I'M ON A SPEED RUN! PREPARE YOURSELF TO READ CHAPTERS LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER READ BEFORE!
'Oh, run away! Run away you little coward!'
Red didn't want to run, but it wasn't safe for him to stay as the Champion. Blue was shouting at him now, shocked and angry that after all the hard work the both did, Red would just throw his title away.
'After everything we've done, you come along and beat me, only to throw it away? Go away! Get out of here!'
Red didn't let the words get to him, he knew that Blue was upset that after all of his work, it was Red who beat him, ground his dreams to ash and let them vanish. It was his fault, but if he stayed, more attempts would be made. It wasn't worth standing as Champion to watch every person who approaches, to see if they have a hidden Arbok just ready to bite him. It wasn't worth waiting for someone who was a challenge, when this generation of trainers were pathetic and weak.
'Why won't you just go away? Why can't you just leave me alone!'
Red decided, right then and there, that leaving may be the best thing to do.
He casted one look at Blue, who stood at the opening of Victory Road after his sudden and devastating loss to Red, Blue, who had only been Champion for two days. He said nothing, opening his Pokeball and summoning his Charizard, Blue's hand moving to his hip to get his Blastoise.
Red held up a hand, telling him to wait as he mounted his loyal flying creature, looking at Blue with an emotionless expression.
'So now you're going to run away after all of this? You think I won't remember what you've done? I hate you Red! I hate you!'
Red looked at Blue and opened his mouth, before closing it without saying anything, Charizard giving a small wine of unease. Red looked at Blue once more, now seeing the tears on Blue's cheeks.
Blue didn't cry. Ever.
'You know, all I ever wanted to be was Champion. I guess I can't even do that right, huh? Go on, get out of here. I never want to see you as long as I live!'
Charizard snorted, flapping and taking off into the air with a few powerful strokes of his wings, automatically awaiting Red to steer it, and Red did, aiming it South.
'I-I just need to think.' Red thought to himself quietly, trying to think of a place that he wouldn't be disrupted, by the press, by family, by humans-
Red turned, guiding Charizard much to the lizard's disbelief, towards the large looming figure of Mt. Silver.
It struggled, the two trying to fight the winds, only to get battered away. Charizard roared, swooping low only for a strong wind to slam into them, knocking them off course and onto the icy slopes, Charizard struggling to stay on the ground as the wind caught his wings.
Red hastily returned him, lowering himself close to the mountain as he clawed on, his arms and legs going numb from in insistent cold.
He saw a cave, he made his way towards it, trying to blink the ice from his eyes as he slipped in, the natural crevice widening as Red huddled in a corner, breathing into his hands to warm him it.
Charizard released himself, feeling the lack of wind from his Pokeball. Slowly, everyone else did too, Snorlax sitting down and the others forming a ring, Charizard grumbling loudly and releasing a plume of fire to illuminate the cave and warm the inhabitants.
Red gave a small smile, his Pikachu jumping onto his lap and circling once before lowering itself comfortably, Venusaur nudging against Red, wanting a scratch on the itch it could never quite get.
This was his family, he didn't want to lose them ever. He wouldn't let Team Rocket get to them and kill them-
They would become strong. Strong enough, that not even Legendary's could stop them.
They would become gods.
Red cracked his eyes open, almost closing them immediately at the harsh light- did he fall asleep out in the snow again? Was the sun glaring down at him, or his Pokémon leaving him there as a joke?
He tried to move- best to get out of the snow, then the pain.
He flinched, causing more pain in which he moaned, eyes lolling and eyelids fluttering shut as he held his breath, trying to understand what?
Oh-
Oh.
He wasn't on Mt. Silver. He was in Hoenn, he was fighting Team Aqua…and, they had Kyogre.
Kyogre attacked him, that's why he hurt. But then, shouldn't he be drowning or underwater? Shouldn't he be dead?
Red was struck with a terrifying though, what if he was dead, where were his Pokémon? Would they be submerged until eventually the Pokeballs broke and they drowned? Had he just killed all he had left of a family?
