Chapter Text
Thirteen.
Thirteen is a young age.
Nine is even younger.
Mike Primrose was thirteen years old when he had been forced to sacrifice the idea of living out the rest of his childhood as just that— a child, carefree, left to his own devices and allowed to be an older brother and nothing more. It was perfect, it had been so perfect. But the world was not very kind, and at thirteen, Mike received news of the death of his parents for something that had been completely out of their control. And despite Mike begging to press and know further, it had never come— thirteen is a young age, they’d say, maybe you’ll find out what happened to your parents when you’re older. He had no surviving family members who were adults. Their parents were closed off to the world and with no siblings or surviving grandparents, there had been nobody left to take care of the boys. Somehow, Mike had escaped getting put into an orphanage with his little sibling by his side.
At thirteen, Mike became both a brother and a caretaker.
He had taken up several jobs, caught an Eevee from outside, trained it and got himself a Vaporeon. With this Pokemon by his side, Mike traveled all throughout Kanto battling who he could and making as much money as he could possibly muster, competing with even the strongest trainers with nothing but his Vaporeon by his side. What money that didn’t go to necessities would always go to his little brother. His little Steven, with his bright emerald eyes. Mike didn’t want those eyes to dull, he didn’t want to answer Steven’s inquiries about where their parents were. Instead, he would buy anything Steven would ask for, if he had the dollars to. He’d buy the newest game console, the newest toys, the newest fashion… All the while his own desires had been overlooked. Always. There was no time for what Mike wanted, it was only ever about what he could have done for his kid brother.
In March, after Mike had turned fifteen, it was a lot easier to sustain his little brother once he took up a part-time job.
With Mike working as much as he can, and battling new trainers that showed up— sometimes waiting in the tall grass for hours—his freetime had lessened immensely. He tended to also notice that Steven’s opinion of him almost differed between the days. Sometimes, Steven would act as though Mike was the worst brother in the world, getting frustrated when Mike would come home exhausted and then struggle to get up to play video games or throw rocks outside. On other days, he seemed almost grateful— as grateful as a bratty little kid could be. Periodically, Steven would joke that Mike seemed more like a dad than his brother. But Mike would never have that dad instinct, and he knew very well. It wasn’t supposed to be his task.
Mike had gotten much better at playing the role of caretaker by the time he was twenty.
With Steven’s aging came the changes that followed, with the kid becoming more and more defiant. But Mike had noticed something else, alongside that… Steven had become quieter. He had become more closed off. Was he being bullied in school? Mike had asked many times, with Steven answering with the same flat ‘no’ every time. Mike had even gone to the lengths of asking the school about it, and they had also stated that no, there was nobody picking on Steven. Curiously, they mentioned that the other students simply tended to avoid him. Mike had simply assumed that Steven had just been closing himself off due to familial circumstances, and did the only thing he knew how to. He tried to take Steven’s mind off of it.
Mike had gone to Professor Oak and smooth-talked his way into getting some Pokemon from him for Steven. Oak seemed apprehensive, stating that the Pokemon were meant for his grandson and his friend— Blue and Red, of course. Mike knew these kids very well. He'd babysitted them on multiple occasions before, even though they were much younger than Steven. And yet, Mike had been thinking about nothing except Steven as he insisted to Oak to let him take the Pokeballs, not even caring or considering the fact that he’d be taking away an opportunity from the kids he babysat. It didn’t matter. Blue and Red didn’t matter the way Steven did.
Oak had reluctantly agreed to it being a gift from him to Mike after everything he’s done for the family and Mike set off with two Pokeballs in his hand.
“Steven,” He called into the house, the Pokeballs securely in his bag and his Vaporeon riding on his shoulder.
Steven glances up from his spot on the couch, book in his hands, and his eyes peeking through his hair. He meets Mike’s gaze. “Yes?”
Mike walks closer, bending a knee and sliding his bag off his shoulder. Vaporeon hops onto the couch, chirping excitedly, her tail wagging left and right. It’s almost as though she’s trying to project her excitement unto the ever-so stoic Steven. Mike opens the bag and reveals the two pokeballs. And, although his eyes are glittering, Steven doesn’t seem to share the sentiment. He turns back to his book.
“You just came in here to show me your new Pokemon?” Steven says boredly.
“No, one’s for you,” Mike insists.
“I’m not really into the whole Pokemon stuff, and we already have Vaporeon, so I don’t want a new pet either.”
