Authors Note: I finally updated! And yeah...you'll all hate me, so I'll apologise in advance :( I'M SORRY! Review...or whatever...

Chapter Six

When Red reached the tender age of fifteen, things started to slowly unravel in his life. It had been a recent change in the laws that stated that children had to be fifteen years of age before starting their journey, which ultimately changed everything he knew.

Starting his new life, and journey as a Pokemon Trainer was tough, and not something he desired to do alone. He desperately desired Green's assistance, just for support, if nothing else. A loving smile, and or a hand to hold when things got tough.

After all, Green loved him, correct?

Wrong...

As soon as both boys were of age to start their journey's, Green had changed towards him. Instead of his usual bubbly nature, and loveable ways, he had become slightly sadistic, and venomous with his choice of words. Many a time Red had literally had the brunet's fingers shoving his face away so they couldn't kiss. Green would laugh, but Red didn't seem to understand what was so amusing.

It hurt him, deeply. Why didn't Green want to kiss him anymore? Was it because he just didn't care, or like him that way? Whatever the reason, it made Red sorrowful, and in turn affected his mentality.

When it was time to collect a Pokemon from Professor Oak's Laboratory, Red was nervous. He didn't want to step foot in that place, to feel Green's stern emerald gaze mocking him in that vindictive way, to feel inferior and ashamed. A fragile heart was pulsating pain throughout his body, and every time his cursed mind thought about the brunet, that pain returned ten-fold.

"Late, again?" Green sneered at the younger boy, leering at him as he casually leaned against the wall. Crimson eyes diverted to the floor as he stepped into the Laboratory, and trundled lazily towards him.

"I-I...didn't know there was a specific time..."

"You REALLY need to speak up, because I can't understand a word you're saying!" He boomed loudly, laughing to himself, which only made the diminutive boy feel even worse about being around him. Why had Green changed towards him? Had he done something to offend him maybe? Was it just...part of growing up and going through puberty?

Red glanced around wearily, noticing that Professor Oak wasn't even here yet, and it was just himself and Green in the room. Even the Aides were out studying the natural habitats of Pokemon, and the atmosphere that shrouded them was starting to choke him. As his eyes met emerald orbs once again, he felt his anxiety start to increase.

"Yeah, Gramps had to do somethin' real quick, but he'll be back soon, so stop lookin' like you're about to piss your pants~"

The tone to Green's voice had changed significantly. His best friend would never usually behave in this way, his best friend was kind and considerate. Someone who he admired and cherished with all his heart. This person standing in front of him was twisted and vindictive, someone he didn't want to associate with.

Nervously, Red moved over to the wall, keeping enough distance between himself and the spiky haired brunet. He could feel Green's eyes judging him; drinking in his fragile image. Perhaps he fed off negative emotions, and causing so much pain and upset. Weakly, crimson eyes looked away, as his fists clenched and unclenched at his sides.

"You not gonna talk to me, Red?" Green asked, as he moved away from the wall, and made his way over to the smaller boy. Red cowered slightly, feeling frightened by his best friend's demeanour. Something wasn't right. The Green he knew was a totally different person. It was as if he had changed in a matter of days.

He moved to within inches away from Red, hand resting on the wall right beside his head. This in turn caused the raven-haired boy to close his eyes, internally flinching. Was Green going to hit him or something? Said brunet smirked victoriously, before gently brushing his index finger across Red's cheek.

"Why do you have to be so damn cute...~?" In shock crimson eyes flashed open, and were instantly met his hazy emerald. He had never seen Green look at him this way, it was completely different to when they were close before. This time it seemed as if he wanted to hurt Red.

"I..I'm sorry..." Was the weak reply, as his back was pressed fully against the wall. Green sneered.

"No need to apologise, after all...you are mine, right~?" The possessive tone to his voice sent a shiver dancing down the dark haired boy's spine. He belonged to Green? Even after everything he had done? It seemed as if he were nothing more than a burden to the brunet, and yet, he still wanted him?

"I'm...yours?"

"Isn't that what we used to say back when we were kids? That we loved only each other? Forever and always?" Red nodded meekly, feeling his cheeks flush pink. This gave Green the perfect opportunity. Slowly he brushed his thumb across the flushing boy's bottom lip, hearing him inhale sharply.

"Don't tell me that you don't like me anymore...that would just break my heart, Red~"

"You know I like you." Was the simple reply, even though deep within his whole body was trembling under the immense pressure. This situation was baffling to his brain, something that he could not understand. He loved Green, that was something he knew, but the constant flux in Green's persona was screwing up his mind in ways he didn't even believe were possible.

