging in nor Aoi coming for one of her many visits. Mary and Daisy had been the only ones to show up at his lab door, and that was only when they brought over meals. It wasn't that he wanted to keep Red isolated, but he felt it would be better if he gave him the space while he recovered.

Professor Oak had no leads of what to do with the boy. He had some connection with Team Rocket, but even that wasn't the most conclusive of information. He wasn't a grunt, he didn't seem to be a thief, so he wasn't someone he was going to hand over to the police. But he didn't know the kid's last name, where he had come from, or where he should go. He had nothing to look up to see if he was missing, to know where his family was. Was he supposed to just keep him until he got some answers? He wasn't about to throw him out into the streets...

He eyed the brace on the boy's arm. He seemed stable enough, so perhaps the next best course of action was to take him to Pewter, get his wrist checked out, and hand him over to officials. They could be the ones to find his family, and make sure he was safe. His stomach twisted though, knowing that this wasn't just some kid. If Team Rocket had been using resources to track him, they would probably put in resources to find him again. And the very last thing he wanted was for him to fall back into Team Rocket's hands.

But if he told League officials that the kid had any connection to Team Rocket then they would only be suspicious of Red.

"Bah-roo!" A happy voice bellowed from above, a shadow flying over them. There was a rush of wings, and an orange figure landed in front of him, the force of the landing strong enough to shake the ground.

"Hello, Bar–" Samuel began, but before he could finish a pair of scaly arms scooped him up. The Dragonite brought him into a crushing hug, taking no heed of his trainer struggling as his face was plastered against his scales. The Pokemon cradled the professor to his chest, letting out happy rumbles as he did so.

He let out a gasp as he finally managed to twist his head to the side, Barney's face nuzzling his head in an affectionate manner, before finally setting him on the ground. He swung his head down so it was closer to the professor's level, and with a sigh he stroked the top of his head.

"You know you're not a Dratini anymore," The professor muttered, shaking his head– though he was just grateful that the dragon no longer tried to curl up on his shoulder. He remembered all to well being nearly crushed several times by a newly evolved Dragonair, and the hugs he gave as a Dragonite were definitely more tolerable. "Barney was the one that carried you here," Professor Oak explained when he saw Red's wary glance. "He's excitable, so I didn't let him in the lab much while you were recovering."

Red said nothing, just watching the Pokemon, and the Dragonite's gaze turned towards Red. Charmander perked up when he saw the dragon type, small chitters coming from him. A grin came over the Pokemon's face, and he took a step forward.

"Barney wait–" The professor began, knowing that the last thing the boy needed was one of Barney's hugs, but the Dragonite had already focused on his next target. He let out a cheerful rumble, happily stomping towards the young teen with his arms opened wide.

Red tensed up, eyes sliding shut as the Dragonite rushed towards him. Professor Oak opened his mouth, ready to firmly order Barney to stop, but before a sound could escape his lips the Dragonite came to a sudden halt. Samuel blinked in surprise, startled as his Pokemon went as stiff as a board. There was very little that could stop Barney mid-hug, so he frowned as he took a step towards the still dragon.

His blue eyes were unfocused, the Pokemon as still as a statue as he stood there, arms and wings going limp after a moment. Samuel laid a hand on his side, but Barney didn't so much as twitch at the contact. A low whimper escaped his throat, and he stumbled back a few steps.

"...Barney?" Samuel asked, worry entering his tone, and the Dragonite blinked a few times. The blank expression faded, his gaze shifting towards the professor. He let out a loud yawn, blinking some more as he looked about, and then he let out a content rumble. Barney lowered his head, nuzzling the professor.

"Char!" Charmander cried, bolting up to the two males. The Dragonite let out another happy rumble, reaching down and scooping the Charmander into his arms. He embraced the young Pokemon, looking far too calm for the Dragonite the professor knew.

He could only stare as Barney set the Charmander into his arms, wings flaring open. His Pokemon took to the sky, acting as if nothing had happened. He flew out towards the ranch, leaving the two humans behind. The professor glanced towards Red, as if hoping he would have some explanation, but the boy just stared at him with a blank expression. Charmander slipped out of the professor's arms, bolting across the grass and straight to Red's side. The lizard rubbed his head against Red's leg, before curling up onto the grass next to him.

