Pokemon Hyper: Cherry Red & Neon Green
Chapter One "From Humble Beginnings"
Written by Reginald Cosmic
Our story begins with a fierce stadium match broadcast on TV. The announcer turned on the microphone and spoke, "All right, ladies and gentlemen, we've made it to the final match of our tournament. Of the original eight contestants who have battled here tonight, only one lucky trainer will be able to call themselves the winner of the Indigo League Crimson Conference!" The crowd began to cheer.
"For those of you just turning in, the Crimson Conference pits trainers in one-on-one Pokémon battles held here in Saffron City. Trainers bring in up to six Pokémon but may only select three for battle.
"The final battle will pit Aspen of Saffron against Sadie from Cerulean. Which of these ladies will bring home the trophy and their choice between ten million Pokémon dollars or a battle with Elite Four Lorelei for a chance at one hundred million simoleons?" The crowd once again cheered.
Author's Note: One Hundred Pokemon dollars equals one hundred Japanese yen which is usually approximated as one US dollar. Exchange rates from USD to JPY fluctuate all the time. As of 20 November 2023, 100 JPY is 68 cents American, but it will likely be different next month.
Aspen was a former delinquent who hoped to use the prize money to pay for college tuition, and Sadie was a woman in goth clothes who had entered for the fame of defeating Elite Four Lorelei on TV.
Soon enough, the battle began. Sadie sent out her Rhydon. "Go, Rhydon!" The big rock monster resembling a bipedal rhinoceros appeared out of the Pokéball.
Aspen sent out her Pidgeotto. "Pidgeotto, I know you can do it!" The bird Pokémon came out its own Pokéball.
Sadie made her first attack, "Rhydon, use Rock Tomb."
Rhydon sent boulders flying on top of Pidgeotto.
The announcer declared, "It's super effective!"
Pidgeotto looked like she was in a pinch.
"Pidgeotto, use Wing Attack!" Aspen said.
Rhydon got hit by Wing Attack, but it didn't do much. "It's not very effective…" the announcer said.
"Pidgeotto, get back," Aspen declared as she withdrew Pidgeotto. She sent out her next Pokémon early instead of letting Pidgeotto go down immediately. "Seadra, hang in there!"
Seadra appeared and was hit by Rhydon's Rock Tomb, but this time it didn't do much damage.
"Seadra, use Surf!" Seadra used Surf. Rhydon went down.
Sadie was not to be deterred. She sent out her ace Pokémon early. "Go, Gengar." Soon enough the purple ghost Pokémon Gengar was on the battle ground.
Aspen, having withdrawn Seadra sent out a Pokémon of her own: "You can do it, Cloyster!"
Sadie made her first move. "Gengar, use Thunderbolt."
Gengar sent out a powerful lightning bolt headed straight for Cloyster. Cloyster took a major thrashing from it.
Aspen made her first move. "Cloyster, use Blizzard." Aspen tried to fire a humongous wave of ice at Gengar, but the attack missed.
Sadie continued her assault, "Gengar, use another Thunderbolt." Gengar finished off Cloyster with another thunderbolt.
Aspen knew her hopes of winning the prize money had been dashed. "Oh, no…"
In Pallet Town, the young Pokémon Trainer Alexis and her friend and rival Zach were watching the tournament on her TV.
Alexis commented, "Wow, I didn't even know Gengar could learn Thunderbolt. That's an impressive turn of events! It's a shame her Rhydon got taken down so brutally though. She should've switched it out right away."
Zach was less than impressed, "You think that's brutal? Please. Besides, taking a turn to switch Pokemon gives your opponent time to counter you. It's practically a free attack! Are you sure you finally got your trainer's license…?"
Alexis said firmly, "Of course I did! Even so, there's a big difference between reading about battles and being an actual Pokémon trainer."
Zach complained, "If you'd passed your test right after you turned eleven in February, we could already be taking on the gym challenge by now."
Alexis protested, "I only got bumped down a letter grade because Mom dropped me off late! You know how excited I am to get my starter."
"I got the highest score the proctor had ever seen," bragged Zach, "a nearly perfect 96%."
"I beat that score with a 98!" Alexis argued.
