Hoenn greeted the two twelve-year-olds with a light rainstorm as the ship steamed into Slateport City. It was the light, drizzly rain that wasn't enough to get a person sopping wet, but it wasn't light enough to be completely ignored either. Espeon retreated to her pokéball and watched the rain from her safe confines.

Pikachu, always hating the pokéball, buried himself beneath Red's jacket, ears twitching. Red decided that he should probably start training in warm, wet, humid climates if he was already beginning to fry just from stepping out of the cool air-conditioning.

Lucas beside him was practically glowing from the heat. "It's finally warm!"

Warm? No. This was hot. Waaaay too hot. His throat ached with the warmth.

"C'mon Red, let's explore the city!"

Lucas tugged on his hand, leading the way. Red followed behind, content to just follow for now, as his backpack lightly slapped on his back. It was empty for now, but a trip through the pokémart and other stores available ought to fix that up.

Prof. Oak had sent him a new Pokédex through Blue whenever she visited with food. It had all of the cataloged information, and here where it could actually receive a signal instead of being blocked by the steadily whirling blizzard, he could see new updates to Pokémon found, caught, and studied.

There were still a few gaps in the Pokédex for Hoenn region, though most of it was filled in, and all of the Pokémon were at least seen. Red figured if he saw anything left in the gaps, he would catch it, but it went mostly ignored for now.

Lucas whirled around, his own quite full backpack jingling slightly. Tucked into a side pocket was perhaps the longest book Red had ever read- and he had written this one. It wasn't as technical as Prof. Oak liked to get, but it went over the most basic of basics, while giving Lucas tips and tricks on how to defeat certain types, how to take care of Pokémon, and a few other things.

Though Lucas seemed to have also enjoyed his time with the sea Captain. Red found that Lucas split his time between himself and the Captain, drifting back and forth in his quest for knowledge. The Captain talked to Red like he did Lucas, a bit condescendingly, but still nicely. The Captain obviously didn't know who Red was, which was really, really nice.

"C'mon!" Lucas tugged at his hand, and Red picked up the pace a bit, as together they ducked beneath the giant tapestry covered shops. People moved slowly between tables, a low, constant hum that blended with the rain. Lucas bounced eagerly from shop to shop, eyes bright and happy.

Red laughed silently, before tugging Lucas's hand to point towards the one place they needed to go- the Pokémon Center. There they could register Lucas as a trainer, and Red could set him up with his very own Pokémon Account.

Lucas followed behind him, mutely taking in all the sights with huge, glowing eyes. He had picked right then. While there was some modernization of this island, it mostly passed by in sleepy silence except for its bustling port city. Lucas didn't like too many electronics, and there wasn't enough here to overwhelm him-

Nurse Joy handed Lucas his Trainer Card Request Sheet, before looking to Red. "Would you also like one?"

Red shook his head, flashing his Kanto. "Oh, but you should update your card while you're here! It even comes free with a Pokémon Gym case. You should always keep those handy."

Red hesitated. He didn't plan on challenging any leaders, but by the same token, he hadn't planned to challenge Team Rocket. It just sort of happened. And anyone who was at least a little strong could take a look at him and know that he was strong too…

Red sighed as he filled out a card, purposely leaving the name blank. If the name Red suddenly popped up on Hoenn's computer systems… Well, chaos would descend in about a week.

Nurse Joy disappeared for a few minutes, before returning with the blank cards and empty Gym Badge cases. "Thank you so much for visiting us. We hope you have a wonderful day."

"Thank you miss." Lucas said shyly, before Red gently tugged him out the door. A bit of Red's money was transferred over to the shy kid beside him, before Red stared at the teeming mass of people. Lucas might've been happy to be among them, but Red wasn't. He was never comfortable among so many people.

"Would you like too split up? We'll meet up at the entrance of the market in exactly one hour, and we can start with Littleroot Town."

Red signed the words, carefully searching Lucas's face for any face dropping. Lucas frowned for a moment, before his fingers fell on Espeon's ball securely at his side. "I-I guess…"

Lucas didn't want to be separated, but Red really didn't want to be among so many people. They both hesitated for a few moments, trying to figure out what to do next. Finally, Red signed, "Ah, it'll be easier if I just stay with you."

