Vote results: 1 for Black & White, 1 for Green & Blue, and… 5 no votes. I assume the vast majority of the faithful reviewers forgot that the votes for the even numbered chapters take place on the odd numbered ones. Oh well, it's been a while. However, since I have no opinion at all this time, I shall do a coin toss. Heads for Black & White, Tails for Green & Blue. And… (this coin toss did actually occur, by the way, though obviously not at the time of writing)… Tails. Therefore, SL is back to Green & Blue. And its by-product, Red & Yellow.

By the way, back in SL #012, there were 15 faithful reviewers. Now there are 7. 8 have been revoked in the past two updates despite my numerous warnings/alerts in the profile news. Possible reason: no one bothered to check the news. Possible solution: the news, and thereby all the warnings/alerts, are now moved to the actual chapters themselves, thus creating an unnecessarily large block of bolded text before the chapter actually starts, but guarantees view and auto-archives. Problem: the alert stating that a faithful reviewer is at risk of being revoked will only occur AFTER that reviewer has been revoked. Addendum: this updated news system has been in effect since the creation of SY. Yes, there's an SY now. Special Years. That 'addendum' was really just an advertisement.

Segment: Green & Blue.

Chapter 14: Tipping Point

April 21, Viridian City, 2:30 pm…

The door to the Viridian Gym opened and a petite girl entered, carefully looking around the dark. She reached around the walls next to the door and upon finding the light switch, flipped it on. But the light source seemed to be weak, as the Gym's interior was still quite dark. With a slight sigh, the girl proceeded to venture deeper into the Gym.

"Green? Are you in here?" the girl called out.

The girl, being Yellow, stopped after taking exactly 7 steps from the entrance. She mentally counted to three and spun around, expecting Green's hologram to pop out from behind. When the hologram didn't flicker on, Yellow immediately swiveled around again. 7 weeks ago, when she made her weekly visit, the hologram had scared the hell out of her by popping out the moment she thought the system was off. She wasn't going to get fooled this time.

With no hologram yet, Yellow took another cautious step and spun around. This third check would have spared her a near heart attack 6 weeks ago. She glanced left and right before spinning around again. This fourth check would've helped her 5 weeks ago. Every week, the hologram popped out in different places, making it impossible for Yellow to prepare.

After making four more checks for her previous experiences and an additional three just in case, Yellow sighed in relief and proceeded to venture deeper into the Gym. No hologram meant that Green was finally at the Gym!

… But… the moment she took a step forward, the hologram popped out right in front of her in a blink of an eye. Yellow bumped into the hologram and with a surprised shriek, fell backwards in shock.

"Are you a challenger?" Green's voice echoed from the hologram.

"… Oh, not again…" Yellow groaned out with her hands placed over her heart. "But how did I touch it? And the sound came from this thing…"

"I'll take that as a yes," the hologram said.

"Wait, what? No!"

From behind the hologram, Green's Arcanine and Alakazam appeared, ready to battle. Yellow quickly put her hands in the air to show that she meant no harm. An unnecessary action, as Green's Pokémon easily recognized her and backed off on their own. They were used to her weekly visits.

Relieved that she wasn't going to get blasted by Alakazam's Focus Blast, Yellow took a glance around the dark Gym and slowly turned around. The moment she faced the entrance of the Gym, the door opened. Yellow jumped in surprise when a dark figure appeared right in front of her, wearing a long dark trench coat, along with a hat and sunglasses. She screamed in terror when the figure reached out towards her.

"Yellow, calm down," the figure said quickly, using his hands to mean that he meant no harm.

Yellow stopped screaming upon hearing his voice. "What the…" She examined the figure carefully, and soon realized who she was looking at. "… Green? Is that you?"

"Quiet," the Viridian Gym Leader warned. He peeked out through the open door to make sure no one else was in the vicinity before quickly shutting it. After locking the door, he took off his hat and sunglasses.

Yellow took a quick sigh of relief. "… Green! Keep a defibrillator somewhere in your Gym at all times! You have no idea how many times I almost died of a heart attack in here!"

"Come again?"