He snapped his eyes open again, coughing and wincing at the searing burn of his throat, trying to move but the movement caused a deep bone set ache grow in his torso, burning deeply.
"Steady." A voice said, muffled and Red was unable to tell if it was a woman or a man. He grunted as he felt pressure on his back- a hand prop him up further as he blinked, trying to not feel the horrible feeling.
"Saur." He heard his friend and his eyes opened even more, before a tingling feeling and the lack of pain gently grew, 'Sun Spore,' his mind supplied, and slowly he was actually able to open his eyes and see.
It was a man next to him. He was old with deep grooves in his sun kissed face, lean body, and thin clothing.
"Easy there, you're friends here managed to meet a pod of swimming Wailord, they saved your life." The man smiled, looking to his left, where the hut's open door showed the bulk of Snorlax, Blastoise and Charizard, looking at him with concern. Venusaur was next to him, having just used Stun Spore to numb his body. Pikachu was curled asleep by his side, and Espeon was on another bed, her paw bandaged tightly.
"Odd Pokémon here, we've only seen these from trainers here to challenge Wallace, the Gym Leader. Wallace retired a few years ago though, so we don't get many travelers." The man explained, Red saying nothing as he watched him silently.
"So, you don't have any broken bones, although you have some deep bruising, may take months to heal-" Months? "And you have two nasty gashes on your stomach and your leg, looks like bite marks or talons. Whichever, you got in a fight with nasty water Pokémon." The man shook his head, helping Red rise even further into a sitting position, wincing as he saw the bandages on his stomach, and his leg.
"Take it slow." The man advised, Venusaur sprouting vines to help support Red, who had no problem with bearing weight on his right leg, and gingerly set his foot now.
Pain sprouted from the one area, causing Red to hiss at the feeling and lift his foot, dragging his leg in a horrid limp as he tried to make his way towards his remaining three Pokémon.
"Here" The old man advised, tossing over a gnarled staff, Red nodded, and propped it under his left arm, using the right to run along the wall as he hobbled outside.
Charizard rose first, rising on his haunches as it gave a fanged grin, its tail fire glowing even brighter from its joy. Blastoise clambered over on four legs, offering a spot for Red to lean against while Snorlax just gave a happy wave with its stubby limb.
Red smiled, leaning against Blastoise and wrapping one arm around the shell, then moving to Charizard as the human gingerly hugged the beast's neck, whom gave a low hum of understanding. Snorlax let the human hug it, although it was ineffective.
"You care greatly for your Pokémon, it a relief to see a trainer with such compassion." The man grinned, showing he was missing two teeth.
'Thank you so much. Thank you.' Red thought, and Espeon heard it, letting out a chirp all of the others responded to.
Red didn't cry, he didn't cry-
x-(X)-x
Four days after his awakening, 11 days after leaving Ash and Blue, Red was able to walk up and down the Volcanic crater using the gnarled staff.
The Doctor was very helpful, his name was Benjamin, although he was known as Doctor Ben throughout the smaller islands he hopped across, riding a Lapras between the islands, and sometimes a Dewgong.
The locals of Sootopolis city were nice and caring, apparently the Volcanic ash grew herbs that were very important to Pokémon, Revival herms, Power herbs, and more mineral rich drinks that his Pokémon were taking advantage of quickly.
It was when his bruises had turned to a deep green, and only pressure actually burned them did Red find the true mystery of Sootopolis City.
The city was built on a dormant Volcano, and deep in the Cave of Origin, there was a lava pool.
Locals and humans were not permitted within the cave, and whispers spoke of why, causing Red's eyes to widen.
Groudon, not a copy or a child, but the Groudon resided within. Held apart from the land itself, creating volcanic eruptions to give life to the new islands of the sea.
Two weeks before Red ventured to Hoenn, Team Magma had raided the city, kicking locals out and sending in a large extraction team to take control of the city, burrowing far in the depths of the cave to extract Groudon.
Apparently, they had been successful.
