The roar of the crowd was deafening.
Ash took out his last pokeball. Amber eyes burned with determination. This was it. He was almost there. In front of him was his opponent, his final obstacle before he could become a Pokemon master. His lips widened, defiant and dignified. He sent his only ally left into battle. This was the deciding bout and he wouldn't falter where others failed. The Dragonite was a veritable foe, but he knew he could beat it.
"Come on out, Charizard!"
Red hot flames erupted out of the starter's jaws. Plumes of smoke and fire heated the battlefield, its war cries signaling to the entire world that it was here! The fire-type flapped its great wings. Dust and sand billowed under every gust of its draconic pinions. The Dragonite roared in kind, instinctively growling at the growing threat the monster represented.
Ash pointed at the dragon and the battle began in earnest.
The fight took to the skies and the crowd cheered as the air was filled with smoke, fire, and explosions.
It was a dance between two of the sky's most terrifying predators. Dragon Claws met with Dragon Claws. Flamethrower slammed into Hurricane. The beasts were evenly matched. That didn't deter him. He called out to his Pokemon, a command already at the tip of his tongue.
"Dragon Claw!"
"Thunder Punch, Dragonite!"
BOOOO-
A six-year-old Ash Ketchum fell off his bed.
"Wai-what?" He blearily looked around himself before seeing the broken alarm clock. He yelped when he saw the time.
Uh oh!
XXX
"Mom," he jumped out of his room, his head frazzled as he hastily brushed his teeth and grabbed his bag, "I'll be heading off to Professor Oak's Pokemon summer camp now! Bye!"
He heard his mother laugh at his eager and enthusiastic cry. His body was jampacked with visible exhilaration. This was a good opportunity to meet plenty of Pokemon and make new friends! It was going to be great! His mother's response was clear with amusement, "Are you forgetting something, Ash?"
The boy was ready to burst through their house door before pausing and looking at his mom with confusion. He put his fingers under his chin and gave it some deep thought. Toothbrush? Got it. His clothes? Got it. Underwear? Got it. Handkerchief? Got it. He hummed before shaking his head. "Got everything, mom!"
She sighed in feigned exasperation, walking towards him and holding his cheeks. "You forgot to kiss your mother goodbye!"
"Oh," Ash blinked before grinning and giving his mom a quick peck on the cheeks, "Bye mom!"
"Have fun, dear!"
"Thanks, mom!" He ran out of the door, head held high and his future bright. He raised his fist, his ever-present smile still on his face. "Professor Oak's Pokemon summer camp, here I come!"
While his journey to become a Pokemon master wouldn't start for another four years, that did not mean he couldn't enjoy what life still had to offer! He could feel it! This was the start of his legacy to become the best! He grabbed his stuff and with a jump in his steps, began his way towards his destination. The world wouldn't know what hit it once he began his Pokemon journey!
Here I come, world, Ash Ketchum's first step!
Unless, of course, he slept late and missed the Pokemon summer camp.
In the distance, Pidgeys flew off when a loud, sorrowful 'No!' reverberated across Pallet Town.
XXX
You win some, you lose some and Ash was not one to be down for long!
He shook with excitement, pajamas on and a stuffed pokeball in his hands.
"I cannot believe it, folks! Gabite has just evolved into Garchomp!"
His eyes widened, grin present and body quaking. Gary was beside him, watching it with equal amazement. The two were in the Ketchum household, late at night watching a recording of the Ever Grande Conference for perhaps the tenth time in a row. Ash wasn't sure. He lost count. Then again, he wasn't the best at counting. Well, it didn't matter to the six-year-old. He puffed his chest and pointed at the television screen.
"And Drake's fifth Pokemon is Altaria! Another dragon of the skies is here to challenge the ground-breaking Garchomp!"
"Dragon Claw!" Ash cried out with jubilation, saying it exactly when the trainer with a Pikachu did.
It was a unique spectacle to behold and Ash wouldn't ever tire from seeing it. It was probably one of the best battles he had seen ever! That wasn't saying much considering he's six years old, but even Gary was impressed and if Gary was impressed then that means it was impressive!
That's just how it works!
The TV echoed a mind-numbing explosion. All they saw was smoke as the two dragons collided. The newly evolved Pokemon was crushing through its opposition, its immense bulk and power pressuring the Altaria. When he first saw it in action, he couldn't help but scream his support for the dragon. He got chastised by his mom for that, but it was worth it. Eventually, one of the two beasts had to succumb. Ash already knew the outcome.
"I-It's a draw, Garchomp and Altaria are unable to battle! The winner is Drake of the Elite Four!"
Even though he's seen it so many times, the results were always a letdown. He groaned and fell on his back. Gary laughed.
"Garchomp had to fight one more Pokemon after beating Salamence and Altaria, Ash," Gary smirked, "There was no way he could have won that."
"I know, but I had hope." Ash moaned pitifully, throwing his stuffed pokeball at his friend. The grandson of Oak easily deflected the projectile before turning his head back to the television. Red, the trainer that the two of them had watched with open admiration, took his loss gracefully and shook hands with the experienced Elite Four. He was so young yet so powerful.
Why is he so strong?
Ash had no idea, but he wanted to be like that too.
"Well, maybe next time." Gary shrugged. "He's pretty okay for a trainer."
"You're still mad that he defeated your idol, Lance," Ash rolled his eyes, laughing vibrantly when Gary gave a childish glare his way. When they went through a lot of old recordings of battles in Pokemon TV, that one popped up often. They cheered for different trainers, which obviously led to some tension. The results were clear though and Ash would never let his friend forget.
Gary grumbled to himself while Ash looked at the trainer on the screen.
Like so many trainers of the past, present, and future, Ash had a dream.
To be the best, like no one ever was.
When Red gave a wink at the camera before leaving to continue his journey to who knows where he felt an odd connection to the boy. This was someone that was living the dream. He faced powerful opponents, garnered his own rivals, and explored the world as a renowned battler. While the six-year-old boy watched him go, he thought about his own future, his own journey.
"Red Satoshi is quite a graceful fighter, huh Rob?"
"The Prince of Celestic truly is one of a kind, John!"
He was inspired.
XXX
Second time's the charm! Ash kicked the door of his room, bag in hand, a resolute - for a child - expression on his face, his hands holding his alarm clock like a triumphant warrior. Okay, this time! This was the time, for sure! He didn't break his alarm clock, he had his stuff already prepared, he definitely brought his underwear, and he made sure he woke up just in time!