"Your… hardlight hologram!" Yellow said, almost yelling. "It keeps appearing at different times in different places! And why was it hard? I bumped into it! And how come you're never here? And why are you dressed like this? You really scared me!"

"One question at a time," Green said as he signaled her to calm down. "Okay. I'm dressed like this to avoid a certain pack of insane girls. Blue helped me with that issue last time, but now that's she's elsewhere, I'm on my own. I wasn't in the Gym for the past year because I was training alone. And I have no idea what you mean by hardlight hologram."

"See for yourself."

"Alright then."

Green clapped in the air once. And in a blink of an eye, his hologram appeared right in front of Yellow, surprising the hell out of her again. Green reached forward and could soon feel the hologram pushing back against his palm.

"See?"

"Interesting." Green clapped twice and the hologram faded. Once the hologram disappeared, a Porygon2 appeared from the darkness of the Gym. "So this is what you've been doing in your spare time…"

"You left your Porygon2 here?" Yellow asked. "I thought you always had it in your party."

"Usually, but I left it here for the last few months so I could train one of the Pokémon I normally leave at the Gym." Green gave the Virtual Pokémon a pat on the head before returning it to its Pokéball. "I guess it was bored. I'll keep it in my team from now on. There's no telling what it'll do next. So Yellow, what are you doing here? Are you here to challenge me?"

"No, no," Yellow said quickly. "I tried against your hologram a few years ago and… got destroyed. And considering how you've been constantly training while I haven't at all, I won't stand a chance. I actually came here to see you. It's been a long while and I was just wondering if you were back." She cleared her throat and after straightening her composure, gave him a bright smile. "It's so nice to see you again!"

Green nodded. "Blue and Crystal said the same thing today. I guess it really has been a long while since I was home."

"Yes. It's been over a year, hasn't it? I'm sure all of your friends are really happy to see you again." Yellow smiled as she looked at Green's… disguise. "I guess your fans were too happy to see you. Maybe if you stayed around a bit more, they won't chase you this much. Right now, they're chasing you because they won't get another opportunity in a while. But if you were around constantly, they wouldn't feel rushed."

"Perhaps I could test that theory," Green said. "Crystal suggested on a routine Dex Holder gathering. So I'll be staying home for a while for those gatherings and we'll see if those crazy fans let up on their fanatic chases."

"Oh? A gathering?" Yellow asked. "That'd be very nice. It'd be great to meet everyone again. And I mean everyone. We haven't seen the Hoenn Dex Holders since the Battle Frontier incident, right?"

"If the news spreads, they'll come as well," Green said. "I'm sure Crystal will contact Professor Birch and get it sorted out." He led Yellow towards his office in the corner of the Gym. It was the only place in the Gym with a table. It was also the only place with something to sit on. "So Yellow, what are you doing nowadays?"

"Same as always," the girl answered. "… Absolutely nothing. I once tried to help Crystal at the orphanage but that didn't go anywhere. I don't have the… authority to tell any orphan what to do or not do."

"If you continue helping out, I'm sure they'll listen to you eventually. You could be a good substitute for Crystal whenever she's sick or busy with research."

"You think so?"

Green shrugged. "It's either you or Gold. And I highly doubt that he'll be of any help."

"Okay then. I'll call Crystal later today and talk to her about it. But I won't be doing that all day every day. So… in the days when I'm not helping there, do you think I could help you with your Gym?"

"You want to help me in this Gym? How?"

Yellow thought for a few seconds. "Well, you're not here half the time. … Okay, most of the time. Your Pokémon have to take care of themselves. The food stash you left can't last forever and there could be a few other problems that can occur from neglect. I can take care of your Pokémon for you and even handle some of the challengers for you. I won't be battling them, but I can assure them that the Gym is open and that they don't get a heart attack from your hardlight hologram."

"Sure, why not. If you want to help, then sure."

"Thank you! Now I won't be bored so much!"

Green smiled. "I know that feeling. Well, come on. Let's catch up. Even though you said you haven't been doing anything, you must've still kept in contact with the other Dex Holders. And something is bound to happen to someone."

…

Meanwhile, Pallet Town…

…

Blue stared at Red's warm red eyes, desperately thinking of something to say. She needed to say something, but her mind was in a state of panic and she couldn't think properly.

