RE: Pokemon Blak-Chapter 2 DONE, PAGE 3 NOW
Link me. I'll look it over.
charidude said:
Link me. I'll look it over.
Writing Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 5 PREVIEW UP
- Thread starter Dictator Dauntless
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RE: Pokemon Blak-Chapter 2 DONE, PAGE 3 NOW
Any other comments?
Any other comments?
RE: Pokemon Blak-Chapter 2 DONE, PAGE 3 NOW
Not bad... not bad at all.
At first glance over the prologue, I - to be honest - rolled my eyes in what is a common situation for the beginning of a new trainer.
I'm glad to say, after finishing up to here, this is anything but common.
Though the names are clichéd (come on, what Pokémon fan doesn't know Red and Blue?), the told tale that unfolds compared to the official story differs so much that your story is rather is original (and yes, I expected Pikachu and Eevee, instead of what you choose... then again, your signature is virtually a dead giveway). The two battles are just as descriptive as the vents that take place outside them, giving a perfect balance of action between the two.
I look forward to enjoying more of this story. Happy Writing.
Not bad... not bad at all.
At first glance over the prologue, I - to be honest - rolled my eyes in what is a common situation for the beginning of a new trainer.
I'm glad to say, after finishing up to here, this is anything but common.
Though the names are clichéd (come on, what Pokémon fan doesn't know Red and Blue?), the told tale that unfolds compared to the official story differs so much that your story is rather is original (and yes, I expected Pikachu and Eevee, instead of what you choose... then again, your signature is virtually a dead giveway). The two battles are just as descriptive as the vents that take place outside them, giving a perfect balance of action between the two.
I look forward to enjoying more of this story. Happy Writing.
RE: Pokemon Blak-Chapter 2 DONE, PAGE 3 NOW
Thanks a lot.
And do you know what? That's fine. I knew many people would. This is the classic story Red. And the story must always at least BEGIN the same, even if it will end differently.
Because Pokemon is a kids game, it will never be explored in depth. Red and Blue was my favorite situation, so here I am, exploring the depths to the best of ability.
The reason for the unusual starters is simple--first of all, these are cool, slightly lesser seen Pokemon that can be developed interestingly, secondly is that it is part of my plan to make you feel Rocket's presence very early on. Even though at this point they have no contact with Red personally,they are already a driving force on the story, and have already done significant things.
Thank you. Anyone who takes the time to tell me what they think, good or bad, is going to be the driving force for my writing. I can never get enough criticism.
Thanks a lot.
And do you know what? That's fine. I knew many people would. This is the classic story Red. And the story must always at least BEGIN the same, even if it will end differently.
Because Pokemon is a kids game, it will never be explored in depth. Red and Blue was my favorite situation, so here I am, exploring the depths to the best of ability.
The reason for the unusual starters is simple--first of all, these are cool, slightly lesser seen Pokemon that can be developed interestingly, secondly is that it is part of my plan to make you feel Rocket's presence very early on. Even though at this point they have no contact with Red personally,they are already a driving force on the story, and have already done significant things.
Thank you. Anyone who takes the time to tell me what they think, good or bad, is going to be the driving force for my writing. I can never get enough criticism.
RE: Pokemon Blak-Chapter 2 DONE, PAGE 3 NOW
For those of you following ym story, the short story I entered might interest you.
http://www.pokebeach.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=55615&page=4
For those of you following ym story, the short story I entered might interest you.
http://www.pokebeach.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=55615&page=4
RE: Pokemon Blak-Chapter 2 DONE, PAGE 3 NOW
CHAPTER 3
The sun hung high, around noon in Viridian City. Outside the gates to the Victory Road, Red and Blue helped a particularly miffed guard up to his feet. He grumbled a thanks, dusting himself off. His face was scratched, and he had taken a few bruises from the recent wild Pokémon attack, but he should be fine just the same. Red could not tell if it was his swollen jaw, or his pride, but the guard was trying to tell them something, and he wasn't having an easy time doing it.
“...Thank you, kids. I-I could have been injured. Badly,” said the guard, his head lowered. “Look, have this.”
He pulled the orb and chain from around his neck, handing it to Red. Blue leaned in to inspect it, a little jealous.
“I just found it one day. It's called a Light Orb. Take it with you when you pass through Viridian. It's supposed to bring good fortune. And you'll need it....Viridian Forest is treacherous in its own way. People go missing,” the guard said seriously, scratching his swollen chin.
“Sure thing,” said Red, unimpressed. All he had heard about Viridian Forest was the mysterious Pokémon it housed...and that was all he really cared for. Regardless, he slipped it around his neck, and thought it looked rather well on him.
Red tipped his hat and turned to leave, Psyduck following suit. He clipped his newly caught Mankey's ball onto his belt, resolving to begin training it in the forest. Blue shrugged, saying nonchalantly, “Whatever,” and walking away with Red, Psyduck, and his Growlithe back towards the route. As they began on the road proper,, feet crunching grass, Blue began to chuckle derisively.
Red, unnerved, stopped and asked him, “What's so funny, Blue?”
“That idiot. He's got no Pokémon of his own, and he walks around wearing something like that? You were too nice. We should have left him. But, I figured we better help him. I know you'd whine if we didn't,” said Blue, sighing loudly. “But I suppose you got a shiny little stone and a Pokémon out of it, so, no harm done.”
This was the side of Blue that Red had seen little of in their friendship—and certainly one he wished to continue seeing little of. Nice as he was to Red, he was generally a right rude little pin to others.
“Let it go, he made a mistake,” said Red, looking at him and starting up a walk again, “ he could have been seriously injured.”
“Whatever, Red,” said Blue, lowering his head again. “Come on. Let's get on our way to Viridian Forest. I can't wait to get to Pewter City.”
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CHAPTER 3
The sun hung high, around noon in Viridian City. Outside the gates to the Victory Road, Red and Blue helped a particularly miffed guard up to his feet. He grumbled a thanks, dusting himself off. His face was scratched, and he had taken a few bruises from the recent wild Pokémon attack, but he should be fine just the same. Red could not tell if it was his swollen jaw, or his pride, but the guard was trying to tell them something, and he wasn't having an easy time doing it.
“...Thank you, kids. I-I could have been injured. Badly,” said the guard, his head lowered. “Look, have this.”
He pulled the orb and chain from around his neck, handing it to Red. Blue leaned in to inspect it, a little jealous.
“I just found it one day. It's called a Light Orb. Take it with you when you pass through Viridian. It's supposed to bring good fortune. And you'll need it....Viridian Forest is treacherous in its own way. People go missing,” the guard said seriously, scratching his swollen chin.
“Sure thing,” said Red, unimpressed. All he had heard about Viridian Forest was the mysterious Pokémon it housed...and that was all he really cared for. Regardless, he slipped it around his neck, and thought it looked rather well on him.
Red tipped his hat and turned to leave, Psyduck following suit. He clipped his newly caught Mankey's ball onto his belt, resolving to begin training it in the forest. Blue shrugged, saying nonchalantly, “Whatever,” and walking away with Red, Psyduck, and his Growlithe back towards the route. As they began on the road proper,, feet crunching grass, Blue began to chuckle derisively.
Red, unnerved, stopped and asked him, “What's so funny, Blue?”
“That idiot. He's got no Pokémon of his own, and he walks around wearing something like that? You were too nice. We should have left him. But, I figured we better help him. I know you'd whine if we didn't,” said Blue, sighing loudly. “But I suppose you got a shiny little stone and a Pokémon out of it, so, no harm done.”
This was the side of Blue that Red had seen little of in their friendship—and certainly one he wished to continue seeing little of. Nice as he was to Red, he was generally a right rude little pin to others.
“Let it go, he made a mistake,” said Red, looking at him and starting up a walk again, “ he could have been seriously injured.”
“Whatever, Red,” said Blue, lowering his head again. “Come on. Let's get on our way to Viridian Forest. I can't wait to get to Pewter City.”
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RE: Pokemon Blak-Chapter 3 Preview up, page 4
CHAPTER 3
The sun hung high, around noon in Viridian City. Outside the gates to the Victory Road, Red and Blue helped a particularly miffed guard up to his feet. He grumbled a thanks, dusting himself off. His face was scratched, and he had taken a few bruises from the recent wild Pokémon attack, but he should be fine just the same. Red could not tell if it was his swollen jaw, or his pride, but the guard was trying to tell them something, and he wasn't having an easy time doing it.
“...Thank you, kids. I-I could have been injured. Badly,” said the guard, his head lowered. “Look, have this.”
He pulled the orb and chain from around his neck, handing it to Red. Blue leaned in to inspect it, a little jealous.
“I just found it one day. It's called a Light Orb. Take it with you when you pass through Viridian. It's supposed to bring good fortune. And you'll need it....Viridian Forest is treacherous in its own way. People go missing,” the guard said seriously, scratching his swollen chin.
“Sure thing,” said Red, unimpressed. All he had heard about Viridian Forest was the mysterious Pokémon it housed...and that was all he really cared for. Regardless, he slipped it around his neck, and thought it looked rather well on him.
Red tipped his hat and turned to leave, Psyduck following suit. He clipped his newly caught Mankey's ball onto his belt, resolving to begin training it in the forest. Blue shrugged, saying nonchalantly, “Whatever,” and walking away with Red, Psyduck, and his Growlithe back towards the route. As they began on the road proper,, feet crunching grass, Blue began to chuckle derisively.
Red, unnerved, stopped and asked him, “What's so funny, Blue?”
“That idiot. He's got no Pokémon of his own, and he walks around wearing something like that? You were too nice. We should have left him. But, I figured we better help him. I know you'd whine if we didn't,” said Blue, sighing loudly. “But I suppose you got a shiny little stone and a Pokémon out of it, so, no harm done.”
This was the side of Blue that Red had seen little of in their friendship—and certainly one he wished to continue seeing little of. Nice as he was to Red, he was generally a right rude little pin to others.
“Let it go, he made a mistake,” said Red, looking at him and starting up a walk again, “ he could have been seriously injured.”
“Whatever, Red,” said Blue, lowering his head again. “Come on. Let's get on our way to Viridian Forest. I can't wait to get to Pewter City.”