"Yeah, the second time you took it…" barked Zach.
"Why so negative? We should both be excited that we're finally getting our starter Pokémon from—"
"Shh," hushed Zach, "I want to hear this."
Alexis looked a bit quizzical about what the contestant had to say.
Sadie spoke to the announcer on TV, "That's right! I want a battle with Lorelei. I know I can beat her in a three-on-three battle! Go big or go home!"
The announcer called out, "You heard it here, ladies and gentlemen. There's going to be a special battle staged right now in this stadium. We'll get right to that after a word from our sponsors."
…
Sadie had been steamrolled by Lorelei. Sadie looked like she was about to cry from the beating her Pokémon took. Lorelei wasn't even using her ace Pokémon.
"Well, Sadie," said the announcer, "I've been told the producer likes you so much that we're gonna five million dollars anyway. How's that sound?"
Sadie wiped the tears off her goth makeup and nodded, hardly able to talk.
"Let's have a big round of applause for our brave challenger!" The audience cheered.
Someone else began to walk up on stage. "Don't touch that dial, folks. We've still got one more announcement planned for tonight."
The announcer handed the mic to none other dragon-type specialist Lance, "This is Lance of Blackthorn City of Johto." Lance had to signal for the audience to quiet their applause. "Effective immediately, the number of gyms in Kanto has now been reduced from twelve to eight. The currently open gyms of the Kanto region include only Brock of Pewter, Misty of Cerulean, Koga of Fuchsia, Lt. Surge of Vermillion, Blaine of Cinnabar, Sabrina of Saffron, Erika of Celadon, and the mysterious Masked Man of Viridian." Almost everyone in the audience looked very confused, but a kid about Alexis's age named Spark seemed to get what was about to be announced and was excited for it.
"The extra gyms in Saffron and Cerulean and the gym in Lavendar Town and my own gym of Indigo Plateau have been shut down.
"I am proud to announce the formation of the Elite Four. The ultimate trial for trainers in the gym challenge to test their skills in a bid to become the new Indigo League Champion. We hope to see many of you who have already fulfilled the requirement of any eight gym badges from Johto and Kanto at the Indigo Plateau. Be forewarned that Victory Road will be no cakewalk. Furthermore, you will have to defeat the entire Elite Four in a row, and we will be holding nothing back, so you better be prepared for the fight of your life if you wish to be champion. Thank you, and good night!"
Having had the spark in her eyes ignited, Alexis had trouble finding the right words to convey her excitement. "This is great! A noble path to the title of Indigo League Champion lies before us. Isn't that amazing?!"
"Alexis," said Zach, "don't you get it? Only one of us can become champion."
"…" Alexis was stumbled. She realized that if she wanted to become the champion, she'd have to stop her friend from doing the same.
"Sheesh, why so serious?" said Zach, "Look, it's no sweat, but I guess I gotta go home now that the broadcast is over. Smell ya!" With that informal way of saying goodbye, Zach left without another word.
…
The next morning, Alexis finished getting ready and headed towards the exit to her house. "All right," said Alexis, "I got my first potion, my portable shower, my tent, plenty of provisions for myself…"
Her mother Mrs. Huron responded, "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"My starter Pokémon? Oak's not handing that out until ten o'clock…"
Her mother responded, "Hello?! Your breakfast."
"Oh, yeah, I was so excited I forgot to eat."
Alexis sat down for a meal of bacon and eggs. "Thanks for making breakfast, Mom. I wouldn't have had time to make anything before heading off to Professor Oak's laboratory."
Author's Note: I have no idea where food comes from in the Pokémon world. Just don't worry about it.
"Right," said her mother, "all girls dream of traveling. It said so on TV. You're very lucky to have Zach as a friend. Professor Oak doesn't hand out his Pokémon for free. I can't remember the last time he even parted with one of them."
Alexis said, "Do you think Zach has been acting weird lately… like he doesn't like talking to me anymore."
"Hmm, I don't know, dear," said Mrs. Huron, "but I hope not. He's been your friend since birth. I'd hate to see your friendship crumble. Perhaps you should tell Zach you appreciate him before you head out on your adventure."
"All right," said Alexis.
