ã€ŠSwanna Song, Sung Throughout Sinnohã€‹


 The Show Must Go On

    ¡°Prof. Oak used to say that my father, Bill, knew more about Pokemon than him,¡± Peter chuckled from the podium, wearing a black velvet suit.

    Gary stared up at the man who had given him his Porygon-Z. Tears came out of his eyes from behind his sunglasses.

    ¡°But it was Prof. Oak who was a hero for me growing up. I would see him on occasion as a child via video calls with my father, and only met him for the first time in person when I was myself a prospering adult. By then, we had met under less than fortunate circumstances; when my father passed away. The Oak family has always been a part of joyful memories for me growing up. I will never forget such a great man who literally changed the world.¡±

    Gary stared at the giant photograph of Prof. Oak that was decorated with flowers and other bright decor beneath the stage, held above the red and white wooden casket. I hope I don¡¯t have anything like that when I die, Gary thought. Simple casket, all black. Maybe a picture of me, but no flowers and crap, please. In fact, why even a photo of my ugly face, he added, his eyes tearing up, but he stopped the self-deprecation and cleared his teary vision. This wasn¡¯t the time or place for that. I wonder if Prof. Oak wanted it like this or not... he thought.

    *

    ¡°I¡¯d always joke around with him about how uninteresting the Kantonian forms of Pokemon looked compared to the Alolan ones,¡± Prof. Oak¡¯s cousin, Samson Oak, laughed. Despite his age, he spoke with so much energy, and had a slight accent. He was a lot darker than Prof. Oak. He wore the brightest of clothes out of anyone else, white slacks and a blue button up shirt with blue and red flowers on it. ¡°But, we sure would get a kick outta the Pokemon we¡¯d show each other from our regions. The differences were a Hoothoot!¡± He raised his hands, putting his thumb and index fingers around each eye, making a pose. Chuckling lightly, he relaxed and his arms fell before he looked to the roof of the building with a big, emotional smile. ¡°Alola, Cousin.¡±

    *

    ¡°My Gramps...¡± Prof. Gary Oak snickered and lowered his head. He looked up to the roof of the building and nodded behind sunglasses, wearing a suave purple suit, and then lowered his head back to the audience, smirking. ¡°What can I say about him, huh? A genius is saying the least and most obvious. A sense of humor that was questionable.¡± He snickered again, a few others chuckling with him in the audience. Prof. Gary Oak sniffled but held his smirk. ¡°He was a revolutionary. A fighter. A defender. A leader. My Gramps... He was the man who taught me everything I know. To ever think I could ever match what he did and knew... A man can dream, but admittedly, he¡¯ll always be my idol.¡± His head lowered, unable to keep up his cool demeanor, his smirk finally vanishing, and he turned and walked off, gritting his teeth as tears slid down his cheeks.

    *

    ¡°What more can I possibly add to this?¡± The breathtakingly beautiful woman was crying behind sunglasses, wearing a black suit. ¡°My grandfather was someone to aspire to be like. Not as a Pokemon Professor, but as a human being, who loved Pokemon. It¡¯s said that I work well with Pokemon, naturally, and if that¡¯s so, all credit goes to my grandfather. I apologize for my tears, everyone, and I promised myself this wouldn¡¯t happen, but... I just can¡¯t believe this day would have dared to ever come!¡± Daisy Oak turned and ran off the stage, her black high heels clomp clomp-ing along.

    *

    June¡¯s hand went under her black hatinator and wiped at the black veil over her face, weeping.

    Robin stood wearing sunglasses, his chest puffed out in his black suit, and he inhaled, letting it out in a big sigh. His left hand rested atop his right hand, both in front of his pants.

    Kiwi was silent in her long, black dress, her head lowered.

    Aly¡¯s black dress wasn¡¯t like Kiwi¡¯s, the tightest fitting of them all, with thin straps at her shoulders. She wept openly.

    Gary had his back to his friends, looking up directly at the sun from behind his sunglasses. I¡¯m so glad this is over, he thought. His eyes lowered to all of the people around him.

    This service wasn¡¯t the huge one that had happened days after Prof. Oak¡¯s death. This was a more private one, so it was a lot smaller, but to Gary, this made it a lot nicer since it wasn¡¯t so overblown like the earlier one. Not that the man didn¡¯t deserve it, but for Gary, personally, he didn¡¯t want to be at the first one. Instead, he watched that one on TV. It lasted almost eight days. This smaller one, over a month later, Gary knew he had to attend; and he wanted to. Friends, family, and strangers to Gary were everywhere, crying and talking. Not one smile could be found anywhere.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for your loss.¡±

    Gary was startled and turned to a man that came out of nowhere.

    June and Aly stopped crying.

    The man wore a brown fedora in a matching suit with a black tie. His eyes were hidden under the hat, but the rest of his face showed he was old. Despite that, he had long black hair that went down to his neck. ¡°Kids, I don¡¯t know you or anything. I just know you guys knew Prof. Oak. Most of you even got your first Pokemon from him. I¡¯m sorry about all of this. He was such a great man.¡± He turned and walked away quickly.

    ¡°Who is that?¡± Aly asked.

    They all watched him leave in silence.

    ¡°When do we get to go home?¡± Gary looked around, spotting the orange jeep.

    No one was inside it.

    Gary sighed noticeably, impatient to get back home. His eyes closed.

    He could still hear the THUMP! from Prof. Oak¡¯s body as he hit the ground, Isaac landing on top of him.

    Gary¡¯s eyes were tight, tears squeezing out of them. How did he just get away? Gary pondered. The police were there! Better yet, how did I let him get away...? I had a gun to the man! I should have just...

    The big, golden gun in his hands, Gary stopped right above Isaac and pointed it directly at his face. His hands shook, and he wrapped the index finger of his right hand around the trigger, anticipating the loud sound.¡°You killed... my best friend in Lavender Town.¡±

    He opened his eyes, but he couldn¡¯t see anything. He kept trying to blink the water out, but soon, his eyes were burning, and he had no choice but to wipe at them with his fingers, and then the bottom of his palms, sniffling. Why did I say that...? he ended up wondering. What did that mean? He looked to Aly. Aly¡¯s not... He adjusted his sunglasses and looked to the ground.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even describe how much of a punch in your ugly freaking face you deserve!!!¡±

    ¡°ALY, STOP!!¡± Gary demanded frantically!

    The man with a gun pointed at Aly whipped his head around, looking behind him...

    Screaming, Gary dove at the man, floating over to him with ease.

    BOOM!

    ...

    ...

    ...

    Gary rested on top of the man, not entirely sure how he got there, but knowing he had made the jump at some point.

    The tour group started screaming frantically.

    Remembering this, something still didn¡¯t make any sense to the kid. Something didn¡¯t feel right. How did I get behind him if...? Or was I...?

    Prof. Oak hit the ground at the Indigo League.

    This took over Gary¡¯s mind, and he kept his focus on that moment. This isn¡¯t over, Isaac, Gary promised. Nothing ends until we meet again you bastard...

    *

    ¡°And your mom is just fine with this?¡± June asked Gary.

    ¡°I took all my stuff I need with me when I kissed her goodbye,¡± Gary told her, sitting on a couch, his eyes down to the floor in Prof. Oak¡¯s mansion.

    ¡°After all we went through previously, I¡¯d have thought she¡¯d put up more of a fight.¡±

    ¡°Like she could keep me if she tried,¡± Gary muttered, rolling his eyes.

    ¡°You all have coats? It¡¯s supposed to be cooler out there than here in Kanto,¡± Robin informed them, sitting on the same couch as Gary. ¡°Not super cold like, the North Pole or anything. Just a little cooler.¡±

    ¡°So you think you¡¯ll learn something about that monster out there?¡± June asked Gary, standing near the couch.

    ¡°There¡¯s some stuff online I¡¯ve been looking into a bit of. I think there might be a book in Canalave City that might be of some help. I saw something online about a book, but I can¡¯t find the book myself to buy or anything, so I¡¯m gonna head out there while I get my Badges, capture more Pokemon, and see what I can learn.¡±

    ¡°But it might not be related to that thing at all,¡± June mentioned.

    Gary nodded. ¡°Right. Either way, we know nothing now, and I¡¯ve decided to try out Sinnoh¡¯s League rather than stay in Kanto. I can only grow through exploration.¡±

    ¡°You know, in something I read after you told me about going to Sinnoh, Kanto ranked pretty low on the competitive level of Leagues, and Leagues like Sinnoh ranked pretty high.¡±

    ¡°Then I guess it¡¯s good we¡¯re all going to Sinnoh! We can give ¡®em a taste of what Kanto is really all about! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!¡± Robin laughed.

