Light.
This is the first thing Red could see when he looks around, seeing himself surrounded by curtains before he tried to get up only to be rewarded by pain. Enduring the discomfort and getting a better view of his surrounding, Red recognized that he was in a hospital room before he noticed his hands covered in bandages, barely able to lift them until he felt an intense headache. When his memories flashed back to him, he immediately jumped up but was unable to move his legs. "Leaf...what happened to her...?"
In the midst of his trashing, one of the curtains were pushed aside which made him turn to the direction, seeing a worried Leaf staring at him in disbelief. Rubbing her eyes multiple times and blinking at him, both of their eyes starts tearing up as she ran towards him, her hand inspecting his face. "Red! A-are you ok? Does anywhere hurt? Do you want me to call the doctor?"
Red zoned her out when he noticed her arm in a cast, the girl following his gaze which made her quickly came up with an excuse out of panic.
"Don't worry...it's not as bad as it looks, just a slight sprain. Tis' a flesh wound." Her words fell on deaf ears when Red looks at her arm and abdomen, seeing them wrapped up in bandages. Guilt gripped his heart as he slowly moved his arm towards her cast, ignoring the pain he felt.
"I'm sorry."
Leaf looked at him as he said this, a lump in her heart before she let out a sigh then she opened her mouth. "Red, I know you're sorry but please…don't beat up yourself about it. I'm a strong girl."
Red looked at her, seeing a serious expression in the brunette face as she held his hand. She then got close to him, embracing him as he continued apologizing, patting his back and consoling him until he calmed down. After a while, she got out and informed the doctors of his awakening before he came back with a basket of fruits, helping Red with eating an apple.
"I told my dad." She said, getting his attention which made her continue. "I told him…about what happened. They're making an investigation about this."
Red felt the grip on his hand tighten as the look on her face changes to that of frustration. She then pursued her lips, contemplating what she is going to say as she looked at him. "You...you were out for a week straight. I-I was so worried for you."
Red nodded, understanding what she meant when he realized how much injuries he suffered from his fight while the doctors were checking on him. 'What happened?'
"So much happened." Leaf answered with a sigh, leaning back in her chair then looking at the ceiling. "Lavender took a hit, nothing too serious. Thank God."
Red was about to ask another question but the brunette beat him to the punch. "Mr. Fuji's alright, Red. He'ss already out of the hospital along with the Channelers."
"You're the only one still in here and…they almost…gave up. You gave us a scare. Everyone was worried about you." The brunette said before she pointed beside his bed where he notices Luxio sleeping on the floor beside his bag. Seeing the bandages along its body rung a feeling of frustration through his body before he goes to pet the lynx. Feeling his touch, the Pokemon immediately shot up and growled before it spotted him, a shocked look on its face while it observed him before it jumped on him then snuggled him, causing the teen to chuckle. "Ow...I missed you too, Lux."
As the lynx cuddled against him, the teen noticing some tears welling in its eyes before it suddenly jumped down and fished into his bag. Seeing his Pokeballs taken out and opened by Luxio, his team came out, the group rushing towards him and hugging him, some of them crying. "I'm sorry, guys. I must've gave you a fright, didn't I?"
'Of course you did. Did you know how disgusting regular Pokefood tasted?' Meowth shouted, a tearful pout on her face as she rubbed her tears away on Luxio's fur much to his discomfort.
Clef tried to keep a strong front but he still hugged Red, the teen not hesitating to reciprocate the gesture. Vulpix, Beedrill and Poli did not care, bawling their eyes out on their trainer while he pets them. This happened for a while until he was able to calm them down, his Pokemon deciding to sleep on his bed. As he watched them sleeping with a smile on his face, he then started noticing the absence of one of his members as he frantically looks around.
"So you finally noticed." Red turns to Leaf who then gives him a capsule. "Here you go!"
Looking at the ball, he notices that he's unable to see anything but the blue shiny surface but he notices that it is Milotic's capsule. Leaf opened the window, allowing the wind to flow through the room. "She was broken up after the battle. She refused to leave your side no matter what…having faith that you will wake up…but when days passed and there was no change to your condition, she started getting worried and then went back in her ball. Not getting out once."
