Erika took a deep breath when she stood in front of a house that looks like a traditional Japanese dojo which is located at the outskirts of Celadon City near the Celadon Department Store. The woman dusted and fixed her kimono before she went to the house, about to knock on the door until she heard steps in the distance then moving to the side.
"EEERRRRIIIIIKAAAA!" A brown haired maid came out and jumped towards her, hitting a pillar as she slid down. Erika crouched, lightly poking the woman with one of her stick. "You ok, Keiko?"
"Yes, Madame Erika." The woman said with a muffled voice before she got up. "It's good to see you again. You hardly visit home."
"Sorry, I have been busy." Erika said with a smile, looking away when the woman gave her a judgmental glare. "Sleeping is not work, Miss."
"You didn't have to say it. But I get so tired taking care of the greenhouse and the garden. Then there's the gym." Erika sulked while Keiko escorted the woman in, the gym leader greeting the workers of the household.
"If the gym is so bad, why not give it to your sister?" Keiko suggested, receiving a bewildered look from Erika. "She's not THAT bad, you know?"
"…"
"Ok. She is." Keiko admitted with a pout gaining a giggle from Erika. The two then arrived by a door, Erika taking a deep breath when the maid came beside her. "Will you be alright with your…you know? Especially with-"
"I'll try." The raven haired woman interrupted when she took her last exhale. "It's not gonna be easy but I'll try. I've been doing alright these past few weeks."
Keiko opened the doors, Erika entering the room with a calm demeanor, bowing to her parents who did the same.
"Please sit." As she lifted her head, she saw the person she wanted to meet at the other end of the room, a man the same age as her who had black spiky hair that went down to his shoulders and dressed in a black kimono with white lightning bolts on it. Upon seeing the man, Erika felt nauseous which made her face scrunched up, the woman giving off a menacing aura which the man noticed as he bowed. "Erika."
"Tony." Erika said the name in a disgusted tone as she glared at him which made him slightly taken back. She then took a deep breath and drank some of her tea which managed to alleviate her nausea a little before she started speaking. "I'm pretty sure you know what's been going on around the city."
"Yeah, a biker gang's been rolling around our turf. And they're making a very big impression already." Tony said, scratching his head. "Those guys usually scurry around the Cycling Road or that one route between Saffron and Lavender. Looks like they're changing their area and trying to 'broaden their horizons'."
"Broaden their horizons?" Erika was surprised by this.
"Yeah. We're supposed to be meeting them tonight." Tony explained. "They want to 'negotiate our standings'. Whatever that means. I just know that's just their way of saying that they want dominion of the turf. Not like they cared with the recent news. And they're getting worse."
Erika sighed, becoming worried as she put a hand on her head. "I don't like this. And judging by the crimes, it's getting worse."
"Yeah. This may turn into gang war if we're not careful." Tony stated until he took a sip out of his tea. "I'll try at least to minimalize the damage but they mean business."
The woman had a serious expression on her face when she thought about their situation. Seeing Erika's turmoil, Tony smiled as he folded his arm. "I'm honestly surprised you didn't just bring Sabrina over here and made her read my mind."
"I couldn't get her. She's busy." Erika answered flatly, making him jump in surprise. "You were really planning to?!"
This got a chuckle from Erika's parents, the two turning to them as her mother had to turn and hold her laughter.
"Even after all these years, you too have not changed…much." Erika's father said as he massaged his beard. Her mother put her hand over her mouth and held her laughter. "Also, thanks, Tony. It's not directly but we're happy to see her coming home and visit us."
"No prob, Ma and Pops. I'll keep you all posted after the meeting. See ya, Eri-I mean Erika." He said as he got up and left, Erika sparing him a glance as he left the room which did not go unnoticed by her mother. "You're worried about him."
Erika turned to her parents with a poker face before she stood up, bowed to them and left. "I have to go. I got gym leader duties to do."
"Alright, be safe."
"And don't sleep on the job."
When she left the house, the gym leader gazed at the city in silence before she made her way there, unaware of someone in the trees watching her.
It was a calm day in Celadon City as the folks go about their daily routine. One of the people is Leaf as she tries out dresses in front of a mirror while her Pokemon were playing around the room, Eevee getting used to the party.
"We're going out soon!~" Leaf sang while dancing around the room, happily picking out her clothes and checking them on herself. Kim watched the girl go around the room while she brushed her Purugly's fur, much to the cat's pleasure. "Someone's super happy."