    ¡°Or get our asses beat,¡± Aly said with a slanted mouth to Robin, sitting next to him.

    ¡°Well, with that attitude, how¡¯d you ever beat Gary or get further than me?¡± Robin frowned.

    ¡°And yet I did,¡± Aly responded, her hands on her hips. ¡°I was only saying, okay? What happens if we all lose in the preliminaries? Huh? Huh? Huh?¡±

    ¡°Prof. Oak would want you all to make sure you¡¯re catching loads of Pokemon,¡± Kiwi brought up, sitting in a chair by herself in front of a set of desktop computers.

    The other three turned to her and then lowered their heads.

    ¡°Especially you, Gary.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Gary let out angrily.

    Everyone but Gary laughed.

    ¡°Were you serious about leaving today, though? Right after the funeral?¡± Aly asked, looking to Gary. She was the first to stop laughing, the others following when she started talking. ¡°I really think you should take some more time off.¡±

    ¡°You guys could even leave tomorrow, if anything,¡± Robin added, looking at Gary and June.

    ¡°I can also just leave by myself. I can do the whole damn journey alone!¡± Gary snapped.

    They all stared at him, taken aback.

    ¡°Whoa, dude. No need to snap, man,¡± Robin raised his hands.

    ¡°This is a stressful time,¡± Kiwi commented, her head down.

    Silence filled the room.

    Still frowning, Gary closed his eyes and his breath came out noisily from his nostrils. He shook his head, his face finally relaxing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He opened his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know what came over me. I shouldn¡¯t have snapped.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cool. Kiwi¡¯s right. Times are stressful right now. With Prof. Oak gone, it¡¯s no doubt we would be on edge a bit,¡± Robin said. ¡°Let¡¯s just put that energy into taking down this supposedly more ¡®competitive¡¯ League! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!¡±

    Everyone else nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m just mad you¡¯re not coming, dude,¡± Gary complained.

    ¡°Once Catherine¡¯s better, we¡¯ll catch up with you guys. I can¡¯t do this without her,¡± Robin told him.

    Gary nodded. ¡°I know, I know. It just sucks, man...¡±

    ¡°It does... Will you be competing this time, June?¡± Aly asked her.

    June shook her head sharply. ¡°I¡¯m not really interested. I have so much work to do with my Pokemon once they¡¯re all okay.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t just live following Gary¡¯s shadow, you know,¡± Aly told her. ¡°You have to live your own life!¡±

    Gary swallowed uncomfortably. She is right, Gary thought. Stop following me so much, June. Especially with no purpose. His eyes widened as he realized everyone was staring at him! ¡°Hey! What?¡±

    Aly covered her mouth, snickering.

    Robin laughed out loud.

    Kiwi shook her head, looking down, smirking.

    June¡¯s eyes widened and she lowered her head. Her face flushed light red. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m living in Gary¡¯s shadow! I¡¯m just... you know? I¡¯m just...¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I think I know just fine, girlfriend, but surely there¡¯s more for you to be doing with your life,¡± Aly said moodily. She crossed her arms. ¡°If you ain¡¯t datin¡¯, what¡¯s he makin¡¯?¡± She snapped her neck while talking.

    ¡°What?¡± Gary let out in a rasp, not understanding what that meant.

    ¡°Huh?¡± June was also confused.

    ¡°I¡¯m sayin¡¯, if this boy ain¡¯t rich and treatin¡¯ you like a queeeeen, and y¡¯all ain¡¯t in a committed relationship, what¡¯s his appeal, girrrrrrrl??¡±

    ¡°ALY!!¡± Gary yelled, jumping to his feet.

    ¡°Oh, I might be convincing her to leave, so noooooow you wanna jump up and complain? How many times have I seen this episode of Boy Needs Girl?¡± Aly rolled her eyes.

    ¡°I NEVER SAID THAT!! SHE CAN LEAVE!! I DON¡¯T CARE!¡± Gary crossed his arms, leering at Aly. He then turned to June.

    June lowered her eyes.

    Gary tightened his serious eyes on her. He felt ready to start barking on her. His hands started forming fists before, with a blink, he realized how angry and irrational he was about to get. Hey, take it easy, man, Gary told himself. What¡¯s wrong with you? His fists opened up and he stared at his open palms, shocked. I guess I really am stressed...

    ¡°Gary...¡± Kiwi said in a scolding tone.

    ¡°If Gary¡¯s not interested, I¡¯d be more than happy to keep you by my side!¡± In the next second, Robin was magically in front of June, his hands clasped together in front of his face, down on one knee. ¡°Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!¡± Robin went flying across the room, kicked out of the way by Aly.

    ¡°Oooooorrrrr... Homegirl can just travel alone!¡± Aly smiled. ¡°She can come to Sinnoh with us all, and do her own thing! You know, they have those Contests there where you use your Pokemon to pull off cool tricks! You know, like those dog shows! Contests are hhhuuuuuge in Sinnoh compared to here.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah... Contests...¡± June muttered. ¡°I... I dunno. Aha ha ha! I don¡¯t know anything about that stuff.¡±

    ¡°You learn! We didn¡¯t start our journeys as pros, and a couple of us are still pretty far from that, still.¡± Aly smiled, closing her eyes.

    ¡°Who would you possibly be talking about?¡± Robin had returned, staring at Aly slyly while dusting off his clothes.

    The Yellow Scarf, Gary remembered while Aly and Robin continued arguing. Used in Contests for Toughness or something. That¡¯s what that guy Ace told me. Gary found himself thinking about how Hitmonchan would always adjust his Yellow Scarf before eating and battling. Like some kind of courtesy. Hitmonchan was likely a Contest Pokemon. So was he and his Trainer originally from the Sinnoh region? ¡°Have you guys settled on who you¡¯ll be bringing to Sinnoh?¡± Gary interrupted the fighting. He regretted saying that suddenly, staring at June.

    Everyone else stared at her, too.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he muttered.

    She shook her head. ¡°That Electivire sure can take a hit, huh?¡± She smiled slightly at everyone, stopping at Gary.

    ¡°As expected. But everyone else will be fine in no time, I¡¯m sure,¡± Gary stated.

    ¡°Everyone will be,¡± Robin added.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Aly smiled. She turned to Gary. ¡°So, if you wanna run off on your own, go ahead, but personally, I¡¯m waiting for the morning to catch the ship. You guys can do what you want. After that funeral, I am not tryna just jump into a whole new journey. I know that may help out some people with problems, but it¡¯s not how I operate.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a day, anyway?¡± Robin agreed, turning to Gary. ¡°A night¡¯s sleep and you¡¯ll meet this professor, fresh and ready for anything!¡±

    ¡°For an older lady, she¡¯s kind of pretty, huh?¡± Aly turned to the boys.

    ¡°I¡¯m far more interested in the young angel we have in our group!¡± Robin gushed, appearing like lightning in front of June, making her scream out.

    Gary shrugged quietly. Yeah, she is really something, though. Especially for an older woman... he kept to himself, thinking of her. She looks like a model.

    ¡°You really never heard of ¡®no means no,¡¯ have you?¡± Aly barked, waving her hands at Robin as if he were a fly or some other kind of pest.

    ¡°Hey, hey! What¡¯d I do? OW!¡± Robin was smacked by Aly.

    I wonder if she knows anything about that book I¡¯m after... Gary thought, ignoring his friends.

    Kiwi walked over and stopped in the middle of the group. ¡°If this is really gonna be our last time together for a while...¡±

    Everyone turned to her.

    She held out a hand and smiled. ¡°One.¡±

    ¡°Ha ha ha! Yeah!¡± Robin ran with Aly to Kiwi. ¡°Two!¡± He slapped an eager hand on top of Kiwi¡¯s.

    Aly placed her hand on top of Robin¡¯s. ¡°Three!¡±

    Gary walked over and touched Aly¡¯s hand. ¡°Four!¡± He smiled at Aly.

    Aly smiled back.

    All four kids then turned to June.

    She was smiling, staring at them do their thing. Her smile faded and her eyes widened as they all waited, watching her. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Come on, you know you wanna touch Gary¡¯s hand!¡± Aly rolled her eyes.