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After a brief detour through Viridian City, and a brisk walk north through the city past an old man with a hangover(who seemed to be under the impression he could 'learn them to catch Pokémans'), R ed and Blue made it to the gate of Viridian Forest. Trees bordered the building on all sides, so tight together that any attempt to go through any other way but the gate must be near impossible. Though the sun was shining brightly, it was near all shade here. The gloomy atmosphere reflected in Red, who yawned from under the shadow of his hat.
They and their Pokémon entered through the gate. The room seemed to be like a waiting room all its own, white tiled and calm. A red carpet was rolled out through to the gate exit, and various people sat in benches around the room. Red and Blue crossed the room, stopping at the exit door. Warning signs were plastered all over the door, telling about the dangers of the forest. As Blue read about the effects of Beedrill's poison, Red found himself checking his bad for Antidote. Thankfully, he had some, but Red shuddered all the same. A picture of the large bee Pokémon, Beedrill was on one of the signs, and it wasn't a Pokémon he fancied getting stung by.
“Come on, you baby,” said Blue, slapping him hard on the back and pulling up his backpack, “Let's check it out.”
Red nodded, opening the door. What they saw, caused Red and Blue to stare as they exited the gate, still as the door shut.
High grass and tall trees sprouted upward, climbing as high in the sky as they were able, the trees mushrooming into giant stalks of green leaves. Light barely peeked the treetops, illuminating all the details of the forest, from the dewy grass to the shining pools of water. Grass shook with the lives of a thousand bug Pokémon, lying in wait for discovery. Small Weedle and Caterpie trudged along through blades on earth, searching for their spot to rest. Golden-skinned Kakuna hung from trees, swaying gently in the wind with the leaves, waiting for their time of change. Butterfree flew gracefully about the forest, picking large flowers to rest upon. The forest breathed this circle of life, all laid out in front of them, a true cycle.
To Red and Blue, this was a jackpot find. They split up for a moment, scanning all the bug Pokémon they saw into their Pokédex. Thankfully, they seemed not to be very hostile. As they started about the forest, Psyduck sat by a tree and waited, patiently, while Growlithe ran freely, chasing a Butterfree for sport.
Bug Pokémon, it turned out, were also quite easy to catch. They sized up several Weedle and Caterpie, scooping them away into Poké Balls with no problem, which they figured ought to be enough. Soon after, they collected their Pokémon, and headed on their way.
The forest, though making for a pleasant walk, was an infernal maze. They found themselves getting lost quickly. A couple of times, Red was sure he heard something, something following them, but he shrugged it off. Growlithe was being kept on a tight leash too, and he did not like it one bit. However, this was a forest, a very flammable forest, and Red and Blue both felt that they could deal without a forest fire.
After a few hours, the sun began to fall, and Red and Blue were getting very irritated. They had totally neglected to buy any Pokémon Repel, and they were soon regretting it. Though they were not a problem to fight or deal with generally, they became a nuisance as time wore on just by the sheer number of them.
As the sky above the trees turned orange, Red and Blue stopped to begin setting up camp. They knew that they were totally lost, and there was no chance of them leaving the forest that night. So, they began to set up camp in a nearby clearing, finally making use of the contents of their bags.
Red and Blue rolled out sleeping bags, pulled out their camping equipment, and set to work. Blue and Growlithe set off into the forest to find berries and mushrooms, and left Red with the much harder task of chopping wood. Red was not even sure if this was legal, but it hardly mattered to him. Aside from various Pokémon, they had seen no one on their walk through the forest. As Red went to work at the logs he found with his hatchet, he very much regretted not having a Pokémon with sharp claws. Of course, Psyduck was in position to help, and Red wasn't sure he could have even if he was that strong. As it was he stole Red's sleeping bag, nestled up warm and tight.
You cheeky little...
Then Red had an idea. Looking to make sure no one else was around, Red unclipped a Poké Ball from his belt and tossed it to the ground, opening up in red light to his newly caught Mankey.
“Okay, Mankey. I know a couple of your moves. Karate Chop that wood for me, please,” said Red softly, trying to be as nice as possible.
Mankey just stared at him hatefully.
Red stared back, nervous.
Mankey jumped up with blinding speed, thumping Red on the head and stealing his hat. As he landed behind Red, he placed it hard down on his head, then danced with glee.
Red groaned furiously, running his hand through his hair roughly.
“Look, I caught you. Stop being so sour. I want to be friends with you. But this isn't going to work out with you stealing my hat. Give it back.”
Mankey turned, shaking his tail at Red.
Red dived, just missing his Pokémon and crashing into the dirt. Mankey jumped on his back, slammed the hat onto his head sideways and ran for it, heading into the trees beyond the clearing. Red, though blinded by his hat, got up quickly, turning it back into place. He caught a glimpse of Mankey as he ran away. Red held the bridge of his nose, squeezing it, frustrated.
“Come on Psyduck, get up. We need to go find your new friend,” said Red through gritted teeth.
Psyduck sighed, just as irritated as Red. He picked himself up and waddled behind Red as they too disappeared back into the forest. The began their search, high and low, but it did not really take long. Red's Mankey was hanging from his tail on a tree limb next to two Kakuna, who he was slapping with gusto. Though they could do little but hang there and weather it, it was obvious that they were very, very irritated. They made a sort of rattling, hissing noise each time he did it, and Mankey giggled, delighted.
“Get down from there you idiot, get down from there!” hissed Red, who could see what Mankey did not. Several Beedrill had followed the rattling sound and were zooming in on his Pokémon, with others join the group. Cursing, Red dived and grabbed his Mankey. He rolled, stopped and looked up to see at least fifteen Beedrill buzzing angrily at him. His Psyduck began to run, and after blankly staring for several seconds, Red followed suit, grabbing Psyduck by the arm and sprinting as quickly as he could. But there was no escape from the Beedrill, even at the clearing. Red knew he would have to stand and fight. He skidded and turned in the middle of the clearing, taking a firm stance.
Mankey, irritated by the sudden grab, swiped at Red's face and somersaulted down to earth, then leered at the buzzing Beedrill.
“Augh, Mankey, work with me one time, alright, or these Beedrill or going to run us through!” yelled Red, looking for a sign from Mankey.
It did not come. Mankey simply screeched and jumped at the nearest Beedrill, kicking and clawing at it furiously. He jumped to the next, landing a jump kick on its abdomen, and it fell.
As Mankey started his barrage, Red began to take charge of Psyduck.
“Psyduck, Water Gun. Blast away as many you can!”ordered Red, watching the Beedrill cautiously.
Psyduck raised his head, launching the jets of water high. He blasted several Beedrill, causing them to fly away.
Then, a single Beedrill broke through the ranks, flying at Psyduck and jabbed him with his needle arm, causing him to fall over, squealing with pain. The attack left a nasty purple wound and Psyduck shivered and spasmed.
Poisoned!
Red rushed to his bag to grab an Antidote, when suddenly he heard a high screech fill the air. His Mankey had been beaten down by one of the Beedrill, and all of them were rushing it, striking with poison jabs again and again and again. Mankey screeched again, swiping weakly.
Horrorstruck, Red leapt forward and, in an act of wild desperation, punched the nearest Beedrill in the face. It fell back a bit, then zipped forward angrily.
Now he had done it. He pulled back from the punch, all the Beedrill with their attention on him. He stepped back once, then again. They buzzed louder than ever before.
The first zoomed towards him, a needle outstretched, and Red fully expected to be run through by it. But suddenly, a hand moved forward, swiping the needle away. It was Mankey, and though he was a bit purple in the face, he could still fight. But another Beedrill was coming. He would have to thank his Pokémon later.
“Mankey, Vital Throw!” shouted Red as a Beedrill buzzed forward. Mankey grabbed it by the needle, digging his heel into the dirt, then spinning and tossing it at the other Beedrill. They crashed back, and Red watched as they all fainted, a broken heap on the ground. Red looked back to Psyduck, who was losing color in the face.
“Mankey, keep a watch on those Beedrill. Psyduck needs an Antidote right away,” Red said, running back to his bag for the Antidote he had dropped and choosing a few Potions from his bag. He rushed back to Psyduck, spraying the medicine over his wound as Mankey circled the seemingly out cold Beedrill warily.
The purple tinge lightened, and Red was sure that Psyduck would be alright. He sprayed a Potion voer the wound just the same though, to be safe.
He sat, exhausted. The prospect of nearly dying in this god forsaken forest with his Pokémon had drained the life from him.
“Mankey, come here. You need Antidote too.”
Though reluctant, Mankey came, giving him a hard look. As Red moved forward with the antidote, the Pokémon grabbed his hand, giving him one last hard look that said: I still don't trust you. Then, allowed him to spray the Antidote. After the purple tinge was gone from his face, he hopped off of Red's lap and walked out of sight, though still staying in the clearing.
Red sighed, despairing. His Mankey was already proving to be trouble, and they certainly weren't getting along too well. He listened to the forest quietly, thinking.
A Pokémon tried to kill me today...but then, my Mankey did disturb those Kakuna. I don't think I'm really angry, but, I don't think I want to catch these Pokémon. I'll see if Mankey will toss them out into the forest. Then, as soon as Blue gets back, we'll need to move. Or they might be back.
Suddenly, heard a hollow, chopping sound behind him. He scrambled to her feet, fearing more wild Pokémon attacks, but they did not come. Slowly he turned on the spot, and saw Mankey chopping up the logs with a straight hand. He looked at him strangely, then piled the wood up, and sat.
So, he's being a little less rebellious. That's a relief.
Red turned his head and pulled out his Pokédex, remembering his promise to Professor Oak. The machine scanned the Beedrill with the same web of lasers and read:
Beedrill is extremely territorial. No one should ever approach its nest - this is for their own safety. If angered, they will attack in a furious swarm.
Too little, too late thought Red.
“Mankey,” said Red, pointing at the heap of unconscious Beedrill, “Please, take the Beedrill out to the forest and leave them there. We'll need to leave, soon.”
Mankey took a deep breath, stamped the ground a bit, but obeyed all the same, scampering to the pile and beginning to throw Beedrill like dirty laundry.
