Okay...confessions time...
I- uh...I wrote too much...
So, i'm splitting the Epilogue into two bits, maybe three even. This is PART 1
They stood on the peak of Mt. Silver, the transport portal kicking them out on the summit while they shivered and Red vanished into a crevice of the ice, retrieving his trophy.
"So, we're going to see your universe now?" Ash asked, looking at Pikachu who was nearly bouncing on its feet in excitement.
"Yup, nice place. I wonder if we'll show up on your Mountain." Blue spoke, looking at Red who smiled, the air glowing with a light as something bright shone on the three. Cynthia wasn't able to follow, having issues regarding the destruction of the three leading crime organizations, and her being the Champion. A pity, that Red never got his authentic fight.
Red smiled, settling down the cup while his Pikachu jumped into it, sliding around on the bowl while squealing, waving its arms happily.
"Pikachu looks happy. Does he miss his mountain?" Blue teased, causing Red to smile and nod as the light pulsated, before becoming blinding, the ground below them becoming harder and easier to stand on.
They blinked, groaning and trying to get rid of the bright light in their eyes, the moment they did, Red dropped back happily.
Ash looked at Red, who was leaning against a mound of packed snow, the snow thick and sturdy from many feet.
"So this is the mountain? It's so different!" Ash gasped, looking around at the boulder chunks which were sculpted by claws, the crack in the ice more noticeable and larger. A flattened area to the right overlooked the sight below.
"It's so…worn." Blue noted, seeing the difference as Red threw his Pokémon into the air, the five landing and instantly roaring happily as they recognized the snow and air.
Espeon jumped upon her mound of rocks, leaping from ice to ice to the high point where the sun always hit the strongest. Charizard leapt to the air, feeling the cold drafts he knew so well, Venusaur and Blastoise shifting, feeling the cool snow scratch their backs as they rubbed against the gouged ice. Snorlax dropped, smiling at the icy familiarity the mountain gave.
"Wow, you missed this." Blue blinked and Red shot him a grin, his body position mirroring that of his Snorlax.
"It's different from ours, how long have you lived here?" Ash asked, looking at how different it was.
"Four years." Blue added, and Red rolled his eyes, sitting upright while snapping, his Pokémon snapping to attention as Charizard swept down, Red clambering on while he recalled the others, leaving the Trophy where he left it on the peak.
"Okay! We're flying to Gramps though, but we can go to my gym for the meantime." Blue grinned, summoning his Pidgeot while Ash slipped on, knowing his Charizard would tire after a while.
The two Pokémon looked at each other before twisting and diving, Charizard giving out a roar while the Pokémon below skirted out of the way, a flock of Golbat moving out of the way quickly as they raced out from the mountain, zooming across the trees with incredible speed, both Pikachu's crying out loudly in joy.
They laughed, the two beasts spinning over each other in a display of agile maneuvering.
They had flown, steadying out to a stead flapping glide, allowing Red to relax on the back of his partner, at ease as they flew.
After a few hours of flying, staying clear of any paths to avoid trainers who had..heard things.
(Blue had explained to Ash a few hours into their flight how Red was a ghost of a trainer- that some people would even trade their starter just for a sight of him. They would be hassled insanely if anyone caught them.)
Eventually, the small roofs of the Viridian city grew in their eyes, and Blue and Ash flew forward, while Red skirted around, planning on descending out of sight on the far side of the city where the gym was located on the top of a ridge.
"Blue?" A girl asked, hair tied up high on her head as she walked from the gym, a look of disbelief on her face.
"Oh, hey Anna. Anna, this is Ash. Ash, this is Anna, she's my second when I'm gone on trips or visits." Blue introduced while Anna put her hands on her hips.
"Well, how about next time, you tell me when you're gone for a month." She hissed, causing Blue to blink, and pale, recoiling and causing Pidgeot to take a few steps back as her hand went to her hip.
'A month? It was almost a year in our time.' Blue thought before quickly retaliating.
"Aw! Come on! We don't have to get in a fight about this! I really don't want to- I've been training!" Blue wined, and the girl scowled before nodding, crossing her arms as the two dismounted, recalling Pidgeot.
"So, where were you training? Another one of your, Cinnibar Island adventures? Or this time did you go to Mt. Moon?" She sighed, opening the doors and the two walking through, then pausing in the doorway as Ash's jaw opened.
"Whoa." He gasped, noticing the panels all over the ground, obviously made to cause the walker to spin and fly into another panel and possibly take them right back to the start.
Blue noticed his surprise and nudged him with a knowing look.
"Neither actually." Blue noted, and Anna snorted, looking at her watch and something else- a Poke'etch?
"Oh? Off finding rare Pokémon again? Or were you training with your grandpa again?" She sighed, and Blue shook his head, noticing how a body slunk towards the door and silently opened it, slipping in and behind the two.
"Nope. I was up on Mt. Silver." Blue spoke slowly.
At once, the girl's typing stopped and her head jerked up to Blue, a cautious look in her eyes.
"Blue-"
"No, you know the legend? The ghost up on the peak?" Blue asked, and the girl scowled.
"Of course I know it! My brother tried that mountain and only got halfway up until the cold brought him down. The mysterious ghost that lives up on the peak, able to defeat even a legendary. Battling with Pokémon that have no match." She scowled, and Blue smiled slightly while Ash felt slightly…unbelieving, of the reputation.
