Hi! The start of the Yellow Arc!

And sorry again, I forgot to tell you readers that I would be gone for another month. I was in an area where there was no Wifi so even if I had access to my computer, I couldn't upload anything.

I've also been brain storming new story ideas in conjunction with my last one That Distant Life to figure out what to type up next and I have an idea. I've been having a hard time figuring out the plotlines for them and I think I got something to work with.

And hopefully they won't be riddled with grammar errors and spellings either, no promises though.

Thank you!

October 13, 2015- Finished.
December 18, 2017- Edited.

-Line Break-

Two years flew by since the 9th Triennial Pokémon League Tournament and I was busy with helping Professor Oak as his now top field assistant because of my ability to travel independently and gain information through my ability to speak and understand pokémon, not that the world knows that. I was really comfortable with my life right now but I don't think I would do what Professor Oak does anytime soon.

The farthest I've traveled so far was the to Johto region and I've helped out with Professor Elm too, but the most I could do for him was to gather information on the interactions between pokémon while recording data on the Pokédex of the Johto's natives for Professor Oak.

Besides my job, the other thing that makes me happy was that I finally grew out and at twelve years old I went from androgynous to boyish as Blue says, but the fact that I'm not being mistaken for a girl anymore is what matters. My eyes narrowed a bit, I lost a lot of my baby fat, my voice was noticeably a boy's but my hair grew longer far pass my shoulders around the middle of my back and with the extra weight, it wasn't as wild anymore. I don't care about the rest of the silly gender stuff that my species apparently does.

The other thing are my team. Pidgeot, against the odds of the impossible, finally set himself on fire. Hidden Power: Fire, plus fine control of Mirror Move, and Steel Wing equals a flaming Pidgeot. The impossible went down to improbable and my bird is a fire happy, insane, piece of work. He did it all on his own after I helped him through some theories and I really don't want to know the details of his experimentation. Green now calls my Pidgoet the 'Impossible Pidgeot' while everyone at home gave him the title Fire Dancer Pidgeot.

Nidoking still is outstanding in terms of his species and has developed good tactics when fighting his long time rival even winning some through the element of surprise, but my two strongest has been going through a stagnation period like all powerful pokémon. They weren't the strongest but that drive to get stronger wasn't as powerful as before.

Vulpix was taken under Madame Ninetales and has been beautiful and terrifying at the same time. She seemed to have learned her mentor's vindictiveness...

And then there's little Dratini who's now a graceful Dragonair. He's admired Pidgeot for a long time now and taken upon himself to over come his weaknesses too. His signature element is his ice moves in his repertoire along with manipulating the weather into a snowy storm. He's become strong and just as crazy as the rest of us...

I was currently running around the professor's lab organizing papers and caring for the pokémon out on his ranch. He had few assistants but they were all voluntary for some reason. You'd think a professor like him would have people clamouring to work under him. I guess that with his field specialty, it's hard to study under him and even understand what he wants without first experiencing a close bond with a pokémon.

Or there really isn't people interested in the position.

"Rayne!" Red burst through the lab door in excitement. He may have grown and matured a bit, but he was still loud and reckless as ever. "I got a challenge request!"

I frowned at the letter he waved. "What did it say?"

"I have to meet up with the challenger and battle him." He said. "I'm already packed up and ready to go, I'm just letting you know now."

It wasn't uncommon this year for letters like that, more and more trainers are taking Red's championship more seriously and some thought that taking Red out of a familiar place could increase their chances. I didn't like that Red was going out of his way to meet the challenger when it should be the other way around, but again, it helps the weak trainers back off and make the stronger think more seriously about fighting him.

"Be careful Red, I still don't like that you're taking them." I said to him.

"I will!" He gripped his yellow pack. "I'll see you later!"

I also didn't like the sense of foreboding creeping up my being, but it's not like Red can't take care of himself.

Still though, I fear the worse.

-Line Break-

I was at home cleaning up and organizing papers in the work space I created here in the many unused rooms of this place. My work room was spacious and located at the front of the house with a window facing the front yard. It was easy access and when anybody came over, I'll be easy to find along with the fact that it would be easy to get help if I got into trouble.