'No, no, no… What the hell. How could this happen? I tried so hard to steer him to Yellow… What should I do?' She took a nervous gulp as she forcefully looked away from Red's eyes. 'But wow, what a kiss… Wait, what? No! No! … And he's so good looking too… No! Stop! Bad! … And this was my first kiss… Damn it!'

Blue risked another look at Red. Looking as handsome as before, he was eagerly waiting for her response. Realizing that she was utterly screwed, she decided to stall.

"W – Wow, Red," she stammered out. "I – I don't know what to say…"

"A simple answer would suffice," the Kanto champion said with a warm smile. "Or just say whatever comes to mind. Whether you like me or not, we'll always be friends."

'And he's so kind…' Blue took another nervous gulp. "I never would've thought that… you'd like someone like me. I think you deserve someone better."

"I've known you for many years, Blue," Red said. "Sure, when we first met, you ripped me off, stole my stuff, and got me involved in a mess caused by your scheme to make a whole ton of money, but as time passed, you changed. I know you. You're really kind and caring and very, very smart. I don't think there's anyone better than you."

Blue blushed in embarrassment at the compliments. "Um… thanks. But I still think you can do a lot better. I know myself pretty good, and I know that I'm not good enough for you. I know you'll get a really nice girlfriend one day."

Red crossed his arms. "I like to think that I'm looking at the one right now. But… what, do you think I should try with someone else first?"

"I don't mean to offend you, Red," Blue said hastily. "But… this… is a big deal for me. I really don't know what to say. I always thought you liked… Misty or… Yellow."

"Misty… eh. I have nothing to say about her. Yellow… I like to think of her as a close friend. I haven't thought about anything beyond that."

Blue mentally sighed in relief, as she believed that she found some footing in this… predicament. "Why not? She's really nice, don't you think? She's smart, very cute, and extremely kindhearted. I think she'd be perfect for you."

Red shrugged. "Maybe. But I'm not sure if she'll like me."

'Oh, you blind, handsome fool…' "I'm sure she will. After all, you did save her life many years ago."

"I'll have to think about that. But for now, I still like you."

'Ah, hell…' "Um… I'm… flattered, Red. I really am. I'm afraid that I might disappoint you… Um… do you mind if I… think this over? I need to collect my thoughts. I'll try to have an answer for you by tomorrow."

"Well… okay, then," Red said. "I guess I'll get my answer from you in that Dex Holder meeting."

Blue nodded and rose to her feet. She sent out her Wigglytuff. Before she hopped on, she looked at Red one more time. "Thanks for the compliments, Red. I… really appreciate it."

"Don't mention it."

Blue waved at her friend and hopped onto her Pokémon. Afterwards, she got her Wigglytuff to head towards her home in One Island.

During the slow flight, Blue let out a long sigh as she thought about all that had happened so far. Green was back, which was a good thing. Crystal was planning on a Dex Holder gathering, which was also good. But Green didn't like anyone, which was very bad, since that meant he didn't like her. He also had a pack of crazy fan girls, which was bad. And Red liked her. And that was terrible. … Wasn't it? Was it bad? Was she just overreacting? Blue crossed her arms and calmed herself down. She carefully thought about the situation.

'Okay… Is this really that bad? Sure, I like Green and Yellow likes Red. I want Yellow to get together with Red. But while Green doesn't like me, Red does. And he's not a bad guy. He's really nice and handsome and… … Would it be so bad if I accept him? … That'd be betraying Yellow's trust. I can't do that. But how would I get Red to like Yellow instead of me?'

Blue snapped out of her thoughts half an hour later when her Pokégear started to ring. She took it out of her bag and checked the number. The call was from home. So her parents were calling. Crap. That was never good. But she had no choice. Blue forced herself to think happy thoughts and answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Young lady, where are you?" came her father's voice. He sounded quite angry.

"I'm on my way home from Pallet Town," Blue answered nicely, even though her fists were clenched.

"Who gave you permission to go all the way over to Pallet Town that early in the morning? Do you have any idea how early you left this house? What if you were kidnapped again?"