Pokemon summer camp attempt #2!
"Ash," Mom admonished, hearing the child's bombastic exit. He winced and gave his mother an apologetic grin. Ah, perhaps that was too loud? He couldn't help it though. He missed the first summer camp. He was definitely not going to miss the second one!
"Sorry mom," Ash grinned good-naturedly, his hands scratching the back of his head, "Just excited!"
She sighed in amusement. Mr. Mime shared the same expression. "Just be sure to come home safely, alright?"
He gave a giant thumbs up. "Don't worry, mom," Ash grinned, "I'm sure Professor Oak will take care of me. He's pretty awesome!"
Delia laughed before giving her son a kiss on the cheeks. "He is pretty awesome, isn't he?"
He nodded and gave his mom a hug. "I'll tell you all about it once I get home. There's going to be so many Pokemon!" He was visibly shaking with zeal. Admittedly, he knew almost none of them, but that was what made it so exciting! Mom looked amused at his expense before rubbing his coal-black hair affectionately.
"I'll be looking forward to it, Ash."
"I'll see you later!"
"Bye, dear."
He opened the door with enthusiasm. Okay, take two! He grinned, fists raised. "Pokemon summer camp!" His eyes were wide with energy. "Here I come!" With a great leap, he began his journey. As swift as his young legs could take him, he ran where he was supposed to meet Professor Oak. He'd definitely make it in time! Youthful energy don't fail him now!
Flop.
He definitely didn't trip along the way.
"Ash, my boy!" Oak greeted jovially, watching the child reach his lab. "It's nice to see you finally in time."
"Sorry about that, professor," Ash chuckled. "I learned my lesson. It won't happen again."
"I certainly hope so," Oak smiled, "Ready to go?"
"More than ready, professor!"
Oak laughed, guiding Ash towards the vehicle that would take them to the camp. He spoke to the professor, chatting to the elder with great familiarity. He could already see Gary waiting for them, his constantly smug friend waving from a distance. At least he'd have someone he already knew there even if it was Gary Oak. He waved back at Oak's grandson.
Time to become a Pokemon master!
XXX
There was a time and place for everything. A fourteen-year-old Lance knew that. There were times to be mad, there were times to be sad, there were times to be sour, and there were times to be serious.
There were also times to be exasperated.
"Lance," Clair whispered, pulling his cheeks as he tried his hardest not to strangle his cousin, "that's a Garchomp."
They were in the thick underbrush of Violet City, beginning their journey through the Johto region. In most cases, he would journey alone and he was planning to do so. Lance, however, was always willing to try new things. When he heard that his cousin wanted to join in his journey through Johto, he had no reason to complain. They both were training to be dragon masters and they were of relatively equal strength. It would be a good way to grow.
Clair could be a little competitive at times. Lance had to discover this first hand. She was like the dragons they trained, always comparing her power to others. It was even more pronounced when her cousin was involved. They were training to be the best and in her eyes, he was competition.
Their first trip was rocky, he would reluctantly admit. The moment she joined him, she asked for a battle. Lance had no reason to refuse. He was more than willing to fight strong opponents. He was surprised when the fight ended in a draw but wasn't too bothered about it.
Clair very much was.
When they reached Violet City, Clair stomped toward the forests to get some training. Not wanting to suffer the wrath of the clan if Clair got hurt, he decided to follow her.
That was when their current predicament settled in. They were hiding behind several trees and bushes, watching a fully grown Garchomp rest near a lake. Clair was visibly excited by it. She had never seen an actual Garchomp before. Lance was in the same boat. He'd seen Gible and Gabite, but never had he seen the final evolution in person. They were relatively rare in Kanto and Johto.
It was obvious that Clair was going to capture that thing.
"You know how difficult it is to tame one of those dragons in the wild," Lance warned, "I'm not sure you'll be able to catch it."
"There's only one way to find out, Lance," Clair smiled as she took out a pokeball. Oh, dear. Lance knew that look. He wouldn't be able to convince her otherwise. "I've always wanted a Garchomp."
He crossed his arms as he watched Clair bravely confront the massive ground dragon. He'd give Clair one thing she had over him. When it came to dragon knowledge, she was second to none. Her experience and insight were what made Lance readily agree to travel with her in the first place.
"Roar, Dragonite!"
The Garchomp had one second to look at the beast before it was assaulted by an incoming Hurricane. The resulting battle scared away the local Pokemon and he had to sigh in exasperation as the two territorial dragons started duking it out. Clair's Dragonite was well-trained. It was equal to his, but it was obvious that this Garchomp was just as strong.
That didn't surprise him. He heard of Sinnoh's evolutionary line of dragons.
What did surprise him was the fact a second Garchomp came charging in and tag-teamed the Dragonite, pummeling the poor beast into the dirt. Clair yelped in astonishment at the fact another of these supposedly rare dragons was nearby. He was fine with a fair fight, but his cousin was clearly outnumbered. Lance quickly grabbed his pokeball and called out his own Dragonite.
What was supposed to be a normal scuffle turned into a full-blown skirmish as two Dragonites danced with two Garchomps.
Ridiculous.
This was already starting to be the highlight of his journey in Johto, and he just started!
That was before a whole crowd of other Pokemon came out of the woodworks. He had to rub his eyes multiple times when a Lucario, Spiritomb, Glaceon, Togekiss, and Milotic joined and the skirmish became a free-for-all. This chaotic mess only surged Clair even more and she called upon all of her Pokemon. Lance was tempted to participate in this fight but backed off.
Sorry cousin, but this is your mess, Lance was ready to just spectate this mosh pit of animalistic combat when an angry blonde girl came into view and started yelling at Clair. Of course, his cousin wasn't going to take that lying down and with her competitive nature, argued back. Both sides' Pokemons paused, content to let their trainers carry the fight with words instead of claws, tails, and fists.
"Who do you think you are to interrupt my battle?"
"Excuse me? What kind of trainer decides to battle another trainer's Garchomp without permission?"
"Well, you shoul-"
Lance took a deep breath, joining the two before any more fights broke out.
"Ladies, let's all settle do-"
"Butt out of this, Lance!"
"This isn't your business either!"