Mike frowns slightly, although Steven doesn’t seem to notice. But he’s not done yet.
“Steven, you said you always wanted a Charizard, right?” Mike tries again, gently setting down the Pokeballs.
“Sure, Charizard’s cool.” Steven responds flatly.
As if on cue, Mike opens up one of the Pokeballs, releasing a Charmander that topples over itself somewhat. She lets out an excited and surprised cry, suddenly zeroing in on Steven. Mike grins widely, glancing over at Steven to gauge his reaction. Steven’s eyes are wide, the book completely discarded in his lap. Steven tilts his body back as the Charmander jumps up into his lap.
“Seems she likes you,” Mike snickers, handing the empty ball over to Steven. Vaporeon sniffs the Charmander as she side steps on the couch, pressed closer to the arm.
Steven carefully holds his hands out to feel the scales of the Charmander’s back, rubbing gingerly, as the Pokémon chitters at him excitedly. Steven smiles gently. A genuine looking smile, as genuine as Mike has seen Steven be recently. His eyes glitter.
“Miki,” Steven says, petting the Charmander. “How would you like that name?”
The Charmander presses its snout against Steven’s cheek, vocalizing eagerly.
“Miki it is,” Steven laughs lightly.
Mike smiles. His gaze goes to the other Pokémon left in his bag, picking up the ball and looking it over. Hugging the Charmander tightly, Steven turns his attention to the shiny ball. He had been so caught up in Miki that he had completely forgotten about the second ball, Mike guesses. He opens up the capsule, releasing a Squirtle that glances around quizzically. It’s a lot more timid in its demeanor, but quickly edges towards Mike, as though it had been immediately familiar with him. He glances half heartedly as his Vaporeon jumps off the couch to sniff at her brand new team member.
“A Squirtle?” Steven tilts his head, “But you already have a Pokémon.”
“I do,” Mike grins up at his little brother, “But it wouldn’t be a fair fight between your new Charmander and my skilled Vaporeon, now would it?”
Steven’s eyes go half-lidded as he turns down to Miki. “I just got her. I don’t want to fight.”
Mike holds the Squirtle close and stands upright. “Oh, so you’re scared that Squirtle is better?”
“Squirtle isn’t better,” Steven immediately defends, his head whipping around to face Mike. “Charmander is tough. My Miki is tough. She can beat a Squirtle.”
“I don’t think she can,” Mike insists, grinning smugly.
Steven raises himself off the couch, gently letting Miki drop to the floor. She seems already pumped up to start a fight, determination in her gaze. She’s in a fighting stance, grinning eagerly. Steven scoffs. Mike sets down his Squirtle as well. Miki growls. And what Mike sees most of all is that same fiery determination in Steven’s eyes.
He got him.
Steven takes a particular stance, raising his finger up and pointing at the tiny Squirtle.
“We’ll see,” is all he says, and at once, Miki lunges for Mike’s Squirtle.
The battle is tough for the little Pokémon who fight to their hearts’ content, but Miki is always one step ahead of the Squirtle. She scratches at him. Squirtle retorts with a tackle, clawing Miki off and away. The carpet tears as it’s caught in the crossfire, Vaporeon pressed against the back of the couch as she watches passively. The brothers continue to bark out orders that echo throughout the entire house. It's an intense battle, and then, Mike’s Squirtle collapses against the carpet abruptly. Miki is victorious.
Steven yells out a loud triumph, the loudest Mike thinks he’s ever heard him be, wrapping the Charmander into a tight embrace at the victory. He twirls, his hair twisting and waving in the air. He spins excitedly. Meanwhile, Mike lets his Squirtle back into its Pokeball, silently vowing to heal it back up again when he gets the chance.
Steven pulls himself close to Mike, his eyes wide and vibrant. “I told you,” Steven says smugly, “Miki can win anything.”
Mike relents, laughing lightly, extending his arm out to his Vaporeon. She crawls up on to him, balancing on his shoulder. Her eyes are on Miki.
“You got me.” Mike laughs again, running a hand through his hair. “You’re not bad at that, Steven. I’m almost surprised.”
“You’re an old man, Mike,” Steven grins, “Maybe I’m the better trainer after all.”
Despite how egotistical Steven sounds, Mike blinks slowly, reaching back down into his bag. “Well, Steven,” Mike says slowly, pulling out a shiny Pokédex and extending his hand out. “Why don’t you prove it?”
