"Teacher, the demon did it!" Said a child that stood from his desk while pointing to someone at the back of the classroom. The teacher sighs and puts her fingers on her forehead, looking in disappointment at the student in question. "Red Fires…Do you have anything to say?"
As the words left her mouth, everyone in the classroom starts snickering and chuckling silently as she walks towards the boy, her eyes glaring at him while he looks at the floor in fear. Red then tries to open his mouth, explaining himself but nothing came out. He tries again but no sound came out of his mouth, much to his dismay when he hears the teacher speak to him, this time in an irritated tone. "Well, Mr. Fires. Are you going to speak anytime soon?"
Red thought fast before he had an idea, writing down his explanation before he shows it to the teacher who rips the paper, looking at him before she smacks him across the face with his book, encouraging a round of laughter. Red held his cheek in surprise, seeing the woman dropping his book to the ground along with a detention slip, stepping on them before she walks to the front of the class. The raven haired boy looks to the ground, going towards the book until someone steps on his hand, making him whimper in pain when he looks up to see Devin stepping on his hand, a smirk on his face as the rest of the boys spit on him.
"You're not gonna tell on us, huh?" One of the boys said, the others laughing as they chided in.
"Tell on us? Mute boy isn't even able to open his mouth to say he wants to use the bathroom. Don't worry though. As your best friends, we'll help you."
Red was able to get his book under the commotion, his smile fading as he looks at the slip. He was about to open the book and take notes until he was hit in the face by a stick, the same teacher looking at him before she puts down another slip, much to his dismay when he hears her say. "No talking in class, you disgusting demon."
Red could only hide his face when he hears the laughter of the class while they all call him names and throw stuff at him, trying to block out the world around him until he sees darkness cover everything. Getting up, he walks around the pitch black room until he hears crying, looking around to see nothing. The place then became ablaze, frightening him as he realize the place.
'Pallet Academy.'
He runs around the place, trying to find the voice until he sees someone in the library, crying in the corner as the flames dance around them. He noticed that the girl is Leaf, a smile on his face as he approaching girl, seeing her start to shiver as she mutters some words. "…y…r…fau…lt…"
"Leaf? Are you ok?" Red said but his voice coated in concern. He then put his hand on her shoulder, her response being to shove him away, much to confusion. She then starts to punch him, her words sounding distorted as she speaks. "It's your fault!"
"You crimson eyed devil!" She said, knocking him to the floor and sitting on him before she starts choking him. Trying to move and struggle of her grasp, Red found out that he is unable to move, seeing shadows from the ground bounding him still as he desperately tries to breath and move, failing as he do so. As his consciousness starts to fade, he could only watch the wicked grin on Leaf's face as his eyes starts to shut, the finals words she said haunting him as darkness takes over.
"You deserve to die."
Red woke up in a cold sweat before a wave of pain hit him, causing him to slowly retreat to his resting position. He looks around to see trees and bushes all around, realizing that he is not within a city anymore and instead outside. When he tries to move his hands, he felt immense pain, realizing that his left hand is still healing, seeing it in a makeshift silk cast. He lifts his gaze before he speaks his thoughts aloud.
"Where am I?"
He gets an answer in the form of a jolt, realizing that he is resting on a Pokemon, seeing that it's his Luxio who is asleep on the ground. He tries to get up again, doing his best to hold his balance and fight the pain until he is able to sit up, somehow not waking up the blue lynx. Red then feels his chest, slight discomfort erupting when he rubs around certain areas, much to his dismay. He then hears a couple footsteps in the grass, looking around for a weapon to use to fend them off with until he sees that his Pokeballs are empty which made him panic as he checked his bag. He was about to wake up Luxio until he sees his Pokemon, Meowth and Clefairy carrying a basket of berries while Milotic is floating along with Poliwag on its back, speaking with Beedrill, much to his relief.
'Red! You're awake!' Beedrill noticed, flying straight into her trainer, making him feel an intense pain which did not go unnoticed by the Bug type as it backs away. 'Sorry.'
"Don't be. It's alright," He said with a smile on his face before Clefairy and Poliwag followed suit, hugging him and cuddling him while he is patting them. His gaze turns to Meowth and Milotic who seems to be reluctant, trying their best to act mature until Red was able to get up, hugging the both of them which made a blush come on their faces.
'You have been out for two days straight.' Poliwag said, worried as it hops on the teen's lap, the revelation made his eyes while it continued. 'We thought you wouldn't wake up.'
"Two days?!" Red exclaimed before he quickly checked his pockets, pulling out his Pokegear. His eyes were as wide as dinner plates when he sees the date.
"Oh no! My mom's birthday is the day after tomorrow!" He said in a panic before he checks his surrounding, seeing his bag and other stuff. He then realize that he is still in his suit which is tattered, realizing that he also smell bad. 'Man, I smell. I need a bath.'
"Why am I in my suit?" He thought aloud, his Pokemon expressions fell when the question left his mouth. He then took off his jacket, seeing holes, burn and scratch marks on it while looking at it with a sorrowful expression on his face. He then sighed softly, folding his clothes before he puts it in his bag, taking out his regular clothes before he turns to his Pokemon. "So what happened with the party? I must have passed out so a lot of things are hazy."