Lance slumped. Today just wasn't his day.
XXX
"So that Garchomp was your friend's?" Clair gave a meaningful look at the resting dragon-type. It was having its injuries treated by the blonde.
The opposing girl slowly nodded, spraying the potion on the male Garchomp. The female counterpart was glaring daggers at Clair's Dragonite who easily reciprocated with a growl of its own. Lance grew wary at the growing tension but said nothing. "He let out his Pokemon to relax with mine."
"I don't see him anywhere," Clair looked around. They were sitting by where the girl set up camp, a nice flat plain in which their Pokemon were let out to roam freely, "And I don't see any other Pokemon except your own."
Now that Lance thought about it, Clair was right. When he glanced at the field, all he saw were the two ground dragons and the five others that were obviously the girl's.
She was quick to answer though. "He has a habit of catching a new team whenever he heads to a new region. He only brought his Garchomp due to the dragon's request and his Pikachu." The girl took out some food for her Pokemon and allowed them to eat. "He spotted a Heracross this morning and has been out trying to capture it for a while now."
That made sense. Lance nodded in understanding.
After some deliberation, Clair also conceded. She slumped in disappointment, "I guess finding a wild Garchomp around here was farfetched." He inwardly agreed. It was pretty suspicious. The blonde laughed good-naturedly and he had to sigh in relief when she didn't take offense. At least the girl forgave their mistake.
"I'm Lance," he offered a handshake which she took. "Right next to me is my cousin, Clair. Sorry about the mess, she's really enthusiastic about dragon-types and got a little ahead of herself when she saw one."
"Hey!"
The girl smiled in amusement, "It's fine. I'm Cynthia."
He grinned, "Are you here for the Zephyr badge as well?"
She shook her head. "I was actually exploring a bit of Johto before I challenge the Battle Frontier. My friend's the one challenging the league."
Clair hummed in understanding. "I've heard of it. It's definitely better to get some extra training in before you tackle it. The Frontier Brains are quite powerful."
Cynthia nodded in understanding though Lance figured she already knew, "My friend wanted to check out a few places and Violet City was one of them."
"Johto is very pretty," Clair puffed her chest in pride, "It's understandable that you would want to see the sights." She glanced at the two dragons again, clearly still enraptured by the sight of the Garchomps. Lance wouldn't lie. He snuck a glance once or twice as well. It was rare to see such finely raised ones.
The two started conversing. Like the dragon specialist that she was, Clair began asking and prodding the other trainer about the two ground-types nearby. After learning of her journey to be the best dragon master in the Pokemon world, Cynthia was more relaxed in answering them.
Lance kept to himself as they chatted until familiar black hair met the corner of his eyes. He grinned when he saw the familiar yellow fur of Pikachu. A sense of deja vu overcame him for a moment at the sight. How could he forget that electric rat? It gave him all sorts of trouble during the league.
"Red?"
"Lance?"
The girls paused as they watched the newcomer enter the camp. Cynthia smiled brightly at his entrance. So this was the friend she talked about. What a small world! He was about to greet his old friend and rival when Clair pointed at him, his smile turning into confusion when her dragon-loving cousin gasped.
"It's you!" Clair had a look of intense excitement on her face, "You're the one who almost beat the Hoenn Dragon Master, Drake of the Elite Four!"
Red looked out of his element, but slowly nodded, "Yes, that would be me."
"And this is your Garchomp?"
"Yes."
"The same one that fought Drake's Salamence and Altaria?"
Red answered with a slower and more deliberate, "Yes."
She turned her head towards the Garchomp with a reverent expression. Red glanced at Lance with confusion. He shrugged. He had no idea what goes on in his cousin's head sometimes. He was about to speak again until she was right in his old friend's face, asking even more inquiries than before. Lance was barely able to process her words, but he knew that the girl was starting to ask some obscure draconic questions.
Red blanched for a moment but began answering her questions slowly. He had to applaud his rival for somehow understanding her cousin when she goes into one of her talks. Even Lance would struggle, and he grew up with her!
"Is she always like this?" He turned his head towards Cynthia who was watching the scene with some amusement.
He shook his head, "She's normally more level-headed. I suppose the new experience has made her excitable."
Cynthia could only nod as they slowly began relaxing around one another. Lance and Red were able to catch up again, comparing their own adventures. Lance marveled at Red's steady progress. Already at the level to face an Elite Four? Lance inwardly smiled. Perhaps he needed to get some extra training in. It would look bad as one of his fellow rivals if he couldn't match Red's achievements.
He should tell Bruno too. There was no doubt that his fighting-type rival would be more eager to learn that Red was exploring the same region as them.
When they had to leave, Clair was quick to join Lance's side.
"You didn't tell me you knew Red."
Lance smirked, "You didn't ask."
She scoffed. There was a comfortable silence between them before Clair suddenly asked, "Is he trying to be a dragon master as well?"
He gave her a confused look, "No, I've seen him use a myriad of Pokemon during the Indigo League. The closest thing to a dragon when I fought him was Charizard." Despite not being a dragon, it certainly had the ferocity of one when it defeated him during the conference. He almost shivered when he recalled the Charmeleon suddenly bursting into bright light.
"Odd," Clair hummed in thought, "He was able to answer all my questions. Some of them were very advanced dragon knowledge. He must know a lot."
Lance nodded as they continued their trek through the forest. Red always did seem to know more than he let on, didn't he? When he first met him during his stay in the S.S. Anne, he was just as insightful. "I wouldn't expect anything less from my rival."
Their journey was a quiet affair, but Lance had a feeling that Clair was still curious about his worthwhile friend.
XXX
Ash had always been a very energetic child. He wouldn't deny it. He would gladly accept it, in fact. Ash was someone that would pursue whatever he was interested in with everything he had and more. If he wanted to be the best, he would do his best! If he wanted to be a Pokemon master, he would become a Pokemon master! When it came to the things he wanted, he would do everything he could to achieve them.
Such youthful passion was admired by those his elder. Oak and mom always encouraged it. Mr. Mime never failed to praise his goals. Some could say he was living his youth to the fullest.
He didn't have a lot of friends though.
That was one thing that always stuck, but it never really bothered him. Sure, everyone was more enamored with the professor's grandson, Gary Oak, but he had his mom, he had the professor, he had Mr. Mime, and once he grew older, he'd have Pokemon companions too!