    ¡°ALY!!¡± Gary yelled.

    ¡°AHAHAHAHA!¡± Robin laughed. ¡°But seriously, June, you¡¯re one of us! Come over here!¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I wouldn¡¯t leave a Pika Pal out of this,¡± Kiwi insisted.

    June smiled gratefully and wiped at each eye. Sniffling, she got up and made her way to the group. With a laugh, she placed her hand on top of Gary¡¯s and turned to him. ¡°Five?¡±

    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Gary nodded.

    Together, everyone threw their hands up and shouted, ¡°KANTO!¡±

    *

    Gary sat by himself in a room on the ship, all of his friends outside enjoying the sight. It was about eight in the morning and far too cold outside for Gary to be staring at the water. He didn¡¯t enjoy water much to begin with, and while the cold was nice, it was a bit too much, at too early of an hour, to be out there for no reason other than for a view. The journey of a Pokemon Trainer was more than enough opportunity to see the outdoors, he believed. Especially at this early hour.

    He stared at his six Poke Balls on the table next to his bed. ¡°Charizard, get better soon,¡± he mumbled.

    Charizard was still in recovery. When told he¡¯d have to stay behind, it was chaos at the Lab as the weakened Pokemon tried to prove his health, only stopping when he ended up injuring himself to submission.

    Prof. Sketchit had told Gary it was determined he should be just fine in maybe another month¡¯s time, which was great compared to a lot of other Pokemon injured during the Indigo League attack.

    Two more Pokemon that had been in the Team Solace attack, Ivysaur and Dugtrio, weren¡¯t expected to be recovered for a few more months. The last two, Kingdra and Weepinbell, were still in very poor condition, expected to pull through, but the time wasn¡¯t clear at all.

    June¡¯s crew had Electivire, Magneton, Raichu, and Galvantula. Rotom, Pikachu, Manectric, Eevee, Blitzle, and Ampharos were all still recovering with varying, individual predicted recovery times.

    Aly had her Mighty Ivy and even Persian made it through in time for the trip.

    Gary had chosen to take Primeape, Hoothoot, Ralts, his Scizor Robin had nicknamed Fashioned before trading her to him, Clamperl, and his Pidgeotto he had nicknamed Sabrina. A healthy team, Gary told himself. We can alternate to raise the others, like normal. And once Charizard is back to normal, it¡¯s on! Just a month, they said. You can do it, man! You¡¯re the best of the best!

    *

    The structures the three saw looked strange. It started with two concrete, gray walls, between them, a metal gate. Beyond that were shrubs, grass, and a dirt plain. But amongst those stood a blue, metallic building in the shape of something similar to a bucket, a smaller brick structure, and a big windmill after that.

    ¡°So, this is it. The lab of the world famous Pokemon professor of the Sinnoh region!¡± June mused. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about her, but being as she¡¯s a woman, I must say, I¡¯m immediately impressed! There aren¡¯t many females in this profession!¡±

    Gary rolled his eyes. ¡°Being a woman doesn¡¯t mean anything. She could be absolutely unrespected in her field. A total low grade. I wanna meet her and see what she¡¯s like. She could be a total jerk, even.¡±

    June didn¡¯t reply to this.

    Another voice, not Aly¡¯s or Gary¡¯s, spoke out instead. ¡°Well, what do you think of me?¡±

    The kids jumped and turned behind them.

    There stood a very tall woman.

    Gary¡¯s heart sparked alive.

    The woman¡¯s long hair was a dull-blonde color, with shining silver streaks added, hanging over her face and covering one eye, her revealed eye being gray. She was wearing a white blouse tucked into black slacks, a white lab coat on. A gentle, small smile was on her face.

    Gary¡¯s heart bounced like it was made of rubber. He found that the woman looked simplistic, and yet undeniably gorgeous. Wow... He smiled at her. And then, he jumped in place and looked around him. ¡°HEY!¡± He whipped around in a complete circle. A moment later, realization setting in, his shoulders slumped and his breath came out heavily. Hitmonchan... he remembered. He¡¯s not here to... He couldn¡¯t even finish the thought.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± the lady asked.

    Gary looked up at her sadly. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He looked down and closed his eyes, feeling his eyes watering up.

    Nobody said a word for some time, all eyes on the boy.

    ¡°Well, should I leave?¡± a harsh, young voice said.

    Everyone looked over to another new person!

    It was a young boy. This kid had glasses on in front of slightly slanted eyes, all under a mess of loose, black hair that didn¡¯t reach any further than his ears. He wore brown slacks and a black T-shirt, his feet in black sneakers, a large black backpack on his back. The kid was staring at the tall woman.

    She smiled down at him. ¡°If you wish. I do have a meeting with these children.¡±

    ¡°You do? With us?¡± Aly questioned.

    ¡°I assume you three must be Gary, Aly, and June?¡± she spoke kindly.

    The three kids gasped.

    ¡°Then are you-?!¡± June gaped at her.

    ¡°It¡¯s so nice to meet you all! I¡¯m Prof. Cynthia!¡±

    ¡°PROF. CYNTHIA!!!¡± all of the kids, aside from the new guy, exploded with love.

    ¡°It¡¯s such an honor to meet a woman in such a demanding, male-dominated field!!¡± June praised her.

    ¡°I hear you used to be Sinnoh¡¯s Pokemon Champion!!¡± Aly brought up.

    Prof. Cynthia laughed and raised her hands. ¡°Thank you, guys. I appreciate the love. Very much. It¡¯s my own honor to meet you all. I have some time set aside just for you, so, please, let¡¯s make our way to the lab.¡± She looked to the boy beside her. ¡°Will you join us?¡±

    ¡°Uh... I don¡¯t think so. I¡¯ve got to get going on my journey! I¡¯m late as it is! My friends are way ahead of me!¡± he replied.

    ¡°Alright then, Rael! Keep in touch!¡± Prof. Cynthia smiled.

    Rael nodded and then looked at Gary and his friends and just turned away, finally running off.

    ¡°That¡¯s a new Trainer. Rael. He got his Starter Pokemon and is so eager to begin already! Anyway, come with me!¡± Prof. Cynthia led the way through the gates and along the path to her lab.

    ¡°What an... interesting looking location?¡± Aly said with a question in her voice.

    Prof. Cynthia laughed. ¡°I just haven¡¯t had the heart to change much of it after the passing of Prof. Rowan. I respected that man far too much. Say, are you guys fans of Pokemon Contests?¡±

    When nobody spoke up, Aly finally did. ¡°I know a bit about them! Why?¡±

    ¡°I do, too!¡± June jumped in.

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s an assistant of mine whose daughter is none other than Top Coordinator Dawn!¡±

    No one had anything to say to this.

    Prof. Cynthia laughed. ¡°Think of a Top Coordinator as someone who won the Pokemon League, but for Coordinators!¡±

    ¡°Oooooohhhhh!!¡± the kids all exclaimed.

    ¡°I did want to be a Coordinator so long ago, but I never could find the time!¡± Prof. Cynthia giggled, her voice not deep, but not light.

    Something about it really was getting to Gary, in a really good way.

    ¡°Well, here we are!¡± Prof. Cynthia led them through the front doors which opened for them, and they were in a metallic room, some plant life standing in pots. She turned to the young ones and smiled. ¡°So, please, what did you desire to ask me about, children?¡±

    The kids found themselves silent. June and Aly then turned to Gary.

    He stared back at them in surprise.

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s safe to say you¡¯re the ringleader here, huh?¡± Prof. Cynthia laughed gently.

    ¡°NO WAY!¡± Aly burst out. ¡°If you think that guy is the boss here, I¡¯ll have you know I beat his butt good at the Indigo League in Kanto that just passed!¡±

    Prof. Cynthia raised her hands, laughing while Gary scowled at Aly, Aly ignoring him completely. ¡°I¡¯m actually well aware! I was certainly watching!¡±

    ¡°Haaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!¡± Aly sang out in awe.

    Gary whipped around to stare at Prof. Cynthia, his eyes wide in surprise, his face heating up with embarrassment. She saw that...?

    ¡°It just seems like Gary has the most to say to me, is what I meant.¡± She smiled sweetly at him.

    Gary stared at her, doe-eyed, but then blinked himself back into a stern reality. ¡°Well, to be honest, I... I kinda was wondering about your thoughts on the creature that¡¯s been terrorizing Kanto right now. That monster thing that¡¯s neither man nor... Pokemon, I guess.¡±

    The professor stared at Gary blankly.