Red stood on the Volcanic rim, not wanting to think too much on what happened.
He had been attacked by Kyogre under the control of Archie, the leader of Team Aqua. It wasn't that the Kyogre was too strong, it was just that…Archie had contained them, put them in a limited space where he knew Charizard wouldn't be able to fly, or Pikachu would be able to dodge. He was lucky, that it was only Espeon and Pikachu that got hurt.
If it was an even fight, and his entire team, he could win,
He couldn't take on both legendaries at once, as he knew that if Team Magma and Aqua knew he was alive, would band together.
Red sighed, lowering his head as he heard Pikachu's recognizable footsteps. He didn't look as his trusty Pokémon jumped on his shoulder, looking at him concerned.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked sadly, as if recognizing the problem.
'I don't know. Arceus, give me a sign.' Red thought, shaking his head while Pikachu sighed.
It was silent while Red looked out over the water, not exactly sure as of which place to look as he waited, possibly nothing.
A flash of white in his eyes and a painful ringing in his ears and he hissed, Pikachu crying out suddenly.
'Sky Pillar.' A voice whispered, and it suddenly vanished, leaving Red staring blankly at his feet,
"Pikachu chu!" Pikachu cried, and Rd held up his hand, panting slightly while he heard footsteps, causing him to glance over his shoulder.
"Traveler! Are you okay?" He saw one of the native men rush towards him worriedly, and Red held up a hand, giving a breathless nod.
"Are you sure? Are you ill?" The man fretted and Red stood at his full height, holding his staff and looking at the man.
"Where is Sky Pillar?" Red spoke, voice low although hoarse from the lack of use and the salt water treatment.
The man's face paled at the name, and he swallowed in slight shock, "I- Come. You must speak with the Elder." He hurried, Red limping after calmly while the man rushed towards the old lady of the town, causing the old lady to frown as she came out of her own hut.
"Where did you hear of that name, boy?" She asked, squinting at him as he looked coolly at her in return, speaking only one word.
"Arceus."
She stiffened before letting out a low breath.
"The Sky Pillar is the home of the eternal and leader of the Weather Trio, Rayquazza." The lady spoke, and Red frowned.
Ash had told him that no organizations were after Rayquaza, if it was the leader, then would it not want its comrades back?
"Rayquazza does not venture below the Ozone layer of the sky except in that one spot. I doubt it knows of that Team Magma." The woman scowled, and Red nodded, looking out over the water.
She saw him, and she smiled slightly, "I recognized you, but I dared not think it was true. You are the Trainer who defeated Team Rocket in Kanto, and Johto." She smiled, as Red looked at her curiously, "Bring us back our guardian. Rayquaza resides on a tower South West of here. Go, you won't miss it." She smiled, turning while going in her home, grabbing a bag and walking out, gently handing the bag over, Red opened it slightly, seeing the pile of fresh herbs that would do he, and his Pokémon good.
He smiled, giving a slight nod while she waved, the natives understanding what was going on started shouting goodbyes, Red's Pokémon lumbering over while Red walked to Charizard, shifting the bag into his backpack and moving the staff onto a strap, keeping it on his back as he awkwardly mounted, wincing as the movement pulled at the stitches on his leg.
He recalled his Pokémon, all except Pikachu before he gave one wave, Charizard jumping up into the air as they flapped angling South West, and they flew.
Charizard roared a greeting to a pod of Wailord as they passed the creatures in unison blowing vapor from their blowholes.
Red smiled, assuming this was the group of Wailord that saved him. It was hard to think that now they were going to a Pokémon who could hopefully stop Groudon and Kyogre.
They flew, the stars rising as they kept their eyes open for a large towering landform. They didn't, so they were forced to land on one of the large rocks that protruded from the water. Charizard slept, Red tucked under the leathery wings and dreamed, awaking as Charizard spotted the flying Wingull overhead.