There was always a niggling desire in his mind to make more friends. He thought the Pokemon summer camp would be that ticket, that gateway to it.
And he was right!
He was right in ways that were beyond his imagination. His feet landed on the crunching sound of grass, his nose taking in all the scents around him. The Pokemon summer camp so far was filled with activity. Oak introduced plenty of Pokemon to the youths and peers around his age. He got to meet a large assortment of them. He wasn't exactly sure what some of them were called - he wasn't exactly the brightest, but it only surged his desire to become a Pokemon trainer.
Four years could not come soon enough.
"Look," Ash dragged his newest friend to the closest screen. "I heard that she's battling right now! We got to check it out!"
His new friend in question gave a shy smile at his enthusiasm. The girl with a straw hat didn't seem to mind his forceful methods, but he did slow down to not hurt her. He supported her when she was bruised while searching for a Poliwag. He didn't want to make it worse.
"What are we watching, Ash?"
"You'll see! It's awesome!"
He reached the closest computer and quickly set it to the channel he wanted. Gary was there, perking up when he saw the duo. It seemed Oak's grandson had the same idea and decided to join them.
"Check it out!" Ash grinned, nudging Serena softly. The screen blipped to life and a blonde trainer's Milotic rained down a torrent of ice at her foe. The battle was fluid and chaotic, the blonde's water-type facing an opponent's Bronzong and matching it measure for measure.
Gary's smile widened in recognition, "It's the girl with the crazy Garchomp!"
"Garchomp?" Serena tilted her head in confusion.
As Gary puffed his chest in pride explaining to the new girl all about the powerful ground-type, Ash watched the battle with an observant eye, his mind absorbing everything happening. Transforming the field into ice and using it for your Pokemon's advantage? Amazing! Skating through the battlefield? It must be for speed! He never knew there was so much complexity in Pokemon battling. It was making his head dizzy just thinking about it.
"She's probably one of the best trainers. Might be even better than Lance," Gary boasted with his usual arrogance. Serena seemed to look at the blonde trainer on the screen with the same reverence Ash had. It only made sense, of course! The owner of Garchomp was pretty awesome!
The three observed the ongoing battle, cheering on the challenger and her fantastical allies. Ash grinned when he saw Serena's eyes sparkle at the beautiful Pokemon being displayed. Powerful and elegant, she ran circles around her opponent. This trainer had a certain appeal to all who watch her. She radiated confidence, her every action tactical and in control. He wondered just what did she do to have such skill.
Would he ever reach that level?
Ash's grin widened at the thought.
Four years could not come soon enough, indeed!
XXX
Cynthia always had an interest in history. The world of Pokemon was a place filled with lost knowledge and she wouldn't deny having some passion for the subject. While her goals laid elsewhere, she shared her family's enthusiasm for the ancient myths and legends that called Sinnoh their home.
As she traveled, explored, and experienced the Pokemon world, she grew to have a healthy appreciation for the subject. The things she saw, the places she'd been, and the mysteries that plague the world were all a sense of temptation for her young mind. She could understand her grandmother's dedication. Her expertise in history and the legends that make up the Pokemon world was admired by many, granddaughter included.
When she told Red, he perked up and offered to take her to places of note that may fascinate her. Intrigued, she easily accepted her rival's offer and their journey through Johto was filled with unique discoveries. How Red knew all of these locations bewildered her, but after all the years of learning from him, she knew to trust his wisdom.
He took her everywhere. Like a seasoned explorer, he guided her through the rural fields of Johto.
This was no different.
They stood in front of a shrine. It was a small thing, with overgrown flora and vines attached to its stone and wood, a small roof on top while surrounded by tall grass. She looked at it with curiosity, turning her head towards Red.
Her rival gave a serene smile as he stared at the shrine. It fascinated Cynthia to see her rival so relaxed here.
"This is the Ilex forest shrine," Red recalled, "This forest and this shrine are usually associated with Celebi."
Cynthia looked at the small construct with wonder. She knew that Pokemon. While not something that was considered a Sinnoh species, it is a Pokemon that was exceedingly noteworthy. To think she could see a shrine for Celebi during her trip through Johto!
"You always know how to surprise me, Red." She smiled as she basked in the natural atmosphere. "I really should be asking how you know all these places."
"I've been to Johto a few times." His eyes softened when he touched the shrine. It was rare to see such an expression on his face, but she wouldn't lie when she said she liked it. It suited him. Why did he never sport it more often? It made him look nicer.
"Before you moved into Celestic Town?"
He nodded, "Plenty of fond memories."
She supposed it made sense. If Kanto was his original home, Johto was close enough that she could envision him visiting it once in a while. She moved closer, taking comfort in Red's presence as they admired the small shrine. The forest had an ethereal quality to it and as the refreshing breeze held her long hair aloft, she could understand how her rival felt so serene here.
When she watched him bask in its tranquility, her eyes couldn't help but be drawn to his, equally captivated by her rival's emotions that were freely displayed. Happiness, sorrow, wistfulness, and acceptance swirled in those eyes.
It was such a complicated mash of emotions, it was almost spellbinding. Whatever memory he was reminiscing must have been a conflicting one. He turned his eyes towards her and she swiftly looked away. She stepped back and cleared her throat.
"You ready to head back?"
Red smiled briefly, giving one long look back at the stone and wooden creation before nodding, "Yeah. Let's go."
Cynthia grabbed his hands and dragged him off, content to watch him chuckle at her eagerness. "Honestly, Red, with the way you've looked at that shrine, some would think you've seen Celebi itself."
Red laughed quietly, "That would be quite the tale, wouldn't it?"
The way he said those words hinted at a more hidden meaning, but for the life of her, she couldn't tell what.
XXX
"Like a rising star, Cynthia of Celestic Town has just defeated Palmer of the Battle Tower!"
"She just can't be stopped, Rob!"
"Couldn't agree more, John, couldn't agree more!"
Ash jumped up and down his bed, loose clothing garbed on his person as he watched the live duel through the screen in his room. Serena was there with him, his newest friend visiting for a playdate.
The summer camp might be over, but the bonds he forged were made of firmer stuff.
His hands were clutching a fake pokeball, moving through the motions Cynthia did, declaring the same words, and calling out the same Pokemon, enraptured by the style and battling techniques the girl displayed. "So cool."