His Pokemon look at each other, almost trying to decide on who will tell him the events until Luxio yawns, getting everyone's attention when he looks around and sees Red awake, its eyes widening beforeit runs and cuddles the teen, making a pained groan and a laugh exit the boy's mouth.
'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.' The blue lynx apologizes before he notices the other party members looking at him in confusion, Meowth giggling at his actions. 'What? I'm not always serious.'
Red starts to laugh with the rest of the Pokemon, Luxio blushing bashfully as he lays down on the ground, grumbling silently while his trainer looks at the rest. "How did we end up out here?"
'I can explain.' Poliwag starts to explain, Red looking down at it as it made itself comfortable in his lap. 'After you and the bad fisherman fight, he made everyone go against you, saying you were a murderer. Your friends, Meowth, Luxio and I help you to fight them off.'
Hearing the blue tadpole's explanation made Red wonder as he puts his fingers on his chin, his mind already remembering some of the events while others feeling fuzzy but he can't help but think something is missing. The next question exited his mouth unknowingly which made his Pokemon tense. "What happened afterwards? What happened to Eric, Zane and Leaf? They aren't hurt, are they?"
Poliwag tries to find the courage to tell the teen the rest of the story until Luxio sighs, answering Red's question. 'She…helped you at first and was about to bail you out but after her friend explained to her that she was a victim of the…accident, she started to act weird. You tried to help her and then she pushed you into an attack which nearly killed you.'
Hearing the story made Red wide eyed, looking at the ground finding difficulty in believing the things he just heard. Looking for possibilities on if what he's hearing is wrong, he immediately remembers that this is how it always has been. He could never make friends because of his past, as long as that shadow looms over him, he will always be lonely. After the things Leaf has done for him, he thought that it could be possible for someone to look beyond his past and believe what he would say. Sadly that was not the case. He now knew that no matter how hard he tried, no one will care about him. He will never have a good friend.
He will always be hated.
"I see." Red took up his bag, going to the river to wash himself before his Pokemon look at him in concern, him smiling at them in a reassuring manner. "Don't worry. I'm ok, guys."
"I would hate the person too if they are the reason for my scars and for the deaths of my friends…" He continued before he walks towards the direction of the river, mumbling to himself silently. "I can't fight against it."
'At least I have my Pokemon with me. I honestly don't know where I'll be if not for them.' He thought, a melancholic expression on his way as he goes from view.
His Pokemon watched him in concern when he goes to the river, turning to each other while they awaited their trainer. After he finished bathing himself and changing out of his clothes into his classic red jacket and jeans, he went back to his Pokemon, making them food and Berry porridge, much to their joy. Meowth looks at the drink, looking to her side to see the rest drinking it eagerly, including Milotic who is usually more reserved.
'Is it really that good?' She said, immediately regretting it, making them look at her with offended expressions.
'You did not just that say that.' Clefairy said, ready to fight.
'Please tell me you're joking!' Beedrill said in disbelief, exclaiming in an exaggerated reaction. Milotic did not say anything and just continued to drink her porridge along with Poliwag who is enjoying the meal. Luxio stops Clefairy and Beedrill before he pushes Meowth bowl to her before saying. 'Why don't you try some and let me know your thoughts?'
The Normal type glanced at the porridge before she took a taste, letting out a gasp. Before Red could turn around, she was already done, pushing her bowl towards and sheepishly asking for seconds. He then chuckled before pouring a next serving for her, giving to her as she immediately indulges in the drink.
'What is even in that? Why does it taste so good? It's like-' Meowth paused as she thinks of the right words.
'-his hand was touched by God himself.' Luxio finished with a brow raised, getting a quick nod from the Normal type as a response. Everyone continued to enjoy their meal, their trainer laughing at their antics before he looks up in the sky, watching the stars which soothe him while he eats an Oran Berry. After everyone finished eating, they set off for Pallet Town, Red thinking of the best route to get to Viridian City before he turns to his Pokemon.
"You guys ready? I want to make sure that I'm able to reach Pallet before nightfall." Red said, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he got up and took out his map, observing the piece of paper before he closes it, going down the path. They all nodded, getting their stuff ready as Poliwag jumps on his shoulder, smiling as Red walks along the route, making his way to a cave.
"…Diglett Cave…" He looks at the sign, thinking aloud before he walks at the entrance.
Red then makes his way to the cave, making sure that he is ready by checking his supplies. He then returned most of his Pokemon, making them rest except for his Poliwag, Meowth and Clefairy who continue to walk out of their Pokeballs. Red then took a deep breath before he enters the cave, surprised to see that the cave is well lit, much to his relief as he carefully walk through the cave. Hours passed as he traversed the tunnel, coming across the occasional Diglett and Dugtrio along with a few Golbat and Makuhita that were dealt with easily by his Poliwag and Meowth.
After a while, he was then able to exit the cave, the sun greeting him as it hovered over the clouds, making him shield his eyes from its rays by lowering the brim of his cap. Seeing a sign that tells him that he is on Route 2, he smiles then glances at his Pokemon before he announces for them to take a break, much to their glee.