Though Red was impressed, he knew he didn't have time to gawk. He checked on Psyduck, who was now sleeping soundly, the wound mostly devoid of poison now.
“He ought to be better by tomorrow,” Red thought aloud, picking up his Pokémon and beginning his clean-up of the camp. The work wasn't hard, but5 Red found himself nervously turning to look into the forest every few minutes. He realized, quite easily, that he did not much like Beedrill and would not be training his Weedle anytime soon.
Eventually, Blue returned from his expedition for food. He came through waving with a bag full of berries, Growlithe trotting behind him.
“Blue, finally! Come on, we need to find a new place to camp, now,” said Red, heaving his bag with Mankey and Psyduck behind him, carrying wood. “I'll explain when we get there.”
Puzzled, Blue hoisted his bags and followed suit.
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“So, you were nearly gored by Beedrill, eh?” asked Blue over the roaring campfire, with which he was slowly roasting potatoes over the flames. The moon was high in the sky over them, occasionally clocked by strands of clouds, helping to cast the whole area in light. Though the closer trees could be seen with the flickering light, farther back was all shadow and eyes they could not see. It had been three days since the incident. Red had refused to talk about what had happened for all this time, still shaken. The group was growing increasingly agitated. Except for Mankey and Growlithe, who had proved to be partners in crime whenever the two were together. They were often setting up pranks on their trainers, with varying results. It was not helping the mood of the journey, which seemed to just be walking in circles. Still, too, for all these days, they had not met a single other person.
So they trained their Pokémon against the various Bug-types in the forest, to little effect. Upon trying to train their own Weedle and Caterpie, they had proved just as weak. Shooting string and minor injuries, almost no use in battle. Regardless, they had kept them out and about those days, where they mostly remained silent. In truth, Red found his Caterpie a bit creepy, with his blank, silent stare. The pair of Bug Pokémon sat huddled on a rock near the fire, watching, unblinking, unmoving.
“Yes,” replied Red, popping a few berries into his mouth. “So, if that thing ever evolves, keep it away from me.”
“You baby. Fine,” he said, shaking his head, “I hope you can toughen up at least for our gym battle.”
“If we get there,” muttered Red darkly.
There was silence after he said that. Things were becoming increasingly grim. Where were the rumored Bug Catcher hobbyists? The Pokémon Rangers? Nowhere, it seemed. They were alone...and possibly, hunted.
Over the past few days Red had noticed strange rustling in the grass that seemed to follow them. Once or twice he thought he saw something, but he shook it off as his imagination. And, there was something else. The previous night he had woken up to see Psyduck with his eyes open and glowing, just like it di when he was using a psychic attack. Nothing seemed to happen, but he did not respond to sound or touch. However, the next morning, he had been fine, and Red had tried to place it out of his mind. But somewhere in the back of his thoughts, he knew that there more dangerous things in this forest than Beedrill.
However, Red's brooding was cut off by a sudden hissing sound.
Red and Blue turned to watch as Caterpie and Weedle stuck their heads in the air, spinning strings of silk. They stood up and approached the pair, curious. However, neither Weedle nor Caterpie gave any indication of what they were doing, until a moment later,, they glowed with a brilliant light. The shining streams half-blinded them, and they turned their heads until the brightness had faded away.
There, two new Pokémon had appeared, both cocoons, green and gold. They had, of course, evolved into Metapod and Kakuna.
“Wow, so fast. I wonder why. Well, come on Blue, we should scan them,” said Red, reaching in his pocket for his Pokédex.
They both pointed their devices at the two and scanned. As always, the screen flickered to life and an electronic voice began to read information to them.
Its shell is as hard as an iron slab. A Metapod does not move very much because it is preparing its soft innards for evolution inside the shell.
This Pokémon is in a temporary stage while making its body. It is almost completely unable to move on its own.
“Great,” whined Blue, sliding a palm over his face, “If we want to keep them out, we'll have to carry them.”
Though Red did not like the prospect of carrying his Metapod, which he thought looked rather heavy, he did like the prospect of owning a Butterfree. The butterfly Pokémon, knew, could use all types of powders for inducing sleep, paralysis, and confusion.
“Don't even think about bringing these to a battle though Red,” said Blue, still moping, “I just checked out their move on this thing. Harden! That's all it can do. Get harder.”
“Pay attention next time. It also says that these are just transition forms. They're going to evolve again. Soon,” stated Red, looking down at his Metapod, who was eying him with kindness. He thought he knew what it was trying to tell him.
Protect me...until I evolve.
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After they ate, and a few rounds of training, they decided to sleep. Curled in their sleeping bags, their Pokémon sleeping in the open peacefully. All with a different dream. Red dreamed of coming home a hero, a Champion in every region. Growltihe of chasing a Ratatta through a field at his leisure. Mankey slept with thoughts of a furious thrashing of all the other Mankey, being the strongest, the quickest—and the angriest. Metapod and Kakuna, of course, dreamed of their evolution. But Blue slept dreamless and free—so certain was he obtaining his goal.
However, not all were sleeping.
Noises from the dark, grass crunching, slipped through the air and over the heads of the sleeping. A yellow lightning bolt tail stuck in the air through the grass, followed by the Pokémon's head, which peeked from the edge of darkness. Among the trainers, he spotted his goal; the shiny orb around Red's neck.
Crawling on all fours, the Pokémon stepped lightly through the forest towards the group, eager in its mission. On tiptoe, it crawled over Red's torso, lifted the orb, and bit it happily, enjoying the feel. A sudden blue light caused it to turn its head in shock, certain of its impending discovery and capture. But it was just a Psyduck, his eyes glowing a strange blue. Though this was odd by any standard, he did not seem to know or care that he was there, so he nibbled the jewel from its string and placed in its mouth, scampering over to the still Psyduck. He waved curiously at it, no response. After a quick sniff and a few rude gestures, the Pokémon decided that it was no longer interested, turned, and disappeared into the forest.
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When Red awoke, he did not immediately realize what he was missing. He crawled out of his sleeping bag and stood up, stretching. With a yawn, he kicked Blue awake, who yelped and then grumbled as he woke, much in the same manner. As they packed, Red went around camp, waking up his Pokémon. At first he could not find Mankey, but when he found him attempting to trip Blue with his heel, he returned him to his Poké Ball. Psyduck, oddly, was in the corner, eyes wide and wary. They seemed to sag, and Red wondered absently if he was sleeping at all. After camp was packed, and the smoke from the campfire stomped out, they picked up their Bug Pokémon and left.
The morning went mostly the same way as it had for days. They wandered the forest, with no idea of where to go. Eventually, they found what looked like a path, so they followed it for a few hours.
Soon, they had reached the gate. Red and Blue were both so excited that they felt like rushing the gate, but they were far too tired. They slumped along, practically dragging their cocoon Pokémon. They were considering not waiting for the evolution, and instead returning them to their Poké Balls, when they saw a Pokémon on the road ahead.
Red recognized it instantly. How could he not? It always been one of the most popular Pokémon choices, regardless of its rarity. Long lightning bolt tail, red cheeks, mousy face...it was a Pikachu. Red put a finger to his mouth, shushing his friend, who stood aside. He gently set his Metapod down on the ground next to his Psdyuck, his eyes barely open.
Sure, Pikachu is cool thought Blue, smirking, but he's not the best fighter, and hardly any use against Pewter's Gym Leader. I'll let Red have this one.
However, as Red drew closer, he noticed something he did not at first. The Pokémon was gnawing a bright, shining yellow orb that had once hung around Red's neck.
Red grabbed at his chest, searching for his Light Orb, but of course, it was not there. Shock turned to anger as he realized what must have happened. It seemed Pokémon were already getting in the habit of stealing from him. He stepped forward again, but in haste, stepped on a large stick. The Pikachu stopped playing with the stone, staring at him, frozen with fear. He remembered the trainer he had stolen the orb from, and he knew that he was in trouble.
Red dashed forward, pulling the stone from the Pikachu's jaws. The Pokémon narrowed his eyes angrily at Red.
“CHUUUUUUUU!!!”
The Pikachu let loose a bolt of lightning from its body, zapping Red. He fell to the ground, shaking. Blue moved forward to help him up, but Red sat up on his own, still twitching.
“G-g-go...Mankey,” stuttered Red, releasing his Pokémon. He screeched at Red as he appeared, angry for his earlier dismissal, but then noticed the shaking of his body, turned, and looked at the Pikachu. He stared, but two and two together, and then took an aggressive stance, head falling into shadow as he angered.
Red could not give orders, but Mankey attacked just the same. He zipped forward, punching downward at Pikachu's lower body, but he jumped away, flying over his head, and launched a bolt at the Mankey. He took the shock of it with his strength, steaming mad and pounding the ground with his feet. Pikachu backed up, cheeks sparking with raw electricity.
Mankey flashed to his target, launching a flurry of punches and kicks that would have put most human martial artists to shame. All the while he screeched like a banshee furiously, breathing in bursts through his flat nose.
A Rage attack! realized Blue, impressed with the power of Red's Pokémon.
Mankey followed through with the assault, pulling his hand into a flat slab and striking at his chest. The Pikachu fell, gasping, sparks emitting from its electric sacs erratically. It tripped, dizzy from the assault, and Mankey saw it ias the perfect time to finish up the fight, scrambling over with a heavy punch to the jaw. Pikachu took it, turning its body in midair and slamming Mankey with an electrically charged tail, dropping him to earth. He was out cold.
The Pikachu huffed and puffed, barely awake.
Red finally stood up, removing the Poké Ball from his belt, tossing it lightly.
“Pikachu...I've got you now.”
He pulled back, about to throw the ball, when he saw something to his right. His Psyduck, eyes closed, was waddling straight back into the forest. Red called for him to come back, but he did not respond. He simply continued to make his way deeper into the forest.
Red called back his Mankey, running after his Psyduck and stuffing the Light Orb into his pocket. Blue ran after him soon with their Bug Pokémon in each arm, Growlithe sprinting behind him as well. Soon, they saw people up ahead where Psyduck sat, sleeping. Twenty people, no, maybe thirty, and tons of Pokémon all over the trees What were they all doing sleeping here, in the middle of the forest?