…
Alexis finished dinner and headed South to Professor Oak's lab. She arrived at 9:51 a.m. The smell of lab chemicals was slightly intoxicating when she entered through the front door.
"Oh, it's only Alexis," Zach said with a bit of disgust as Alexis approached him, "Gramps isn't around right now."
Alexis started to say something to Zach, but she couldn't find the right words. "Well, I'm gonna see if I can find the Professor." She began to leave, but she stopped in the hallways between the bookcases. She turned back to look at Zach one more time, but she didn't know what to say, so she continued out the door.
"Hey, Technology Guy, have you seen Professor Oak?" asked Alexis.
"I'm afraid I haven't…" said Technology Guy, "and don't call me that!"
Alexis continued her search elsewhere.
…
Alexis looked throughout town, but Oak was nowhere to be found, so she headed towards the northern end of town. "Maybe Oak was researching Pokémon outside, and he got chased by a wild Rattata." Alexis began towards the grass.
"Stop!" yelled a voice. It was Professor Oak. "Wild Pokemon live in tall grass. It's not safe. You need your own Pokemon for your protection. Follow me back to my lab.
By the time, they made their way back to the lab, it was 11:03 p.m., and Zach was getting quite aggravated.
"Ah, yes. Alexis, this is my grandson," said Professor Oak. He's been your rival since you were a baby. Erm, what was his name again?"
"Hrrmn," went Zach.
"Stooge," answered Alexis.
"That's right! I remember now: His name is Stooge," said Oak.
"Gramps, nobody's here for your jokes!" exclaimed Zach.
"Oh, that's right. I told you to come for your starter Pokémon. Here, Alexis. There are three Pokémon for you to choose from. When I was young, I was a renowned Pokémon trainer, but in my old age, I have but three left. You may have first pick. Go on. Choose."
"Zach, are you okay with this?" asked Alexis.
"No, no, you pick the first Pokémon," said Zach with a knowing smile. "I insist!"
Thus, Alexis looked through at the three Pokemon on the table, consisting of a Bulbasaur, a Squirtle, and a Charmander. Naturally, Alexis made her decision rather quickly.
Alexis stepped in front of the table and said, "I choose you! Squirtle!" Alexis received the water-type Pokémon Squirtle from Professor Oak.
Zach said to himself (a bit more loudly than a mumble), "Always being so dramatic." He walked up to the left side of the table and said, "All right, I choose this one." Zach received the Grass/Poison-type Pokémon Bulbasaur.
Alexis said to Squirtle, "I think I'll call you… Venice!" Squirtle was excited to have a trainer!
Zach chose not to give his Bulbasaur a nickname and instead said to Alexis, "Mine looks a lot stronger than yours." Alexis was just a bit annoyed.
Alexis walked back to Professor Oak to thank him. "I'm really grateful for this, Professor. Thank you so much!" She gave him a hug a bit impulsively. She began to walk towards the door, but she was stopped between the bookcases.
"Hold up, Alexis!" Zach called, "We both just got our starter Pokémon. Let's battle 'em!"
Thus, Alexis's first battle began. Zach Oak struck a pose with Bulbasaur's Pokéball before throwing the ball to release Bulbasaur into battle. Alexis threw her new Squirtle's Pokéball and said, "Go! Venice!"
"Oh, for Pete's sake, so pushy as always," remarked Oak.
Alexis called out, "Venice, use Tackle," and Squirtle obeyed by ramming into Bulbasaur with a Tackle.
"Bulbasaur, use Tackle," ordered Zach. Bulbasaur made a Tackle of his own.
Alexis yelled, "Use Tackle!" Venice/Squirtle used Tackle, and Zach ordered Bulbasaur to use Tackle. Alexis yelled, "Continue with Tackle!" Both Pokemon continued using Tackle on the other.
One of the lab assistants remarked, "They're really into this 'Tackle Battle' of theirs."
Alexis ordered a fourth Tackle, and Squirtle obeyed. Bulbasaur tried to Tackle a fourth time, but its attack completely missed.
Alexis remarked, "Finish him with one more Tackle!" and Venice/Squirtle used one last Tackle. Having fainted for the first time, Bulbasaur was recalled to its Pokéball by Zach.
