Work Text:
After a long day of training, Red found himself sitting comfortably while soaking in the hot springs atop Mt. Silver. It has already been many years since he first suffered from severe frostbite and came here to recover, but whenever he felt his joints ache or felt particularly lost, he would embark on the ascent of Mt. Silver once again, a ritual he developed over time.
Whether it is to clear his head or just to make himself feel better, it's hard to say. But there was a familiar comfort that came with well trodden territory.
His Pokémon were resting in their Pokéballs while Pika lazily floated around on the top of the hot water. Red took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
Soon, his mind wandered to what brought him here in the first place: that aimless feeling in his life. His closest friends were all doing… something. Green was busy with his role as the Viridian gym leader while occasionally traveling the world to continue his own personal research. The last time they met, Green had gone into great detail on Mega Evolution. Blue was primarily spending time with her parents to catch up on lost time from her kidnapping as a child. Because of this, she typically stayed at the Sevii Islands, but would still visit Kanto and Johto every so often. Finally, Yellow continued to stay in Viridian City. She was learning how to heal Pokemon in ways outside of her own abilities, taking up an apprenticeship at the local Pokémon Center while honing her own abilities from the Viridian Forest whenever Lance happened to visit the area.
As for Red himself, he didn’t really have any goals and was essentially going with the flow. He had continued to train his Pokémon as usual around the region while occasionally helping with resolving local issues. But lately, he felt stuck and wasn’t making any progress. And that’s how he found himself here, on Mt. Silver once again.
“Pika, what should I even do with my life?” He quietly asked his friend, but it looked like Pika was fast asleep. Red couldn’t help but chuckle softly under his breath before gently lifting Pika out of the hot springs and wrapping them both in warm, clean towels. Now feeling the chill, he dried off before getting a video call which he quickly accepted on his waterproof Xtranceiver. A familiar brunette girl came into view.
“Red, how are y– ah!” Blue covered her face with her hands in pretend shock before grinning widely while winking at him. “I did not expect to see a shirtless Red this late at night.”
“Blue, I feel like you have seen me shirtless plenty of times.”
“True. But it always ends up being a surprise. Not that I mind the eye candy anyway.”
Red could only sigh at her antics before Blue cleared her throat.
“Now, back to the thing at hand. I need you to come to the Sevii Islands by noon tomorrow. You know, at the One Island port like usual. I already invited the others, so make sure you are there or be square, okay?”
Blue then disconnected. She was light on details, as always, but he was sure she was planning something, but what exactly? Red shrugged. He’ll figure it out once he gets there. Not like he had much going on anyways.
Red finally finished putting on his clothes before getting ready to climb down the mountain. He had a feeling tomorrow would be a long day.
Day 1: Embarkation Day
The next day, a few minutes after noon…
Red stood on the docks of the port of One Island, with his luggage in hand and Pika on his shoulder.
“Pika, you see any of them?” His friend joined him in looking around, but shook his head.
“Wonder where they are… They aren’t the type to be late.” But just as he said those words, he heard someone calling his name. He quickly turned around and couldn’t help but grin widely at seeing the familiar faces of Green and Yellow approaching from a distance. Pika looked especially happy to see Chuchu in particular and leapt off his shoulder to greet her.
“Sorry for the late arrival. Our flight from Viridian City was delayed, so we ended up getting here later than we expected.” Green shook his head in disappointment. “But better a bit late than not at all.”
Yellow nodded at Green’s words. “It’s been a while since we last met, Red! And it looks like Chuchu is happy to see Pika too.” The group looked fondly at the two electric Pokemon greeting each other.
“As for you, I’m assuming you rode Gyara all the way here?” Asked Green.
“Yeah, it's good training for him, so he doesn’t really mind. I would have considered getting a flight too if I knew the date a bit earlier.”
“That pesky woman…” Green furrowed his eyebrows. “I’m sure she is planning something.” Then, all of their Xtranceivers rang, so the Dexholders quickly checked their messages.
“‘Find me in front of the largest and fanciest boat you see.’” Yellow read aloud. “Largest and fanciest boat…” She quickly looked around and then pointed at the end of the side of the dock. “It’s probably that boat right over there.”
And the group quickly moved towards the mentioned boat and as expected, Blue was standing before it waving what appeared to be tickets in her hand.
“You,’re late! Still, it didn’t take you too long to find me.” Blue quickly hugged them all before continuing. “So check these out. I got my hands on tickets for all of us to the fancy cruise ship behind me, the S.S. Aloha, for three days. My parents ended up winning them, and so! I’d like to welcome all of you to join us in celebrating the anniversary of me reuniting with my parents onboard! This ship will arrive at the Hano Grand Resort on Akala Island in Alola by day three. My parents have their room already, while I’ll be sharing one with Yellow. Red, you’ll be sharing with Green.” She handed them a ticket each as a loud whistle could be heard from the ship.
