Chapter 2

Author's Note: This is word emphasis

-this is telepathic conversation-

Oak's Lab:

Citrine stands behind Red as he rings the doorbell, and then can only watch what happens next in sheer disbelief even as she helps to capture the pokémon Red accidentally let out. With the help of Gastly, and Misdreavus they track the others to Viridian City. Citrine can only stare as Bulbasaur gets into the abandoned Viridian City Gym. She only had a second's warning once they were inside, and Red was convincing Bulbasaur to come back to them, calming the little guy down. The eleven year old blonde get smacked into the wall by the wild Machamp, -Red, wild Machamp, Look Out!-

Red whips around, grabbing Bulbasaur as he dodges the attack even as Bulbasaur fires off a Leech Seed. Said attack from Machamp had broken down the walls, and in a flash of inspiration Red throws Bulbasaur into the sunlight that was coming through, and the little guy fires off a Solar Beam to beat the wild Machamp. Misdreavus and Gastly were hovering around Citrine in concern, and Red practically teleported over to her. Citrine whimpers when his hands gently run over her ribs, " Shh, we'll get you patched up, okay, 'Trine. "

Red gently picks her up, " Young lady, are you alright? "

Citrine looks at Professor Oak, " I'll be fine, I've had worse. "

" Why did you two come to my lab anyhow? "

Red sighs as he explains, " The best advice I can give you is to bond with your pokémon, and follow your hearts. You were right that the only way you would get stronger is to travel. Red, Citrine, I want you two to take these Pokédexes, they'll help you on your journey by telling you about the pokémon you encounter, and help me with my research. "

He teaches them how to use their new pokédexes, and then Red makes his way to the Viridian Hospital to get Citrine looked at. The blonde winced with every step he took, but Red knew he had to get her medical attention. Once her ribs have been wrapped he gets them a room at the local Pokémon Center. Citrine accepts the painkillers Red gives her, along with the Oran Berry Juice as well. " You all right, 'Trine? "

" I'm fine, like I said, I've had worse, Red. " Citrine states.

Red sits beside her on the bed she had chosen, " Doesn't mean I have to like it. "

Citrine curls into him as well as she can, " I know that, but I need you to stay even keeled emotionally, you know that, Red. "

Red sighs, " How is it that I was the one to find you with Poli? "

Citrine blinks, why had it been Red to find her, and not someone else? Not that she was complaining, mind you. Living with Red the last four years had been the best thing to ever happen to her. " You were in the right place at the right time, Red. You, and Poli both. "

Red takes his cap off, and lays back with Citrine still snuggled into him, " Rest, Citrine, you think I haven't noticed you sleep better with me? "

People would have talked in Pallet Town, though no one could blame Red for taking her in. They were actually glad he wasn't alone any longer. However, had they shared a room all the time there would have been talk like there was in all small towns. No one would question traveling companions sticking together however. Citrine lets herself relax, she could trust Red after all. Red lets Poli, Dor, and Saur out, " Stand guard with Gastly, and Misdreavus, okay. "

His Pokémon nod at this order, and Red falls asleep himself. The eleven year old male keep his hold on Citrine gentle, but protective. What Red would realize in a few years was that his protectiveness of Citrine went deeper than just friendship. For the moment they were very good friends. The instant she whimpers Red's fingers card through the hair she had let down for the night. Gastly looked immensely happy that her mistress would be getting the rest she needed now. Even asleep Red had this uncanny knack of being able to soothe Citrine, sending her back into the land of dreams instead of the realm of nightmares.

Gastly wakes them in the morning, or tries to wake her mistress. Red slips out from under her, leaving his jacket with her. He showers, changes, and then wakes Citrine up. Sapphire eyes look at him, " Come on, 'Trine, we gotta get going. "

Citrine, once she's fully awake, whimpers as the pain from her ribs crashed over her. Red hands her another two pills, and another Oran Berry Juice. He helps her stand, and Citrine groans before grabbing her backpack, " You'll need to wrap my ribs for me. "

Red had made sure he knew how to do that properly, before they left the hospital. Citrine generally wore sports bras under her shirts so there would be next to no embarrassment. Besides they had lived together for four years, there had been a few incidents. Citrine showers, and changes, putting a new sports bra on with Gastly's help. She makes her way out into the room, and Red sets to work wrapping her ribs up, then he helps her put her lavender colored t-shirt on, along with her purple, and black short sleeved jacket. His jacket was mostly red with white sleeves, and hers was mostly purple with black sleeves. She has on black jeans, and purple sneakers as well. Red has on a black t-shirt under his jacket that he had reclaimed, blue jeans, and red and white sneakers, along with his red and white ball cap he wore backwards.

Red takes her backpack, and she smiles at her, though she does grab her Komala Coffee so she could make a cup. Red had made certain it wouldn't contraindicate with her pain meds. Citrine without her coffee was terrifying. The one idiot that had actually spilled her cup, well, he could never look at another Gastly without having flashbacks. That incident had actually been heard about in Viridian City, so the doctor wasn't about to prescribe a medicine that would react badly with caffeine. Once they've had breakfast at the Pokémon Center, and Citrine has her cup of Komala Coffee, they stock up on Potions before setting out to Viridian Forest. Red keeps the pace easy for his traveling companion, and they come across a Kangaskhan with an injured baby, healing the baby for the mother.