    Gary¡¯s friends also stared at him in surprise, though they knew what he wanted to ask. Overall, they were just surprised that he really did it.

    Prof. Cynthia was smiling again. ¡°I don¡¯t know any more than the news. As a Pokemon Professor, I¡¯m sorry to disappoint that I have not even one theory as to what it could be, Gary.¡±

    Gary lowered his head and sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t honestly think you would.¡± He stared up at the woman. ¡°No one knows what it is, right?¡±

    ¡°Its last attack was actually only around a week ago at a Gym in this region.¡±

    ¡°Huh?? So it¡¯s here? In Sinnoh??¡±

    Prof. Cynthia nodded, her smile vanishing. ¡°It seems so.¡±

    Gary just shook his head. There¡¯s no way... he thought. What are the odds?! I-

    ¡°If anything at all, I would say that, I may not have any thoughts as to what it is, but I definitely think it has an intelligent goal in mind,¡± Prof. Cynthia stated. ¡°For whatever reason, it obliterated two Gyms of this region so far. Perhaps, it has a thing against human structures that involve Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°Whoa! What do you mean?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a theory a friend of mine came up with, but he thinks that this thing could be purposely destroying establishments made by humans that also involve Pokemon. He didn¡¯t tell me all of his thoughts, as usual. He likes to wait until he has evidence and a solid theory to build on, rather than creating misguided panic, but he may be on to something. But we don¡¯t know what other attacks this thing has caused, so it¡¯s hard to judge the motives.¡±

    Gary nodded, looking down. ¡°It¡¯s something, though. An idea... But the Gyms here are still open, right?¡±

    ¡°For now.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll get to them quickly. No sweat.¡±

    Prof. Cynthia laughed at this. ¡°I love your energy.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s entertaining until he falls on his face,¡± Aly rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Watch it!¡± Gary growled.

    ¡°Or??¡± Aly placed her hands on her hips and leaned closer to him.

    ¡°We love each other on the inside,¡± June smiled awkwardly at Prof. Cynthia.

    Prof. Cynthia was laughing again. She got silent and stared upward quietly. ¡°Friend; when every life meets another life, something will be born.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Gary questioned.

    ¡°It¡¯s the best explanation I can offer about this new creature.¡± Prof. Cynthia smiled at the kids, her eye stopping on Gary. ¡°It¡¯s from a ruin I¡¯ve studied. It¡¯s kind of a... philosophy I¡¯ve adopted, and I feel it applies to this being.¡±

    ¡°What was the quote again?¡± Gary asked her.

    ¡°Friend; when every life meets another life, something will be born.¡± Prof. Cynthia smiled even more at Gary. ¡°It¡¯s a lovely sentiment, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Gary nodded along with June and Aly, but Gary was frowning. ¡°I don¡¯t think I get what that means about the monster, though.¡±

    ¡°If I may,¡± June said hesitantly, ¡°I think, maybe you¡¯re saying, philosophically, something will come out of finally getting a hold of this creature,¡± June said.

    Prof. Cynthia¡¯s smile lessened, but it remained. She let out her breath. ¡°All I can say is, I believe that inscription may define a lot for us, in these coming days.¡±

    There were no more words spoken after that, Gary mostly feeling confused. He wanted to inquire further, but stopped at the look of worry that was clear on the woman¡¯s face as she stared at the floor. This is stressful for everyone, Gary thought. Even professors. ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ve gotta go, I think. Thank you for the bit of information.¡±

    ¡°Just a theory,¡± Prof. Cynthia winked. Or perhaps both eyes had closed happily. It was hard to tell with her hair covering the other eye. ¡°Please, don¡¯t go spreading that out there.¡±

    Gary and his friends all nodded. ¡°You¡¯ve got it!¡± he told her.

    ¡°I won¡¯t say a word!¡± Aly promised.

    ¡°That was between us, Miss Professor Cynthia, ma¡¯am!¡± June raised her right hand and then placed it over her heart.

    ¡°Thanks, kids,¡± Prof. Cynthia beamed. ¡°Well, feel free to call me if you ever need to talk.¡± She reached in her coat and pulled out some white cards, handing them to the children. ¡°Just don¡¯t go passing ¡®em off to people, okay?¡± she laughed.

    ¡°Wow! Thanks!¡± Gary took one.

    ¡°Thank you, Prof. Cynthia,¡± Aly told her.

    ¡°Wow! Thank you so much, Prof. Cynthia!¡± June followed up.

    ¡°And, may I say, children, my condolences. I¡¯ve met Prof. Oak in the past. The last time being when Prof. Rowan, the previous professor here, passed. He was so devastated. I just hope I was able to respectfully carry on the reputation of Prof. Rowan¡¯s lab. He was a long time friend of mine.¡± She looked to the ceiling thoughtfully, sadly.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m sorry for your loss, as well,¡± Gary said.

    ¡°Thank you for your kind words. You¡¯re doing a wonderful job,¡± June added. ¡°Prof. Rowan would be proud of you.¡±

    Prof. Cynthia smiled down at them. ¡°Oh, thank you so much.¡±

    ¡°Um, Prof. Cynthia,¡± Gary started.

    ¡°Yes?¡± She looked at him with her widened eye.

    ¡°Before we head off, do you know anything about Sinnoh lore? I mean, obviously you do, but, I¡¯m heading to Canalave City to a library there. There¡¯s a specific book there, or I hope it¡¯s still there.¡±

    A more apprehensive look came over Prof. Cynthia¡¯s face, and she chewed on her bottom lip for a second. ¡°There are many lores in the Sinnoh region, Gary. Please, be careful what you seek in this region. Even before I became a professor, I was always dedicated to researching the myths here. I¡¯ve read all I could find, excavated ruins, and uncovered things that are best never known to the world.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡± Aly asked, her eyes wide with eagerness and anticipation.

    ¡°Aly!¡± Gary frowned at her.

    Prof. Cynthia giggled, her hand to her mouth, her one shown eye closed. When it opened, she lowered her hand and stared upward. ¡°I wish you luck on your journey.¡± She looked back down to them. ¡°And don¡¯t think I don¡¯t have a gift for you guys to assist you!¡±

    ¡°A gift?? These cards are a gift in themselves! We can contact you if anything and let you in on any crazy things we encounter!¡± Aly smiled excitedly.

    Prof. Cynthia laughed lightly. ¡°That¡¯s great, but I honestly think this might provide just a bit more assistance!¡± She reached into her lab coat and pulled out Pokedexes!

    The kids gasped loudly.

    ¡°NO WAY! You don¡¯t mean...?¡± Gary asked, freezing up.

    ¡°These are for you guys! Even June, who I heard doesn¡¯t have one! If you¡¯d like, you too can take one and use it, and all your extra Pokemon can be left in my care!¡± Prof. Cynthia said kindly. ¡°And these have turn-by-turn navigation, inform you on upcoming events in towns and cities, function as a compass, and much, much more! And I¡¯ve taken the liberty to register you all for the Sinnoh League this year!¡±

    ¡°This is incredible!¡± Gary took a blue Pokedex.

    ¡°Prof. Cynthia, thank you for this!¡± Aly got a pink-white one. ¡°How cute is this?!¡± she squealed.

    June didn¡¯t move, staring up at the woman.

    Prof. Cynthia smiled back.

    June smiled and then lowered her head, closing her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She then returned her eyes to the woman. ¡°I¡¯ve gotten so used to taking care of all of my Pokemon. On my own. While I appreciate the offer, it¡¯s just not something I can see myself doing at this time. Plus, I feel like it¡¯s accepting an extra goal I¡¯m not interested in right now.¡±

    Prof. Cynthia kept her smile and nodded. ¡°I completely understand!¡± She looked at the orange and green Pokedexes she had left and slipped them back into her pocket. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to save one for Robin when he arrives. You won¡¯t be traveling alone, anyway, from what I understand.¡±

    June¡¯s face went red, Gary¡¯s eyes widened, and Aly grinned sinisterly at them both.

    ¡°This region is pretty big and full of spots to see and enjoy! A map always comes in handy, but they say Sinnoh is still a pretty easy place to get lost.¡± A mournful look came over her face. ¡°Even before the destruction of Mt. Coronet... What a tragedy that was. Please, be careful out there, children.¡± She swallowed nervously.