"Good. I'm going to need some help. Anna, can you contact the Pokémon League, and set me up a challenge?" Blue asked, causing Anna's eyes to widen in shock.
"What? Are you kidding me? Blue, Gold's been champion for four years! You can't take him! Do you remember how he blew through this gym?" She argued, and Blue scowled, causing him to shake his head.
"No, not for me." He tried to clarify while she stared in confusion.
"Then for who?" She groaned, and Blue stepped to the side, the shadow of Red leaning against a wall suddenly visable.
"…Who are you?" She asked cautiously, only able to see his hat.
Red reached up, angling the brim so his crimson eyes looked at her from under the edge, causing her to pale.
"I-." She paused, looking at Blue, the Red, then giving a quick nod she skirted off, racing across the deactivated panels towards the back of the gym, where the rooms were probably.
"…I thought you were kidding when you said that the gym was an obstacle course." Ash gasped, stepping on a panel tentatively.
Blue smirked, pressing a button on the side of the admittance statue, activating the panels and causing Ash to yelp and slam forward, hitting himself on the ground.
Red managed a smile, and then purposefully stepped on the proper panel, letting it carry him all the way to the end.
Blue laughed, and followed quickly after.
x-(X)-x
"It's all set up." Anna spoke, setting down the printed date and time of the accepted challenge- four days, at the Elite Four hall. Tickets were already on sale, and already, they were selling out quickly.
The champion against a prior champion?
"Don't we have to buy tickets?" Ash asked, and Blue shook his head.
"Nah, they should have up to twenty seats reserved for anyone I want to bring with me- although you aren't on the field." Blue warned, and Ash nodded, smiling.
"So, the Elite Four Hall is only half an hour Northeast of Mt. Silver and in a clearing of the mountain range. We can get there in one day, so we actually have about two days before we have to leave. If we're going to see gramps, we can leave tomorrow, get there and back the same day, or stay the night then just travel towards the stadium." Blue offered, Red nodding at the second one.
"Great! I'll love to see how Pallet Town is different." Ash grinned, and Blue shot him a look, "It's not, at all." Blue dryly stated.
The next day, after an amazing sleep in a comfortable bed of Blue's own home, and a complete Pokémon food breakfast.
This time, Anna fully expected Blue to leave, and tossed him his traveling bag. The three had stashed new things in their bag, Ash having new clothing thrown in rather precariously. It was actually Blue's old ones, having reached a large growth spurt long ago. Red actually had clothing supplied to him by Blue, the latter having bought spare clothes for Red in case he ever returned from the mountain.
(Part of Red felt strangely touched by the action.)
The black shirt under his sleeveless jacket and black pants gave him an intimidating look as they mounted their Pokémon, taking off smugly while Blue bit a chunk of apple off, throwing it playfully at Anna. Anna scowled, rolling her eyes at her surprisingly strong Marowak, which deflected it with ease.
They took off into the air, Red's coat fluttering as they took it easy, Ash riding his own Charizard as they flew over the city and traveled South, the path short and well worn.
They flapped a few more times, flying and swerving through a Pidgey flock, moving over the town and by a familiar lab.
"Hey! Look it's gramps! Want to give him a heart attack?" Blue grinned mischievously while Red rolled his eyes, diving while the others followed. Blue shot over the roofing and landed in a tree where his Grandpa was working with a few Pokémon on his preserve.
"What the- Blue?" He asked, dropping the feed bin and allowing the Nidoran to jump in eagerly.
"Hey Gramps! Guess what? I have two surprises for you." He grinned while Professor Oak instead rushed over, giving his Grandson a hug.
"Blue! Never do that again- I thought that you had- had-"
"Vanished in a giant portal?" Blue asked, arching his eyebrows while his Grandfather gave him a swat on his head.
"Fine, why did you get sucked into a portal?" He scowled, now upset when he realized that his grandson was alright.
"Well, there was a Pokémon called Arceus-"
"Arceus? As in the Arceus?" Professor Oak almost screamed, causing Blue to recoil in surprise, "Uh, yeah?" Blue blinked.
The old man groaned, shaking his head before letting out a low breath.
"Okay, I found out not only that you're alive, but that you're challenging Gold in four days?" The man asked, before letting out a sigh, leaning against a tree in the park.
"Oh, so you knew. That actually makes a lot of sense, which you knew I was back- anyways, amazing thing number one- I was in an alternate universe!" Blue grinned, causing his Grandfather to just…look at him.
"…Okay, an alternate universe?"
"Yup, similar in all ways but there was a counterpart everyone. Apparently there was another me named Gary, but I never met him. There was a kid named Ash who was just like Red, and-"
"Slow down , I trust that you went to an alternate universe, but how did you get back? How does Arceus play a role in this?" Professor Oak sighed, and Blue grinned.
"Well, apparently I was wanted by the actual person who Arceus wanted in the other universe to restore balance or something. So, I was recommended, and thus I came with on an amazing journey, and the whole journey had a bunch of bonding stuff, and a lot of convincing of a certain person." Blue noted, causing his Grandfather to sigh.
"Can you stop talking in riddles?"
"Sure!" Blue chirped, grinning and waving down Ash, who flapped down on his Charizard, rubbing the back of his next awkwardly.
"Uh, hi Professor Oak." He smiled, awkwardly, and the man just blinked.
"This is Ash, like I told you. He wants to watch the battle." Blue explained and Professor Oak stared at the resemblance.
