A Marauder's introduction:

So...greetings and good wishes to the very avid and humongous Pokemon Fanfiction Community!

This is the first time I've written a Pokemon Fanfiction although I've been reading the fics for a very, very long while. Pokemon pretty much sculpted my childhood and even now I'm an avid competitive player and chase the anime/manga/movies. That said, while I've not exactly had the inclination to write a fic on this genre in the past, my inspiration has since blossomed into the page you currently see today.

This is probably very quintessential especially considering how diverse the essences in Pokemon can be mingled. I've seen enough fics to know how things work, and they're all very unique and creative, although sometimes far too off aspect; being that it's not something that canonically or appropriately should exist, but at the end of the day, this is just fanfiction, and it can prove to be a good mix or very effective in concert. So here's what you can expect to see within the content of this newly made fic;

- This fic's an adventure/romance based fic. So while it will be primarily about it, it won't be entirely centralized around Cynthia/Red's relationship as well as the harem and love triangles that will follow and everything. There will be battles, and there will be alternate important plot.

- I trust that a part of the more strict and understanding readers of the community may accuse me of making Red's capabilities and everything far too much of a typical Mary-Sue, particularly on his battling capability, but I won't be making an entirely perfect character without flaws, I promise. That or I'm being a bit too paranoid about how I shape my characters.

- Use of Legendaries; inevitably, there will be. Of course, I'm not going to snag something like Mewtwo or Reshiram in here (or at some point, I could, who knows) but I'm not going to make the battles excessively unfair.

- Moves in battles; with the mention of that in this prologue, you can expect really non-existent, unexpected moves to occur, but only through combination.

- Erotica; Ironically, I've had some people ask of me to add some part of this. Hesitantly, I may include a mild part of this aspect but I won't be going too far on this. Again, this is all subject to my change of heart whenever it comes or when I find it befitting or appropriate.

I'm giving all this out for a reason, so you'd all know what you can expect, and turn away from this page after reading this just in case something doesn't tickle your fancy or generally just isn't your cup of tea.

So without further ado and with apologies for all that blathering, let's start with this. I hope you all enjoy!

Pursuing a Champion's Heart: Prologue

Radiant. Ravishing. Strong. Collected.

What other words would describe her? This was Cynthia, the Sinnoh League Champion. She was a gifted female who had everything ranging from looks, to fame, to skill, to wealth. Easily establishing herself among the competitive scene as one of the finest trainers in her generation, she was a figure respected and adored, a model individual for Sinnoh. You could find news of her on the television channels, the papers, or even live tournaments that she avidly participated. She was dedicated at anything she did, ranging from study, to battling, to fashion, and perhaps a lot else she kept to herself.

Today, Cynthia had returned from the League after an admittedly tedious meeting alongside the other Elite Four Members, Aaron, Bertha, Flint and Lucian. It shocked her and her colleagues for a moment that Bertha had intended to resign from the quartet of powerful Pokemon Trainers for reasons she didn't exactly open up to them about. Harboring strong respect for her, Cynthia accepted her decision - albeit rather reluctantly, thinking of it now. The Elite Four needed a member as wise and strong as she was, and it would be quite the crisis if a replacement - not like there could be anyone that could ever do so in her heart - wasn't found in due time. Bertha thought of passing over her place to either her son or grandson initially, but Cynthia knew that Roark and his father Byron were dedicated in their mining fields and wouldn't neglect that for a fancy title or better pay, capable trainers as they were. The meeting was dismissed with Cynthia announcing that she would be on break for three months to extend the time needed to find Bertha's replacement, which thankfully coincided with the periods well so the League wouldn't be closed temporarily and out of the blue. Of course, Bertha and the others promised her that she could rest easy and they would do what they could to find a suitable new member as soon as they could.

After helping herself to one of the rare scoops of Beartic Ice Beam from the new Beartic Ice Cream shops recently transferred from Unova to Sunyshore, she now stood relaxing on one of the furnished couches at home, feeling relieved over the headache-inducing problem she had to deal with just this morning. The windows nearby indicated a beautiful sunset on the nearby beach, as she opened a letter handed to her by her butler Jarvis a few moments ago, discovering that it was Caitlyn who had sent it to her. It was just two weeks ago she was invited from Sinnoh to visit Unova through a phone call by the her pink-attired acquaintance, offering her villa in Undella for her like she always did. Cynthia didn't tell her that she already bought her own villa there some months ago she was there, however, and scolded herself inside for not telling her about this sooner. Occupied with duties, Cynthia had cut off the conversation momentarily and scolded herself for forgetting to contact her back, although at the end of the day, Cynthia was still a busy figure with various duties latched to her as the Champion of her region.