"Look, dad, I told you I was going over to Goldenrod to buy something," Blue argued. "You knew about it! And I wanted to see my friends again. Is that so bad? And besides, I can take care of myself. I have been for over 16 years!"

"Don't you talk to me like that! Get back home now! You're grounded, young lady!"

Blue rolled her eyes and sighed. "I'm not a kid, dad. I haven't been ever since the kidnapping. Which you weren't there for, might I add. You can't ground me. And besides, I spent over half my life without you. What makes you think I should listen to you?"

Without waiting for an answer, she shut off her Pokégear and shut it off so that she wouldn't be bothered by the incoming continuous call attempts. She then angrily shoved it into her bag.

Sensing its trainer's anger, the Wigglytuff had stopped moving. Blue patted it on the head and wordlessly pointed back to Kanto mainland. The Wigglytuff slowly turned around and headed back. Since Blue didn't specify a destination, the Balloon Pokémon simply floated/drifted towards Kanto mainland.

"Avoid Pallet Town," Blue said abruptly. "Just… land in Fuchsia City."

The Wigglytuff did as told and adjusted its course. It arrived at the destination an hour later and 'parked' itself on top of a grassy hill. Blue hopped off and returned her Pokémon before she sat down on the grass. And for a long while, she simply stared into the distance, calming herself using the cool breeze that swept the hillside. She wanted to collect her thoughts and calm down. But she eventually found out that it was impossible to do it alone. Only more anger built up inside her by thinking all alone. She needed someone's company.

With another sigh, Blue took out her Pokégear and turned it on. There was a total of 30 missed calls from her pissed off parents. She didn't care. Instead, she pulled up her list of contacts. The first contact was Silver. But Blue didn't want to disturb him with her problems. There were things he should never know.

Next up was Green. But he was probably busy scaring the hell out of Bill. Or if he finished doing that, he was probably back in Professor Oak's lab, doing some research. Probably. And besides, she doubted that he would be of any help. She didn't want to bother him with this issue anyways.

Next up was Red, and Blue was technically avoiding him. Telling him that he was partly the cause of her depression would accomplish absolutely nothing good. Next was Yellow. But talking to her was risky. If Yellow found out that she was depressed partly because of what Red said, the current dilemma was going to become a hell of a lot bigger.

Next on the list was Crystal. But right now, Crystal would be busy taking care of the hell raiser orphans. And Blue didn't want to talk to her when she was busy. She didn't want to visit either. The last time she did, she ended up with thumbtacks in her feet and having that happening again wasn't going to cheer her up.

Below Crystal's name were the names of the non Dex Holders, including Professor Oak, Daisy, and a few other contacts, none of which would be of any use in the current situation. So only Silver and Crystal would be able to help her.

Blue let out a long sigh as she made her decision. She would send Silver a message. All she had to do was be careful. If she didn't tell him what exactly was bothering her, he'd be able to stay out of this mess. And besides, he was the only one who could cheer her up without trying to figure out everything. Crystal would persistently ask what was bothering her. Silver would probably ask once or twice before backing off. So he was perfect.

Blue took out a map of Kanto. She would need to pick a place to meet. Somewhere discreet, preferably. One of Silver's secret bases would do. She was currently in Fuchsia City, so… a couple of secret bases were nearby. Technically, she wasn't supposed to know about any of them. But she did explore around quite a bit (mainly to get out of her house) and discovered 10 of at least 18 secret bases. She'll tell him to meet her in his 7th secret base. Normally, she wouldn't know which base is which, but Silver had a little piece of code carved in the wood in the door of each of his base that marked which base was which. And Blue had decrypted it with relative ease. To her, Silver was quite easy to figure out. But to him, she wasn't anywhere as easy. Which meant, as long as she didn't tell him, he would never figure out what exactly she was going through.

The current priority for SL is to give screen time to the Dex Holders who have yet to appear despite the 10+ chapters. There is one left, I do believe. Unless there's another Dex Holder that I give so damn little about that I completely forgot his/her existence entirely… Well, no matter.

By the way, mass update incoming. I said I wouldn't be updating all of S-EARL at once. But I'll be updating all of S-EARLY at once this time. ETA: 2~3 weeks.