“Ah, that means it’s time to board, follow me!”
The group followed Blue’s lead onto the ship and each got their key cards after checking in. Yellow was soon dragged away by Blue as she had “girls' night out” plans. With Pika having tagged along with Chuchu, Red and Green were left alone to their own devices in the lobby. They stared at each other for a moment before Green broke the silence.
“Red, let’s put away our stuff for now.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Red nodded at Green’s words as they took the nearby elevator to reach room 1240. A card swipe later, Red and Green opened the door to their room for the next few days. The cabin was especially spacious, enough to have room for mid-sized Pokemon. A balcony was connected to the outside, showing a gorgeous view of the ocean.
“Green, you have a preference for which bed you want? It doesn’t matter much to me.”
“I’ll take the bed next to the balcony. It would be easier for me to do my Pokemon observations that way.” Green quickly put his luggage beside the bed he claimed and started to unpack.
“Guess this is mine then.” Red placed his luggage on his bed, removing some clothes he wanted to wear after he showered.
“I’m going to hog the bathroom for a few minutes. Do you need anything from there?”
“Nah, it’s all yours.” Green had already made himself comfortable at the table available in the room.
Red then quickly took a shower to clean himself off from the journey to get here. Once done, he put on a clean black shirt and blue jeans and made himself comfortable on the room’s couch, sitting across from Green who was busy typing away on his laptop.
“What exactly are you so busy doing when we are all supposed to be on vacation?”
Green glanced at Red before quietly sighing. “I’m just discussing my recent findings on Mega Evolution with my colleagues in Kalos. Because of the time difference, communication takes a bit longer than usual. With the cruise heading to Alola, I’m planning on doing some research there too, so I am letting them know about that. Anyway, how have you been lately? It’s been a while since we last had a chance to get together like this.”
Red recalled that the last time they met was in Viridian when he happened to be visiting. Since Green was fortunately around, the two grabbed lunch together. But since then, Red can’t remember having done much.
“It’s the same as usual lately. But it has been getting a bit dull as I’m not sure what else to do really. Everyone is doing their own thing, and here I am just going where the wind takes me.”
Green paused his typing and looked to be deep in thought before speaking. “You know, you could come with me on my research trips. Not that you would be the type to be interested in research meetings, but you could tag along to do your own thing. The feeling I’m getting is that you need to do something out of your comfort zone.”
“Out of my comfort zone, huh.” It wasn’t a bad idea really. But Red wondered what he might get out of such trips. Maybe mulling it over a bit more would help. “I’ll think about it. Thanks for your help.”
“No problem! That is what friends are for.”
Green continued with his typing as Red looked out at the ocean from the balcony.
Soon, a loud whistle blew and Red could sense that they were on their way. Red watched the port slowly drift away into the distance amidst the sunset.
“Looks like we are finally setting off.” Green joined him on the balcony.
“Want to get some food? It’s getting a bit late.” Red asked, feeling his stomach rumble.
“Sure, but before we go…” Green went back inside and rummaged through his bag to take a few things out and handed them to him. It was a pair of glasses with colored lenses and a nondescript hat.
“You are the most recognizable out of all of us, so let's try to stay low-key for now.” Green himself also put on a similar cap and shades.
The two grabbed dinner at a curry restaurant close by. While they walked to the restaurant, they got a message from Blue, informing them that the two girls were still busy with their night out, and that they will meet again tomorrow morning for breakfast.
After a hearty meal and familiarizing themselves with the layout of the ship, the two then headed to the ship’s deck for a battle together. Red had felt that his Pokémon were getting restless from being in their Pokéballs for so long. Despite Green’s best efforts, a few kids recognized Red’s Pokémon from Proteam Omega, and called out to him. Sheepishly, Red took the time to sign a few autographs.
Having finished battling, the two retired to their room, with Red quickly falling asleep and Green getting in some more work before bed.
Day 2: Blue’s Day Out
As the Dexholders and Blue’s parents got breakfast together at the expansive breakfast buffet, Blue announced her plans for the day by wrapping her arms around one of Red’s. “I’ll be taking Red for today. Enjoy your time, you two~”
A rather spazzed out Yellow looked relieved and mouthed an encouragement to Red, “Good luck!” while Green was unphased.
“Blue, what exactly are you planning?”
“It’s a secret, but you’ll understand while we are out. It’s a date, after all.”
So shortly after breakfast ended, Blue whisked him away to explore the ship together.
Recently, more cruise ships specialized in something unique beyond being a trainer hub. The S.S. Aloha focused on a tropical theme while carrying luxury stores with Alolan specialties. It also had a wave pool that could be used as a dynamic battle arena at set times each day.