The Unova Psychic-type Elite Four member had informed her particularly of an grand event in the region itself in her letter to Cynthia, about the fifth anniversary of the construction of the Pokemon World Tournament. Cynthia knew that another Tournament would be held just by reading the former sentence, although she proceeded nonetheless. Cynthia was to attend there as one of the guests of honor, and Caitlyn informed her that Champions from all over the globe would attend, including Lance, Steven, and Diantha, and even the wandering, infamous Red of Pallet Town that wore the crown of top Champion for nearly three consecutive years had given the PWT staff a reply saying he would attend, or so she heard.

Red.

Noticing news of the boy piqued Cynthia's curiosity somewhat - perhaps much to the point where the calm leisure as she read the letter shattered into what was nervousness, the beat of her heart hastening slightly.

Red was a person who never really opened up to anyone - the rumors only reveal that he always secludes himself amidst the seemingly insurmountable, harsh, snowy mountains of Mount Silver. He wasn't aloof or arrogant, but more often than not, he was one to keep to himself, and he was well-known and within the same league as she was, one of the world's most dominant trainers, if not the most powerful by far. He very much deserved his consecutive streak and rock-solid reign over the PWT as its champion for nearly three consecutive years, and although Cynthia had only faced him once, she knew it would be an understatement to claim that he was simply a boy with skill befitting of his title.

It wasn't the revelation that one of her top rivals would attend, though - rather, it was the fact that Red was special to her - perhaps so special she hadn't even realized it until now. Red was a year younger than her, and the two shared a short, enjoyable history as they made their acquaintances. Due to a series of events and time spent together, she used to be especially fond of his company, more so the pleasure of clashing with him in battles. As of now, Cynthia's remembrance towards Red reawakened memories within her - memories she didn't know that of which she had tried to forsake or forever keep in her heart.

"Garchomp is unable to battle. Charizard wins!" The referee announced, as Cynthia's Garchomp fell with a thud to the floor, bruised and lethargic upon the battlefield, while its opponent, Charizard, still stood panting for breath. The crowd responded with thunderous cheer at the end of the suspenseful and climactic battle. "The victor is Red!"

Red had three Pokemon left with him whereas his Charizard had just defeated her Garchomp despite its type disadvantage. Cynthia put up a good fight and the other two - Krookodile and Staraptor, as shown in the indicators - were already black and blue from their fights. Nonetheless, Red had easily aced his victory towards the Sinnoh Champion, as she remembered how impressed he was by Red's skill of combining moves and utilizing impromptu strategies with his keen, razor-sharp intellect. It was simple to say that he rarely, if ever, made mistakes in a battle, a seasoned soul honed for the art of Pokemon battling. She remembered the shocking, yet somewhat stunning display where his Charizard had activated Blaze after a few relentless attacks from Garchomp, before Charizard easily overwhelmed the Mach Pokemon with one of his signature, powerful Fire type combinations honed throughout seemingly vigorous, strict training.

Cynthia and Red left the battlefield earlier than anyone else, talking somewhere in which they were alone. The sky shone a magnificent orange above them, the warmth of the sun fading harmoniously behind unseen boundaries of the hills.

"Congratulations, Red." She recalled herself approaching the boy as the match had ended, satisfied despite her loss. "It was an astounding battle. In fact, I was convinced your victory was unadulterated at some point..."

"Likewise, although I wouldn't say that." Red collected her hand with his own warm one, most of the skin covered by one of his signature gloves. Cynthia could feel her cheeks flush slightly as she felt the warm caress of his palm. She was experiencing feelings she'd not felt with anyone else other than him, unsure of whether than positive uneasiness in her was something to worry of or savour.

"This secures your third consecutive win, then." Cynthia said, feeling rather pleased of his feat, despite the fact that she lost. It was an honor to her in that she got to face something as strong as she was, and with that there was nothing she contrited. "A very impressive feat."

"It's not about winning," Red remarked, placing a warm hand over her long, trailing long hair. Her body started to tingle slightly and her face grew warm. "It's about trusting your Pokemon. Your friends, your comrades. It's about the bond you have with them - be it a win or a loss, never lose sight about what's truly important in battling. We battle not to win - we battle to strengthen our bonds with the Pokemon we treasure. That's where the true meaning belies - and only evidence how far your threads can carry you."

Garchomp managed to get a hold of itself as it approached Cynthia and stood beside her. It smiled as the two trainers gave it relaxing caresses with their warm hands, Garchomp having respect for the male trainer as well as being one of Charizard's close, friendly rivals.

"I couldn't agree more." Red's deep and powerful words delighted her somewhat. He wasn't a ruthless and power-hungry individual - through the strong, inseparable bonds he had established with his Pokemon, their coordination and power that came from it was well-deserved. "There was a time I used to only care about winning and title regardless of circumstance, unlike you-"

"I very much know what it means to think of only winning, Cynthia. More than you can ever imagine." Red's voice began to soften, but not to the brink of bitterness, or sadness. Traversing back to memories of his former naïvety, they both wondered if he was feeling amused or ashamed of the past he had.