Bill was kind enough to install one of his PokéTranspoters in exchange for visits here. It's funny to see everyone's reactions when they first stepped into my home. Currently Red, Mewtwo, Blaine, Professor Oak, Red's memma, Blue, Green, and Bill has visited and aptly named it the Viridian Pokémon Mansion or PokéMansion for short.

The ringing of the communication line has been ringing for a bit before I pressed a button accepting the call. The professor's face blinked on the screen looking rushed.

"Rayne! Quickly come to the lab! Pika came back without Red and he's extremely hurt!" He shouted to me before I could even say 'hello'.

My eyes widened and worry bubbled. "I'll be there!" No time to waste with questions when I can get them there. "Someone get Pidgeot and everyone else! It's an emergency!"

It's been a month since Red's gone to meet that challenger and I really should've asked where he went and followed my gut.

-Line Break-

Pidgeot flew fast as I held onto my cane. It's much faster for Pidgeot to whisk me away than waste time landing and get on his back. I had the whole team with me just in case because if someone can take on Red and leave the professor in a state of panic with Pika's condition, then there's trouble ahead.

I saw the professor arguing with a kid with a straw hat and Pika in the middle. The little mouse looked up and shouted at me.

"Rayne!"

I landed when Pidgeot let go of the cane. The little mouse ran up to me jumping into my arms crying slightly. "What happened?!"

"Red was challenged by a really strong trainer! He was good but when they started to fight in a cave, we got ambushed! These two human ladies started to go on about how pokémon and humans can't exist and the reason why Red was there in the first place was because they wanted to know where Giovanni is for his badge! They also wanted him to join them because he was strong. When he refused, they started to freeze him! They almost froze me too, but Red told me to get warm and find you to tell you what happened. He fell in a hole Rayne! He's probably frozen by now! Please help!" He was in hysterics crying.

I hugged and comfort him as best as I could rubbing his head. I noticed the little scar on his left ear and petted them.

"Rayne what happened?" The professor asked as I looked up.

"Apparently Red got ambushed at his last challenge. They were testing to see if he was worthy to join them and fishing for information where the last Viridian gym leader was to obtain his badge." I frowned at that, did they not know that we got badges from him too? "Pika also said that Red's been frozen after he refused. From what I can tell, he was overwhelmed and that's why he lost."

"B-but how do you know that?" I looked up to see a familiar blonde kid.

I looked at her. "Do I know you?"

"Now's not the time! Did Pika tell you where he was?" The professor asked impatiently

I looked down at Pika and he shook his head. "I was asleep when we were getting there and I was too hurt to see where I was going when coming here. All I know is that we were on a mountain and that I had to get to you." He rubbed his head into my coat and his ears went down in shame.

"It's fine Pika! We know now and all there's left to do is get help from the others." I looked up to the professor. "Pika said they were on a mountain but doesn't know which one."

"Damn, Kanto is surrounded by mountains. I'll call the others and the gym leaders stay here until I come back." And the old man rushed away.

I hugged the little mouse closer as he sniffled. "It's fine Pika, if there's one thing I definitely know about Red is that he's too stubborn to die, especially if he sent you to get help." He can't die and he won't.

Fear gripped at me again as grief flooded, slowly encroaching me. It's not an experience I want to feel again, and not to a person that's so dear to me.

"How are you able to speak with Pika so clearly?" The girl looked at me with disbelieving eyes.

"Er, sorry, I don't know you enough to answer that." I said, but Pika interjected.

"She's okay, she healed me with her power! Plus she smells a little like Blue!"

"'Like Blue'? You met Blue?" I looked at her and shrugged. "I guess you're okay then if Blue was the one to send you."

"W-what? I have no idea what you're talking about!" She denied.

"There's no point in lying to me. Blue probably told you to try anyways though right?"

Her mouth went agape and conceited. "Y-yeah. She also told me that I might end up traveling with you too whether you know or not because of Pika." She clenched her fists. "I know I'm really secretive about myself but I really do want to save Red."

I sighed and cut her off from her ramblings. "I said it before right? If Blue sent you, then I'm alright with it. That girl maybe a tricky person but she does mean well." I patted Pika's back. "And it might be a good idea for you to be as covert as possible since you're not well known and the fact that we don't exactly know who we're dealing with, but I do want a name when we're alone."