"He- he looks just like…" Professor Oak trailed off, and Blue's smile faltered slightly.
"That's the second surprise. See, I'm not actually battling Gold- it's someone else. And someone who I am proud to say, is back."
Professor Oak didn't turn when he felt the ground behind him shake, a low growing whine of a breathing large creature.
Professor Oak turned slowly, seeing a massive reddish orange Charizard, which slowly lowered itself, revealing its mount as a tall thin teen, its hat pushed up enough to reveal crimson eyes and a Pikachu perched on his shoulder.
"Red." Professor Oak whispered, in shock as he brought a hand to his mouth, trying to stop his stunned and relieved sob.
Red smiled slightly, dismounting and sliding to the ground, accepting the rushed hug awkwardly while his Pikachu squealed at the familiar scent.
"So, yup. Ash, that's my gramps. Obviously different from your Oak. Uh- he hasn't seen Red in…six years? I think six, since he left on his journey actually. So, it's been a long while, oh, and Red's actually classified as dead." Blue clarified for Ash, causing the younger to blink in confusion.
Red was stiff in Professor Oak's arms and finally the older man let go, looking at Ash in teary eyes, obviously in awe that Red was back. Ash gave a small nod, accepting the silent thanks for bringing Red back.
"Does that mean that you're going to fight Gold? You're going to take back your title?" He asked, and Red smiled, giving a nod.
Now, the next one.
'My mother.' Red thought with a growing sense of dread.
The little house was set on the right side of town, South of the lab and by the entrance of the ocean, near a large area that wild flowers bloomed all throughout the year.
He flew, seeing the patch and landing, dismounting among the lilies and violets, wading through towards his home. He exhaled, seeing the small white fence as he pushed open the gate, walking up the small stone path. He didn't even realized as he let his hand move, trailing his fingers along the mailbox, and against the wood of the door.
He hesitated, knocking twice after a tense pause. Ever so slowly he heard a noise from inside, then a lock flicking open and slowly the door creaked open.
His mother stood there, not old by any means but looking tired, wrinkles mirroring her face as she wrung her hands on a dishcloth, long hair tied up in a bun and a red bandanna as she looked up with a small "Ye-"
She froze, fingers stiffening as the dishcloth fell to the ground with a small noise.
They stared, Red awkwardly looking at his mother who simply stared in shock at Red.
"Red." She whispered, and the two still looked at each other.
Red, very slowly, reached up. He found the brim of his hat, and gently lifted it from his head, holding the well worn cap in his hands as his silky black hair was revealed, having not seen the sun in years.
Then she attacked him, holding him in a steely embrace while she pressed her face in his chest, body shaking with large sobs while Red wrapped his arms around her in a silent return of the comfort, holding the sobbing lady.
"I-I thought that you were dead- they, they told me, and- and-" She sobbed, he shushed her gently and shifted them inside the building, moving them towards one of the well worn couches.
They sat down quietly, his mother crying for nearly half an hour, Red gently rubbing her back as she clung to him and his new cloths. He didn't respond as he felt her fingers tracing over the six badges he kept on the inside of his jacket.
A while later his Pikachu was curled up on a footstool, napping quietly as Red sat next to his mother, the lady was laying on the couch by him, leaning on his side while he had one arm wrapped around her.
"Where have you been?" She whispered, and Red looked at her sadly, she said nothing when it related to how little he spoke. Eventually she sat upright, looking at Red with red rimmed eyes and a small smile.
"I- I saw on the news that Blue was going to challenge Gold. F-Four years ago he came around. I don't know why b-but…did he battle you?" She asked quietly, and Red gave a slow nod, not wanting to think about Gold prying around his home. She gave him another small smile, "And you're going to fight him, aren't you?" She asked, and Red nodded.
She rose slowly from the chair, Pikachu stirring and watching with one half lidded eye as she looked at it, gently rubbing her hand along its back, feeling the warm fur.
"Cha!" Pikachu squealed at the scratching of its back, twisting in pleasure as she smiled, gently lifting the creature while moving towards the door.
Once the door opened, Charizard looked up from his dozing spot in the flower patch, Red's mother immediately walking towards the large lizard, which eyed her curiously.
"A Charizard- he's beautiful." She whispered, gently running a hand along Charizard's snout. Charizard leaned into the touch, giving a slight rumble of pleasure at the touch. She smiled at the sound, a small breathless one, since when she was a child, she was never gifted with one of the creatures.
"Do you have more?" She asked curiously, and Red nodded, summoning all of his Pokémon, letting them look around the flower patch and the small grassy land in front of the house. Espeon jumped in, vanishing and appearing form among the flower blossoms with childish glee, Venusaur was happily sniffing the wild flowers, extending his leaves, absorbing the bright sunlight and the pollen in the air.
Blastoise was on the ground, letting the grass tickle his underbelly while it looked at Snorlax, which looked around curiously.
Red's mother smiled, looking at them all, Espeon popping up by their feet with a questioning look, tilting her head and giving a small meow. His mother laughed, reaching down and touching Espeon's silky fur. Softly a purr rose through the small lavender creature.
"They're all beautiful Pokémon, Red." She smiled, running her hand along Blastoise's shell, and feeling the strong petals of Venusaur's flower, looking at Snorlax, who offered a massive claw to shake.
"Are you good?" She asked, and Red gave a small smile and a nod, she wiped her hands on her apron and crossed her arms, looking at him with curiosity, "Truly?"