"You don't like me, you LOVE me. It's written all over your little faggot face~" Instantly Red's eyes widened at Green's words, and without thinking he forcefully shoved the brunet away. Green stumbled backwards, his brow furrowing in annoyance.

"What the hell was that for?!" He yelled, as Red straightened his back, crimson eyes harden with potent emotion.

"Do not insult me, Green, for you are just the same as I am. Just because I'm a little different does not give you the right to bully me in this manner." Red's formal speech was something that was not expected, and instead of inserting a witty remark, Green snorted and folded his arms, keeping his distance.

"You've changed..." Red added sadly, forcing himself to look away. "You never used to be this way..."

"Yeah, well, it's called growing up Red. You should try it sometime, y'know?" The words stung deeply, and even though the raven-haired boy was hurting inside, he just couldn't allow his emotions to spill outwards. No, he had to conceal them for now, even if it was so hard to do. Once again his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"So, growing up means hurting your best friend?"

"You really need to chill out, and relax. All this stress can't be helping that messed up brain of yours~" It was as if a knife was constantly stabbing his heart, bleeding out onto the cold hard ground below him, for all to see. Did Green really view him like that? Just someone who was messed up, and beyond saving?

His eyes filled with water, but refused to shed the tears that longed to escape. Instead, crimson orbs hardened with disdain, and his face became sombre and vacant. This wasn't Green. Whoever this person was looked and sounded like his best friend, but had the heart and soul of a monster.

How was he supposed to fight this? His own heart was very fragile, capable of being destroyed by a single touch. His brain couldn't deal with the constant struggles of life. What was the solution to this? Was it to go it alone? Was that the necessary evil?

"You...are nothing more than a stranger to me." Red muttered calmly, before moving away from the wall, and walking back the way he came. Green's eyes followed his figure intensely, watching the shorter boy walk towards the exit.

"Where the hell do you think you're going? Gramp's will be here soon!"

"I'll make it on my own...I don't need you." And with those words in the open, the raven-haired boy left the Laboratory, not even mustering the courage to turn back, and give his childhood companion a fleeting glance. No, his heart couldn't withstand that. He had to think of himself now. This was necessary. However, he was oblivious to the lasting effects his words had on the brunet in question.

'I'll make it on my own...I don't need you.'

XXX

Green left on his Pokemon journey before Red, and the two didn't cross paths for a while. The diminutive boy chose Bulbasaur from the Professor the next day, and it was noted how solemn he appeared, and it was enquired if he was okay. Of course, Red shrugged off the concern, and took his new companion, along with his childhood friend, Poliwag, on his journey.

It was a lonely road, venturing into the unknown all by himself, with only his Pokemon for company, but after a few days of travelling he decided that the solitude wasn't so bad. In fact, he quite enjoyed being alone. There were no vicious words, or comments thrown his way, and he could allow his mind to travel along the breeze whenever he desired.

Just having his Pokemon by his side was all that he needed, and for once in a long time he felt relaxed. Like a new page had been turned in his book of events, and maybe things would finally start changing for the better. Of course, life has a wonderful way of digging pitfalls when you least expect it.

A chance encounter in Viridian City proved pretty fatal. It was a cold and stormy night, the weather had taken a turn for the worst so the crimson-eyed boy decided it would be beneficial to stay at the local Pokemon Centre for the night, and to continue this journey when the weather had calmed down.

Things went off without a hitch. He paid for his basic room with the money he acquired from his Mother, and trudged up the stairs without a sound, his ears drinking in the outside chaos of thunder rumbling amongst the heavens. A sigh escaped his lips, as fatigue seeped into his bones. It had been a trying few days on the road, sleeping in a tent and eating out of cans. Finally being able to rest somewhere warm was something he was looking forward to.

When he reached the top of the stairs, consumed by tiredness, the boy did not see what was in front of him and bumped into a solid, unmoving object, sending him crashing to the ground with a bump. Red groaned, rubbing his head from the contact, before weary crimson eyes opened and gazed at what had caused his fall. It was at that moment he wished he hadn't.

"Fancy meeting you here..." He knew that voice anywhere, and instantly the memory of being in pain faded and he shot onto his feet, brow furrowed in concentration. It was Green, and he still seemed his usual arrogant, cocky self.

"You staying here tonight?" It was a normal enough question, however Red didn't feel the need to explain any of his actions. His eyes bore holes into the core of his once best friend's soul- if he even had one. Emerald eyes softened for a moment, before he sighed, raking his fingers through his spiky hair.