"Of course! I get to have a date with Red. It's always fun to see him get flustered."
"Don't do too much. He might die from a heart attack."
"Oh please. He's easy to get a reaction out of but he's not that hopeless." She said as she looked at her black dress, shaking her head before she checked another dress. "He's honestly getting used to it. He does get jealous sometimes when I trick him by not kissing or hugging him."
"Oh…that means you're not gonna play it safe?" Kim asked, turning to her Delcatty and coming its fur.
"Of course not! You know me, Kim. I like being dangerous. Safe is Red's code." She said with a huge smile on her face before picking another dress that she checked by the mirror. "How does this look?"
"You look awesome, girl. But it depends on what you're going for. You wanna knock his socks off or make him drool?"
Leaf thought about it, putting her fingers on her chin before she smirked with a brow raised. "Can't I do both?"
They both laughed as Leaf put down the dress, brushing her fingers across the necklace on her neck before she sat down. The two girls continued speaking for the day as Leaf tried on outfits, the girls unaware of the struggles in the next room.
Red was having a predicament.
He was checking through his wardrobe of six outfits, seven if he were to include the Team Rocket uniform. He started pacing around the room, sweating dripping from his forehead as his Pokemon watch him walking around. "What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?"
'What is there to do? Just pick an outfit and go out.' Clef said with a shrug. Red then lifted one of his shirts before getting a question from Beedrill. 'I don't understand. What's the point of this? Just wear your red jacket.'
"I wish but it's battered right now from Leaf's fight and I had to leave it with the tailors. Also, she wants me to dress at my best. I wasn't expecting this." Red said as he took up his Ninetales shirt as he held it up along with his black T-shirt. "I don't know what I should wear. This is very hard."
'I think you're overthinking this. You're gonna be fine. Just be your usual self. You both are just going to the movie anyways. Not like you two are a couple.' Meowth said as she played with her bell, not noticing the slight change in Red's expression when he heard her. He then paced the room again, Beedrill pointing at one of his black hoodies. 'I like this one.'
"Oh, really? It's not bad. Alright then." Red said, giving up before he plopped himself on the bed. His Vulpix laid on his lap with a smile while they all shared a laugh before Luxio said. 'You'll be alright. It's like every other day for you two.'
Red then looked at the ceiling as they took a deep breath. "Ok. I hope I got this."
It was the day of the date when Leaf came out of the bathroom with her Azumarill patterned sundress, adjusting her clothes while her Lopunny and Roselia starts giggling at their trainer's antics. After sharing a grin and nod with Kim, she gathered her items and then left, waiting outside of the Pokemon Center for Red who she has not seen since yesterday. As she waited, Leaf then heard his voice, a small smile on her face.
"Y-you look beautiful in that dress." She heard Red's voice behind her which made her turn around and grin. "Ohhh~ Thanks for the compliment, swee-"
When she saw Red, her entire thought process went awry upon seeing him. Red is wearing a black blazer that has the patterned rings of an Umbreon on the sleeves and the back with a red undershirt along with black jeans and sneakers. His hair was combed properly, making his eyes much more visible than usual. Kim made a whistle while Leaf stood still with a poker face, much to his confusion. "Uhh, Leaf. Are you ok?"
'Oh my God! He's so fucking hot! Yep, it's decided. I'm gonna kiss him.' Leaf thought, walking quickly towards Red until Kim barely stopped her, dragging her to the side and then whispered to her. "Girl, you need to calm down the horny. You're going to the movies, not taking his innocence."
"Right…right." She slapped her cheeks, Kim giving her a thumbs up and pointed at the door before she gestured Red outside. As they were on their way, she took her opportunity and carefully locked arms with her raven haired partner with a big smile, tracing her fingers around his jacket as silence took over. 'I have nothing to talk about.'
Leaf was panicking as they had a quiet walk around the city, the girl feeling immersed by the silence a little afterwards. After a while, they arrived to the theater, Leaf flashing the tickets to the receptionist before they got popcorn and sodas and entered the cinema.
"This is gonna be so exciting!" Red whisper shouted in surprise while jumping in his seat, trying to find every possible way to control himself. Leaf, on the other hand, giggled at his enthusiasm as he impatiently waited for the movie to start before she took some of the popcorn and cuddled against him. "Don't lose your hair about something so trivial, handsome."