The smile Lucas gave him was worth the pounding heart and carefully hidden shaking hands. Red could handle crowds if he could handle it his own way. The ship may have been crowded, but there was always an easy bolting place if it became too much. The shopping district of Slateport, while wide and sprawling, had no easy hole to duck into, no place too hide. Once, and only once did he find his limbs beginning to lock up. Pikachu helpfully pulled on his hair then, propelling him onwards.

Lucas's warm hand in his was the biggest help quite honestly. He wasn't facing the masses alone, and while Lucas was just as quiet as he was, too stunned to say more, the sentiment behind the hand was clear. You are not alone.

Still, he couldn't help think that Lucas coming here on his own would've been pretty nice as well.

Lucas smiled to himself as he finally felt Red's tension going down. Red obviously didn't do well in crowds, and Lucas was almost sorry that he had dragged the taller boy along. Almost, but not quite.

He had been scared too. So many people- he had never seen so many people gathered together in his entire life before except for once. On New Pork Island. And even then, there was the sensation of it being the final showdown, that he needed to move, and stop Pokey. He hadn't had the chance to stand and stare at everyone, like he was now. It was a bit overwhelming, and he was a bit glad when Red decided to end their foray in the market with a firm tug towards the exit.

They emerged, a little bit shaken up, and stirred, and Lucas let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding. In the pokéball, Espeon purred. She shared her trainers sentiment of less people is good.

"Thanks Red. I guess I didn't notice how tense I was getting."

Red nodded easily, tugging his hat down low. Pikachu finally popped his head from out of Red's coat, ears twitching. "Pika?"

Red smiled as he rubbed the Pokémon's ears. It was always a bit unusual to see Red smile. Normally his smile would be this lightest touch that made a normally scary face a bit less scary. This smile lit up Red's face, a private moment between he and his Pokémon, gentle and touching, and private.

Lucas glanced away until Red finally tapped him lightly on the shoulder, and pointed towards the road. Lucas laughed, and nodded. It was time to go.

He was going on a Pokémon adventure, to find his courage, and be the best person he could possibly be. "I wish I had remembered to say goodbye to that sea captain… What was his name anyways?"

Red shrugged. "He never told us."

"Oh. But he taught me a lot about Hoenn, and about what all you can do. I might even know more then you Red!" The last sentence was slightly teasing, and lighthearted. "Um, Red? Are you angry?"

Red blinked. Did he look angry? "No, I'm not. I'm just surprised. You might be right."

He had never actually traveled to Hoenn after all, though he had gathered enough information through various sources. Mainly Blue on her once-monthly trips to yell at him and update him on everything going on, but Blue was a reliable source of information.

"Is that your surprised look then?" Lucas squeaked, suddenly nervous and scared around Red. Just like the first time the two had met, and he hadn't gotten used to Red's 'resting' face that most would call a 'glare'.

Red nodded. He hoped it was his surprised look. He really, really did.

A tall, blue-haired man glanced upwards from where he had been arranging his fossils as a Sea Captain strolled into the building. It wouldn't of been a big deal in just about any other building in the entire region- but this was Ever Grande City.

The city where the Pokémon League for Hoenn resided.

"Drake. I see you were out on your boat. See anyone interesting?"

"Aye. Two of them. A little blond-haired boy named Lucas. He's a mite bit of a coward, and I don't think that he'll ever be able to defeat all the gym leaders, but his heart's pure, and he'll go a long way. The other one… gave me chills."

Steven paused in his close inspection of the fossil in his hand. "Chills?"

"He didn't ever pull out any of his Pokémon, not even once. But, I think the Espeon going with Lucas was his, as was that Lapras, and both of them were mighty powerful creatures. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lapras alone could've taken my Pokémon down."

This kind of high praise from Drake, the strongest of the Elite Four and below only the Champion… "Well then, I guess Wallace is going to be challenged quite well when the second trainer comes along, won't he?"

"If Wallace has stopped sulking. He refuses to give up finding Sapphire until he can make her formally the new Champion." Drake pointed out, slightly amused by the former Champion's words. "What are you doing here anyways? I thought you gave this all up."

"Ahhh, yes. Well, you see, I wished to talk to Wallace about Sapphire and Ruby."

Drake froze, eyes on the Champion. "Do you mean… there's been a sign of them? After they disappeared for so long?"

