Chapter 1: Origins × Where Desire Starts
Summary:
Where it all starts.
Red's dreams and future issues.
:)
Chapter Text
ഡჩმԷ ᕷ𝜎 ሃ𝜎ป ሥį𐒡ჩ ᶂ𝜎ᒋᕈ
ഡჩმԷ ᕷ𝜎 ሃ𝜎ป ሥმ𐒐Էᕈ
Ꞑ𝜎ⴰ
ሥਮმƮ ᕷ 𝜎 ป ᕷ∈乙ľᒋᕦᕦᕦᕈ/ᕈﺈﺈﺈﺈ
What did Satoshi 'Red' Tajiri desire?
Was it fame?
Money?
Power?
Mastery of Pokémon?
Love?
Even Little Red didn't know.
June 13, 1990
"Welcome back to Petrel's Playground!" A friendly voice emanated from the TV.
Colors danced off the screen as the large title card dropped on the screen.
The cry of a Raticate was heard, which caused baby Ash to laugh. Little Red rocked the baby chair Ash was in as he was sitting in front of the small TV.
A young man with purple hair entered the frame. He moved his hands, introducing himself yet again as friendly looking Pokémon like his Raticate congregated in the background.
Little Red's eyes were vacant. His face washed over with absolute apathy; lifeless eyes.
Those crimson eyes.
He could hear the voices of his mother and father from some minutes away. Baby Ash's laugh filled his ears too until-
"Mew!"
Little Red's eyes widened.
Host Petrel grinned from ear to ear. He brought down a large picture of Mew, prompting Little Red to gasp and cover his mouth.
"As you already know, Mew is a Psychic-type Pokémon who's the ancestor of all the little creatures we have living with us." He bent down, showing off a Caterpie. "Like this little guy here!"
Little Red blinked. He was smiling brightly. His tiny hands vibrated with so much energy that they could shake their house.
Every time the host spoke, he'd make small notes:
Mew was adaptable.
Mew was capable of levitation and teleportation.
Sweet, little Red would write them down, although his handwriting was unintelligible.
It didn't matter to him.
As long as the information was down.
Petrel would walk around the setting, expositing information about where Mew was found and junk.
Little Red shook his head. "I wanna know how to find him..."
His mother, Hanako, and father, Osamu, watched him with amused stares.
"He always tuned into this show." Hanako chuckled, raising her fingers to her chin. She leaned to whisper in Osamu's ear. "If only he cared this much about school."
Straightening his tie, Osamu laughed. "It's Pokémon. That's...all that kid cares about."
Hanako's gaze went to Little Red, whose eyes burned into the face of the TV screen.
The corner of her mouth quirked up, but it threatened to fall.
Osamu fixed his glasses, looking at his wife with a frown. He sighed.
He planted a kiss on her cheek, which jolted her. "Gotta go to work."
Hanako perked. "Bye, sweetie!"
Osamu said his goodbyes to his children, especially Little Red, but...
...Little Red had no care in the world. He had no idea that his parents were there, talking behind his back.
It was he and the TV against the world.
Soon, Petrel said,
"Of course, many people, especially children, believe they've seen Mew out in the wild."
Little Red beamed.
Twirling his stick, Petrel chuckled. "Whether Mew'd be in the trees, in the lakes, or...under trucks-"
"I heard that one before! Mew under the truck!" He turned to Ash. "Remember that, Ash? Remember that~"
He tickled Ash's belly, prompting the baby to giggle.
"But-" The host got back Little Red's attention, "Many scientists believe that Mew doesn't exist."
Little Red frowned.
"Why? Haha, well, Mew can become invisible. Very few people have seen it and, as a result, very few know what Mew actually looks like."
Little Red crossed his arms, his eyebrows furrowing.
"You can say that Mew doesn't truly exist. Sorry~"
He wanted to cry.
Hanako sat by Little Red's left, surprising the boy. "You've heard of the Mew sightings and such. I'm sure that means Mew does exist."
Little Red nodded, sniffling. "Exactly, I want to see it."
Hanako's scarlet eyes pierced Little Red's soul. She tickled his side. He giggled as she said, "I know you will because, growing up, I've heard that it willingly reveals itself to a person who is pure of heart and strong of mind."
Little Red looked into the eyes of his gracious mother.
All of a sudden, what was on TV never seemed important.
"Really?"
Hanako pressed her palms against his soft cheeks. "Yes, really, my sweet vermilion."
Little Red's heart beat fast, his eyes widened, and his smile grew, causing Hanako to laugh with delight.
He danced.
He told Ash that he was going to be Pokémon Champion just so he could be seen as worthy of Mew's attention.
To show that he was willing to go far to see it.
She laughed as Little Red pulled on Ash's cheeks.
Little Red told his Poliwag and his Cleffa that he was going to be the Pokémon Champion.
He was going to make Mew find him.
He was going to see it.
That was his desire.
To meet Mew.
June 14, 1990
Young, little Red was all alone in the playground of Viridian Training School.
The swings swayed from side to side, the breeze ran through the trees, and the Pidgey chirped. Children were chasing each other and laughing like their was no tomorrow.
Yet, there was no company for sweet, little Red.
He was alone, playing with plush toys that had Charizard and Blastoise's likeness.
"I wish Poliwag and Cleffa were here..."
A sigh drew from his lips as he looked to the rainy sky.
"I wish Mew were here. And take me away..."
Little Red looked down at his plushies and played with them again. He smiled as he made the Charizard bite Blastoise's tail.
On the other side of the playground, Green entered. His shoes crunched on the stones of the colorful, yet desolate location.
He was holding a bag filled with trading cards and toys, which were waiting to be played with.
His eyes held boredom until he saw Little Red, making his fun.
As per usual.
Whenever no one gave him company.
Green grinned. "Red!"
Little Red whipped his head around and smiled, "Green!"
Green ran to rosy, little Red's position, sitting beside him. Looking at his plushies, Green huffed.
"Huh. You still have them?"
"Is...that wrong?"
Little Red glowered. Green blinked.
"Nah. They're just for kids though."
"We are kids!"
Green chuckled, taking out the trading cards from the bag. "These are better though!"
"Woah! Where..." Curious, little Red touched them tentatively. They were sacred.
Green crossed his arms and smirked. "I got 'em from some bigger kids in downtown Viridian."
Little Red grinned. "Can you..."
He hugged his plushies to his chest, averting his gaze.
The wind kissed his spiky black hair as he said, "Can you teach me...how to play?"
Green stared for a bit and laughed, "Yeah, sure!"
He missed this.
He missed what they had.
მꞐᕷ Ꞑ𝜎ഡ įƮ𐒡 ဌዑ𐒐∈∈ﺈﺈ
While Green taught him how to play, Little Red spoke of Mew, saying he was going to see it.
Green told him that it never existed. Sightings never meant anything.
But Little Red...
Little Red refused to believe that, when only the purest of hearts and the strongest of minds could see it. It'd then willingly appear.
As Little Red talked about how much he was fascinated with Mew, Green's eyes were focused on the cards.
He shuffled them, slamming one down each time, little, little Red would speak about Mew.
He stopped once Little Red said:
"I'm going to be the Pokémon Champion!" He stood on his feet, placing his fists on his waist.
Green stopped shuffling.
"Professor Oak says that I can become a trainer once I'm 11, so I can get whatever I want!"
Little Red knelt beside Green, poking him with his Charizard plush.
"You're gonna be one too, right? We can become one together!"
Little Red giggled, while Green...
...scowled.
Back then, Green saw her.
His mother swung from side to side, akin to the broken swing.
And he heard how he went out.
His father was drunk while driving.
The car went to pieces. He became none.
Professor Oak believed in Little Red.
He always had, but now, it was more than usual.
Little Red was aware.
But as per usual, he was clueless as to why.
Green finally looked away from the cards. Little Red waited on him.
As per usual.
He'd always scoff at how much the innocent, little Red would look like a lost...Growlithe or something more defenseless...
...and adorable.
"I wanna find Mew too."
Little Red beamed.
Green stared into his soul until his teal eyes darkened. "But that champion seat is mine to fill."
Green left.
And pure, little Red was none the wiser.
He kept on grinning.