Giving him a seductive smile, she winked at him before she brought him close.
"L-Leaf, what are you doing?" Red stuttered nervously, his face starting to sweat as Leaf tucked her hair to the side and licked her lips. "Take a hint. Why don't you?"
The brunette then held his head in her hands, their lips almost touching each until she bumped him with her forehead.
"Gotcha! I think it's adorable how easy it is to make you blush." Leaf giggled, her grin getting bigger when she heard Red starting to mumble unintelligently. "...stop teasing me..."
"No. Unless you want me to go all the way." Leaf raised a brow as she got close to his ear, blowing at it before she planted her lips on her cheek. She was about to continue until she felt a flick on her forehead, giving her a poker face before he pointed to the screen.
"The movie is starting." Red said as the place got quiet. The screen shows a picture of an Eevee in a ranger suit as it vows to fight against the world of evil. Seeing the blissful expression on his face as he silently cheers for the heroes like a joyful child, some of his Pokemon coming out of their capsules to cheer along with him.
'Red Fires. Who are you?' Leaf thought, a huge smile on her face before she turned to the screen and continued watching.
She found herself enjoying the movie as well, turning to see Red tearing up at one of the heroes' death at the end of the movie, even Meowth blowing on a napkin in Red's bag. "Umbreon went out like a true hero. You won't be missed."
'Why are you like this?' She watched the movie, enjoying the final battle as she saw Flareon unleashed its final attack, her and Red in unison as they were on the edge of their seat. Leaf enjoyed the movie as she watched the post credit scene, excited for the announcement of the sequel before she noticed Red enthusiastically checking his Pokedex for the silhouette shown. Letting out a sigh, she grabbed the device from his hands and puts it in her purse. "No geeking or spoiling. Nobody likes that."
As they left the cinema, the two went to the Celadon Park, resting on a bench and stretching themselves then released their Pokemon.
"That. Movie. Was. Awesome!" Red exclaimed, his eyes sparkled with joy and happiness. He then turn to Leaf, spinning her around and hugging her which caught her off guard and made her blush before she hears him. "Thanks, Leaf! You're the best!"
She then smiled when she got her composure, returning the embrace. "Yeah. I know."
As they continued the hug, Red realized that he is holding her much more than usual before he let go, Leaf still holding onto him. "Uhhh…Leaf?"
"No. I need to recharge." She said, leaning on his chest and snuggling herself against him, shameless and unaware of the pure embarrassment on Red's face. After a while and dealing with Leaf still hugging him, the raven haired teen saw something before he patted her.
"Wait here. I'll be right back." He said to which she nodded as he ran out of the park. Looking up to the sky, her thoughts continued as she felt the winds through her hair.
'Seriously, Red. Why do you make me feel this way? His eyes are one thing but-' She felt something on her face, jumping up to see Red with two cotton candies in his hand as he hands one to her. "Oh, thanks."
"No problemo." He smiled before he sat down and they chatted. After a while, Leaf turned to see the big smile on Red's face, wiping a piece of the candy that was on his cheek. This caught Red's attention when he turned to her, Leaf giving him a huge. "Sorry, there was some candy on your face."
"Oh...thanks." He said, slightly blushing when he felt her lips on his cheeks, seeing Leaf who had a slightly shocked expression on her face. "Wow! You've improved. You would usually be heating up after my kiss. I guess I need to kick up the ante."
"Please don't." Red said, seeing her fluttering her eyelashes before he took a deep breath and was able to calm himself. 'Dad, how did you deal with this with Mom?'
"You're putting up a tough fight but how long can you last, sweetie." Leaf said as she took a bit of his cotton candy, getting as close as she can to him. Red has seen Leaf being aggressive before but now, she was all over him. While she was laying on his lap, Red noticed the brunette having a melancholic look on her face while she fiddling with her water. "You ok, Leaf?"
"Red. Why did you think Selia doesn't want to evolve?" Leaf asked, enjoying her water and tapping her fingers furiously when she finished her cotton candy. Hearing her question, he furrowed his brows before he shared his thoughts. "Because she doesn't want to. Simple as that. Also, it's just a theory but you know how some Pokemon upon evolution get extra body parts like Poli and Beedrill?"
"Yeah." Leaf nodded.
"This is the same process for Selia when she was a Budew. However, this process is never something that all Pokemon are happy for. It can be painful for some, downright traumatizing for others, making them not ever wanting to evolve anymore." Red explained with his arms crossed, sighing as he felt the wind hit him.
