Nothing.

He heard nothing. He saw nothing. He felt nothing. Everything was covered in darkness. Red tried to move but to no avail. His eyes darting to see chains bounding him still, rendering him immobile.

"Hello?" He called out into the darkness to hear nothing returning his call as silence loomed the area. Acting on adrenaline, he struggled against his chains for what seemed to be hours. He then stayed still, ultimately giving up as resistance is futile. As he remained stagnant, hands started to emerge from the void towards the restrained teen. Scared and desperate, his scarlet eyes once again darting around and searching for any source of light which was unsuccessful. Realizing there is no escape, he sighed in defeat and closed his eyes, succumbing to the shadows.

Smoke enveloped the area, putting any animate and inanimate objects into obscurity. The winds, cold due to the effects of Vulpix's Snow Warning ability, blew gently across the fields, causing shivers to anything that is not prepared for it. Everything was quiet except for a few voices who shout and speak in a victorious manner and tone.

"It's finally over!" A voice, which belongs to Devin, exclaimed with two others crying in joy afterwards. They resume their cheers until a crackling sound starts to resonate through the air. The applause subsided quickly when lightning can be seen oozing from the smoke making it look like a thundercloud that was too close. Before long, it cleared, revealing a brutally bruised and bloodied body on the snowy ground and in front of the figure was a yellow rodent that was hissing in anger with the hairs on its body standing on edge and its cheeks glowing with electricity. Pikachu glared at the group with pure rage in its eyes. Everyone stood still, silence occupying the area until it was interrupted by a voice.

"How…how are you still…alive?" said Devin, speechless and dumbfounded of the scene that is playing in front of him. Pikachu didn't listen as it continued to hiss at the trio, the lightning from its cheeks intensifying. Tears threaten to run down its cheeks as it yelled in fury, releasing electricity against its opponents as a warning which caused the trio to flinch in fear at its power.

"I can't allow you…" Devin said then paused, growling and clenching his teeth in irritation. Pikachu positioned itself, ready to attack as its opponents does the same motion. "...I can't allow your trainer to live after what he's done." He finished, looking at Pikachu as he clutched his hair.

"I'll make sure this time you're done." The curly haired teen said in a threatening tone, ruffling his hair before commanding his Pokemon.

"Rockruff, Rock Tomb and Vulpix, use Hidden Power."

The two Pokémon launched their attacks at Pikachu who swiftly sprinted towards them before releasing bolts of lightning in their direction, making their attack collide with each other. Their moves clashed causing smoke to appear and envelope the three combatants, leaving Devin to anxiously wait for the results. After a few moments, it cleared and revealed the three Pokemon who are now participating in an intense stare down. Pikachu then quickly leaped forward towards Rockruff and Vulpix, who also advanced forward towards the electric mouse.

"Once more!" Devin shouted before the three of them clashed once more, the shockwave causing him to close his eyes and shield them using his arm. 'What is with this Pikachu?' He thought, examining the electric mouse as it steadied itself to attack again.

"This…is not going to be an easy fight." He muttered, glancing the Pokemon once more before looking at his own. Pikachu yelled once more, letting out electricity from its body before sprinting towards them with fury in its eyes.

As an arm was rewarded physical contact with Red, causing the teen to tremble unconsciously. A voice then started to fill the environment, increasing in volume and oozing a malicious and demonic tone.

'Murderer.'

The boy flinched as more arms appeared and started to grab, pull and scratch parts of his body as extra voices started to enter the realm, each one sounding more evil than the previous. Frightened, Red tried to shake them off but was immobile due to the chains holding him still, forced to stay and listen to them.

'Monster.'

'Killer.'

'Atone for your sins, freak.'

'Demon in human clothing.'

The appendages resumed grabbing and pulling at the teen, some starting to punch him. His shackles vibrates as he tries to move, his mind determined for freedom but the futility of his efforts shown in him stagnant in one spot. The voices intensified as they continue to mercilessly insult the teen, who just closed his eyes and endured the verbal assault.

'Die!'

'You damn fucker!'

'Why are you still alive?!'

'You should not exist! You should never have existed.'