Steven stops, squinting at the device. “Did you steal that?”
“No, I didn’t.” Mike says quickly, “Oak gave me an extra.”
“Why would he do that?”
Mike shrugs, “Because his grandkids like me?”
Despite his initial apprehension, Steven lets Miki down and snatches the Pokédex. He examines it closely.
“It’s so you can fill it out.” Mike explains.
“Why?”
“Uh, it was meant for Oak’s research. To be honest, I haven’t really caught much Pokémon. I feel bad when I have to leave them inside PCs.”
“I didn’t know you had Pokémon that wasn't Vaporeon.” Steven pockets the Pokédex. “Alright, you got me. That first fight was fun. When can I go out and fight more trainers?”
That fiery passion seems so new on Steven’s features, and yet Mike wishes to let it engulf his very being. Mike whistles.
“I’ll help you pack, and then you can go anywhere you want, as long as you let me know.” Mike pauses, and then perks up. “Oh! I know! I’ll be your rival.”
“My rival?”
“Yeah! You know, every trainer needs a rival. Someone to help them grow stronger. I’ll meet you at intervals, see how you’re doing, how Miki is doing. Doesn’t that seem fun?”
“No offense Mike, but,” Steven’s eyes glisten. “You don’t have anything except a Vaporeon and Squirtle. Those aren’t exactly the strongest Pokémon.”
“That’s the point,” Mike lights up, “My Vaporeon grows stronger, and so does Squirtle, and then I’ll keep being someone who challenges you and sees your progress.”
Steven tilts his head back. He hums. “Fine.”
Mike grins. “You won’t regret it, little brother.”
With the conversation done, Mike leads Steven up to their shared bedroom to get Steven ready to go on his adventure. He gives Steven an old red jacket with stitched white sleeves, a backpack, and several pokéballs. He ties up Steven’s thick, black hair into a low ponytail with a red beaded hair tie, ensuring that his little brother is as presentable as can be. Mike doesn’t even notice Steven seeming to be struggling until he speaks up, calling his brother’s name. Mike blushes from the embarrassment as he realizes he must have had over prepared Steven. Eventually, the brothers decide on a good setup of materials and Steven heads out.
—--------------------
For the next few days, Mike had watched the small town’s opinion on Steven grow more and more positive while he built up a name for himself. Mike had been watching mostly from the sidelines, sometimes heading into the tall grass to spot Steven a few feet away, his Miki erupting flames from her mouth in a rather impressive performance. She had always been careful, apparently; Mike never saw the grass catch fire once, despite how explosive and bright her flames were. Mike had meanwhile been giving his own Squirtle the chance to grow alongside Miki and learn its own moves. It always looks back at Mike after every battle, its eyes wide, desperate for praise that always came.
He had been asked once more to babysit Blue by Professor Oak. To his surprise, it wasn’t just Blue who knocked on his door — there was the addition of Red and Daisy. Blue and Red were carrying sleeping bags and a plethora of snacks, pushing back Mike with nothing short of a ‘hi’. Daisy waits by the door, smiling gently at her younger brother and his friend as they pass by. She glances up at Mike.
“Sorry for the short notice. Normally I would do it, but I’ve got my hands full lately.” Daisy bows her head slightly, apologetic.
“Oh no, no, it’s no problem at all.” Mike says, rubbing the back of his neck. He returns her gentle smile. “Do you want to stay for a second? I’ve got all day.”
“If it’s not a bother,” Daisy giggles.
Mike sidesteps and Daisy walks inside. He closes the door behind them, his gaze turned to the two kids who’ve huddled up in the living room as though it had been their own home. Mike didn’t mind. In fact, he walks over, hooking up the game console and passing the remote on over. All the while Daisy watches close by, her hands clasped behind her back. When the kids are hunkered down, Mike turns his attention back to Daisy and leads her away from the living room and into the kitchen.
“They must be so accustomed to being here with you,” Daisy laughs, “Waltzing in as though they own the place.”
“Oh, heh,” Mike blushes lightly, “It’s no issue, really… Besides, it’s nice having some company again. Would you like some tea?”
At her nod, Mike turns his back, scouring through his cupboards.
“Oh yes, I forgot all about Steven’s new journey. Has he been keeping up with you about that?”
Mike nods. “He’s only in Viridian City right now… He’s being a lot more talkative lately, ever since he got Miki.”
