Because of You

Song: Because of You by Kelly Clarkson

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Yellow was generally a very cheerful person, especially when she was around Red. He brought out the best in her. And she brought out the best in him. They'd been together a little over six months, and during those six months, you could easily say that Red and Yellow were the happiest people alive.

But this past month had been difficult for them, particularly Red. He'd been weighed down by his responsibilities, battling thousands of challengers (he was the Champion after all), and he was exhausted by the end of the day. He hadn't told Yellow, but he'd actually considered going up to Mt. Silver again. But he couldn't leave her without saying goodbye.

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Yellow eagerly accepted Red's invitation to go to Cerulean Cape that evening. Blue let her borrow a light green and white striped sundress for the occasion. She pulled her hair back in its usual ponytail, but left her straw hat. 

Barely suppressing her excitement, she let her Butterfree out of its Pokéball.

"Take me to Red."

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Red stood alone on Cerulean Cape, watching the sun set. It was getting dark, which meant that Yellow would be there soon. Sure enough, she appeared, her Butterfree holding on to her from behind, making it look like she had fairy's wings. She landed lightly next to Red and withdrew her Pokémon.

"Hi Yellow," Red said, his smile a bit weighed down by fatigue. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight."

As always, Yellow blushed. "Thanks Red."

Red took a deep breath and said, "Yellow, I want you to know that, no matter what, I'll always love you." He needed to tell her that. This, after all, could be the very last time he saw her like this.

Yellow smiled. "I love you too, Red. I love you a lot." 

Red sighed, relieved and reassured. "That's all I needed to hear." He pulled her closer to him, and pressed his lips to hers.

She was surprised at first, but she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around him. He did the same.

They stayed that way until the first firework exploded in the sky in a rainbow of colors. Red and Yellow broke apart to watch as the sky was lit up. They sat on the ground, Yellow's head resting on Red's shoulder.

That was one of the best nights of her life.

Several weeks had passed since that wonderful day. A lot had happened. Yellow was heartbroken and more fragile than ever. Her amber eyes were like glass, and tears often fell from them at even the slightest provocation. She rarely left her house in Viridian Forest. She refused to enter a car, and never, ever strayed too far from the sidewalk. She wouldn't cross the street alone.

All because of him.

Because of Red.

These days, Yellow kept mostly to herself. She rarely spoke a word. It was difficult not just for her, but for the other Pokédex holders to see her like this. She was afraid that they would let her down, just like Red had.

Eventually Yellow stopped crying. She retreated deep into herself and rarely showed any true emotions, except when she was alone.

She often lost her way-- she forgot the way back to her house, to the lab, and the other Pokédex holders had to help her, concern visible in their eyes. She'd smile and assure them that she was okay, but her eyes were dead. Lifeless.

Yellow often thought back to the day. The Day. She wanted to forget, but it still lingered in her mind, forever haunting her.

They had been in Goldenrod City. It was a bright, sunny day. Yellow radiated life, but Red seemed tired and defeated. At one intersection, had hugged her tightly and choked out the words, "Yellow. I love you. I'm so sorry." She hadn't completely understood, called him back as he walked straight into the middle of the busy intersection.

And was hit by a semi.

She had screamed, horribly, heartbroken, as she watched the life drain from Red's eyes as he was tossed aside like a rag doll. "RED!"

Yellow had tried to rush to Red's side, refusing to believe he was dead. But Officer Jenny had held her back. She had collapsed onto the sidewalk, sobbing.

Why did it have to come to this?

Yellow had known something was bothering Red, but whenever she asked him, he'd always smiled and dismissed her question with a wave of his hand.

But something was wrong, she knew.

Late at night, in bed, she had watched the tears stream down Red's face when he thought she was asleep. 

She was scared.

Because of you.

Because of Red.