Hello! Every time I put the edit date, I can't believe that it's been two years since I touched this story. It's the same with Phantom's Limit, I'll try to start that one back up. I reread it and I cringed on how I set up the structure and punctuations for that one.

I'll may retype it, or just drive on with it.

Thanks!

October 8, 2015- Finished.
December 15, 2017- Edited.

-Line Break-

I was at Red's home right after Red's memma dragged all of us, including the protesting Green and his grandsire, to a celebratory dinner. We all flew here with the flying types we had and getting here just took a little over thirty minutes since we bee-lined straight to Pallet.

It was a nice two story house, much smaller than my own but more than enough for Red and his memma plus more. The lady of the house was just as cheery and carefree as Red, now knowing why Red's the way he is, and she's really pretty now that I got the chance to examine her without all the excitement.

She has a small figure but her commanding aura gives the illusion of being bigger than she is along with her persuading nature to even get Green to cow under her smiles. Her brown hair was tied into a high pony tail, and her red eyes even had the same spark like her son that could change in any situation whether it'd be relaxed or tense.

A woman of power. I already admire her a lot despite how little I knew of her.

All the pokémon were out eating too, with the bigger pokémon out on the porch, and everybody would laugh every time Pika successful steal a piece from Red's plate.

"I can't believe you didn't know what the Indigo Plateau was." Green muttered shoving food into his mouth.

"I can't believe you're not going to be entering." Red added disappointed.

I just smiled at them. "I told you guys, even if I get all eight badges in time, I won't be able to battle with only four pokémon and only three of them is really ready for battle." I said explained again. "I haven't been able to train Dratini much because of Team Rocket."

"You had nearly all year long, why didn't you catch more pokémon?" Green asked scowling. "Even the idiot next to you was able too."

"Hey!" And then they proceeded to growl at each other again.

I laughed at them and waved at them to calm down. "I didn't go on this journey to be like you guys, the very best trainer that is. Actually, I didn't even become a trainer until I met Red in fact!"

Sounds of disbelief came from the professor and Green. "I don't believe you! That Pidgeot was way too strong to be caught like that when I first met you."

"Red gave me a spare pokéball he had on him and Pidgeot let himself be caught." I shrugged. "He's been my friend for years now and a pokéball is just something that cements that we're together so no one else can catch him along with the means to be lazy. When he can, he's very lazy."

Everybody that knew the giant bird nodded in unison.

"It's true though!" I heard the Bird Pokémon said through the window. "They're so convenient for traveling and I don't mind flying but the monotony will kill me if that thing wasn't there for me to sleep in."

"Hpmh! Lazy bird. Be glad you got the more exciting battles!"

"Jealous rabbit? Ah!" I saw Pidgeot poked his head through the window grabbing everyone's attention. "Rayne, I want to be set on fire next."

My incredulous look towards Pidgeot must've worried everybody but I ignored them. "Why? I get that you want to be stronger but that's just ridiculous. You would be in danger of being bald and laughed at than anything else."

"It's something new to try out and I feel like I need something more after my battles with Moltres and the legendary fusion. I couldn't exactly do anything because of there flaming bodies but if I can set myself on fire, I don't need to worry about that."

"He's insane." Vulpix muttered.

Pika shrugged. "If he actually sets himself on fire, I want to be there. Imagine him flailing around with his tail feathers caught on flames." He snickered along with several others.

"They're legendaries for a reason! The fact that you can even confidently face and Taunt them while coming out a little ruffled is a feat itself!" I shouted at him.

"But I need help both times to defeat them!" He whined. "I couldn't even touch them most of the time! Which by the way, I'm so learning Hyper Beam by the end of the week, so expect the landscape to be rearranged."

I groaned into my hands. "Why does he set such impossible tasks for himself." I muttered.

Red poked me. "Why? What did he want?"

"He wants to set himself on fire." I laughed a little deliriously. "Why is he so battle crazy?" I asked looking up. "And the thing is, I can actually see that crazy bird setting himself off in the future."

I never saw looks of disbelief from everyone, but all the pokémon enjoyed their dinner very much.

-Line Break-

"This is the guess room!" Red's memma opened the door to the room. "The bathroom is right next to Red's room and the one at the end of the hallway is mine but I'm sure Red is willing to help with anything you need."

I smiled tiredly at the doting memma. "Thank you but I think I'll be fine, thank you for letting me stay."

"Oh of course we'd let you stay! Your home is too far away and it's late out, I highly doubt you want to fly in the dark so make yourself at home." She shuffled away. "Red? Make sure you brush your hair! I don't care that you wear a hat, I want to see it brushed!" She knocked at the bathroom door where Red was showering.

I retreated into the guest room and stood there for a moment. It was very plain but simply designed seeing it wasn't used much for anything. I can tell by the various little toys that Red sometimes uses this room for himself but his absence was told by the small amounts of dust that was settled.

It was very different from home. Disregarding Misty's house, this was the kind of house that normal people would live in and it's my first time entering in such. It was definitely much smaller than my own home but it still has that cozy feeling that I'm familiar with, it also helps that the household members are so welcoming.

"Rayne? You okay?"

I blinked as my focus reshifted towards the pokémon down near my feet, both Pika and Vulpix were looking up at me in concern. The other smaller pokémon were just exploring the house carefully.