Red looked at the sphere, the top half showing his reflection before he points it to the corner of the room but got no response. Raising a brow, he tried again but nothing happened. "Oh no."
"Yeah…Milotic wouldn't even come out of her ball. Not even eat or drink." Leaf said, not turning around from the window.
"Ohh..." He looks down at the ball, fiddling with the capsule with a somber expression. Seeing the dejected look of her friend through the reflection on the window glass, she leaned on the wall then turning to him. "It was hard, you know?"
"What?"
"You were hurt. Sometimes, you would even stop breathing. I thought you were gone forever. You keep messing with me! I thought that..." She put her head down, gripping unto the window tighter before she turned to him. Red was about to say something but his words fell on deaf ears when Leaf hugged him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for saving me…and…I'm happy that you're back, sweetie."
After a couple of days, Red was able to recover, happy to get out of the hospital and be on his feet. Seeing the state of the town, he visited the Pokemon House with Leaf following him after a checkup on her own wounds. As soon as they arrived, the two teens were noticed by the elder of the place, Mr. Fuji who greeted the two teenagers. "Welcome back, Leaf! Glad you're alright. And Red, my boy. It's good to see you're back in one piece."
"Thanks, grandpa. I'm just glad you're all ok." Red smiled, the man laughing while patting the teenager's back. "Haha! It will take more than that to take little old me."
"Well, don't push yourself please, grandpa."
While they continued their conversations, Leaf watched them before Red volunteered to help out despite his doctor's wishes to not overexert himself. While she joined and helped Rina in the kitchen with the food, she frequently checked up on her friend, her worries growing when she saw him put a hand on his head and groaning. 'So it's like Mr. Fuji said...he was messed up real bad from that.'
"I guess you've realized by now that Red is no ordinary kid, right?" Mr. Fuji said as he sat by the left side of Red's bed, Leaf on the other side eating an apple. They were in the hospital, the brunette clad in a hospital gown and scratching her cast while she repeatedly checked the cardiac machine before answering. "Uh-huh. It's kinda obvious to anyone that has eyes."
Finishing her apple, she noticed the elder's serious expression when she went for a grape in her basket from her father. She then remembered the look on Red's face when he fought against Blue, his eyes glowing intensely. "What do you mean? I knew Red was mysterious but that..."
"Red is, what you call, a Channeler. Think of them like the Psychics but…darker. They are a group of humans who meddle with ghosts and curses, able to inflict or cure them." He explained, letting out a sigh when he sees the look of confusion on Leaf's face while she held onto Red's hand. "You mean, like the Hex Maniacs? But they don't have powers, right?"
"They don't. They are what they are. People who like to deal with the occult. However Channelers are much, much different. To most, they are seen as crazy people just as the Hex Maniac but what makes them different is the overwhelming powers that the Channelers possess."
"What do you mean by 'overwhelming power'?" Leaf asked worriedly while Vulpix snuggled with her trainer, hoping that it would awaken him from his coma. Mr. Fuji put his hand on his forehead, Zori looking around the place and transforming into various objects. "Like the Psychics, their power usually involves telekinetic abilities and such however for a Channeler, their power drives from negative emotions…and the more they use and delve into their power, the more emotionally stable they become, basically driving them insane. It's an inevitable curse that some cannot recover from. And when that happens, they're prey for the phantoms."
Hearing what the man said, Leaf looked down, trying hard to process the information before she asked another question. "Can…can they overcome it? The toll."
The man shook his head, avoiding the gaze of the brown haired youth before he continued. "I'm afraid not. There was not much research done on them. Most history files are destroyed. Usually to confront this toll, the Channelers try to use as little of their powers as possible so they can avoid losing their mind. What Red showed that day...if he were to recover, I want you to promise me to not allow him to use any of his powers again. He will lose himself."
The man stood up, taking out a piece of paper from his pocket, giving it to Leaf who looked at it with a baffled expression. "If he does...put that on his body. That Spell tag will seal his powers. Enough that he doesn't go insane."