Ɗ𝜎𐒐'Է ሃ𝜎ป ሥį𐒡ჩ ჩ𝜎ሥ Էჩį𐒐ဌ𐒡 Ͼმ𐒐 𐒡Էმሃ しįᶄᕦ Էჩį𐒡 ᶂ𝜎ᒋᕦ౮ᕦᒋᕈᕈ
Ⴘ𝜎ป ᕷįᕷⴰ Ⴘ𝜎ป ᕶᒋ𝜎ᕹმᕹしሃ ᕷįᕷⴰ
ᗩ𐒐ᕷ ሃ𝜎ป 𐒡Էįしし ᕷ𝜎ⴰ ľԷ'𐒡 Է𝜎𝜎 ᕹმᕷ ԷჩმԷ Էჩį𐒐ဌ𐒡 ᕦ౮𝜎し౮ᕦⴰ
Ƒ𝜎ᒋ ᕹᕦԷԷᕦᒋ 𝜎ᒋ ሥ𝜎ᒋ𐒡ᕦⴰ
⟆𝜎 しįԷԷしᕦ, しįԷԷしᕦ ᖇᕦᕷⴰⴰⴰ
ഡჩმԷ į𐒡 įԷ ሃ𝜎ป Էᒋปしሃ ᕷᕦ𐒡įᒋᕦⴰⴰⴰᕈ
Chapter 2: ľ𐒐Է𝜎 Էჩᕦ ป𐒐ᶄ𝜎ሥ𐒐
Summary:
Red gets his very first Pokémon and meets Green while at the lab. A mysterious girl by the name of Aoi Kuzuno from Viridian City appears.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Red's House, 10:30 AM, February 27, 1996
"Good day, folks! This is your host, Hyenko, and welcome to the highlights of the Clefable vs Gengar fight of Pokkén Tournament!"
The volume of the TV was loud to the point it was like it ran throughout the entire house.
Mimey, the Tajiri's Mr. Mime, placed a bowl of udon in front of Ash and yelled in response to the audio.
From the small dining table, where his family sat, Hanako tried to reach over the heightened sound to get Red to hear her.
"Red! Please turn down the TV!"
"Sorry!"
As the volume went down, Osamu, who was reading the newspaper, chuckled.
"He's keeping up with the new episodes." He looked up from reading and drank his coffee. "What episode was the Gengar vs Clefable fight?"
Ash raised his hands above his head, eyes brightening. "Episode 96! These are just the highlights...or whatever!"
Hanako and Osamu chuckled while Ash blew a raspberry at them. Soon, the younger boy glanced at his older brother.
Red was sitting in front of the small TV, watching the bombastic fight between Gengar and Clefable.
Even though it was just a highlight, seeing it again filled Red with excitement.
Gengar threw a Sucker Punch move, which prompted the Clefable to deflect the attack by using Protect.
He'd always be impressed by how the Clefable would use Moonblast. His eyes widened each time.
Red opened his mouth in awe, wishing he could replay this moment.
Such beauty.
Although the Clefable made him frown a little.
"Hey, Red!"
Red looked over his shoulder, seeing Ash's grin. Red couldn't help but return a gentle smile.
"What's up?"
Ash quickly ran from his seat, nearly making the glass fall off the table. Mr. Mime prevented one glass from breaking while Hanako told Ash to take his time.
Standing in front of Red, Ash jumped. "You're gonna pick your first starter, right? Which one will you get? Charmander, Bulbasaur, uh...Squirtle?!"
His eyes would get wider, and his voice would get louder. He'd flail his arms around as he explained why he should pick a certain one of them.
Red giggled, ruffling Ash's hair. "I'm gonna choose Charmander. He's the best one."
He closed his eyes. "Fire is power and purity after all!"
Ash screamed and wrapped his small arms around his neck.
"Don't you have Trainer School?"
Red couldn't help but break the mood.
He snickered as Ash's jaw dropped. Osamu, getting up from his seat, straightened his tie.
"Yes, Ash. Don't wanna be late like last time."
The smaller boy spun on his heel. "But, Dad-"
"That's why I'm gonna bring you to school to prevent that!" Osamu fixed his glasses with a grin. "C'mon, kiddo. You better get going, Red."
Hanako fixed her nurse uniform and grabbed her bag. "Don't want to be late yourself."
Red nodded. He stared at his black shirt, yelped, and threw on his red and white jacket from the couch.
He glanced around the living room for his hat.
His lucky hat that Gr-
"Maaahhh!"
Mr. Mime placed the hat on Red's head, where his spiky, black hair flattened underneath it.
"Ah, thank you, Mimey!" The kid's crimson eyes shone with gratitude, prompting the Pokémon helper to smile.
Hanako walked toward Red, holding his fingerless gloves. "Don't forget these."
With a grin, he dragged them on his hands.
Soon, the family stepped out of the house. They all hugged each other, wishing each other to have a good day.
"Red," his father started, grabbing their attention.
Red blinked. "Dad?"
"I..." Tears threatened to fall, causing Ash to stifle his laugh, Red to look on in surprise, Mimey to guffaw, and Hanako to shake her head and pat him on the back.
"Oh, Osamu..."
"Hanako, don't you see? He's growing up so fast!" Osamu wiped the tears away under his glasses.
She nodded. "Don't remind me 'cause you're going to make me cry, Osamu."
Osamu placed his hand firmly on his son's shoulder. "I believe you're amazing, Red! Irrespective of how the other kids see you!"
He had a face of confidence and sureness. Red made a small smile.
"Especially that Shigeru kid-"
Hanako hit Osamu lightly on the shoulder while Ash glanced at Red with concern.
Red fixed his hat over his eyes.
Silence.
⟆ሥᕦᕦԷ ጠᕦጠ𝜎ᒋįᕦ𐒡ⴰ
ᖇįဌჩԷر ᒋįဌჩԷᕈᕈ
"Sorry. I didn't mean to." Osamu fiddled with his fingers. "But, I know you will get what you want. You're not only 'Red', you're Satoshi Tajiri!"
His mighty voice got Red and Ash to laugh. A laugh escaped Hanako's mouth.
"King of Pokémon, Champion of Champions!" He pressed his finger into Red's chest. "That's you, kiddo."
Red smiled bashfully. "Thanks, Dad..."
Ash leaped. "And that'll be me someday too!"
Osamu ruffled his hair. "Of course, but you can't be so great if you're late!"
"Dad-"
Hanako yelled, "Okay! Let's all have a great day. And Red," she hugged him tightly, "I want you to do your best."
Her voice broke. "Be the purest and strongest you can be."
Red wrapped his arms around her. "I will, Mom. I promise."
They all waved to each other, Hanako told Mimey to watch over the house as always, and they parted.
Before Red left, he went to the small gravesites that held his Poliwag and Cleffa. They were just a few seconds away.
"Don't worry. I'll meet Mew. I'll make you proud."
Red bowed, stepped away, spared a glance, then ran off to Professor Oak's lab.
Green's House, 10:30 AM, February 27, 1996
Pallet Town, as a whole, was a peaceful place, with only around 4,000 people dwelling in simple houses that ranged from one-story to two-story.
One of the houses that was some distance from the Tajiri household was the Oak home.
The boy standing idly in front of the house was Shigeru 'Green' Oak.
Looking to the sky, it was clear and blue. A sigh escaped the preteen's lips.
"Hey, Green!" He glanced over his shoulder to see his older sister, Daisy, skipping over to him.
She wore the most ridiculous summer dress....
Even though it wasn't summer.
"Oh. Hey, Daisy." Green's gaze returned to the sky.
"Ready to choose your starter?" Her grin was hard to take seriously.
Green shoved his hand in his pockets, using the free one to run through his light-colored hair.
"Yeah, I guess I am. It ain't a big deal...just gonna pick the one that's right for me."
Daisy eyed him for a bit, finally nodding. "Yeah, you go do that. Grandpa is waiting on you! Good luck on your journey!"
Green nodded, fixing his gakuran jacket and smoothing his hands over his purple shirt.
From behind, she sighed. *Going out looking like a yankii is...certainly a choice.*
Her shoulders perked. "Oh, wait, Green! I got something for you."
She whipped into the house, her hair flashing behind her.
"Huh?" Green raised his eyebrow once she returned outside.
"A map. You're gonna need it."
Green's eyes ogled the object until he felt another one.
"Uh, sis? Can't you count? There are two."
"Pfft, yeah, silly. It's for Red. When you see him, of course."