"Don't we all..." Cynthia murmured, before she noticed Red's shifting expression. It disturbed her slightly. "Is...something wrong?"

"It's nothing." Red responded rather sheepishly, forcing a smile. "Perhaps I was simply reminded of the old days, an ignorant, carefree child that only cared about winning."

Cynthia wanted very much to spend more time with him. Gradually, she was enjoying this euphoric, warm feeling and the equanimous atmosphere the person managed to so easily give her, emotions and scenarios no one else had given her before. She fidgeted slightly and proclaimed, "Perhaps we could further discuss things over dinner? I recommend a very famous cafe just around-"

"Nice as it may, I must depart. Thank you, but my apologies."

He's leaving? She thought. So soon? "You're leaving already?" Placing her hand close to her heart, it began to sink as if a broken ship rushing down the despaired depths of the deep ocean.

"Perhaps I'm not one for staying around in one place for too long. I have some things to attend to, as well."

"Will I...ever see you again?" Her voice began to shatter slightly, her words cutting in between.

"Perhaps time will dictate that." He said. Only a smile stood on his face, as of all this seemed merely natural, ignorant of the girl's growing heartbreak. "Farewell, Cynthia. I hope as much as you do that our paths may once again cross someday..." And with that, he departed on his Charizard's magnificent wings, touring the skies heading to destinations only he and the Flame Pokemon knew.

"Wait, there's one more thing I-" Red didn't even give her a chance to continue what important and meaningful things she had hoped to bestow upon the boy, as Cynthia called for him fruitlessly, watching him soar into the sky alongside Charizard, disappearing into the evening clouds.

"You...saved me when I was a child once...and I've fallen for you since then..." She allowed herself to mutter these choked words as the sorrowful blade of a woman's tears slit through her right cheek.

Cynthia was unsure that of which Red recognized her as the person he once saved from falling and getting lost. It happened during the distant past when they were kids; she'd understand that Red wouldn't have recognized her given the steep difference in her hair length when she was young and how it was now. She didn't exactly recall the details, but she only remembered herself visiting Kanto for one of the Pokemon Institute's annual events - the Pokemon Trainer Cultivation Camp, hosted to inspire and cultivate young trainers, led by the famous Professor Oak himself. She recalled herself pleading her parents for her to go there for the event, having had passion for Pokemon since her youth. She remembered herself lost in Viridian Forest - alone and frightened. As she ventured into the cold, thicker areas of the woods, she was chased by a Beedrill; she found herself cornered under a steep layer of rock - falling below would prove dangerous. However, there was no one there apart from her and the agitated Spear Pokemon. With a careless slip, she fell with a scream, and braced for the impact of pain-

As her eyes awakened and freed her from the feared darkness, they first noticed handsome features of a young boy that was cradling her in his arms. He wore a cap on his head that left only a few, large slits of jet-black, spiky hair pop out. She discovered herself safe, and unscathed from the fall, inside his strong arms. He smiled at her - a smile that left pink blotches on her cheeks.

"Are you okay?" A somewhat high-pitched, jubilant voice questioned her.

"I-I'm alright." She murmured as the boy set her down. "Thank you for saving me..."

"Where are you from?" He asked.

"Oh, I'm from Sinnoh. I'm actually here for the Pokemon Trainer Cultivation Camp-"

"Oh, you're with them, I see!" He exclaimed. "Professor Oak at the others are at the Pokemon Center right now - it's just a stone's throw away from here. Follow me; I know the way."

Cynthia was rather nonplussed at the boy's kindness. Entwining his warm hand gently in hers, she remembered herself in disbelief, with a slight joy at being rescued at meeting this kind boy. Thankfully, the sun had yet to set as they reached Viridian City where familiar faces of children to her and some professors had gathered. She was now safe and back where she should be.

"Thank you..." She said, smiling rather sweetly. "What's your name?"

"Red!" Distant calls from males alerted the two children, noticing a gang of boys waving at the raven-haired male. "Come on, we're going to be late!"

"I'm sorry, but I have to go!" Red ran off and left the girl at the Pokemon Center. "Bye!" And with that, he rushed off and disappeared, much like their final meeting.

Red. Even if he didn't tell her, she now knew his name. Red - the name was music to her.

The memory was a sweet one to her, but the fact that she had failed to reveal it to him was saddening. Yet she managed to strengthen herself of what she failed to do, her sorrow shattering momentarily as she pondered on Red and their intertwining pasts.

Cynthia had reconciled with Red for only three months after they first met again during the Pokemon World Tournament - Cynthia had heard rumours of him left and right but never had the chance to meet him apart from the end of last year - it had been a year ever since. During their short time together, Cynthia's feelings inevitably flourished, and perhaps even now, they had always been engraved in her heart. Cynthia felt mildly sad that Red never recognized her from his past, but her initial shy insecurities towards him also meant that she never had the courage to tell him the truth.

