Alert: new poll on profile. What is your favorite variation of Blue? SE/SA/DO's version of suppressed depression and faked cheerfulness? SR's version of backstab-happy trick/blackmail spammer? SL's rampant form? Or SY's maternal version? This poll is live only because it seems that no matter what, someone complains about Blue's personality. So this poll would help me narrow down the most liked version.

Chapter 12: 7 Years

Platinum didn't know what to do. This… man in front of her, this violent man, this… mercenary, was her senior and the co-leader of all the Dex Holders?

No. She didn't believe it. She didn't want to believe it. She had to test this.

"… I would like to hire you for a short while," she said eventually.

"Not going to tell me your name, huh?" Red asked.

"Not yet. But after the job is done, I will gladly tell you."

"Alright then. What's the job? Let's hear it."

"There is someone stalking me," Platinum lied, thinking up a story as she went. "… His name is Black. He is from the region of Unova and he has chased me all over Sinnoh and finally to here. I would like you to teach him a lesson without doing any permanent damage." 'Sorry, Black.'

Red thought for a few seconds before nodding. "Very well then. That'll be 10 000 PKD in deposit with another 5000 PKD after the job is done."

"It is acceptable," Platinum answered. She reached into her bag and withdrew two bills, each worth 5000 PKD and gave them to her senior.

"Okay. So where is this guy?"

"I evaded him in Viridian City. He should be searching for me there."

"Alright. Let's do this."

Red sent out his Aerodactyl and prepared to leave. Platinum sent out her borrowed aerial transport and hopped on as well. While Red wasn't watching, she quickly sent Black a message telling him to meet her in front of the Pokémon Center of Viridian City. She didn't tell him what exactly was going to happen so the ensuing battle would be realistic.

…

Platinum hid behind the Pokémon Mart of Viridian City along with Red, waiting for Black to arrive. The heiress noticed that her senior occasionally stared at her head, appearing to be lost in thought. It was starting to make her feel uncomfortable. Did he want something with her? He wasn't exactly looking at her body, but just her head. … More the reason to check if this was the real Red. Because right now, he's not what she imagined. So far, most of her seniors had a variety of jobs, and Red's felt quite… odd compared to the rest. Ruby was a Pokémon stylist, Sapphire was thinking about joining law enforcement, Crystal was a university professor and researcher, Gold was a daycare manager, Green was a Gym Leader and a researcher, Blue appeared on television for a few shows, and Red was… a mercenary?

Before long, Black arrived and immediately began to look around. Platinum quickly hid out of sight.

"He has just arrived," she told Red.

"Alright. Stay here," Red said. He took out a Pokéball and charged towards Black.

Platinum peeked around the corner to watch. She immediately sent Gold and Crystal messages to let them know exactly what was happening. She sent White another message to meet her in Viridian City.

If this was really Red, then during the battle, Black (and White) would definitely get overwhelmed. Black and White would most likely take out their Pokédex to try to gain some sort of an advantage, and Red's reactions would prove whether he was a Dex Holder or not. And once Gold and Crystal arrive…

Of course, Platinum could've just told Red everything. But it was possible that he would disappear once again. And after that, chasing him would be dangerous for her. So she had to lure him closer to Pallet Town and get the other Dex Holders involved.

Platinum observed the soon-to-be carnage carefully. Red dashed towards Black and immediately lifted him off the ground by the collar of his shirt. Black looked bewildered, obviously. Red shouted something and Black obviously had no clue what the hell he was talking about.

Red roughly threw Black backwards, sending him crashing to the ground a meter away. Platinum winced, as she knew how much that would've hurt her junior, given his injuries. And she felt guilt.

Black jumped up to his feet and sent out his Emboar. Red sent out his Venusaur, not caring at all about the type disadvantage.