She turned her back to him as he called out, "Wh- What the *hell*, Daisy?! I'm not gonna-"
"Just give it to him, ya dickwad!"
She slammed the door, refusing to let any arguments enter.
Green rolled his eyes, turning on his heel to make his way to the lab.
That lab.
If only...
....Professor Oak would never look at him like that.
And he had to see Red again.
Shivers went up his spine, but so did a weird kind of warmth settling into his heart.
Professor Oak's Lab, 11:25 AM, February 27, 1996
Red was walking his way up the road to Professor Oak's lab.
The wind made waves through his body, brushing his hair by threatening to take off his hat, and blowing through his jacket.
He giggled so much as he walked up. Each time, he was greeted by other Pallet Town residents doing their own thing, and he met Pokémon of all kinds: wild and owned.
He couldn't help but pet them all.
Sooner or later, Red reached the top of the Oak Lab hill.
At least, that was what he was willing to call it.
The lab still had that odd, unique shape.
It had that rectangular shape with a spherical roof.
Professor Oak always had a thing for weird designs...
Red sighed with a soft smile. Eventually, though, it disappeared once his eyes fell on Green, who had just arrived at the lab door.
Before Green could place his hand on the knob, he felt the eyes of a familiar soul on him. He turned to look at the other boy, who refused to lock eyes with him.
"Green..."
Red fiddled with his fingers, his eyes darting around the area.
His hair....
He dyed his hair a lot lighter than before. It was...dark brown before, but now it's...near orange-ish.
Ɗ𝜎 ሃ𝜎ป ᕷᕦ𐒡įᒋᕦ Էჩᕦ 𐒡ሥᕦᕦԷ 𝜎ᒋმ𐒐ဌᕦ𐒡ᕈ
On the other hand, Green's minty eyes pierced Red's soul.
They were searching for...something.
What though? Green wasn't sure himself.
He closed his eyes tightly and faced the door, until-
"Aren't you going to open it?"
A girl with long, brown hair and blue eyes, dressed in the shiniest, black minidress Red had ever seen, stood somewhat between them.
"You're not the only one who wants a Pokémon, you know."
Green scanned her until she raised her eyebrow. She folded her arms against her chest, furrowing her eyebrows.
"Hey. Not cool to stare at a girl. Weirdo."
Green scoffed. "Whatever."
When he opened the door, the three children were revealed a busy lab filled with many frantic lab assistants.
Huh. A lot of people are in here... Red stared ahead. Then again, this is Professor Oak's lab.
He grinned, hiding it behind his hands.
Green stared at him, shook his head, and walked onward.
Red and the girl glanced at each other with the former following Green.
She huffed, then followed them.
Professor Oak yelled out, "Everyone, please clear the room!"
And so they did.
Some pushed past the trio, prompting Green to scowl.
The professor brushed the dirt out of his air, apologizing. "Haha, apologies, I got into a little mishap!"
They all stared at him until-
"Vee!"
An Eeevee jumped on Professor Oak's shoulder, prompting Red to beam, which amused the young girl beside him.
"Ah, come, come. Let's continue talking in there." He pointed to a room that held three Poké Balls.
Red wasn't the only lit up like a light bulb. Green sure did as well.
Once they followed him, the professor laughed, "Ah, it's the day. The day for you to receive your starters and the Pokédex!"
He turned his head as his Eevee yelped joyfully. "Isn't that exciting?"
Red balled his hands into fists with Green, and the girl looked at him as he couldn't contain his joy.
Once they entered the room, Red and the brunette looked in awe.
Green grumbled, "Have they not been in a place like this before?"
He eyed Red especially.
His Eevee jumped off the man's shoulder, landing on the table where the starter Pokémon are.
Professor Oak stood in front of the table, widening his arms.
"Welcome to the world of Pokémon! It's nice to see you here, Red."
Professor Oak couldn't stop beaming at Red in particular. Red returned the gesture by grinning.
"Hello, grandson."
Snappish. Something that Green couldn't shake.
Red frowned just a little bit by looking at Green.
The girl, in between them, looked on.
"And an unfamiliar face, too."
The girl tilted her head while the professor chuckled.
"Not from around here?"
The girl placed her hands in front of her. "My name is Aoi Kuzuno. I'm from Viridian City. Nice to meet you."
She bowed, causing the man to step back a little while Red blinked and Green raised his eyebrow.
Huh, she's polite?
The two boys glanced at each other.
Red smiled. Green? His head turned away.
Red frowned.
The professor grinned. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Ms. Kuzuno."
He stepped away from in front of the table, presenting the Poké Balls to the three.
"As you already know, you have Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur. I'm sure you've been to Trainer School, correct, Ms. Kuzuno?"
The two boys looked at her.
Aoi's blue eyes sparkled curiously. "I don't have to attend some Trainer's School to know that Charmander's a Fire-type and whatnot."
She shrugged, then smiled gracefully.
"I never saw the need anyway."
Red tilted his head, while Green hummed curiously. Professor Oak widened his eyes.
"Alright then! With that said, you may choose your first Pokémon!"
Eevee squealed excitedly, prancing around the balls until she finally leaped into Oak's arms.
The three stared at each other until Red stepped forward. Pressing his hand against the ball on the right...
ഡჩმԷ ᕷ𝜎 ሃ𝜎ป ሥმ𐒐Էᕈ
ഡჩმԷ ᕷ𝜎 ሃ𝜎ป ᕷᕦ𐒡įᒋᕦᕈ
Red smiled. He picked up the ball in the middle and threw it in mid-air.
"Charmander!"
The Pokémon was set free from its ball, landing on its feet on the clean floor.
Swishing its tail and allowing the tiny flame to dance on its tip, Charmander yawned. It faced the surprised youths and ran to Red, hugging his ankles.
Charmander growled happily when Red swooped him off the floor. He laughed.
The corner of Aoi's mouth tugged upwards. Green huffed, saying, "Meh, I'll pick something stronger."
"And what'll that be, Shigeru?" Professor Oak raised his eyebrow.
Green stiffened, yet smirked.
"Watch me, old man."
He picked up a Poké Ball, confidently guessing that Squirtle was within it, so he threw the ball in the air.
"Go, Squirtle!"
The Water-type Pokémon burst out of its ball and landed in Green's arms.
Red and his Charmander looked at Green and his Squirtle, who was playing with his hair.
Green grinned. "I only picked this guy so I can have some advantage over you."
Red studied Green's expression. He opened his mouth until Aoi walked up to the table.
"This last ball is for you, Ms. Kuzuno."
Aoi sighed. I can see that...
She picked up the ball, her eyes lingering on it for a moment.
I'll find you. If it's the last thing I do.
Then, she kissed it and threw it in the air.
"Let's fly, Bulbasaur!"
And so the Grass-type Pokémon did.
"Kwaah~" It yelped as it landed on its stubby feet.
As she walked toward it, Aoi giggled, scratching the Pokémon's head. The Bulbasaur leaned into her touch, sighing.
Upon seeing the starters taking a liking to their new trainers, Professor Oak sighed in contentment.
"Good. All your Pokémon are fond of you, and that's amazing." He smiled.
Upon walking behind the desk, he opened up a drawer, revealing a set of Pokédexes.
Red's eyes gleamed again, knowing what was coming next.
Green tapped his foot repeatedly on the ground. He averted his gaze from his Squirtle, who gawked at him innocently.
"Now, you know about the Pokédex, so I don't believe I have to do any explaining, but..."
Red hummed. "What's wrong...?"
The man chuckled. "Nothing. You'll help me like every trainer would. You know that I study the relationship between Pokémon and humans, so...please treat your Pokémon well. There are too many trainers out there who mistreat their Pokémon in the world."
He side-eyed Green, who shifted under his gaze.
The hell did I do wrong?
Handing them their Pokédex, they knew they had the world in their hands.
"Complete the Pokédex, catch as many Pokémon as you can, and treat them kindly."
After he told them their 'good luck's and 'be careful's, he stopped Red by placing his hand on his shoulder while the other two went out the door.
"Professor Oak?"
Red waited while Charmander tilted its head.
"Whatever you do, Red, don't lose sight of your goal. Do your very best and fall into whatever traps that may come your way. Understood?"
The professor's voice was steady and also...concerned?
Red and his Charmander looked at him.