"Really?"
"Yeah." He continued, taking another bite of his cotton candy before continuing. "Think about it this way. A Shelgon evolving into a Salamence won't instantly know how to use its new body parts. This is the same for a Beedrill or even a Charizard and, in your case, a Roselia. They take time to get used to their body parts. Poli even forgets that he has hands sometimes."
Leaf was surprised by this, looking at the table and fiddling with her drink. "Ohhh."
"Mhm. That's why most trainers, especially skilled ones decide to evolve their Pokemon after a match instead of during. It helps them understand what they're dealing with instead of when they're in a match. Although after a while, the League took away the rules but most trainers still follow that strategy."
"Oooohhhh...that's actually makes sense." Leaf remarked, tapping her fingers on her cup before she patted her cheeks. "Well, I just have to deal with it and get stronger another way."
Red sighed, taking a napkin and rubbing some food off her face. "But you're currently doing that though. Plus, Roselia is plenty strong as it is."
"You're right." Leaf concluded, leaning on Red and getting comfortable.
"Don't you wish everyday could be like this? I mean Pokemon training is cool but I'm in need of some R & R."
"Yeah. We went through a lot. It's good to just sit back and relax." Red answered as he leaned back, the two of them feeling extremely comfortable with each other as they watched their Pokemon. Unknown to everyone, despite her relaxed expression, Leaf was extremely giddy, her heart beating fast as she cuddled up to her Red until she saw his neck still in bandages. "Is your neck ok?"
"Yeah. It's not that bad. Could've been worse." Red said, tapping his neck. Leaf held his hand and put her other to his neck. "Red. Just remember that I'm here for you. It may not be a long time since we've known each other but know I've got your back. Just like you had mine."
Red could not understand what was happening but unlike when she usually would tease him, seeing Leaf like this, just the genuine smile and care on her face made his heart skip a beat. Before his blush was more visible, he nodded before he turned around. "Thanks."
"Hey, you would've done the same." Leaf said as she hugged him. After a while, they both decided to get up and leave, returning their Pokemon then heading towards one of the vendors. "Want any food, Leaf?"
"At this point, I'm alright with anything." Leaf said until her eyes landed on a food cart that made her drool, the brunette dragging Red towards it with a smile. "Change of plans. I want that!"
They went to the burger vendor, Leaf seeing the special and ordering it which made the man grin provocatively.
"A burger special for the new couple!" The man said which made the two slightly blush, Leaf quickly spoke. "Yes! This is my sugar bear."
Feeling some heat on his face, Red turned to Leaf smiling as she enjoyed her burger with a happy squeal. 'As long as she's ok.'
Enjoying their burgers, they were approached by a muscular man with a mustache and a blonde woman in a clown outfit. "Greetings, young couple! Would you be interested in playing a game?"
"No, thanks. We're on a date. Let's go, sweetie." Leaf said, turning around, Red about to follow before the man grabbed him and escorted him to their stall.
"You can get one of our prized Pokemon as well." The woman declared which made Leaf stop, Red chuckled as he got his Pokeball ready. "Now you have her attention."
"Don't cry if you lose, kiddies." The burly guy said as he took out his Pokeball.
"Don't worry about us. I got the best tactician here." Leaf said as she bumped fists with Red, taking out her Pokeball. The two got to a battlefield, the two vendors throwing their capsules into the sky.
"Arcanine, center stage!"
"Vaporeon, lets go!"
Both Pokemon appeared on the field, Leaf and Red nodding to each other as they released Luxio and Wartortle. Everyone watched as Arcanine and Vaporeon shot their respective blasts which was stopped by Luxio's Discharge shield before Wartortle used Water Pulse, the attack absorbed by Vaporeon.
"I forgot about Water Absorb!" Leaf said, Red and her sharing a nod which made her smile while their opponents are coming towards them.
"Brick Break, Wartortle!"
"Night Slash."
Luxio dashed forward with a burst of speed, its attack clashing with Vaporeon's Iron Tail, Arcanine about to join in the fray until Wartortle knocked the two back with Brick Break.
"It's all you now, Leaf."
"Got it! Wartortle, Water Pulse!" Leaf commanded, her Wartortle attacking both of them with the attack, seeing Vaporeon absorbing the move while Arcanine was getting hurt, much to the vendors' confusion.