They flew, rested and ready as they finally saw the tower. A small pit of dread grew in Red's stomach. He felt the empty Ultra ball on his hip, almost as if it weighed many times more than it did, and closed his eyes, breathing slowly as Charizard approached the tower- in which it looked rather ratty and brutal. Rocks had worn away, falling into the water and leaving the Tower threatening to crumble.
Charizard grumbled, apparently feeling the horror and slight fear that always occurred when realizing the intent, to fight a true legendary- a god.
Hopefully they wouldn't have to.
They flew, seeing the tower high above and Red shook his head, signaling for a hole in the side of the building. Charizard obediently swooped in, letting Red down on the crumbling floor. Red smiled, returning Charizard and sending out Espeon, who let out a startled breath at the sight of the tower.
"Esp." Espeon spoke, and Pikachu nodded, the three walking towards the stairs on the other side of the room, mindful of the cracking flooring.
They saw the sunlight and slowly walked up the stairs, seeing the flat roofing, than-
Red's breathing stilled, an area had been cleared, nearly an alter of uplifted stone where claw barks had eroded the surface, burn marks along the edges.
Red let out a low breath, it was obviously the resting place of Rayquaza. Espeon and Red approached the alter, and Red stood there, looking up in the blinding sunlight and letting out a low breath.
'And here he rests, the god of the skies.' Red thought to himself, looking up into the bright sky above, not seeing a single spec.
"Espeon!" Espeon chirped, and Red looked at his Pikachu, who nodded, jumping down.
It shifted, twisting as black clouds gathered, a large Thunder roared, slamming into the Pikachu, who sent it out to sea, the storm clouds still rolling and shifting above the temple.
They didn't wait long, nearly only six or seven minutes later they heard a roar, a massive shift of the winds and the clouds dispersed, a large- no, huge creature slamming into the temple, coiling and rearing up, its green body reflecting the sunlight off of its armor.
'Rayquaza.' Red's mind whispered as the large creature opened its maw, releasing a powerful Dragonbreath to the sky before roaring loudly and slamming its head down, staring closely at Red.
Red let out a low shaking breath before lowering itself carefully, wincing as he went down on one knee, the movement pulling at his stitches while the creature looked at him, partially in confusion and now, curiosity.
It roared again, and Pikachu visibly trembled on Red's shoulder.
Red let out a low breath, and very slowly rose again, looking at Rayquaza who snarled as Red moved his hand towards his hips. It watched as Red carefully moved, releasing all of his Pokémon behind him, flinching slightly as Snorlax's weight made the floor crack slightly. All of the Pokémon bowed their heads also.
Rayquaza was very confused, and now, Red pulled the empty Ultra Ball, and set it on the ground in front of him, kicking it lightly and letting it roll half the distance between he and Rayquaza.
"Espeon." Espeon chirped, gently pawing the ground and walking forward standing between Red and Rayquaza as it started talking.
Red closed his eyes, trying to use the small mental connection he had with his Pokémon- telepathy. Something that all psychics could do, but was rather…uncomfortable.
'Lord of the Sky, hear us.' Espeon spoke, voice young and actually very similar to a young girl's voice, like Cynthia's but younger.
'We come asking for your help.'
Rayquaza snarled, slamming its tail against the ground, and responded with the mental voice of the eternals, 'Human's pets! Humans do not wish for help! They wish for slaves and their biddings!"
'Hear us out, Lord of the Skies.' Espeon spoke, trying to soothe the setting.
'Silence! What of the reasons I should listen? What are you reasons you dare question me or my help?'
'There are evils in this world-'
'Humans are the evils!'
Rayquaza snarled that time, slamming its tail into the ground while the other Pokémon skirted around nervously.
'Why do you bring a human who seeps blood? Why do you bring defenseless prey to a skilled hunter?' Rayquaza questioned, scenting the blood as it looked at Red, who stared, unblinkingly, back.
'My master has gained harm for the Lord of the Seas.'
Rayquaza recoiled, snarling in surprise and denial, its claws tensing as it shrieked back, 'Lies! Lies, Kyogre would not dare! Kyogre does not attack humans without provocation, he does not lower himself to such petty means!'