On their break, Rina and Leaf sat together, the latter looking at her food in a trance like expression while she absentmindedly poked her jello. Scooting closer to the brunette and taking some of her food to get her attention which failed, Rina became worried.
"Uhhh, Leaf. You know that's meant for eating and not poking, right?"
"Mmhmm."
"You ok?"
"Yeah."
"Your arm ok?"
"Mmhhmmm…" Rina starts furrowing her eyebrows at the short responses before she noticed the target of the brunette's side glances, a smile slowly creeping on her face. "You like Red a lot, right?"
"Of course…" Leaf said before noticing what she said before her face became Red's namesake. "Hey!"
"Glad to see you back to reality. Now what's wrong?" Rina asked with a smirk on her face, munching on some of her tofu. Leaf sighed while picking up some jello, watching the substance dance before putting it in her mouth. "It's just..."
"Red being Red, huh?"
"Yeah… He came out of the hospital and he's acting like nothing happened. Like he was not in a coma. Like he didn't just nearly die a few days ago."
Rina turned to look at him, seeing him eagerly helping out everyone around the place. She raised a brow to Leaf who had a worried expression on her face while playing with her lunch. "He seems fine to me. Then again this is Red we're talking about."
"Exactly." Leaf answered with a sigh, pointing at his direction which made Rina turn back to see the same person holding their head with a pained expression before falling back into a seat. "He's playing tough guy again... Is it that hard to ask for some help?"
"I mean, it could be worse. At least he's not coughing up blood or anything. He's gonna be fine, Leaf." The black haired girl said before biting into her bun, putting a hand around the brunette. 'I hope so.'
After a few hours of helping, the two went home despite Red wanting to help more, resulting in Leaf dragging the bandaged teenager back to their room after eating take-out for dinner. The next day, Mr. Fuji called the duo to meet him at the Lavender Tower, the man waiting for them in front of the tower. "Good to see both of you well rested. Now let's go. There's someone who wants to meet you two."
"Why here though?" Leaf shuddered as she glanced at the building, holding unto Red for dear life when she remembered her last time within the tower. "This place gives me the spooks."
"Don't worry. It'll be ok." Red assured her, the girl pouting angrily. "It better be."
As they went up the tower, Leaf noticed the difference in the atmosphere which made her relieved when she saw how friendly the Channelers are. When they reached the top, she felt a gentle breeze as they saw the sky through a hole in the ceiling adorning where the chandelier used to be.
"Woah. This place is much different now that it's daytime." She commented which got Red's attention. "Of course. The ghosts usually hide in the mornings to make things less spooky. They actually help out to make things more presentable."
Leaf was about to nod until she saw a few Ghost types roaming the place without a care, some going in and out of Red's shadow, the sight making her shiver before she decided not to answer. The duo looked ahead, seeing a Pokemon that made a smile appear in Red's face.
"Marowak!"
The Pokemon turned to them with a smile before she lifted a finger to shush the newcomers. 'Please...He's sleeping.'
"She wanted to than you for making her be able to meet with her son before going over to the other side." Mr. Fuji explained to the teens while they watched the Ground type Pokemon cradling the baby Cubone while it slept soundly. Putting down her child, the mother walked up to the two teenagers, Red immediately sparking a conversation while Leaf was confused with what the man said. "The other side…?"
After a while, Marowak bowed which surprised the duo before she spoke. 'Thank you for your kindness. I...I also want to say that I'm sorry about attacking you both before.'
"It's no biggie! It's ok, we forgive you." Leaf reassured the ghost, Zori hopping off her shoulder and patting the Ground type. Red went into his bag before he took out a bowl of Berry porridge to give to the mother. "Here, have these. I don't know if you're hungry but I wanted you to have some."
"How did you have time to make that? I was the one cooking." Leaf asked with a surprised look to which Red responded with a shrug. "Meowth asked. Plus I have a checkup at 11."
Meanwhile, Marowak took the bowl, looking at their Pokemon when Luxio yawned. 'Take it. It tastes delicious.'