She admired his radiance. She adored his strength. And above all, she loved his heart.

More importantly, however, she was alone. Behind every person there was bound to be his or her vulnerable side, and to Cynthia, it was a weakness she always had ever since. Perhaps her beauty meant she could had any guy she ever wanted, but it was a sad thing that the person she loved had never loved her back, to her heart that seemed to only have room to accommodate Red inside the secluded, fragile walls. Without him she felt lonely, and for all this time she'd wanted someone to rely on, as thinking about it now the distance away from him made her more and more vulnerable. Ever since her parting with Red, she'd always had mild swings of vulnerability assaulting her at where it hurt the most, and as of now, she realized that it was her yearning to see him that had caused all her woes. Was this destined to be - her unrequited, unwavering feelings towards Red? Would she ever bring herself to relinquish them?

Cynthia never hated Red for leaving her without proper notice or an answer, understanding that there were things he wanted to do and attend to for reasons only the boy himself knew. Nevertheless thinking of his departure was enough to shove a blade inside Cynthia's fragile chest as she struggled to hold back her tears thinking of it. His response admittedly hurt her - even after so long, it was one of the bitter moments in her seemingly diverse and special life in which she held on and that she never knew.

Yet with such a window of opportunity for Cynthia to meet him again, the sadness failed to resurface, and the thick hammering at the back of her mind longing to see this person again seemed unrelenting and stubborn. The event was only two days away, as she was optimistic that everyone who wanted to participate would arrive due tomorrow. Cynthia was very much urged to be there before he did, so that she could meet him again, to talk to him again, to spend time with him again, and perhaps this time confess her feelings she locked up for so long.

Her excitement diminished as a sudden lash of paranoia and worry gnawed at her with questions: Would he remember me? Could something really happen between us? Would I ever bear the bitter pain if I would be rejected by him? She felt insecure of herself, what she would do as she would finally meet him after so long, and what corresponding events would occur as they would reconcile.

Although perhaps her doubts were best answered by experience, and she'd never know if she didn't try, at the very least.

"Jervis," She said, noticing her butler enter the room. "Have my jet ready. I'll be approaching Unova tonight."

"But isn't that only an hour or two or so away, miss?" Cynthia had to admit that Jervis' curiosity had merit. Rushing off at such an hour was in fact, unusual and rather inappropriate, especially when she had yet to have dinner. Unova was about 3 hours away from Sinnoh by jet, so it was even more unseemly to head there at such a time. Her decision was admittedly hasty - she was becoming far too desperate to see him again, as she wondered why her feelings towards Red had strangled her so helplessly. An embarrassed expression reddened her cheeks slightly.

"It's...nothing. I'm sorry." She decided otherwise. Thinking of him made her...not herself, she confessed. "We leave at dawn tomorrow, then."

She seemed eager - too eager, in fact. The friends and people she'd meet as well as the exciting battles provided her with enough ardor, but above all, she would be able to see him again.

Red...wait for me. I miss you, but that's all to change tomorrow. I wonder if you remember me...

He felt warmth amidst the pelting snow, where all was white. The figure stood at a high place that seemed to be a mountain's peak, the area nothing but a vague white, the distance amidst their view clouded and unseen, the only light being a Charizard's faintly glowing flame at its tail as it waited motionlessly beside his trainer. There was only the howling gusts of the wintry winds - the blizzard was thick, the winds crashing on their bodies like waves, the cold crippling all sight and sound - if there was anyone other than the two there.

The Flame Pokemon watched its trainer solemnly, eyes reflecting deep respect and hope as much as much as the trainer's direct gaze gave off. It then watched the metal plating engraved on its chest, protecting two, special spheres glistening under the mild flame on it's tail that burned amidst the snow, giving off a mild orange light.

"Say, Charizard." The trainer spoke, as it listened attentively. The howling gusts didn't make it too difficult for the Flame Pokemon to hear its master. "Do you know why I put them there - your Mega Stones - on your chest?"

Charizard only gave off a slight growl - it was questioning and inquisitive.

Red caressed his right hand over the shining surface of metal, slightly hued by the white, relentless flakes of the mountain's snow. The other touched Charizard's head soothingly and softly, as it indulged at Red's caring gesture, growling in delight, and in agreement of his meaningful words. "Strength is where the heart is." He said. "Always remember that."

Charizard nodded, knowing that it would remember those words for an eternity if it could spend a life that long. The two then continued to look forward into the cloudy blizzard before them, wondering what obstacle out there awaited them that they needed to surmount. They'd stayed inside the rocky caverns and bitter snow long enough.

"We leave tomorrow," The trainer whispered to his Charizard. "Another array of tests and battles awaits us."