Red slumped, tears threatened to fall off his face as he heard the insults from the voices within the darkness until flames suddenly appeared in front of him. The fire took form of a big building as wood and lumber started to emerge from the inferno. As more features got revealed, it started to look like a school with a small playground.

"N-no way." Red stuttered as his crimson eyes spotted the name that was on the top section of the school. 'Pallet Academy?' His eyes widen as he saw the building still remained as it was engulfed by flames. Screams and cries of pain pierced the void as the flames increased, making Red flinch at the eerily tone that they have. He tried again to gain mobility and freedom from his shackles but it was unsuccessful just like before. Red slumped once more, his black hair covering his eyes and as he is subjected to the constant abuse of the darkness, unable to retaliate.

Another clash took place, creating another patch of burnt grass along with a small crater. As the combatants took their spots on their side of the forest, they panted as their bodies started to feel the fatigue of the showdown they've had. Everything stood still until Pikachu instantly leaped forward towards the two Pokemon, rubbing its cheeks against Rockruff before it speedily tackled Vulpix. As the yellow rodent retreated to its side of the field, Devin found an opportunity to attack.

"Rockruff, Bite as it's moving away." He commanded, getting no response from the Rock-type. He glanced at the Pokemon, who was on the ground exhausted and barely able to move, much to the teen's confusion.

"Rockruff, what's wrong?" Devin asked, receiving a weak yelp as a response as it tried to get up but falling on the ground as it got to its feet.

"Damn! It's paralyzed!" Devin said before clenching his teeth before turning his gaze to Vulpix.

"Vulpix use Powder Snow." He commanded. The fox Pokemon nodded before exhaling a gust of cold wind at Pikachu who dodged the attack before releasing out a bolt of electricity at it. Caught off guard, it wasn't able to dodge as it took the attack which knocked it onto the paralyzed Rockruff. Devin was about to order another attack before Pikachu suddenly appeared between the two Pokemon then nuzzled it cheeks against Vulpix before instantly disappearing and tackling the Rock-type.

'Why is it still so fast despite being tired?' Devin thought before he looked at Rockruff, frustration in his eyes. 'I can't lose. This freak's gotta pay for what he's done.' He thought angrily before snapping back at the Rock Pokemon who was eagerly waiting on a command despite being paralyzed.

"Sand Attack to stop it then Rock Tomb. Vulpix, use Hidden Power to keep it still." He ordered, trying to figure out Pikachu's movements. The two Pokemon did as they were commanded and Rockruff threw sand in Pikachu's eyes, causing it temporary blindness. However, it split into multiple copies of itself before they could hit it which gave it enough time to recover. As soon as it did, it tackled Rockruff before holding unto the rock-type and releasing a series of electrical attacks until it was unconscious.

"What the- How?" Devin stated, baffled by the fighting spirit of the Pikachu as it turned its gaze to Vulpix. The curly haired teen grinded his teeth as he returned his Rockruff, unsure of his win in this situation.

'It took me on a double battle and was able to hold its own despite the odds. Damn it! Gotta find a work around.' He thought as his eyes darted around the forest. His hazel eyes then landed on a body on the floor, a brutally beaten and bruised body. Upon realizing the body was Red, a smile appeared on Devin's face which grew bigger and wider the more seconds have passed.

"Bingo." He muttered in realization before breaking into a sprint towards the bloodied body with a maniacal laugh that slowly started to get louder. During its brawl with Vulpix, Pikachu started hearing footsteps which alerted to turn to see Devin advancing towards Red's body at a quick pace. The rodent Pokemon eyes widened before it released all the electricity in its body, knocking its adversary unconscious.

"Wah?" Before Devin could turn his head in their direction, the electric-type sprinted past him, being in front of Red in a protective gesture and growling uncontrollably at the curly haired teen with lightning bursting from its cheeks. Devin couldn't do anything but watch the Pokemon who was ready to attack if he so much as stumble forward. The curly haired teen sighed in defeat, turning around and returning his Vulpix before walking off past the Electric-type and then retreating down the pathway towards Viridian City. As he travelled a certain distance, he suddenly turned around, glancing at the Pokemon once more before saying something. "Just be glad you caught me off guard. Next time, however, I promise you that it will not go the same way. I will kill your master."

