As the sun peers overhead in the blue cloudy sky, Red made his way through Viridian City in search for the sole purpose of finding the Pokemart with Pikachu by his side who was doing sightseeing of the various buildings within the city. The raven haired trainer smiled at the yellow rodent until it sprinted off to a shop, making the teen have to chase it as it entered the store and pointed at a yellow popsicle on a menu board in an excited manner. 'Seriously, a Pikapop?' Red thought as he raised a brow at the Pokemon who was jumping happily. Pikachu gave the raven haired trainer a sad pout which cause the trainer to flinch. 'No. I will not fall for this. I refuse.' The teen said in his thoughts as he bashfully turned his back to the rodent only to see it back into his face with the same look. Finding that it was futile to resist, he sighed as he went to the lady at the cash register and pointed at the Pikapop on the menu board, confusing the woman.
"You want the Pikapop?" She asked with confusion etched in her voice, earning a nod from the raven haired teen as he went in his pocket and gave the money for the icy treat while the yellow rodent skipped in anticipation as it waited. The lady then gave the trainer the treat before Red crouched and gave it to Pikachu who happily took the popsicle, nibbling it as it jumped on its trainer bag. Exiting the store, Red resumed on his path as he made his way towards the Pokemart, his mind completely focused on getting Pokeballs. As he was on his way, he realized that the Pokemon Center was closed which made him raise his brows in a confused manner.
'Weird. The Pokemon Center is almost always open.' He thought until he was interrupted by screams that pierced through the air, engulfing any other forms of sound within the area. Startled but mostly worried about what is taking place, Red sprinted towards the source with Pikachu still nibbling on its icy treat, wanting to finish it before going into battle. The raven haired trainer reached his destination as another barrage of screams filled the air, seeing an entire building being surrounded by two men in black clothing, one had a bandanna on that masked their face along with a hoodie and the other had a mask that shows the face of a Charizard covering his face. Red watched the two men as he turned his gaze to see civilians in the store trembling on the ground as they all huddled in one spot on the shiny tiled floor. As the silent teen observed the area, he noticed that there was one more person in the store who was in the store, stealing anything that his hands could find as the two stood as guards. 'Looks like he's their leader.' Red speculated as he went into his bag while picking up some stones. He took another glance at the scene until he saw the name of the building saying 'Pokemart' in blue block fashion which earned a groan as Red slowly placed his face in his palm.
'Of course it's the Pokemart.' He thought sarcastically while he was putting the stones in his pocket. The raven haired teen took out his Pokegear as he made a text, the device making a sound signaling that he finished his message as he put it back into his bag.
"You ready, Pikachu?" Red asked as he pulled out a slingshot from his bag, testing it to see if it was functioning properly. 'Perfect' He thought before he saw Pikachu's response to his question which was a quick nod as it allow a little electricity to escape its red cheeks. Red then quietly formulated a plan with the yellow rodent, gaining a few nods from the Electric-type, before they both were going to set out and reenact the plan only to be stopped and startled by a voice that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. They were not the only ones to have this reaction as the thugs shared their mutual reaction as well before they turned to the direction of the sound, seeing an old man, swaying side to side as he made his way to the robbers.
"Never fear for I am here!" The elderly man announced before he pointed at the thugs who both were still bewildered by his sudden entrance. The thug with the bandanna shook himself out of his stupor as he let out a dog like creature with red eyes with grey and black fur that started to snarl at the old man. "That's a Poochyena, I think. If I remember, it's a Dark-type Pokemon, right?" Red silently contemplated as he turned to Pikachu as the yellow rodent gave Red a straight face as it shrugs, not knowing itself.
"A pesky runt! Just like you!" The old man shouted as he put his hands on his sides while laughing, confusing everyone within hearing distance of his voice. "Now! Go Dragonite!" He then threw a Pokeball into the air from his hand, releasing a yellow caterpillar with a horn on its head with a red nose. Silence and confusion filled the air as everyone's eyes were glued on the mentioned Dragonite just to see a small Weedle in its place.
"What the?"
"That's...not a Dragonite though."
"Is he alright, Mommy?"
"Isn't that a Weedle and not a Dragonite
"I don't know, sweetie. I don't know."
"We're doomed."
"Is he drunk?"
Everyone started whispering until the man started to put his hand at his sides like a superhero, waving at the captured civilians, causing them much confusion. "Never fear, wonderful people. I will take care of this." He said in a loud voice.