"Hey! Gramps!"

Professor Oak let out a long as he heard the voice calling to him, looking up as he saw a figure making their way to the lab. Even off in the distance it wasn't hard to tell who it was, a recognizable wild mess of brown hair atop his head. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Red tensing, Charmander mimicking him.

"Forrest, I thought I told you to not come to the lab," Samuel said, but his comment was tossed to a side with a snort as the teen drew closer.

"That was several days ago," Forrest said, bright green eyes lit with frustration. "Besides, how am I supposed to even talk to you if the only times you come home are in the middle of the night?"

His grandson paused a ways from him, arms crossed as he glowered as his grandfather. There was a blue Pokemon at his side, one who looked much calmer than the human she was with. Samuel simply sighed, making his way towards the boy, wondering what he wanted– most of his complaints he took to his sister.

"You know I've been busy," Samuel replied. "I–"

"Charmander char!"

Charmander cut him off with a happy cry– the fire type bolting towards Forrest as fast as his legs could carry him. They barely had time to even blink before he tackled the Pokemon at Forrest's side, knocking her onto her back and into the grass. The Charmander sat perched on the belly of her shell, tail thumping happily as he nuzzled her.

"Squirtle!" She cried– before retreating into her shell. Charmander blinked in confusion, leaning forward and pawing at the hole in her shell. The Squirtle didn't move, and Charmander hopped off of the shell to get a better look. "Squirt!"

Squirtle popped back out of her shell, pouncing on Charmander and knocking him to the ground in retaliation. The fire type let out a happy laugh, wrapping his clawed arms around her neck in a crushing hug. The water type rubbed her head against him, the two Pokemon embracing.

"You know me and Aoi are leaving in a few days, right?" Forrest asked with a sneer. "You know, on our journey? The journey to help with your research?"

Samuel paused, his eyes widening slightly. "Wait– that's this week?" He let out an uncertain chuckle. "I could have sworn that was a few weeks from now..." His gaze shifted towards Red. "Must have lost track of time with everything going on..."

"You're going to be ready– right?" Forrest demanded. "I'm not delaying my journey just because you forgot!"

The professor let out another sigh. "...I had a few things delivered to Viridian that you'll need, that wouldn't be too much of a hassle for you to pick up, right–?"

Forrest scowled. "I'm not playing delivery boy."

Professor Oak expected this answer, but still it was a bit frustrating. The boy was just like his father at times, stubborn and headstrong, never even pausing to think about what was going on around him. He knew he could always ask Daisy to go pick it up, but she did so much for him already that he didn't want to ask too much of her. Aoi was always an option as well, but he'd much rather send someone a bit more... reliable. His eyes turned towards Red, whose gaze was flickering between Forrest, the professor, and the two Pokemon.

"I'll go on Aquila and pick it up today," Professor Oak said. "I'll have everything ready for you and Aoi on Friday, don't you worry," Forrest relaxed in the slightest, a small satisfied smirk tugging on his lips. "Is Daisy still against going on a journey? I think it would be good for her, and it'd make Charmander's day."

"You know that she doesn't care about your research," Forrest replied, and Samuel let out another sigh.

"Red, come here for a moment," He said, waving the teen towards him. Scarlet eyes looked up at him, the teen hesitating, before pushing himself to his feet. "This is my grandson, Forrest. Forrest, this is who me and your sister found– Red."

Forrest scanned Red with his bright emerald eyes. "So you're the one that's been causing all the fuss, huh?"

"I want you to show Red around Pallet Town while I head to Viridian," Samuel said– and instantly both teens stiffened up. "I expect you to be a good host, I shouldn't be gone for too long."

"I have other things to do besides babysit!" Forrest protested.

"Well then, it's a good thing I'm not asking you to babysit. I don't think it should be too hard to drop that attitude for a couple of hours, especially considering that I'm heading out to get supplies for your journey."

Forrest gritted his teeth, but said nothing. Samuel gave him a smile, deciding that this would be good for both of them. Red needed time outside of the lab, and perhaps he'd be more comfortable around someone his own age rather than a strange old man. Forrest could use the same as well, as the only other person in Pallet his age was Aoi– and the two of them bickered like siblings.