Rival Zach was now angry, his very first Pokémon battle having ended with him suffering a loss. "Unbelievable! I picked the wrong Pokémon!"
"Nicely done, Alexis," Professor Oak complimented, "When you win battles, your Pokémon gain experience, and you earn prize money. Keep battling to make your Pokémon stronger!"
Zach handed over 80 Pokémon dollars in prize money to Alexis. Zach then said, "Okay, I'll make my Pokémon battle to toughen it up. Alexis! Gramps! Smell ya later!" Zach left in a huff.
"Um," said Alexis, "weren't we going to leave together?" She turned around to face Professor Oak. "Thanks again, Professor." Alexis then left the laboratory. She walked out to join Zach, but Zach was already gone.
…
Alexis made her way back to the entrance to Route 1 just north of Pallet Town. "All right, I guess I'm taking my first steps alone." Thus, she walked through the tall grass and encountered a Rattata, which her Squirtle soon knocked out with Tackle. She encountered a Pidgey next, and her Squirtle knocked that out, too. Soon enough, Venice/Squirtle learned Bubble to make use of its very high special attack. She also received a second potion from a clerk promoting the PokéMart in Viridian City north of Route 1 and Pallet Town.
Alexis arrived in Viridian City and walked into the Pokémon Center. The nurse with brown hair greeted Alexis, "Welcome to our Pokémon Center. Would you like me to restore your Pokémon to full health?"
"Yes, please," said Alexis, handing over Venice/Squirtle's Pokéball.
"Just one?" asked the nurse.
"Yes," said Alexis a bit embarrassed that she was a mere rookie for now.
The nurse inserted the Pokéball into a machine, which healed Venice/Squirtle in a matter of seconds, and then she said, "Please see us again if your Pokémon are hurt."
Alexis attempted to reach the north side of town to challenge the Viridian City Gym Leader to a battle. The gym leader of Viridian City was often absent from the city and relied on a substitute to handle his duties to the Pokémon League. This "substitute gym leader" was just a novice and thus much easier to defeat than the other Gym Leaders.
In truth, each gym leader in the Kanto region is instructed to take it easy on challengers depending on the number of gym badges held. A trainer's first two gym leaders are instructed to battle on an "Easy mode" with only two Pokémon. Their next three gym leaders should battle on "Medium mode" with only three to four Pokémon. Their final three gym leaders should battle on "Hard mode," but the Pokémon used are usually a bit weaker compared to their strongest ones.
Once she was downtown, she was stopped by an old man. "I absolutely forbid you from crossing here! This is private property!"
"Oh, grandpa, don't be so mean," said a woman in her late 30s. "I'm sorry. He hasn't had his afternoon coffee yet."
Alexis decided to head east and stopped inside the PokéMart.
"Hey, did you just come from Pallet Town?" asked the clerk.
"Yes, how did you know?" asked Alexis.
"Professor Oak's package just came in, and he said a girl in a white hat was coming through Viridian. The store's too busy for me to just close up right now. Can I get you to take it to him?"
"Sure," said Alexis.
"Thanks. Say hi to Professor Oak for me."
Alexis made her way back to Professor Oak's lab.
"Hello, Alexis, how's my old Pokémon doing?" asked Oak.
Alexis remarked, "He's doing well, Professor," before taking Venice out of his Pokéball. "See?"
Professor Oak then said, "Ah, it seems to be getting used to you. You must be a talented trainer." He stopped for a moment. "Let me think… Oh, yes, did you pick up my parcel for me?"
Alexis handed over Oak's parcel, "Sure did."
Professor Oak was pleased. "It's the new form of ball I ordered from the Devon Corporation. Thank you."
Just then, Zach walked in. "Hey, Gramps, what did you call me for this time?" he said.
"Oh, hello, Zach," said Alexis.
Professor Oak responded, "Oh, yes, I have a request for you two. On my desk behind me is my invention: the PokéDex. It's a high-tech encyclopedia that automatically records data on any Pokémon caught or owned by the user."