'Finally! We're out of that cave. It feels like we were in there forever.' Meowth said, jumping off Red's hat then seeing Poliwag smiling within Red's jacket and enjoying the weather, much to her frustration before she lies and takes a nap. Clefairy jumps into its trainer's bag, taking out one of its braces as it trains itself until it feels a tap on its shoulder, seeing Red give it some Pokefood which it accepted. Seeing the Pokemon eating and enjoying themselves, a smile went on the teenager's face while he enjoys a granola bar, feeling the wind as it gently creeps through the area, closing his eyes and enjoying the quietude.
The silence was then interrupted by a beep, causing Red to open his eyes and take out his Pokegear, seeing multiple messages, his face fell as he sees the name.
'Leaf?' He thought, wondering how to respond to her. His expressions did not go unnoticed by his Pokemon when Meowth hops in his lap. Seeing the name, the Normal type smacks the device out of his hand, surprising Red as he said. "Meowth! What was that for…?"
Acting oblivious, the Pokemon looks at him with a questioning gaze before he stops speaking, the rest of his sentence barely audible. He then looks down at the device, noticing that she has been texting him since the day of the party. The raven haired teen was unable to reply to the text due to Meowth's interruptions which made him give up as he put the device back into his pocket, leaving the matter for another time. Red then packs up his stuff, ready to continue on his way, this time with only Meowth and Poliwag out of their Pokeball. He ventured down the path, enjoying the scenery of the forestry before he noticed a gate in front of him, his worry rising when he remembered the last time what happened when he was at the city. Removing his cap and jacket, Red took a deep breath until he made a step towards the building, his anxiety increasing at each step.
"If anything happens, I'll make a run for it. I have no time to waste fighting." He thought as he comes inside the building, the place unoccupied due to it being in the morning except for one. Red treaded along the pathway before he noticed the person, realizing that the person is one of Oak's aides due to the insignia on his coat. He tried to pass the man who looks at him with a smile before walking up to him and tapping which made the teen jump in surprise, encouraging a laugh from the man.
"Hello there! I can't help but see that you're a young trainer there." He said, gesturing to the Pokeballs around Red's waist, getting a nod from the teen which made him smile and continue, "Well, you see. I'm making a survey here about the Pokemon and wildlife that trainers deal with on a daily basis. This will help us in knowing which routes that the starting trainers could use in order to avoid the most casualties and feel safe so would it be alright with you if I ask a few questions?"
Red nodded before the man asked him a barrage of questions about if there were any strong Pokemon that he has faced in the area, how strong they were and how often they appear, the man listening to his responses as he jotted down his notes with an enthusiastic expression. When he finished his survey, the man thanked Red, giving the teen a TM for the move Flash as a sign of gratitude for the teen's time. When he arrived in Viridian City, he surveyed the entire city before he moved forward, making sure not to look out of place in the crowds.
'Today is Friday so the mall is having a sale so I should go this way.' The teen mentally mumbled while he and his Pokemon took every street and alleyway that has the least amount of people until he reached a section of the city only to retreat when he noticed two police cars on the street, clicking his tongue in frustration. "Well, that leaves Simon's house out of the equation for now."
Trying a different pathway and getting more success traversing the city stealthily, Red was able to see the sign for Route 1 in the distance, searching for any onlookers before continuing on his path. Suddenly, a loud, threatening roar cut through the quietude which caused Red's Pokemon return to their Pokeballs before he was grabbed by someone and thrown onto a wall. Grabbed by his collar once again, he was raised off the ground, barely able to open his eyes when they land upon a familiar sight.
"Remember me. You damn murderer." What Red sees is the look of anger on the face of an officer, memories flooded back into his mind before he silently mutters. "…Nia's father…"
The teen could barely finish his thought when the man adjusted his hands, clasping them around Red's neck and chocking him with a huge smile on his face. Red tries to go for his Pokeball but failed to open them, much to his dismay before he feels his consciousness slowly fading, unable to speak any coherent words. The officer relishes in hearing the teen's chocked protests, watching in delight as the teen's face goes pale and starts tearing up.
"What's wrong? Can't hear you. You're gonna need to speak up, chap." The man said, a sadistic grin on his face while he hears the inaudible sounds coming from the teen before continuing. "You barely speak anyway. Try sign language. I may be able to understand."
He could not continue his thoughts when the teen acted out of panic, flailing around until one of his feet kicked the officer in his face which made him loose his grip and clutch his face, his screams of pain being muffled. Red slid to the floor, coughing and trying to catch his breath before he sprinted off. The boy was about to get out of the alley but was interrupted when he was tackled to the ground, seeing the officer holding him by his shirt, a crazed look on his face.
"You don't get to leave. After all the stuff that you have done, jail is too good for you. Only death can help scum like you." He said, taking out a knife from his pocket and lifting it, the shine from it making Red's eyes widen in fear.
Panic starts to fuel his body with energy as he quickly tries to squirm and escape, able to push the man away when he gets up and starts moving. His freedom was short lived when the man grabbed unto him again, this time electrocuting him with a tazer which encourages cries of pain from the silent trainer. "How does that feel, huh? Does it feel good? Did it feel good to take away Nia? DOES IT?!"