Red and Blue skidded to a halt in front of the sleeping party,and then saw a large, humanoid, yellow Pokémon with a white fringed collar and a bulbous nose at the front of the group, eyes closed. A single pendulum rested in his hand from a string. Red pulled out his Pokédex, eager for some explanation to this phenomenon. Apparently, it was a Hypno.
Always holding a pendulum that it rocks at a steady rhythm, it causes drowsiness in anyone nearby.
As the electronic voice finished its explanation, the Pokémon opened its eyes, hard and beady. It lowered its head, standing up. And though they felt it was impossible, they heard a voice in their minds.
I have been waiting for you.
Red and Blue gasped as the voice was heard inside their heads, taking steps backward. Growlithe reared onto its hind legs and growled at the Hypno. The Pikachu, recovering from the fight, watched from the trees, curious. Now is when they will run he thought sadly.
I had captured every single person in this forest, as soon as they fell asleep. No one was able to make the journey in a single day. Out here in this secluded place, I have been harvesting the minds, of sleeping people and Pokémon alike, keeping them asleep her, and feasting on their dreams. However...your Psyduck proved to be a problem. He sense the danger and stayed awake, protecting all of you with his psychic powers. But he could resist no longer. Now, he slumbers too. Please young trainers...won't you sleep?
And as this thought was broadcasted through their minds, Hypno began to swing his pendulum, eying them with anticipating malice. Red fell to his knees, Blue on his back, struggling to stay awake. Growlithe too was resisting, but he quickly fell, curled in sleep.
Red had never been so afraid. He knew that he had nothing. There was no way his Mankey could defeat the Psychic Pokémon, and to attempt to do so would only place him in danger. But his thoughts were fuzzy, and even though he knew that he would never wake up if he slept, he could not resist. Then in his fight for consciousness, he noticed something. Metapod and Kakuna, though immobile, were not sleeping. In fact, there were no bug Pokémon anywhere near the scene!
“I know...your weakness...” struggled Red, chucking weakly, on his hands and knees now. “I figured it out.”
Blue looked at Red, and then at their Pokémon, understanding dawning on his face.
“You can't control the Bug Pokémon. That's why there are none here. And why ours aren't falling asleep.”
The Hypno, face never changing, replied, Bravo. But it won't matter. I'll be feasting on your dreams before they can do you any good. They're still in their cocoon state.
Red got to his knees slowly, resisting the hypnosis with all he had—hope.
Blue followed suit, shaking with the effort.
“Metapod, Kakuna....we need you to evolve now!” shouted Red with all his heart, hoping for the change he needed to live.
Seeming to understand, both Metapod and Kakuna began to glow brilliantly, the back of their cocoons cracking. Red watched with relief, almost succumbing to sleep for it. As their bodies split down the middle, the newly evolved Butterfree and Beedrill pushed outward,climbing fro their old bodies. The Hypno tensed, losing nerve.
Then they exploded from their shells, soaring into the air above their trainers. Butterfree and Beedrill floated in front of them, awaiting orders.
“Butterfree, Stun Spore!” shouted Red.
“Beedrill, Twineedle!” ordered Blue.
Their Pokémon flew above the Hypno, who raised his arms and began to emit purple waves form his hands, no doubt trying to put them down. It did little, however, to their speedy descent. Butterfree flapped over it, releasing golden spores from its wings, freezing the Pokémon in place with paralysis, the down swooped Beedrill, ramming it with both needles. Beedrill swooped down again with another direct hit, knocking it down to the ground.
“Alright Butterfree, Tackle it!”
Butterfree swooped down again as Hypno got up weakly, smacked back to the ground by the force of the hit. It tripped over itself, dizzy, then fell forward, face flat into the dirt and released its pendulum, spinning on the ground.
Red and Blue stood up fully, the effect of their weariness suddenly vanishing. Growlithe and Psyduck woke up as well, shaking their heads, though Psyduck was still worse for wear. Pikachu, who had been watching from the shadows, smiled happily. He had never trusted the humans who came through the forest. But he felt differently about this one. Could Pikachu could be friends with a human again?
Blue made for the Pokémon, throwing a ball to catch it before it could do any more damage. To their astonishment, it simply bounced off.
“What's going on? Why can't I catch it!?” wondered Blue to Red, picking up his Poké Ball. Then, behind the place where the Hypno had been sitting, they saw it. A black and white Poké Ball, marked at the top with a red 'R' insignia. They both looked at each other, knowing what the symbol must mean right away.
“Rocket,” said Red with venom in his voice. Already, he had run into trouble with them.
After a few moments, the group of people began to wake up. Sighing, Red and Blue got their attention, and explained the situation.
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After a promise from one the local Pokémon Rangers that they would make sure the Hypno was taken care of, they headed out of the forest and back on the path to the exit gate, Red, Blue, Growlithe, and an exhausted Psyduck.
I owe Psyduck my life realized Red suddenly as he walked, I own my Pokémon my life.
He would make sure Psyduck got a good rest when they reached Pewter City, before they even attempted to challenge the Gym Leader.
Blue noticed the serious expression on Red's face, but ignored it. Let him think what he will. I know what he's thinking. But Psyduck did what it was supposed to. It's a natural trainer-Pokémon relationship.
“Too bad you missed your little electric mouse, eh Red?” gibed Blue, grimacing.
“I did really want it, but...I'm just glad we made it out okay. That was a pretty bad situation. Almost been killed twice in my first few days as a trainer.”
“Yeah well don't worry about it. You weren't, you're fine. So why the long fa-”
They stopped, a few feet away from the exit. The Pikachu was back, standing on its hind legs and considering the pair. He scampered over on all fours, and Red went for his Mankey's Poké Ball, ready to battle.
Then, Pikachu jumped at his belt and pulled one of his Poké Balls off with his teeth, landing in front of Red. He looked up at him, cocking his head.
Red did not understand, going down on one knee to face him at eye level. From under the brim of his hat, they locked eyes, searching for meaning.
Then, the Pikachu dropped the ball on the ground with the button pressed, zapping inside the red and white ball. One, two, three shivers of the ball, and it stopped moving.
Red thought he understood. All the same...
Red picked up the ball from the dirt road, staring at it. He pressed the button, letting him out again. The Pikachu folded his arms, silently asking what he wanted.
“If you don't shock me again, you don't have to stay in the ball. I bet you love the outdoors. Okay?” he asked politely, extending an arm.
Pikachu smiled and nodded, scrambling up his arm and onto his shoulder. He pushed Red's hat over his eyes and pointed out to the gate, calling out.
“Pikapiiii!”
“You're going to have to not do that,” muttered Red, ruffled, but amused too.
With that, they went through the doors of the gate, leaving the mysterious Viridian Forest.
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END CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 3
The sun hung high, around noon in Viridian City. Outside the gates to the Victory Road, Red and Blue helped a particularly miffed guard up to his feet. He grumbled a thanks, dusting himself off. His face was scratched, and he had taken a few bruises from the recent wild Pokémon attack, but he should be fine just the same. Red could not tell if it was his swollen jaw, or his pride, but the guard was trying to tell them something, and he wasn't having an easy time doing it.
“...Thank you, kids. I-I could have been injured. Badly,” said the guard, his head lowered. “Look, have this.”
He pulled the orb and chain from around his neck, handing it to Red. Blue leaned in to inspect it, a little jealous.
“I just found it one day. It's called a Light Orb. Take it with you when you pass through Viridian. It's supposed to bring good fortune. And you'll need it....Viridian Forest is treacherous in its own way. People go missing,” the guard said seriously, scratching his swollen chin.
“Sure thing,” said Red, unimpressed. All he had heard about Viridian Forest was the mysterious Pokémon it housed...and that was all he really cared for. Regardless, he slipped it around his neck, and thought it looked rather well on him.
Red tipped his hat and turned to leave, Psyduck following suit. He clipped his newly caught Mankey's ball onto his belt, resolving to begin training it in the forest. Blue shrugged, saying nonchalantly, “Whatever,” and walking away with Red, Psyduck, and his Growlithe back towards the route. As they began on the road proper,, feet crunching grass, Blue began to chuckle derisively.
Red, unnerved, stopped and asked him, “What's so funny, Blue?”
“That idiot. He's got no Pokémon of his own, and he walks around wearing something like that? You were too nice. We should have left him. But, I figured we better help him. I know you'd whine if we didn't,” said Blue, sighing loudly. “But I suppose you got a shiny little stone and a Pokémon out of it, so, no harm done.”
This was the side of Blue that Red had seen little of in their friendship—and certainly one he wished to continue seeing little of. Nice as he was to Red, he was generally a right rude little pin to others.
“Let it go, he made a mistake,” said Red, looking at him and starting up a walk again, “ he could have been seriously injured.”
“Whatever, Red,” said Blue, lowering his head again. “Come on. Let's get on our way to Viridian Forest. I can't wait to get to Pewter City.”
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After a brief detour through Viridian City, and a brisk walk north through the city past an old man with a hangover(who seemed to be under the impression he could 'learn them to catch Pokémans'), R ed and Blue made it to the gate of Viridian Forest. Trees bordered the building on all sides, so tight together that any attempt to go through any other way but the gate must be near impossible. Though the sun was shining brightly, it was near all shade here. The gloomy atmosphere reflected in Red, who yawned from under the shadow of his hat.
They and their Pokémon entered through the gate. The room seemed to be like a waiting room all its own, white tiled and calm. A red carpet was rolled out through to the gate exit, and various people sat in benches around the room. Red and Blue crossed the room, stopping at the exit door. Warning signs were plastered all over the door, telling about the dangers of the forest. As Blue read about the effects of Beedrill's poison, Red found himself checking his bad for Antidote. Thankfully, he had some, but Red shuddered all the same. A picture of the large bee Pokémon, Beedrill was on one of the signs, and it wasn't a Pokémon he fancied getting stung by.
“Come on, you baby,” said Blue, slapping him hard on the back and pulling up his backpack, “Let's check it out.”
Red nodded, opening the door. What they saw, caused Red and Blue to stare as they exited the gate, still as the door shut.