"Sorry, I was just thinking. With everything that was going on, I haven't really been able to think and just let my mind wander like this. I guess that my mind just settled everything that happened and is able to pull away from it." I walked forward towards the window. "Everything here is so different from home, it's small and quiet and the view is so vast instead of being entrapped by trees and dodging and watching your step for other pokémon in the large territory. It's different but it's nice." With Team Rocket cleared and out of the way, everything else is easily coming into view.

"I can see your point, I mean, I never seen this much excitement until you guys came along." Pika said jumping onto the bed. "I mean seriously, how does two human 'mons get into so much trouble."

"You were there the whole time Pika, you don't need to question it." Vupix hopped up beside him. "It's actually less of a headache if you don't."

"Here, here." I grinned and opened the window to let in the air. "And troubles done and over with, no point in thinking about it now."

"Rayne!" Vee and Dratini tumbled through the doorway. "Poli and the others said 'goodnight', said that they'll sleep outside."

I hummed in response. "That's fine, I'd join them but a bed sounds nice after everything." I spied everyone who are now all on my bed. "I don't think I'll be able to with everyone monopolizing the bed like that though."

"I'll be sleeping with Red." Vee said wagging his tail. "He's busy so I'm here with you."

I scratched behind his ears. "I'm glad I'm loved."

"I'm glad you're all enjoying yourselves." I turned around seeing Red dressed in a simple black shirt and red pajama pants with his still damp hair. "So what do you think?"

"I think your home is nice, much more cozy and quieter than at home but this is something I can get use to." I placed myself in between Pika and Vulpix. "Your memma's also nice too."

"Memma? You mean mom?"

"A-ah, yeah." I blushed at that slip up. "S-she's a lot more upbeat than I imagined, even after everything she's as carefree as she can."

"Yeah, she's like a brick wall too. Tough and it hurts if tried to run through her." Red took Vee's place after setting him on his lap. "But I can imagine having a pokémon as a parent be a lot more painful than that."

I gave him a pained smile. "I don't know how a human parent would raised their little ones but for pokémon, it's a learning experience. Sure we still get lessons but everything is a day-to-day experience seeing everyone is armed to defend themselves the moment they hatch." I scratched my head. "Whether it's through play or battling, everyone is responsible for themselves to a certain degree. For me, I had to learn to be quick on my feet to runaway." I frowned at that before lifting up my cane. "This was given to me as a way to defend myself but lucky for me I didn't really need to use it offensively."

"That's because I was at the end of that." Red rubbed his head. "Well, that certainly gives a clearer picture about you. Hearing that you were dodging Flamethrowers back when we were at Misty's and all the other times was, er, alarming to say the least. You really don't look like the kind of person that would work out but now that I think about it, you don't look like you would do a lot of things you do." He smirked for a moment before looking excited. "I have to meet the pokémon that you grew up with, I always wondered how you can be so comfortable and so good being in a battle when you weren't a trainer."

"Red, just because some people aren't trainers doesn't mean they can't grasp the concepts." I looked at him amused.

"Yeah but being a trainer takes dedication." He said passionately. "Sure there are a lot of trainers but only a few really make a career out of it. I never really thought about it but I know I definitely want to continue being one and be the greatest after everything."

His eyes sparkled and glittered with a zeal of energy that I was familiar with that made me grin along with him. That fire was something that would burn for a long time just like Pidgeot's own when he set his own seemingly impossible goals. Even if I don't have one myself, it's nice to see others complete theirs and it's even better if I can be a part of that.

"And I'm sure you'll make it there fast if you keep this up, Pika is running out of moves to master and you still need to train up Aero but I'm sure he'll catch up in no time."

Red grinned wildly putting his hands up. "And we'll take the League by a storm when I get there!"

We all cheered and laughed together getting riled up despite being tired. This almost makes me wish that I was entering in that tournament both Red and Green are excited for but I wasn't working towards that like they were. That spotlight was for them to finally test their skills on each other that they gathered through the year.

I fulfilled my goals, even if many of them I didn't set them originally. I gained my confidence, my courage, and friends that I never imagine that I would have. I took a dive into the unknown and realized that it wasn't so bad, it was much more enjoyable and pleasant despite my fears.

I can't wait to watch the tournament. I wonder how far my friends have gone in this journey too.

-Line Break-

There was a lot of time to prepare for the Pokémon League Tournament, three weeks to be exact, so we decided to follow the rumors of a monster and ended up a little north to Cerulean City in the Cerulean Cave as Bill kindly told us once we arrived at the destroyed part of the city...

...in order to warn us to stay away.

The cave had its own little island against the cliff wall and when we tried to enter it, all the pokémon tensed a stiffened.

"Rayne, it's dangerous in there." Vulpix muttered in my arms.

Dratini shook and curled into my cloak. "It's really strong too."

I didn't have time to question until a massive tornado was summoned out of the cave blowing us into the sky. I held Vulpix tight and hoped Dratini held my satchel tighter as we flew through the air screaming.

"Pidgeot!" I looked down seeing the ground a long ways off and I was just about to descend when Pidgeot took me onto his back.

"What a wind, but it's definitely not natural seeing it came from the cave and all."

"I don't think it'd be a good idea for you guys to stay out." Nidoking was already in his pokéball and returned the others except Pidgeot when we landed safely.

I didn't see Red, but I did see a familiar fiery horse running in the middle of the tornado and I felt my sense of foreboding rise.