The boy tries to endure the shock, his body slowly able to move as he tries to crawl his way out, surprising the officer. The teen was able to get to a wall, pushing off his assailant and able to get him off until he felt something. Something incredibly painful that pulsated through his body as he tries to hold his tears and screams but ultimately fail as he made an agonizing cry.
"AHHHHH!"
Red looks to see a knife embedded in his leg, blood oozing out of it while he holds his thigh, his mind unable to focus on anything but the pain. He was barely able to get time to breathe when the officer hits the weapon, driving it further inside Red's leg, making him cry out at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing through the streets. The man tries to subdue the teen who was acting on pure pain and adrenaline, violently flailing which earns a kick to the man's face before he limps quickly, trying to ignore the pain if it means being able to escape.
"Get back here, you murderer!" The officer yelled while getting up. Everything around Red becomes silent, his entire focus being on escaping apart from the intense pain from his leg. He kept running. Not knowing where he is going as long as he can get away. Away from the pain, away from the insults. His leg letting blood on the pavement upon each step but he did not care. He needed to run. He needed to escape.
He needs to get away.
"That damn murderer has to be around here somewhere. Check the forest, men! Leave no area untouched!" One of the police officers said, the rest following him as they saluted, their Pokemon following.
"Yes, sir!" They shouted before they spread around the area, in search for a certain red eyed, raven haired trainer, using their Pokemon to catch his scent or their flashlights as it is nighttime and the entire route was shrouded in darkness.
On the other side of the route was Red who leans by a tree, finally feeling the weight of exhaustion after running so long away from Viridian City. Turning his attention to his leg, the teen prepares himself mentally while he carefully positioned his hand and gripped the blade, taking deep breaths to compose himself. Able to calm himself and forcing his eyes shut, he starts pulling the knife out of his leg, the pain that came with it being so unbearable that he grasped the trunk of the nearest tree, his nails piercing it and almost ripping it off as he holds back his tears and his screams.
Seconds felt like hours while he was pulling the knife, centimeter by centimeter it coming out of his flesh while he could hear the sounds of the blade ripping through his muscle, cringing him. After a couple minutes of immense agony, Red was able to bring the blade out of his leg, throwing it somewhere in the darkness before he attends to the wound, seeing the blood gush out of it, doing as much as he could to it in order to stop the bleeding. Bandaging the injury and tying a handkerchief around his leg, Red breathes a sigh of relief before he lets out his Pokemon, they all gasp when their eyes laid at him with him reassuring them that he is alright which they did not believe due to the visual evidence before them and him unable to walk normally. For the rest of the night, Red made Berry porridge for them due to Meowth numerous requests for it, much to the humor of the other Pokemon and its trainer.
'You understand the power of the porridge, young one.' Luxio said, imitating a sage's voice which made the Normal type snap at him. 'Oh shut up! You like it too.'
'Yes but who had been so reluctant to taste it last time? Wondering if it's that great.' The lynx said, wiggling his eyebrows at her which made a vein appear on her head. 'How the great have fallen to the food to be…asking for it again with her tail wagging-'
'Oh that's it!' Meowth snapped, lunging towards Luxio who dodges before he runs away, laughing while she chased him around the route. 'You get back here and fight me like a man!'
'I'm a Pokemon. Wait! We're all Pokemon!'
'Don't you get smart with me, young man!'
'B-but I'm still a Pokemon though…'
Everyone laughed as they watched the two run around playfully, Red joining in the laughter as they enjoy the rest of the night, thoughts circulating his brain. 'Maybe…these are all the friends I need.'
After an hour of fun, Red washes the pans as he sees most of his Pokemon sleeping, leaning against a tree when he's finished as he looks into the sky, seeing the stars make their imprint on the sea of black that hovers above him.
'Dad… am I doing something wrong by existing…by wanting to live?' He thought as a melancholic expression spreads across his face. He then looks at his leg and arm and then takes out his Pokegear, looking at the numerous messages from his used to be brunette companion. 'Have I still not changed…will I ever change from being the silent, wimpy kid that keeps taking every blame or insult that comes his way without retaliation?'
The teen didn't even realized that his fists are clenching and the sorrow along with guilt that he felt is slowly turning into something he's feeling as his past always comes back to bite him.
Frustration.
He was frustrated that it always came back when he's winning. He was frustrated that he's blamed for something that he never did but. However, what he was most frustrated was with himself for allowing it to happen. For not explaining himself but shaking like a leaf out of fear, he has been going through this for years and it needs to stop. He needs to stop succumbing to his fears and to his past. He learns after his battle with Devin to not let the shackles of the past hold him back anymore. What he now needs to do is to be stronger. Strong enough to stare back at those stares and not flinch at the insults anymore.
'I can't let this hold me back anymore…not again…if I rid myself of these thoughts completely, I may be able to find what I really want to be in life…what I truly want to do…'
As he finished his mental cyclone of thoughts, Red then looks towards Pallet Town in wonder, a smile on his face before he taps the bag. 'I hope…just at least…Mom will like the present I got her…she doesn't have to tell me thanks…just her smile will be…ok…It…took me a while…to…find…'
Those were the last words that coursed through his thoughts before exhaustion took over, him falling into a slumber as the moon shines on his face.