"What is she doing? Does she know that this is just lemonade to Vaporeon?" The blonde said to the man who shrugged before he noticed Luxio glowing. "Crap! We need to attack the Luxio now!"
"Too late. Another Water Pulse!" Leaf said, her Pokemon unleashing a huge water sphere at the two, Vaporeon absorbing the attack until the water started to spark with electricity. "Get out of the water, quick!"
They were too late when Red made Luxio use Discharge on the water, electrocuting the two Pokemon. The blast sent the Water type into Arcanine and knocking out Vaporeon. Before Arcanine could get up, Wartortle smacked the Pokemon with an Aqua Tail, defeating the Fire type. Seeing their Pokemon defeated, the two vendors smiled before they led the teenagers to their stand. "You're the first to beat us in a while. Well, go on."
"You both can take one each. Take your pick." The man said as they released a Turtwig, Torchic and a Totodile on their stand. Red heard the three said hello, speaking to them which made the vendors confused. 'Is that child ok? Did he lose his marbles?'
"I want the Torchic!" Leaf jumped up as she picked up the chick who chirped happily as she hugged it. Meanwhile, Red crouched beside the Pokemon being showcased before he picked up one of the Pokemon. "Uhhh. I guess I'll take Turtwig."
Turtwig had a smile on its face before it bit Red on the head then went into its Pokeball which made Leaf confused. "D-does it hate you?"
"Nah. It was saying hi." Red said, the girl looking at her Torchic who shared the same worried look as her. "Oooook. Thanks...let's go."
After a while of walking around, the two passed what used to be the red light district, seeing the place which made him surprise as he ran to the sign. "They have a paintball field! That's awesome."
"Paintball! We're going tomorrow with Kimberley!" Leaf said excitedly, her hand in her hips. "This is gonna be so much fun!"
While the two had a conversation and making jokes, a group of guys approached the two, Leaf folding her arms as one of the guys put his arm around her, pushing Red out of the way in the process. "Hey there, babe! Why don't you hang out with us?"
"Yeah, girl! Let us show you a good time."
"How about no?" Leaf spat, removing herself from the guy then walking up to Red and picking him up. "C'mon, Red!"
"Hey, girl. C'mon. We know a nice place." The guy said, about to grab her again until someone grabbed his wrist, the guy seeing that it's Red. "I'm sorry, guys but can you leave her alone? She said no so..."
"So what? You wanna fight?" The guy shouted, pulling his arm away.
"Uh...no. Just telling you that she said no." Red said with a raised brow. One of the guys approached Red, snickering while cracking his knuckles as the rest of the gang gave him a nod. 'They're not gonna listen, huh?'
"Get out of my way!" He said as he went for a punch which Red dodged, the guy noticing his crimson eyes making him slightly frightened. The guy tried again and went for another strike, this time Red blocking his strike before he pushed him away. "Alright, so we got a boyfriend trying to act tough in front of his girl. We'll show you what we think of chivally."
"Chivalry." Red corrected.
"Shut the fuck up! Surround him!" He said, the group then surrounded Red. Before they all could attack him, one of them fell down from a kick to the back from Leaf, the girl then slamming her foot onto his crotch. After hearing the impact, the men trembled uncomfortably until they picked up their unconscious leader leaving a two teenagers, Red clasping his hands. 'May the Lord bless his soul...and his ability to have children.'
"My hero, Reddie!" Leaf cheered, tackling Red into a hug which he returned, patting her back until he noticed her shifting, a grin on her face. "I won't mind if you cop a feel."
Red looked at her with a poker face before he leaves. "You ruined it. You ruined it and I'm leaving. And please don't call me Reddie, please."
"Red, wait up!" Leaf said, running towards him as they go down the street. "Don't ignore me."
Explosions could be heard around Route 7, Leaf's Clefairy flew into the air then used Magical Leaf, Red's Dusclops using Shadow Punch which fused with the leaves, hitting their opponents and defeating them.
"Awesome! A movie, a new Pokemon and some good double battles! Nothing makes a day better than this." Leaf said as she walked away from beating a fighting couple, her Clefairy jumping on her head as she hugged Red's arm.
"Not a lot of things gets you excited than battles." Red commented when he sat down on the ground, getting a smile from the girl.
"Depends." She said, about to cuddle with Red until she saw eyes on his shoulder making her scream in horror. "What the fuck?!"