'Bu-'
'You'd be stupid not to take that bowl of heaven right now.' Meowth came out of her ball and interrupted the mother. Red laughed and petted the cat to calm it down. "Sorry, she's cranky in the mornings. But it would be nice if you could take a sip at least."
As they take their time conversing, Cubone woke up then played with Vulpix and Buneary. Watching her son, Marowak smiled somberly before giving him some of the food as they all enjoyed themselves eating breakfast, courtesy of Red. After an hour, Mr. Fuji looked at the time, a sorrowful expression now taking his face as he sees the main Channeler coming up the stairs. "I guess it's time."
This confused Leaf before she looks around, seeing the sad expressions on everyone's face.
"What does he mean by 'it's time'?" She then asked Red who answered her. "She's leaving. She's…going to rest in peace."
A gasp escaped Leaf's mouth, her eyes darting to Marowak and then her son to the group of Channelers coming into the room and preparing themselves. "Seriously?! But isn't it too soon?"
"I understand your feelings, young woman. It's unfortunate…but there is nothing that we can do." Mr. Fuji said, picking up Cubone and patting it. Leaf turned to Red who was silent, his cap covering her face and his hands shaking.
'I hate this.' His thoughts stated, seeing the Channelers starting their chant while Marowak stood in the middle of a circle, her body starting glowing a purple hue. After a while, that color started changing to a golden color as she started levitating, tears coming from her eyes as she looked at her son.
'Now, my child. I want you to be respectful to Mr. Fuji and the others while I'm gone. I want you to always work on your bone skills. Make sure to be a strong Marowak that Mommy will be proud of.' She sobbed, her club falling from her hand as she started disappearing.
'Please take care of my son. I want him to grow up to be a wonderful man. One worthy of that club.' Tears came out of Red's eyes while he watched the ghost levitates into the air, her words giving him a nostalgic feeling before he waved. Tearing up, Leaf then looked at Cubone seeing him look at the woman with tears in his eyes while he waved at her. 'Bye Mommy! Have fun with Daddy!'
Seeing the Pokemon struck a chord in her heart as she held Red's hand, unaware of the pained expression that took his face. 'I truly hate this no matter how much times I see this.'
'Thank you all for your kindness. For everything.' Marowak stated, waving at everyone as he body started to turn to sparkles, dispersing along with the wind.
'And farewell.'
"Why is it that the pure ones are the ones that suffered the most?" Leaf muttered, pain oozing from her tone as she watched the remaining of the golden lights turn into nothingness. Mr, Fuji remained silent as her eyes looked towards Red whose eyes were hidden under his hair, the wind not allowing anyone to see them. He then went forward and picked up the club that Marowak left, looking at it while Cubone hopped from Mr. Fuji's grasp and walked towards him. Seeing the Pokemon, Red made a smile and pat his head until he heard something that broke his heart. 'My mom isn't coming back, is she?'
Red could not utter any words from his mouth, only nodding as the child looked down in sorrow. 'Oh…thank you for being honest with me, mister.'
The red capped teen then offered the bone club to the baby Cubone who shook his head. 'Can you please hold onto that for me please, mister? You were able to beat mom. So if I become stronger. Like Mom. When I do in the future, I want you to judge how strong please.'
"Ok, no problem. When that time comes, I'll be waiting." Red nodded with a smile before he put the club in the bag, Cubone nodding with a determined expression. 'I definitely will!'
After some time, Red and Leaf sat by the side of the room, their eyes glued to the sky as they watched the clouds go by. The brunette of the two leaned her head on her friend's shoulder before she turned to him, seeing the somber expression on his face. "You alright?"
"Yeah…it's just…"
"Heavy, huh?"
"Very heavy." Red answered, leaning onto the wall and letting out a long exhale, emotionally exhausted. As they continued watching, something came to Red's head as he immediately got up and started to run towards a room, much to the confusion of Leaf and his Pokemon. Once she reached the room he entered, she saw various graves within, her friend planted at one of them where he laid a bunch of flowers.
"Red. What's going on?"