He seemed reasonably composed.
Red just smiled. "You've got nothing to worry about, Professor Oak."
The boy spun on his heel, talking to Charmander as they walked on.
The professor reached out as if to say:
"Don't lose to Shigeru!"
But it never came.
The door closed shut.
Off to the world of Pokémon they went.
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)
Nothing much happens here, but of course, it's a buildup for things to come.
That's just how it isssssssssss.
Make sure you comment and hit that kudos button.
Chapter 3: The Fracture of Bonds and Whispers of Route 1
Summary:
Red questions his broken bond with Green, Aoi sets her sights on taking down Team Rocket and finding Silver, and Team Rocket shows its face.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Outside of Professor Oak's Lab, 12:05, February 27, 1996
The door slammed shut, and Red sighed. He looked at his Charmander, who gave him a smile that shone brighter than a thousand suns.
His heart melted.
"Hey."
Red glanced up when he heard the voice. Green threw a map at him, which the Charmander caught in his mouth.
"From Daisy. Seems like she still cares for you."
Green placed the Poké Ball in his pocket while Red opened his mouth. No words dared to come out.
I want to say something so bad, but...
Red frowned. His Charmander observed his trainer, frowning as well.
Aoi looked between the boys, blinking.
Green yawned, shoved his hands in his pockets, and turned his back to the other kids.
"See ya."
He glanced over his shoulder. "May the best trainer become champion."
His viridescent eyes were icy and distant, lifeless. It caused Red to flinch.
Soon, Green walked down the hill. He was gone.
"Char..." Charmander tilted his head as Red gently placed him on the ground.
The boy's scarlet eyes couldn't stop staring at his former friend's descent from the top of the hill.
Red's eyes fell to the ground.
So, he was right. He doesn't want to speak to me anymore...
His lips flattened into a straight line, and he clenched his fists.
What did I... do wrong?
"Hey."
Red turned to Aoi, who was standing with her fingers fiddling.
"I'm sorry. Are you alright?"
Red blinked for a bit, then nodded softly.
Aoi sighed contentedly. Her Bulbasaur grinned too, waving its vines at Red's Charmander, who responded by flailing its arms.
The brunette snickered. "It seems like our Pokémon like each other."
Red's gaze went to their partner's small interaction. His lips slightly quirked up.
That's...nice.
The chilly wind blew past them. In response, Aoi hugged herself.
The lack of words between them made the world feel dead to Aoi. She pouted.
This boy. Certainly not a conversationalist.
The relationship between Red and Green intrigued her to say the least, but it was not her Magikarp to fry.
How sad.
"I'm gonna give Charmander a name."
Aoi gawked at Red as if he swallowed 30 Tauros. She and her Bulbasaur shared a glance.
"O-Okay. What's the name you're gonna give him?"
Red knelt in front of his partner, who goggled him with curious eyes.
"Salamars." Red grinned while his Charmander, now Salamars, tilted his head, his tail swishing slowly.
The wind passed again.
Aoi cleared her throat. "Did...you seriously get that from 'Salaman'?"
Red's shoulders perked. He beamed, immediately running to Aoi. He grabbed her hands, surprising everyone.
"You've seen 'Salaman'?! It's my favorite show! He's the reason why I thought of picking Charmander because, well, he is a Charmander too! That is, if Charmander were a superhero!"
Aoi, stunned, couldn't get a word in. But she managed, "I've seen...an episode or two. When I had a TV."
Red stepped back, nodding in approval. "Okay!"
He scooped Salamars into his arms. "Good luck with your journey!"
Then, Red went down the hill.
Aoi looked on. She shook her head.
What am I even gonna say to that?
She glanced at her Bulbasaur, who was chasing down a Butterfree.
A soft smile graced her face.
"I need to give you a name, too."
But a minute later, she sighed. She pressed her fingers against her temples.
"Then, I need to stop Team Rocket. And find Silver."
She paced around, tapping her chin.
How should I...even start? Team Rocket's pretty huge and... fat-no. Giovanni is...
Aoi allowed the silence to overtake her mind.
The girl groaned until her Bulbasaur approached her with a flower in its mouth.
She chuckled, placing her hand in front of her mouth. "C'mon, Petal. We got some work to do."
Walking down the hill with Petal beside her, she smiled.
At least I'm not alone anymore...
Route 1, 14:15, February 27, 1996
The air was cool. Not as chilly as it was on the hill, but right enough for a simple journey to wherever Red was going.
Crushing a stone under his shoe, he pointed north.
Or, at least he was pointing north.
"Salamars, the first thing we're going to do is to buy some more Poké Balls!"
Salamars walked up to Red, hugging his ankle. "Char?"
"We're going to Viridian City!" With Salamars still hugging his ankle, he continued walking.
"There's a Poké Mart where every trainer can buy all sorts of stuff. You can even get Poké Balls...and other things."
Red placed his hand on his chest. His heart was beating fast.
Salamars is my first Pokémon! I'm finally going on my journey and all!
I get to reach my dream and...!!
Red stopped in his tracks when he heard light whispers along the road.
He blinked. What...?
Salamars went ahead, prompting Red to chase him.
Soon, Red would trip over a decent-sized rock, causing him to fall flat on the ground.
The boy groaned as Salamars ran to his side. In front of him, a black boot stomped into the dirt.
The sound of slithering caused Salamars to jump in between Red and the figure, gritting his teeth. Red opened his eyes and gasped.
"What'cha doin', kid?"
It was a man with an Ekans next to him. He wore a small, black hat and....
That big, red 'R' on his shirt.
It was Team Rocket.
And not only that, he was holding a big gun too.
Because, of course, he did.
Scurrying to his feet, Red dragged Salamars beside him and bowed.
"Sorry! Didn't mean to, uh, t-trouble you...?"
Shifting his head to see the man's reaction, the man sighed. His Ekans' eyes narrowed at the boy's Charmander, who shrank behind his trainer's ankle.
"You better be careful, kid." He gripped his gun. "You might stumble into things you can't get out of. Would've shot ya."
Red gulped. Salamars hugged his ankle tighter than before.
"Y-yeah." His eyes went to the ground. "S...."
Red's voice betrayed him and died in his throat.
The grunt huffed, using the tip of the gun's barrel to nudge the boy at his side.
"Chillax, kid. Ain't gonna hurt ya. We're here to protect ya, remember? That's what Team Rocket's here for!"
Red nodded, accepting his statement.
Eventually, the grunt and his Ekans returned to an already small group of other Team Rocket grunts.
Are they...patrolling this route?
Without prying, Red grabbed Salamars and left.
The last thing he wanted to do was interfere with whatever Team Rocket was doing.
They were certainly patrolling the route. Other grunts were holding guns too and had Koffing and Houndoom by their side.
Just keep walking, keep walking...
Later on, Red had his Pokédex out, looking at the many different Pokémon that existed within the area.
All the Pidgey with their beautiful plumage and the Rattata with their annoying chittering.
Red smiled, then laughed when Salamars would scare them away with his tail.
But the laughing would eventually come to an end when he...
Red stared at the screen of his Pokédex.
A sudden pang of despair hit him. It was as if his heart dropped.
We were supposed to do this together. You and I...
Green.
Shigeru.
Ⴘ𝜎ป ᒋᕦმししሃ ጠį𐒡𐒡 Էჩᕦ 𝜎ᒋმ𐒐ဌᕦ𐒡...
....ᕷ𝜎 ሃ𝜎ปᕈ
I do. He was the only one I could talk to...
And now he's gone. I just wanna know why.
What went wrong?
ഡਮᗩƮ ഡ∈ꞐƮ ഡᖇዑꞐᎶᕈﺈᕈﺈᕈﺈ
Viridian City, 13:50, February 27, 1996
Eventually, Red blinked. "What the...?"
Cars passed by underneath the cool Kanto sun, schoolchildren ran by with their Pokémon-based keychains, and trainers walked with their Pokémon out and generally having a good time.
The wind went through Red's spiky hair as his crimson eyes held confusion.
He looked around his body.
He was standing on a sidewalk within Viridian City.
How...did I end up h-
"Ah!" He clutched his head. Pain banged against the sides of his skull.
Salamars tugged his pants.
"Char?" He growled in a concerned tone.
Seeing his face allowed Red to pant. The sudden affliction disappeared as if it had never come in the first place.