"Pidgeot! You think you can fly through that?" Since the last time he flew through something like this is when he was a Pidgeotto back at home. He didn't do too well.

"I can sure try!" We took off diving into the eye of this unnatural disaster and saw Red in a cage of fire.

"Rayne!" Red shouted at me. "It's Blaine! He's-" And everything stopped when a loud bang sounded as the wind died down and the fire around Red dispersed dropping him to the ground. "Blaine!" He ran towards the downed and battered man who was beside his Rapidash that was in the same condition.

"What happened?"

"He was using his own body to destroy the pokémon that he help create for Team Rocket." He explained. "He called it Mewtwo, said that it used Psywave to create that tornado."

"Yes and I've done it too." Blaine coughed out. "You see this Red? Rayne?"

He held up a strange looking pokéball with a 'M' on it. "A Master Ball? You didn't need to risk your life if you had this!" Red looked at him in disbelief.

"I thought so too but that tornado's too strong for me to get close to it. If I'd thrown it, it would've been blown away uselessly. Its grown so much in such little time, its too dangerous to try and catch safely."

My shoulders fell. Was it really too late to try and talk to Mewtwo? Technically he was born just recently and young pokémon are very impressionable. They will lash out if threatened.

"Despicable humans..." I tense as did Pidgeot and a rock was thrown our way.

"It's alive?!" Red stared in disbelief. "Poli!"

"You will stay away!" Mewtwo materialized a giant spoon and smacked Poli away. "I will not be destroyed by you pathetic creatures!"

"Mewtwo is a genetically engineered to be a combat weapon!" Blaine shouted out. "It used that tornado to fight off multiple enemies while used that spoon, a psychic's greatest weapon, to fight off one!"

Mewtwo readied itself, still weakened from taking the blow before, and charged. I was too close to dodge so the only other thing I could do when to defend.

I put up my cane to stop the downward slash of the spoon and immediately my knees buckled from the force. I thank my lucky stars that this cane was durable enough to take that hit but my arms strained so much under the pressure and shock of the hit.

"Rayne get out of there! The only way to deal with it is to kill it!" I gritted my teeth. I would get away if I wasn't pinned down like this!

Mewtwo seemed to be enraged at Blaine's words and started to press harder on me. "I will not be killed!"

"Of course not!" I breathe out. "But he doesn't understand that you want to live!"

I could see his eyes narrow and growled pressing more into our locking weapons. "What do you know human. That man was the one to create me, only to destroy me after I was complete! The rest were no better only wanting to use me!" His eyes were glowing with rage.

"But there all gone now! Not completely but they won't bother you for a while." If he still had this much energy left after a death blow, then I hate to see what would happen to me before then. My arms were straining to keep our weapons locked. "And that man was just doing what he thought is best because he didn't want a weapon loose! And he felt justified with his actions when you destroyed part of that city!"

"Because humans are creatures of destruction themselves! They create only to destroy and rule!" He snarled out.

"Then you're doing just what they created for you to do!" He seemed to hiss at that but it did struck a cord. "Humans are fickle creatures, I'm sure you've invaded a few minds to know that. You were also created smart, please reason with yourself. Think what you want to do and not what you were created to do."

The weight I was defending against was gone and I fell forward with my arms weak to catch myself. When I did sat up a few seconds later, I yelped when I was pulled up to my feet and just felt my mind being invaded. Memories starting from now slowly, but at the same time quickly, were being sift through by Mewtwo's psychic powers.

A curious thing about these mind sweeps is that no matter how gentle or discreet the probing, the foreign presence was clearly noticeable and invasive, at least for me that is. Psychic energy was something that was easily felt when it's entering my mind, something Old Zam found curious since it wasn't supposed to be.

And right now, Mewtwo's not so gentle probing was probably going to leave me weak for a small while.

I groaned feeling groggy when I was released from the mental invasion. "You could've asked." I breathe out. I was too out of it to hear the others who have been shouting out to me and Mewtwo being the stronger and more powerful one, he couldn't care less.

"I wish to see your home. Then I will choose what I will do."

"As long you don't mind Blaine following along to keep you in his sights, then sure." I said tiredly. It'll be good for Mewtwo to meet Old Zam anyways. Since he's young and powerful, Old Zam can put in the discipline that he needs on his psychic powers. I did not enjoy my mind being invaded.

He grunted. "As long you can explain."

I gave a weak smile. "You're much better looking now than the last time I saw you. I'm glad you're alright." And I'm also glad that he's still reasonable to speak with. There is simply too much excitement this year.

Mewtwo huffed and turned away.

"Rayne!" I felt Red pulled me up into a sitting position. When was I on the ground?

"Red, it seems like we're backtracking to my home." I told him tiredly.

"Rayne, I swear you're doing these things on purpose." Red said. "It's really not fair that you're harping me when you're the one getting hurt more."

I grinned at him. "Ah, but the thing is I don't purposely walk in to trouble, but don't worry Red, you'll have your fill when we go to my house."

"Rayne-"

"And it'll show you why I seem so fearless to any physical danger." I quickly interrupted him. "I'm not, just used to it."

Not so used to mental ones though, horribly exhausting and glad I don't deal with them as nearly as much.

-Line Break-

The air in the forest was different and it was not because of the fact that Red and Blaine are still wary of Mewtwo. Well, Blaine was, Red's just being worried again. Interestingly enough, Mewtwo was willing to be captured through a battle for his own safety and benefit seeing that there was still much to learn from the time of his 'birth'. Red took that challenge as the only standing individual at the time and managed to out smart and capture Mewtwo much to my and Blaine's surprise.