Red gave a small smile, reaching in his pocket and pulling out his Pokedex, flipping it open to the 'registered Pokémon- Pokémon Caught: 14
"Only fourteen?" She stated with a wrinkle of her eyebrow, opening the first file, 'Pikachu. Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Snorlax, Espeon, Lapras (Released), Mewtwo, Arcticuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Rayquaza, Kyogre, Groudon.'
Her eyes widened, seeing the list of legendary Pokémon she gasped, looking at Red who smiled at her awed expression.
"I- You-"
He shook his head, pointing to the six Pokémon of the field.
"Only them?" She asked, and Red smiled and nodded, she hugged him once more.
"I trust you. You'll win, and you'll be a champion." She smiled, causing Red to smile also, sliding onto his Charizard, and offering his arm.
Her eyes widened as she smiled, wrinkles crinkling as she was gently guided upon the large creature, which flapped, rising gently into the air to soar above in the sky.
"This is amazing- I-" She smiled, suddenly choking up and nearly about to cry again. Concerned, Red wrapped one arm around her, causing her to grab his arm and shake a little more.
"Please, please tell me next time you're leaving, so I know that you're alive." She whispered, and Red nodded, 'Of course.' He seemed to say.
x-(X)-x
It was easier for everyone once Blue had stopped at Professor Oak's PC, using the storage device to withdraw several of his sleeping Pokémon from the computer world. Ash looked on curiously, never having used such a device.
"It stores Pokémon for you, and lets you take them out at any time during your trip." Blue explained, Ash looking at the machine in curiosity while Blue threw his new Pokeball into the air, swapping out Gyarados for the new one.
"Aero!" The Pokémon cried out happily, flapping its short but thick wings, looking around curiously as it whipped its barbed tail around excitedly.
"Hey there Aerodactyl. This is Ash, we're heading to the Pokémon League for a battle- do you mind carrying me?" Blue asked, his Pokémon bubbling with excitement as they exited the lab, Red already mounted on his Charizard while Ash quickly called his own.
"All right, You two can ride Pidgeot." Blue nodded to Professor Oak and Red's mother, who smiled at the large happy bird.
"Blue Oak!" A distinct voice shouted, at once Blue paled a spoke a quiet "Aw, crap."
Ash watched, slightly confused as a girl, a little older then Blue stomped over towards Blue, a Clafairy following with an equal scowl as they walked towards Blue, who tried to get away.
"Daisy! I swear it wasn't my fault! I-"
"I don't care! You vanished for an entire month without telling Gramps or me were you were!" She shouted, her Clafairy mimicking the screaming.
Red's mother laughed quietly, moving towards Red, who made room on Charizard for his mother, knowing that either way she would follow.
"Is she like, his girlfriend?" Ash asked Professor Oak, who laughed heartily at that, looking at the awkward Blue and the screaming girl.
"Oh heavens no! Daisy is Blue's older sister, she was actually rather worried. I assume that she will be traveling with us to the Stadium." The man smiled.
Indeed she did, riding next to her Grandfather on Pidgeot while Blue rode on his Aerodactyl, forming a formation with Red leading, Ash and Blue on his sides and Daisy and Professor Oak behind.
For Red's Mother, Delia, it was the first time she ever actually flew on the back of a flying Pokémon. She was astounded, although very wary when a small bit of wind caused Charizard to adjust, tilting a little, and forcing her to wrap her arms around its neck.
Red silently laughed, his mother smiling throughout the experience as eventually, a few hours later they were forced to land, in the shadow of Mt. Silver.
They settled each Pokémon relaxing in the warm breeze from the sun, while the humans were looking up at the mountain in slight wonder.
"It's huge!" Daisy sighed, looking up with a slight longing while her Professor Oak gave a frown and a slight nod.
"Indeed, it's the highest mountain in the world, the most dangerous too." Professor Oak added, looking over at Red who gave a slight nod.
"Red was living up there." Blue spoke, causing Daisy, Professor Oak, and Delia to look at Red in shock.
"You were living up there?" Delia asked, looking at the Charizard which snorted, as if trying not to laugh.
Red gave a small shrug while his mother looked at him again, looking as if she was about to cry. At once Red looked to Blue in panic, not knowing what to do.
"You- you were living all alone up there?" She whispered, and Red shook his head, his Pikachu jumping up on Red's shoulder and waving its tail happily, causing Red's mother to smile.
She leaned against him, not sure what to do, Red awkwardly put one arm around her, feeling her frail form.
After lunch which consisted of food that Blue had snatched from his gym, they mounted again, flapping calmly around the edge of the mountain. They were nearly out of its shadow when they heard the loud shrieking of angry Golbat. Red glanced over his shoulder, seeing the main flock of the mountain charging them, the alpha Crobat was baring its fangs threateningly while the entire swarm twisted, charging them.
"Red!" Ash shouted, Red looking at Ash whose Charizard swooped below, and Red gave his mother a silent apology before gently pressuring her to slide from the dragon, landing heavily on another just below.
She gasped, seeing Ash and looking up at Red concerned while Red swerved, his Charizard spinning in an upwards spiral, flaring wings and looking at the swarm.
"Is he going to be okay?" Delia gasped, and Ash blinked, noticing the familiarities between his own mother and this woman, Red's mother's hair was only a shade darker, but besides that they could be twins.
