At this stage, it’s getting a bit hard not to plagiarize my own work. It’s hard! I’ve written so many fics, at least 60…
Lance: Keep at it! ^-^
Phantomness: Thank you for your support…
Shoyko: *hands author a cup of coffee*
Phantomness: I’ll need it. ^-^
Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Satoshi Tajiri, Nintendo, and Shogakukan Comics! This is non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction that I own under international copyright laws. Understand?
Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks
Yes, this is another Pokemon Special/Adventure based fic. I like it much more than the anime series in case that wasn’t already obvious… most of the way Ash acts is more manga than anime in my fics…
Timeline: After book 3, 2 years later, before book 4, AU, so Red/Ash is 14
Red is Ash, Red is his nickname
Started 4/4/04
Chapter 1
“What’s the point of life?”
Green gave Red an incredulous look. “You’re the Viridian City gym leader and the ninth Indigo League Champion. Why are you asking such a pointless question?”
“I don’t know. But for some reason, it feels as if all my accomplishments are worthless and my efforts are in vain.” Ash sighed. “I can’t do anything.”
“You mean about Viridian Oil and Phillip’s Steel and Lancaster’s Railroads?”
“Yes.”
“Red, you can’t fight them. You might have popular support, but only for so long.”
“But they’re killing the environment!”
“Any fool knows that, but they reap profits and they have made it so that they _need_ the money.”
“They’re already billionaires.”
“That never stopped anyone from making more.”
“I wish…”
“Red, don’t make useless wishes. You can’t do anything at this point. Why not just accept it?”
“But…”
“You’re too idealistic.” Green said, getting up and brushing the wet grass off his jeans. “I’ll see you around.”
Red stayed sitting for a few minutes.
“Pika, why can’t I do anything?”
Pikachu shrugged. I don’t know… He wanted to help, but he was only a pokemon…
“What would it take to shock them into action?” He asked sarcastically to no one in particular.
There was, of course, no reply.
Red fell asleep that night, after taking sleeping pills. He needed them occasionally, after bad accidents.
I wish…
I wish I knew what to do.
Two days later, it was all over the papers.
“You posed _nude_ in the tabloids to earn money for the Pokemon Preserve Project?!” Green asked, aghast.
“It wasn’t that bad.” Red said.
“Red! You’re insane! I know you care about pokemon, but that’s going _way_ too far!”
“What else could I have done?” Red asked practically. Besides, Poli and Pikachu had hid the important parts.
It had earned five million dollars for the charitable organization, hadn’t it? He would do it again for less.
He had to help the pokemon, and this was the only recourse left to him.
Pleas to the government hadn’t helped.
Public broadcasting had only earned him fangirls and no donations. He didn’t want to be known for his looks, but his message.
People were so shallow…
At least this time he had taken advantage of it. Well, he would continue to fight the battle in his own way.
If only someone else cared…
“Well that was unexpected.”
“Did you expect something else?”
“It is interesting that he did not resort to violence.”
“Well, should we try not to recruit him then?”
“I did not say that.”
“Then what do you propose we do?” The speaker asked as she leaned on her cane heavily.
“There is one girl, one who might have the power to oppose us. If he vanishes she will strike. I do not care why, but she will. We must prevent that.”
“We can not take him then?”
“Bruno, you are not paying attention to what I am trying to say.” Lance snapped.
“Well, what are you going to do, kidnap him? That’ll work wonderfully…”
“You most of all should know that resorting to violence is no use.” Lance said.
“So what are you going to do, seduce him?” Bruno asked sarcastically. “I don’t see any bright ideas from you.”
“Actually, that might be a good idea.” Lorelei said thoughtfully.
Lance raised his eyebrows. “You want me to seduce him?”
“Well, I’m not volunteering. Bruno would _definitely_ botch the job, and as much as I admire Agatha, I don’t think her skill lies in this area.”
“Well, desperate times call for desperate measures.” Lance said flippantly.
Bruno’s jaw dropped. “It was just a joke! You’re not seriously thinking of it? He’s still a kid!”
“He’s almost fifteen.” Lance said thoughtfully. “And I know he’s not interested in girls. Otherwise, he’d have one by now.” He smoothed down his black cape, smiled.
“You are insane.”
“Maybe I am, you didn’t have to join the Elite Four you know. But the pokemon must be kept safe. I for one am willing to do this for their sake.”
He smiled, releasing his Aerodactyl. “Well, I shall be off then.”
“Good luck.” Lorelei winked.
“Thanks, dear cousin. Ptera, let’s fly!”
And so it began.
End Chapter
Completed 4/4/04