Red chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "N-no, it's nothing! I just was..."
He glanced around the area again. "...trying to remember how I got here."
He couldn't remember. He found it strange that he suddenly appeared in Viridian City.
Red couldn't remember physically entering the city.
While he may not know how he arrived there, he knew what was lingering in his heart.
I...still miss Green. Or Shigeru. Since he's not my friend anymore.
Red balled his fists.
Gah! What am I thinking about him for?! He's not the one who'll help me meet Mew!
I'm gonna be a Pokémon Champion. That's all that matters.
Yet, his heart ached. He grabbed onto his chest, fingers digging into his shirt.
His cheeks flushed.
Then why does it hurt? Like, I replaced something?
"Char!" Salamars jumped up, clawing onto the legs of his pants, startling him.
Red laughed awkwardly.
"Sorry for worrying you, Salamars..."
The boy looked ahead, seeing many people walking by, minding their own business.
Even when Team Rocket grunts were guarding the city's local Pokémon Center up ahead, a few were strolling around the city.
They had Houndoom with them, a menacing energy emanating from their presence. Not even the police seemed that threatening, especially since Team Rocket were the only people who wielded that kind of gun.
Red gulped again. Just ignore them. After what Team Rocket has done for you and this region, you have no right to be scared...unless you've gotten on their bad side.
He sighed. Lemme not forget who their boss is...
Giovanni D'Argento, Leader of Viridian City Gym and the boss of Team Rocket, the very organization that was responsible for holding Kanto's economy together.
Shivers crawled up the boy's spine.
But then, Red's shoulders perked. "Oh, yeah." He snapped his finger. "Poké Mart time!"
Red grinned. "Gotta get stocked before we fight Brock, the Pewter Gym Leader!"
Salamars blinked in mock understanding, earning a laugh from Red.
"Okay! Let's go-"
The boy nearly tripped, but luckily, he stood his ground on his leading foot.
Gradually, he turned his head to the obstacle behind him. He widened his eyes.
Right there was a drunken, old man lying on the sidewalk.
He twitched his eye when the man muttered things about murder, arson, and jaywalking.
Supposedly, they were the three evilest things in the world according to him.
Red stood with his hands at his side and continued to walk his path.
"Well, c'mon then, Sal-" He stopped in his tracks when he noticed that Salamars wasn't following him.
Instead, the Fire-type stood by the unconscious man's body.
Red slowly turned around, while saying, "Sa-la-mar-ssss. Come. On."
The Pokémon never budged.
He was just standing there.
Menacingly.
Red stared at the Charmander, who was staring back.
Fire danced in both of their eyes.
He wanted to see who'd move first.
But, eventually, Red's eye began to twitch.
Salamars was as still as an Exeggutor.
But Red...
"GAH!" His defeat made Salamars laugh.
He ran to the man's side, a scowl on his face.
"You're lucky I can't say 'no'."
"Heh, heh, heh."
Red rolled his eyes with a small smile.
Even though Salamars had tiny arms, he tried to assist his trainer by allowing the man to sit upright.
"Sir, are you alr-"
The old man threw up on his shirt.
"GAHHHHHHH!" The trainer and Pokémon wailed.
Both of them began to panic, prompting the attention of nearby passersby.
"Someone help!"
As a few people rushed over, neither Red nor Salamars noticed the figure perched atop a nearby rooftop.
They stood silent in the wind, their hair swaying gently. A Houndour sat by their side, still as stone.
Its eyes locked onto Red.
The Houndour's soft bark broke the silence.
The figure nodded once and vanished into the shadows.
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed reading this :)
Originally, when Red and Salamars were having their staring contest, I wanted Salamars to bark at Red to catch him off guard and make him lose lmaooo
Chapter 4: Old Shadows From the Past
Summary:
Red helps an old man who seems to know more than he should about Team Rocket...
Notes:
World building galore this chapter! Also, you get a double update today.
Admittedly, this was not my intention, as Chapters 4 and 5 were originally one chapter, but I thought they'd work better as two separate chapters.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Geronimo's House, Viridian City, 15:15, February 27, 1996
"Of course, they just left me there!"
Inside the old man's house was cozy and antique. Red never thought there would be houses like this anymore in big cities like Viridian City, but he found it nice nonetheless.
What was not nice was the old man's rambling about...things Red wasn't sure how to respond to.
Red placed the glass of water on the kotatsu while the man threw back his head and laughed.
He turned to Salamars, who made a bewildered sound.
As the trainer sat, the old man groaned. "You did me a favor, boy! Not only did you get me off that dirty ground, you got me clean clothes and fixed me up with getting me rest."
Red nodded, shifting in discomfort, and his eyes drifted away.
He raised the glass. "Not only that, you even got me a glass of water! What is the youth today, huh?"
He drank heartily, putting the glass down roughly on the kotatsu's surface.
Red rubbed behind his neck, ignoring his Charmander's teasing gaze. "Glad I could help you."
The man shifted his leg, then he pointed at himself with his thumb.
"My name's Geronimo, and I used to be a fisherman in Vermilion!"
Red's eyebrow perked. Vermilion City? Where the Lt. Surge live?
Geronimo sighed, rubbing the exhaustion out of his face. "But, of course, that was 36 years ago, and the city was not like it used to be!"
He slammed his fist against the kotatsu, startling Red and Salamars, who instinctively returned to his Poké Ball.
Red widened his eyes when that happened.
S-Salamars... you should be out here! You're the one who let me help this weird guy...
His gaze returned to Geronimo, who was drinking what appeared to be sake.
Immediately, Red took the bottle and threw it in a trash bag.
"Oi-"
"Don't do that!"
Geronimo blinked, then he mumbled nonsense under his breath, folding his arms against his chest.
Tentatively, Red sat back on the opposite end of the kotatsu.
Silence grew between them for a bit, with Red's eyes darting around the room.
ƮįϾᶄ
Ʈ𝜎Ͼᶄ
ƮįϾᶄ
Ʈ𝜎Ͼᶄ
Red closed his eyes shut, opened them, and sighed.
Geronimo finally looked at the boy in front of him.
"You're a trainer, right?"
Red nodded hesitantly.
I have to be careful.
"Hm, I was like ya once. Wanted to see the world and all. Back then, though, it wasn't Kanto and Johto. Just Kanjoh. One region, split down the damn middle."
Geronimo peered out the window. "Things got bad. I mean, real bad. Northern and Southern Kanjoh, different ideals and values."
Red's discomfort became curiosity.
"Tradition versus industry. In '41, there came the Kanjoh Civil War! Heard of it?"
Red perked up. "Yeah, I have."
Geronimo chuckled. Part bitter, part amusement. "Hah! Who hasn't? Brutal stuff. Both sides went at it hard. But then Team Rocket *had* to show up!"
Red's stomach turned. "Team Rocket? They stopped the war."
Geronimo scoffed. “That’s what they say. Back then, they were just a ‘private security and development firm.’ Showed up outta nowhere in the mid-fifties, offering weapons, tech, even Pokémon to the military—Gyarados, mostly. Twenty of 'em. Helped ‘win’ the war by ’59, which got Kanjoh to split. Folks hailed them as heroes.”
No voice came out of Red's mouth when he opened it.
Geronimo sighed, leaning in. "Naturally, people started trusting them. By the 70s, they had gone corporate. They built tech, funded cities, and even backed League candidates! Y'know this, kid. Look around. Team Rocket isn't some kiddie gang!"
Red's lips straightened. Why...is he telling me all this?
When he saw the child's eyebrow raise, Geronimo leaned forward, causing Red to lean back.
"You're wondering what the point of all this is, huh?"
Red blinked rapidly. "Well...yeah."
"...It's 'cause I don't trust them."
Red frowned. "Why don't you...?"
Geronimo's expression hardened. He moved to the window, pulling the curtain aside to show uniformed Rockets patrolling outside.
“I’ve seen what they’re capable of. They don’t protect us, kid. They _own_ us. And if you ever cross them...” He jabbed a finger in Red’s direction. “You and your Pokémon? Gone.”
Red furrowed his eyebrows. But before he could say anything, Geronimo pointed at Red, prompting the preteen to lean back once again.
"Don't get acquainted with them. Ever. No involvement. Nothing."