"Don't worry." Ash smiled, but still the woman looked over the back of Charizard, watching Red as his mount stared at the approaching swarm.
Charizard opened his jaw, releasing a thick plume of fire which spiraled in a star shape, branching out and slamming into the poor creatures, causing them to shriek as a few fainted on impact, weighing down others and forcing them down while Charizard followed up with a powerful roar, sending the creatures skirting back towards the mountain.
"What was that?" Daisy gasped, and Professor Oak let out a low breath, stating quietly, "That was only a Fire Blast- the strongest I've ever seen." He blinked, looking forward as Blue moved upwards, his Aerodactyl flapping quickly to keep up with Red who swooped forward, Charizard flaring his wings to slow itself while Blue asked something, Red giving a nod before swooping below, next to Ash who looked at Delia, who swallowed nervously.
Red smiled, holding out one hand as Charizard lowered itself, gently swooping below to cause an easier drop for Delia, who let a little yelp as she landed on Charizard, Red sliding away while smiling at his mother who scowled at him, the four continuing to fly towards the Elite Four complex.
The Elite Four complex was built into the mountain range nearest the top of the cliff face, leaving a beautiful sight below and a small airport area for trainer's to fly in on, as well as the Victory Road, where naturally strong Pokémon lived, creating a challenge for any trainer who wanted extra practice.
The complex was huge, five battle arena's built into one building, all open roof for any flying Pokémon. Each stadium was built with bleachers, although the main arena fit with stereo's, screens and camera's were in the Champion Arena, where most of the recognizable battles were fought, and where 'Blue's' battle would be held.
"It's amazing!" Ash gasped, normally the Champion battles would be held in any arena. Never were they to be held in the actual Elite Four complex, not to mention how it was one giant building.
"Only the best of trainers can get here, not to mention battle the champion." Daisy noted, causing Ash to blink as he saw the arena, the group moving towards the airport and the huge village where people lived during their stay of the Elite Four complex, waiting or training to take on the Four and the Champion.
"Stay up here, I got this!" Blue grinned, diving down on his Aerodactyl, which grabbed the ground and started running into the building, causing a few tourists to jump to the side while Blue grinned.
A few people actually cried out, recognizing Blue and calling out his name, cameras flashing quickly as he vanished into the building.
Red shook his head, the three Pokémon circling before Blue came out of a balcony on a certain wing of the building, Red rolled his eyes when he remembered that the suites were in that selective wing.
"You are going down?" Ash asked, looking at Red who nodded off in the distance, obviously not wanting anyone to recognize him. Ash nodded, shifting over and gently moving Delia across the dragons then diving, causing Delia to cling to Charizard as Pidgeot also followed after, leaving Red to vanish off below the cliff ledge, obviously trying to find a spot where he could double back without being seen.
Ash jumped off Charizard, helping Delia down from Charizard through the balcony before returning Charizard, allowing Pidgeot to land.
"Blue! How did you get this?" Daisy gasped, looking around the spacious room that was fit with large couches, four doors that split off into rooms, adjoining bathrooms between each of the bedrooms.
"Well you see- the lady recognized me since I was challenging Gold, and gave me this room. Nice too, but uh, I said I had family with me. They gave me more rooms just like this- enough for everyone." He grinned, causing Daisy's eyes to widen.
"Wow, is this the special treatment you get for challenging the Champion?" Ash asked, looking around while Blue smirking and nodded.
"So, this is my room, you're welcome to stay here, and Red will-" The door slammed open, causing the group to jump, Daisy giving a yelp of surprise as Red strolled in, his Espeon by his side.
"Now, as I was saying- you're welcome to stay here in my room with Ash and I, you probably won't be found. Across is another room, you three can stay there. You can just ignore the other two if you want." Blue shrugged while he tossed a few keys onto a coffee table, throwing the actually keys towards Daisy, who caught them and slipped out, taking their backpacks off while they moved through the room, splitting off.
The door closed quietly and Red closed his eyes, moving towards a couch and leaning against it, releasing his Pokémon, Snorlax causing the floor to groan, but the builders had thought of reinforcing the walls and floors in case trainers wanted to release their Pokémon.
They looked around, relaxing on the ground and shifting, causing themselves to settle down, Pikachu curling between the pillow and Red, Espeon leaning her head and paws on his lap.
"There are those who wish to watch your battle."
Red's eyes flashed open and he sat up, knocking Espeon off with a startled yelp, his Pikachu jumping up just in time, cheeks sparking and ready for a battle.
He froze, eyes not moving from the coffee table as he waited in silence, letting his mind branch out for the familiar voice.
'Arceus?'
"There are those that wish to watch your battle. I have…gifted them, with the ability to do so."
Red's eyes widened and he stood up, his Pokémon looking at him curiously.
'What do you-'
He turned, hearing a knock on his door and he didn't move, another loud knock and he turned his head to where Blue was walking towards it, opening it before stepping back in surprise.
Among the mash of heads, Red could pick out Dawn, Max, May, and more.
"Come on in!" Blue grinned, allow them to filter in, talking loudly and excitedly as Blue was about to close the door.
A hand caught It, Blue looking out and arching an eyebrow before letting the door open further, Paul quietly walking in to stand behind the ground, yet only nodded towards Blue.
"Red! We heard that you were going to challenge the Champion here, and we wanted to watch!" May smiled, giving a small squeal at the sight of his blinking and startled Espeon.