Not because he succeeded, Blaine maybe, but at the way he went about it. Red's keen eye in determining the opponents movements and actions are frightening. His quick plans of actions and executing them even more so.

Digressing back, the pokémon here are much more hostile than before and it seems that there are more diverse pokémon outside of the deeper parts of the woods than there was before, not that would be a problem to everyone but it is oddly strange. I thought I saw a Dewgong but that's impossible, they don't live around here.

"Rayne are you sure we'll be okay?" Red tugged at my cloak. The hostile pokémon know when to stay away from stronger pokémon like Pidgeot and Mewtwo, so it's not really a problem.

"It's fine Red, I've lived in these parts of the forest long enough to know where I'm going." I replied, I wasn't too worried about getting attacked but seeing that Seadra was slightly concerning me.

Blaine seemed to disagree. "Lad, the Viridian Forest is known for people getting lost on days on end and people who ventured this deep into the woods were never seen again. If I didn't trust you, I would've thought this was a trap."

I laughed at them. "You guys shouldn't worry too much! I know what I'm doing." Why is that Golem here? It's too far from the mountain to be here.

"Rayne," Red looked at me seriously, "I know, you know what you're doing, but it's what you do that scares me the most sometimes, I mean, you managed to calm Mewtwo down while I was pulling at my hair thinking he was going to kill you."

"Sorry, but it wasn't really a situation I could avoid." I let my shoulders drop and looking down for a moment.

"I-it's fine!" Red quickly said. "I'm just saying that I'm only hearing only half of what's going on sometimes. A lot of pokémon natural look scary and to see you to just walk up to them is just fear-inducing."

I blinked. "Oh. Then I guess it's too late to tell you that I don't really care for their looks or size because I'm used to small and fragile looking pokémon demolishing trees huh." I thought back to Teacher Espeon and Old Zam.

"Yes." Red instantly replied as Blaine stared at me with disbelief.

"What kind of pokémon live here?!" The scientist shouted quietly.

"Oh we're here!" I ignored him. It's better that he find out himself.

We were standing in front of vine covered gates with trees and overgrowth obscuring the whats behind it. It really didn't seemed like it made them feel any better when I didn't answered Blaine's question. I summoned out my pokémon startling them even more.

"Alright everyone, this is my home and the only rule is to take care after yourselves because it should be self explanatory to be polite and use common sense. And if the little ones want to play, please play with them. They tend to cry if you don't." I felt so excited being back again. "Everybody I'm home!"

Red hid behind me as the gate opened slowly. It squeaked loudly like it always does because of the rusting, but what can you do?

"Oh? Rayne!" Watcher Umbreon jumped out behind the gate and into my arms. "It's nice to see you again!"

"It's good to see you too!" I hugged and nuzzled him.

The Moonlight Pokémon noticed the others. "These are your new human friends?"

"Yup so tell everyone to treat them well." I put him down and watched him go ahead and I pulled open the gates farther. "C'mon guys, I know you'll love it here!" Because both of them enjoy being with pokémon so it really shouldn't be a problem.

"What kind of pokémon was that?"

"Hmm? That was Watcher Umbreon, he's one of the ones that guard the perimeter, these dense trees create nice dark shadows for him to hide in and makes a wonderful watch guard. He's got the title of 'Watcher' for having sharp eyes and even sharper senses." I explained to Red. "He's part of the Eeveelutions I told you about."

"Umbreon? Part of?" Blaine looked mystified at the revelation as we walked in.

"Rayne your house is bigger than Misty's!" Red had his jaws dropped along with Blaine's. "I know you told me before but it's huge!"

It was a very large two story mansion that was in the shape of a square with a courtyard in the middle. The stone fencing gave a good perimeter between the forest outside and the clear land in here with trees dotting the front and backyards for the flying types to perch on. Vines grew on the sides everywhere, but nobody here minded and it gave character to our home. Flowers grew and the two monoliths with the names of the dead was towering over us at the gates.

But the thing that stood out the most for me was the empty yard in front of me besides the little ones. I could see curious eyes peering through the windows and foliage so I guess they're just evaluating the newcomers.

"This is amazing." Blaine whispered. "And you lived here?" He asked as he watched many of the little ones scampered chasing each other.

"Yup, this is my home." I said proudly.

Mewtwo looked in awe as well looking around. He probably never seen such a lively place like this.

'My, my, my! Do I spy my little Walker?' I looked over to Madame Ninetales' direction and saw her strutting in all her silver glory. 'With new human friends I see too!'

"Did that Ninetales just talk?!" Red seemed to have overloaded and started to sputter nonsense while Blaine's jaws just dropped even further.

Madame Ninetales laughed loudly. 'I knew you'd bring the most interesting friends little Walker. C'mon now! We must see my old friend now, he's anxious to see you again.'

-Line Break-

This house was a thing of the past. It tells a story of how there used to be human life in how richly decorated in priceless paintings, pottery, and fine detail in the hallway walls despite being cracked, faded, and worn and torn. It was a beautiful place and it still is.

The fine silk fabrics that reside abandoned in the many rooms whether it was the sheets or fancy clothing and the few precious metals and gems found in jewelry and the long rusted silverware that can be only be crafted by human hands at the time told the wealth of the family that was once here.