    The trio nodded solemnly.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gary said lowly. ¡°Thanks a lot for these. I guess this is goodbye for now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch with Prof. Sketchit if anything, alright?¡± Prof. Cynthia said softly.

    Gary nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. Instead of Prof. Oak... he kept to himself. Maintaining a small smile, he turned away, feeling his eyes getting worked up with tears, but he held them back.

    Aly and June waved to the professor and soon, the three were leaving her property.

    ¡°Wow, for an older woman, she was super hot, huh?¡± Aly brought up. She leaned over to Gary. ¡°Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?¡±

    ¡°You know, Aly, the way you keep talking about her, maybe you''re the one who wants her!¡± Gary snickered.

    ¡°Pfft. Keep an eye on him, June. I¡¯ll bet he¡¯ll be on the phone a lot more often to trade stories about myths and stuff with her,¡± Aly responded.

    ¡°Oh...¡± June let out a little laugh dismissively.

    ¡°So this is Sandgem Town, of course. And... Oh, boy,¡± Gary muttered at his Pokedex.

    ¡°Prof. Cynthia wasn¡¯t lying about this map being useful,¡± June commented, staring at the map on his Pokedex.

    ¡°Useful? I¡¯m staring at it and still barely know where I am!¡± Aly cried, staring at her Pokedex.

    Gary sighed. ¡°Okay, well, according to this map, there¡¯s actually a Gym in the middle of the woods. It¡¯s a few days off in distance, and that¡¯s assuming we keep a steady pace. It¡¯s called the Powerzone Gym. A Dark type Trainer is there. So, I guess we can all travel to that spot.¡±

    ¡°You two can get niiiice and cozy going there yourselves. I¡¯m off on my own path!¡± Aly beamed.

    ¡°You¡¯re not coming with us?¡± June asked.

    Aly winked at her. ¡°Like I¡¯m any group¡¯s third wheel! With a map like this, I¡¯m outta here to discover my own way! Catch you all later! And don¡¯t use the colder weather of Sinnoh as an excuse for extra cuddling ¡®kay baaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!¡± Aly took off, her voice carrying out even after she was long gone.

    Gary stomped forward but his friend had already vanished. There was no way to ring her neck. ¡°Say...¡± He looked back to Prof. Cynthia, but she was also gone. ¡°I coulda given her my cell number...¡± Thinking of his phone, he then asked out loud, ¡°And, how long is this phone gonna last, anyway?¡± He turned to June. ¡°Like, who exactly is paying the bill if Prof. Cozmo and the Trick Master are both dead? It¡¯s been a couple of months and I haven¡¯t used the thing. I guess until we figure out if it even works, we can hold off on giving anyone the number.¡±

    June managed a smile and just nodded silently.

    ¡°That makes me wonder, why don¡¯t you have a cell phone?¡±

    ¡°Simple, really. My parents don¡¯t want me to have one because I¡¯m too young.¡±

    Gary had questions about this, but knowing June¡¯s history, he decided not to pry too deep. It wasn¡¯t any of his business at this point. ¡°Well, we¡¯ve got some time to go, so let¡¯s head off and get this first Badge.¡±

    The two walked along a concrete street for a while in silence.

    Gary took note of this pretty quickly, used to the ever-talkative June. He shot glances at her, seeing that her head was down, lost in thought. She¡¯s been pretty quiet since Prof. Cynthia offered her the ¡®Dex... Gary recalled. Is something wrong?

    Eventually they stopped in front of a sign that read: Route 202. The sign was an upside down white triangle with a blue outline, held up by a white, steel pole.

    ¡°This is it, alright. We keep going from here, and we¡¯re good,¡± Gary mentioned.

    The two Trainers turned to each other, June with a kind of sad smile, Gary¡¯s face solemn, and they continued along the road. On either side of them was grass, shrubs, and trees.

    ¡°Can you believe we¡¯re really in the Sinnoh region, now?¡± June asked.

    Gary didn¡¯t reply. A frown came over his face and his eyes closed tight as his head throbbed one time painfully. Can¡¯t you ever shut up? he thought irritably as his eyes opened.

    ¡°I mean, all we¡¯ve gone through, has led us here. I have so many mixed feelings... What made you want to come here? Was it really just a book?¡±

    Gary sucked his teeth and they began to grind against each other impatiently as June kept speaking. Her voice... Her talking just... Gary¡¯s breathing was getting more and more heavy as he felt himself losing his cool with June. Hearing her just irritates me! He made two tight fists. What happened to her being quiet?!! I¡¯ll fucking-!! Gary came to a stop, and his hands opened as shock came over him. He stared at his trembling hands in confusion.

    After walking by him, June stopped and looked back. ¡°Gary?¡±

    Why am I thinking such things? Gary wondered, keeping his eyes down. I¡¯ve been really aggravated lately. Maybe going on this journey was a mistake... Maybe I¡¯m not emotionally ready. Maybe I really am too stressed out to deal-

    A sharp noise rang out, and June¡¯s bag slid from her shoulder as she ended up on her knees. She covered her ears and closed her eyes, shrieking out.

    Gary gasped and looked up to where the sound was coming from. He then yelled out, ¡°JUNE!¡± Above him was something familiar, and absolutely terrifying.

    THE MONSTER WAS IN THE AIR!! The terrible, ugly, horrifying creature Gary was seeking floated over the both of them. The same evil being that had been traumatizing them throughout parts of Kanto. The horrible entity that had killed Gary¡¯s sister. Her nude body was outlined in blue electricity, her hair extended and wavering about like wild snakes. Her eyes were wide, all black except for the surrounding ends being in purple. There were no eyebrows or eyelashes on the creature¡¯s face. She landed and the sparks disappeared. Her black hair rested like normal hair, flowing down her back. Her thick, muscular legs were very hairy, while her slender arms carried noticeably less hair. Her toenails were hooked, like talons. Red, diamond-shaped patterns were on the front of her body like tattoos. Visible even from her hairy legs, one large, red diamond pattern was seen on each one. Her stomach and chest held the least amount of hair. The being¡¯s breasts themselves were large and had a diamond shape to them. Her nipples each seemed to be half of a whole diamond, and were completely flat on the breasts. Though her skin was dark as coal, the nipples were somehow even darker. Her hairless neck was long and curved, like a snake, holding her head above her body. It was scaly and a red diamond design was on each side. Her large lips were closed but looked as if they were being pulled back at the tips by an invisible force. Thick cheekbones protruded outward above them. She lacked a nose, but a hole in the middle of her face was shaped like one, and the hole shrunk and expanded continuously.

    What disturbed Gary the most, to this day, were the eyes of the monster. The top and bottom of the eyeballs met with the skin of the eye sockets of the face, but nowhere else did it. As if the eyes had been removed, and a rectangular shape had been carved out of the circular holes, and then the eyes were placed back in. Darkness inside of her head was visible from the sides of her eyes.

    The monster roared angrily...at June!

    June screamed back at the monster, but in terror, keeping her ears covered and shutting her eyes.

    Suddenly, a white beam came out of June¡¯s bag.

    ¡°EEEEEELECTIVIRE!!¡± Electivire flexed his arms, both of them wrapped in white bandages, and his entire body sparked.

    Her fat tongue couldn¡¯t stay in her open mouth, sliding along her broken teeth. One of the monster¡¯s hands rose, the fingers disgustingly long, the nails like broken claws. Her other arm extended behind her and, as her body twisted, the arm then reached out, and something flew out from the hand. She had just tossed something!

    A ball flew through the air, spinning swiftly. It got closer to June.

    Gary and Electivire watched as the ball neared the girl, matching stunned looks on their faces.

    June, still covering her ears, squinted weakly at what was going on. Her eyes widened as she gasped and then stood up, taking a step back.

    The ball hit her and hovered in the air. It was shown to actually resemble a Poke Ball, the top half a blue-gray color, and the bottom was pale green. It opened, and an orange beam came out, hitting June and making her also glow orange.

    June screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    The ball hit the ground and rocked back and forth a few times. The middle of the ball had a button that went from white to black repeatedly. Finally, the black remained still with a PONG!

    Gary was in complete shock, not believing at all what he was seeing!

    Electivire was no longer sparking, his arms dropped to his sides and his face in disbelief.

    The monster stepped up to the ball and picked it up. She stared at it and smiled. Then, she looked to Gary with a threatening sneer.

    Gary was frozen, petrified, by the monster herself or by his own confusion and terror, unclear. He couldn¡¯t even blink if he wanted to.