Serena nodded in agreement, her eyes wide at the great power that came forth whenever the blonde confidently battled. She giggled when he tried to mimic the female trainer. He laughed along, having too much fun with the scene.
Ash knew that she wasn't exactly the biggest fan of Pokemon battles, but the girl still held a sense of fascination whenever Cynthia was on screen. She would sometimes yell with him and she would cheer whenever Cynthia defeated a Pokemon.
The boy smiled at his friend's enjoyment. He always liked seeing others just as happy as he was.
He turned back to the screen.
There was no other way to describe the feeling in his chest when he saw the battles Cynthia, Red, and others displayed in those bouts. Those kids were on a whole other level, gracing the screen with an energy that enchanted him. Wallace's graceful performances, Lance's colossal presence, Steven's unflinching will, and Cynthia's exceptional power all held something unique.
It made his blood pump. He wanted to do the same thing. He wanted to call out his Pokemon and do battle just like them. His mind wandered, already imagining all the adventures he'd be in.
When I become a Pokemon trainer, I will travel the world just like you!
"I can't wait," he murmured softly to himself.
"What's that, Ash?"
"Nothing, Serena," he grinned back, "I was just thinking of my own Pokemon adventure."
Serena giggled. "You still have a long way to go!"
Ash groaned at the reminder but perked up quickly. "Then I'll just prepare until then!"
"Shouldn't you already be doing that?" Serena questioned innocently. "Leaving on a journey is a big responsibility! It's not something you can just do!" She huffed. Ash scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. Oak always did say that. It just didn't occur to him. Despite it, she encouraged him all the same. "Still, I wish you all the luck."
"Thanks, Serena!" Ash grinned, "I'll wish you luck on your own journey too!"
The girl started at his words. "M-My own?"
He nodded inquisitively. "Of course! Aren't you going on your own Pokemon journey too?" Didn't everyone want to explore the world, catch unique Pokemon, battle with strong foes, and become the very best? Of course! There was no way his mind could comprehend otherwise!
"But I'm moving."
He winced. Oh yeah. That was a predicament, wasn't it? When she told him one day during a visit, at first, he was hurt. Their friendship started this year and they only had the rest of the year to foster it. It was painful for a child with so few amount of friends like him. His family tried his best, but it just wasn't the same. He clenched his fists.
That wouldn't stop him though!
"It doesn't change anything." He was resolute on this. Serena's eyes widened at his firm tone. He continued, "Even if we're cities apart, even if we're regions apart, we'll still be friends. Don't think of this as a goodbye, Serena. Think of this as a 'see you later!' Doesn't that sound much better?"
"It does," Serena agreed, taking comfort in Ash's energizing support.
"Then that's settled," Ash slammed his fist on his palm. "We'll go on a journey! We'll make friends, create new memories, and choose our own paths. Doesn't that sound fun?"
The girl was silent for a moment, watching Cynthia on the screen. No doubt thoughts were racing through her mind. Ash was a bit surprised that she didn't answer in confirmation instantly, but allowed her to ponder in silence. He jumped a bit when Serena eventually gave a firm nod.
She smiled, "Yeah, my own journey." She had a determined look on her face, but it really didn't suit her youthful face that well, "I would like that!"
"Then we should prepare together," Ash grinned, "I know this one book Professor Oak showed me when I visited his lab! It had pictures of a lot of Pokemon. We should check it out later."
Serena nodded enthusiastically. They talked a bit more, slowly learning more about each other as they planned out the rest of their year together. It was refreshing to have someone new to talk to. Gary was the only one his age willing to speak with him and he wasn't always the most enjoyable person to be around.
Serena was different. She could be a bit shy and be a bit overshadowed by the energy he radiated, but she was kind. She never called him weird or a loser. She gave him his support and for that action alone, she had his gratitude. She was different from the others and it was his duty as her friend to help her just as much as she was helping him!
XXX
Cynthia was still high in excitement as she relished her victory against her second Frontier Brain. She could see why trainers needed an impressive record in the league before challenging them. The battles were intense and each mistake could have been her last. She didn't know how she could have dealt with the challenge if she didn't train a year beforehand.
Another thing to thank Red for. She sat at the side of a battlefield behind a Pokemon Center. Her Pokemon were laying about, enjoying the fresh air, and resting their bodies from the intense training they did beforehand. Red was beside her, taking great care of his Noctowl, Heracross, and Johto starters. Their Garchomps were understandably together by the shade of a nearby tree.
With her conquering two battle facilities and Red usurping four gym badges, it was looking to be a quiet day.
"I can't believe my eyes!" Cynthia started when a rough, bombastic voice echoed throughout the field. She blinked, turning towards the source. A teenager with a muscular physique was marching his way toward her rival. "Red! It has been a while."
"Bruno," Red smiled, allowing him to get manhandled by the bigger teen. She watched the whole thing with befuddlement. "Still as strong as always."
"We never stop training," Bruno smirked before settling the boy down. "I saw your fights in the Ever Grande Conference. I was very impressed. Lorelei was too. It's a shame she's not here to meet you. She'd love to catch up."
"It has been a while," Red agreed, "What has she been up to lately?"
"Traversing the islands near Kanto, I heard!"
"Please send her my regards."
Bruno laughed, patting Red on the back. "Of course, though she'd feel much better if you got to see her in person."
Cynthia cleared her throat. It was obvious to her that this was one of the rivals he mentioned during his journey through Kanto. When the boy turned towards her, she gave a smile and offered her hand, "I take it you must be one of Red's rivals. I'm Cynthia!"
Bruno grinned and shook it roughly, the force of the shake almost sending her reeling. She thought her arms were about to be torn off! "And who's this, Red? Don't tell me, is sh-"
"My rival," Red was quick to interrupt Bruno, "My very first one."
Cynthia didn't like the knowing look Bruno gave them. "Well, they do say that you never forget your first."
She supposed that was true. Red really did give her a memorable first impression during their journey. She wouldn't be able to forget everything they'd been through together and she wouldn't trade their experience for the world. She nodded to the fit trainer. She looked at him with confusion when the boy laughed harder.
Red was less enthused, but carried on, "Traveling Johto now, Bruno?"
"I decided to take a page out of your book," Bruno grinned, "Wanted to travel a bit. Lance opted to do it too so I decided why not?" He shrugged but his expression quickly changed to a more challenging smirk. "But enough about that. It has been a while since we've fought, Red! How about it?"