"Oh yeah. Leaf." He turned to her, a smile on his face that Leaf saw was somber as he gestured her to come closer. As soon as she came in front of the grave and read the name, her heart sank even more. "I wished you guys could have met sooner but…sometimes, life can be unfortunate."
Leaf could only watch in surprise, her eyes once again glancing over the name engraved on the tombstone.
Jack Fires.
"Yeah…this is my father." He said, his voice tone not fitting the expression on his face as he looked at the stone. The teen took off his hat and held onto it, looking at the clothing with eyes of sorrow. "The best dad ever. I couldn't ask for anyone better."
"Red, I'm sorry." Leaf said, hugging Red from behind as he looked to the sky. "It's alright. You don't need to be. I just wanted you to meet him. I want to come clean."
"Come clean?" The girl questioned, letting go which made him face her. He then held her hand, looking at her with a serious expression before he took a breath. "I'm sorry. For hurting you. For holding back the truth. For everything."
Red then took the time to sigh, his Pokemon gathering around him, Beedrill patting his back before he continued. "The truth is I went on this journey because I wanted to get out. I told you before. Things weren't good between my mom and I and it really messed up our relationship. I…I just wanted to escape Pallet Town."
"I felt cursed. Like my birth was the most unlucky thing to happen to my parents. Sometimes I wonder if it's better if I wasn't born." A smile came across his face as his gaze descended.
"I really liked to adventure and when I got the chance from our school, I took it. I'm always be in debt to Professor Oak. I worked day in and day out no matter what the salary I had to prepare for that time and then I left. I've always wondered if Mom blamed me for Dad's death…"
Hearing his thoughts, Leaf felt anger before Red put his hand on her shoulder. "Don't blame her. I…don't…"
The teen contemplated his thoughts before Luxio put his paw on the teen, giving him a nod. "Another reason doe my journey is that I'm also looking for a friend."
"A friend? Is it the one that you're speaking about in your dreams?" Leaf asked which surprised him, looking to his Pokemon who nodded in agreement and curiosity. Red thought about the day and what happened before his starter knocked him out of his trance. 'It's ok. You can tell them. I know you consider it your problem but we're to help so it's their problem as well.'
The teen took a minute before agreeing with Luxio, turning to Leaf with an answer. "Yeah. Someone I made a promise to journey the lands with her. A Pikachu. She was stolen during an attack on Viridian City. She…doesn't deserve this." He said, his hand tightened to fists as he looked at the ground in frustration. "I don't care if she doesn't want to travel with me afterwards. I want to save her."
Ascending his gaze to the ceiling and playing with his bandaged hands, he took out a necklace from his shirt, looking at it. "I wanted to look for my father's killer as well. I…I don't know what I'll do when I come across him but at the very least, for Mom and Dad's sake, I want him to see justice for what he did. This necklace is the last memento I got from him. A birthday gift for my 9th birthday."
"It makes sense why you lost your marbles when Misty took them that one time." Leaf said with a hand on her chin which made her feel bad that at the time she accidentally dragged him into her problems.
"Yeah. It's very important. The last thing my father gave to me before he passed away." Red answered before smiling, letting out a dry chuckle. "Well…that's my crazy life. The story of Red Fires. The Crimson Menace."
"How is it that you're able to smile despite everything that's happened to you? Your life…apart from the Pallet Town fire is just…awful." The brunette said, her eyes glistening in worry for her friend despite the smile on his face. "Do you remember anything about that accident?"
"No. I still don't know what happened back then and I wonder if I ever will." Leaf hugged him, his Pokemon joining the hug which made a few tears come from his eyes. "Heh…How selfish am I? Sending out my troubles after a Pokemon's spirit parted to the afterlife."
"A honest person." She answered before letting go to look at him. "I always held back myself because I knew the type of person you are. Plus, you would have to confess sooner or later. Although, I would've known about you anyways."
"Seriously?" Red yelled astounded.
Leaf smirked as she winked at him. "Oh yeah! One background check and I would know up to your health inspection results. Wanna know my sizes?"