"I'll be back soon," Samuel said, turning towards the lab to grab his Pidgeot's Pokeball. "Keep them out of trouble, won't you Shelly?"

The small Squirtle currently had Charmander pinned to the ground, and she gave the professor a wave and a nod, and he let out a small chuckle.

"I don't know what Gramps wants me to show you, considering that there's literally nothing here in Pallet," Forrest muttered. "You've seen one building, you've seen it all– welcome to Pallet, the most boring place on earth."

Red frowned slightly, seeing Pallet as anything but boring. It was a town he had never seen before– meaning it was a whole new place to explore. Not that he even had an interest in exploring it, but everything around him was something new to take it. And to just be able to step outside and feel the sun on his skin... it was something he hadn't been able to do in years.

"It's Red, right?" Forrest asked after a moment, and frowned when Red nodded. "Weird name... but whatever. Where are you from?"

His stomach twisted– not this again. Just when he thought the questions were over more were now thrown at him. His gaze flickered to the ground before looking at Forrest, then once again slipping away when he saw those sharp green eyes boring into him. He hesitated, before giving a small shrug, which only earned a scowl from Forrest.

"How enlightening," He muttered under his breath. And even though Red couldn't sense his emotions like he could a Pokemon, it was quite clear that Forrest would rather be anywhere but here, and to be stuck alone with someone that didn't like him... that was the last thing Red wanted.

Red's eyes settled onto the Pokemon in front of them, the Charmander and the Squirtle happily chattering away. He wasn't sure what they were talking about, but the excitement was rolling off of them in waves. Shelly was waving her arms about, and there was a sparkle in Charmander's eyes. The Charmander's emotions had been easy to manipulate in these last few days, having felt no resistance from the fire type, and so if Forrest became a threat it would be easy to turn the lizard to use for his protection.

Of course directly controlling a Pokemon was exhausting, but a small burst of anger would be more than enough to allow him the chance to slip away.

"Well, what did he say?"

Every muscle in Red tensed as he heard the voice– one completely unfamiliar to him. He spun around on a heel, and found a pair of deep blue eyes looking at him. He wasn't the only one that had been startled by the sudden appearance– Forrest flinching in surprise, while Shelly fired a Water Gun at the human.

"Gah!" The girl held up her hands as the blast of water hit her in the face, sputtering and coughing as the attack died down. Red stumbled back a few steps, eyes wide as he stared at the girl who had just burst out of the bushes.

"Aoi, what on earth?" Forrest cried. "You know Gramps doesn't want anyone at the lab right now!"

She grinned, looking unconcerned even with water dripping down her face. "Well, you're here right now. Anyways– what did the professor say?"

"Yeah, because he's my grandfather," Forrest muttered, pushing himself to his feet. "And about the journey, he forgot about it– no surprise there. But we're still leaving Friday, he's gone to go pick up some supplies or something– left me here with this kid."

He pointed to Red with a wave, turning Aoi's focus from Forrest to him. Instantly Red tensed up as their eyes met, staring at the new girl with a cautious gaze. Charmander tensed up as well, earning a confused glance from Shelly. Aoi took a step towards Red, her blue eyes lit up with interest, long tangled dark hair falling in front of her face.

"Hello!" She said happily, bounding forward another step– and Red took a step back. "You're Reid, right? Everyone's been talking about you but the professor wouldn't let anyone see you! I'm Aoi, it's nice to finally meet you!"

She extended her hand while beaming, but he was avoiding her gaze. Aoi frowned, leaning closer, only resulting in him pulling back more. She didn't seem to get the hint though, once again coming closer.

"His name is Red, not Reid, and honestly I wouldn't bother trying to get buddy-buddy," Forrest said, crossing his arms. "He hasn't even said a word to me."

"Well I don't blame him, who'd want to talk to you, Mr. Grouchy?" She grinned at Red, while Forrest simply rolled his eyes. "Anyways, do you think you can take me to go see Bulbasaur, Forrest? Please?"

"Like I said, Gramps doesn't want us tromping around the lab."