She nodded ecstatically and I smiled. Looks like I'm going on another adventure.

-Line Break-

"You're a boy?! No way!" Yellow pointed at me in disbelief. "You're so different!"

I just smiled at her feeling myself twitch. "That's what growing up does to people."

Bill snorted. "I was surprised too when I found out a good few months later. He's not concerned with appearances at all and yet he gets irritated when people mistakes his gender."

"How's that Rattata? You've been caring for him right?" I swiftly changed the subject and the little blonde beamed chatting about Ratty.

Vulpix was out setting fire to some wood to help Bill dry. We met him as he was about to be drowned by a wild Seadra in the little creek and saved him after Pika notified us. It was an impressive save by Yellow without battling, but there's still some things that she needs to know about pokémon.

"What were you doing here anyways?" I asked him. I watched as Yellow fell asleep almost immediately.

Bill shook his damp hair. "I was writing a research paper in the conditions of the Viridian Forest. I was going to summit it after I was done. I saw that Pikachu and thought it was Red's." He looked at Pika who was talking to Vulpix. "Is it?" He whispered to me.

I didn't answer him as a sudden cold wind took over us from above. "You'll give me the Pikachu won't you?"

"It's quite rude to barge in and demand like this." Vulpix sent out a Heat Wave in annoyance warming up the air around us.

"How annoying, Blizzard!" A voice pierced through the snowy attack.

"Annoying huh?" Vulpix then started to use Fire Spin stalemating the other's attack.

Once the attack stopped, we look up to see a uptight looking woman with glasses next to a Dewgong looking miffed.

"That's her! She was the one that froze Red!" Pika growled out.

My eyes sharpened and Vulpix tensed readying for battled as the lady on the cliff huffed. "I'm impressed but I'll be taking that Pikachu if you please."

"Fat chance lady, who are you?" I could hear Bill try and wake Yellow.

"I am Lorelei, the ice trainer of the Elite Four, and I'm here to collect that Pikachu. When Bruno of the Elite Four failed to destroy that Pikachu after defeating the Champion Red, it came upon me to eliminate it. It's a matter of keeping a reputation after all." She ended causally.

I scoffed. "I highly doubt Red was defeated if you used such underhanded tactics like this."

She seemed to bristle. "We don't need to use such barbaric ways to eliminate pests!" She hissed.

"Then why are you the one doing the eliminating? If it's a matter of reputation and pride then it's only natural Bruno would be the one here and not you." I already know what happened, but I need to manipulate what they know to what I know.

Her anger boiling over. "You dare?! Who do you think you are?!"

"Raynard Walker, Professor Oak's field assistant and Red's friend." I held up Nidoking's pokéball. "And you are full of shit."

"Raynard? Yes I've heard about you. It's natural that you of all people would figure some things out being Oak's assistant." She got into a stance. "Let's see if the rumours are true then! Dewgong, Ice Beam!"

"You haven't learned have you!" Vulpix shot a Flamethrower just as powerful and because of the type advantage.

Curiosity took over my priorities. "There're rumours about me?"

"The fourth child that took down Team Rocket and the fact that you've introduced the new steel typing to this world." She listed. "But the one that intrigues people the most is your supposed battling ability that is said to be on par with Red! Now Aurora Beam!"

On par with Red? Well my team is strong enough to be on par with them individually but the playing field is too imbalanced to see which team is stronger. I knew that would bite me, but I can't exactly say my pokémon command themselves, can I?

"Does she not acknowledge that I'm a fire type?!" She let out an irritated Heat Wave again. She then started to spew out another Fire Spin encasing the ice trainer in flames.

"Nidoking!" I sent out the large pokémon. "Surf! C'mon guys, this isn't the place to fight. It's too small for me to protect you and fight her!" Lucky for us that Nidoking is big enough for all of us to ride on. We traveled down the creek that merged into a river until ice rapidly followed from the side.

"Don't you think you can get away with what you did!" Lorelei shouted at me and a Cloyster jumped in front of us.