"How did you hear? Dawn couldn't have contacted you all from Spear Pillar." Blue blinked, confused at all of the people.
"Actually, we heard about it weeks ago. It took us a while to get in the same place." Brock explained, smiling to Ash who grinned back.
Red frowned, looking at each of the people and trying to pick out who could have known.
"I was the one who found out." A familiar cool voice spoke, causing Red's eyes to flicker to his young 'adopted' trainee in the way of battling. He smiled slightly, offering a hand to Paul, who grasped it and shook it slightly, a way of thanks in the way of the loners.
"So! Who are you going against?" Max asked, looking at Red who arched one eyebrow and looked at Paul who had a small smile on the corners of his lips, "I told them that you were to battle the Champion, and take the title."
Red rolled his eyes, looking at the group then at Blue, who hesitated before speaking, gaining attention of the group.
"His name's Gold. He's a kid actually, from New Bark Town." Blue tried to explain, but not wanting to explain anything further then what Red felt comfortable with.
"He's…kind of a second rival for Red. He challenged Red up on Mt. Silver a few years back- sorry, four years back." Blue added, and Misty frowned.
"Well what happened?" Max asked, knowing full well that Red was good, but his challenger was a Champion.
"Well, he…" Blue hesitated, looking at Red who had a stone expression on his face.
"The only one I've ever lost to." Red spoke, causing the group to look at him in surprise, and an awkward silence set over them as Red's Pokémon bristled angrily at the reminder, the group looking at Blue as he held up two keys.
"Right! I have extra rooms, one is for boys, one for girls, everyone should have a bed to themselves, if not you can probably mix a few…" Blue drawled, off, noticing full well how Red had grabbed Paul's shoulder, nodding him towards the spare bedroom which connected to his through the bathroom.
People left, laughing and talking loudly while the four remained in the room, looking around at his Pokémon before releasing a few of their own.
Ash smiled, releasing his Staravia and Gliscore, allowing the two to land and walk around the Pokémon, which had grown to actually like the two flying types. Blue smiled, releasing his Arcanine and Jolteon, allowing the two to move towards their corresponding Pokémon, Arcanine sitting next to Charizard, and Jolteon near Pikachu.
Paul looked at the group, noticing how Snorlax was sleeping, and the floor was supporting it fine. He released two of his Pokémon, his Torterra snorting and tossing its head, looking at the group and immediately shifting towards the Venusaur, which rose to greet him.
Electivire moved, looking among the group before settling next to Snorlax, Jolteon and the two Pikachu's eventually wandering over.
The four sat on the couches, watching the Pokémon interact and rest, knowing full well that the next night; it would be much more strenuous.
"So, how did you know that we were going to Team Galactic? And how did you know about Gold?" Blue asked, and Paul blinked slowly.
"I was told by Red." Paul stated calmly, and almost daring Blue to comment further, causing Blue to look at Red in slight disbelief at how easy he had told Paul as of his plans.
"And Gold?" Ash asked, and Paul looked daringly, jaw set as he calmly and coolly stated, "Arceus."
"Should have known." Blue muttered while Ash frowned.
"After Galactic, we all were given something, what were you given?" Ash wondered, and Paul stiffened slightly.
Red looked at Ash with a hard look, looking at Paul and shaking his head, motioning that he didn't have to say.
"I can see potential." Paul spoke icily, completely ignoring Red while Blue frowned, speaking a calm "Pardon?"
"I can look at anything and see what they could be in time." Paul spoke, and Red looked at his Pokémon, not saying anything while Ash had to try and hold a laugh in at the irony of the gift.
"So…you can look at a Pokémon and just…know what they could be? What they could turn into with enough time and training?" Blue asked, and Paul gave a nod, causing Blue to lean back in surprise.
"Wow, okay, that's a pretty good gift." Blue shrugged while Paul icily blinked, looking away and at his Pokémon.
"It's getting late." Paul stated, the group looking out the window and noticing how the sun had already set.
"True, hey Red. I was wondering, do you want me to walk out and just say, 'Hey! I'm not going to battle you!' or do you want something more dramatic?" Blue questioned, Red walking to the side and pointing to Charizard, causing Blue to nod and frown. "But- what about the before-battle meet up?" Blue asked with a slight frown.
Red sighed, reaching towards a small table and pulling out a pad of complementary paper and a pencil.
It would take some explaining.
x-(X)-x
Blue was walking through one of the private access halls behind the stadium walls.
It was a few hours before the battle, and behind him the entire swarm moved.
Dawn, May, Misty, Brock, Max, Paul, and not but not least, Ash followed behind him.
None had Pokémon out except they always were, excepting Blue of course. At Blue's hip walked Arcanine, Jolteon not normally out during his battles or before.
The security team eyed them before relaxing, spotting the giant Arcanine and Blue strolling with the group.
"Sir." One of the guards spoke, his voice friendly but gruff while Blue flashed a grin. "Hey! I brought a few friends of mine for the Meet n' Greet, they've wanted to meet Gold for a while now." Blue shrugged, looking at the group which gave a small wave.
"Of course. Champion Gold is beyond those doors-"
"Complementary drinks?" Blue asked hopefully while the man nodded, causing Arcanine to give a friendly bark as they walked through the door.
"Does that bark belong to who I think it does?" A voice asked, younger then Blue or Red.
They entered the room, seeing a boy sprawled on one of the couches, another one of the ridiculously strong looking Pokémon lying on the ground.