Red continued to stare into Geronimo's eyes as he continued, "Don't even smile at Giovanni! That man is crazy, despite not looking the part. For you and your Pokémon."
He nodded, although he wasn't sure what to think.
What was he talking about?
Still in Viridian City, 16:25, February 27, 1996
The sun was almost setting, amber light glaring into the eyes of the region of Kanto.
It was primetime for traffic, and kids were just starting to return home from school or a long, treacherous journey as a trainer, possibly taking a break.
Red, who recently left the Poké Mart with a bag of potions and all, sighed while staring at the afternoon sun.
What Geronimo had said...
'Don't trust them. Don't trust Team Rocket.'
Red groaned. As if I'd trust them anyway! But I still won't disrespect them...
Then he jumped when he felt a vibration in his pocket.
It was Salamars' Poké Ball!
Once Red released his starter, Salamars yawned.
The boy huffed. "Salamars, I don't get that guy. He told me about Team Rocket and made it seem like they're some evil organization or something!"
Salamars tilted his head. "Char?"
Exasperated, Red had patted the right side of his pants. "At least he gave me 10 Poké Balls..."
The Charmander walked toward his trainer, spread his arms out, and flailed them.
"Gyaa, gyaa," he said with Red not understanding him.
Salamars smiled, as if he was telling Red not to let what that old man said stop him from continuing his journey.
Red's lips quirked up a small bit, and Salamars tried to hit him with his tail, but the preteen avoided the flame on Salamars' tail.
"Hey, watch it, Salamars," Red chuckled. "You're gonna burn me up!"
The Pokémon laughed, while Red couldn't help but share the gesture as well.
He knelt in front of the Fire-type Pokémon and proceeded to rub his head, which Salamars leaned into.
"You're right. Plus, he...doesn't know what he's talking about, haha."
"Char!" Salamars raised his tiny hand in the air.
Red grinned. "Yeah, let's go to Viridian Forest!"
After stuffing several potions into his spacious pockets, he and Salamars began to walk on.
Red took out the map, Green- or indirectly- Daisy gave him from one of his many pockets.
Looking at the well-drawn, detailed map, Red frowned.
'Don't trust them. Not ever.'
Geronimo’s words echoed throughout the boy's head.
Red kept walking.
The sun dipped low in the sky, staining the world in amber as the trees grew thicker. The shadows stretched longer. The road was becoming less of a road now and more of a path.
He gripped Salamars’ Poké Ball tightly in his pocket.
It’s just a story. One old man’s opinion. That’s all.
The forest loomed ahead, tall and tangled.
Red squared his shoulders, forcing his legs to move forward.
He was ready. He had to be.
Notes:
As per usual, hope you enjoyed this chapter!!
Chapter 5: Red & Viridian
Summary:
Red and his Charmander, Salamars, want to train, but they get thrown into their very first Pokémon battle!
It's as vicious as one might expect.
Fortunately, someone comes to save the day.
Notes:
Trigger warning!! This chapter contains a violent encounter involving a Pokémon attack, mild blood/injury, and themes of fear and helplessness, which includes children!
It's not extremely graphic, but PLEASE tread carefully if you're sensitive to these topics.
Take care of yourself!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Viridian Forest, 17:07, February 27, 1996
Thankfully, it wasn't night. Red wanted to know what he was doing before he could catch any Pokémon and began filling his Pokédex.
Unfortunately, Red didn't know how to train.
He was at a great loss.
Red pushed the large leaves out of his way. He shivered.
This is so quiet.
Too quiet.
Chirps of Pidgey echoed throughout the forest, flying around while catching helpless Caterpie during their evening hunts. Leaves rustled, trees creaked, and light buzzing sounds stabbed through bits of the air.
It was strange that there was barely any activity within the forest, but he tried not to let that get to him.
His shoes crunched through the leaves and sticks. Salamars followed close behind his trainer, the light of his tail casting long shadows,
Red tapped his chin.
What should I do? Hm....what did Petrel from 'Petrel's Playground' say during that "Teach Me, Sensei" segment about Pokémon battling again?
While he was lost in his thoughts, Salamars was sniffing around his surroundings.
He sniffed the air, the dirt, the grass, flowers, and Caterpie who weren't interested in battling.
Red watched him with intent, then he sighed.
"I don't remember..." Red scratched behind his neck. "Guess I'll have to- huh?"
A child screamed.
Red widened his eyes while Salamars went into his stance.
"Salamars, c'mon!"
After the Pokémon nodded, they took off, following the trail of the child's cries.
Pushing through many bushes and awkwardly placed leaves led him to a blonde girl, who looked to be around Ash's age, and was cornered against a huge tree by a feral Persian.
Red's breath hitched.
The Pokémon's tail was lashing, eyes gleaming with hunger and the desire to kill.
Yet, the girl wasn't doing too well.
Bruises decorated her face and hands. Her knees were against her chest.
A part of her shorts was torn, alongside her short-sleeved top, which had tears within it.
Red was frozen when the Persian turned to him.
The girl shook her head violently, pleading for the boy to run.
ഡįしし ሃ𝜎ป 𐒡Էმሃر 𝜎ᒋ ሥįしし ሃ𝜎ป ဌ𝜎ر 乚įԷԷしᕦ ᖇ𝜎𐒡ᕦᕈ
His left leg dared to move, but he was stuck.
With fire in his eyes of vermilion, he exhaled. He furrowed his eyebrows.
Salamars snarled beside his trainer.
They were ready, and so was the Persian.
The feline lunged at both of them, with Red and Salamars barely missing. Despite that, the Fire-type Pokémon used Scratch, which barely nicked the Persian's leg; not effective.
Quickly, the Persian slammed Salamars' back with the swipe of its claws.
It might have been fast, but it tore through the Charmander's skin like cloth, prompting blood to fly. The heat flared, then it went cold. The Pokémon dropped to the ground, gritting his teeth. His vision blurred, almost blacking out, but he tried not to. The pain rushed to his skull.
As the Persian growled, prowling around the smaller Pokémon, Red was shaking while he was on the ground.
Wh- wha...
Tears stung his eyes. When he tried to move his upper body, he winced.
Blood was blooming from his side, trickling and leaking.
He realized that Persian got to him when he narrowly dodged its pounce.
Red let out a ragged breath. He wanted to get to his Charmander but...
The girl was sobbing her heart out. She kept on apologizing to only Arceus knew.
He closed his eyes. Unsure of what to do. As per usual, he was clueless but...
If I were to run now, who would I be?
He remembered the times whenever he'd get hit or pushed around by other kids, whether it'd be at the Trainer School in Viridian or at Professor Oak's Summer Camp, he'd never fight back.
Green always fought his battles for him.
He would grab his hand, drag a crying Red from the ground, and say,
"How can you call yourself a future champion and sit there? Even with a Pokémon by your side, you have to be strong with it. You have to be brave."
Ꞑ𝜎Է ᕦ౮ᕦᒋሃ𝜎𐒐ᕦ įሥįしし 𐒡მ౮ᕦ ሃ𝜎ปⴰ
And he was right.
He wouldn't let Salamars die.
Red's eyes softened while looking at the girl.
His fingers dug into the dirt beneath him.
His heart was beating like a drum. More than normal.
Clutching his side, he panted and was sweating.
Without standing, he could feel his legs wanting to move, yet he could feel his eyes burning with much emotion.
His Charmander's body twitched. The wind blew the flame on his tail, but it got brighter and brighter.
The Persian's claws were out, sharper this time.
It bared its teeth at Red, ready to lunge and to feast.
Salamars struggled to his feet, ready for Round 2.
Red shouted, "Burn it!"
Salamars inhaled, while the Persian began to charge at the Charmander, who was about to attack.
His tail flame burned brighter, he coughed, then with an uncontrollable force, a gargantuan blaze rushed through his wide-open jaws.
The flames caught the Persian's face. It shrieked in agony and ran in circles.
When Red saw this, he began to run toward his starter until the Persian clawed his shoulder, prompting the boy to yell in pain and fall onto his back.
The girl covered her mouth while Salamars threw himself at Red, standing between the scorched Persian and his trainer.
The weaker Pokémon growled, while Red weakly looked on. The girl went to their side.
The Persian had insanity lying in its eyes, staring at the Charmander, who stared back with his own form of insanity.
Just as it drew back one of its hind legs-
"Stop!"