'Groudon and Kyogre have been taken into control by Humans of the Team Magma, and Team Aqua.'
'Lies!' Rayquaza roared, and its tail came down, Red reaching with his staff and knocking Espeon out of the way of the long heavy appendage.
'Lord of the Skies! When was the last time you have heard from Kyogre? When was the last time you saw Groudon?'
Rayquaza snarled, eyes narrowing as it slithered itself closer to the group, hissing and spitting in anger, 'And what proof do I have that you are not the one who have taken the Seas and the Land from me?'
'The Teams of Magma and Aqua hold a glowing stone, red and blue. We wish to help, but already my master has tried, and he was harmed.'
Rayquaza snorted, sniffing the wounds of Red once more, who only stared, looking now intently at Red, ignoring Espeon as it brought its massive head near.
'And you, human. What is to say you will not hold me captive the moment I show you my back? What is to say you will not strike me down?'
Red didn't blink at the intimidating stare or the putrid breath.
'Answer me mortal? Who give you the command to order the Lord of the Skies?'
Red blinked slowly, and spoke quietly, "Arceus."
Rayquaza recoiled in shock, looking at Red as if in a new light, then it snorted.
'You lie.'
"The Three Birds of Kanto will pledge for us. As will Mewtwo." Espeon interjected, and Rayquaza just…looked, not wanting to accept the fact.
'You- you only want my power. Groudon and Kyogre are…they are not-'
'I'm so sorry.' Espeon added and Rayquaza turned, shifting its coils up onto its platform while it looked out over the sea.
'If you betray me and hold me captive for longer than is required for the freedom of Kyogre and Groudon?'
'Lord Arceus will interject. He will not allow us to keep the Eternals forever; he will send force to release you, although it will not be needed.' Espeon explained.
'And what of Arceus help the Eternals now? What of he to save Kyogre and Groudon!" Rayquaza roared angrily, and Red looked up calmly, stepping forward.
"He sent us."
Rayquaza observed the six Pokémon and Red, not sure of what to do or say.
'Where are these…Aqua and Magma?'
"Team Aqua is located in a cave East of Lilycove City. Team Magma resides in the Jagged Pass in the Mountains to the west." Espeon spoke after listening to Pikachu, who explained to Espeon.
'…I do this only for the good of my eternals. If you dare restrain me, I will kill you.'
Red smiled, and gave a nod. Rayquaza gently neared the Ultra Ball on the ground, casting one last look at Red and the Pokémon before touching the Pokeball with one claw.
It opened and Rayquaza vanished, the Ultra Ball wiggling once, before locking. Showing complete capture.
Red walked forward, using the Pokeball and opening it, letting Rayquaza blink, shifting its coils in unease.
"I believe that Team Magma and Team Aqua will meet in a single location. It will most likely be in the Lilycove city." Espeon added, and Red nodded, gently returning all Pokémon to their Pokeballs. Leaving Charizard who Red mounted carefully, Pikachu returning while Espeon awkwardly walked over, shifting and clinging to Charizard's neck while Red sat behind, supporting her.
'You will not force me to bear you?' Rayquaza asked carefully, and Red shook his head, allowing Charizard to flap into the air, Rayquaza following calmly with an odd mesmerizing twisting of its body.
Charizard zoomed, Espeon tracking Rayquaza, making sure it didn't get lost or get distracted. After almost an hour of flying, Espeon was recalled so she could sleep, Charizard slowing so they were flying calmly at a nice steady pace.
After a while, Red didn't know who or when, but Charizard was blowing fire rings and diving through. Rayquaza was blowing Dragonbreath and playing with it.
Dragonbreath and Flamethrower, fire and toxic gas' create explosions.
The two flying creatures were snickering while Red scowled, the two flying over forest and a swamp like area, heading towards Lilycove over unknown ground.
They eventually mixed with a flock of Alteria, Pokémon that Red recognized from Lance's party. It was soothing actually, Rayquaza wasn't an…outrageous Pokémon. It was actually very calm and comfortable once in the air. It turned and rotated, its armor reflecting light in a mesmerizing way.