Red huffed in feigned reluctance before nodding with a challenging smirk. "I won't say no to a Pokemon battle, Bruno."
"Good to see that you still have that fighting spirit I saw in Kanto," Bruno barked with a laugh, already heading to the stage with a pokeball thrown into the air, "I'm not the same boy all those years ago, Red! Battle on, Machamp!"
Red chuckled at his rival's antics, nodding towards the excited bug-type beside him. "Heracross."
She was content to watch them battle, her thoughts beginning to wander back to her Pokemon and all the people they'd met so far during their journey through Johto. Plenty of them seemed to know Red with Lance and Bruno easily being the most memorable of the batch they've encountered. They were strong, experienced trainers in their own right. It was good that Red had an ample amount of competition. It only made his performance in the Indigo League more admirable.
The thought of Red traversing leads to the thought of their eventual separation.
Back to traveling alone.
She frowned. The thought of leaving him ached, but she knew it was inevitable. She wanted to head back to Sinnoh. He wanted to go to Unova.
I want to travel with him.
Her hands clenched.
They'd adventured alone before. It was simply just going back to the norm, back to exploring the world of Pokemon. They would make new friends, obtain new Pokemon, forge new bonds, and challenge new rivals.
But it would be better with Red by her side, wouldn't it?
I'm feeling so stupid, Cynthia clapped her cheeks, shaking her head. Why was this so important to her? Red clearly didn't have the same problem. He was always looking at the horizon, searching for the next grand adventure. She should be the same. She had the same goals he did. She left Celestic Town to have her own journey. She wanted to grow as a person.
Then why was the thought of leaving him bothering her so much?
She sighed in exasperation.
Stupid Red. Why did he have to be such a good friend? Why was he always so attentive, always so kind? It didn't make sense!
"Superpower, Machamp! Let's show them your fighting spirit!"
"Brick Break."
The explosion rocked the battlefield. Lucario beside her was pumped up at the sight of the two fighting-types doing battle. She released a breath and shook the thoughts from before out of her mind. They still had time. She didn't need to worry about it. She still had three more battle facilities to go and he needed four more gym badges.
What happens once they're out of time?
She ignored that niggling thought.
XXX
As she traveled with him, she got to see not just his personal life, but the bonds he'd made along the way. She got to see his friends, his rivals, and the things he did on his journey. He would always include her whenever she was near and she would be grateful, partaking in newer experiences that only made her stronger, better, as both a person and trainer.
Red once commented that it was the journey, not the destination that impacted a trainer. She couldn't deny that. The people she met on her path to the top gave unique lessons.
Bruno was bombastic. They met him from time to time. His energy was contagious, his thrill of battle always sparking even Red's normally calm exterior. She enjoyed the atmosphere the fit trainer would bring and his fighting-types were always so spirited. It made her want to work hard and fight too! He taught her that bettering her body was just as important as refining her mind.
Lance was serious and cool, but he had the youthful energy of a battler. She knew the training dragon master always strived to be better and it was an admirable trait to have. She shared the same thing and had no doubt that he would become a great trainer in the future. He taught her to never have regrets, to always take an opportunity when she saw it.
She met others, of course.
There were people like Koga, a ninja-in-training with a solemn exterior that held insightful wisdom and a hidden depth of secrecy as expected of a shinobi. There was also Clair, the female dragon trainer forging her own unorthodox path to become the best, and some new ones that they'd recently encountered like Karen, the girl blazing forward to become a fine master of dark-types.
There were also some newer people she was not as enthused to meet.
Months passed by like the fleeting wind. Battles were waged, victories were won, defeats were analyzed, but she grew from it all the same.
When she stepped into the Battle Castle, her body and mind steeled for the inevitable battle, she was able to understand several things.
During her time, she grew to appreciate Red's expertise. She grew to appreciate his cooking, his company, his wisdom, and his Pokemon. She would never say otherwise. Cynthia was getting more comfortable around him. She got to learn so much! She would seldom say no whenever he joined her, but there were times when she didn't exactly appreciate several traits of his.
Red had grown as a trainer. She loved his work ethic. His growth made her work just as hard. Unfortunately, that growth did lead to attention.
"So you're Red," Caitlin was quick to join his side. The fourteen-year-old Frontier Brain had been eyeing her rival with something akin to affection and intrigue ever since they entered. Cynthia didn't like it one bit. "Celestic Town's prince."
Red nodded. Caitlin's eyes sparkled at his confirmation and Cynthia never wanted to push a girl off her rival like she wanted to now.
"I am Caitlin," she offered with a shy smile, "Princess of the Battle Castle. It's nice to meet you."
Don't be fooled, Red! She's a minx, a vixen! That pretty persona is nothing but lies!
She wanted to scream it out loud for her rival to hear, but she also had tact. This was the Frontier Brain. It'd be rude to say that no matter how much she wanted to.
"Are you here to challenge the Battle Castle?"
Those feminine wiles! That sweet voice and adorable look! Close your eyes, Red! That girl is nothing but trouble!
Call it a girl's intuition! She just wanted to look after her rival's well-being after all. Red was many things, but being perceptive of a girl's attention, he was not. Said boy blinked before shaking his head and pointing at Cynthia. The smile he wore did little to scare away the attentive lady. In fact, it only bolstered the girl's attention toward him! "I am afraid not. She's your challenger."
Caitlin pouted at his answer and gave a sigh of disappointment. "Darach," Caitlin waved for her butler, "Get over here and test our opponent."
The butler obeyed swiftly and was already speaking of the rules of engagement to Cynthia. She half-heartedly listened as she watched the princess drag Red to watch the battle by the stands instead of the traditional throne that she was supposed to sit in. The boy didn't seem that perturbed by the attention the girl was showering him with, answering all of the lady's questions with a polite smile.
Honestly, Red, you can be too nice, Cynthia thought, a menacing smile crawling up her face. The normally confident butler had to take a step back when he saw it. If I finish this quickly, the faster we can leave this place and challenge the final battle facility.
Her fingers began twitching towards the pokeball that held Garchomp.
XXX
"Hey Cynthia," the boy spoke up, walking alongside her, an eyebrow raised.
"Yes, Red?"
"Did you really have to destroy half of the castle in that battle?"