High grass and tall trees sprouted upward, climbing as high in the sky as they were able, the trees mushrooming into giant stalks of green leaves. Light barely peeked the treetops, illuminating all the details of the forest, from the dewy grass to the shining pools of water. Grass shook with the lives of a thousand bug Pokémon, lying in wait for discovery. Small Weedle and Caterpie trudged along through blades on earth, searching for their spot to rest. Golden-skinned Kakuna hung from trees, swaying gently in the wind with the leaves, waiting for their time of change. Butterfree flew gracefully about the forest, picking large flowers to rest upon. The forest breathed this circle of life, all laid out in front of them, a true cycle.
To Red and Blue, this was a jackpot find. They split up for a moment, scanning all the bug Pokémon they saw into their Pokédex. Thankfully, they seemed not to be very hostile. As they started about the forest, Psyduck sat by a tree and waited, patiently, while Growlithe ran freely, chasing a Butterfree for sport.
Bug Pokémon, it turned out, were also quite easy to catch. They sized up several Weedle and Caterpie, scooping them away into Poké Balls with no problem, which they figured ought to be enough. Soon after, they collected their Pokémon, and headed on their way.
The forest, though making for a pleasant walk, was an infernal maze. They found themselves getting lost quickly. A couple of times, Red was sure he heard something, something following them, but he shrugged it off. Growlithe was being kept on a tight leash too, and he did not like it one bit. However, this was a forest, a very flammable forest, and Red and Blue both felt that they could deal without a forest fire.
After a few hours, the sun began to fall, and Red and Blue were getting very irritated. They had totally neglected to buy any Pokémon Repel, and they were soon regretting it. Though they were not a problem to fight or deal with generally, they became a nuisance as time wore on just by the sheer number of them.
As the sky above the trees turned orange, Red and Blue stopped to begin setting up camp. They knew that they were totally lost, and there was no chance of them leaving the forest that night. So, they began to set up camp in a nearby clearing, finally making use of the contents of their bags.
Red and Blue rolled out sleeping bags, pulled out their camping equipment, and set to work. Blue and Growlithe set off into the forest to find berries and mushrooms, and left Red with the much harder task of chopping wood. Red was not even sure if this was legal, but it hardly mattered to him. Aside from various Pokémon, they had seen no one on their walk through the forest. As Red went to work at the logs he found with his hatchet, he very much regretted not having a Pokémon with sharp claws. Of course, Psyduck was in position to help, and Red wasn't sure he could have even if he was that strong. As it was he stole Red's sleeping bag, nestled up warm and tight.
You cheeky little...
Then Red had an idea. Looking to make sure no one else was around, Red unclipped a Poké Ball from his belt and tossed it to the ground, opening up in red light to his newly caught Mankey.
“Okay, Mankey. I know a couple of your moves. Karate Chop that wood for me, please,” said Red softly, trying to be as nice as possible.
Mankey just stared at him hatefully.
Red stared back, nervous.
Mankey jumped up with blinding speed, thumping Red on the head and stealing his hat. As he landed behind Red, he placed it hard down on his head, then danced with glee.
Red groaned furiously, running his hand through his hair roughly.
“Look, I caught you. Stop being so sour. I want to be friends with you. But this isn't going to work out with you stealing my hat. Give it back.”
Mankey turned, shaking his tail at Red.
Red dived, just missing his Pokémon and crashing into the dirt. Mankey jumped on his back, slammed the hat onto his head sideways and ran for it, heading into the trees beyond the clearing. Red, though blinded by his hat, got up quickly, turning it back into place. He caught a glimpse of Mankey as he ran away. Red held the bridge of his nose, squeezing it, frustrated.
“Come on Psyduck, get up. We need to go find your new friend,” said Red through gritted teeth.
Psyduck sighed, just as irritated as Red. He picked himself up and waddled behind Red as they too disappeared back into the forest. The began their search, high and low, but it did not really take long. Red's Mankey was hanging from his tail on a tree limb next to two Kakuna, who he was slapping with gusto. Though they could do little but hang there and weather it, it was obvious that they were very, very irritated. They made a sort of rattling, hissing noise each time he did it, and Mankey giggled, delighted.
“Get down from there you idiot, get down from there!” hissed Red, who could see what Mankey did not. Several Beedrill had followed the rattling sound and were zooming in on his Pokémon, with others join the group. Cursing, Red dived and grabbed his Mankey. He rolled, stopped and looked up to see at least fifteen Beedrill buzzing angrily at him. His Psyduck began to run, and after blankly staring for several seconds, Red followed suit, grabbing Psyduck by the arm and sprinting as quickly as he could. But there was no escape from the Beedrill, even at the clearing. Red knew he would have to stand and fight. He skidded and turned in the middle of the clearing, taking a firm stance.
Mankey, irritated by the sudden grab, swiped at Red's face and somersaulted down to earth, then leered at the buzzing Beedrill.
“Augh, Mankey, work with me one time, alright, or these Beedrill or going to run us through!” yelled Red, looking for a sign from Mankey.
It did not come. Mankey simply screeched and jumped at the nearest Beedrill, kicking and clawing at it furiously. He jumped to the next, landing a jump kick on its abdomen, and it fell.
As Mankey started his barrage, Red began to take charge of Psyduck.
“Psyduck, Water Gun. Blast away as many you can!”ordered Red, watching the Beedrill cautiously.
Psyduck raised his head, launching the jets of water high. He blasted several Beedrill, causing them to fly away.
Then, a single Beedrill broke through the ranks, flying at Psyduck and jabbed him with his needle arm, causing him to fall over, squealing with pain. The attack left a nasty purple wound and Psyduck shivered and spasmed.
Poisoned!
Red rushed to his bag to grab an Antidote, when suddenly he heard a high screech fill the air. His Mankey had been beaten down by one of the Beedrill, and all of them were rushing it, striking with poison jabs again and again and again. Mankey screeched again, swiping weakly.
Horrorstruck, Red leapt forward and, in an act of wild desperation, punched the nearest Beedrill in the face. It fell back a bit, then zipped forward angrily.
Now he had done it. He pulled back from the punch, all the Beedrill with their attention on him. He stepped back once, then again. They buzzed louder than ever before.
The first zoomed towards him, a needle outstretched, and Red fully expected to be run through by it. But suddenly, a hand moved forward, swiping the needle away. It was Mankey, and though he was a bit purple in the face, he could still fight. But another Beedrill was coming. He would have to thank his Pokémon later.
“Mankey, Vital Throw!” shouted Red as a Beedrill buzzed forward. Mankey grabbed it by the needle, digging his heel into the dirt, then spinning and tossing it at the other Beedrill. They crashed back, and Red watched as they all fainted, a broken heap on the ground. Red looked back to Psyduck, who was losing color in the face.
“Mankey, keep a watch on those Beedrill. Psyduck needs an Antidote right away,” Red said, running back to his bag for the Antidote he had dropped and choosing a few Potions from his bag. He rushed back to Psyduck, spraying the medicine over his wound as Mankey circled the seemingly out cold Beedrill warily.
The purple tinge lightened, and Red was sure that Psyduck would be alright. He sprayed a Potion voer the wound just the same though, to be safe.
He sat, exhausted. The prospect of nearly dying in this god forsaken forest with his Pokémon had drained the life from him.
“Mankey, come here. You need Antidote too.”
Though reluctant, Mankey came, giving him a hard look. As Red moved forward with the antidote, the Pokémon grabbed his hand, giving him one last hard look that said: I still don't trust you. Then, allowed him to spray the Antidote. After the purple tinge was gone from his face, he hopped off of Red's lap and walked out of sight, though still staying in the clearing.
Red sighed, despairing. His Mankey was already proving to be trouble, and they certainly weren't getting along too well. He listened to the forest quietly, thinking.
A Pokémon tried to kill me today...but then, my Mankey did disturb those Kakuna. I don't think I'm really angry, but, I don't think I want to catch these Pokémon. I'll see if Mankey will toss them out into the forest. Then, as soon as Blue gets back, we'll need to move. Or they might be back.
Suddenly, heard a hollow, chopping sound behind him. He scrambled to her feet, fearing more wild Pokémon attacks, but they did not come. Slowly he turned on the spot, and saw Mankey chopping up the logs with a straight hand. He looked at him strangely, then piled the wood up, and sat.
So, he's being a little less rebellious. That's a relief.
Red turned his head and pulled out his Pokédex, remembering his promise to Professor Oak. The machine scanned the Beedrill with the same web of lasers and read:
Beedrill is extremely territorial. No one should ever approach its nest - this is for their own safety. If angered, they will attack in a furious swarm.
Too little, too late thought Red.
“Mankey,” said Red, pointing at the heap of unconscious Beedrill, “Please, take the Beedrill out to the forest and leave them there. We'll need to leave, soon.”
Mankey took a deep breath, stamped the ground a bit, but obeyed all the same, scampering to the pile and beginning to throw Beedrill like dirty laundry.
Though Red was impressed, he knew he didn't have time to gawk. He checked on Psyduck, who was now sleeping soundly, the wound mostly devoid of poison now.
“He ought to be better by tomorrow,” Red thought aloud, picking up his Pokémon and beginning his clean-up of the camp. The work wasn't hard, but5 Red found himself nervously turning to look into the forest every few minutes. He realized, quite easily, that he did not much like Beedrill and would not be training his Weedle anytime soon.
Eventually, Blue returned from his expedition for food. He came through waving with a bag full of berries, Growlithe trotting behind him.
“Blue, finally! Come on, we need to find a new place to camp, now,” said Red, heaving his bag with Mankey and Psyduck behind him, carrying wood. “I'll explain when we get there.”
Puzzled, Blue hoisted his bags and followed suit.
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“So, you were nearly gored by Beedrill, eh?” asked Blue over the roaring campfire, with which he was slowly roasting potatoes over the flames. The moon was high in the sky over them, occasionally clocked by strands of clouds, helping to cast the whole area in light. Though the closer trees could be seen with the flickering light, farther back was all shadow and eyes they could not see. It had been three days since the incident. Red had refused to talk about what had happened for all this time, still shaken. The group was growing increasingly agitated. Except for Mankey and Growlithe, who had proved to be partners in crime whenever the two were together. They were often setting up pranks on their trainers, with varying results. It was not helping the mood of the journey, which seemed to just be walking in circles. Still, too, for all these days, they had not met a single other person.