Waking up from his sleep and packing up, Red continued his journey, getting to Pallet Town in less than an hour, much to his surprise. He then wandered off to the south section of the town, seeing a familiar building that he notices before knocking on the glass doors.
"Hell-Oh Red, my boy!" Professor Oak said with a smile on his face as he opens the doors, immediately hugging the teen before he noticed the boy's arm, his expression changing to a frown. "What happened to your arm, my boy?"
The teen explained what happened on his travels, stating up to the events that transpired on the SS. Anne. After he heard the story, the elder man sighed while processing the information that he received from the red capped youth, mumbling under his breath with a hand on his chin. "You met Leaf?! Hmm, and to think Team Rocket would have done such things. They're despicable as always…"
"I'm just glad that you're alright." He said to Red who smiled before he then remembered something, going into his bag and taking out a parcel, giving it to the professor.
"Those are some Pokeballs that I received. I wanted to give you some to prevent any trainers to go through what I did. I also got some Lava Cookies for you if you like them." Seeing the teen's text, the man opened the box and saw around twenty capsules, some of them being Great Balls, Premier Ball and Ultra Ball before looking at the youth to see a smile on his face however the man had a quizzical thought. 'End up like him?'
"Thank you, Red. I should give you something as thanks. Hmm…" The man smiled, putting the box on his desk before asking for his Pokedex, making Red raise a brow. "I'm going to update your Pokedex for you. I'm sure you're having some issues dealing with identifying some Pokemon, right?"
'He's right. I hardly even use it anymore.' Red thought, about to take out the device until he realized something, feeling a bit hesitant. Realizing the boy's expression, Professor Oak puts a hand on his shoulder, assuring him.
"Don't worry, Red. I heard about what happened at Viridian. Simon gave you his Pokedex, right?" Red nodded, taking out his Pokedex before his Pokemon release themselves from their capsules, surprising the professor when they laid eyes on his party.
"I-is that a shiny…Milotic?" The professor's eyes widened as he inspected each Pokemon with curiosity. "I have to say Red, you treat your Pokemon with the utmost care. Every one of them is skillfully well trained."
Hearing the man's words, Red's Pokemon beamed with pride with Meowth and Milotic feeling important, holding their heads on high along with Luxio and the others humbling themselves and trying to act calm and cool, slightly failing at it. Poli however, walks over to its trainer and hides behind his leg, feeling shy towards the professor who smiled.
'U-umm, Red. W-where are we?' The blue tadpole said, visibly shaking. Red picked up the Water type and patting it on the head, calming it down. "Don't worry, Poli. The professor is alright. He won't hurt you."
"To think, you just started your journey a little over a month ago and this is the growth that you have made, my boy!" Professor Oak said, getting a smile from the red capped trainer as Poli blew bubbles in a happy manner, making everyone sigh at the cute sight. The man then frowned when he remembered Pikachu, putting his hand on the Red's shoulder. "I'm sorry about what happened to her, my boy…it's my fault this happened. I should have gotten you a spare Pokeball…"
'It's my fault for not being strong enough to save her. The blame is on me. She was my responsibility. But…' The teen looks down, Professor Oak putting a hand on his shoulder to comfort him as he forces back tears. 'It's still hurts that it happened.'
"Yes, the sunlight has been intense from a few days ago." The elder stated, changing the topic while scratching his hair as he fans himself. His plan worked as Red looked outside, wondering what is going on. "When did…this start?"
"It started a few days ago. Not sure but it just happened out of the blue and it has not let up since. I'm starting to think this is the power of a Pokemon."
"A Pokemon? Like one using Sunny Day? But it does it last this long?" Red typed, a look on confusion on his face when Professor Oak rubs his chin, taking a folder to fan himself before he mumbles. "It could be a Pokemon with the ability to change the weather, making it sunny every day. This is not impossible however it seems to be a rare trait. I wanted to take a look at it but it has to be at a time that I'm extremely busy."
The professor let out a sigh, scratching his grey hair before he opens one of his eyes to look outside. "You'd think one of the aides could take some time to check on it."
"I can check for you and see what's going on…take some load off your shoulders. Plus I'm kinda curious." Red typed on his Pokegear, Poli hopping on his shoulder. The elder man smiled before he looks at the teen with a worried expression. "Are you sure, Red? We may be dealing with a powerful Pokemon."
Red nodded quickly, his Pokemon agreeing with him which made Professor Oak smile before he plugs the Pokedex into a computer, typing and making customizations. "I understand. In the meantime, I'll update your Pokedex for you to fit the recent updates."
Seeing the man return to his work, Red spend some time prepping up before he returned most of his Pokemon that wanted to sleep, leaving out only Poli and Meowth. He then traversed through the town, making sure to avoid the gazes of the residents from the city, much to his Pokemon's confusion.
'Why are we sneaking past the people? Is it the same as the ones at the previous town?' Meowth said with a brow raised, Poli having the same question.