“Yes, he seems to really like her. I never really was interested in all that training stuff but it’s always nice seeing others be so passionate, isn’t it? It’s all Blue talks about… He wants to be a trainer, too.”
Mike smiles. “Really, Blue wants to be a trainer? Is it because he wants to be better than Red?”
“Maybe. Who knows what goes on in Blue’s head?” Daisy chuckles.
The conversation ends there and fades into a comfortable silence as Mike brews tea for the both of them. Once it’s done, he pours two cups and sits across Daisy. They continue to sit in silence, sipping quietly, nothing except the background noise of Red and Blue playing a fighter game in the living room.
Daisy trails her finger against the ring of her tea cup, staring down at its liquid. “Say, Mike… Would you mind if I asked a maybe intrusive question?”
Mike perks up. “Oh, I don’t mind. Go ahead.”
“...Do you two have… parents? For as long as we’ve lived here, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone in this home except you and Steven.”
Mike pauses. He grimaces somewhat, setting his cup down. “Ah, no. They died when I was thirteen.”
Daisy tilts her head to the side. “So you’ve been raising Steven completely alone?”
Mike nods.
Daisy sighs a bit, exasperated; she tilts back, brushing her hair rearwards gently.
“...It’s really tough to do that. It takes a lot of sacrificing. You’re very selfless, Mike.” Daisy hums.
“Heh. You’d know what it’s like, wouldn’t you?” Mike gazes up at her.
“Oh, yes, ah,” Daisy stammers, “It’s… Not to the extent of being completely alone, because we have our grandpa. But sometimes it really does feel as though I’ve needed to take care of Blue all by myself.. Because our grandpa is always busy.”
“I get that.” Mike chuckles solemnly, staring down at his tea cup.
The silence returns. It stays for longer this time. Mike and Daisy only listen to the noise of Blue playing against Red. Blue exclaims loudly. He must have lost. Mike allows himself to lose track of time, simply sitting there comfortably.
Eventually, Daisy stands, glancing at the clock. “Oh goodness, apologies, I have to go.”
Mike stands up as well and heads out with her into the living room, following close behind. He glances over to Red and Blue, but quickly turns his attention back on to Daisy as she stops at the door. Mike was so focused on walking behind her that he almost bumps into her. He stops dead in his tracks. Daisy tilts her head slightly to gaze at him.
“...I know I’m hardly Steven’s senior, and I’m only a year younger than you, but… If you need any help with Steven, can you keep it in mind to maybe ask me to assist you? I know how tough it can get.”
Mike pauses… And he stammers. “Uh. I mean, yeah, of course. Honestly, I never even considered asking for help…”
Daisy smiles sweetly. “Me neither, until you offered all that time ago. I want to return the favor. Promise me I’ll get to return the favor one day, okay?”
Mike nods. Daisy seems satisfied with that. With no other words, Daisy heads out, gently closing the door behind her.
Mike turns back around, gazing at his living room. He walks closer.
“You want me to set up the guest room for you two?”
“No, we’re gonna sleep out here,” Blue calls out, and Red nods along.
Mike hums. “Alright. Let me know if you need anything throughout the night.”
“Yeah, Red,” Mike overhears Blue say to his companion once he turns away, “Mr. Mike's gonna stay up for the entire night. It’s like he never sleeps.”
Mike sighs quietly. He guesses it’s true. He’s not very good at staying asleep. Wordlessly, Mike heads up to his bedroom, applying trust in the boys not to burn the place down as he lies in his bed.
He wonders what Steven is doing right now.
—-------------------
In the following months, Mike had watched Steven undergo a complete transformation.
No longer was his little brother the shy, quiet kid that had been avoided at school. Steven’s hair was well-kept and he kept his appearance well groomed, dawning a cocky, confident smile. No matter where he went, his reputation grew and grew, with those living in other cities seeming to adore any chance they got of being able to battle Steven. Mike watched before his very eyes as Steven built up a name for himself. Mike had even watched as Miki grew from a Charmander into a Charizard rather quickly for someone of her species. It had put Mike somewhat at a disadvantage, at first— Squirtle was growing slower, as expected from such an evolution line, but Mike couldn’t help but feel as though the cards were not in his favor even when he made extra sure that they would be matched at any opportunity.
Quickly, Mike learned that having nothing but his Vaporeon and Blastoise wasn’t going to be enough if he wanted to match the sudden prodigious skills of his little brother.