The girl jumped into the air and fell over, hearing giggling which made her look back to see Misdreavus which made her angry before she lunged towards it. "You little-"
The Pokemon immediately retreated into Red's shadow which made Leaf crash into the Red, the girl getting up and straddling him before she grabbed him by his collar. "Take her out!"
"I can't, Leaf." Red said with his hands up. "Unless she wants to."
"You live today, Misdreavus. But next time...oh, next time..." Leaf pointed at the shadow, hearing the Ghost Pokemon's giggles. Letting go of Red, Leaf got up and drank some water before they noticed a woman looking into the sunset.
"Is that Erika?" The brunette raised an eyebrow, they saw the woman picking up flowers along with her Meganium who was releasing an aroma from its mouth. The woman looked like Erika but her hair is longer, reaching her back, the woman dressed in a green and brown kimono before she noticed the two teenagers.
"Nice to meet you! My name is Hanae." The woman greeted as she approached them, Leaf and Red returning the salutations by bowing to her. "I'm Leaf and this is Red. We're both trainers."
"Trainers?" Hanae said in surprise before she put her flowers in the basket that Meganium was carrying. "That means you're going to challenge my little sister soon."
"Little sister?" Leaf said before her eyes went wide. "You're Erika's older sister?!"
The woman gave them a knowing smile which made Leaf a little annoyed but Red gave her some water. "Yep. She's definitely her sister…if the smile isn't enough."
Hanae giggled upon hearing that, seeing the two teenagers which made her slightly frown. "You two reminds me of my little sister Eri and her ex-boyfriend."
"Excuse me. She had a boyfriend? I thought she hates guys." Leaf asked incredulously, Red was also but not as dramatic as his female companion. Hanae simply sighed as she dusted her kimono. "Afraid."
"So that's why she banned guys from the gym."
"What? No boys are not allowed at the gym?" The woman said in surprise, her Meganium and her sharing a worried look. "This does not bode well."
"You think?" Leaf said, slightly annoyed while Red was in deep thought. The woman then sighed before she gestured them to sit down, the three of them sitting on the bench.
"As you know, Erika has...a slight fear of men. She's very good at keeping it in check but it gets her sick, sometimes making her want to vomit." The woman started. "She wasn't like this before. Back then, Erika was a prankster. A serious headache. Surprising, I know."
"I see it." Leaf said with a deadpanned expression followed by a nod from Red.
"Oh, I see. Some things never change. Well, she always played pranks with her friend Tony. The two of them are joined by the hip. Those two did everything together." Hearing this, Leaf lifted a brow before a question came to her head. "Who on earth is this Tony guy?"
"A boy from a ex-mafia family. He's kind, competitive and the two of them were trouble. And Erika loved that boy." The woman said with a pensive smile, her Meganium cuddling with her to comfort the woman.
"In fact, you remind me of him." The woman said, looking at Red, Leaf pouting as she grabbed his arm which made the woman giggled. "Not to worry, Erika's heart has not moved on from Tony. That's probably why it hurts so much and why she's like that."
Red raised a brow when hearing her say that. "What happened?"
"One day, we were attacked by some gang members. They invaded the gym and destroyed everything in the place and wrecked the greenhouse. It was horrible." Hearing this, the two teens were horrified by this as the woman turned her Meganium around, showing a fading burnt wound on its left underside. "It was much worse. Many of our Pokemon were hurt by this. Some of them..."
She couldn't continue, holding onto the flowers she had before she continued. "It was a dark time. A very dark time and it traumatized Erika. Especially since it was done by Tony's gang."
Leaf and Red were shocked by this, Leaf now feeling bad for all the things she said since she did not know her story. "I'm sorry to hear that. Must've been hard."
"I know. Erika was hurt by this and she did not want anything to do with Tony. She felt betrayed." Hanae frowned, looking at the floor. "She became a gym leader afterwards and just distanced herself from us. Probably because at the time, our father did not cut ties with Tony and his family. Devoted her time to restoring the greenhouse."
Red did not say anything, he did not know what to say. He was not that much affected by Erika's glare but understanding what happened, he could relate to how she felt. He looked up to the sky as a singular phrase came to his mind.
'Trauma sucks.'
However, one thing that confused him was.
"Why is your father still with Tony's family?"
"That I will never know. Father never told us." Hanae shook her head. "Whenever he and Erika were to talk, it always goes into a heated argument. I'm surprised if they can stay in the same room for long."