"Yeah…if they see me, they're going to want me gone…and I don't want to think about what they will do with you guys…" Red said in an uneasy tone, shuddering at the thought of the inhuman acts that they will do his Pokemon because they are associated with him which did not go unnoticed by Poli who uses its tail to pat its trainer to reassure him. They then searched through the city, finding no evidence until they reached the shoreline of the city, Red enjoying the sea breeze while Meowth went into his jacket and Poli jumps and plays in the sand. Enjoying the breeze, Red looks towards a hill, a melancholic expression plastered on its face as he finds himself walking towards it. 'Pikachu…I'll save you one day…'
His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed flames erupting from the hill, much to his confusion before sneaking closer. He then sees a tuft of fur poking in the air, his eyes widening after something jumped from the hill, making eye contact with them.
"Is that…a Vulpix?" Red thought aloud, his eyes looking up on the hill.
Feeling the intense heat from the area, he takes off his jacket and wipes sweat from his forehead. Each step, the teen could feel the temperature increasing, some of his clothes almost become bursting aflame. The Pokemon then got into a fighting stance, a dark aura surrounding the Pokemon, confusing Red before he feels an intense pain in his body, surprising Meowth. 'Red! What's wrong?'
The Normal type barely noticed a huge fireball that is coming to them, quickly going to one of Red's Pokeball and calling out Milotic who immediately realize what is going on and block the attack using a shield of water. The water veil starts to evaporate which did not go unnoticed by Meowth who quickly dashes out of the barrier, travelling swiftly through the sand until it smacks the Fire type with its tail, knocking it off the hill and onto the ground.
"Owwww…what was that?" Red groaned in pain, clutching his stomach until he realize the stare down between his Pokemon and the Fire type, stunned when he sees the color of the fox's fur. His Milotic was also taken aback by the color 'Does Vulpix always have golden fur or is it glowing?'
"It's a shiny…" He said awestruck while gazing at the Pokemon and seeing how beautiful it is until he was smacked in the face, knocking him out of his trance immediately. He quickly turns to Milotic with a confusion expression when she scoffs, rubbing his cheek. "What was that for?"
'No ogling at others. Shameless…' Milotic mumbled under her breath, anger in her eyes before she lunges towards the Fire type, knocking it the side with its tail before it shoots a Water Pulse at it, getting a direct hit, making Red and Poliwag shudder at her rage. "Woah…what happened?"
'…remind me to never get on big sister's bad side please…' Poli said timidly, hiding under Red's jacket and zipping it up in fear of being the next target. The teen recognized that Vulpix is dizzy from the Water Pulse, staggering in its step and in pain before it starts glowing, its body turning ablaze before it releases a burst of fire that knocks away both Meowth and Milotic, the latter able to hold up due to using Aqua Ring and Water Pulse to weaken the strength of the blast.
"Meowth! Milotic!"
The golden fox was barely able to stay on its feet, collapsing on the ground but trying to stay conscious despite its exhausted state. Running over to his Pokemon, he checked their injuries, seeing that they are suffering from intense burns from the attack. "Oh no! That one attack had so much power behind it. They're both severely burned. I gotta take them to the professor. Also…"
Red quickly returns his Pokemon before he runs to pick up Vulpix, the contact with it instantly sent his glove ablaze, making Poli stop the fire with a Bubblebeam. "Woah, that's hot! Nearly lost my hand there. Thanks Poli."
Red then hesitated to pick up the Pokemon, not wanting any of his clothes to catch on fire like his gloves before he decides upon catching the Pokemon to make it easier. Upon putting it in an Ultra Ball, the ball then made a clicking sound signaling its capture, him looking at the ball with a questioning glance before he walks back to the lab, realizing that the intense heat from the sun is starting to subside and the weather is starting to get cloudy. "What the? So you're the cause…"
While on his way, it started to get windy, making him have to take off his cap in fear of it being taken in the wind. When he entered the lab, he was greeted to the sight of the aides extremely happy while they watch the weather and work with more enthusiasm, much to the teen's happiness. Ignoring their glances and making his way to Professor Oak's room, the man sends a smile when he turns to him. "I'm guessing that you were able to find who caused this, huh?"
"I saw a Vulpix by the lake. I decided to keep it in an Ultra Ball because it was too hot." Red typed on his Pokegear, holding up the ball in question. Professor Oak blinked at the Pokeball before the teen asks him a question. "Does Vulpix have the ability to prolong the effects of Sunny Day?"
Hearing the question, the man hummed while scratching his hair and checking his computer. "There are some from the Vulpix line that have the innate and powerful ability to summon the sun at their beck and call. Upon their presence into battle, the sun brightens, strengthening them and weakening some of its natural predators. Vulpix and Ninetales, like some Pokemon, have this power to change the weather to the one that fits their preference, in this case, the sun."
Red was caught back by this, he knows that some Pokemon through the use of moves like Rain Dance and Sandstorm have the ability to summon a certain weather pattern but to have the power to call it whenever you'd like, he thought that only the weather beings of legend had that ability.
"Indeed, this ability is almost like the one that the deity of land, Groudon had however the difference in power is quite vast. Groudon's presence could cause water to evaporate, making water attacks useless. This ability simply lowers the power of Water moves." Professor Oak explained, looking in a book and flipping the pages until he reaches a page, reading it. "Ah! Here it is. The ability is known as Drought."