He took it upon himself to catch as many Pokemon as he could, waiting in the tall grass for his chance to strike. Mike didn’t give up until he knew for certain that he had caught every Pokemon in the grass, even if they were weak. Soon enough he had begun to notice that his Pokedex had been filling up as he recorded new findings. Has Steven been doing the same? Mike couldn’t help but wonder.
He had been pushing his own team for quite some time in order to meet the expectations he had set for himself. Slowly but surely, Mike had been collecting much more badges from gyms — some he wouldn’t dare or care enough to get when he was a kid. Beating the water gym was not exactly possible when all he had was a water Pokemon. Just like Steven, Mike built up a reputation— but it was subtle, not nearly the way Steven had gotten it. It felt odd. It had always felt odd to Mike, how he was the older and more outspoken brother and yet Steven had grown in popularity much faster than he ever could.
It all came down to a standstill once Mike had become the champion.
He sat in the champion’s room, his frame hung up on the Hall of Fame. He wasn’t expecting to be a champion for very long. This had been the last time he had gotten ahead of Steven, and Mike is more than prepared to throw it all away.
Steven enters the room. A battle commences.
For old times’ sake, and Mike considering it a battle between their ace Pokemon, he decided to use Vaporeon. She had grown a lot from start to finish. Mike has the advantage— he always had the type advantage over Steven, and yet he’d be lying if he didn’t admit that Miki was a beast in her own league.
Vaporeon is quick to attack. Mike barks out orders that Vaporeon follows with ease— surf that engulfs the battle ground with streams of water, toxic that poisons Miki and forces her to grow weaker, alongside ice beam and rest. Vaporeon is an experienced Pokemon, and yet, Miki shrugs off the damage as though it’s nothing but sweat against her scales. Miki roars into the open air as she retaliates with her own devastating blows, clawing at Vaporeon and tearing away the fur and flesh. It’s fine, it’s normal, a little blood is usual in these sorts of battles. Vaporeon isn’t giving up, still fighting with every breath, but Mike can see her strength depleting.
The match is a close one. In a final bout of strength, both the Vaporeon and Miki lunge for each other. They collide harshly and both land on the ground. Vaporeon is sent back, and it’s clear she’s fainted. Miki slowly raises herself up, letting out a roar of triumph.
Steven won.
Mike can’t stop smiling.
“You’ve gotten so strong,” Mike breathes out, returning Vaporeon to her Pokeball. He extends his hand out.
“You’re not bad yourself, Mike.” Steven grins.
Steven and Mike shake hands together, and Mike leads Steven into the hall of fame to get his picture taken. Although Mike had lost the title of champion immediately, it didn’t matter. Steven is the champion now, and that’s enough for him.
Home after their long adventure together, Mike and Steven sit together at the PC recently set up in the living room. The brothers have their pokedexes in hand.
“I don’t want to,” Steven says hesitantly.
“Come on,” Mike eggs on, “I just gotta borrow her for a second. She’s the only Pokemon I don’t have— I’ll give her right back, she just needs to recognize me as her master for it to go through.”
Steven glances away, swallowing thickly. “But she’s my Miki.”
“I’ll give her right back,” Mike reiterates, “Come on, please?”
It’s a selfish thing to ask. Mike knows it is. But after everything he’s done for Steven, perhaps he can ask for something selfish just once.
Steven’s eyes scan the floor, his hand twitching and hovering over the Pokeball that contains his Charizard. Steven glances back up at Mike, and then hesitantly nods.
“Alright, awesome! It’ll just take a second, then.”
The Pokeball is hooked up to the PC and the trade commences. Steven watches with nervous, fearful eyes. Mike feels as though there’s nothing to worry about.
SNAP.
Steven’s eyes go wide and all color immediately drains from his face. Mike perks his head up, looking at the PC.
“What was that?” He asks into the open air, and reaches for the PC, checking it over.
“..It crashed,” Mike says, the color draining from his face, as well.
“Miki?” Steven croaks out, pushing Mike to the side and trying to retrieve the trapped Pokeball. “M…Miki, Miki?”
He tugs desperately at the stuck Pokeball, eventually ripping it out. The Pokeball seems to leak a red liquid… And Mike can’t believe his eyes.
Steven trembles, shuddering with shaky breath. It seems he’s about to cry, his voice cracking.
“Miki, Miki, no no, Miki!” Steven cries out.
Mike takes a step back.
He killed her.
He killed Miki.