"Hpmh, child's play." Nidoking Ice Beamed the water in front of Cloyster and all around us. "This will be our battlefield!" He shouted standing on the frozen section of the river.

I turned to the other two. "Run! I'll stall her as much as I can, take Pika and run!"

"But-!"

"Now! I'll catch up!" Ice broke apart in front of me as Cloyster shot a Spike Cannon at us. "Vulpix! Iron Tail between us." I commanded, I have no time for protests.

"You think you can hold me off?" Lorelei shouted. "You mock me!"

"Nidoking! We need to get away too, we still don't know what she's capable of and now's not the time to find out!"

"How boring! But with her riled up, we'll see more battles to come! Very well then." He sent out a Metal Claw into the ice, hurling them towards the enemy.

"You think you can escape too?! Think again! Dewgong, Cloyster! Frozen Spike Cannon!" An Ice Beam and Spike Cannon combo emerged from the two hitting the weakened ice in front of us, breaking apart sending us down the river.

Sure we were a little battered from the large pieces of ice flinging from the impact, but I couldn't help but wave at her with a grin. "Thanks!" Because really, that was convenient "Solar Beam!"

"This is what you get for underestimating me!" A flash of solar energy sped outwards blinded us giving a boost through the water as well. I don't know if it hit but that's definitely going to buy us time.

This adventure is already too dangerous and Red better be alive for me to hit him.

-Line Break-

It was late at night when I got to Celadon City. I could've flown but that's to be expected by Lorelei, so I chose the safer route and flowed down the river. I was tired, but still walking with Vulpix beside me.

I yawned thinking about Yellow's unique power. The ability to heal and read the thoughts and emotions of pokémon is quite impressive and Blue must've thought so too if she thinks Yellow can help. I've told her about my ability in return, but she's been blowing it up unnecessarily when it's her abilities that drains her from use. It's not hard to figure out that she sleeps to recover everytime when she uses her healing ability.

My attention was drawn by an illuminating flash of fire and yells. I rushed to the scene to see Yellow, Misty, Erika, Brock, and Blaine battling against a bespectacled man being possessed by a Ghastly.

"Vulpix!"

"It's just one after another isn't it today?" She unleashed a Psychic on the unsuspecting Gas Pokémon.

From a crude telekinetic control through Will-O-Wisp to a full out Psychic attack, Vulpix truly came a long way with her training but she told me that she won't evolve until she's sure she needs to. I just honestly think that she wants to beat Pika before evolving. She's never beaten him before and still hasn't yet, so it's a pride thing for her really.

The Ghastly groaned in pain before Vulpix blasted it away harshly to the ground beneath it.

"Rayne!" Misty smiled in relief now that the attack was over. "You're here!"

"Yeah." I waved to her as I heard a loud thud behind me. "And it looks like Green's here too."

The familiar heat that Charizard emitted alerted me without me needing to turn around to check. Green visited often before taking off to wherever to train and his visits were always to train or battle against Pidgeot, Nidoking, or the other powerful pokémon residing there like Teacher Espeon. The small psychic type enjoys battling against him because she knows that Green learns from them.

"I understand that Rayne's here because I heard that he was traveling with Yellow, but why are you here Green?" Erika walked up asking the brunette.

Green just paused for a moment before speaking. "That Ghastly used the same tactic as the ghost trainer, Agatha, of the Elite Four the last time I encountered her."

"You fought one of the Elite Four?" Everybody echoed Brock's question one way or another.

"It was by chance really, but I thought to let you know who you're dealing with so you can prepare."

Blaine rubbed his chin. "The Elite Four huh, the trainers that are much stronger than the gym leaders themselves. They're acknowledged as the strongest trainers around aside from the Champion but they've been absent for a while. But that still leaves the question on why they lured Red and are trying to take Pika here."

They want the power of the gym badges. I want to let them know but with an attack just now, one of the Elite Four might be listening in. It'll be better to tell one of them in private so they can tell it to the others themselves.

But it's why they want the badges concerns me. The only other thing I can think of is that amplifying device back that Team Rocket created but I only remember there being seven slots for the badges and the Earth Badge isn't one of them. So why?