"Come on, Bulbasaur is going to be mine in a few days anyways, and I miss him!" She turned towards Red, bouncing on her heels. "We're leaving on a journey, and we're going to get our own Pokemon and we'll get to battle, and it's going to be awesome."

Red's heart was thumping in his chest, not knowing of what he should do. The girl's voice made him want to cringe, that horrible high pitched sound for some reason unbearable to him. And she wouldn't stop talking, the words just pouring from her, that smile plastered over her face. To Red her excitement was unnatural, her very eagerness telling him to get away. Very rarely did someone else's happiness mean something good for him, and her focus on him was only making it worse.

It was always safer to stay in the background.

"You know what? Fine. Gramps said to show the kid around, so you can just tag along," Forrest muttered, glancing at Charmander and Shelly. "Besides, Bulbasaur will be out on the ranch and not in the lab, so you wouldn't be messing with Gramps' research."

"Thank you Forrest, you're the best!" Aoi squealed, attempting to throw her arms around Forrest in a giant hug, but he simply shoved her away with an arm.

Forrest made his way around the side of the lab, clearly intending for them to follow. Aoi happily bounded after him, and Shelly calmly followed the humans as well. Charmander rose to his feet, glancing between the Squirtle and Red as he drew up to his side. The little fire type looked up at him, before rubbing his head against his ankles affectionately. He frowned at the Pokemon, not particularly wanting to follow after Forrest and Aoi, but he wasn't sure of where else he should go. Clearly the professor wanted him to stay with them, but the professor also wasn't here. If Red wanted to leave Pallet Town, now could his chance.

But so far no one here had tried to hurt him, he had constant access to food and water, unlike wandering through the wilds. The quietness of the lab had become calming in the last few days, and even he didn't trust anyone here, they didn't seem to be a direct threat either. At the moment he had no where else to go, and no reason to leave.

With a sigh he carefully followed after Forrest and Aoi, ignoring the Charmander darting about his feet.

The ranch was much larger than what Red had been expecting– large green fields rolling across the hills behind the lab, fading away into the forest that bordered the small town. The morning sun was continuing its climb in the sky, the blistering brightness making Red narrow his eyes. They had been out here for what felt like several hours, and while he only wanted to retreat back into a building, no one had made any effort to go elsewhere.

Forrest seemed bored though, leaning up against a tree, arms crossed and eyes closed. Red too had taken shelter in the shade, though he lingered on the far edges, making sure to keep everyone in his sights. The Pokemon were off playing in the sun, and Aoi had joined them, the girl grinning from ear to ear as the Pokemon ran about her.

The Bulbasaur she had spoken so fondly about turned out to be a small green creature, with slick skin covered in spots. He seemed to be the calmest of the three Pokemon with Aoi, either soaking in the sun or just quietly lumbering about. A large bulb rested on his back, a much darker green than the rest of the hue that covered him.

Charmander was chasing Shelly around– but whenever the lizard caught her she just simply retreated into her shell. Charmander seemed undaunted though, always pouncing onto the armor and pawing at it with his claws, as if he could somehow break through the strong shell.

"Mander?" He called as she once again hid away into her shell. Charmander peered down at the hole where she had drew in her head, trying to stuff his own into it. But the fire type's head was larger than the Squirtle's– and he only toppled over onto the grass as he tried to follow her into the shell. "Char?"

Charmander blinked in confusion as he sat up, and he crept forward on four legs, nudging the shell once more. With a whine he again pawed at the shell, before reaching in with an arm in search of the Squirtle.

"Char!" Charmander suddenly let out a pained yelp, blue eyes widening. He tried to withdraw his hand, and in the same moment Shelly pulled out of her shell– her beak clamped around Charmander's arm.

Shelly released him, the fire type whimpering as he cradled his arm against his chest. He shot a pouting glare at the Squirtle, who flicked her tail in reply. Aoi reached out, picking up the small Charmander, and the lizard curled up into her arms, the fire of his tail crackling unhappily.

"Are we done here?" Forrest asked as Aoi cuddled Charmander.