Typhlosion perked up, glancing at Arcanine before giving its version of a bark, Arcanine responding as Blue gave a small wave, "Hey Gold. Been a while."
"Sure has, Blue. Nobody manage to beat your gym since I passed through?" Gold asked, still upside down and blinking his bright amber eyes- gold in the light.
Blue snorted, rolling his eyes and sniffing slightly, "I'm not going to answer that."
Gold laughed, looking at the group and tilting his head like a child, grinning at them all. "Hey! Admirers!" Typhlosion looked up, sniffing and looking at the Piplup with interest.
"Nah, they're here to meet you. Heard about your antics." Blue called from over his shoulder, reaching the mini fridge stocked with drinks and grabbing one of the waters there.
"Oh?" Gold asked, eyebrows rising under the lip of his backwards hat, the one black bang brushing against his eyelashes.
"We heard that you have a Togetic." May piped up with a grin, causing Gold's eyes to light up. "Yeah! I love the guy, finally someone who knows something about a Togetic!" Gold groaned, causing Brock to smile as Typhlosion barked in laughter.
"I was wondering, how did you get to be so strong in such a short time?" Misty asked, tilting her head while Gold gave a small shrug, scratching under his hat.
"Well, actually, there was this organization just starting up again. They weren't as strong as the original group- but they were a challenge…they were actually the reason why we trained so hard, right Ty?" Gold asked, looking at Typhlosion who dropped its jaw in a lazy grin.
"Team Rocket helped you?" Brock asked in disbelief, causing Gold to wince slightly.
"As odd as it sounds…yeah, I mean, any battle gets you stronger." Gold spoke, looking at each of them with a smile, "Every battle, even if you lose or if you win to a Caterpie, you get stronger. As long as you fight like you want to, you'll get better and better." Gold grinned.
Paul now looked interested, eyes alighting as he asked coolly, "And have you lost?"
Gold tensed slightly, looking at Typhlosion who gave a low growl in his throat, as if angry with the question. "…Once, almost twice to be honest…You know what- twice." Gold spoke, Typhlosion's fur bristling angrily.
"Twice? That's news to me." Blue spoke, looking over the couch at where Gold was still sitting. Gold rolled his eyes, propping himself up and shouting back over, "And that's how it's going to stay-Pidgey Fodder!"
Blue shook his head, trying not to laugh as Gold looked back at Paul before shrugging. "It- it was in the Rocket's base. I was trying to shut down the power plant but," He paused, looking at Typhlosion who seemed to scowl, "A Two on one battle. Petrel and Ariana attacked…I-I lost, but Lance came at the end." Gold gave a slight shrug, looking away.
Paul said nothing, knowing that Red could have beaten them- was Gold really that weaker?
"So! Nice to meet you- think I'm going to swap a few guys before battling. Any requests as to who'll beat you, Blue?" Gold asked cockily, Blue scowling and rolling his eyes.
Paul frowned, noticing just how…opposite this Gold, seemed to be compared to Red.
"Well, it was nice to meet you!" Ash smiled, Gold smiling back. The moment he actually looked at Ash his smile faltered slightly, confusion in his eyes as he saw the Pikachu.
"Are you-"
"He's a friend of mine, came by the gym a few months ago." Blue explained, knowing that Gold was finding the similarities.
"…Okay." Gold said slowly, giving a small wave before standing, patting his Typhlosion which lumbered after, "See ya'll later! And Blue- you will be defeated!" Gold called over his shoulder, giving a playful laugh.
Blue smiled before his frown took over, looking at the group of who just stared.
"He's just a kid!" Dawn cried first, Blue nodding thoughtfully. "You see my point?"
"Red's going to win." Max spoke, clenching one hand in a fist before Blue gave a low whistle.
"Don't say that yet. You haven't seen Gold battle, he's a whole new person." Blue spoke, with a slight feeling of guilt.
'I really don't know who's going to win.'
x-(X)-x
Ash walked into the stadium, moving towards the selective twenty seats set aside for Family and Friends of the challenger, in this case, all ten of them.
They chose their seats, sitting down and chatting eagerly, people rushing around. Some people holding very old flyers and posters, waving them around wildly. A few were homemade that showed their support for Blue, and a few had stuffed Pokémon in shapes that were the famous for either Blue or Gold- Arcanines, Alakazams, Typhlosions, and even a few scattered Pichu's.
"How do you think this is going to go?" May asked, looking at Dawn while the other shrugged.
"It's going to be awesome, no matter what!" Dawn grinned, giving a wink while her Piplup chirped its agreement.
"I think a new legend will be made here." Professor Oak breathed, watching as he looked around the stadium, immensely packed and filled with cheering people, looking around excitedly while a loud low beep caused the crowd to hush.
"It's happening!" Max hissed to the others, eyes glowing with barely contained glee at seeing the battle.
The lights dimmed, and large lights attached to the outer rim of the roofing shone down on one spot, watching as the floor lifted up, the speaker talking.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, and Pokémon of all types! Prepare yourself, for a battle of the year! Your current leader, your Pokémon fighter, your Champion of Kanto for four years…Pokémon Champion Gold!"
The platform lifted, all the white lights shining upon a single lifting platform, fit with no railings, as assumed at that level, railings were more a hinder then a help.
