A note before we start: This fic takes place at the gameverse, so there's no Ash, Yellow, Emerald, etc. All events and timelines are according to what happened in the games with a slight change.

#006 - Charizard

"Red! Congratulations on getting to the Hall of Fame!"

"I'm proud of you, sweetheart!"

"He's just lucky, if we have a rematch, I could win easily next time."

I only managed to smile when the people congratulated my trainer on his latest achievement (Blue being the sole exception), watching them enjoying themselves with the party Red's Mother threw in her house. They were all proud of him. Of course, no one would've believed a 10 year old kid managed to make it to the Hall of Fame all by himself. Well, Red himself couldn't believe he managed to do so, and he didn't expect to battle Blue in a Champion Match either, then later, overthrowing Professor Oak's grandson from his reign as a Champion.

I leaned against the door frame and crossed my arms, staring at the starry evening sky while tuning out the cheers and applause emanated from the house. Well, making it to the Hall of Fame was the biggest accomplishment we could do... maybe I can also include disbanding Team Rocket. I have to admit, how does the entire Kanto Police Force encountered problems with them while some 10 year old can lay down some beatings into those chumps effortlessly? I never knew, it remains a mystery, maybe kids can be more competent than adults sometime.

"Blue, remember what I told you." Professor Oak stepped in before Red and his grandson got into another quarrel with each other. "Pride and fame isn't going to get you anywhere, you'll have to learn how to gain trust and love from your Pokémon before you have the chance for a rematch."

I let out a stifled chuckle escaped from my mouth at the Professor's remark. Blue's ego couldn't get any bigger than it already is, when compared, it'll put a Snorlax into a shame... in the terms of size, anyway. While Red doesn't have the natural skills in battling, he still got the brains when it comes to Moves and Typing matches. Blue got what it takes when he's training his team and beating stronger trainers, but only if his arrogance haven't gotten the best of him yet. Leaf... I can't say she's good in any of those, she merely tagged along with Red for the entire journey, but she sure knows how to treat every Pokémon like a royalty. I think she's capable of running a daycare of her own someday.

"Too occupied with your thoughts? I was wondering why you didn't join the party with your trainer." A new voice said, I can sense bitterness in every word, no doubt about it.

Turning to the source of the voice, Blue's Blastoise walked over and flopped onto the ground, a sigh escaped his mouth. A clear sign of exhaustion. I couldn't blame him, really. I put on a lot more challenge than he expected, even to the point where I literally threw the type advantage he had out of the window and defeated him with a single Fire Blast. It was a miracle how I won that final battle, then again, Blue has a point; Maybe we were just lucky.

Well, logic aside, it's all over and done with. But Blastoise looked rather miffed, he seemed mulling over on our battle earlier, or... why I suddenly rambled on in my inner monologue. Why did it took a while for me to answer him? I probably made myself like an idiot for standing here while too caught up in my own thoughts.

"I can't, really," I simply answered, earning a questioning look from the Shellfish Pokémon, I probably didn't make it clear for him, "you don't think a flying fire breathing lizard like me would fit between the humans, right? Besides, there aren't much room left inside the house, since Red's Mother invited a bunch of people in." I pointed out, glacing back at the house's living room where the small celebratory party took place. Aside from the people I mentioned, there are also Leaf and her Mother, and some other people I haven't seen or known at all.

Finally getting my point, Blastoise gave me one of those mischievous smirks, possibly plotting some kind of revenge at me. He's always getting on my case since we were first picked by the Dex holders, much like how Blue would do to Red, the memories are still fresh in my mind. Personally, I think Blastoise had a bit of Blue's personality imprinted inside him.

Speaking of which, I still remember when we were all still unevolved, kept inside our Poké Balls and sat on the table of Professor Oak's lab, waiting for the kids to arrive and pick us as their first Pokémon partner. Truth to be told, I wasn't expecting to get picked. Considering I have type disadvantage against three out of eight types Gym Leaders specializes in Kanto region, it would be obvious that I'll get ignored again this time. Most trainers usually went with the one that'll help them in the long run, and I couldn't see myself fit for that condition.