Cynthia held an impressive poker face, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Right," Red sighed, "And do I need to ask why you were so aggressive with Caitlin? She was nothing but nice to us."
"You're already on a first-name basis with her, huh?"
"What?"
She kept her silence.
XXX
"Where are we going, Ash?"
The boy in question gave a sneaky grin as he guided her through the meadows within Professor Oak's corral. The widespread amount of Pokemon let them through, already used to the presence of these two over the course of the year.
She was going to leave soon.
He didn't want her to go, but he knew there was nothing they could do to stop it. The only consolation was their promise to meet again. He grabbed her hand and lead her to one of the tallest hills.
The wind swept their hair, the cool breeze sending a beautiful gust their way. He enjoyed it for a moment before tugging Serena to their destination.
"Before you go," Ash spoke, "there's one view you should see. One more memory of Kanto. I promise that it'll be great!"
Serena giggled, "Alright, what view then?"
"It's usually by this time," Ash nodded, "Check it out!"
He waved his hands, exaggerating his hand as he presented the sight. The timing was perfect. It wasn't a well-thought-out plan, honestly. He just went with his gut, but he always visited this place, always enjoying the view that Oak showed him once.
On the highest hill of the ranch where a single tree grows, the professor took him here to watch the setting sun. The warm light that touched his face was as memorable as it could get for youth like him. He wanted to share it with Serena.
He heard the girl suck a breath at the sight. Her eyes sparkled and he couldn't help but cross his arms with pride.
"You may be leaving Kanto, but Kanto won't leave you," Ash spoke, recalling Professor Oak's own words when the older man talked about his own Pokemon journey. Leaving home had always been the toughest part of growing up. To explore the world meant to go to parts unknown.
That didn't mean that you were alone.
That's what friends are for, right? Ash nodded to himself. Your friends can make you laugh and cry. Your friends can make you worked up or relaxed. Your friends can be human or Pokemon. You aren't alone though. Even when you are, you're carrying them with you. Sometimes literally!
"Thank you, Ash." Serena's tone was filled with emotion, but gratitude was prevalent among all of them.
"On this hill, let's make a promise," Ash stared at Serena, a grin on his face, "that when we begin our Pokemon journey, we'll be there for each other, even if it's through calls or letters. Let's have a great time."
Serena clenched her fists but nodded. "I promise. I'll do my best to always keep in contact. I'll tell you all about Kalos!"
"Good!"
She giggled before nudging him lightly, "I just hope you don't forget it!"
Ash laughed, "If I do, you have my permission to hit me!"
"What kind of response was that?" Serena whined but smiled. When she turned back to watch the sunset, she couldn't help but point somewhere. "Hey, Ash."
"Yeah?"
"What's that Pokemon?"
He perked up and turned his head towards the source. His eyes widened at the large bird in the skies, its figure heading towards the sunset in all its magnificent glory. It sparkled like a rainbow, its great wings flapping with an elegance he had never seen in any other bird Pokemon he saw. Despite reading all about so many different types of Pokemon, he had no idea which one this was!
All he knew was that it was cool!
"I don't know!"
"You say that with such confidence!"
"Well, it looks pretty awesome."
Serena giggled but nodded. "It does."
The two watched it fly away, their heads filled with child-like fascination and awe.
XXX
Cynthia took a deep breath. The gusts of wind were ruining her long golden locks, but it didn't matter to her. They were at the top of the Bell Tower, a place rich with history and myth. She couldn't help but be attuned to the atmosphere here. She basked in it; enjoyed it, allowing her mind to release any stress and simply absorb the warmth.
Red knew that she enjoyed places of historical value. Was this what this was? The story of this land was old, the tale known to her due to the knowledge of her grandmother. Did he want to treat her with another experience like the one with the Celebi shrine? One final place after they conquered the gyms and frontier? She gave a soft laugh.
He joined her side, observing the setting light. The atmosphere beside them was pleasant and quiet as they appreciated the sights together. "Enjoying the view?"
Cynthia nodded, delighting in the cooling touch of air on her skin. "It's nice."
"I wanted to bring you here for several reasons," Red spoke with a light tone. "It's a great place to relax and I wanted a nice place for us to be together before we leave Johto."
She looked at him curiously. He always did have his motives. "Where is this going, Red?"
He walked past her, turning around, a content expression on his face. There was a breeze around them and her heart almost leaped through her chest when his shoes were close to the edge. She was about to call for him.
That was when it happened.
The breeze became strong gusts. Her eyes had a second to comprehend the gigantic bird that flew overhead, its entrance forcing their clothes to billow through the wind. She saw brilliant red feathers sparkle like rainbows and she had to gasp when she fully took in the Pokemon. A legendary existence that was so rare that many considered it nothing but a fairytale, or at the very least extinct. The phoenix before them was-
"Ho-Oh."
She swerved her head at Red. He grinned at her astonishment.
That astonishment changed to awe when one of its feathers descended down toward them. That awe morphed to disbelief when he took one of her hands and gently placed the feather onto her palm.
Did he know what he was doing? This thing is priceless! Her face was completely red as he nonchalantly gifted her something her grandma, no, any researcher would do anything to get.
"To remember our trip through Johto." His words made her heartbeat speed up. "A gift to commemorate our time here."
Cynthia held the feather tenderly. A myriad of questions swam in her mind. "Will you ever tell me how you seem to know these things?"
"One day." Red looked at the setting sun.
"I'll hold you to that, Red." She watched with him, holding the feather close to her chest. Her beating heart never calmed down until the next morning.
XXX
"Red sends out his first Pokemon! Oh my, is that Torterra!?"
"It seems he's bringing out his old guard, Rob! I remember when it was once a Grotle in the Lily of the Valley Conference!"
"Good times, John, good times. Now that Grotle we saw years ago is facing one of the region's Elite Four, Agatha!"
Ash gripped his fake pokeball, his eyes shining like stars. Gary and Serena were with him today. The Silver Conference was all they could talk about and for good reason. So many promising trainers were in it! Lance! Bruno! Red! How could they not want to watch it?
He whooped in joy when the battle began in earnest and Ash was quick to observe every movement that he could track. Crobat and Torterra battled like titans of their respective domains. Blitzing speed tested careful patience.
He took note of it all.