The Persian halted. It looked over its shoulder, widening its eyes as it shrank back.
Red and the others grew perplexed.
Coming through the thick bushes was a man dressed in a black trench coat.
One hand was in one pocket, the other held a Poké Ball.
His eyebrows wrinkled, eyes going from his Persian to the children and Salamars, who was still standing protectively.
He huffed. "Persian, return!"
And the Pokémon returned to its Poké Ball.
As the man turned to the trio, his eyes softened.
Salamars relaxed his position, the girl softly wept again, while Red was stunned.
Gio...vanni?
Tranquility reigned within the forest's night. The sun went down completely.
Breaking the silence, Giovanni asked, "Are you alright?"
Before he could answer, Red fell to the ground.
He wasn't completely out. He heard the cries of the girl, who was even louder.
Giovanni tried to assure her that he'd be okay.
Salamars was shouting over his trainer's face.
Red's eyes flickered.
The faces were....different.
The girl and Giovanni's faces looked...
...wrong.
Ɗ𝜎𐒐'Է ᕷįᕦⴰ
ᑶしᕦმ𐒡ᕦ ᕷ𝜎𐒐'Է ᕷįᕦⴰ
ľᶂ ሃ𝜎ป ᕷ𝜎ر ഡᕦ ሥ𝜎𐒐'Է ᶂ𝜎ᒋဌį౮ᕦ ሃ𝜎ปⴰ
Ͼმป𐒡ᕦ ሃ𝜎ปᒋ ᑰ𝜎ᕹ į𐒡𐒐'Է 𝜎౮ᕦᒋⴰ
The girl went to his ear and said,
Ⴘ𝜎ปᒋ しįᶂᕦ į𐒡 𝜎ปᒋ𐒡ر ᒋᕦጠᕦጠᕹᕦᒋᕈ
Red's eyes widened, glancing at the girl.
Her smile was wide and unnerving.
He couldn't move.
Nothing was there.
Nothing.
"What are you...?"
His eyes closed shut.
Notes:
The plot thickenssss.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter :)
Please comment and do whatever things you do to show your appreciation and loveee!!!
The next chapter will focus on Green, so stay tuned!
Chapter 6: Envy, Tactics, Ghosts
Summary:
Green remembers things from the past while trying to train so he may be better than his rival, Red.
Notes:
We're focusing on Green for a bit!
Yay!
A little late now, but I believe it's never too late to say these things:
Happy last day of Pride!Hope you enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Professor Oak's Laboratory, 1993
The lab was still and tranquil. Everybody left, except Professor Oak, who was sorting out documents that contained private information.
He was at a desk, wiping sweat from his brows, mumbling all sorts of things to himself.
It was almost as if he wanted to avoid something.
Suddenly, the door opened, and then it closed shut.
Professor Oak raised his head, but he never faced the figure who entered the lab. He heard the footsteps.
He knew who it was.
"Grandpa..." A very young voice was heard.
"Did you seriously tell Red that he's 'most worthy' of being Champion?"
Oak closed his eyes tightly, sighed, and turned to lock eyes with Green, who was only standing two minutes away from him.
Oak saw that Green was wearing the Bulbasaur T-shirt that he had gotten him a year ago.
He blinked.
"Grandpa....?"
The Pokémon professor exhaled. "Yes, Shigeru."
He narrowed his eyes. "And you know why."
Green flinched. He watched as his grandfather spun on his heel, making his way to the desk that had a myriad of documents and papers lying around.
He calls me by my real name...but not Red...?
Green reached out, yet pulled it back. "I get it! Red's amazing with Pokémon and stuff, but what about *me*? You never paid attention to me like you do to Red! It's...unfair. You still don't."
The sound of shuffled papers flowed through Oak's ears.
It was not like he was ignoring Green, but he wished he could.
The reorganizing and tearing of paper filled the space between grandfather and grandson.
Each time, it annoyed Green more and more.
He gritted his teeth and balled his tiny fists.
"Do you...love Red more than me?"
Oak never stopped shuffling.
"Ever since mom and dad died," as soon as Green mentioned this, Oak stiffened, "you paid even more attention to Red, and look at me as if I'm some Grimer or something worse."
Green's eyes watered a little, his fingers loosening from their balled fists. His gaze went to the floor. "But even before both of them died, you still couldn't look me in the eye. It's worse now..."
The professor relaxed his shoulders.
"You may become like him."
The boy's breath hitched. His minty green eyes dashed around the lab. He didn't want to guess who Professor Oak was referring to, but...
"Wh- who-"
"Your father!"
Professor Oak swiped all of the documents off the table. Once they fell on the floor, Green stepped back with his hand clenching onto his shirt.
"The last thing I want is another Tsunekazu!" He turned around, approaching Green, who was walking back.
"Lousy, arrogant, abusive, and outright prideful!"
Green pushed back into the wall, whimpering. "I'm not like Dad, Grandpa!"
Professor Oak stared down at him. His eyes were cold, distant, and glossy.
He didn't and wouldn't believe him.
Why wouldn't he?
Was he really like his dad?
Would it matter what he thinks?
He'd be the greatest Pokémon Champion in the world.
He'd have Mew.
All to himself.
Pokémon Park, Viridian City, 13:05, February 27, 1996
Green eyed his Squirtle, who was eating some blades of grass. He'd spit them out.
The boy was throwing his Poké Ball up and catching it back. He sighed.
Once he opened his Pokédex, he stared intently. "Let's see...I have a Rattata, a Pidgey, and a...Metapod."
Green blinked for a second, then rubbed his chin.
I guess Metapod can be useful, but...it's just a sitting cocoon.
He looked at the different trainers drilling their Pokémon.
Some were patient; others weren't so nice.
Green bit his bottom lip, facing his Metapod's Dex entry once again.
Brute strength with a Metapod? Not possible at the moment. But it is durable.
He closed his eyes. Makes for a perfect shield to buy me some time to think, while it frustrates my opponent. Hah.
His fingers ran through the flower petals. It'll become a Butterfree soon anyway.
Green stared at the Dex's screen. "Hm. Why did I even catch it? Guess I felt bad for it."
Once Green felt a nudge against his knee, his gaze went to his Squirtle, who got him a bouquet of grass.
The Pokémon's eyes were shining, his tail was whishing, and he had a look of pride on his face.
How cute.
But the Pokémon's trainer just stared blankly at him.
"Squirtle~!" The Water-type awaited his response.
Green opened his mouth, then closed it. He then simply said, "Enough playing around. We have to train."
He stood up, allowing the Pokémon to step back and allowing the blades of grass to fall, spark dimming.
"Qweh...?"
Green sighed, his serious eyes hardening. "The Champion title is really important to me. And since you're with me, you gotta play by my rules."
Squirtle scratched his head.
Green watched his starter's awkward movements. He groaned softly, rolling his eyes.
He knelt in front of his Pokémon.
"Do you want the world in the palm of your hands?"
Green held out his hand. Squirtle goggled at his palm, then waddled toward it, holding his fingers.
"Sqwah~"
"Do you want to know what it's like to win? To be above those who look down at you? Don't you want victory?"
Squirtle's eyes went to Green's eyes. After a bit of staring, Squirtle put a determined look on his face and growled.
A smile tugged at the corner of Green's lips.
"Good."
He stood on his feet, looking at the Poké Ball in his hand. "I'm going to show that old idiot who deserves the title. He'll beg on his knees, crying."
His eyes narrowed. "I'll beat Red. If it's the last thing I'll do."
His fingers gripped the ball tightly. They were shaking.
A shaky sigh escaped from his quivering lips.
Green? What's wrong?
Everything's wrong! Everything's wrong because of you!
Wh- what's wrong-
Just go away!
Squirtle patted his leg, dragging the boy out of his thoughts.
Green groaned.
Why can't I get you out of my head?
Just...why?
Outside Viridian Forest, 14:30, February 27, 1996
Green and his Pokémon team were at a rocky clearing, just outside of Viridian Forest near a dry riverbed.
His Squirtle, Pidgey, Rattata, and Metapod were lined up, waiting for what Green was going to say.
The boy placed a Poké Ball necklace around his neck, causing his Pokémon to become curious, but they never pried.
He widened his arms, as if showing them the area.
"I picked this place because the trees are quite sparse."