'Lilycove City is upon the far end of this harbor. It will be within sight in moments.'
Red looked over at Rayquaza, holding up its Pokeball questioningly while it snorted, drawing closer as it responded.
'Let me free every moon, tell me of what has happened upon every day and I will fight when called upon. I will fight for Kyogre, and for Groudon. When I battle, smash the orbs.' Rayquaza nodded, and the red light caused the great Dragon to vanish from sight as the two flew on.
They looked at the city, spotting the Pokémon center and looking even more for the noticeable spiky brown hair and black shirt, or the red hat and the Pikachu.
Charizard snorted, turning and diving as he noticed the two walking near the outskirts of the city, and they didn't even have time to turn as Charizard landed behind them, causing the two to freeze.
They turned slowly, eyes wide with surprise before it turned to anger.
"RED- Where in Arceus forbid have you been?" Blue shrieked, and Red twitched slightly, not wanting to actually have this conversation, "We thought you were dead- it's been broadcasted, that Team Aqua killed you!"
Red shook his head and slowly dismounted, grabbing the staff and using it to walk and limp slightly towards the two.
"I- Oh Arceus. What happened?" Blue sighed, not being able to stay angry as Ash looked concerned also, Ash's Pikachu jumping over and Red flinching from the strong impact of the Pikachu.
"Red, you're hurt." Ash stated, noticing the flinch and Red gave a slight nod, causing Blue to grab his arm, as if to pull him away, "Come on, we're going to the Pokémon center-"
Red shook his head, climbing on his Charizard while Blue sighed, pulling out Pidgeot with Blue and Ash rising after Charizard.
"Fine Red! We're up in the air, what do you want?" Blue shouted over the air, and Red shook his head, leading the two higher and higher up in the air.
"What?" Blue shouted as Charizard and Pidgeot flew side by side, Red very pointedly pulled out an Ultra Ball.
Blue's eyes widened and he looked at Red with slight fear, "What is it?" he asked, his voice low. Ash was confused, but thankfully didn't say anything.
Red looked at the Pokeball, releasing it in the air as the red energy solidified.
"Holy- Are you kidding me?" Blue shrieked as Pikachu and Ash's jaw dropped open, recognizing the Pokémon.
"Rayquaza!" Ash gasped, the large dragon turning and looking at the trainer with the Pikachu, eyes narrowing.
'I know of you. You were with the other mortal. You were with the abomination at the city of the blocks.'
"Deoxys was only looking for its friend!" Ash shouted, looking at the large dragon Pokémon which shifted position in response, 'So it was. Are these your comrades?'
Red gave a nod, the Rayquaza snorting while Blue and Ash looked at Red, awaiting answers.
'Will they join us? Will they help with the destruction of the orbs?'
"Orbs? The Red and Blue orb?" Ash asked, Red snapping his head around while Rayquaza hissed, suddenly only feet away from Ash, the large dragon very intimidating.
"What Orbs?" Blue asked quickly, Ash blinking and trying to explain, "Uh- Archie and Maxie had two different orbs that had the power to control Kyogre and Groudon, is that what's wrong?" Ash blinked, and Rayqazza hissed, pulling away and coiling in the air.
'I must think. A pleasure, to not meet pathetic mortals.'
Red returned the large creature, casting a look at Blue, who swallowed, looking at the wound in Red's leg. "Is that?"
"Kyogre." Red spoke, turning and pulling out his Pokedex, throwing it to Blue. It had managed to track his movements over the past two weeks.
"Red, this is all the way out to Sootopolis city!" Ash gasped, and Red gave a slight nod, looking at his Pokémon, Charizard humming in response.
The other two just guessed that he had chased the beast out that far.
They didn't need to know he almost died.
As i said at the top- this is a Speed Run, which means, i'm going to be launching out Chapters like crazy.
Prepare yourself, chapters are comming.
REVIEW!
~Oceanbreeze7
(Please guys, i want to break 100 reviews before i'm done here)