So they trained their Pokémon against the various Bug-types in the forest, to little effect. Upon trying to train their own Weedle and Caterpie, they had proved just as weak. Shooting string and minor injuries, almost no use in battle. Regardless, they had kept them out and about those days, where they mostly remained silent. In truth, Red found his Caterpie a bit creepy, with his blank, silent stare. The pair of Bug Pokémon sat huddled on a rock near the fire, watching, unblinking, unmoving.
“Yes,” replied Red, popping a few berries into his mouth. “So, if that thing ever evolves, keep it away from me.”
“You baby. Fine,” he said, shaking his head, “I hope you can toughen up at least for our gym battle.”
“If we get there,” muttered Red darkly.
There was silence after he said that. Things were becoming increasingly grim. Where were the rumored Bug Catcher hobbyists? The Pokémon Rangers? Nowhere, it seemed. They were alone...and possibly, hunted.
Over the past few days Red had noticed strange rustling in the grass that seemed to follow them. Once or twice he thought he saw something, but he shook it off as his imagination. And, there was something else. The previous night he had woken up to see Psyduck with his eyes open and glowing, just like it di when he was using a psychic attack. Nothing seemed to happen, but he did not respond to sound or touch. However, the next morning, he had been fine, and Red had tried to place it out of his mind. But somewhere in the back of his thoughts, he knew that there more dangerous things in this forest than Beedrill.
However, Red's brooding was cut off by a sudden hissing sound.
Red and Blue turned to watch as Caterpie and Weedle stuck their heads in the air, spinning strings of silk. They stood up and approached the pair, curious. However, neither Weedle nor Caterpie gave any indication of what they were doing, until a moment later,, they glowed with a brilliant light. The shining streams half-blinded them, and they turned their heads until the brightness had faded away.
There, two new Pokémon had appeared, both cocoons, green and gold. They had, of course, evolved into Metapod and Kakuna.
“Wow, so fast. I wonder why. Well, come on Blue, we should scan them,” said Red, reaching in his pocket for his Pokédex.
They both pointed their devices at the two and scanned. As always, the screen flickered to life and an electronic voice began to read information to them.
Its shell is as hard as an iron slab. A Metapod does not move very much because it is preparing its soft innards for evolution inside the shell.
This Pokémon is in a temporary stage while making its body. It is almost completely unable to move on its own.
“Great,” whined Blue, sliding a palm over his face, “If we want to keep them out, we'll have to carry them.”
Though Red did not like the prospect of carrying his Metapod, which he thought looked rather heavy, he did like the prospect of owning a Butterfree. The butterfly Pokémon, knew, could use all types of powders for inducing sleep, paralysis, and confusion.
“Don't even think about bringing these to a battle though Red,” said Blue, still moping, “I just checked out their move on this thing. Harden! That's all it can do. Get harder.”
“Pay attention next time. It also says that these are just transition forms. They're going to evolve again. Soon,” stated Red, looking down at his Metapod, who was eying him with kindness. He thought he knew what it was trying to tell him.
Protect me...until I evolve.
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After they ate, and a few rounds of training, they decided to sleep. Curled in their sleeping bags, their Pokémon sleeping in the open peacefully. All with a different dream. Red dreamed of coming home a hero, a Champion in every region. Growltihe of chasing a Ratatta through a field at his leisure. Mankey slept with thoughts of a furious thrashing of all the other Mankey, being the strongest, the quickest—and the angriest. Metapod and Kakuna, of course, dreamed of their evolution. But Blue slept dreamless and free—so certain was he obtaining his goal.
However, not all were sleeping.
Noises from the dark, grass crunching, slipped through the air and over the heads of the sleeping. A yellow lightning bolt tail stuck in the air through the grass, followed by the Pokémon's head, which peeked from the edge of darkness. Among the trainers, he spotted his goal; the shiny orb around Red's neck.
Crawling on all fours, the Pokémon stepped lightly through the forest towards the group, eager in its mission. On tiptoe, it crawled over Red's torso, lifted the orb, and bit it happily, enjoying the feel. A sudden blue light caused it to turn its head in shock, certain of its impending discovery and capture. But it was just a Psyduck, his eyes glowing a strange blue. Though this was odd by any standard, he did not seem to know or care that he was there, so he nibbled the jewel from its string and placed in its mouth, scampering over to the still Psyduck. He waved curiously at it, no response. After a quick sniff and a few rude gestures, the Pokémon decided that it was no longer interested, turned, and disappeared into the forest.
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When Red awoke, he did not immediately realize what he was missing. He crawled out of his sleeping bag and stood up, stretching. With a yawn, he kicked Blue awake, who yelped and then grumbled as he woke, much in the same manner. As they packed, Red went around camp, waking up his Pokémon. At first he could not find Mankey, but when he found him attempting to trip Blue with his heel, he returned him to his Poké Ball. Psyduck, oddly, was in the corner, eyes wide and wary. They seemed to sag, and Red wondered absently if he was sleeping at all. After camp was packed, and the smoke from the campfire stomped out, they picked up their Bug Pokémon and left.
The morning went mostly the same way as it had for days. They wandered the forest, with no idea of where to go. Eventually, they found what looked like a path, so they followed it for a few hours.
Soon, they had reached the gate. Red and Blue were both so excited that they felt like rushing the gate, but they were far too tired. They slumped along, practically dragging their cocoon Pokémon. They were considering not waiting for the evolution, and instead returning them to their Poké Balls, when they saw a Pokémon on the road ahead.
Red recognized it instantly. How could he not? It always been one of the most popular Pokémon choices, regardless of its rarity. Long lightning bolt tail, red cheeks, mousy face...it was a Pikachu. Red put a finger to his mouth, shushing his friend, who stood aside. He gently set his Metapod down on the ground next to his Psdyuck, his eyes barely open.
Sure, Pikachu is cool thought Blue, smirking, but he's not the best fighter, and hardly any use against Pewter's Gym Leader. I'll let Red have this one.
However, as Red drew closer, he noticed something he did not at first. The Pokémon was gnawing a bright, shining yellow orb that had once hung around Red's neck.
Red grabbed at his chest, searching for his Light Orb, but of course, it was not there. Shock turned to anger as he realized what must have happened. It seemed Pokémon were already getting in the habit of stealing from him. He stepped forward again, but in haste, stepped on a large stick. The Pikachu stopped playing with the stone, staring at him, frozen with fear. He remembered the trainer he had stolen the orb from, and he knew that he was in trouble.
Red dashed forward, pulling the stone from the Pikachu's jaws. The Pokémon narrowed his eyes angrily at Red.
“CHUUUUUUUU!!!”
The Pikachu let loose a bolt of lightning from its body, zapping Red. He fell to the ground, shaking. Blue moved forward to help him up, but Red sat up on his own, still twitching.
“G-g-go...Mankey,” stuttered Red, releasing his Pokémon. He screeched at Red as he appeared, angry for his earlier dismissal, but then noticed the shaking of his body, turned, and looked at the Pikachu. He stared, but two and two together, and then took an aggressive stance, head falling into shadow as he angered.
Red could not give orders, but Mankey attacked just the same. He zipped forward, punching downward at Pikachu's lower body, but he jumped away, flying over his head, and launched a bolt at the Mankey. He took the shock of it with his strength, steaming mad and pounding the ground with his feet. Pikachu backed up, cheeks sparking with raw electricity.
Mankey flashed to his target, launching a flurry of punches and kicks that would have put most human martial artists to shame. All the while he screeched like a banshee furiously, breathing in bursts through his flat nose.
A Rage attack! realized Blue, impressed with the power of Red's Pokémon.
Mankey followed through with the assault, pulling his hand into a flat slab and striking at his chest. The Pikachu fell, gasping, sparks emitting from its electric sacs erratically. It tripped, dizzy from the assault, and Mankey saw it ias the perfect time to finish up the fight, scrambling over with a heavy punch to the jaw. Pikachu took it, turning its body in midair and slamming Mankey with an electrically charged tail, dropping him to earth. He was out cold.
The Pikachu huffed and puffed, barely awake.
Red finally stood up, removing the Poké Ball from his belt, tossing it lightly.
“Pikachu...I've got you now.”
He pulled back, about to throw the ball, when he saw something to his right. His Psyduck, eyes closed, was waddling straight back into the forest. Red called for him to come back, but he did not respond. He simply continued to make his way deeper into the forest.
Red called back his Mankey, running after his Psyduck and stuffing the Light Orb into his pocket. Blue ran after him soon with their Bug Pokémon in each arm, Growlithe sprinting behind him as well. Soon, they saw people up ahead where Psyduck sat, sleeping. Twenty people, no, maybe thirty, and tons of Pokémon all over the trees What were they all doing sleeping here, in the middle of the forest?
Red and Blue skidded to a halt in front of the sleeping party,and then saw a large, humanoid, yellow Pokémon with a white fringed collar and a bulbous nose at the front of the group, eyes closed. A single pendulum rested in his hand from a string. Red pulled out his Pokédex, eager for some explanation to this phenomenon. Apparently, it was a Hypno.
Always holding a pendulum that it rocks at a steady rhythm, it causes drowsiness in anyone nearby.
As the electronic voice finished its explanation, the Pokémon opened its eyes, hard and beady. It lowered its head, standing up. And though they felt it was impossible, they heard a voice in their minds.
I have been waiting for you.
Red and Blue gasped as the voice was heard inside their heads, taking steps backward. Growlithe reared onto its hind legs and growled at the Hypno. The Pikachu, recovering from the fight, watched from the trees, curious. Now is when they will run he thought sadly.
I had captured every single person in this forest, as soon as they fell asleep. No one was able to make the journey in a single day. Out here in this secluded place, I have been harvesting the minds, of sleeping people and Pokémon alike, keeping them asleep her, and feasting on their dreams. However...your Psyduck proved to be a problem. He sense the danger and stayed awake, protecting all of you with his psychic powers. But he could resist no longer. Now, he slumbers too. Please young trainers...won't you sleep?