Let's go, Dragonite! Use Dragon Pulse!" The old man commanded, causing everyone including his Pokemon to be confused as they looked at him with bewildered and concerned expressions. The elderly man made a hiccup which caused a wave of groans and sighs, Red and Pikachu mimicking everyone actions as they followed with a palm connecting to their face. The thug laughed vigorously as he held his stomach that was in pain, trying his best not to fall on the ground.
"This man said Dragonite! Hahahaha!" He paused before continuing to laugh again which caused the old man to glare at them.
"He then told the Weedle to use Dragon Pulse! Hahahahahahaa!" He said, bending over as he used the wall to support himself until he finished laughing, causing his masked partner to snicker. Enraged, the old man made a command his Weedle to attack only to be interrupted as the thug's Poochyena quickly attacked the Pokemon, knocking it unconscious. After the Dark-type took down the yellow caterpillar, it then barked before it was enveloped with an intense white light, causing it to change form as it grew bigger. After the white light dissipated, it revealed a larger and more intimidating Pokemon with shaggier fur and huge claws as it bared its big fangs at the old man who only watched it with a fearful expression on his face. The man whistled as he looked at his evolved Pokemon, a smirk present on his face.
"Huh? A Mightyena. Not bad." He said before turning his gaze to the old man before his smirk got wider and more sinister.
"Let's make an example out of this old man."
Instantly realizing what he meant, Red sped off into an alley, trying to close the distance and quietly and quickly as possible. Sneaking closer to the blue top building, both Pokemon and trainer stopped behind a dumpster bin as the Electric-type went off to another alley as the raven haired teen readied his slingshot and aimed at the little Mightyena. Confident that his aim was good enough, Red then let out a shot, hitting the Dark-type right in its temple which caused it to yelp in pain. "Mightyena, what's wro-" Before he could finish his statement, he got hit in the cheek by a stone which made him turn around only to have one hit him in the eye. "Ahhh! What the hell just hit me?!" He yelled as he dropped to the floor while holding his left eye. Mightyena turned around to see its trainer on the floor until it was interrupted as it got hit in the face again by a pebble.
Red smiled as he got another shot before he looked at Pikachu, motioning for Pikachu to go ahead. "Let's go with the plan, Pikachu." As he said that, the yellow rodent nodded in determination before it sprinted towards right alley. As the Electric-type disappeared from sight, Red felt a disturbing presence which caused him to instinctively turn around to be face to face with a snarling Mightyena. Before the teen could react, the Dark-type lunged at him and bit his left arm, its teeth digging into his flesh and making blood erupt from his arm. Red clenched his teeth in pain before he delivered a strike to its throat which made it lose its hold on his arm before he reeled his feet back and smacked the Pokemon in its face with his bloody arm then thrust his feet into its stomach, knocking it across the alley and into a bunch of trash bins.
Red then dashed further into the alley, readying his slingshot and preparing himself for any surprise attacks around him. The raven haired teen heard a trash bin get knocked over as he saw the Mightyena jumping towards him with its fangs bared. Thinking fast, Red use a nearby trash can cover as a shield to block its attack before he moved to the side and made a counter attack by shooting his slingshot at the Pokemon's eye, slightly impairing its vision. Taking the opportunity and ignoring the pain coursing from his left arm, the teen shot another pebble at Mightyena's leg which caused the Dark-type to limp until it crashed into another pile of trash cans. Despite its impaired vision, it limped through the trash cans while sniffing the air, trying to find the silent trainer. "I get it. Odor Sleuth. That's why it was able to find me." Red thought aloud as he looked around him, noticing a dumpster beside him which made a smirk appear on his face.
"Well, let's give him a scent that he'll never forget." He said, his smile widening as he banged on the dumpster which caught the Mightyena's attention. The Pokemon then charged towards Red who side stepped and jumped on the top of the dumpster, the sounds of impact alerting the Dark-type of way the trainer would be. Instinctively jumping onto the dumpster, Mightyena used its nose, sniffing the scent of blood protruding from the raven haired teen's arm and turning its face towards the silent teen. As it lunged forward towards Red, the scarlet eyed trainer jumped back and opened the door of the dumpster, making the Dark-type fall into the trash. Hearing the thud that signaled the impact between the Pokemon and the trash within the container, the raven haired teen quickly closed the dumpster, putting a crowbar on the switch to hold it still. He then sighed as he was able to rest for a little while before pain coursed through his body, alerting him of the wound that was on his left arm.