"Of course not– you're supposed to be showing Red around– why don't you show him the barn next?" Aoi brightened up, turning towards Red. "Asher and Alex are usually in there, and you can even ride them! Well, not really Alex, since he'd probably buck you off but I have seen Tauros racing competitions on TV so I know it is possible–"

"Why do you even bother?" Forrest snapped. "He hasn't said a word the entire time we've been here!"

"So? Maybe he just can't talk, but that's no reason to ignore him," Aoi replied. "Besides, he can still hear us, you know? Hey Red! Do you want to go see the barn?"

He shook his head.

"Okay then, we can do something else then. Maybe we could all go to my place and grab some snacks, or maybe we can go to Forrest's and see if Daisy wants to hang out with us as well, or–"

Red closed his eyes, trying to push her annoying voice out of his mind. He had said no because he knew that she'd probably just chatter away about the Pokemon in the barn if they went there, but apparently it didn't matter where they went. He was regretting having chosen to follow the two of them over here, and wished he would have stayed near the lab. Or maybe he just should have left when the opportunity presented itself. He had a sinking feeling they would follow if he tried to go anywhere else now though– and would probably throw a million questions on where he was heading.

He backed away as Forrest snapped something at Aoi– their focus turning towards each other. Charmander was still in Aoi's arms, peering up at her as she threw a pouting face at Forrest, and the fire type tilted his head in confusion.

Red could feel the emotions coming from Charmander with ease, not even having to mentally forge a bond with him. They seemed to just pour from him, and at times Red had to make a conscious effort to push them away– which was definitely a new sensation. Often times he had to force himself into a Pokemon's mind, as they often resisted his influence, and he honestly didn't know how to react to a Pokemon that was so simple to read.

There were other things to capture his focus though– as the three young Pokemon weren't the only ones on the ranch. He could sense two presences within the barn a ways off, and there were other Pokemon scattered about the field, and even more in the forest beyond. But he found his gaze being drawn towards the sky– where a gleaming Pokemon was flying above. He had to narrow his eyes at the light reflecting from the golden feathers of the Pidgeot swooping overhead.

She circled above them once, going into a gentle decent as she glided down. Professor Oak was riding on her back, secured to the Pokemon with a leather harness. Her wings stirred up a breeze as she softly touched the ground, craning her head up high. The professor didn't look at any of them, gaze unfocused as Aoi bounded up to them.

"Professor Oak!" She cried, a wide grin spreading over her face. "You're back!"

The man didn't reply for a moment, it taking a moment for him to shift his gaze towards her. He smiled, while Red's gaze narrowed. Despite the gentle look on his face, his eyes had a far off look to them, the smile on his face clearly a forced one. No one else seemed to notice this though– Aoi beaming in reply, and Charmander slipping out of her arms and bolting to Professor Oak as he unhooked himself out of the harness.

"Hello Aoi, my girl," He said, slipping off of the shiny Pidgeot. "It's good to see you, been a few days, hasn't it? Yeah, it has..."

He trailed off, Charmander pawing at his legs as he stood there, one hand on his Pidgeot's side.

"Yep! I haven't seen you at all! But you were of course taking care of Red so I'm sure you were busy. I hope you don't mind us being at the ranch, I just really wanted to see Haru since I haven't been able to come and visit him, but Forrest did say that you wanted him to show Red around and so he brought us here–"

"It was your idea!"

"And I wanted Red to see all of your Pokemon but I wasn't sure if you wanted us to do that while you were gone so now that you're here maybe you could let him see them? You have the strongest Pokemon here in town after all–"

The professor let out a sigh as she rambled on, a smile flickering up on his face that was a more real than the last one. It faded after a moment though, that far off gaze returning. He looked at Red for a few seconds, green eyes staring into crimson, before he turned his focus back to his Pidgeot. There was a parcel and a bag secured to her harness, which he began to loose from her.

"Perhaps another day, Aoi," The professor said slowly. "I have some... other matters to attend to," He slipped the bag over his shoulder. "My package wasn't the only thing I had waiting for me at Viridian, but a few messages from the League as well. They need my help, and well... I'm afraid I won't be here Friday for you guys to set off, which is why–"

"What?" Forrest cried.

"Aww..." Aoi's cheerful gaze instantly fell.