'Drought?' Red mentally repeated, taking the book and reading the information. The Professor then gives him back his Pokedex when the teen notices something in the book before showing it to the elderly man. "Look! The book says that the duration of the sun's heat varies depending on the Pokemon's strength."
Red then uses the Pokedex to scan the Ultra Ball, becoming surprised when he sees the results of the scan before showing it to him. "See? It looks like it has been recently hatched. It should not be that powerful, right?"
"Hmm…" Professor hummed, a hand on his chin before he asks for the Pokeball, examining it with a device. After he checks on the Pokemon, he then gives back the capsule to Red before he made his explanation.
"It's going through puberty, basically its way of growing up. Vulpix when hatched usually have a singular white tail, what's happening to it is that it's growing up, each tail sprouting produces a large amount of heat which is stored within its body waiting to be released however storing too much can be detrimental to its health, causing pains and cramps. So it needs to release that heat built up inside it."
Hearing this, Red and Poli exchanged confused glances before the man continued.
"It's been building up the energy and not releasing it and because of this, the latent power in the Pokemon is being released all at once, causing to sun to be hotter than usual. And it seems like its mother is very powerful." After Professor Oak finished his analysis, putting his book back on the shelf. Red look at the healing station, seeing multiple aides helping with the burns that Milotic and Meowth took. "What about Meowth and Milotic?"
"They have suffered severe burns from the last attack. I would say that it's best not to have them participate in any other battles soon until you get to a Pokemon Center. They need the proper medication to treat the burn." One of the aides said as he provided the teen with both the capsules for his Pokemon before Professor Oak asks a question that has been on his mind. "Umm, Red? I meant to ask but how much Pokemon do you have as of the moment?"
"Seven. Why?" Red answered before understanding what the elder man's suspicions.
"I've been meaning to ask that. When I caught Vulpix, nothing happened. Just normal." He explained, putting down his Poliwag as it waddles across the room, blowing bubbles out of its mouth on Milotic's burn marks in hopes of soothing the pain before he hears Professor Oak speak again. "It is odd. Seems like you don't have a Trainer's PC like most or if you did, it was deactivated. I might need to inform Bill about this. For now, just make sure to give the impression that you have only six Pokemon. We don't want to cause more chaos than there should be."
Red nodded before he turned to the cream colored serpent, tracing his finger along her scales, feeling the difference between it and her normal scales. "I'm sorry."
He then turns to look at Meowth who is waking up, purring lazily before she feels a hand on her head, looking at her trainer. She then tries to move, feeling a stinging sensation on her back, much to the red capped teenager's dismay. "Just rest. You can't be pushing yourself."
'I'm…ok, Red. Really?' Meowth said, trying to stay afoot but failing as it stumbles, much to her frustration. She clicked her tongue angrily before she asks a question that she was curious about. 'What happened to that damn fox?'
Poli sweats in fear as Red shakily holds up an Ultra Ball in front of the cat, getting a glare from the cat and also the serpent who binds the teen looking at him in the face with anger in her tone as she spoke. 'You didn't?!'
"I-I caught it…in this ball…" Red croaked silently, everyone in the lab surprised at the strength of the Water type despite the injuries it has, including Professor Oak who fell back before he was caught by Red's Luxio who made him be able to get back in balance. Milotic's eyes starts to glow, the water in the lab bubbling up and moving on its own, scaring everyone as the Pokemon starts to float when Red just simply taps its scales, a smile on his face and saying in a choked voice. "Don't…worry…I'm…not favoring Vulpix over you…you'll always be the best shiny I ever have…"
'I don't care about being the only shiny. I just don't want you hurting yourself again!' Milotic started to stop glowing, the pain from the burns making it unable to keep its hold on its trainer, letting it descend to the ground with a pained expression on its face. 'You're always making me worried.'
'You're acting like his mom, Milotic. That's weird.' Meowth said, purring in relief as Poli use Bubblebeam on its back.
'Weird?! You know just as much as I do that our trainer has a tendency of putting himself in danger especially when he tries to save other people. Someone's gotta look out for him. I mean, look at his arm, he's literally hiding the pain that he feels from his leg and his arm is in a cast! Don't act like you're not worried, especially with how you were on the ship.' Milotic said with a blush on its face to Meowth who snickers at its reaction, making it more aggravated, only Poli able to notice a slight expression of guilt coming from the cat.
The two Pokemon starts bickering while Red looks at his Ultra Ball, a melancholic look on his face before he felt a hand on his shoulder, seeing Professor Oak look at him. "Red, it would be best to make it release its powers naturally. Battling is a nice way to do so and knowing you, I know that you will be able to understand it quickly. Just give it time…just like her."
As the man said this, a smile came across the teen's face before he nods and opens his mouth. "…thank…you…Professor Oak…"
Everyone in the lab reeled back in surprise when they heard the words, including Professor Oak who had to once again be supported by Luxio who was slightly getting annoyed before it goes to pick up his chair and put it behind him for the next time this happens. The teen then looks obliviously before he notices what he has done, pulling his cap over his face in embarrassment, the man in the lab coat smiling, patting the teen's shoulder.