Black's Emboar used Flamethrower. Red's Venusaur just charged straight forward, not even fazed by the fire. It then rammed into the Emboar, sending it flying a few meters back. Black ordered it to use Flare Blitz. Red's Venusaur charged once more. But before the Flare Blitz could approach, the Venusaur stopped, shot out two thick vines, and forced the Emboar to trip with Vine Whip, thus forcing it to cancel the Flare Blitz. The Venusaur then stomped on the ground for an Earthquake, thus knocking out the Emboar. Red then focused on Black. He grabbed the Unova Dex Holder by the collar of his shirt and lifted him up.

Just then, White arrived at the scene and immediately ran to Black's aid. She tried to reason with Red first, having no idea who he actually was or what was happening. Red told her to scram. White tried to pull Black out of Red's grip, but to no avail. Red pushed her lightly, but she came back again. Red pushed her harder, but she still came back. Eventually, Red grabbed the girl by her hair and roughly yanked her away. Red's Venusaur used Vine Whip to prevent the girl from approaching its trainer.

White reached into the bag and took out her Pokédex to see what the Venusaur was capable of doing. Red saw the device and immediately released Black out of shock.

White sent out her Serperior in order to get the Venusaur to release her, but it didn't work. The Venusaur just didn't budge to any of the Serperior's attacks.

Platinum decided that she saw enough. She sent out her Rapidash, hopped on, and got it to run towards Red.

Black and White saw her approach and sighed in relief. Red turned around and frowned, wondering why she was coming. The heiress jumped off right in front of Red and dropped to her knees.

"… Senior…" she muttered. "… How can you be senior Red?"

"What?" Black muttered in surprise.

"R – Red?" White muttered as well.

Red narrowed his eyes. "… Senior? What do you mean?"

Platinum took out her Pokédex and showed it to her senior. Red stared at it in shock. He returned his Venusaur back to its Pokéball, thereby freeing White. Red picked up the Pokédex and stared at it for a while before turning his attention to Platinum. He grabbed the girl by the collar of her vest and lifted her above the ground.

"… Who are you?"

Platinum stayed calm. "I am Platinum Berlitz from Sinnoh. I am the 11th Dex Holder, senior. And you… are the 2nd."

Red let go of her. "What do you want with me? Why lie to me like this?"

Black and White also focused on Platinum, so they could hear why they just got destroyed for no reason.

"I had to make sure you really were senior Red. The hero of Kanto… the co-leader of the Dex Holders… … You… were so… aggressive. Violent. You were not what I heard from the stories."

Red lightened his expression and took several deep breaths to calm down. "… So what do you want with me?"

"Red…" White started. "… What happened to you? The others told me you were… really nice and kindhearted. That you would never actually attack anyone."

Red cast a slight glare. "7 years changes people. Answer my question. What do you want with me?"

"We have come to find you, senior," Platinum said quietly. Again, she found herself severely disappointed with one of her seniors. But she decided to reserve her judgment until she heard an explanation for his actions. "We have come under the instructions of senior Blue. She misses you. We will not leave until you agree to come with us."

Red stuffed his hands into his pockets. "… Blue, huh? … I guess it's been a long time…"

"RED!" came a loud female voice from afar.

Platinum looked and saw Gold and Crystal coming close with their aerial transport Pokémon, with Crystal waving her arms. The two Johto Dex Holders landed and immediately ran towards their long lost senior.

"Yo, senior! It's been a long time!" Gold yelled.

"It's been so long!" Crystal said as she gave her senior a quick hug.

Red patted her on the back and let out a sigh. "… Gold… Crys."

"Red, please come back to us," Crystal said. "We all missed you so much. Especially Blue. For the past 7 years, she was never really happy. She needs you. She needs her best friend back."

Red sighed again and looked up at the sky. "… I guess it's time I talk to her once more…"

"So does that mean…"

Red slowly nodded. "Alright. I'll go with you. It has been a long time since I saw Blue and Green…" He turned to face Black and White. "Sorry about the…"

"No, it's alright," Black said with a grunt. "I'm used to having my ass kicked."

White gave him a polite bow. "No damage done, Red. I'm White, by the way. And he's Black. We're Unova Dex Holders."