"Which is why," Professor Oak said again as he was cut off. "I was wondering if you two would be willing to leave tomorrow. You have my permission Forrest, of course, but Aoi you will need to talk with your mother. But if you two would be packed and ready to go, I'll have your supplies, Pokemon, and Pokedex all ready in the morning."

"You mean we can be trainers tomorrow?!" Aoi leap forward, her shrill voice becoming even higher with her excited cry. Forrest's excitement seemed to actually match Aoi's, a wide grin painted over his face.

"I will need you two to take Red with you though," The professor continued, earning a confused look from all three teens. "He needs someone to get a proper look at his wrist, so I want you two to take him to the clinic in Pewter. I'd do it myself, but as I said the League needs me– and I'll probably gone for a week at least, and I'm not going to make him wait that long."

"Sure, whatever," Forrest said. "Just as long as we can leave as soon as possible!"

"...Char?" Charmander paused, looking between the humans. No one replied, and so he called out once more, again pawing at the professor's leg. "Char? Char? Char?"

"You'll be staying here," He reached down, scooping up the small fire type as confusion flashed through his eyes. "Daisy's not going on a journey, remember?"

"M-mander!" The fire type let out a panic cry, twisting in the professor's grasp. He attempted to keep hold of the Pokemon, but the Charmander broke free– and bolted straight towards Red.

He stiffened up as the Pokemon sprang at him, Charmander landing in his arms. His scales were warm against his skin as he pressed up against Red, claws digging into his shirt. Immediately he tensed as he felt the Pokemon's claws, going still as Charmander clung to him. A scaly tail curled around his arm, the flames sparking in tune to the fire type's twisting panic.

"Looks like Charmander doesn't want Red to leave," Aoi said, letting out a small coo. "That's adorable!"

Red carefully pried the Pokemon away from him, holding him out. His wrist hurt slightly at this action, but he didn't even flinch. Sky blue eyes stared into his narrowed gaze, the Charmander now clinging to his hands, trying to slip out of his grip and onto his arms. He scurried across them as he broke free and onto his shoulders, peering out at everyone. Red's heart began thumping as claws pressed against the thin scars on his back, chills racing down him as the Pokemon brushed against his neck.

Charmander tensed as well, drinking in the fear running through Red. His tail curled around him, head pressing under his neck in search of comfort from the sudden fear. The teen took in a ragged breath, the Pokemon's warm belly pressed against the back of his neck as he tried to calm himself. But the only thing he could picture was rough fingers gripping the back of his neck, cold black eyes looking down at him with an expressionless stare...

"Char!" Charmander yelped as he was pulled away from Red, the professor frowning as he took the fire type in his arms. The Pokemon looked up at him, a low whimper filling the air– Professor Oak let out a sigh.

"Why don't you guys run along?" The professor said, running a hand down Charmander's back. "Get ready for tomorrow. And please let me know if your mother is okay with letting you leave a little bit early, Aoi."

"I'm sure she will be, Professor!" Aoi chirped, before swooping down in front of Bulbasaur. She pressed a kiss to his head, stroking the bulb on his back. "Bye Haru! I'll see you tomorrow– and then we can start our journey!"

"Bulba," The grass type rumbled, rubbing his head against her.

Forrest crossed his arms, while his Squirtle trotted up to his side. "I going leaving tomorrow now, Gramps, no matter if Aoi can or not. I'm sick of Pallet, and I'm not staying one day longer than I have to."

"I already said you could go," The professor said. "Please make sure you tell Daisy though, I have a few things to get done at the lab so I won't be home until late."

Forrest rolled his eyes. "You say that like it's news. Come on, Shelly."

"Squirt!" The Squirtle called, waving to Charmander– who didn't offer a reply. She frowned, before running to catch up with her trainer.

"Don't worry Forrest!" Aoi said, skipping after him. "Mom won't say no, we'll be able to go together tomorrow!"

"Just what I wanted."

Professor Oak sighed as the two headed off. "What am I supposed to do with the two of them..." His looked down at Charmander, before shifting his gaze to Red. "I hope that you'll be okay going with them tomorrow, but I think it's best if you don't stay in Pallet Town. While I was in Viridian City I got some messages from the League, and..." He paused, glancing to make sure Aoi and Forrest were out of ear shot. "Well, technically the League wants to keep this all 'classified' for now, and I get their reasoning but something this big shouldn't be kept from the public..."