Every battle, every attack, every tactic, Ash was entranced by it. Torterra crashed into the ranks, never stopping, never faltering until its eventual defeat. Ghosts and poison-types made into a formidable blockade against Red's assault yet he threw everything he had to crush his foe.
With Torterra's fall, Lapras reinforced the battlefield with ice and sea. Once the water-type collapsed, Charizard came to bring havoc and destruction. At Charizard's defeat, the unflinching Swellow brought brutality to an otherwise fearless foe. When Swellow was crushed, Pikachu came to settle the score. Pikachu wrought chaos and panic into her forces, once more bringing ruin to the otherwise experienced team.
And when Pikachu was brought low, Garchomp came to match with the ghastly opponents.
Blow for blow, he'd never seen someone so young stand up to what Kanto and Johto considered one of their finest fighters for generations. Oak once told Ash that Agatha was one of the greatest trainers their region ever produced, easily keeping her spot in the Elite Four for years.
Red was matching her. It was humbling to watch. He was definitely one of the few of their generation that had the talent, slowly coming into their own and becoming the newest leaders of the Pokemon world.
"He's pretty good," Gary muttered.
"Changed your mind now, huh Gary?"
"Oh shut up, Ash!"
They laughed together as they watched the fight. Both challengers were down to their last Pokemon and some of their best were left standing. The foreigner brought forth a dragon of Sinnoh to match the native's Gengar in a fight between two regional warriors. It was a blast to see as two great combatants did everything they could to scrap a victory. Someone had to give though.
Ash roared with Red, his stuffed pokeball up in the air.
Draco Meteor clashed with Giga Impact.
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
"Who won that, John?"
"I can't see anything, Rob!"
Gary leaned in, interest peaked. Serena watched with bated breath. The crowd's cries were so loud that they could be heard through the television.
"Gengar is unable to battle. The winner is Red Satoshi of Celestic Town!"
Later that night, Ash was grounded for waking up the neighbors.
XXX
Ash hugged Serena tightly. In the distance, their mothers watched them with forlorn expressions. Gary was with the two kids, though he knew not to interrupt them. He smirked but gave them space as they bade their farewells. That was all he could ask for from Oak's grandson. They separated from the close contact, the girl's eyes wet with tears.
"Chin up, Serena!" Ash grinned. "Remember what I said?"
"Yeah," she nodded, "This isn't goodbye. This is 'see you later.'"
"Don't worry about Ash, Serena," Gary had his arms thrown over his shoulders. "I'll keep him in line. Someone's got to keep his head on the ground."
He laughed and shoved Gary off him. "And someone's got to do the same to you too, Gary."
The boy scoffed, "Like you'd be able to catch up to me, Ketchum!"
Ash ignored him and turned back to Serena. This was her day, he shouldn't be fussing himself over Gary. "Keep that handkerchief. It's not much, but it's something to remember me by. Let's keep in touch as much as possible!"
"I'll write letters," Serena promised, "and I'll try and get my mom to contact yours as much as possible!"
"That's great!"
The two smiled, taking their sweet time until their departure. They made small talk and enjoyed one final conversation before her mother called to her and they had to finally leave. He gave a small nod, even when Gary nudged him and made a joking comment. He knew that his other friend just wanted to lighten the mood. He nudged back, waving at Serena once more as she joined her mother.
He was not worried. He'd see her again. They promised! Those are written in stone! You couldn't break them!
"Hey Ash, we're losing sunlight! Want to head to gramp's lab?"
"Yeah, let's go, Gary."
XXX
Cynthia hugged Red tightly.
This was it. The end of their journey as companions. No more birthdays together. No more battles together. No more funny quips or genuine advice. She wouldn't be able to take comfort by his side, see him every morning, or eat his cooking. She always knew that their journey together was temporary, but these two years felt so short.
Time flies when you were having fun.
It sucks!
"It's not like we're not ever going to see each other, Cynthia." Red gave her a soothing pat on the back, careful not to worsen her already sorrowful mood. "We'll still get to talk to each other. I'm sure we'll meet again."
"It's just not the same."
"I know," Red nodded but his lips quirked up, "but all good things must come to an end."
"Doesn't mean I have to like it."
"Yeah," Red agreed, "Do you still have that feather?"
Of course. She would never part with it while she lived! It was as much a mythical object as it was a gift from her worthwhile and longtime rival. To ever think of ruining or losing it was unthinkable in her mind. She nodded, "I do."
"Then chin up, Cynthia." He separated from her hug slowly, "We still got the rest of the world to explore and experience. We'll reunite again."
"I know," Cynthia smiled slightly before sighing. "I'll work hard until then. You've been doing way too well recently. I need to catch up."
"To be fair, Cynthia, I couldn't beat the second Elite Four."
"Top four in Sinnoh. Runner-up in Kanto. Victor of Johto and Hoenn," Cynthia listed, amused as Red winced at each result. "Defeated an Elite Four this year. Your growth is phenomenal, Red."
Red laughed ruefully, "There are other amazing trainers out there as well, Cynthia. You've met many of them. You are one of them." He patted her shoulder good-naturedly. "Top eight to runner-up in a single year? You were invited and won against the Johto Battle Frontier. They were some of the strongest trainers in the region if not the world. Don't sell yourself short."
"I won't." She shook her head. "I'll keep working hard," Cynthia watched Red nod at her words, "You helped me become what I am. I won't tarnish the work and training we did together. I'll become a champion. I'll win the league, beat the Elite Four, and become the best in Sinnoh."
"I'm looking forward to it."
She flushed at the honesty in his words before changing into a sterner expression. "Then I expect nothing less from you as well, Red. I won't accept anything less for a rival of a future champion!"
His laugh became more genuine. "I'll do my best to meet your expectations."
And she knew he would meet them. He was that kind of guy.
"You know, they say the top is a lonely place," Cynthia murmured, watching Red nod in agreement. She shook her head, "I disagree." Red was startled by her words and before he could respond, she continued, "After journeying with you, I don't think that saying is right. When I reach the top, you'll be there by my side and there will be others too. I don't think I'll be lonely."
Red was stunned by her words but gave it some rumination. "I haven't thought about it like that before."
"Then maybe you should," Cynthia smiled brightly, stepping back when she saw the boat for Sinnoh approaching. "See you later, Red."
Her rival smiled, waving farewell. "See you later, Cynthia."
Cynthia entered the ship.