Red nodded at them and once again turned to look at Platinum. He observed her rather closely, making her feel uncomfortable once more. Platinum looked down at the ground to avoid making eye contact and did her best to stand perfectly still.

"… Red, we should probably return to Pallet Town," Crystal suggested. "Blue's still waiting for us."

"Yeah…"

…

"So Blue moved in with Green, huh?" Red muttered as he stared at Blue and Green's house. "And this town just doesn't change at all. 7 years have passed since the last time I was here, and absolutely nothing changed."

"Yeah. That's what Blue likes about this place," Crystal said. She moved to knock on the door, but stopped. She faced Red with a smile. "I think you should knock. It's your homecoming."

Red sighed. He stared at the door for a long while before he finally knocked. The door immediately opened and Blue appeared with a big smile.

"Red!" Blue cried out in joy. "It's been so long!"

"Hi, Blue," Red said with a forced smile.

Blue gave her close friend a tight hug. "I missed you so much, Red. 7 years…"

"Yeah…" Red gave her a pat on the back. "Wow… You haven't changed a bit since the last time I saw you."

Blue pulled back and narrowed her eyes. "What, are you saying that I always looked old?"

"N – No! That's not what I…" Red stammered out as he thought of nice things to say. "… Crap…"

Blue laughed. "Oh, Red. You haven't changed a bit. I know what you meant. Thanks!"

Red smiled. "… You really haven't changed, huh?"

"So you'd think. Anyways, come on in!"

Red reluctantly entered the house and his juniors all followed, forming a tight formation so he couldn't escape.

"Well, well. Look who finally returned!" came Green's voice from the living room.

Red smiled and he approached his rival. Green extended a hand and Red shook it.

"Been a long time, huh?" Red asked.

"Too long. Without you, I have no opposition," Green said with a slight smile. "Good to see you still in one piece even after all these years."

"Not much of a surprise, is it?" Red asked. "After all that stuff we've been through?"

"So… Red," Blue said from behind. "What have you been doing all this time?"

Red turned to look at Platinum. "You still have that card I gave you?"

The heiress took out the business card and presented it to Red, who took it and gave it to Blue and Green. Gold, Crystal, Black, and White approached the two Kanto Dex Holders to see the card as well.

"… Wow. I did not imagine this would happen," Crystal muttered.

"So Red," Green started. "… You're a mercenary now."

"Actually," Red said. "I prefer… private security."

"Yes. That's what mercs call themselves," Green said. "The world calls them hired guns. They call themselves private security."

"… No, I really mean it. I'm just private security. I listen to everyone's situations and I pick those who are worthy enough for my help. I don't get hired anyone, you know."

"… Yes. You're an exclusive merc."

"But I…" Red tried to think of other things to say, but couldn't. "… Crap. Fine. I'm a merc. Happy? But I'm a good merc."

"I assume you don't run a mercenary business all by yourself," Blue said.

"I used to," Red answered. "But there was this one girl who begged me to let her join. She's about 10 years younger than me, so she was about 17 when we met. She said that she had nowhere else to go and nothing else to do in this time, so… yeah. She's the only one who works with me. Surprisingly good, actually."

Blue suddenly glanced at the clock. "Oh. Hold on, I'll be right back."

She quickly walked away, leaving Red confused. But she returned shortly after, carrying her baby daughter, who held a small milk bottle in hand. The baby looked over at White and mumbled something. The Unova girl looked away, pretending to be distracted with something else. Red simply looked… very surprised. And a bit bothered.

"… A baby?" he muttered.

Blue lightly kissed her child and smiled at her long lost friend. "Yep! Isn't she cute? She's my baby girl."

Red simply blinked. "Wow…"

"Something wrong?"

"No." He looked back and forth between Green and Blue. "So you two got married, huh?"

"Yep," Blue said happily. "For 6 years now."