Red and Leaf looked at each other, sharing a look of concern before they heard a giggle from the woman as she waved her hand to the side. "Oh please. No need to be sad. It's not like I'm begging you to forgive her. What she does with the gym is unfair but I just want you to understand where it came from. I may need to speak to her about it."
"What you're gonna do about it?" Leaf asked to which the woman stayed silent as she went into her basket. As silence took the area and the woman gave them a serious expression, she then said. "I'm unsure."
The wind blows, the trees dancing as the two teenagers stood in disbelief, Leaf trying her best not to squint her eyes and lift her hands to her face. 'Why did you make it look so dramatic then?!'
"Thanks for listening anyway. I know it's none of your concerns but I just needed someone to speak to. Take these." Hanae handed them a Big Root, a Miracle Seed and some herbs. Waving to the two teenagers and saying their goodbyes, the woman went ahead until she stopped, much to the confusion of Red and Leaf.
"Umm. Where's Celadon City again?" She asked, Leaf and Red taken aback by this as they both came to a realization. 'Is she an airhead?'
After they escorted her back to the city, it was evening by the time they got back to the Pokemon Center, the two dropping to the couch as they thought about everything that happened today.
"That's quite the bombshell she dropped, huh?" Leaf said while looking to the ceiling, Red just hummed and nodded.
"Thanks for the movie."
"Oh please. It's no biggie." Leaf put her hands on her hips. Smiling, Red then took off his hoodie and sat by the sofa, Leaf noticing something.
The two fell on the ground, Leaf on top of Red, her hands by the sides of his face while he looked up at her. The two stared at each other for what seem like an eternity, Red looked at Leaf, now noticing her features. He saw how her aqua marine eyes, how they looked like they could be a shade from a sapphire but at the same time shone like the surface of the ocean which matched her skin looks soft and delicate as he could notice a line of pink by her nose.
Leaf's body froze as the girl observed all of Red's facial features, seeing that despite some wounds and burn marks, his face was still cute and his cheeks looked puffy. She then went to his eyes, the girls noticing a huge difference in them from the first time they met, the crimson orbs shone more now, almost like Red, they needed some push to show their real selves. Their heartbeats were moving a thousand miles a minute, neither moving as they immersed into the silence.
After a while, Leaf deciding to descend and get closer, ignoring the heat rushing to her face. She saw no resistance from Red, she herself surprised when she found him moving closer to her but her surprise was drowned out by another feeling tugging on her chest. Their lips were just inches from each other.
The door then opened, Kim entered into the room, seeing the two on the couch now leaning on each other as they stare at the ceiling absentmindedly. "What on earth are you two doing?"
"R-resting." Leaf could barely word out, followed by a nod from Red.
"Oook. I got takeout." Kim lifted a bag of food.
"Kim! You're the best! You had the answer all along. Food!" Leaf said as she got up and ran to the kitchen. Red simply watched the girls eat while he leaned on the sofa, Turtwig and Vulpix now on his lap. Seeing Leaf, he felt his cheek heat up and his heart beating faster especially when he remembered what just happened. 'I almost kissed her. I almost…kissed her.'
He was unaware of a brunette sneaking glances at him from time to time, the girl's head feeling like steam is oozing from it as she put her head in the freezer to cool off which got a baffled look from Kim. "Leaf?"
'Darn it. I almost kissed him. Stupid heart won't stop beating fast.' She thought, taking her head out and trying to act as normal as possible. Despite this, deep down, the two of them knew, their feelings towards each other have changed.
It was nighttime when Tony and his gang were on their way to the outskirts of Celadon City.
"Are you sure about this? They could ambush us." One of his goons whispered, Tony thinking about the situation before he scratched his head. "Yeah but we got nothing else to go for from here. Let's listen to their demands and if it results to violence, you know what to do."
"Yes, boss!" His group nodded. They then went to into an abandoned house, seeing the gang waiting for them as one of them started snickering.
"Welcome, Crasher!" The grey haired man who had a huge scar in the shape of an 'X' on his right eye, the man dressed in a violet suit which made Tony a bit taken aback by his attire. The man got out of his seat and welcomed Tony who simply bowed. "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet us. We are the Titan group. You can refer to me as Honcho. Please, sit down."