The Elite Four are looking for it, so maybe they already got the other seven badges? From what I know, only the specialized gyms like the four gym leaders present hold some kind of power that boost the pokémon's power and loyalty. Pika said that they went on about how pokémon and humans can't coexist, but that doesn't explain why they want the badges.

I snapped out of my thoughts when Yellow shouted over to Green as he was just about to take off. Misty seemed a little miffed at the brunette but seemed to hold her voice.

"Please take me with you!" Yellow said with determination. "I want to save Red and I want get stronger in whatever way possible!"

"Ah! And there's something I need to discuss with you so I'm coming too." I added in quickly. I released Pidgeot and got on him, too long of a flight to hang.

"Here!" Misty and Brock gave Yellow a pokéball each. "They should help you with your journey. It's better to have more pokémon on you than what you currently have now." I smiled at they're gesture and took off saying our goodbyes.

Green then started telling Yellow his story how he met Agatha two years back. It's a story I heard once before and it didn't seemed relevant until now, about a old woman who held a grudge against his grandsire.

It was also one the reasons I was quick to escape from Lorelei even after Yellow and Bill were gone from the crossfires. They were strong and I had absolutely no idea how much the power gap between us was along with the fact that Lorelei's method of freezing Red was still unknown to me.

I was rather lucky she seemed to underestimate me and my pokémon's battling abilities despite hearing rumours of my 'superior' battling skills because I would rather fight than be frozen helplessly. I really do hope that we'll be okay like with Team Rocket because this seems more complicated than a takeover.

-Line Break-

It was very early in the morning when I woke up, but working for Professor Oak helped me function on little sleep when I needed too. I watched Green train his pokémon by slicing up giant burning boulders from the huge cliffs of this wasteland.

"So what do you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Pika said that they were looking for Giovanni for his badge." I said with a yawn. "I didn't want to say anything to the others with the attack happening so recently. Who knows who could be listening in."

"The power of the badges huh? But why though?" Green seemed to drift into his mind.

"Pika also mentioned that they said that pokémon and humans can't coexist."

Green nodded absentmindedly. "Agatha said that the Power Plant's construction was the reason why so many pokémon lost their home and lives back then. But that still doesn't explain why though they need it though."

"I thought that maybe they found that amplifier that Team Rocket used. It's the only thing I can think of, but it's how they're going to use it that makes me confused."

"Tch, I knew I was forgetting something. We should have destroyed that thing." Green just sighed. "Whatever, can't change that now." Then he paused again. "Don't you and Red have the Earth Badge?"

"Yeah but it doesn't seem like they know that." I replied. "Our badges are safely hidden away. I don't know why they don't think we have it after knowing that we were the ones to last see him but I just think that they assumed Giovanni didn't give it to us." Maybe they know that he's the Rocket Leader? With his position as a crime boss and our standing as the ones that destroyed his HQ, I think it would be safe to assume that he would be a little vindictive and not give us the badge.

I heard a frustrated sigh. "Your ability to talk to pokémon just made this a little more complicated to think about but this is something I'll relay to everyone else. Right now, all we can do is to get stronger and be ready for the battle against the Elite Four. No point on thinking about it if we can't do anything about it." I nodded at that. "Send out your pokémon, my Charizard still wants that rematch with your Impossible Pidgeot."

I grinned and the battle in the skies began. "Why are you training with flaming boulders?"

"Ever since my brush with Agatha, I've been investigating after the tournament." Green said. "I didn't find much but the big thing I was able to find out was that their HQ was located on Cerise Island. The whole island is practically a volcano so I'm training everyone in case the thing erupts."

"Wow, I guess it seems Vulpix and everyone else will have something to do then."

Green's training simulation resumed with Vulpix ignited the boulders with everyone on the ground destroying them soundly. I don't really see how this will help seeing it's the lava that would be the bigger concern but this is better than nothing.

"I can't believe your Pidgeot can set himself on fire." Green muttered as flames ignite on the tips of the Bird pokémon's feathers.

"You have to remember that Pidgeot has always been training seriously long before we even met." I tried to placate him. "This is just him trying to expand his limits in order to prevent from being idle."