Professor Oak handed Alexis and Zach their own PokéDex. The PokéDex was a rectangular model with a special hard cover to protect the screen (not to mention the data on the device's hard drive) from damage during a Pokémon battle. It was able to identify all 150 Pokémon from Kanto, though unbeknownst to Alexis and Zach, it could be upgraded for more storage space for almost 400 total entries.
Alexis quickly selected entry no. 7 or Squirtle in the PokéDex. It spoke in a monotone teacher voice, reciting the summary for Squirtle it had just collected. "Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. This Pokémon powerfully sprays foam from its mouth."
Not to be outdone, Zach quickly selected entry no. 1 on his PokéDex. The same voice came from the machine and read out, "Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon. A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon."
"That's a weird summary for entry no. 1," said Zach.
"You have entry no. 1. How do I get that?" asked Alexis in intrigue.
"Ahem. These are the tools of the trade," said Oak as he handed each of them five Pokéballs. "You have to catch the Pokémon for the PokéDex to record data on it."
"To make a complete encyclopedia on every Pokémon in the world: That was my dream! But I'm an old geezer. I can't get the job done. That's why I want you two to fulfill this task in my place. Get moving you two! This is a great scientific wonder in the making."
"All right, Gramps. Leave it all to me!" Zach turned to Alexis. "I hate to say it, Alexis, but your services won't be necessary for this. I got it all covered myself. I'll start by getting a map of Kanto from my sister. I'll be sure to tell her not to give you one. Smell ya later!" He then left the lab once again.
Zach having formally announced that he'd be going on his adventure without her, Alexis said to Oak, "I guess I'll be working on my PokéDex on my own accord… without Zach…"
"Don't let him get you down, Alexis. Pokémon the world over await you!"
"You're right! I guess I'll head back to Viridian City and take on the gym challenge."
"That's the spirit!" said Oak as Alexis left the lab.
…
After getting a digital map of Kanto from Zach's sister Daisy, Alexis said goodbye to her mother after a quick rest and then headed back to Route 1 with the long journey ahead of her.
"All right, Oak said I need to catch Pokémon to add entries to the PokéDex, so I guess I'll get a headstart." She soon ran into a particularly experienced Rattata (relatively speaking). "That's a good start. Go, Venice!" Venice/Squirtle was sent out, and Alexis ordered him to use Bubble to whittle down the Rattata's health. The foe used Tail Whip to lower Venice/Squirtle's defenses. Venice/Squirtle used another tackle, and the Rattata used its own Tackle. Alexis then threw a Pokéball to catch it.
The ball shook once. It shook twice. It shook one last time, and Rattata was caught.
The PokéDex remarked, "Rattata the Mouse Pokémon: Bites anything when it attacks. Small and very quick, it is a common sight in many places."
Alexis continued forward. "Oh, hey, a Pidgey. I mean, I'd prefer a Spearow on my team, but the Professor did say to catch 'em all."
…
The PokéDex remarked, "Pidgey the Tiny Bird Pokémon: A common sight in forests and woods. It flaps its wings at ground level to kick up blinding sand."
Alexis continued training her Squirtle and Rattata before proceeding west of Viridian City. She proceeded towards the gate to the Pokémon League Headquarters at the Indigo Plateau.
Alexis soon ran into Zach. Zach boldly said, "Hey, Alexis! Why are you headed for the Pokémon League gate. It's pointless. The guard won't let you through without any badges."
"How do you know I don't have any badges?" asked Alexis.
"Because Viridian City's stand-in Gym Leader said he was leaving, and he said I was the last person to challenge him in that position."
"Oh," said Alexis.
"By the way, did your Pokémon get any stronger?"
"Why don't you battle me again and find out?!" taunted Alexis.
Narrator: Thus, our hero has started her journey through the Kanto region. Will lightning strike twice for Alexis, or Zach prove triumphant? Tune in next time to find out!
Author's Notes: I'm glad to finally have this first chapter published because it's been a long time coming. These stories have been in the works since circa 2014, and it is now 2023. I'm happy to finally be publishing my work for this story after roughly ten years of careful planning (and procrastination). I hope to find fans who will enjoy it. I'm sorry there wasn't more Pokémon battling in this chapter. I hope to get a bit more creative with battles as this storyline progresses. For now I will be publishing to FFN and AO3. Thank you, everyone.