He trailed on, that far off look still in his eyes. Now that the others were gone he didn't even try to keep up a fake smile, simply looking down at Charmander with a heavy gaze. His rambling didn't mean a thing to Red, though his quieter voice was much more tolerable than Aoi's excited babbling. He had no intentions of going anywhere with either of the teens– one not standing him and him not standing the other one.

"–But over a hundred people were found dead," Professor Oak continued, voice cracking slightly. These words recaptured Red's focus, scarlet eyes locking on the professor. He wasn't looking at anyone in particular, staring off at the ranch, and his Pidgeot ran her beak through his hair. "Not far from here either, multiple buildings just found in complete ruins from probably an explosion, they have no idea where they came from, but..."

His voice was soft, words almost rushed, talking more to simply get it out than it was an explanation. Red instantly knew what he was speaking of, the base he had spent so many years in probably now completely destroyed because of Mewtwo. As powerful of a being it was Red was surprised to learn that he had leveled all of the base– not a simple task, even for the power the clone wielded. But at the same time he felt the bitterness the creature carried in its heart– a burning hatred that was difficult for him to comprehend.

No. He shouldn't be surprised at what Mewtwo had done.

"...And the league believes that Team Rocket is somehow tied into what happened," Professor Oak finished, and he looked at Red. "And all this... it's simply too close to Pallet for comfort. That's why I'm sending the two of them off tomorrow, so they can get started on their journey and get away from here in case anything else happens," He hesitated. "If this was a Rocket attack they could still possibly be in the area, and seeing how I found you not far from here that seems to support that idea. I wished I had a better understanding of what we're dealing with, but I don't think it's a good idea to keep you near here, which is why I think you should go to Pewter. Both for your wrist and for your safety."

Red considered this, a slight frown tugging on his face. He knew the attack on the base wasn't an explosion, and it wasn't an attack by Team Rocket– but rather an attack against them. But according to the professor's words he wasn't as far from the base as he had thought– and being found was something that he most certainly didn't want. He looked up at the professor, nodding.

If Pallet Town was no longer safe, then he'd leave.

"I'm just not sure of where you should go from there," Professor Oak said. "I don't want to get you involved with the League– the Elite Four simply doesn't know when to stop meddling, and I'm not sure how they'll react to anything connected with Team Rocket. I can't come with you, as they want me to go meet a gym leader to investigate the ruins, but I don't want to leave you on your own either..."

Red blinked, wondering what the professor thought he could gain by helping him. He didn't know of Red's powers, so it couldn't have anything to do with that, but if he was still trying to help him then he clearly wanted something.

The professor looked at the Charmander in his arms, then at Red.

"...Or maybe, I don't have to send you alone," He said slowly, and he hesitated. "Charmander seems more than willing, and it's not safe to go without a Pokemon, so maybe..." He trailed off, then laughed. "I suppose this is a bit sudden– but how would you feel about joining Aoi and Forrest in helping me with my research?"

Red stared at the professor.

"Just for looks though– you don't have to do anything if you don't want to," The professor said, and then he gestured to Charmander. "But that would give me an excuse to give you a Pokemon and a Pokedex– meaning we would have the means and reason to stay in contact. Yes, this could actually work..."

"Char?"

"Well Charmander, how would you feel about going with Red tomorrow?" The professor asked, and instantly the lizard's face lit up. He smiled a toothy grin, a surge of excitement rushing through the Pokemon.

"Charmander char!" Charmander cried, looking towards Red,. "Char!"

"What do you think, Red?" He asked.

He stared at Professor Oak for a moment, slightly startled at the sudden offer. The idea of 'research' instantly put him on guard, but the prospect of a Pokemon was appealing. He had never owned a Pokemon before, though he had battled many times, and having one would be an extra means of protection that he currently did not have. He had no interest in keeping in contact with the professor though, but he was sure that would be easy to avoid once he got out of Pallet Town. And if he was leaving tomorrow anyways, it might as well be with a Pokemon he could use.

Red nodded, and Charmander beamed.