He just face palmed. "He's on fire. You're lucky that the world doesn't know that yet or you'd be swarmed with the media and the science community." He crossed his arms. "I can't believe it no matter how many times I see it. You already seen the commotion when you introduced the steel typing, think of what would happen if the world sees that flaming Pidgeot of yours."

I paled considerably. "I would rather hide in a hole than deal with that."

Green snorted. "I've seen you dealing with multiple rampaging pokémon with ease, but when it comes to people, you tend to freeze up and work on autopilot. I would say you're socially retarded but you're more eloquent with your interactions than most people I know and meet."

"But, but- pokémon are easy for me to deal with. They're so simple, but when it comes to humans, they act so extreme about many things." I stammered out. "It's like dealing with the little ones. They mean well, but only more rough and a bit violent with their subjects, topics, or... objects of obsessions."

Enthusiasts was the kindest word I could think of for them. The people I have to deal with most of the time when I started to work for Professor Oak along with the more terrifying version of their kind being called fans. Red, Blue, and Green all had them and they all instilled a sense of fear that ran shivers down my spine.

"I keep forgetting that you were raised by pokémon." Green said looking at me amused. "One would think that it was Red who was raised by them between your personalities. You're very articulate compare to him."

"I think Teacher Espeon and Madame Ninetales wouldn't stand for anything less than I am now because they take pride in imparting knowledge to their students and others that would listen." I said. "It reflects on them greatly too since, as one of their students, I came into this world with only what's taught to me."

Green nodded. "I understand but Red's still the wild one between the two of you."

We were interrupted by a gasp from Yellow who awoke probably a few minutes ago. It was still early but a couple of hours have gone by since we woke ourselves.

"Your Pidgeot is on fire." She gaped along with the other pokémon she had.

I just smiled at her. "Everyone at home calls him Fire Dancer Pidgeot because of it. He's very proud of his title and achievements."

She just looked on in disbelief "Your pokémon are this strong? But I thought..." She broke off. "I know they're strong but Green's runner-up of the 9th Pokémon League Tournament..." She shook her head. "I didn't think Lorelei was serious."

Green scoffed. "Don't underestimate anyone unless you're absolutely sure of their level. Rayne may have a disarming appearance but he's a strong trainer on equal grounds as all of the first, second, and third place trainers of that tournament He's been and still training his pokémon along side ours and it's annoying to battle him straight up."

Yellow blinked. "Why?"

"Ah, you see, unless I know I can take out my opponent in a clean hit, I tend to drag a battle out until I can knock them out. My team actually battle separate from me unless I want them to change tactics." I explained. "My team knows what to do in a battle situation, but my opponents seems to get frustrated fighting against me making it seem I'm stalling longer than I really am."

"Frustrating does not begin to describe how others feel Rayne. It's like they're fighting like a newbie trainer or a trainer that's looking down on them, but because of your job, rumours, and personality, it's just mind-boggling to fight you." Green finished in a huff.

I sagged my shoulders. "Really?" I never really thought about it. It's just natural to train them to fight independently like the others at home do. "Sorry."

Green shook his head. "And that's the other thing, you're just too nice for you to seem strong."

A rustle in the grass caught our attention. We all turned to see a Caterpie crawling out of the few patches of grass this place had and Yellow ran up to hug it.

"You're that Caterpie that I saved." She snuggled it.

"Oh yes, I am and I really like you."

"It followed us all the way here?" Green muttered. "Why don't you try and catch it? It'll be a good addition to your team."

That's right, he doesn't really know Yellow that well yet. Oh boy.

-Line Break-

"It should've not taken this long to catch a Caterpie." Green muttered.

I snickered thinking back to Yellow's little problem of trying to catch Caterpie. It's funny to think that even with her ability to read their thoughts and emotions, it's me that understands the pokémon and their natures better. I guess it's because emotions and thoughts are easy to misunderstand while a direct communication isn't.

"Yellow, I understand that you don't like getting your pokémon hurt, but how do you expect to face against the Elite Four without battling?" I asked her.

She looked down. "It's just that, seeing them hurt just hurts me too and I feel really bad when there're other ways to fight without injuring any of them."