"Yes. There have been a few murmurings from deep sea divers that they have seen two children, wearing red and blue, at the bottom of the Ocean." Steven placed his stones to the side. "There have also been reports from Kanto of a Charizard flying down from Mount Silver, and from Sinnoh of three figures at the top of Mount Cornet, and down paths that don't exist."

Drake tugged at his wild mustache, turning the information over in his mind. "These champions disappeared after beating back the dangers that threatened their regions. The reasons were different, but not the sentiments."

There isn't anyone who can fight me on equal grounds. There are too many people. I don't want too look at these people who expected me to solve everything by myself.

"And two years later, in Unova and Johto regions, new trainers stepped forward too fight against the re-rising evil. Perhaps Ruby and Sapphire heard of these fights and are on the prowl to keep it from happening to their region as well."

"And what of Mount Silver? There are only legends of the trainer who makes his living there, but if he has descended-"

"It might not all be doom Drake." Steven smiled gently as he leaned back in his seat. "Perhaps they have decided that they would like to re-join society. After all, Ruby and Sapphire both have parents worried about them."

"I suppose so, yes. Norman and Professor Birch, hmm?"

"Yes."

Steven closed his eyes for a brief second. "It might be a sign for the better, rather then the worst."

"I hope so." Drake murmured. "Perhaps like the Pokémon who saved my life, this could be a changing point."

Peach glided over to the 'kids' table with a slight expression of concern. "Is everything okay over here? Where's Lucas and Red?"

Nana and Popo glanced at each other, as Toon Link put on his most winning smile. "He's not coming in for breakfast today."

"He isn't? I wonder if I should go visit him…" Peach looked to the doorway, a bit worried.

Ness wrestled a slice of seal away from Pikachu. The two ice climbers looked absolutely pumped to have their favorite foods for breakfast today. "Not Qallunaat food!" The two chirruped happily, clapping hands together, before digging into the provided food. It was mostly meat, all along the buffet, with a few dried, frozen vegetables and tubers mixed in for good measure.

Ike looked like he was in heaven.

"Gerrof Pikachu, and go bother Red for food."

The Pikachu threw Ness a nasty look, a spark of energy arcing from tail to ears. Ness glared right back, psychic energy gathering at his finger tips. Pit sailed on overhead, wings flapping furiously.

He touched down on the other side of the table, before turning with wide eyes. "Where's Red?"

"Pit? What's the matter?"

"Uhh, Lucario is busy pacing the hallways, and Red usually knows best on how to calm him down. If Red's not around, then I can go find Meta Knight."

"Meta Knight. Red isn't coming to breakfast today." Toon Link said. With a grateful nod, Pit took off running. His wings streamed out behind him, barely missing the older, bigger Link who quietly entered the room with Zelda by his side.

Zelda's sharp eyes scanned the room, finding, identifying, and analyzing who all was there. Her brow creased slightly on spotting the fact that there were several smashers missing. The Princess walked calmly over to her fellow princess. "Peach."

"Zelda, you noticed Red and Lucas are missing as well?"

"Yes. Olimar and Villager do not seem to be here either, but I believe that can wait." Captain Falcon entered the room alone, Toon Link noticed in distraction. Most of his attention was focused on the two Princesses that seemed to be so concerned about Lucas and Red.

"Toon Link. Although many mistake your ability to make people laugh as being foolish yourself, I know you have a good head on your shoulders. What happened to Red and Lucas? Do you know?"

Toon Link crossed his arms. He hated telling Princess Zelda no, but he had also promised Lucas he wouldn't tell anyone where he was going. "Well…" He hedged, trying to buy himself more time for the traditional mass chaos that usually reigned when you had well over thirty various people of various backgrounds in one room.

He wasn't disappointed when Diddy Kong slid across the table, sending food scattering everywhere. Nana and Popo both gasped, looking on with horror. In seconds their giant hammers were out, and the two Smashers were charging at the young Monkey full tilt. "Get him! Don't you dare waste the food of our homeland!"

The two brought their hammers down squarely on Kirby. Kirby retaliated in kind, turning around to attempt to suck them both up. The Ice Climbers scrambled back over a table, and Toon Link started taking this as his cue to start sneaking away.

Zelda and Peach both didn't notice, too caught up in the chaos as they attempted to dodge flying food. Falco's feathers puffed in fury as a bowl full of cooked fish fell on top of his head. Popo and Nana were practically foaming at the mouth over such indelicacy to their native homelands food.