"Look...I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry for saying those things...I had a bad morning...that's all. Can we...try and talk it over?" As much as Red wanted to stay firm to his resolve, there would always be a part of him that needed Green in his life, even if right now it was slowly killing him from the inside.

"...talk?" He murmured quietly, as Green nodded.

"Yeah. I ordered a pretty big room for the night. You can stay with me, if you like? We can talk and it'll be like the old days." The tone to the emerald-eyed boys voice seemed sincere, so without giving himself time to fully digest his words, Red nodded a little, and a smile captured Green's lips.

"Great. Here, follow me." Of course Red did as instructed, just like he always did. His brain moving as mechanically as the brunette knew it would, playing right into his hands. As they entered the room, and the crimson-eyed boy used this opportunity to gaze at the large expanse, it gave Green the time to lock the door.

"Nice room, huh?" He commented, as Red nodded; his eyes scanned every inch of the beautiful room. It was warm, with neutral colours; a large bed, and even an ensuite bathroom. It really was better than the room he had chosen. Then he wondered over to the window, as his ears detected the sound of the thunder roaring overhead, and the sound of the lamp being switched on, keeping the room aglow with light.

"I'm glad we bumped into each other again..." Green mused quietly, as he walked up behind Red, gently resting his hands on the shorter boy's shoulders. He tensed momentarily, but soon relaxed when he realised that there was a gentleness behind his touch.

"Yeah...me too..." Came the soft reply, as crimson eyes watched the lightning in the sky, illuminating dark ominous clouds. A soft sigh escaped his lips, as he could feel his heart start its heavy assault in his chest. Pounding ever faster, and right now he was unsure of the reasons behind it.

"I've missed you..." Green cooed, gently brushing his nose against the back of Red's head, inhaling the scent of his hair. Something was amiss, the raven-haired boy knew that, but right now he was unsure what it could be. The way his best friend was, he had never behaved in this way with him before. Yes, they had shared tender moments, but nothing like this.

Tentatively Green's fingers brushed down from his shoulders, down his arms; causing his skin to erupt into Goosebumps on command. Not knowing what else to do, his body tensed slightly, before those fingers gripped onto pale fragile arms with vigour.

"There's no need to be scared of me Red...I won't hurt you."

However, the hint of viciousness behind his words proved otherwise. Green's fingers held fast, but not hard enough to cause any pain. It was just enough to instil his domineering conviction. Red's breaths started to feel laboured, making it harder to fill his lungs with oxygen, as his eyes moved from the window to the side, trying his best to see just what his best friend intended to do next.

"Green...what are you doing?"

"Shhh..." Just like that, with a shove Red found himself pinned against the windowpane, feeling the ledge dig into his thighs, as Green's entire bodyweight pressed against him. Weakly he closed his eyes, now feeling himself start to tremble with anxiety. Why had he allowed this to happen? He should have known that Green was not the same person he used to know back when they were children.

He was a monster, pure and evil.

"G-Green..." He whimpered quietly, cringing at the pain in his legs, as he slowly felt his body begin to be further pressed down, until he was literally bending over the windowsill.

"You are NOTHING without me...just remember that." The brunette spat venomously, his hands still holding onto pale, fragile arms tightly, now crushing his grip. The crimson-eyed boy cried out a little in pain, before he shushed himself down instantly. No, he couldn't let Green see that he was vulnerable. He somehow had to make sure that he was okay.

"Why do you hate me Green?" The question caught the brunette off guard, and the answer was met with a forceful shove, almost smashing Red's head against the glass of the window.

"This is all your fault...if I never met you...I would never...EVER...!" One of his hands moved from Red's arm, leaving faint bruised fingerprint marks in it's wake, and instead almost ripped the boys jeans, as he pulled them down.

"You will always be mine...I will NEVER let anyone else have you...!" Crimson eyes shot open in realisation, and it was at that moment he knew. He knew what was going to happen, but what was he supposed to do? Scream and shout? Runaway? What were his options?

Instead, he decided to fuse his eyes closed, trying to block out all the pain, and all the noises that tried to infiltrate his brain with every passing second.

He desperately tried to block out the sound of his so called best friend removing his own jeans, and underpants.

He tried to block out the shame when he was so easily uncovered for all to see.

He ardently wanted to forget the gut-wrenching pain that tore through him like a bullet, and allowed tears to stream down his translucent cheeks, and blood to stain him forever.

He wanted to forget it all.

However, there was no way he could ever forget this. This was forever burned into his memory, and it was the first stage.

They say there are three stages to burning, and the crimson-eyed boy had already started his decent into the pits of hell.