The trainer did not have time to bandage his arm as he heard a cry from Pikachu which made him instantly rushed towards the direction of the voice as worry was etched on his face. 'Oh no! Pikachu!' His thoughts were interrupted as he saw Pikachu growling as one of the thugs held it upside down in the air with his grip on its tail. Trying his best to control his rage, Red took out his slingshot and aimed towards the thug's hand before shooting at him, securing the shot as the thug yelled in pain as he loses his grip on the Electric-type as it disappeared and hit him in his chest, knocking the wind out of him and sending him to the floor. The other thug tried to help the thug by taking out his Pokeball only for him to fail as Red secured another shot, hitting his hand which made him drop his Pokeball as he yelled while holding his hand.
"What the hell is going on here?" The leader said as he got out of the store, seeing his partner in crime on the ground. Before he could react, he was hit with a bolt of lightning, plummeting him into his partner and sending them onto the floor. As he was about to get up and confront Pikachu, Red secured a shot to his temple, causing him to stagger as he descended to the ground. The raven haired teen was about to get another shot in, he got attacked from behind which knocked him into the street, As he got up, he realized that the thugs' attention were on him as they tried to bash only to fail as he backed away. As he retreated, he heard sounds of growling behind him, turning to see Mightyena as it bared his fangs at him with a feral look in its eyes. It was about the attack the scarlet eyed trainer again before it started to stagger and fall on the ground, knocked out unconscious. Confusion was the expression that Red face took until Pikachu jumped on his shoulder and rubbed its cheeks against him, earning a laugh from the trainer.
Everyone cheered as they ran out of the Pokemart, celebrating their victory and wanting to thank the person that saved, thanking Red for his heroic deeds which shocked the raven haired teen.
'I thought they all hated me.' He thought as some of them cried as they continued to show their gratitude to him and Pikachu, earning a smile and nod from both of them. All the kids started to hug him until one of them pulled on Pikachu's tail, causing it to thrash about and release electricity that lifted Red hair, revealing his crimson red orbs to the people. Everyone stopped as they laid their eyes on the person, their faces contort into expressions of fear, disgust and horror which caused Red to inwardly flinch as he quickly hid his eyes, feeling guilt as he turned his gaze to the floor.
"Isn't that-"
"No! It can't be."
"Mommy, his eyes are red."
I know, sweetie. I know."
"He's the monster that caused the fire couple years ago. The Crimson Menace!"
"Damn monster. Wanna create a second tragedy, huh?"
"Not on our watch! All those lives you took!"
"How do you sleep at night?!"
"Look at his eyes. So disgusting and demonic."
Everyone started making assumptions, ready to attack Red, some throwing thrash and stones at him which made him put Pikachu in his bag as he tried to escape only to be grabbed and thrown back into the center as he continued his assault. Sounds of sirens loudly resonated in the air, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and give their full attention to the police cars as they arrived on the street. As the officials observed the scene, they all saw the three thugs on the ground, the leader trying his best to escape only to be stopped by a Herdier in front of him, staring at him with an intimidating look.
"Damn it!" He said as he was dragged along with his partners into the police car, put into handcuffs as they entered the car. As they made an investigation of the area, one of them spotted Red, walking up to him as the crowd of people made a path for them to the teen. As they got closer, one of them noticed his scarlet eyes hidden underneath his black hair which made their eyes widened as they realized the teen.
"It's you!" He said as he went towards the teen with a sinister look on his face, taking out his baton and a Pokeball from his pocket. "I have been waiting a long time for this." Feeling no more items thrown at him, Red lifted his head and looked around only to see that everyone gazes are directed towards somewhere else, turning his head in the same direction to see an officer coming towards him. Before the teen could react, he felt something connect to his dome which caused him to stagger as he tried to get up, which invited another hit. The other police members watched in glee as their partner smacked the teen ruthlessly.
"What's wrong, Crimson Menace?" He said as he swung the baton, securing a hit on the red-eyed trainer.
"Sorry, forgot you were a mute. Why don't you try sign language?" Two more strikes came after, as Red tries his best to protect Pikachu. The policeman laughed as he ruthlessly and repeated beat the raven haired teen with his baton, laughing as he did so until tears started to erupt out of his eyes. "Do you understand what you have done? The lives you've taken? The pain you've caused? I lost my daughter in that accident! Why would you do such a thing? Why?" The man started to cry as he dropped the baton and fell to his knees, a picture falling out of his shirt pocket as he grasped it to his chest. Seeing this, Red felt nauseous as guilt took control of his stomach region.