Toon Link thankfully escaped out the door, and into the hallway. "Nice work there Kid. I probably couldn't of done better myself."

The low, gravely voice could only belong to one Smasher in the entire mansion. Snake. Toon Link turned with wide eyes, arms flailing out to express his surprise. "No need to be so surprised kiddo. I was watching you dodge the princesses' questions."

"Since when?!"

"The very beginning. I figured Red and Lucas had disappeared somewhere after seeing Lucas make his way to Red's room last night. Nana and Popo probably overheard it as they snuck into Lucas's room to give him something, probably the rope." Snake took a sip of the mug he held in his hands. Toon Link's nose wrinkled as the scent of coffee drifted down to him, before glumly acknowledging that at least it was better then smokes.

"So where are they headed off to kid?"

"It's a secret. I promised." Toon Link stated calmly.

Snake eyed him for a moment, before grunting. "Hope you're ready then. More of the adults are gonna start noticing, and most of them tend to be the protective kind. Especially the hero types."

"Aren't most of us heroes here? I know Ganandorf, Bowser and-"

"That isn't what I meant kid." Snake interrupted. "I mean that when people realize just how long Red and Lucas both have been gone, the sh- a lot of problems are going to arise."

Toon Link frowned. Well, he could see them being a bit angry, but really… "Red cleared it with Master Hand beforehand, so they can't complain. Besides, why would anyone else care anyways? We can all take care of ourselves."

"Because you're a kid." The blunt reply didn't really do anything for Link, who stared blankly at him.

"Look, most of these guys aren't parents, but that doesn't mean they aren't going to get angry at the idea of a person hurting a kid. Especially when half of the smashers around here consider you guys to be under their protection."

"What? You guys didn't act like that during the Subspace Adventure; Lucas and Ness both told me so. You guys even got Nana and Popo wrapped up in the adventure, despite them not being related to it!" Toon Link hadn't been there for the fight against Tabuu, but the other kids had filled him in on all of the important details.

"What Snake is trying to say-" The streak of blue light and bright green eyes belonged to Sonic, "Is that now that the Smashers have a chance to rest against insurmountable odds, they don't want kids to be put in too much danger. I mean, you have to admit, being turned into a trophy and having your life threatened isn't exactly the same."

Snake's 'good mood' instantly vanished. "What are you doing here hedgehog?"

"Just giving you a hand is all. You could give Knuckles a run with your inability to spit out your feelings."

Snake glowered angrily. "I don't need the help. And give me back my smokes."

"Nope~ You're too cool for these."

"It's called nicotine addiction and me not living long enough for it to matter." Snake snarled back, before lunging for the cigarette pack held in Sonic's hands. The words seemed to of stunned Sonic long enough that he couldn't dodge in time.

"Snake-"

"Hmph. Made you stop." The man twirled the pack in his fingers, and securely clenched it in his hand.

Toon Link edged a step towards the end of the hallway. That snapped both Snake's and Sonic's attention to him. "Well kid? Red and Lucas are at least together, right? Red has a good head on his shoulders."

"Yes, they're going on an adventure together!" Toon Link said, grinning at the memory of just how excited the two of them were.

"Good." Snake seemed willing to drop the subject, though Sonic lingered for a few moments longer, staring directly at Toon Link. Finally the hedgehog seemed to shrug.

"If you need any help, you know where to find us."

"And you'll come in late like always?"

"Fifteen minutes late with a cup of Starbucks." Sonic promised with a grin.

Then, in a flash of blue, he had sped off after Snake to begin bugging the gruff, dour man. Toon Link stared after the two, a confused look on his face. "Why would any of the adults care?"

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu murmured at his side, before bounding away towards Red's room. Toon Link stared after Pikachu, before shrugging. It didn't matter anyways. It wasn't like anyone else was going to notice in the first week, and by the end of the week, it's be far too late too do anything about it.

Besides, it wasn't like adults to care about much of anything, let alone actually do something they cared about. Toon Link walked down the hallway, humming to himself. Oh yes, this would turn out the same way things always did back home-

Nobody would do anything about it.

A/n: Thank you reviewers, we've finally reached to the start of the plot! To my two reviewers: Yes, Red is writing in unown, and that was N. :D Also, as for Mother 3... If you don't mind a gba emulator, there is a fantastic fan translation that I'm using for this.