'He's not all the way there yet but…it's a good step forward…' The elder man said with a smile on his face as he watches the teen.
Red then spends the rest of the day, taking out Vulpix who was very wary of the trainer before it starts warming up to him and make quick friends with Poli and Clefairy. Everyone looks in surprise, taking notes of the shiny Pokemon as they asks Red a couple question, Professor Oak laughing at the sight as he realized that their curiosity made them forget their hatred for the silent teenager when some of them help it to grow, putting him in a couple matches to help the Pokemon practice using its powers more effeiciently. After hours, the teen bid everyone farewell as he leaves them, the grey haired Oak looks at Red's retreating form, his mind wandering off as he closes his eyes.
'He's finally more confident now. This journey was a good thing for him. It's helping him in ways he does not know it does. Jack…if only you could see your son now…'
Helen finally was able to sit down, letting out a sigh of relief. She then walks upstairs, looking down the hallway until her feet instinctively drag her in front of a room, her fingers tracing along the sign on the door as her mouth reads the words.
"…Red…"
She slowly opens the door, seeing the room taking up dust from not bring clean for weeks which made a feeling pang in her stomach. Walking in the room and sitting on the bed, she looks towards the night sky, seeing a star that made her eyes widen as memories burst into her mind, feeling heat on her cheeks and a pain in her chest. She then feels her cheek, feeling wetness which is a sign of the tears that she had let out. The woman then looks down, her vision being cloudy when she finds a box neatly wrapped in ribbons on the bed, picking up the box. "What is this?"
Helen opens the box, her eyes widening when she sees what's inside, the tears on her face increasing. She takes out a shimmering diamond necklace that looks to be handmade, the gems shining in the moonlight. "Jack was planning to give me one of these before he…"
She then looks at the box before she notices a note, showing a letter but what caught her eyes was the handwriting which made her instantly knew who she received this from if the words on it did not depicted enough.
"Happy Birthday, Mom."
Helen could not contain her feelings as she cried loudly, her sobs echoing throughout the room. Feeling pain from her last husband's death. Feeling lonely that she won't ever be able to hear him laugh, hear his ramblings about his findings but most of all, feeling guilty about what she has done to her son all these years, her mouth 'To think…after all these years…he would still remember this…'
"I'm sorry, Red…I'm so…sorry…"
The woman repeated the words like a mantra as one of her Pokemon hears her before it runs into the wild, the moonlight being its own guide.
The winds starts blowing intensely in Viridian City as the place is heavily guarded, a police officer in every section, especially where the Pokemon Center and the Pokemart are, much to Red's frustration while he sneaks past them, able to get to Diglett's Cave despite the increase in security before he hears something, turning to see a Ninetales in front of him. 'Isn't that Mom's Ninetales?'
Its eyes glowed as one of its tails goes around him and touches him on the forehead while the other touches Vulpix's Ultra Ball. After it removed its tail, the teen then smiles and looks down to the ground. "Don't you want her to at least meet you for one last ti-"
His words goes to nothing as he sees nothing, looking around in confusion before he scratches his head, wondering if he was hallucinating.
'Please take care of my child, Red. And always know that Helen will always love you no matter what. Just give her time.' The fox said as it watches the teen enters the cave before it disappears into the wilderness, praying to Arceus that they will be safe.
Red finally gets out of the Diglett Tunnel to see rainfall over Route 11, making him take shelter under the trees, looking around and calculating the distance to get to the Pokemon Center, changing his clothes to avoid being caught. As he was about to run, he heard a voice through the heavy beating of the rainfall, the tone of it sounding broken and tired as he looks in the direction of the source.
"…R-R-Red?"
There was Leaf, her eyes red like she had been crying for days and bags underneath them, dropping her umbrella as she looked at Red with eyes as wide as dinner plates, not paying attention to her clothes being wet by the rain or the tears spraying from her face as she starts shaking. Red would be lying if he said he did not feel anything seeing the girl in such a pitiful state, time slows down as they both look at each other, only one word was able to leave the teen's mouth.
"…Leaf…"
Finally, it's done and not a moment too soon. This chapter was honestly the reason I have not been uploading lately especially since a good chunk of chapter after it has been done already. Sending out a barrage of chapters due to my absence so I do apologize for things being like this. It's honestly at this point that the story changed a lot from the source material and from my beta writing. You're gonna see in the next chapters. Also, yes, Red has another shiny. Wonder if he has a shiny charm or something…I dunno…so yeah.
Fun fact: Vulpix was actually supposed to be Red's starter or at least his second addition to the team. Just thought that it would be more fun and rewarding to give him Shinx instead.
Am I the only who thinks that they don't just take surveys or check out the wild Pokemon in the area before they put the regional professor in a certain town or city? It's way too convenient that in the games and anime that wherever the new trainers start at, there are only weak wild Pokemon there. I'm guessing that is just me. Also, yes. This is how they are giving the TM Flash to people because the original concept to me is dumb. I understand that they want you to catch them all but the original way to get it was so out of nowhere…and it's so damn frustrating. At least Let's Go made it easier. I'm rambling for too long. I hope that you like the story so far and let me know your thoughts. Keep safe. Enigma, out!