"No thanks." Red said with a blush before Leaf got closer to him, quickly guiding one of his hands across her dress. "Good answer. I would rather want you to get a hands on experience anyways."
Before he could say anything, she kissed him on the cheek before running out of the room with a huge blush on her face. "I promise Rina I would help her with training her Pawniard in a few."
"Just go on ahead, I'll be right with you." She left the room which now only had him and his Pokemon. He turned to his Clefairy, an apologetic expression which the Pokemon noticed. "I'm sorry to you guys as well."
His Pokemon turn to him, Luxio about to speak but the teen interrupted you. "I'm very sorry for putting you all through harm's way time and time again. Not listening to you all when you warned me of danger..."
He then petted Beedrill, Luxio and Clef. "And letting you all get hurt for my mistakes and problems."
Red then took out his Pokeballs, letting out Milotic through the release feature which took out the serpent, Red understanding what Leaf said when he saw how weak and malnourished the proud Water type is. Even her scales which were usually beautiful looks dull, her expression being lifeless with her eyes being sunken with bags underneath. Seeing this made Red feel like he was stabbed through the heart, seeing the state of his Pokemon before he bowed in front of them, putting down their capsules as he struggled through his words. "If...if you all want to leave now...I can't hold it against you. I know...I want us to be together through thick and thin but...I don't want you all to get hurt at my expense. I just want you all to be happy. Show you the treasures of life. What happened with Team Rocket...was not one of them."
Silence filled the room, the Pokemon surprised by their trainer's attitude as his head did not move from the ground, some could even see him shaking while his thoughts went dark. 'This is alright. I can do this. I can hold on. I've always been alo-"
'Do you want to know our thoughts?' Meowth said, walking up to her trainer. Red flinched upon the voice but nodded nonetheless which made the cat released a sigh. 'Alright then. I'm out.'
The teen thought as much, she had to deal with his problems when things go south and despite everything that she and Milotic has informed him, he still has not changed. It would make sense that she would leave because she's tired of him and his naivety. "Alright...thank you so much for he-"
Red was caught off guard by a clipping sound, seeing the cat nonchalantly putting back her capsule on his belt before turning away. He could not believe what was happening as he stood still, unable to process what just occurred. 'W-what? Somebody has to make sure that you don't hurt yourself.'
He did not have time either as the rest of his team walked forward, each of them taking up their Pokeball and giving it to him, some of them clipping it to his belt. Beedrill and Luxio were the first to hug him, patting his back. 'Red, you know we're here for you right?'
'Heck yeah! You made me look badass as a Kakuna! I was so embarrassed then so I can't leave you now.'
Poli and Vulpix gripped unto his shirt, cuddling him as they cried. 'You saved me so Poli's gonna be a strong Pokemon and help you.'
'Yeah! I want to pwotect you!' The fire fox said, wagging her tails. Meowth simply looked away but her tail wrapped around Red's arm which made him pet her. Red then saw Clef approached him with a serious expression, the teen's eyes lowering to the crescent shaped scar on the Pokemon's chest. 'I never blamed you for this injury. In fact, I'm thankful for it.'
Red was surprised by this, looking at the Clefairy clenching his fists in frustration. 'As frustrating as it is. It showed that I have room to grow. A level of strength that I can access. You have helped me so far to the point that I can take on opponents I could only dream of fighting. And I have never been much happier before. This is no doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to me. You, being my trainer, was the best thing that happened to me. Can't back out now, can I? Plus I asked you then and I'll ask you again. Will you allow me to travel with you not only to avenge my people but to become stronger as well, boss?'
Holding out his fist, Clef looked at him with a smile which Red reciprocated, holding out his own fist and connecting them, the two of them then laughing. "Thank you, Clef. And I'm sorry."
'It's no problem. Plus, you need to stop saying sorry and get stronger as well. Along with the rest of us. There's so much a slingshot can do.'
"Hmm, you're right." Red put a hand on his chin in deep thought before he remembered someone else in the room, turning to Milotic's direction only to see nothing. He was about to look around until said Pokemon appeared behind him, a saddened expression on her face. "I..."