It was also rich in both culture and knowledge. There were albums, journals, though they were many torn pages probably for various reasons I don't know, and many, many books. I wasn't interested in any of the journals but I did learn to read and write from the many books that were open to me. The library was a place that demands respect and your silence, a place that has its own old regal feeling with how it kept the pages preserved. It was the ideal place for learning and holding meetings, and as the few places with a fire place it also makes a good place for story time.

It was also where the Elders like to settle their day in, Old Zam in particular.

'You've finally returned little Walker, and with a lighter burden.' The old Alakazam wiggled his mustache before holding up his arms. 'Give this old pokémon a hug?'

I happily bounded into his arms nuzzling into his chest. "I'm back!" And I pointed to the others. "And I made new friends! That's Red and the old man is Blaine!"

Old Zam wiggled his mustache again examining them. 'Hmm, humans have become quite a jaw gaping sight haven't they?'

I laughed seeing the two composed themselves quickly out of embarrassment. They had their mouths open to one degree or another, even Mewtwo seemed to be cowed.

'And besides that, where's my hug? I shouldn't need to ask to get one.' Madame Ninetales huffed out playfully.

"My mind is blown, Rayne."

I felt like I was on a new high as I was filled with happiness. I don't know why but finally having some human friends be approved and my home and family be accepted was so uplifting. Like having that one puzzle piece connecting the two worlds that I'm apart of, no ifs, ands, or buts about it and just a welcoming hand of good faith.

"You haven't even seen the training grounds yet!"

-Line Break-

I was in the courtyard where the gardens were. Berries of all kinds lined the large area and their sweet smell calmed my excited heart bringing back the cozy feeling I missed.

Red and Blaine were introduced to many pokémon that could use telepathy to communicate. It was only those who were psychic or had a strong psychic connection that were able to use telepathy like Madame Ninetales and it simply blew their minds as Red said much to that fox's mirth.

Old Zam explained to them how this place was ran adding to my introduction with 'as long as you mean no harm, we won't harm you' and let that linger in the air before prodding a little about themselves.

Even their pokémon along with Dratini and Vulpix seemed to be in awe, but they quickly just immerse themselves with the locals. Madame Ninetales quickly took a liking to Vulpix and stole her away somewhere but I know she'll be fine.

'If you miss me that much then it's only natural that I teach this darling!'

Poor Vulpix but I think she enjoys being with her own species.

"You're back! Play with us!" I looked down at the group of Eevee and indulged in their little game. It wasn't so much of a game but just a mindless chase that turns into a dog piling when they got the chance. It went on like this until I was on my back in the grass with a bunch of brown fur all over me.

"Hey it's that other human!"

"I know, go up to him."

"But I'm too scared to, you go."

"He has Rayne's scent all over him, he can't be bad!"

I laughed and tilted my head to see Red walking up to me. "What's up Red? What do you think?"

"It's amazing here." Red admitted. "It's so much different than I imagined and I guess I did worry about it too much."

I snuggled into the mass of fur on my chest and the Eevee purred. "That's how I felt when I first stepped out of here. I was so scared to venture out to the nearest city because I didn't want to meet any other humans, but when I met you, I found myself becoming a little braver with each step to the point where I don't even notice anymore."

Red plopped next to me sitting down. "Why'd you talk to me when you were so scared then?"

I looked up from my cuddling I smiled at him. "Because you looked like you needed someone to comfort you. You looked so shocked and I know that I would like to have someone with me. Plus, I didn't want to be scared anymore." I sat up and nudged the Eevee in Red's direction. She hesitated but Tackled him anyways surprising Red by the sudden action. It was a playful Tackle, so it didn't hurt Red. I laughed even more when all the other Eevee followed suit and toppled the soon-to-be-league trainer.

Red held the little one scratched under her ears making her purr. "Say, why do Old Zam and Madame Ninetales call you 'Walker'? I know it's your last name but it's a little strange for them to be calling you that than your first."

"That's because Walker is my title." I said proudly. "Like the 'Madame' in Madame Ninetales or 'Old' in Old Zam. It's a recognition by the general community as an individual and since humans have last names, Walker also acts as one." I told him. "I got mine because of my ability to take everything in stride and walk off any pain and problems that rear up. As a human, I have to keep up with all the pokémon here and their antics."

Red looked at me a little blankly. "That can explain so much." He didn't get too far when he was attacked from behind though. "Ack! I'm drowning!" His comment wasn't taken serious in his fit of laughter. It the middle of their tussle, an Eevee took off with Red's hat and a game of chase ensued as they ran around dodging around the garden areas.

"I'm glad that you made friends out there." I turned to see Mama Khan walking up in the soft grass. "He's a nice human and the others you brought are a joy too, though that purple pokémon could relax more."

"Mewtwo's was just born a couple of months ago." Not hatched seeing he was never in an egg. "I brought him here so that he could relax." I responded. "He's not had a good start since then, but he's trying to find some peace."

Mama Khan just hummed as we watched Red trip over one of the trickier Eevee. I smiled broadly as he was piled onto again in a mountain of fur.

"You're happier, much happier than before you left. I'm glad." She then she looked to her right. "Born just a few months ago eh? A hatchling like that needs a memma to look after him."

I giggled. "Just don't overwhelmed him Mama Khan."