After he worded his statement, he then turned and continued on the route, leaving Pikachu and Red alone in the forest. As he disappeared from view, Pikachu let out a breath that it didn't know it held before turning to its friend, trying its best to shock him back to consciousness which proved to be difficult. After a few minutes of numerous attempts, it gave up and waited patiently on him to wake up.

Minutes turn to hours as the torture resumed, leaving Red emotionally and physically exhausted and bruised by the endless assault of the denizens of the realm. His eyes shut and teeth clenched as he withstood the pain he received from the numerous attacks that collided with him.

'Will this ever…end?' Red thought as he endured the endless assault as he could only stay still. This resumed for hours until a silent and serene voice caught his attention, causing the teen to open his eyes.

'…Red…' The voice resonated again from the distance, a bit louder as it caught his attention once more. As he searched throughout the darkness for the source but was unable to find it.

'Red…' The voice came again, this time a bit more clear than it was a moment ago. As he searched for the sound, he noticed a small dot of light within the darkness that seems to be increasing in size. The voice came again, this time clearer as it resonated from the light snapping the teen's attention towards it.

"What?" Red muttered before the demonic voices that he heard previously started to decrease in volume and the shadowy hands started to dissipate due to the intense glow that illuminated the realm.

'Red.' The voice said, more distinct, allowing Red to recognize it instantly.

"Pikachu?" He questioned, his red eyes peering into the light, seeing a small silhouette emerging. Red tried to move but was experiencing difficulties due to his chains. He then instantly remembered that his partner may be in danger as Devin may still be out there, possibly attacking it. As the thought of Pikachu being hurt popped in his head, he clenched his teeth as he pulled the chains with all his strength, ignoring the voices, the slight beatdown he still was receiving and the pain that he was feeling.

"I'm coming." He said, grunting as he pulled harder. At this moment, nothing mattered to him more than the safety of his friend. "Come on. Move!" Red said, feeling slight movement as he heard the chains starting to break.

"I don't care if I'm seen as a monster. I don't care what others think of me. Even someone like me can have at least, one friend." He said, the sounds of the shackles filling the air and making him tune out the voices around him except Pikachu's.

"And if that's the case, I'll fight my damn conscience if I have to!" Red struggled even harder, clenching his teeth and closing his eyes as he pulled as hard as he could. As he resumed his strife, veins started to appear on his arms and head as he strained against the chains, one goal on his mind.

'Red! Red!' The words came from the silhouettes as it got closer. "Come on! Almost there! She needs you!" He yelled to no one in particular, his mind determined on breaking the shackles as he heard the voice speak again to him.

'Red. You are no monster. You are better than that. From what I've seen from you these past few days, you're a kind human with a big heart. A human who puts others before himself. And I know you are not pretending, you are a kind soul through and through. You are my first real friend, Red Fires! And friends never quit.'

Everything started to fade out as the light almost consumed the realm. Red positioned himself, making one more pull as he saw his friend, shouting with all his strength. As he bellowed his final cry, the chains broke, scattering everywhere as the raven haired teen sighed exhausted, glad to be able to finally move his arms before he moved his eyes to the owner of the voice, smiling. Everything was enveloped in light as the two figures embraced each other in the realm, laughing uncontrollably.

Red's eyes finally opened as he first noticed the clear blue sky in front of him. Blinking several times, he immediately tried to get up only to stop as soon as he felt intense pain coursing through his body. Repeating the process at a slower pace, he endured the discomfort as he rose from the ground then leaned against a nearby tree. He searched around the forest, seeing evidence that showed the aftermath of an intense battle that took place earlier. His scarlet eyes then frantically darted around the area looking for Pikachu, trying to find any sign of yellow in the field.

"Pika."

He instantly jumped when he heard the sound from his right, turning to see Pikachu looking at him with tears slowly starting to fall from its face. He smiled, trying his best to move which didn't work as the mouse Pokemon ran at top speed and leaped into his chest, crying unto his chest. A few tears appeared on Red's face as he was barely able to pet Pikachu head as it nuzzled itself further into his chest.