Red let out a long sigh. "Wow…" He put his hands through his hair and looked very… disturbed as he sat down on a couch. "… Looks like I've been focusing too much on my own life and… her. I missed my two best friends' wedding… and the birth of their first child."

"… This is our second child," Blue said quietly.

"… Two births…" Red sighed again but seemed to have gotten his thoughts together. "Blue, Green… I'm so sorry. I promise that from now on, I'll stay with you guys. … Well, not in your house, obviously, but you know what I mean. I won't disappear again. Not on my own will."

"Thanks, Red. That means a lot to me," Blue said with a warm smile.

"And if you ever need additional muscle," Red started. "I'll help you, free of charge! … Or at 50% charge. I need to be able to buy food at least." He frowned a bit as he realized something. "Wait… it's you guys I'm talking about. You don't need my help at this kind of thing!"

Blue smiled. "We don't need a mercenary, Red. We just need our old friend back."

"You got it." Red glanced at the wedding ring on Blue's finger and her baby daughter. "… I'll have a hell of a time catching up, though."

Blue gently passed her daughter to White (much to her dismay) and went to search for something in the living room. She soon found what she was looking for and faced Red, holding a few discs in her hands.

"Here, Red," Blue said. "These have our wedding videos and other key moments. Watch through them if you want."

"Thanks, Blue," Red said as he received the discs. "… I'll look through them as fast as I can. But first…" He set the discs on a nearby table. "I'll be back shortly. I… have to visit someone… for the last time…"

Blue nodded and watched her friend leave her once more. She let out a short sigh as she sat down on a couch.

"… Where is he going?" White asked, despite having her lower lip pulled by the baby.

"Probably to see Yellow's grave," Blue answered. "He said "for the last time", so I assume he'll be letting her go now."

"Senior Blue," Platinum started. "I must ask something about senior Red's behavior."

"Hm? What is it?"

"He appears to be very surprised to see me," Platinum said. "And several times, I have seen him staring at me. More specifically, he has been staring at my head. Do you know any possible reason behind this?"

Blue frowned a bit. "Huh. That's… a bit weird. I don't know. He might like you a lot. Seems a bit unlikely since you two are 11 years apart and the fact that Red already lost a girlfriend. More likely, you probably remind him of Yellow." She stared intently at Platinum and for a while, simply examined her. "Now that I think about it, you do resemble Yellow quite a bit. Exact same body figure. Same eye color too. Though only when Yellow used her powers."

"I… see."

"I know it's weird. But you have to understand. He really loved Yellow. If your Diamond suddenly died and you found someone with a similar appearance…"

Platinum raised her hand to stop her senior. "I understand."

"Spend time with him. Get to know him better. Now that he knows you're his junior, he'll take real good care of you. And there's no harm in keeping close to a former Pokémon League champion."

White managed to glance around despite having her senior's daughter push her chin upwards. "… Where did Ruby and Sapphire go?"

Blue smiled and took her daughter from White (much to her great relief). "Green sent them on a little training session. They'll be back shortly."

Green cleared his throat. "Black, White, now that you found Red, what are you going to do?"

"Cheren hasn't called me to update on the situation of Unova, so I'll call him. Based on what he tells me, we can determine if we should head over to Unova or stay around a little more to prepare ourselves better."

"Regardless, I think I'll be preparing a feast for our long lost friend," Blue said. "Crys, White, come and help me."

I will stop this chapter here. I originally intended to have this filler spread out quite long, but I'm changing that. The next chapter will be the remaining part of the filler. And Sapphire vs. Platinum finale. Both fillers put together would be over 7000 words, which is why I'm dividing it into two.

And yes. Another of my created characters appears (well, mentioned) for a short-ass time. There are a total of 20… ish created characters who will appear/be mentioned within S-EARLY/DO, though most will not appear (or even mentioned) outside of SY due to in-story time issues. Only 7 will make routine appearances, and all of their appearances put together will still be a lot less than Yellow's appearances. Why? Because who really cares about another person's created characters? Especially when the creator doesn't care about most of them?