-Line Break-

We stayed for about a week after Red was told it was okay for his pokémon to train here and Mewtwo and Blaine long since left after reconciling with each other. Technically Blaine is Mewtwo's sire since it was explained to me that Blaine used his DNA to complete Mewtwo, so I'm happy that they were able to make peace with each other so fast and doing whatever right now.

Red on the other hand got first hand experience with living here. There were beds in this massive place, but by the end of the day he finds himself sleeping in the grass with his pokémon. Everyone at home that were battle ready were excited to find fresh new opponents that were also ready and willing and I find myself cheering them on in the backyard where the training grounds were.

"Don't worry Red, everybody here are born warriors." I kneeled in front of him as he was panting.

"Rayne, everyone here is impossible." He managed out. "And you almost got hit by a Flamethrower! Again!"

I shrugged. "I'm used to it remember? You should be more worried about yourself, you did decide to take up that Golem's challenge not to mention you yourself nearly got washed away by a Hydro Pump."

"I know, and it's awesome!"

Pidgeot and Nidoking also found themselves surrounded by familiar faces and challenges while Vulpix and Dratini had their own little training.

"You've grown."

"I did."

Pidgeot and his sire were standing in front of each other. The older Pidgeot was only a few inches taller much to Red's surprise.

"Tell me fledgling, how much of a fight can you put up now?"

Pidgeot eyes gleamed. "Better than the fight before."

"Didn't you say that Pidgeot's dad was beaten by him?"

I looked at Red bemusedly "No, Pidgeot had to prove himself that he can go out of the territory with me. I was able to go because I'm a human that needed to go and Pidgeot is part of a flock that looked after its own. Plus there's no way Pidgeot's sire would let a Pidgeotto beat him."

"Huh."

Dratini learned the basic dragon moves Twister and Dragon Rage from the Dragonair couple.

"Rayne! Looky!" I watched as Dratini spew out draconic blue flames.

"That's great! Sorry I couldn't help you with your dragon moves but I'm happy you're getting stronger!" I nuzzled the little serpent.

Dratini purred under the attention. "And I'll be strong enough to protect and battle like everyone else."

"Just remember to have fun, yeah? Make as many memories with us outside of the battlefield you can seeing that the ones in it will be the most memorable."

And Vulpix continued to learn under Madame Ninetales, mostly in trickery and deception but more noticeably on her psychic prowess too as the silver fox said. Apparently, we've skipped a step in Vulpix's psychic training. We were supposed to start off by 'sensing' stuff like how Sabrina did when she found Blue and I in the Smokescreen. Madame Ninetales was amused at us and waved us off before whisking Vulpix away again.

'You both are adorable but it is quite the feat to be able to utilize our natural abilities the way you do.' The silver fox's eyes glittered. 'And just think, this is only scratching the surface.'

"Um Rayne, Madame Ninetales is scary." Red nudged me as the two foxes disappeared around the corner.

"If she starts dragging you around, don't fight it." I told him seriously. "You will be just prolonging your torture."

"...you mean 'the inevitable', right?"

"No, I really do mean torture, unless you like that kind of stuff."

"W-what?!" Red looked flustered.

I was confused and amused seeing his face. "What do you mean 'what?' Obviously you need to be as sneaky as Madame Ninetales to keep up with her games."

And leaving was a big affair too. Everyone said their goodbyes like they did when I left but they were letting Red know to come back again and bring more friends like him.

Though Old Zam did leave a parting message. Said to be careful because someone was disturbing the environment of the forest with all the new pokémon was being introduced and it seemed it wasn't for any good reason either with the way the pokémon were being hostile.

"I can't believe we were in the deeper parts of this forest. After seeing your home, it's hard to believe that the stories surrounding this place actually happen." Red said as we moved into the less denser area of the woods.

"That's because the pokémon in the deeper parts are more powerful and more territorial. My home is actually a big territory that the pokémon there protect. The house was there before they settled in long ago from what I've heard, and because of its shape and location, it's easy to defend and live in. There's also the fact that pokémon can easily sense other's intentions if a little bit and because of the deep undergrowth, humans will make a lot of noise to signal the pokémon around."

Red hummed in acknowledgment It was an experience for him to meet new pokémon like Umbreon and Espeon. Especially when Teacher Espeon started to scold Red when he got a little too reckless during training.

Pika rode on Red's head happily. "We're definitely going back there again! It's fun!"

"Most definitely, I've never thought to learn so much in a week's time." Vulpix wagged her tail.

We chatted for a few more moments before we heard a scream up ahead. We ran to see a little blonde girl being attacked by a wild Dratini, it was a lot more bigger than our little Dratini.

"Pika, Iron Tail!" I watched as Pika smacked the dragon type away harshly as I drag the little girl away to a safer place.

"Are you alright?" She nodded. "You should be careful in the forest. The pokémon here are acting very strange lately and it seems new ones are appearing too."

The girl looked over to Red with sparkling eyes. "Wow, is that Pikachu yours?"

It was awfully cute to see Red interact with a younger person than him and help her catch a passing by Rattata by letting her use Pika.

"Rayne, the pokémon here are getting more aggressive" Vulpix growled.

"Red, we need to run for it!" I saw many Golem, Weezing, and other big pokémon popping their heads angrily towards up. "Pidgeot!" I lifted my cane and was whisked off from the ground. Aero was flying next to me with Red and the girl in his claws.

"Whew! Talk about a close call. There really is something wrong with the pokémon in there Rayne." Red shouted to me.