Rather than passing time through battling, Red found himself sitting in a formal clothing store where Blue was suggesting various tuxedo options to wear and so far, no combination had satisfied her just yet.
“Blue, out of all things to do together, I didn’t expect us to go shopping.”
“Well, I don’t think you brought any formal clothing with you, right? I want you to look your best at dinner tomorrow.”
Red shrugged. He really didn’t bring any formal clothes, but it's not as if he didn’t have any… though Blue might be right on how fashionable they would be. “I would have brought my usual black tux I wear at important events if I had known.”
Blue looked at him in disappointment. “Boring! You wear that all the time. It’s the exact same fit for the past five at the year end Gala at the league! I’ve decided that you need something new to add to your wardrobe. Something nice and different, but also fits you better. Ah, this is perfect.” She then pushed another set of clothes onto his chest. “Try this on and you’ll understand what I mean.”
Red quickly changed in the fitting room and once he stepped back out and looked in the mirror, Blue smiled in satisfaction. Red also thought the same way, giving a sheepish smile as he felt that this sort of outfit looked phenomenal on him.
It was a dark red tux with black lapels and a white dress shirt. Maybe it was from Blue’s attention to detail, but it fit perfectly.
“You know what, I actually am impressed. Thanks a lot Blue.”
Blue smirked back while laughing. “Of course! I am just that amazing.” She looked at her watch and quietly gasped. “Oh dear, time just flew by. I’ll bring the set to the counter while you change. Let’s hurry as there are still things left to do.”
Red looked at his Xtranceiver and agreed. Several hours have passed and he was already feeling more exhausted than expected.
After paying for his new clothing, the two entered the main battle area on the ship’s deck where several battles were taking place. But everyone’s attention was on the central area with the wave pool. There, Green was battling against Yellow, his Golduck against her Chuchu. Chuchu was doing surprisingly well by jumping on the pool items to evade and retailiate against Golduck’s attacks. After a critical Volt Tackle, the battle was decided in Yellow’s favor. Applause rang around the pool as the two trainers called their Pokemon back and waved at their friends once they spotted them. They then found an empty table to sit down at.
“Finished with shopping already?” Green asked, raising an eyebrow at the singular bag in Red’s hands. “I’d thought we’d miss you guys for dinner as well.”
“I believe so, but I think Blue has the final say on that.”
Blue cleared her throat. “I finally got Red some acceptable clothing, but he is missing some accessories. Green, if you can lend him a few cuffs, I would appreciate it.”
Green nodded at her words. “I always have some extra on hand, so no worries there.”
She then looked at Yellow who seemed a bit exhausted overall and patted her shoulder. “How are you feeling, Yellow?”
Yellow leaned back and gave her a thumbs up. “Tired, and a bit sleepy. I healed everyone so they are at full health now. I spent most of the day training with Green, so it's been a long day. I could really go for some food now…” Yellow yawned loudly before shaking her head to try and keep herself awake.
“I probably pushed her too hard as it's been a while since we last trained together.” Green looked at Yellow proudly regardless. “She has come a long way since.”
“I can tell.” Just seeing her battle made Red’s heart race.
“Now, about food, what does everyone want to eat?” Blue came back with several menus from the nearby restaurants. “My treat.”
“Not the clothes?”
“Well, I think you can afford those, Mr. Proteam Omega.”
After everyone ate their fill, Green went back to his room to finish up a paper while Red carried the now asleep Yellow on his back while walking with Blue back to the girls’ room.
“I didn’t get to mention it earlier, but have you been doing well Blue? I know you have been spending a lot of time with your parents.”
“It’s been going well, you wouldn’t know how many things we’ve done these past five years. Ten years is a long time to lose.” Blue gazed at the open ocean next to the walkway on the side of the ship. “But with every moment I spend with them, I remember what it's like to be with family again. And never again, do I want anyone to take that away from me. But how about you Red? What have you been doing lately?”
“Same as usual for me. But recently I find myself getting restless. Feeling like, I want to do something new instead of what I have always been doing.”
They continued down the hall as Blue quietly thought to herself before responding. “Red, I think you need to see the world for yourself. Going beyond Kanto and Johto and expanding how you see the world. I spent a lot of time traveling and discovered parts of myself along the way. You may just need something like that.”
“Traveling the world… I’ll consider it.” Red grinned back as they finally arrived at their destination and Yellow was gently handed off to Blue.
“See you tomorrow!” Blue winked at him. “Make sure you have a nice day and give yourself some time to look nice.”
Then, Red returned to his room with Green where they discussed the day’s events and plans for tomorrow.
Day 3: Formal Party and Arrival
Early the next morning, Red received some messages from Yellow.
Yellow: Any plans today before the formal dinner?
Red: Nope, I’m free until Blue nabs me.
Yellow: Haha, see you later for brunch then! Let's meet here at 11.