Once that was done they continue on, battling the local pokémon to give their pokémon battling experience. They just missed meeting up with Blue again, but all the battles finally caused Gastly to evolve into Haunter. Then they make it into Pewter City, Citrine moves closer to Red, and he lowers his shields a little, he knew Citrine would need him to be her anchor until she adjusted to being around so many more people. -You all right, 'Trine?-

The blonde inhales deeply adjusting her shields, -I'm alright, just don't stray too far from me, I'm not used to having my shields this strong.-

Red squeezes her hand in understanding, and joins the hunt in catching a pesky Pikachu. The citizens used things like nets to catch him, and naturally they got shocked. Red calls out Saur once he gets tired of watching the pitiful attempts to corral Pikachu. Saur fires off a Leech Seed, and then Red catches Pikachu after a Poison Powder had been used as well. Citrine sidles up to Red to look at Pikachu, and the little guy did not look happy in his new Poké Ball. -Red, I don't think Pikachu likes Poké Balls.-

Red looks at Pikachu, and frowns, Citrine had a point. Red lets him back out, " Pikachu, if I let you walk around, will you promise to behave? "

" If not, I'm sure my Haunter can keep him in line. " Citrine muses.

Pikachu literally leaps up six feet into the air when Haunter pops up behind him, laughing all the while. Pikachu nods quickly, Haunter were notorious tricksters. He did not want to make himself the new trick testing bitch for Haunter. Red cocks his head as he looks at Pikachu while he is granted a feast for dealing with the pest. Citrine is outside training Misdreavus and Haunter, though Dor was also with them, " Does he know now? "

" Not whom my family is, but why I left, yeah, he does. I'm only safe with Red according to Mew. At least you had a good childhood, Blue. "

Blue Oak blinks when he sees the Pokédex in her hands, " My gramps gave both of you Pokédexes, huh? "

" He did, Blue. You ever catch a Pokémon that needs to evolve through trading, well, let me know, and if Haunter, and I think she's ready…" Citrine leaves it hanging.

" Got ya, where is Red? "

" The people threw him a feast for catching a pesky Pikachu that is terrified of becoming my Haunter's new trick testing bitch. I'm a psychic with telepathy, empathy, telekinesis, and umbrakinesis being the predominant abilities. Haunter keeps my powers dulled down, and lets me get used to them little by little. Red's my anchor. " Citrine states.

Blue nods, " Let him know about the gyms, okay. "

" I intend to once he's away from all the people. I can only keep my shields up for so long. There weren't as many people in Pallet Town. " Citrine admits.

" Ah, well, I'll see you later, Citrine. " Blue says as he walks off.

Citrine returns to training her Pokémon, and isn't surprised when Red joins her not too long after. He places a hand on her shoulder, " How are you holding up, 'Trine? "

" I'm okay, Red. You might want to use some Potions on your team though, you do want to challenge the Pewter City Gym, right? "

Red immediately heals his team up with Potions, and Full Heals, with Citrine doing the same. Gym battling would be one way for her to earn money. She generally left the battling to Red, and just healed Poli up with the Potions they kept very well stocked, along with Fresh Water as well. He takes the time to bond with Pikachu with Citrine's help. Citrine may be a psychic, but Red happened to be a natural Aura user. It was with her help that he had learned how to understand his pokémon. The next day dawns to show both of them at the Pewter City Gym, Citrine rolling her eyes at her opponents. Misdreavus deals with the Geodude, and Graveler they face very easily. Citrine always healed Misdreavus after every round too.

Red advances easily as well with Poli, Saur, and Dor. His bond with Pikachu was still tentative at best. Blue blazes through the competition as well, and Citrine ends up facing Brock first, and she quirks an eyebrow, " Shirtless, really? "

Brock glares at her, " I'll have you know that I am a fine example of a human male. "

" Seen better. " Citrine retorts, and she had, on Red.

Red coughs at this, and Blue snorts, " How many times have you two walked in on each other anyhow? " Blue asks him curiously.

Red groans, " At least once a month for the last four years. "

Citrine starts out with Misdreavus, and uses him to eliminate Geodude, and Graveler. When Brock sends out Onix she recalls Misdreavus, " Haunter, let's show this overgrown worm why ghosts shouldn't be toyed with. "

Brock blinks, " Haunter's your starter, huh? "

Citrine smirks very reminiscent of Red actually, and Red laughs, " It's over, 'Trine's got this. "

Blue blinks, " How can you know that, Red? "

Red smirks, " Haunter is a sneaky pain in the ass, and Onix can't learn Odor Sleuth, or Foresight which means Haunter is immune to all normal type attacks, plus all ground attacks as well. "

Blue has to laugh, " You're smarter than you act, aren't you? "

" I live with Citrine. " as if that explained everything, and really, it did. Citrine would teach him all this information while they were sparring, thus Red actually retained the information much easier.