But when I first saw Red, I wasn't so sure a snotty and smiley kid like him would pick me as his starter Pokémon, but the look in his eyes told me otherwise. That fiery passion and steely resolve, they somewhat resembled a Fire-type Pokémon. I was somewhat glad to be picked though, it kind of relieved me that I finally found someone I can depend on, it's also my chance to see the outside world. All I did in the lab was dozing off on the table for the whole day to kill time and boredom. Just eat, sleep, and play with other Pokémon until I have to return to my ball for the night. Not that I mind with that, but it was good to have a change in your life.

I became his responsibility starting that day, Red said I have to trust him no matter what, and... I just did what he said, I guess. Well, until that self-centered, cocky brat, Blue, challenged Red to battle, even with Professor Oak and Leaf trying to convince them not to battle in the lab. That kid was pushy, as always.

Red didn't said anything for the entire battle, despite Blue's remarks about his Squirtle being stronger than me and his other annoying comments. Nope, he didn't retort a single thing, just standing behind me with a serious expression etched on his face. The only time he talked was to give out the order for the move I need to use or when I have to avoid the attacks. Even more, I can't really tell how he felt or what he was thinking from his face. Huh, weird kid.

Considering he's a rookie Pokémon Trainer, Red almost have no knowledge of Type Matchup. And that gave us our first and last loss ever. Red had learned quickly, the hard and painful way that Fire-type didn't fare well against Water-type. I knew I shouldn't be distrustful to him, not yet at least, I might just give the kid a few more chances before I have to start disobeying him and throwing Ember at his face.

It wasn't an adventure without a couple of shenanigans. For instance, we wandered off to Route 16 that time, after catching a Mankey for his team, both Red and Blue were promptly kicked out from the Pokémon League for having zero badges. That's when our luck starting to turn around, when Red finally able to beat that Blue kid, and for the first time ever, I felt some sort of intuition, possibly because of the thrill and excitement from the battle. Leaf also went and challenged us shortly after that, but she already knew her loss was coming. That's also the time that we started our unstoppable winning streak against our rivals and Gym Leaders alike, I was in such good mood that I felt like I can even took on a Water-type Gym!

As Red continued to fill up the PokéDex, I kept meeting all sorts of new Pokémon, and it made me wonder how big the outside world is. Oh, and speaking of the devil, remember what I said about Blue? Scratch that, the Pikachu Red caught in Viridian Forest was even worse than that kid, this one is a pure spoiled brat for some reason. Even going as far as shocking Red just because he didn't like him. Well, gee... at least Red's Rattata or Nidoran didn't dare to lay a fang on him. And that mouse better learn some damn respect before shocking our Trainer around like that! I think I'll age faster the more I'm yelling like this.

There are a few times when I was irritated by my Trainer. We finally reached Pewter City two days after we left off from Pallet Town, and Red went to challenge Brock, the Pewter Gym Leader who specializes in Rock-type. To this day, I was still pissed off that he put me against something as huge and strong like an Onix! It's not my fault though, Red had no other option, Mankey and Nidoran already dealt decent damage. Pikachu was out of question since he'd shock Red again, so I was the only one left, it's just the matter of winning the match since this one is Brock's last Pokémon. Luckily, I learned Metal Claw just in time to land the finishing blow on that huge rock snake.

We breezed through Mt. Moon, and still, Pikachu won't obey Red in any way. So he was forced to use me and other Pokémon in his team most of the times on our trip through the mountain and during the encounter with Team Rocket, I don't understand why he won't release the obnoxious mouse and find a new one, preferably, another species of Electric-type. I was about to have enough of that Pikachu when he literally disobeyed Red when a horde of Zubats attacked us, if it wasn't for my own trainer stopping me in my track. Saying that Pikachu just needs a little bit more time to settle in. I'm clearly not amused with his statement, I've never held this much of a grudge before, but worry not, that Pikachu will get what's coming to him soon.

I eventually met Bulbasaur that will later become part of Red's permanent team on Route 23, during the battle with Misty, Pikachu - for once, actually took part in that battle. Willingly to replace the already weary Bulbasaur against that beast of a Starmie, I have to admit, despite his stubbornness, he packs quite a punch by taking out Starmie with a few Thundershock. But that still doesn't make me let go of my grudge just because he helped us in one battle. He only took on Misty because he can beat those Water-type and prove that he can be more competent than the rest of us, not because he finally obeyed Red. This one seriously needs to be hit on the face, twice, with a Giga Impact, by a Snorlax no less.