"Oh, Nia. You wanted to be a Pokemon Nurse. You were supposed to be a Pokemon Nurse and you got the internship." He sobbed uncontrollably, not caring about the crowd around him that is observing his behavior. Feeling sorry for the man, the raven haired trainer was about to stretch his hand towards the mourning man in front of him only to stop when he saw the man's hateful glare at him. The other officers came on the scene and take away their crying companion, much to Red's relief. 'I couldn't bear to see him like that any longer. I wish I could make amends.'
"C'mon. Fritz. Let's go." One of the officers said as they took him into the vehicle and drove off with the thugs at the back sneering at the raven haired teen. Before he could think anything else, he felt a strike to his head which caused to turn and see other officers and civilians ready to continue the assault on him. Having enough, Pikachu shook itself from Red's clutch and stood in front of everyone with its cheeks flaring with electricity. The black haired teen realized what was happening, going to stop the yellow rodent. "Pikachu, wai-" Before anyone could react, the Electiric-type let out a cry before releasing a blast of electricity, repelling everyone from it and Red. Seeing the opportunity for an escape and not wanting Pikachu to hurt anyone, Red took up the Pokemon and escaped, enduring the electricity it released and running into an alleyway.
As he was about to take a rest behind the trash cans, he heard the barks of the officers' Herdier and Growlithe coming closer. 'Great, things just got worse. They are definitely not gonna listen now, like they were gonna listen in the first place.' Red thought as he sprinted away in a panic and a rush of adrenaline, proceeding to knock every trash bin close to him in an attempt to slow down his pursuers. After a while of running throughout the streets of Viridian City, the raven haired teen found himself at the park, looking around before jumping into the bushes and hiding from the police officers as they passed by the street, not even turning to enter the park.
Red then waited as the commotion subsided, taking off his red jacket and trying his best to make his hair hide his crimson eyes before going to buy food, leaving Pikachu to guard his bag, much to its disappointment. "Don't worry, buddy. I'll be right back. I'm just going to get some food for us, ok?" The raven haired teen said while patting it head, earning a happy squeal from the rodent before it quickly goes back to a pouting expression. He then waved at the Pokemon and smiled before leaving to get the food. As the black haired teen made it to the restaurant, he pointed at what he wanted on the menu, making hand gestures indicating that he wants two of them. As the receptionist went to complete his order, Red heard a conversation between three men, one in a grey suit, the one in the middle in a beige long sleeved shirt and another one in a navy blue jacket.
"You guys know about that new company on the block?"
"They even implemented the Game Corner in Celadon City years ago and it has been doing splendid since it was invented. It's just unfair for other companies."
"I know. Didn't they just started too?"
"Nine years ago is not 'just started', man. However, I understand that it has been such a huge rise to success. Even better than Silph Co."
"Yeah. Silph might have some competition if they're not careful."
"Not so sure about that. I heard a rumor going around about them wanting to make a partnership deal with them."
Before Red could hear anything else, he was called for his order which made him have to go to the receptionist and collect it. He then bowed to the receptionist as thanks and then left the restaurant. As he made his way to the park, he started to gaze in the sky as he thought about the events that happened today. 'Another rough day. Well, it's not a journey without challenges.' He pondered as he noticed the Viridian Hospital across the street, his expression saddened before he hardened it and put on a look of confidence. 'Don't worry, Dad. I will fulfill your last request for you. Count on it.'
After a few minutes of wandering and thinking, Red finally made it back to the park to his place within the trees as he lifted the meals that he bought in his hand. As he returned to his spot, he saw his bag leaning on a tree with Pikachu nowhere in sight. He then checked his bag to see if the yellow rodent is in there only to not see it. Panic now taking over his mind, the silent teen searched around for the Electric-type only to hear snoring sounds from above him. As he looked up, he saw Pikachu within the leaves of the tree, sleeping soundly on one of the branches. Making his way to take down the yellow rodent, Red started to realize the multiple bruises on its body as he put it down next to the food and letting the aroma awaken the slumbering Pokemon. It woke up in a daze before it noticed the food before it, quickly consuming the meal as it happily squealed at the silent trainer.