    The monster reacted very little. And then, she spoke. ¡°Once I have figured out this human, I shall kill her. And your unworthy Pokemon. If I have to. One by one. And last, you.¡± Her voice sparked like several hundred powerful jolts of electricity fighting in the air, each bolt also burning with a loud, intense, crackling blaze of fire. It was also as if she spoke with various voices at once, each one at different levels, tones, frequencies, but all with anger. The hair on her head then billowed out in a ball, and little dots appeared throughout it, the act making Gary grab at his skin. The monster then bent her legs, knees unclear, and she looked at Electivire, a smirk crossing her face. She leaped into the air, shooting fast, high into the sky for about two seconds before zooming off at an angle, completely gone.

    Gary stared in horror at the sky where she had just been. After a few long minutes, he looked down at June¡¯s black bag. ¡°June?¡± he managed to get out. He looked back to the sky, thinking about what he had just witnessed.

    The monster¡¯s hand reached out, and something flew out from it!

    An object resembling a Poke Ball flew through the air, aimed at June. The top half of it was a blue-gray color, the bottom half a pale shade of green. It hit her and hovered in the air, opened, and an orange beam came out, hitting June and making her glow orange.

    June screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    The ball hit the ground and rocked back and forth a few times. The middle of the ball had a button that went from white to black several times. Finally, the black remained with a PONG!

    June... Gary thought, trembling in place. His view went over to Electivire, who kept his eyes in the sky where the creature had last been, and then Gary returned his vision back up.

    A ball flew through the air, aimed at June. It hit her and hovered in the air, opening, and an orange beam came out, hitting June and making her glow orange.

    ¡°June...¡± Gary whispered, stumbling towards her bag.

    June screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    ¡°June!¡± Gary cried, his eyes tearing as he landed next to the bag, on his knees.

    The sky then darkened dramatically.

    The ball hit the ground and rocked back and forth a few times.

    ¡°JUNE!¡± Gary was now running, a single man stampede, chasing after the being he couldn¡¯t even see, following the direction she had been going in. He couldn¡¯t believe how fast she had flown off. That she was out of sight within the span of a blink of time. More lightning blew up the sky as an entire explosion went off behind Gary, accompanied by the ferocious roar of Electivire, but Gary didn¡¯t stop moving, not even looking back to see what had happened, enraged and determined to find the monster. Knowing he couldn¡¯t afford to lose her after having just found her!

    ¡°ELECTIVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRE!!!!¡± Electivire bellowed, letting off an array of lightning and jolts both from the dark clouds in the sky above, and his own body, thunder exploding repeatedly like bombs in the sky.

    The button at the middle of the ball went from white to black several times. Finally, the black remained with a PONG!

    Gary inhaled hard, his feet thrashing at the ground as he ran, heading into the crowded woods up ahead, and he finally erupted in a rage, ¡°JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE!!!!!!¡±

 Car Radio

    Gary sat in the woods, his back on a tree trunk, listening to the sounds of the Kricketot that he couldn¡¯t see. The grass rustled for hours, Gary paying attention to it less and less as time went on. His mind was elsewhere entirely.

    ¡°It seems like trouble follows you wherever you go, huh, kid?¡± a female officer laughed loudly.

    ¡°What kind of a thing is that to say at a time like this?!¡± an Officer Jenny barked.

    The other female officer looked frightened, stepping back. ¡°I¡¯m just sayin¡¯, he¡¯s got a history in Kanto with this thing!¡± she shrugged, raising her hands up defensively.

    Officer Jenny huffed and turned back to Gary.

    Tears dripped out of his eyes every few seconds as he cried silently, sitting on a couch in Prof. Cynthia¡¯s lab.

    Officer Jenny sat next to him. ¡°Gary, are you sure you don¡¯t need some more time to think this story over? A good night¡¯s rest can do wonders for the mind.¡±

    His head down, Gary could see Officer Jenny¡¯s smooth legs, but it might as well have been a hairy ape in a skirt next to him. There was only one thing his mind could focus on.

    Gary sat in silence, not moving, barely breathing. Even blinking didn¡¯t happen for extended periods. He was remembering so much. What was there to say? What was there to do?

    ¡°I know we¡¯re dealing with some crazy monkey thing but I honestly think this magic Poke Ball thing that catches humans is going too far,¡± a male officer whispered to Officer Jenny privately. The two were standing outside the lab doors. ¡°I mean, he¡¯s saying it can fly, it can shoot electricity and plasma beams out... Now it¡¯s got Poke Balls?? Or, what, Human Balls, should we call ¡®em?¡±

    ¡°First of all, this creature is not some monkey, okay?¡± Officer Jenny whispered back. ¡°Second, there¡¯s witnesses from the attacks in Kanto, as well as a couple from the attacks recently here. It¡¯s got to just be a Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°Capturing humans? Is it a human Trainer?¡± the guy snickered.

    Officer Jenny sighed and shook her head, looking down. ¡°Poke Balls don¡¯t even do anything to humans. They have a paralyzing effect on them for a moment, but that¡¯s all. The kind of... technology that would be involved in something that catches a human...¡± Now, even she let out a low laugh and looked up, smirking. Her head shook slowly.

    ¡°So you don¡¯t believe that part,¡± the male grinned sinisterly.

    ¡°I-it... It¡¯s just that that¡¯s impossible!¡±

    Even from far off on the couch inside of the lab, Gary was able to hear them just fine.

    What sounded like a loud splashing of water came out from a far distance from Gary.

    He didn¡¯t react beyond his eyes shooting off as far as they could reach in the direction of the noise, but seeing nothing.

    More grass rustled, bushes shook, and calls flew through the area.

    Gary didn¡¯t care. It could have been bugs, ghosts, and vampires. As long as it wasn¡¯t that creature that had kidnapped June, he wasn¡¯t as concerned as he normally would have been.

    One of the monster¡¯s hands reached out, and something flew out from it.

    A ball flew through the air, heading for June, the top half a blue-gray color, the bottom a pale shade of green.

    June, still covering her ears, gasped and stood up, taking a step back.

    The ball hit her and hovered in the air. It opened, and an orange beam came out, hitting June and making her glow the same color.

    June screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    The ball hit the ground and rocked back and forth a few times. The middle of the ball went from white to black several times. Finally, the black remained with a PONG!

    Gary shuddered, hearing that PONG! so loudly. Hearing the echo as if it were going on in real time, right in that moment. What was that??! Gary questioned loudly in his head. It doesn¡¯t make any sense. It wasn¡¯t just... some kind of cage! It was... a ball! A Poke Ball! But it totally...wasn¡¯t... No... No... It wasn¡¯t! That¡¯s the thing! It wasn¡¯t a Poke Ball! But it looked just like one! So... what was it??!!

    ¡°Maybe you should go back home.¡± After the police had left Prof. Cynthia¡¯s lab, Prof. Cynthia stayed sitting next to the boy, trying to convince him to go back home, but offering her lab to him to stay at for as long as he needed. ¡°Gary, you¡¯ve been through so much. With Team Solace, this monster, and all of your losses... I think maybe it¡¯s time to take some time off. Even permanently. There¡¯s no shame-¡±

    ¡°NNO!¡± Gary turned to her, tears running down his cheeks. ¡°I promised I¡¯d become a Pokemon Master!! I promised I¡¯d be the very best Trainer! I promised... Promised I¡¯d capture all one thousand Pokemon!¡± He shook his head. ¡°I promised that to my mother.¡± He stood up swiftly and then wiped at his eyes quickly. After a hard sniffle, he told her, ¡°There¡¯s something out there. Something bad. And it took away my sister, and my... One of my best... My... One of my best friends! Don¡¯t ask me to put all of that behind me, ma¡¯am!¡±

    Prof. Cynthia stared at him with one hard eye, her revealed eyebrow narrowed, the other half of her face covered by her dull-blonde hair.

    ¡°I have to keep going. That thing has to die for what she¡¯s done. I can¡¯t allow it to determine my fate. It¡¯ll have to kill me, if anything, first. I won¡¯t let her stop me. Monster, Pokemon, human, that thing¡¯s out there and it threatens life on this planet. If the police can¡¯t stop it, I will!¡±

    Prof. Cynthia didn¡¯t respond, her glare tight on the boy¡¯s face.

    Calls rang out through the woods louder than before. The rustling of the grass was more prominent than ever.

    Gary, consciously not wanting to be taken from his thoughts, closed his eyes tightly.