I patted her head. "Remember what Red said right? As long as you care for them with everything you have, they'll always be your friend." She looked up to me in surprise. "For a wild pokémon, all they care about is surviving especially if they're young and weak. But when they're taken in by a trainer or any human, many of their needs are eliminated like food, water, and shelter. It's also the reason why pokémon are willing to fight for bad people like Team Rocket in the first place because they're willing to keep that stability they provide at the expense of others."

"W-what? But they're bad!" Yellow cried out.

I laughed. "When pokémon grow and learn, they develop their intelligence that can surpass a human's. How they're brought up, rewards and punishment, what's good and bad, and why they're doing it, it's exactly like teaching human children because, like I said, pokémon instinctually care about their survival first." I gave a solemn smile. "But when you give them your understanding and care, then their instincts will shift to giving their own understanding and care. Whether it'd be pokémon or human, we all care, right?"

Green scoffed, but I know he knows I'm right. Yellow giggled and all the other pokémon present gave a varying degrees of agreement from Charizard's nonchalant shrug to Dragonair's nuzzle to my back.

Working under Professor Oak really did clear so many things because there was a difference in living and observing for me. Listening to the professor's lectures helped me realize that I had an ignorance to many things that an observer would always acknowledge as 'important' even though it's menial to me.

Like how I acknowledge there are the 'intelligent' pokémon and the 'feral' pokémon, but living with and experiencing both has made me adapt and react accordingly rather than understand it like an observer would. The only difference between the two was their priorities really. It's like Aero who came into this world semi-feral but under Red, he became more smarter for example, from calling humans 'creatures' to their given names and from descriptions like, scary little fire fox for Vulpix.

Vulpix did not enjoyed the raining rocks one morning and a good Iron Tail taught Aero real quick not to anger her.

"W-what's wrong Ratty?" I snapped out of my thoughts as I saw the Rattata shudder.

"He's evolving." Green supplied.

She just blinked at him. "Evolving? What's that?"

Ratty finally evolved into a Raticate and Yellow just stared in shock. "Ratty?"

We all staggered back from the loud crying she admitted before she quickly fell asleep from the shock.

Green groaned in the next moment. "Who cries at their pokémon evolving? How does this kid not know about evolution?"

Oh dear, we really do have our work cut out for us. Well, Green does. I'm really not the person who should be teaching Yellow since she still needs to command her pokémon to guide them through a battle. I mean sure Red and Green are getting to a point where they don't need to, following my example, but they both have that instinctual need to command simply because that's how they did it for years and years.

But looking at Yellow, I think she'll be alright.

-Line Break-

-Omake-

It was a few months since the 9th Pokémon League Tournament and I've been curious on why so many people have been running around in a panic. I thought that the colder air would've deter people from going out, but I guess something's been keeping them out with the way they've been looking desperate

"Blue? Why're the people running around like this?" She dragged me out to Celadon City to shop for whatever reason and she seemed to be really happy the way she's been skipping.

She stopped and looked at me. "Because it's nearly Christmas of course!"

"What's Christmas?" It seemed silly if people are running around like this.

She let go of my hand and gaped. "You don't know what Christmas is?" She put a hand to her cheek. "I guess since you didn't grew up with it, it's natural you don't know." Then she smiled after a moment. "It's a day where you give gifts to your friends and family!"

"Gifts? What kind? And why?" It seems weird without knowing the reason.

Blue just giggled at me. "It's a day just to give! The reason can be out of appreciation, love, or because you can. It doesn't matter, the reason is up to you and the gifts can be anything too like foods and toys!" She snaked her arm around mine. "I brought you along to help me Christmas shop actually. So let's go! Maybe you can find gifts for everyone else too!"

We went through many items and stores in the department building and Blue continued to explain 'what is' and 'how is' and that the presents must be a surprise to the receiver There was just one week away from Christmas so I guess I'll have plenty of time to decide on what to give.

Ah! Maybe I could bake cookies for the gym leaders, Bill, and Red's memma, but I wonder what to give Blue, Green, Red and Professor Oak? I'm not too worried about everyone at home since they won't care about this kind of thing, but it seems to be very important to the humans. Plus, it'll be nice to show them my appreciation too.