"I saw Red." It's really unnatural to see them so hostile and that Dratini shouldn't be so far out near human civilization. "Let's go somewhere safe first."

-Line Break-

The girl lived in Viridian City, very convenient since that's where we were headed anyways for Red's final badge. From what the locals had to say, the hostile pokémon in the forest started to rise steadily over the year and that the Viridian gym leader still hasn't been seen since then either, but we started off to it either way since it wouldn't hurt to check.

"I can't believe we're back to the place that started us off." Red looked around the building. "Though I doubt we're going to go in the same way."

I pushed open the door and the bottom hinge broke off leaving it crooked. I looked toward Red who gaped.

"I can't believe that worked, what are the chances?"

It was just as dark and dreary as it was when we first came here but the dust and cobwebs seemed to be gone. Was the gym leader back?

And then the light turned on, illuminating the broken state of the gym which had cracks on the concrete and rusting on the metal foundations. We had to cover our eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness and we heard a chuckle and some footsteps coming our way.

"I'm glad you both can make it. I've waited for this moment for a while now, Red. Rayne."

"Who?" My eyes adjust and surprise filtered through me. "The archaeologist?"

He laughed. "You both sure have grown the last time I saw you. I believe it was after the fall of Team Rocket back in Saffron where their headquarters were in Silph Co."

"What? So I did see you!" Red shouted. "But why were you there?"

"Because despite my organization falling, it was the rush that I felt when watching you both grow out of the expectations I set for you. After all, two no-name trainers that come out of the blue interfering with our operations? It must have been a fluke." He went on. "After hearing the same two kids appear in the reports that's given to me again and again, my interest was peaked in the end."

"Wait, you're part of Team Rocket?!" Red accused.

"Hmm? Ah, it was rude of me to ramble without introducing myself wasn't it?" He shoved his hands into his pockets. "When we met in the Diglett's Cave I was still the Viridian City's gym leader, but now you can call me Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket."

It was a dramatic reveal and the shocking disbelief along with the mixed feelings that's spinning through my stomach made me slightly confused. I don't really know what to feel in all honesty. I put all of the Team Rocket stuff behind me after, really, being part of the destruction on everything they've worked up for. If this was any other member, I wouldn't really care seeing they would be just another face in the crowd for me.

But this was the man that started it all. The person with enough power and ambition to raise an army of willing followers to march out his plans and operations. This man is a terrifying person.

"You will absolutely not harm him!" I turned quickly to see a Cloyster be batted away by her Iron Tail, but Vulpix was hit directly be a Spike Cannon it set off before.

"Vulpix!" I picked her up and the damage wasn't as bad as it seems but she won't be fighting anytime soon. I returned her glaring at Giovanni who was laughing resoundingly

"I didn't take you seriously enough when you said you had trained them to survive, because really, what does a kid know about surviving." He gestured his hands and arms in a shrugging manner. "It also didn't help when you smiled so naively, but nonetheless the answer did surprise me and the reports even more so.

"And for Red, it was really your ability to lead and power through while having the ingenuity to come out victorious in many battles. It was only when your taken by surprise or unknown factors that your plans falls short, but it seems that your stubbornness makes up for them. It really is a shame you aren't on my side."

Red growled. "I'd never join you anyways!"

"Of course not." Giovanni looked amused. "I admire your honour and courage, so let's make a bet. If I win this battle, you join me with Team Rocket in its revival and of course you'll get the badge if you win. No point on going empty handed after battling for a life changing decision." He smirked.

Red glared for a moment before growling out his answer. "As long it's a fair fight, I'll take that bet!" My heart dropped and my stomach churned in despair. I get that it's something more to battle for than the badge, but the consequences for him is much more impacting if he loses.

"Naturally! It's no use if I can't see the potential that a future operative has if I use underhanded means. A first hand battle will give me more than those measly pieces of paper will ever give me."

If it's a fair fight, then Red has a chance. He's learned a lot from the guys at home so he should have a winning chance. "You better win Red." I said to him. It would be terrifying if he doesn't.

"Hmm? The bet extends to you too Rayne." He stated clearly.

"Huh?" I looked at him, I can't believe what I'm hearing.

His eyes lit up. "You can't think that I just want Red after just saying what I said about you. A trainer that can easily stall out the enemy until a plan made up or when reinforcements comes and the fact that you can train your pokémon to act independently from you and still stay loyal to you. You're Vulpix just now was a fine example." He extended his hands with greed. "Don't think I don't know about your interactions with Mew and Articuno either, and it also doesn't hurt that both of you work well together. You two are quite the pair."

"Leave him out of it!" Red shouted. "And it won't be much of a fair fight if it's two against one anyways."

He just scoffed at him. "Please, you may have defeated my Triad but I'm the leader that commanded them! I'm much more than they are. This will be a double battle. Two-on-two with all the pokémon available. I have more than enough pokémon to take you both on."

"Fine, I'll fight." And I don't really think I can weasel my way out of this. Only Pidgeot and Nidoking can fight on par with his pokémon maybe, but if not, I can just provide back up for Red since his pokémon are the most battle ready.

"Very good."

We all prepared into a stance and without prompting too, sent out our pokémon with a flurry of smoke. It was instantaneous for my Nidoking to already jet out a Water Pulse in front of him where a Nidoqueen was sent back into the wall behind her not expecting to be hit with a ranged water move.