    ¡°-Team Solace¡¯s leader, Isaac, remains on the loose,¡± a newswoman said on TV, Gary and Prof. Cynthia watching from the couch together. ¡°With the help of some arrested members working with authorities, it¡¯s believed the bombs planted within the Kanto region were all found and disarmed, though interrogations are still continuing for a reportedly missing alternate form of explosive energy reported to be present by witnesses. In other unfortunate news today, the continuous disappearances of Baby Pokemon seems to continue, and are under consideration of being labeled as abductions. The latest reported incident took place at Solaceon Town¡¯s Day Care, ran by Angie, who-¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes shot open as creatures flew into his private spot, and he jumped to his feet, his teeth bared, eyebrows narrowed, and fists ready to swing.

    A pair of Misdreavus, along with several other creatures, flew through the night. Little critters scampered by on the ground, too. They all were getting away from something.

    Gary¡¯s teeth tightened with anger, his eyes on the flying critters. Bugs, aren¡¯t they? he believed. He swiftly dug into his pocket and came out with a Poke Ball. With an angry shout, he tossed it like he was aiming to harm a Pokemon more than anything else.

    The Poke Ball hit one of the remaining little flying creatures and opened, sucking it in by a red beam. As the others vanished into the night, the Poke Ball hit the ground, the white button blinking red and quivering on the ground.

    PING!

    Kricketot. The Cricket Pokemon. A Bug type Pokemon. It communicates using xylophonic sounds that it creates by shaking its head and rubbing its antennae. These sounds are fall hallmarks.

    ¡°Gotta be in the family of Kricketune. Bugs,¡± Gary muttered with disgust. He looked away from the ball and into the now silent, empty area. When he looked back to the Poke Ball, it was also gone. With Professor... Gary¡¯s thought trailed off. His eyes began to water. Prof. Oak...

    From inside of the helicopter, Prof. Oak grabbed at Isaac, one hand on his shoulder, the other holding the wrist attached to the hand holding a gun!! The two men fell out of the helicopter, screaming as they tumbled all the way down, still trying to get control of the gun.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    THUMP!

    Prof. Oak landed first, right on his back. He choked out in a nasty-sounding groan before he sprawled out and remained still.

    Gary sat down softly and his shoulders slumped. With a hard swallow, he thought, Team Solace... They took...

    Hitmonchan was on his side, lying still.

    Gary knelt down beside his Pokemon and grabbed his shoulder, shaking him hard. ¡°Hitmonchan!! Hitmonchan wake up!¡± Gary started panicking and then wildly shook his Pokemon¡¯s body with both hands. One fist after the other, over and over again, Gary was now slugging Hitmonchan¡¯s face, tears rolling down his own face nonstop.

    Everything from me... Tears fell from Gary¡¯s eyes, sliding down his cheeks. Team Solace. I¡¯ll kill you all myself!

    The sounds of more creatures in the woods got even louder, small movements making their way around Gary, hard to see in the dark.

    Gary ignored all of this as tears filled his eyes and stayed there.

    Sitting on top of Gary¡¯s screaming sister, Melissa, was the monster. She had her hands on Melissa¡¯s throat, wailing back at her in a wild, unnormal voice. Her hair sparked with blue electricity and reached outward in numerous, separated, skinny bundles. The hair connected with Melissa¡¯s face.

    Melissa screamed at the top of her lungs as her body was lit by the blue lightning, and her body jumped.

    The blonde of Team Solace kept her blue eyes on Gary and shook her head. ¡°Kid, you¡¯ve no idea what Hell you¡¯ve let go loose on this planet... We almost had her down. If you¡¯d just killed her! We were just trying to save the poor girl.¡± As she sneered at him, her eyes suddenly began to shimmer behind tears. Her face swiftly went into panic. ¡°No one is ready for this!¡±

    A loud, raging screaming erupted through the woods, silencing the ever-increasing sounds nearby. Gary was huffing and puffing, standing on his feet, his hands in fists. He looked into the sky, his head turning around. Letting out another furious shout, he swung a fist at a tree. The pain wasn¡¯t that bad to him, and he considered continuing.

    The monster¡¯s hand reached out, and something flew out from it.

    A ball was heading for June, the top half a blue-gray color, and the bottom was pale green.

    June, still covering her ears, gasped and stood up, taking a step back.

    The ball hit her and hovered in the air. It opened, and an orange beam came out, hitting June and making her glow orange.

    June screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    The ball hit the ground and rocked back and forth a few times. The middle of the ball had a white button that went from white to black several times. Finally, the black remained with a PONG!

    Exploding into another loud rage, Gary swung with his other fist at the tree trunk, using his right hand to follow up for another blow. Remaining creatures unseen got away from him noisily as he kept on punching the trunk. His face was a mix of sadness, anger, and confusion, tears running down his cheeks when he finally stopped. ¡°JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE!!!!¡± he howled. ¡°JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGH!!!!¡± Gary finally went silent, listening to his echo. Within seconds, there wasn¡¯t a sound to be heard. The quiet was gone as he screamed yet again, this time out of fear. He stumbled away from the creatures that had appeared around him. ¡°Huh?¡± Familiarity set in, and he breathed out a sigh of relief. He frowned, but this faded as he realized something.

    Primeape was staring at his Trainer, concern in his eyes. ¡°Prrrrrime?¡±

    ¡°Hooooot! Hooooot,¡± Hoothoot was flapping his wings, also eyeing Gary from the ground.

    Ralts squeaked out.

    ¡°Geez, what are you three doing out here?¡± he snapped at them.

    ¡°Primeape!¡±

    ¡°Hoooooooot! Hoot!¡±

    Ralts¡¯ horn glowed light blue. He then shuffled towards Gary, Primeape and Hoothoot then following. He wrapped his little arms around Gary¡¯s leg and shuddered as if cold, curling up against his Trainer.

    Primeape and Hoothoot watched this act gently and then eyed their Trainer.

    Sneering, Gary had the sudden urge to kick Ralts, hard, far away from him. His leg twitched as he fought back this sudden, vicious desire, and then tightened, going entirely still. Staring at the little Pokemon with widened eyes, Gary didn¡¯t move. Wait a minute. I don¡¯t wanna kick Ralts, Gary thought, feeling himself relax some. What happened to me just now? he wondered. I felt so... angry!

    Ralts kept one arm on Gary¡¯s leg as he looked up at him and gave a couple of squeaks.

    Gary kept his eyes on him, staying quiet. I guess it¡¯s not really that surprising, considering what¡¯s been going on, he said to himself. But still... He raised his eyes to the sky and then closed them. He inhaled strongly through his nostrils and then let it out. I really don¡¯t feel like myself. Maybe I do need some time off...

    Melissa¡¯s body hit the ground, lifeless.

    Melissa...

    The ball hit June and opened, an orange beam pulling her inside of it.

    June... Gary shook his head. Staring at Ralts, he knelt down and pulled the small guy closer, making Ralts squeak out in response and return to hugging his leg. He extended his other arm, and Primeape and Hoothoot got closer. Gary¡¯s arm wrapped around them both and he pulled his Pokemon in closer. ¡°You guys, a lot has changed for us. And I can¡¯t promise it¡¯s not going to get any worse, but we¡¯ve also come so far.¡± He let go of his Pokemon and focused on Hoothoot and Primeape. ¡°Especially you two. You¡¯ve been around the longest, and we¡¯ve been through it all, haven¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°Prrrriimmmmme...¡± Primeape said in a low growl.

    ¡°Hoooooot,¡± Hoothoot followed up.

    ¡°We may not have Charizard with us right now, but he¡¯ll be back soon. But in the meantime, we¡¯re still a team!¡± Gary grabbed his remaining three Poke Balls and held them out, a white beam releasing the Pokemon.

    ¡°Sci! Zooor!¡± Fashioned appeared, taking up a cool but threatening pose.

    ¡°Claaaam!¡± Clamperl cried.

    ¡°Pidgeo!¡± Sabrina cawed, flapping her wings as she stayed in the air.