Yellow shared a link to a popular Alolan breakfast spot on the ship.
The two met at the appointed time and were soon seated.
“I have heard that the food here is especially delicious.” Yellow laughed nervously, a faint blush covering her face.
“I checked the menu and wanted to try out the daily special. Thanks for recommending this place.” Red smiled back, a bit amused by Yellow's reactions, but also acknowledging her efforts.
“No problem! Umm… Now what to get…” They soon ordered and enjoyed their food before walking along the port deck towards the back of the ship, a quiet spot with some privacy.
Once they sat down, they spent a few moments looking at the sparkling ocean in front of them before Yellow started to speak.
“Pika told me that you have been having a hard time lately. He feels that you aren’t as cheerful as you used to be, and doesn’t know what to do.”
“Pika told you that?” Well, thinking about it, Red did notice that Pika has been trying to cheer him up lately.“I think Pika noticed how restless I was feeling and was trying to help.” Red then explained the unease he had that he’d similarly shared with both Green and Blue. Yellow listened intently and took a moment before responding.
“You know Red, I think you should do what makes you happy and follow your heart. Everyone has their own story and circumstances, but only you will know what matters the most. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but seeing your determination from when you faced Giovanni, that inspired me to do what I do now. I think that drive you showed back then is still in you, so I trust that you will figure things out, whatever it might be.” Yellow took Red’s hand and squeezed it tightly, staring deeply into Red’s eyes. Red felt not just the clear honesty of Yellow’s feelings, but also a hint of anxiety and pain as well. Red took her hand and squeezed back as well.
“Thank you Yellow. I will take your words to heart.” Red was disappointed at having worried Yellow, but felt some clarity in what he wanted to do. He smiled warmly back at her as the two spent some more time together, their hands linked between them.
Time passed, and the two parted shortly to prepare for the dinner, with Red and Green helping each other and Blue and Yellow doing the same.
The four met again at the formal dinner venue, all dressed in their formal attire. Red dressed in the red tuxedo that Blue helped choose for him, while Green wore a dark green tuxedo, a navy dress shirt, and a gold pendant. Blue’s outfit was the most eye-catching, wearing a shimmering sapphire dress, while Yellow wore a white puffy dress with yellow and gold accents.
“Everyone looks amazing!” Red was especially impressed tonight.
“I’m used to dressing up for work related events, but all the credit would go to Blue for making our outfits coordinate.” Green smiled softly back at his friends.
“You can’t believe how much effort I put into making our outfits match. But the results speak for themselves.” Blue responded with a satisfying smug expression on her face before pointing to her parents ascending the stage. “Everyone shush, my parents are about to give their speech!”
Once they made themselves comfortable, Blue’s parents spoke of the five year anniversary of their reunion to their daughter, how they were so happy to be her parents, and grateful to be reunited with a daughter they had thought they lost. Blue was starting to tear up, but Green was there to put his arm around her shoulder to comfort her.
Soon, the music began to play and people started to join the dance floor. Blue dragged Green with her, and as Green awkwardly followed Blue’s lead, Red could tell that they were both having a great time.
While he and Yellow were standing at the side of the room, he could sense Yellow’s nervousness over something. Wanting to return the favour from earlier, Red took the initiative.
“Yellow, would you like to dance together?” He offered her his hand.
She looked a bit surprised, but put her hand in his. “I would love to dance with you. But… I’ve always been terrible at dancing. So apologies when I step on your feet.”
“I’m not a good dancer either. But, well, look at Green over there. I suppose the most important thing is to have fun.”
Yellow chuckled before smiling back at Red’s words and the pair entered the dance floor together, hand in hand. After a few hours had passed, the ship’s whistle blew, indicating their arrival. With the party wrapping up, Red and Yellow headed out onto the deck to watch as the ship docked at Akala Island.
Having packed their bags earlier, the four of them disembarked quickly into the cool night. Blue sensed the mood and left Red and Yellow free as she got Green to help bring their belongings to the hotel they were staying at. It was already pretty late, but Red and Yellow walked over to the nearby beach, taking off their shoes and feeling the sand underneath their feet.
Seeing Yellow shiver from the ocean breeze, Red took off his suit jacket and put it around her shoulders. They soon sat down watching the waves in front of them. Red turned to Yellow with a determined expression, his heart racing in his chest.
“After speaking with everyone, I think I’ve decided to see the world for myself. But beyond that, I think I also have something important to tell you.” He took a deep breath.
“When I see the world, I think it’s a shame to not share it with someone. When I go out there, can it be with you, Yellow, not just as a friend, but as your boyf-” Red was tackled by Yellow who was tearing up at his words.
“Yes! I always liked you, but never thought that you would feel the same way. It was so hard…”
And the two continued to speak into the night, as the night’s waves crashed and the wind rustled through the nearby palm trees.