He touched the arid ground with a smirk. "Perfect place for better movement and aerial drills."
Green looked at them with an intense glare, frightening them all except Metapod.
He placed pebbles on five stumps across the clearing, then he stood at a distance, arms crossed.
"Five in a row. Think you can shoot them off without splashing and drifting?"
As the other Pokémon turned to Squirtle, the Water-type Pokémon nodded.
He left his position and stood at least 5 minutes away from the stump.
The Pokémon then gawked at his trainer, who nodded.
Squirtle's gaze returned to the pebbles on the stumps, focusing intensely. He inhaled, cheeks puffing, and released a huge gush of water; Water Gun.
The stream shot clean, knocking the first stone off, yet the second only wobbled.
Spinning, but not falling.
Green's jaw tightened.
Keep your cool.
He walked over, his team's eyes following his movements. He pointed to the damp bark behind the second stump.
"You missed your center. Only off by a few degrees or so."
Squirtle lowered his gaze, grumbling softly.
Green huffed gently. "You're better than this. Visualize before you use Water Gun."
Moving away from the stump and standing akimbo to the side, his eyes darkened.
"Do it again. Don't let this new move make you overconfident, got it?"
It was a firm demand, which Squirtle understood perfectly.
He adjusted his stance, narrowed his eyes, and let loose another stream.
Now, all five pebbles fell in quick succession, earning the praise and 'hurrah's from the other Pokémon.
Squirtle smiled at Green, who allowed a small nod.
"A lot more agreeable, that's for sure."
Next, it was Metapod's turn.
Green placed the cocoon-like Pokémon on a slanted boulder, which prompted some wild Spearow to dive at it. He backed off as soon as they swooped down, their beaks pecking at its shell repeatedly.
"When you use Harden, the Pokémon attacking you will get tired and, eventually, frustrated. That's what I want you to achieve, Metapod."
He crouched on the ground with the other Pokémon standing behind him. He began the stopwatch, counting the seconds between attacks.
Metapod's sheen glowed subtly, hardening as a Spearow struck. And this time, the birds recoiled with a shriek.
While the rest watched with awe, Green smirked.
They'll think you're weak, so they can pick on you. But, they'll realize how much of a pain in the ass you are.
Eventually, the Spearow flew off with a screech of frustration. Green stood, brushing dust from his uniform pants.
Approaching his Metapod, he said, "The more we train, the more of a wall you'll be."
Soon, it was 15:15, and the sun was taming its blazes.
The day wasn't over yet, as it was Rattata's time to shine and show his strength.
The mouse Pokémon darted between the sticks that Green had plunged into the dirt.
It was a makeshift obstacle course that had a tied-up leaf hung from a thread at the end.
They stood on the sidelines as Rattata got himself ready.
Green clicked the stopwatch.
"Go."
The Rattata burst forward. The first run was clumsy; he hit two sticks and missed the leaf.
His teammates cringed at Rattata's failure after the boy stopped the stopwatch.
As Green reset the course, he kept a neutral expression.
"Pretty sloppy, not gonna lie. You're quick, but what is speed without control?"
The Rattata chittered, yelping when Green carried him to the starting position. He gently placed him on the ground.
The boy stood back. Rattata huffed as he readied himself.
Green sighed. "You don't know him, but when you get to, we'll outthink him and his team."
As soon as Rattata dashed off, Green and the other Pokémon watched.
This time, he zigzagged cleanly, launched upward, and bit the leaf in mid-air before landing perfectly.
A smile dared to form across the boy's lips.
Not too long after, Green made Rattata and Squirtle challenge each other in a mock battle.
Green commanded Rattata to bite Squirtle's shell, feint left, and use Quick Attack at blind spots.
Rattata whirled with feral energy.
Green closed his eyes with a small smile.
If only you were here to see this, old man.
Currently, it was 16:00. The sky had gone orange when Green faced his Pidgey, holding a berry.
"Catch it before it hits the ground, okay?"
"Craah!"
He tossed the berry upward.
Unfortunately, the Pidgey missed it. He flew too quickly; his reaction time was poor.
Green shook his head. "You'll miss your chance if you don't strike well."
He threw another. This time, Pidgey darted and caught it just before it hit the ground. He swallowed the berry.
The other Pokémon were impressed, and Green bobbed his head.
Afterward, he placed a lone, red leaf among a patch of brown leaves in the clearing.
"Eyes sharp, Pidgey. You're not only my eyes, but you're also my precision. Focus."
The Pokémon cawed, then rose into the air, circling.
After a few seconds, it folded its wings and descended, claws first, landing inches from the red leaf.
They cheered for him while Green allowed himself to smile.
Viridian Pokémon Center, 16:25, February 27, 1996
"Oh, Shigeru!"
Hanako fixed her nurse's hat and beelined from around her station and hugged the boy tightly.
His eyes looked around the big center. Quiet and modest.
His hands stayed firmly in his pockets.
I forgot Red's mom works here...ah...great.
Once she stepped back, she placed her hands on his shoulders.
"How've you been? I haven't heard from or seen you in a while!"
Green looked to the side. You know why.
"I just came back from training. I wanna rest."
His eyes were droopy, and he yawned.
He was not in the mood to talk.
Especially if it was about Red.
His heart skipped a beat for some reason.
Hanako perked up. "Of course, of course. Follow me."
After she asked a Chansey for keys, she allowed Green to follow her into a hallway of rooms of different kinds: shared and singles.
Green prayed that he would get a single.
"Luckily, I'm going to be off my shift."
"Huh? Oh, yeah...That's good for you."
"Mhm! So, who did you pick? I wish Red got to call home so he could let us know if he was alright. And which starter did he pick, but something tells me he picked Charmander!"
Silent for a while, he chirped, "Yeah, he did."
A soft chuckle escaped. "He was excited. Which is to be expected."
Hanako never replied, but she smiled.
After some walking, they arrived at a comfy room.
It had a bed, a bathroom, and a small desk. Including a shelf designated for bags and Poké Balls.
Green walked in, then he turned around, doing a slight bow.
"Thank you, Mrs. Tajiri."
Hanako chuckled. "It's my pleasure, Shigeru."
Before she left, she said, "You two were close once, y'know? I hope that's not gone."
Green stared. Clearing her throat, she then asked, "Would you like your Pokémon to heal overnight?"
"Leave Squirtle with me," he said icily as he gave up the other Poké Balls.
Hanako took them, then bowed. "Enjoy your time here."
Green nodded, then shut the door. He allowed Squirtle to leave his ball as he sat on his bed.
His Squirtle sat on the floor, watching Green, who was contemplating.
Red... I don't need Red.
His heart was pounding.
Green removed his jacket and threw it on the chair by the desk.
I don't need that miserable, old man.
Focus, tactics, control...that's what I need.
He looked at Squirtle's Poké Ball. His eyes went to the ceiling of the room.
"Squirtle, we're gonna win. Together."
The Pokémon let out a confident growl, prompting Green to chuckle under his breath.
The steel in his spine hardened more than before.
Green sighed. "We need food, y'know."
Squirtle nodded furiously, patting his stomach.
Suddenly, a crunch from the outside was heard.
Green blinked and went straight to the lone window, which had its blinds up.
"What the hell was that?"
His eyes darted around, but he couldn't find anything or anyone.
Just the plants swaying in the wind and the sun setting.
But then, Green widened his eyes, and the air felt cold.
It was a figure dressed in a black trench coat, standing still in the wind.
It wore a hat, and it had what Green wasn't surprised to see: an 'R'.
Oddly enough, when the figure faced Green, the figure's face was hidden by a mask.
A mask that was watching him.
It slowly raised a finger to its lips and left suddenly.
Green drew the blinds down.
He blinked.
"What the hell?"
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed this :)
And I wonder who this Team Rocket person is, hmmmmmmmmmmm??
Find out in the next chapter ;)
oleestar on Chapter 2 Wed 18 Jun 2025 02:42AM UTC
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oleestar on Chapter 3 Tue 24 Jun 2025 02:01AM UTC
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chipsandfanfics (oleestar) on Chapter 5 Wed 25 Jun 2025 10:02PM UTC
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Ashluna23 on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 12:21AM UTC
Last Edited Thu 26 Jun 2025 12:28AM UTC
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oleestar on Chapter 6 Tue 01 Jul 2025 07:46PM UTC
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