"I'm glad you're ok." The raven haired teen said happily. After a few minutes of resting, Red was able to gain a bit of mobility despite the excruciating pain and was able to tend to most of his wounds with the help of some medicinal supplies in his bag. After he was finished, he decided to set up camp and rest for the day before continuing to travelling to Viridian City. As nightfall arrived, Red sat by the campfire, gazing at the stars before he begin to zone out everything around him. Pikachu quickly noticed this and called to him which snapped the scarlet eyed boy out of his daze as he returned a smile to it.

"Sorry, there. Just a bit lost in thought, you know." He said to the Pokemon who tilted its head in confusion. "It has been quite an eventful couple of days, hasn't it?" Red asked to which the Pokemon responded by nodding.

"It felt like months even though it was just a few days. It's like you were always there for me. Sounds weird, huh?" He chuckled, glancing at Pikachu to see it shaking its head which caught him by surprise. He looked at the electric type as it brushed it cheeks against him and rested itself on his lap with a look of content. A smile started to spread itself across his face as he slowly ruffled its hair.

"For all my life, I have always been picked on because of my eyes. Honestly, it went to a point where I got used to it. I mean, don't get me wrong, it hurts but I got used to it. The only people who would never have a problem with them was my parents, mostly my father. Then I finally made two friends."

Pikachu's ears perked as it looked at its trainer with a curious expression despite its sleepiness present in its eyes. It then started to close its eyes, drifting off into the realm of slumber.

"We did almost everything together until…" Red stopped, noticing that Pikachu is asleep.

'Rest. You need it. You had a very long day.' He thought as he looked up to the sky then dropped his gaze back at the Pokemon.

"Thanks for helping me. For saving me. But most of all…" He paused as a single tear escaped his left eye and fell down on Pikachu, which slightly startled it before becoming comfortable again.

"…thank you for being a friend." He silently continued before going inside of his tent and putting a blanket over the Pokemon before laying down and drifting to sleep himself, smiling as he started to fall in a slumber and finally be relieved of his nightmares.

It was morning as Red woke up and stretched, feeling multiple aches from all over his body. He packed up everything before going on the route, determined to reach Viridian City by at least nightfall. As they travelled along the route, they searched for their other travelling companion, Shinx, who was separated from them. A few hours of searching later along with wild Pokemon battles throughout the route and they saw a sign that said 'Viridian City' before finding themselves by the entrance of the city. Red sighed tiredly before looking at his Pokegear to see the time.

"It's just 12:35. I thought we were in there longer than that." Red said surprised before turning around and looking towards Route 1. "I hope Shinx is ok. I searched almost everywhere on the route. Wonder if it's in the city." He sighed as he pocketed his device before looking at Pikachu who was bouncing in excitement.

"Well, Pikachu. Time to go-" He was interrupted by a person in a blue uniform who walked up to him. Red looked at the person, immediately realizing the Pokemart logo on his shirt before hiding his eyes in his hair.

"I see that you're a rookie trainer. Well, if you need any supplies you can go to our Pokemarts which is located all over the region. Here's some free sample Potions and a Fresh water for you to enjoy." The employee said, handing the raven haired teen a bag of items with a sincere smile on his face before returning to the entrance of the city. Red looked at the items that he were given before stuffing them into his backpack. He then cleared his throat and continued, causing Pikachu ears to fall as it melancholically walked beside him. Red looked at the rodent before stopping and beginning to announced, which perked up the Pokemon mood.

"Before I was rudely interrupted. It's time to traverse the city." Red said in an announcer like voice which caused the electric type to clap for him. He made a mock bow which earned a snicker from his yellow rodent friend as they both walked into Viridian City side by side with smiles on their faces.

A/N: Finally! Red gets a break. Or does he? We'll have to look for the next chapter to find out. Honestly, when I made Devin, he was just supposed to be a regular battle and that's it but I thought that's boring and while writing this chapter planned this out. Yes, I said this chapter. Chains of the Past was actually supposed to be one chapter but I decided to cut it in two because…look at it. Hope you guys will love this chapter and thanks for the positive feedback.