-Line Break-

Pidgeot flew as I carried the last box of cookies in my arms. I managed to deliver to Brock, Misty, Bill, and Erika in under two hours and now flying over the sea headed towards Blaine's lab.

As we arrived to Cinnabar Island, we flew in the direction that Rapidash ran to hoping to find the cave that Red was lead too when he first came here.

"You sure it's around here?" I asked looking around the cliff sides to try and spot a cave.

"Yup, he's probably fixed and covered up the cave since last time." Pidgeot said circling the area.

It was a while before someone was calling me and saw Blaine riding on Rapidash waving to us. "What are you doing here?"

Pidgeot quickly flew down and I got off quickly and held a box to him. His box was slightly larger for Mewtwo since he's staying with Blaine.

"Merry Christmas! I baked cookies for you, Mewtwo, and all your pokémon." I smiled at him.

"Oh ho! Let's go on into the lab. I'm sure Mewtwo would like to see our treats given to you directly." Blaine said happily.

His lab wasn't far as I held onto Blaine as we rode Rapidash. His lab was dark with the glowing lights of his machines and I saw Mewtwo standing stoically though surprised to see me.

"Merry Christmas, Mewtwo!"

It was a short visit, but it was a good one to see everyone light up especially Mewtwo who seemed to be slightly flustered when I beamed at him. It was nice to share my very first with Mewtwo since it was his first too.

The flight back home was uneventful and we rested until it was later that day. Blue told me that Red was having a Christmas party at his house and apparently Red's mom bullied Green again to attend. I have plenty of time.

-Line Break-

Everybody was enjoying themselves as it went on into the night. The excitement and the need for sleep created a hazy feeling in my head as I tried to shake it off by sitting on the porch.

I've already given my presents to all the others. I brought the rest of the cookies to the house, delighted that everyone enjoyed them and picked up materials to make little stuffed pokémon dolls for Red, Green, and Blue. Blue loved the little Mew doll while I made Espeon and Umbreon for Red and Green respectively. It wasn't hard to do since I've been working with a needle and thread to repair clothings and such since I was smaller.

I received little treats and books from the others while Red gave me a cozy purple scarf to match my cloak. It atmosphere here was cozy itself as I listened to everyone else gripping the hot chocolate close warming me up.

"Are you having a good time?" Red stood by the doorway as I turned.

I smiled. "Yup!" Happiness fluttered up as I stood up to go over to him.

Everything felt warm like when everyone would gather around the fire place and just sleep there. The mutual companionship that gives off the sense of security to stave off the cold nights, only with other people to celebrate their little tradition.

"Oh Red! Rayne!" I hear Blue call us in a sing-song tone while holding up a camera "Look above up you!"

I looked up to see a plant with two little red berries and leaves above us.

"Blue!" I look towards Red who was blushing angrily at the sly looking girl while the others laughed and Green smirked.

"What is it?" I asked.

Red's mom giggled. "It's called a mistletoe. It's a Christmas tradition that if you stand under it, you have to kiss the person that's under it with you."

"Mom!"

A kiss? These traditions seemed to get more silly the more I learn about them. I pulled our foreheads together and nuzzled his nose lightly and heard a click afterwards. A kiss was a sign of affection and care back at home and it's usually done to the ones your close to.

"You're overreacting Red. It's just a kiss." Honestly, I don't mind doing it with you. But I can see the blush just spread as he turned away.

"But that wasn't a kiss though..." Blue sounded disappointed.

I just blinked. "Yes it was. Why? Do you do it differently?"

"It's fine!" Red shouted. "It doesn't matter." He crossed his arms glaring at Blue.

"Aw, c'mon Red, don't you-"

"No Blue!" He said forcefully.

Everyone just laughed as the rest of the pokémon and I looked confused.

"I'm pretty sure it was a kiss." Vulpix padded towards me. "Though I guess humans have different meanings for different things."

It wasn't until a few weeks from now that Green, of all people, told me that a kiss was also a sign of courtship to humans. I was the same shade as Red was, but I was lucky that I had work to keep me distracted.

Though I still don't know how humans kiss.

-Line Break-

Thanks for reading and please review!