'I apologize. I-I failed to protect you. You almost died so many times and all I could do was just watch helplessly as you break your body to save us when I should be saving you.' She said silently, tears glistening from her eyes. Seeing them, Red rushed to hug the serpent in worry. "It's ok. It's my fault for putting myself in those dangerous situations. I-I'll be more careful-"
'But what if there is time that you're in trouble?! When danger comes to you?! What if-' She yelled before stopping, looking to the ground. Wrapping her tail around him and embracing him, Milotic was deep in thought before she starts speaking. 'I was thinking...I need some time. On my own...to think about things...learn more about myself and my kind...'
Hearing this, Red felt sad but he understood, nodding which made Milotic smile. After enjoying a meal with the other Pokemon, everyone then went to Route 12, everyone watching as the serpent went to the pier before she turned to them, seeing Red walking up to her, putting a necklace around her neck. "That's a Mystic Water, it should help you in bad situations...I'm gonna miss you. I miss you already but I understand how you feel. I hope that you find what you're looking for out there."
'Thank you. But know this...' The serpent swiped a Luxury Ball from Red's bag, recapturing herself before releasing herself again. 'You need me. Like Meowth said, someone needs to look for you and I will make sure to keep you safe when the times come.'
'Until then. Poli.' The tadpole jumped, waddling to the serpent who patted him. 'I need you to hold on big sis' spot until she comes back, alright?'
'No problemo!' Poli saluted earning a giggle from the serpent. She then nodded to Meowth who shared a nod before she jumped into the water, swimming away and waving. 'Until I come back, keep my new ball cozy please.'
"Bye Milotic! Please take care of yourself." Red shouted, everyone saying their goodbyes as the Pokemon swims away, diving into the sea and disappearing from view.
'Bye big sis!'
'Don't die, fish!' Meowth said in a joking tone, Red having to ask her to behave with a sigh. He then looked at the sky with a smile, enjoying the wind blowing against him.
'Hey, dad.'
Red mentally started when he came back to his father's gravestone with a smile on his face. He then took off his cap and dusting it off. 'I...I know...I have not visited you in months but it's been busy. Hey, I became a trainer and I have three badges and I have my Pokemon. They have been the best friends I could ask for. The girl you saw, that was my friend; her name is Leaf.'
Taking off his jacket, he started to fold up the clothing as he continued. 'She's awesome! She's strong willed, surprisingly eccentric but she has no respect for personal space. Or maybe it's just with me. She's kinda like Mom when she's around you. Also…she's very flirty. Is this what you had to deal with Mom?'
The teen looked down, tears slowly flowing from his eyes as he looked at the tombstone. 'Dad. When I was talking about my life, I always wondered what would you do in my shoes? Would things have been different if you were here? I…I always sometimes wondered if everything that happened that night was a dream. Then before I know it, I'm crying.'
'I always ask you for advice or questions. I don't even know if you're listening. Even now, I can't tell if I'm making a fool out of myself but I want you to know one thing: I love you, Dad. I'm glad to have parents like you and Mom.' Red let out a huge smile, wiping the tears from his eyes as he laid down his jacket and cap. 'I'm gonna miss these but I need to become stronger as well. Just like Cubone is. Until then…'
"Keep watching over me, Dad. And thank you for everything." With that, Red left, upon his father's tombstone was left two things Red never thought he would ever part from. A red jacket and cap, a bouquet of flowers with the note that had a childish drawing of a young boy and a man within a heart with the captions 'Happy Birthday'.
'To the best Dad ever in the constellations, thank you for taking care of me and I hope you're sleeping alright.
Love, Red.'
Sup? Enigma here again. Things were odd and making this chapter was even odder but it's finished either way. I had to check up on this chapter multiple times to make sure that everything is alright. Sorry for steering off course with Yellow but I hope that you enjoy the mini chapter about her. So yes, Red's a Channeler. I feel like that trainer class is very underrated because you only ever see them in one game, not even the Mediums which are shown in Stadium and the 2nd gen games so they get some importance. I honestly don't have much to say so enjoy the chapter and please let me know your thoughts on both it and the story so far.