And as this thought was broadcasted through their minds, Hypno began to swing his pendulum, eying them with anticipating malice. Red fell to his knees, Blue on his back, struggling to stay awake. Growlithe too was resisting, but he quickly fell, curled in sleep.
Red had never been so afraid. He knew that he had nothing. There was no way his Mankey could defeat the Psychic Pokémon, and to attempt to do so would only place him in danger. But his thoughts were fuzzy, and even though he knew that he would never wake up if he slept, he could not resist. Then in his fight for consciousness, he noticed something. Metapod and Kakuna, though immobile, were not sleeping. In fact, there were no bug Pokémon anywhere near the scene!
“I know...your weakness...” struggled Red, chucking weakly, on his hands and knees now. “I figured it out.”
Blue looked at Red, and then at their Pokémon, understanding dawning on his face.
“You can't control the Bug Pokémon. That's why there are none here. And why ours aren't falling asleep.”
The Hypno, face never changing, replied, Bravo. But it won't matter. I'll be feasting on your dreams before they can do you any good. They're still in their cocoon state.
Red got to his knees slowly, resisting the hypnosis with all he had—hope.
Blue followed suit, shaking with the effort.
“Metapod, Kakuna....we need you to evolve now!” shouted Red with all his heart, hoping for the change he needed to live.
Seeming to understand, both Metapod and Kakuna began to glow brilliantly, the back of their cocoons cracking. Red watched with relief, almost succumbing to sleep for it. As their bodies split down the middle, the newly evolved Butterfree and Beedrill pushed outward,climbing fro their old bodies. The Hypno tensed, losing nerve.
Then they exploded from their shells, soaring into the air above their trainers. Butterfree and Beedrill floated in front of them, awaiting orders.
“Butterfree, Stun Spore!” shouted Red.
“Beedrill, Twineedle!” ordered Blue.
Their Pokémon flew above the Hypno, who raised his arms and began to emit purple waves form his hands, no doubt trying to put them down. It did little, however, to their speedy descent. Butterfree flapped over it, releasing golden spores from its wings, freezing the Pokémon in place with paralysis, the down swooped Beedrill, ramming it with both needles. Beedrill swooped down again with another direct hit, knocking it down to the ground.
“Alright Butterfree, Tackle it!”
Butterfree swooped down again as Hypno got up weakly, smacked back to the ground by the force of the hit. It tripped over itself, dizzy, then fell forward, face flat into the dirt and released its pendulum, spinning on the ground.
Red and Blue stood up fully, the effect of their weariness suddenly vanishing. Growlithe and Psyduck woke up as well, shaking their heads, though Psyduck was still worse for wear. Pikachu, who had been watching from the shadows, smiled happily. He had never trusted the humans who came through the forest. But he felt differently about this one. Could Pikachu could be friends with a human again?
Blue made for the Pokémon, throwing a ball to catch it before it could do any more damage. To their astonishment, it simply bounced off.
“What's going on? Why can't I catch it!?” wondered Blue to Red, picking up his Poké Ball. Then, behind the place where the Hypno had been sitting, they saw it. A black and white Poké Ball, marked at the top with a red 'R' insignia. They both looked at each other, knowing what the symbol must mean right away.
“Rocket,” said Red with venom in his voice. Already, he had run into trouble with them.
After a few moments, the group of people began to wake up. Sighing, Red and Blue got their attention, and explained the situation.
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After a promise from one the local Pokémon Rangers that they would make sure the Hypno was taken care of, they headed out of the forest and back on the path to the exit gate, Red, Blue, Growlithe, and an exhausted Psyduck.
I owe Psyduck my life realized Red suddenly as he walked, I own my Pokémon my life.
He would make sure Psyduck got a good rest when they reached Pewter City, before they even attempted to challenge the Gym Leader.
Blue noticed the serious expression on Red's face, but ignored it. Let him think what he will. I know what he's thinking. But Psyduck did what it was supposed to. It's a natural trainer-Pokémon relationship.
“Too bad you missed your little electric mouse, eh Red?” gibed Blue, grimacing.
“I did really want it, but...I'm just glad we made it out okay. That was a pretty bad situation. Almost been killed twice in my first few days as a trainer.”
“Yeah well don't worry about it. You weren't, you're fine. So why the long fa-”
They stopped, a few feet away from the exit. The Pikachu was back, standing on its hind legs and considering the pair. He scampered over on all fours, and Red went for his Mankey's Poké Ball, ready to battle.
Then, Pikachu jumped at his belt and pulled one of his Poké Balls off with his teeth, landing in front of Red. He looked up at him, cocking his head.
Red did not understand, going down on one knee to face him at eye level. From under the brim of his hat, they locked eyes, searching for meaning.
Then, the Pikachu dropped the ball on the ground with the button pressed, zapping inside the red and white ball. One, two, three shivers of the ball, and it stopped moving.
Red thought he understood. All the same...
Red picked up the ball from the dirt road, staring at it. He pressed the button, letting him out again. The Pikachu folded his arms, silently asking what he wanted.
“If you don't shock me again, you don't have to stay in the ball. I bet you love the outdoors. Okay?” he asked politely, extending an arm.
Pikachu smiled and nodded, scrambling up his arm and onto his shoulder. He pushed Red's hat over his eyes and pointed out to the gate, calling out.
“Pikapiiii!”
“You're going to have to not do that,” muttered Red, ruffled, but amused too.
With that, they went through the doors of the gate, leaving the mysterious Viridian Forest.
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END CHAPTER 3
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
Thanks bro. Next comes Pewter City, and we all know what that means.
Thanks bro. Next comes Pewter City, and we all know what that means.
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
Hmm hmm... having fully caught up, I daresay that this has been an eventful read for sure. I am impressed at how original you've been with such an iconic tale - even if it is unoriginal to take such an idea in the first place, the way you've transformed it has made it pretty spectacular.
There's a lot of detail involved as well, which I always like. That's one area I could maybe improve on personally; the detail involved with the surroundings as much as the actual plotline. Overall, keep at it
Hmm hmm... having fully caught up, I daresay that this has been an eventful read for sure. I am impressed at how original you've been with such an iconic tale - even if it is unoriginal to take such an idea in the first place, the way you've transformed it has made it pretty spectacular.
There's a lot of detail involved as well, which I always like. That's one area I could maybe improve on personally; the detail involved with the surroundings as much as the actual plotline. Overall, keep at it
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
I'm sorry for always making you guys wait so long. My motivation comes in bursts.
3 days. Maybe 4.
I'm sorry for always making you guys wait so long. My motivation comes in bursts.
3 days. Maybe 4.
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
Stupid randomosity of bursts of motivation. >_<
Anyway, just read Chapter Three. I got no less that what I expected (though I really expected the Beedrill swarm... saw that coming 600 words away). However, I couldn't help but notice a few typos dotting the pages again. Just letting you know if you need a little editing job, just let me know. ;D
~Zyflair
Stupid randomosity of bursts of motivation. >_<
Anyway, just read Chapter Three. I got no less that what I expected (though I really expected the Beedrill swarm... saw that coming 600 words away). However, I couldn't help but notice a few typos dotting the pages again. Just letting you know if you need a little editing job, just let me know. ;D
~Zyflair
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
How can you write Viridian Forest and NOT have a Beedrill swarm, that's my question xD
How can you write Viridian Forest and NOT have a Beedrill swarm, that's my question xD
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
This story is just way too good. I just have hung on to this story every month. Why every month? The reason is because you don't update enough. Pewter City Gym battle... epic.
This story is just way too good. I just have hung on to this story every month. Why every month? The reason is because you don't update enough. Pewter City Gym battle... epic.
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
I know man I know, I'm trying. I have a lot of other interests that take up my time and at my age, a lot of burgeoning responsibilities. I know I'm late already, but I am getting there. I want to make sure the first gym is well written.
I know man I know, I'm trying. I have a lot of other interests that take up my time and at my age, a lot of burgeoning responsibilities. I know I'm late already, but I am getting there. I want to make sure the first gym is well written.
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
Never mind, you're still doing well. The story is getting so good. Will Pewter Gym be really epic?
Off topic:
I could help you by PM for the spoilers of the Pokemon owned by Red, Blue and the Wild ones.
Never mind, you're still doing well. The story is getting so good. Will Pewter Gym be really epic?
Off topic:
I could help you by PM for the spoilers of the Pokemon owned by Red, Blue and the Wild ones.
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
sure, give it a shot. I should be posting a preview soon, too.
sure, give it a shot. I should be posting a preview soon, too.
RE: Pokemon Blak-CHAPTER 3 UP ON PAGE 4
CHAPTER FOUR: EVERSTONE
The door slammed behind Red as Blue crept in behind him. He started, twirling around with his Pikachu clinging to his shirt for support, and looked back to see Blue, who laughed heartily and placed his forehead in the palm of his hand in exasperation. Red turned back, surveying the surroundings in shock. Though Red had never been to the checkpoint between Viridian Forest and Pewter City, he was sure it had looked better than this. The lights, though glowing dimly moments ago, blinked into darkness every few seconds, throwing everything into hazy relief, casting shadows off of broken tables and chairs, smashed pots that once contained small berry trees and other fauna, and a variety of debris spread all over the faded white, cracked, and ruined floor. The counter where an official would be approving passage was dusty on its yellow top, and below it, a red 'R' was splashed hastily across the wood in a thick red paint. Red's Psyduck crept noticeably closer to Red in the semi-darkness.
Blue stepped forward first, though still shaken by their encounter with Hypno, and called out to the darkness.
“Is anyone there?”
A moan rose from behind the dilapidated counter. Red took an involuntary step backward, clutching his left hand in a fist. Slowly, a white hand crept over the counter top, groping to take hold of something. When the fingers finally found something to grasp, a haggard, worn man with jet black hair and a lopsided officer's cap pulled himself up from behind the desk, apparently reeling from a long time of being unconscious. He straightened himself erratically.
“Ugh...I'm so thirsty...where's my tea...”
Red sighed in heavy relief, Blue laughed. Suddenly, the door opened behind them and Red jumped in shock, followed by his Pikachu, who spontaneously shot a jolt of electricity into Red's shoulder. He shook for a moment, rubbing his slightly numbed arm.
Thankfully, it was just the local Pokémon Ranger that they had woken earlier.