A few weeks later, we reached Celadon City by the time Red had all three Kanto starters in his team at their second stage, and... well, he also managed to get Pikachu obeyed him on a couple of occasions, but not every time, he's still disobeying Red when he got the chance. We followed a suspicious looking guy and found a secret base underneath the Game Corner, guess what? It was Team Rocket's hideout. There are many cages filled with Pokémon. Poké Balls in crates, boxes, and containers, ready to be sold and shipped away. Obviously none of these belonged to them at all, considering they are criminals and all. They sold those Pokémon for several thousand Pokédollars, by using the slot coins as payment. Imagine how many people wasted their time and money here, unknowingly helping Team Rocket's business grow...

Truthfully, I never want to go back there again, I can already smell unhappiness and dread all the way from upstairs, I can tell Red was feeling uneasy with the atmosphere here. A man by the name of Giovanni was responsible for the entire operation, and while we could easily sweep the Raticate, Zubat, and Koffing the grunts tried to sent at us, this man was something else. I'm telling you, even Wartortle and Ivysaur was having an issue dealing with Rhydon and Rhyhorn, despite the double type advantage they had.

Red was ticked off that the boss of Team Rocket had fled the scene before the Celadon Police arrived, but hey, at least we didn't get caught as a random vigilante during that evening. I was thankful, dealing with the Police would be more troublesome than Team Rocket.

I evolved into Charizard once we obtained the Rainbow Badge from Erika the next day, this was the first time I got the chance to shine in a sanctioned match, and it felt really good. After we earned the Soul Badge from Koga, I took the liberty to give Red a ride to Saffron City for his next gym challenge. Unfortunately, Team Rocket already overrun the entire city and took over the Silph building. Where are the authorities when you need them? Is there really nobody to stand up against these bothersome bunch? Those were one of few unanswered questions I had.

Luckily however, Blue and Leaf was around during the crisis. And we devised a suicidal plan to infiltrate Silph building and kick Team Rocket out of Saffron, I know it sounds crazy, but the fate of the world now rest in the hands of ten year old Trainers. If they ever got their hands on the Master Ball, the world is surely doomed.

That moment was the last time Pikachu ever disobeyed Red without regretting it. While Blue and Leaf are busy moping the lower floors, we encountered Giovanni once more at the CEO room. Forcing the president to sign a deal with Team Rocket, we butted in right on time before the deal was done, and challenged the man into battle. This battle was different than the last time, somehow we were... struggling against this guy. Venusaur and Blastoise were out, the Lapras Red just received was KO'd with a single Rock Tomb from Rhydon, and since the opponent was a Nidoqueen, Red decided to send me out since I was immune to Ground-type attacks.

But boy, that was regrettably the biggest mistake Red has ever made... That blasted Nidoqueen knows Surf! And worse yet, the second attack wasn't directed at knocking me out, but it was aimed at Red and Pikachu. My trainer frustratingly trying to get Pikachu to use Quick Attack to interrupt the attack, and the only thing that crossed my mind was to shield them from the attack. But my instinct told me to counter the attack, so with my last bit of strength, I stepped between Red and the Nidoqueen, and tried to counter the Surf with a Flamethrower. I thought I managed to nullified the attack... turns out it merely spelled a disaster on us as an explosion rang across the city. Rendering the power in the building out of commission. Giovanni used the window of opportunity to escape with his helicopter from the hole we made, fortunately, he didn't have the Master Ball with him.

When I found Red, he was unconscious from shielding Pikachu from the explosion, his injury was only limited to cuts and small bruises. It was partly my mistake, I know I could've bring down the entire roof on us. Ugh, why did I come up with the conclusion that I can stop the Nidoqueen's Surf? And if it wasn't for Blue and Leaf arriving in time, Red's condition possibly worse than it already is.