Tony stayed silent, sitting on the seat that the man gestured to, putting his head in his palm. Silence took over as the man played with the cup in his hand, taking a final sip until he put down the cup on the table.
"I'm going to get to the point. I need you to provide me with control of the city." He said, Tony lifting a brow before he started chuckling. "You're a funny one. Why would you think I have control over the city?"
"Crasher...I know about the things you do in this city. Your contribution to this city. Your connections as well." The man smiled, Tony squinting his eyes before he leaned back in his seat. "I don't have connections so can't help you with that."
Honcho's smile fell, his men about to attack which made Tony's guys about to attack until they all stopped.
"What the hell did you do?" Tony said as he was stuck in place, his goons also frozen in place like statues as Honcho and his men started laughing. "I don't think you understand, Tony. I'm not asking."
A Metagross descended from the ceiling then levitated Tony and his men to the air. "I'm telling you."
"I should've expected this." Tony smiled as the man made his Pokemon tighten its hold on their neck. For a brief moment, the raven haired man shared a look with one of his goons before he heard Honcho. "Now it's up to you, Crasher. Either you agree to my demands or you lose your life."
"Go...to hell..." Tony barely choked out, Honcho's expression changed into that of disappointment before he snapped his fingers, Metagross' arm starting to glow as it was about to attack Tony. Suddenly, a blast came from one of the windows, hitting Metagross and knocking it back which made it lose its grip on Tony and his group.
"Attack!"
"Kill them!"
The two groups faced against each other, Honcho's men taking out groups of powerful Pokemon while Tony's gang took out their own Pokemon. It was an all out war, explosions happening and blood being spilt as the battle destroyed the building. During this, Tony defeated some of the Titan members before he came across Dread who sneered at him. "You know you made a big mistake by not siding with us, right?"
"I don't know about that. I just answered his question. I have no connection in this city." Tony shrugged, Dread dashing towards him, trying to land a punch only to miss the black haired man. "Try again, Dread."
"Don't need to tell me." Dread dashed towards Tony, trying to hit only to be rewarded with misses. Tony looked around the area, smiling as he quickly picked up a pipe and made a quick swing on Dread which knocked him into a wall. Holding his head, Dread put on his knuckledusters as he walked towards Tony. "It's dumb of you to not carry a Pokemon."
Tony dashed towards Dread, doing a thrust which knocked back Dread, knocking off his hoodie to show a bald man with a scar in the shape of a crescent on his cheek. Dread then went forward and then threw some punches at Tony which he blocked with his pipe before he was able to barely graze Tony's arm.
"Watch your feet!" Dread heard this and repositioned himself only to receive a strike to his chin which made him step back before he suffered multiple strikes to the stomach. Realizing that he is fighting a losing battle, the bald man looked around then grabbed one of the Draconite members by the neck and released his Tyranitar who aimed at the member's head. "His head falls off if you don't comply, Crasher!"
"Crush this place, Dugtrio!" The entire place started shaking, Dread losing his footing before he opt to throw the member, Tony being able to catch him. This earthquake managed to push the tide over to the Draconites side as they started taking our the Titan group. During this, Tony noticed that he has not seen Honcho anywhere, looking around and into the sky but he saw no sign of the man. "Where did he go?"
He then froze in his step, unable to move as he noticed that this is happening to the rest of his group.
"What the?" Before he could do anything, he saw Metagross charging a powerful blast then unleashing it, the blast vaporizing and killing some of the Draconite group members. Seeing this, Tony shouted to Havoc who was right beside him. "Havoc, I'm counting on you, ok? I'll try to buy as much time as I can."
"Yes, boss!"
As he said that, the blast got bigger, destroying everything on the street as the beam travelled past Cycling Road, exploding a few meters away from the Route 17. After the blast subsided, Honcho walked towards the crater his Metagross created, seeing Tony in the ruins covered in blood, a stone wall in front of him. "So you saved your team? Good job, leader. Very good job but now, you've made yourself a sitting Psyduck. Take him."
Two burly men came and picked up Tony, knocking him out with a kick, Honcho having a smile on his face as he made his men threw the black haired man into his car before he drove off. The old man took out a phone, a smile on his face when he stopped at a picture of Erika. "You can act stupid if you want but I have other ways to make you talk, Tony."
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Sorry, this was a little late but it's here. I was itching to let out this chapter because...I actually forgot why. Well, enjoy the tomfoolery between our heroes and stay tuned! Keep safe and Enigma out!