Gold was older, still wearing a black and gold hat backwards, failing to keep a lock of black hair back. He had a sweatshirt, black and embroidered as custom of the Pokémon League, although a bright red shirt was peeking out from under. He wore blue jeans which were slightly dirty as he smirked, six Pokeballs on his hips as he turned and waved at the screaming crowd.
Ash frowned, he didn't look like a jerk or anyone along the lines of being rude.
Paul narrowed his eyes, at once seeing the bubbly persona of the boy, and instantly taking a disliking to him.
"And now! The challenger! The final Gym Leader, the grandson of world known Professor Oak, and a Champion of four years ago…Gym Leader Blue!"
The other platform lifted, showing Blue who smiled and waved slightly at the screaming fans which were shouting out random things, causing Blue to smile as he looked across at Gold who actually grinned, waving a greeting.
"Now! Both trainers have been fitted with microphones to help us with understanding commands. Challenger and Champion, meet across the center of the battle field to exchange greetings, and a handshake. Then send out your first Pokémon! There will be no breaks and no items allowed. A full Six on Six battle with one Pokémon at a time. Substitutions are allowed by both sides."
The announcer continued on as the platform broke apart, forming stairs in which the two walked down, walking across the field walking near Gold who grinned, taking Blue's hand in a firm handshake and ever a pat on the back, a huge grin as if he was meeting a friend.
"Hey Blue! Nice to see ya' again!"
"You too Gold. This will be a nice battle."
"You got that right! You're having Arcanine battle right? I love that fiery little dog."
"Maybe. I actually have a request of you."
The entire audience leaned forward, excited by the proposition.
"Oh? Wanting to mix it up? Bring it on! What do you have for me?"
"I actually want to request you use a certain six Pokémon. If you don't want to, sure."
Gold looked perplexed on the big screen, causing the crowd to look confused, the announcer not saying anything.
"Uh, okay. Which ones?"
"Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Maganium, Togetic, Scizor, and Pichu."
Gold looked as if he had been struck. Frowning at the odd choice before taking a stumbling step backwards.
"Uh- sorry. I, uh…never mind. I haven't used that team in a while. I'll get them, sure." Gold blinked, moving to where the automatic PC popped open, and he swapped out four of his Pokeballs before rising again on the stand, still looking slightly shaken.
"Okay, after that odd preposition, both trainers are ready for battle! Trainers, release your Pokémon!" The announcer roared, and Gold smiled, throwing a Pokémon out into the field, a roar and a Typhlosion exploded outwards, roaring and the flame on its back growing with power.
Blue stood there before moving his hand to his collar, plucking the microphone from his coat and holding it to his mouth.
"I'm sorry about this, but I'm not actually the challenger."
The crowd was silent before people started talking, Gold frowning while his Typhlosion looked back at him in confusion, not sure what to do.
"You see, I actually agreed to this because a friend of mine wanted to battle you, but couldn't."
"Uh, Blue. You know how these rules work, four people before me, remember?"
"According to Elite Four code, a Challenger can challenge the Champion without having to fight the Elite Four by three conditions. The first is that the Challenger has defeated all Four of the Elite Four in a registered battle at one point. The second is that all Gyms have been defeated and all badges have been obtained in more than one region. The third is that the current level of the challenger is above the level of the highest gym."
Gold shook his head, his own hand moving to his own mic.
"Uh, sorry Blue but those codes only work if at one point, the challenger has become either a Champion, or a Master."
Blue's eyes crinkled with something funny as he shook his head.
"Oh, right, I forgot, sorry." He spoke, obviously not sorry at all.
A loud roar from above as everyone looked up, something huge with wings was blocking the sun in a black shadow, and then it spun, diving down low with a spiraling speed that rivaled that of the fastest Pokémon.
It slammed into the ground, enough that the Typhlosion dropped onto four legs, the entire stadium shaking from the impact, the dust rising into the air as a powerful roar of a Pokémon filled the arena.
Through the dust glowing eyes showed, rising a dark reddish orange creature, two horns and a powerful body.
A Charizard stood, four legs with wings extended to an impressive length, and from its back a single figure stood.
Hat drawn low and coat tucked tight, black hair framing its ashen pale face and black shirt causing an even large difference.
"Good thing he didn't. Gold, this is the actual Challenger. I think you two may have met."
Gold stared, slight confusion before nearly instantly his face paled, looking at the stranger his Typhlosion obviously remembered because it recoiled in shock, giving a huge snarl Charizard returned. Red said nothing, shifting his cap up to show cold unforgiving red eyes the color of blood.
"I'm sorry; it seems that this challenge has been canceled. This man does not hold the proper qualifications necessary for a battle at this high of a caliber-"
Ding. A clatter and something large and glittering clattered to the floor, sparking a color as the light caught it. Red looked at the Ref with narrowed eyes, daring him to say he wasn't qualified when the Elite Four Champion Cup was laying on the ground, having been lost for years.
They said nothing, the entire stadium in shock that the lost cup had been returned, and Red looked at Gold with narrowed eyes and a slight twist of his head.
"Leave him. He's qualified." Gold spoke, causing the audience to whisper, dying to figure out who he was.
Blue grinned, walking down and passing the mic to Red, who stepped down from Charizard, taking it and walking up to the platform, looking across the stadium coldly before lifting the microphone.
"My name is Champion Red. I'm back, Gold."
The stadium was in silence.
Then, it erupted.
Alright, the second bit will be uploaded once i edit it a bit.
Review!
~Oceanbreeze7
WE BEAT 100! GREAT JOB GUYS!