" Rock Throw! "

" Catch it with Confusion, and send it back. Then use Shadow Ball, and follow that up with Shadow Punch! "

Onix roars in pain from all of those attacks, and then Haunter fades from sight, and Citrine curses as the Slam attack heads for her, " Haunter, use Confusion to stop Onix's attack now! " She couldn't dodge that with her ribs bruised like they were.

Red's eyes widen, " Shit. "

" What, Citrine can just dodge that attack. " Blue says.

" Her ribs are bruised. " Red hisses, Onix lights up blue as Confusion takes hold of him, and Red sighs in relief, his heart rate going back down.

Brock blinks, why hadn't she just dodged? That was his thought until he noticed how stiffly she was standing, her ribs were injured, no wonder she had given that order, " I concede this fight. You have real courage fighting me while injured, Citrine of Pallet Town. You have earned the Boulder Badge. "

The crowd murmurs, the girl had been injured, and had still gotten into the ring with her pokémon. No wonder she'd finished her fights so quickly. As they switch places Red hands her, her pain meds, and Oran Berry Juice, " Ah, you keep her meds then? "

" I do, I also rewrap her ribs as well. " Red states, using Pikachu.

Citrine blinks, but looks at Blue, " This will either be really good, or really bad. Red hasn't truly bonded with Pikachu yet. Pikachu's a stubborn little guy. "

It was only when Red saved Pikachu from getting clobbered by a Rock Smash attack that Pikachu literally kicked Onix's ass as repayment for Red risking his neck to save him. Red sighs when later on Pikachu shocks him, " Hey, you're getting there, Red, the longer the bond takes to form, the stronger it'll be later on, hopefully. "

Red sighs again even as he pulls Citrine to himself for a hug, " You have no idea how scared I was when that attack headed for you. Haunter, thank you for acting as quickly as you did to protect her. "

" Haunter haunt ter haunt(I would never let anything happen to Citrine if I can help it). " is the reply.

Citrine relaxes into Red's hug, " All those spectators made it hard on you to keep your shields up, didn't they? " Red asks her.

She just nods, " Go ahead, and rest. I can carry you for a while, 'Trine, and Haunter will just hang out in your shadow anyhow. "

Red scoops her up, and she nestles her head into the crook of his neck. Red decided to head for the Pokémon Center at the base of Mt. Moon, there was still plenty of daylight left. Hopefully they could get there before night fell, Citrine should really sleep in a bed, and not a sleeping bag. They did get to the Pokémon Center, but there was an orange haired girl battling a Gyarados close by, and she was losing, badly. " Haunter, can you wake Citrine up? "

Citrine's eyes slit open, and then she takes in the scene before them. " So much rage in that Gyarados. " she says just loud enough for Red to hear.

Red nods slightly, and walks forward, Saur would be his best bet for this, " Are you alright? " he asks the orangette.

" Yeah, help me reclaim my Gyarados, he was stolen from me, and I tracked him to here. " the orangette states.

Red sends Saur forward, and while Saur is distracting Gyarados the orangette has her Staryu use Recover. Staryu uses Hydro Pump while Saur uses Vine Whip to finally defeat Gyarados. Misty throws her primed Poké Ball, his original one, and recaptures him. Citrine walks forward, stopping next to Red, as the orangette, whom introduces herself as Misty explains what had happened. Red would have gone storming off, but Citrine's safety came first. He checks the time on his Pokédex, and hands Citrine another two pills, and an Oran Berry Juice. Citrine takes them willingly, " Why the pain medicine? "

" Citrine got backhanded by a Machamp. " Red deadpans.

Misty winces, " I see, so you're planning to stay at the Pokémon Center nearby for tonight, right? "

" We are, we can hunt down the scum whom did that to your Gyarados tomorrow, though we will call Professor Oak tonight. " Red says.

Citrine doesn't show it, but being so close to Gyarados was starting to drain her. Red places a hand on her shoulder-What's wrong?-

Citrine meets his gaze briefly, -That Gyarados, my shields are still shit from the Gym battle in Pewter City.-

Red knew she'd get better with her shields the more she practiced, she just hadn't been around many people in Pallet Town, and generally avoided everyone anyhow. Most of that was because of her psychic powers, and general skittishness thanks to her childhood. That was the main reason why only he, and now Blue, knew about her being a Psychic, Blue because he had recognized her. The only reason he recognized her was because of the rivalry between their grandparents. Once they learn about Mt. Moon, the Moonstone, and Team Rocket they rest for the night, though Misty did stock up on Potions, and the like.

All three of them shared a room since they would be traveling together for a short while. Once Citrine was asleep, curled up with Red, Misty looks at him, " Why share the bed? "

" Citrine's childhood wasn't pleasant, the only time she doesn't have nightmares is when she sleeps in my arms. However, since Pallet Town is a small town people would have talked had we shared a room over the last four years of living in the same house. " Red says.

" Wait, where did she live previously? " Misty asks him.

" It's better you don't know, she's only safe with me, according to Mew. " Red says, " Yes, we met Mew briefly. Mew actually sent Misdreavus to Citrine. "

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or Pokémon Adventures.