So we just sat on the waiting lobby of the Pokécenter with the two humans, waiting for our trainer to come back to his senses. While the rest of Red's team are currently being healed, Pikachu and I refused to go back to our balls until we can see him, although we could use some healing as well. It was a bit awkward since no Pokémon were allowed to stay outside their Poké Ball inside every center, the only other Pokémon who were outside their balls are the staffs and the nurse's assistants, and judging at our grime covered selves, it was no wonder we received a stare every time someone walked by.

When Red had woken up, I was astonished that the first thing he ask was how Pikachu and I were doing, even through his weariness and injuries, he still managed to smile. He told Pikachu that he wasn't mad at all, and in fact, he too was worried about us. I'm pretty sure Pikachu cried for the whole night at his words, then we all just fell into one, giant happy hug. Unfortunately, Leaf still managed to scold him for his reckless action as if she was his mother, despite the, err... well, it's best if we just keep the real cause of the explosion, okay? I seriously don't want to get on her bad side.

We finally put an end to Team Rocket in Viridian City after we had obtained our seventh badge, it came as a huge shock to us that the leader of Viridian City Gym is Giovanni himself, moreover the discovery that the Gym was a hideout for Team Rocket until they fully regained their strength. I should've known Red's recklessness would only bring us closer to trouble, one thing's for sure, he made a deal with Giovanni that if he win, Giovanni have to disband Team Rocket once and for all, and if he lose... uh, I dunno if I should mention this. But if Red lose, he have to serve under Giovanni in Team Rocket for the rest of his life.

I always believed in Red, I still remembered the exact thing he said to me the first time we met: "Trust me, no matter what happened", I kept holding on to those words, even at desperate times like this. Even Pikachu probably understand what he meant by that. It was as if Red brought in a miracle by defeating Giovanni, because... Arceus be damned if we lost on that fateful day, but I can assure you, that wasn't the only miracle happened in our journey.

When we finally reached the Pokémon League, we thought that Red can finally sit at the Champion's throne after we defeated Lance. But of course, a certain person was always one step ahead of us. Blue. He already went and defeated the Elite Four beforehand. And just like I said earlier, another miracle was brought in when I defeated Blastoise. It was just like our first battle in Professor Oak's lab. And that's how we got here, celebrating the party in Red's house in the first place.

Oh, look at the time, looks like I've wasted your time by my inner monologue, and Blastoise already took that time by aiming his water cannons at me, ready to fire in any second...

Wait, what?!

"In that case, I'll have to force you!" And there he goes, firing a huge torrent of water at me, a Hydro Pump. Somehow, my legs and wings were frozen in place, unable to move an inch from their position. And a few seconds later, I found myself thrown into Red's house from the sheer force, wrecking a table before landing with a thud on the floor. Possibly also ruining the party, as everyone stared at me in shock, I was thankful nobody was in my way during my time in the air. That son of a female Houndoom...

Red promptly scurried over towards me, obviously to check how I'm doing, I held my claw in the front of him as a way to tell him that I was okay. I've dealt with Water type attacks before, Red trained me to avoid and endure these kinds of move, so I shrugged off the Hydro Pump like it was a mere Water Gun move. Blastoise was laughing, of course, even the humans can tell it by his expression.

"Hah! See? My Blastoise even demanded for a rematch!" Blue exclaimed with glee. Well, I don't think blasting some Pokémon with a Hydro Pump to their face is a way to ask for a rematch, Blue. "C'mon, let's have a rematch, Red! Here, and now!"

Oh, no matter. Blastoise is surely in for a walloping. I've defeated him before, I'm sure I can do it again. Now's the time to bring down that smug face to the ground, for the second time.

"Blue! This isn't the time and place for-"

"It's alright, Professor Oak. I got this." Red cut in before Professor Oak finished his sentence, he got his confident smirk back to his face, and I knew he was more than ready to battle again. I nodded and got to my feet, ignoring the mess I made on the floor. I'm gonna have to apologize for that later, even though it's Blastoise's fault. Then again, someone can get pulverized from the force of Hydro Pump if I had sidestepped that attack. "If Blue wanted a rematch, I'll be privileged to give him one."

Professor Oak facepalmed with a sigh, "For Pete's sake, you both are pushy..."

Well, another day, another adventure, I suppose.