“Go on, you two. I almost forgot about the checkpoint. I'll explain everything to him.”
Blue nodded, grabbing his friend's arm and pulling out towards the exit doors with their Pokémon before he could object.
Light spread out over them, brighter than anything they had encountered in their time in the forest, and for a moment they shielded their eyes before observing the road before them. The dirt path was mostly clear, with a single fenced-off white house to the right of the lane. A strange, humanoid Pokémon with long, wacky purple hair swept the porch, its trainer eying them curiously as they began to walk along the path to the city.
They arrived at Pewter City as evening came. The place was moderately calm in the glow of the orange sky, a cool wind passing over. There were many children about, playing with bug Pokémon that had come from the forest. The mostly gray buildings basked in the sunlight and shone brightly, and though the city looked rather dull even in the brilliance of the sun, Red was glad to see it. Not far north from the Pokémon Center, Pewter Gym sat, a resolute stone building with only miniscule windows at its very top top let light in. Tomorrow, he and Blue would challenge the Gym for its badge, together. However, Blue seemed to have a different idea about things. His eyes were hard with determination, Red could almost feel his will pushing off the stone walls of the gym.
“Tomorrow, Blue...I think we're all tired,” said Red, looking at him sternly.
Blue opened his mouth as if to argue, but his Growlithe began pawing at his pant leg and he relented. They made their way into the Center, healed their Pokémon, rented a room, and made to rest for the night.
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For a second time in the long days since leaving home, Red laid wide awake in a dark room, still as the grave. He watched his Pokémon all sleeping in a corner, Pikachu curled up next to his Psyduck, who had fallen asleep sitting down. He felt a pang of guilt looking at the pair, sleeping in the cold night. They shivered in the cold as they slumbered. Red heard a rustling of sheets from behind him; Blue's Growlithe was attempting to snuggle under his trainer's covers, Blue pushed him away with a foot in reaction. The Pokémon curled up whimpering in the corner, cold and shaking. Red frowned and turned his head back to his own Pokémon, thinking. He exhaled and removed the blanket from his chest, throwing it over his Pokémon, who stopped shivering, but did not wake.
Blue, who was also awake, watched him in the mirror and said nothing. He smirked, finally closing his eyes.
Red, you really are a sap sometimes...
They deserve it...I think in a way, they've all saved my life, and only 3 days in, thought Red, rolling onto his back and staring up at the lights dancing feebly on the ceiling.
I don't know why Blue is acting like this. Back home, he was different. He doesn't even seem to care about them.
Then suddenly, a memory came flooding back to him.
It had been seven years ago when he and Blue had become friends, though it had not always been that way. He had always been the quiet type, though no one really knew why. Ever since his father had left, well, things had never been the same. Naturally, he had become a target for the other kids around Pallet Town...including Blue. He had bullied Red since he was five, leading the rest of the neighborhood in a jaunt against his odd behavior. Even his friends were not totally exempt from his bad attitude. Once or twice he caught him beating up on another young boy. Red had never understood why...why he or anyone else should be the target of their aggression.
Then, seven years ago, he had heard the news that Blue's parents had died on Mt. Silver, a famous landmark of the Johto region. All that was known was that they had been found buried under an avalanche. Red had not been sure what to think when he heard the news. He did not hate Blue, but he did remember that he had been a source of torment for years. On that day, he had seen Blue away from his usual group of friends, sitting alone and despaired outside his grandfather's laboratory, and he, Red, had gone to comfort him.
“Blue...you know I heard about what happened, and, I wanted to see if you wanted to talk about it,” he had said, on top of that hill, seven years ago.
“What do you know about it?” said Blue angrily, clutching his arms tightly, “get out of here!”
Blue had gotten up and punched him...square in the jaw. In the present, Red rubbed his jaw absentmidedly. Red had fallen back on the hilltp, clutching his jaw there, that same day, seven year ago, and said:
“...I haven't seen my dad...in six years...”
Then Blue dropped to the ground, sitting quietly for several minutes while Red clutched his knees and say quietly.
The next day, Blue treated him not as a victim, but a friend, and, he noticed, the rest of the neighborhood seemed to have mellowed out as well. He and Blue had become best friends...
Red closed his eyes and pulled his cap over his face.
Do I even really know you, Blue? Or did I know you better before we were friends?
CHAPTER FOUR: EVERSTONE
The door slammed behind Red as Blue crept in behind him. He started, twirling around with his Pikachu clinging to his shirt for support, and looked back to see Blue, who laughed heartily and placed his forehead in the palm of his hand in exasperation. Red turned back, surveying the surroundings in shock. Though Red had never been to the checkpoint between Viridian Forest and Pewter City, he was sure it had looked better than this. The lights, though glowing dimly moments ago, blinked into darkness every few seconds, throwing everything into hazy relief, casting shadows off of broken tables and chairs, smashed pots that once contained small berry trees and other fauna, and a variety of debris spread all over the faded white, cracked, and ruined floor. The counter where an official would be approving passage was dusty on its yellow top, and below it, a red 'R' was splashed hastily across the wood in a thick red paint. Red's Psyduck crept noticeably closer to Red in the semi-darkness.
Blue stepped forward first, though still shaken by their encounter with Hypno, and called out to the darkness.
“Is anyone there?”
A moan rose from behind the dilapidated counter. Red took an involuntary step backward, clutching his left hand in a fist. Slowly, a white hand crept over the counter top, groping to take hold of something. When the fingers finally found something to grasp, a haggard, worn man with jet black hair and a lopsided officer's cap pulled himself up from behind the desk, apparently reeling from a long time of being unconscious. He straightened himself erratically.
“Ugh...I'm so thirsty...where's my tea...”
Red sighed in heavy relief, Blue laughed. Suddenly, the door opened behind them and Red jumped in shock, followed by his Pikachu, who spontaneously shot a jolt of electricity into Red's shoulder. He shook for a moment, rubbing his slightly numbed arm.
Thankfully, it was just the local Pokémon Ranger that they had woken earlier.
“Go on, you two. I almost forgot about the checkpoint. I'll explain everything to him.”
Blue nodded, grabbing his friend's arm and pulling out towards the exit doors with their Pokémon before he could object.
Light spread out over them, brighter than anything they had encountered in their time in the forest, and for a moment they shielded their eyes before observing the road before them. The dirt path was mostly clear, with a single fenced-off white house to the right of the lane. A strange, humanoid Pokémon with long, wacky purple hair swept the porch, its trainer eying them curiously as they began to walk along the path to the city.
They arrived at Pewter City as evening came. The place was moderately calm in the glow of the orange sky, a cool wind passing over. There were many children about, playing with bug Pokémon that had come from the forest. The mostly gray buildings basked in the sunlight and shone brightly, and though the city looked rather dull even in the brilliance of the sun, Red was glad to see it. Not far north from the Pokémon Center, Pewter Gym sat, a resolute stone building with only miniscule windows at its very top top let light in. Tomorrow, he and Blue would challenge the Gym for its badge, together. However, Blue seemed to have a different idea about things. His eyes were hard with determination, Red could almost feel his will pushing off the stone walls of the gym.
“Tomorrow, Blue...I think we're all tired,” said Red, looking at him sternly.
Blue opened his mouth as if to argue, but his Growlithe began pawing at his pant leg and he relented. They made their way into the Center, healed their Pokémon, rented a room, and made to rest for the night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a second time in the long days since leaving home, Red laid wide awake in a dark room, still as the grave. He watched his Pokémon all sleeping in a corner, Pikachu curled up next to his Psyduck, who had fallen asleep sitting down. He felt a pang of guilt looking at the pair, sleeping in the cold night. They shivered in the cold as they slumbered. Red heard a rustling of sheets from behind him; Blue's Growlithe was attempting to snuggle under his trainer's covers, Blue pushed him away with a foot in reaction. The Pokémon curled up whimpering in the corner, cold and shaking. Red frowned and turned his head back to his own Pokémon, thinking. He exhaled and removed the blanket from his chest, throwing it over his Pokémon, who stopped shivering, but did not wake.
Blue, who was also awake, watched him in the mirror and said nothing. He smirked, finally closing his eyes.
Red, you really are a sap sometimes...
They deserve it...I think in a way, they've all saved my life, and only 3 days in, thought Red, rolling onto his back and staring up at the lights dancing feebly on the ceiling.
I don't know why Blue is acting like this. Back home, he was different. He doesn't even seem to care about them.
Then suddenly, a memory came flooding back to him.
It had been seven years ago when he and Blue had become friends, though it had not always been that way. He had always been the quiet type, though no one really knew why. Ever since his father had left, well, things had never been the same. Naturally, he had become a target for the other kids around Pallet Town...including Blue. He had bullied Red since he was five, leading the rest of the neighborhood in a jaunt against his odd behavior. Even his friends were not totally exempt from his bad attitude. Once or twice he caught him beating up on another young boy. Red had never understood why...why he or anyone else should be the target of their aggression.
Then, seven years ago, he had heard the news that Blue's parents had died on Mt. Silver, a famous landmark of the Johto region. All that was known was that they had been found buried under an avalanche. Red had not been sure what to think when he heard the news. He did not hate Blue, but he did remember that he had been a source of torment for years. On that day, he had seen Blue away from his usual group of friends, sitting alone and despaired outside his grandfather's laboratory, and he, Red, had gone to comfort him.
“Blue...you know I heard about what happened, and, I wanted to see if you wanted to talk about it,” he had said, on top of that hill, seven years ago.
“What do you know about it?” said Blue angrily, clutching his arms tightly, “get out of here!”
Blue had gotten up and punched him...square in the jaw. In the present, Red rubbed his jaw absentmidedly. Red had fallen back on the hilltp, clutching his jaw there, that same day, seven year ago, and said:
“...I haven't seen my dad...in six years...”
Then Blue dropped to the ground, sitting quietly for several minutes while Red clutched his knees and say quietly.
The next day, Blue treated him not as a victim, but a friend, and, he noticed, the rest of the neighborhood seemed to have mellowed out as well. He and Blue had become best friends...
Red closed his eyes and pulled his cap over his face.
Do I even really know you, Blue? Or did I know you better before we were friends?