"Sorry about Devin, Pikachu." Red apologizes as he felt the fur of the Electric-type, causing the Pokemon to shiver at the sound of the name. After they finished their meal, Pikachu jumped onto the raven haired teen as he was nursing his arm and snuggled itself underneath his undershirt which earned a smile from him. When he finished bandaging his hand, he took the yellow rodent from his shirt and cleaned and bandaged the Pokemon up which is much to its delight. "If there was one thing I didn't want you to see is anyone from my past in Pallet Town." He said as he traced its fur while Pikachu looked at him with a questioning expression, curious about what Red meant which made him sigh as he leaned against the tree.
"Devin was born in Alola. He just came to Kanto when there was an exchange program for one of our students, I believe her name was Kim…or something." Red reminisced, stopping as he saw the yellow rodent looked at him with a raised brow. "It's not my fault, Pikachu. That was years ago and I don't really pay attention in school..." He explained, mumbled the last part before clearing his throat and continuing the story. "Anyways, Devin didn't really fit well with us 'Kantonians' that he calls us so he started to think of himself on a pedestal especially since he was a kid from a different region. Honestly, he was a slightly nice dude that just hated the color of my eyes and the sound of my name. You know, classic bully antics. However, he was never like this until that happened." Red gulped as he wipe the sweat of his brow, slightly shaking with a look of horror on his face. Concerned, Pikachu nuzzled its cheeks against which gave him a slight shock that knock him out of his daze.
"Thanks bud." He said, his red eyes gleaming from the moonlight, gaining a nod from the Electric-type. He sighed harshly before resuming. "He had a friend that was the complete opposite of him. Her name was Violet. He had a huge crush on her that did not go unnoticed by anyone at the school. Sadly, on the night before our school's prom night, something happened." Red eyes started to widen as he remembered the tragedy, shutting his eyes to push out the memory and the fear he has as his body instinctively started to quiver. Pikachu tried to lightly shock him out of it but he couldn't stop. After a few moments, Red started to inhale and exhale until he calmed down however the shaking didn't stop. "A fire…started that burned down our school years ago…and it took her...it took Violet…I didn't do it…" The raven haired teen hyperventilated, the memories flowing through his head as he grabbed his black locks and hid his face.
"It wasn't me. It wasn't me. It wasn't me. It wasn't me." He repeated as Pikachu started to worry about the teen, giving him a light shock that didn't help with his condition as he continued the sentence. Pikachu then released a stronger bolt of electricity which knocked the boy out of his stupor once again, breathing heavily as he looked at the concerned yellow rodent.
"Thanks…again." He then calm himself down once again and continued.
"Bottom line is: he changed after that, for the worse. His attitude became bad too. He would lash against anybody and he would make sure that he would make my life a living hell. He didn't care. He never cared as long as I'm dead and funny enough, this is not his first time trying to kill me." Red stated which caused the Electric-type face to etch into a worried expression, only to see the scarlet-eyed teen smile at it. "Don't worry. I'm alright. I wouldn't be here if he succeeded." Red said as he patched up the Pokemon, petting it as it made itself more comfortable on his lap. The teen then started to hum a tune which cause Pikachu to instantly relax as it started to close its eyes. As Red finished his tune, he laid down the Electric-type within the makeshift bed of towels and clothes that he made for it before drifting off to sleep himself, having a smile on his face.
"I wish that, for once in my life, that I could ever get the chance to explain myself. And what really happened on that day…" He sleepily said as he started to drift off into the world of slumber, as they sleep under the starry night.
FINALLY! Freaking Finally! God, did this take a long time to write. I'll say it right now. Screw this chapter! It was one of the hardest chapters that I had to write for various reasons.
1.Because when I first wrote it, I had a massive writer's block that went for days before I could even start it.
2.When I was about to publish the darn thing, my computer updated itself before I could save it. I thought in that case, it would've been autosaved at least but no! Nah! NADA! So I had to start over which was another hassle.
3.So much stuff happened to me all at once when I started rewriting this chapter. My word but who cares. It's done and it's out of my face.
Also, when it got deleted, I wrote up some chapters after this one so at least they're fine. Devin gets a slight backstory explanation so I hope you guys like it. Also, can Red get a break? Yes! Yes, he will. Soon, I think. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten Leaf. Her cameo is coming soon. Look out for it. Thanks for your reviews so far and I hope you guys enjoy the chapter. Also, give me your reviews on this chapter and the story so far if you have the chance. Enigma out!