"Ah, if you were any other, I'd take you as my queen but sadly it isn't meant to be." And followed with an Ice Beam.

Though it just seemed to excite the Rocket leader more. "Golem, Rollout!"

I looked over to Red and watch Snor get pushed back by the rolling Golem through a wall. Poli was downed probably from the first attack.

"Come and get me!" Nidoking locked an Ice Punch with a Rhydon's own Fire Punch. They both jumped away from each other and spewed out flames at the other.

An explosion was set off behind me deafening my ears to a loud ringing. I felt something hit my shoulder knocking me down but the adrenaline kept the pain away. I watched as a Beedrill use Fury Attack on Nidoking distracting him from the Rhydon that used a Hyperbeam successfully knocking him out while sending him out the walls.

"Hyperbeam!" It came out muffled as my hearing came back slowly. The Beedrill itself was knocked out right after Nidoking and when pieces of the ceiling started collapsing, that's when I noticed how utterly destroyed this gym was.

A sudden tremor resounded throughout the build shaking the last of the foundations of this place. I ran out of the hole Nidoking was blown out through and I tripped on some fallen debris.

"Watch out! Another Nidoking is using Earthquake!"

"Use Fissure on the trainer in red!" Another bigger tremble course through the area and I felt the ground crack beneath me but not big enough to send me down.

I looked up to see Red hanging onto the edge of the ground where I was on the other side of with a Dugtrio, Rhyhorn, Nidoking and a worn out Rhydon standing behind Giovanni as he made his way to Red.

"You've heard about me haven't you both? As a gym leader that is."

"That you were the strongest gym leader in all of Kanto..." Red muttered out before trying to jump for his pokéballs nearby.

Giovanni just laughed at his attempt as the Dugtrio cracked them with Dig. "It was a good battle and I'll also acknowledge you both on the other encounters that you had with my Triad doing what no other would even think to do. But I must inform your ignorance that everywhere you traveled, I controlled."

"What?" Sure the Rocket members were stationed there and manipulated the systems in the cities, but it wasn't as if the whole region was under control.

"Hpmh. Of course you two wouldn't see the bigger picture, after all, this operation was bigger than it was itself. Everything that's been done has ended up in this forest to fester and grow. Starting from the experimentation in Celadon, to intense training through Saffron, sending them to Vermillion so they can be shipped off to Cinnabar where they're quietly moved into Viridian City so they can breed and grow in this forest! An army of pokémon that's strong and easy to obtain within my reach!"

What. What? He did what?!

"I should really thank you two for bringing down my headquarters, because that way when we make our big come back, it'll be too late for Kanto to realize that we've taken over."

Fury bubbled as I stood up clutching Pidgoet's pokéball. "I've put up a lot of your crap with Team Rocket and just when I was moving on, you decided to reveal your little plan to me on using my home as a means of advancing on your plans. Endangering the pokémon and the forest itself..." I snarled. "Unforgivable." With swift movement I sent Pidgeot who was already tearing through the earth with his Steel Wing taking Dugtrio down and hitting the Rhyhorn badly damaging him.

"Retribution will be delivered! And it will be swift and painful!" A war cry sounded from Pidgeot as he batted away the Rock Throws sent his way.

"Oh! That's a good expression on you!" Giovanni egged. "But will your Pidgeot be enough? My pokémon are trained to be far more versatile than yours, I've been playing the game far longer!"

He was right, his own were much more powerful than Pidgeot even though the bird faced bigger and stronger. It was a trend between trained versus wild pokémon. Pokémon under trainers tended to be smarter especially since humans survived by being smart. Smart wild pokémon tend to be on par with them when their environment lets them be which is why everyone at home is educated to a degree.

I watch with trepidation as Pidgeot was double teamed by Rhydon, who was using Ice Beam and Thunder, and Nidoking who did the same but physically attacked when the Bird Pokémon got too close. Pidgeot couldn't sit still long enough for him to fire an Air Cutter, Heat Wave, or Mirror Move because it was found out quickly when a Thunder hit him hard.

"Rayne! I'll give you an opening!" He threw Pika's ball that exploded with electricity the moment the little mouse popped out before the gym leader could call out an order. A Thunder hit the Nidoking thoroughly stopping half the attacks on Pidgeot.

"Thank you!"

It was all the matter of finishing off the two damaged pokémon before the battle came to a close. With Pidgeot's faster speed, the two Drill Pokémon fell to the Bird Pokémon's Steel Wing.

"That Thunder was impossible. How were you able to-!" Giovanni spotted Red's gloves he nicked off of Lt. Surge. "To think, defeated by my own subordinates invention. Ha!" He tossed two badges behind him as he returned his pokémon. "It really is a shame, but take this victory in stride and wear those badges in pride because those will be the last from me."

He then disappeared. We were all too tired to follow after him and I realize just how sore I felt and the blood that seeped from my shoulder. Red was in no better condition and even worse than me since he fainted on the spot.

"Red, I think that fast-paced battles aren't for me." I said even though he couldn't hear. "I don't think I registered even a quarter of it."

Talk about going out with a bang. Even though I could live without the danger, life-threatening situations, and dramatic events that seems so unnecessary, I'll miss it now that I lived it. I can feel quiet days ahead of me and a break will be great.

Er, as quiet as I'm used to anyways. Everyone at home bring about less noise than what Team Rocket brought thankfully but they are noisy nearly everyday.

-Line Break-

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