    ¡°Guys, there¡¯s no need to speak if we aren¡¯t going to do it together. As you know, we¡¯re now in the Sinnoh region,¡± Gary spoke sternly. ¡°My journey has always, always, been to catch all Pokemon in the world. All, possibly well over one thousand. Even if there¡¯s a million! The number is growing yearly, new species being found, and it comes down to confirmation by the scientists on what these new creatures are. Animal, or Pokemon. Whatever Pokemon there are, I want ¡®em all. And I want to learn about the differences, even within the same species. Furthermore, we have two reasons that we need to get stronger, together, as Pokemon, and Pokemon Trainer. For one, we can¡¯t capture powerful Pokemon without being strong, ourselves. Secondly, we have our other goal which is just as important: defeating Trainers who themselves have powerful Pokemon. I¡¯m trying to become a Pokemon Master, and that means catching and raising Pokemon to defeat others with the same goal. I know it¡¯s a lot to ask,¡± Gary balled his fists, ¡°but I¡¯m depending on each and every one of you to help out! Not just doing your best in battle, but when it¡¯s time to swap,¡± he stared at Primeape, ¡°to keep up the work, train at the Lab, and help one another out. That clear?¡±

    His Pokemon all responded positively to this.

    Gary nodded. His eyes never left Primeape. ¡°We¡¯re starting on a new journey...¡± Gary couldn¡¯t help but remember when he first met his Primeape as a Mankey, over a whole year ago...

    Having just caught his new Mankey thanks to the help of his then disobedient Charmander, Gary discovered that the woods were now on fire from the Fire moves Charmander chose to recklessly use.

    This enraged the neighboring Mankey living there, and while Charmander abandoned them, Gary and his Mankey were left to be beaten unconscious by the other Pokemon.

    My... Starter... Mankey... Gary remembered when he had accepted that Charmander was gone for good.

    ¡°Primeape?¡± Primeape said, cocking his head at Gary.

    Gary smirked. ¡°We¡¯re starting fresh, again, for a while. You¡¯re the leader of the pack.¡±

    ¡°Pri-i-iiiimmmmme-aaaaapeapeape!!¡± Primeape leaped in the air determinedly, punches swinging into the air above.

    Gary wanted to smile somewhere deep down inside, but he couldn¡¯t, his heart twinging uncomfortably at what he¡¯d just said. No surprise, he told himself. How can I smile at a time like this? How, when there¡¯s still...? ¡°There¡¯s one more thing, guys,¡± Gary spoke seriously, his voice getting darker.

    Everyone turned to him in confusion, startled.

    ¡°This is more than just a journey getting Badges and catching Pokemon. There¡¯s a monster out there that is doing terrible things around the planet. It seems to be against mankind, and is believed by some to be some kind of new Pokemon. But I don¡¯t think that¡¯s what it is. I hope it¡¯s not, anyway. Either way, it kidnapped June, and it¡¯s after all of us, next. We have to stop it, even if that means killing it.¡±

    His Pokemon¡¯s eyes were wide, the Pokemon silent.

    A loud rustle grabbed everyone¡¯s attention, and they all turned to see something appear from the darkness.

    Red eyes glowed in the dark. ¡°Lectivire...¡± The red in Electivire¡¯s eyes went away, and they hardened on Gary.

    Gary stared back with a frown, but he nodded. ¡°Guys, we¡¯re not just on a journey this time. This... is a hunt.¡±

    Electivire nodded back.

    Gary looked off to the side, at June¡¯s large black duffel bag sitting next to his own backpack. He walked over to them and got his bag on his shoulders before lifting June¡¯s bag by the strap and hoisting it onto one shoulder. ¡°Well.¡± He looked at the seven Pokemon, but then remained on Electivire. His eyes went down to Electivire¡¯s arms wrapped in bandages, and then rose to his face. ¡°You ready to go?¡±

    Electivire didn¡¯t answer.

    There was now a new rustling in the woods that made everyone look. The sound got closer, but nothing was revealed.

    A Pokemon? Gary wondered.

    The grass was moving, the thing within getting closer to them.

    The... monster?? Gary considered. Primeape. Get ready! Gary¡¯s fists clenched.

    The grass right in front of them shook!

    ¡°PRIMEA-huh?!¡± Gary stopped his call.

    A little animal exposed itself to the group. It stood at only about two feet tall. The thing was mostly blue, with black legs and a black chest, its face covered in mostly black like a mask. Its red eyes were glued to Gary¡¯s.

    Gary swallowed, staring uncertainly back at it. ¡°A Pokemon,¡± Gary muttered.

    Riolu. The Emanation Pokemon. A Fighting type, Baby Pokemon. This Pokemon can read an energy called Aura that all living beings carry; a kind of spiritual energy. It uses this ability to read emotions and intentions.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. A Baby... A Fighting type... No...

    Riolu spoke in a grunt. It walked forward, one slow step at a time, keeping eyes on Gary.

    ¡°PRIIIIIIIIIIME!!¡± Primeape leaped forward, unprovoked, and socked Riolu in the face!

    Riolu yelled out and hit the ground. Growling angrily, it sat up but didn¡¯t stand.

    ¡°PRIMEAPE!¡± Gary barked.

    Primeape was breathing hard. He looked back angrily. ¡°Prime?¡±

    Riolu got up and shook its head. Letting out an exhausted breath, it looked back up to Gary and raised a paw out to him. It stumbled forward weakly.

    As soon as Riolu got up to Primeape, trying to get by him, Primeape kicked it right in the chest, sending the Baby flying backwards. He then jumped after it.

    ¡°RETURN!!¡± Gary recalled Primeape to his Poke Ball. ¡°We have to have a talk about your leadership after all,¡± Gary said in a low voice, but kept his eyes on the downed Riolu. He reached into his pocket and walked past the other Pokemon, stopping at Riolu.

    Groaning, Riolu struggled to open its eyes.

    Gary pulled his hand out of his pocket in a fist and knelt down on one knee. In a swift movement, the Poke Ball inside of it was enlarged, and he held it out to Riolu. Without a word, he gently tapped the Baby on the head, and the Pokemon was pulled in by the red beam.

    The red button blinking, the Poke Ball shook.

    And shook.

    And shook.

    PING!

    ¡°Easy. Just rest up for now,¡± Gary said, watching the glowing ball vanish from his hand.

 Picking Up The Pieces

    ¡°Gaaaaaaaaaaaa!¡± Gastly flew back from the hit from a bright light.

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Gary was stunned by the sudden act as well as confused. What was that?

    A Tyrogue stood in front of the downed Gastly, bouncing on what would be the toes of his feet.

    Gary watched as Primeape and Fashioned, which was Robin¡¯s traded Scizor, fought skillfully. Primeape swung with seemingly a lot less control, Fashioned reacting with more professional slices. Either way, both had more missed hits than actually landed ones.

    Gary¡¯s Pidgeotto, nicknamed Sabrina, was using Special Attack moves, while Clamperl was instructed to only do Attack moves.

    Hoothoot was in the air, watching as Ralts powered up a Thunderbolt.

    So far, all of Ralts attempts to successfully use the move failed, only getting so far as to create sparks around his body for prolonged periods of time.

    ¡°RRRRROGUE!!¡± The Bulked Up Tyrogue soared into Electivire¡¯s back with Bullet Punch, Electivire whining out painfully.

    Swiftly, he twisted around and reached out to grab Tyrogue.

    Tyrogue was ready, leaping into the air and around the large hands of Electivire. Landing, he jumped at Electivire with Tackle, toppling the brute over.

    Ralts had his head down, breathing hard.

    Hoothoot settled down on one foot and cocked his head, keeping his stare on Ralts.

    Primeape delivered a blow to the middle of Fashioned¡¯s now metallic body.

    When the metal went away, Fashioned¡¯s pincers both went together behind her back and swung up into the air and around to come right back down on Primeape¡¯s head.

    Primeape slid on his back, twitching in pain.

    Sabrina used Gust, but Clamperl held his ground and when the wind died out, he leaped at Sabrina as a bluish-white aura engulfed him, closing on Sabrina as he reached her. Both Pokemon hit the ground together.

    ¡°RALTS! COME ON!! USE THUNDERBOLT!¡± Gary barked. He threw his hands up and stomped over to the two battlers.

    Fashioned, Primeape, Clamperl, Sabrina, and Hoothoot all stopped and turned to watch.

    Gary stopped right over Ralts and placed his hands on his hips, scowling down at the little Pokemon.

    Ralts whimpered and cowered.

    Tyrogue¡¯s eyes glowed yellow for a moment before returning back to normal.

    ¡°LECTIVIIIIIIIIRE!!¡± Electivire zapped the area with Thunder.

    Tyrogue looked in various directions; right, left, up, all around, and followed each glance by running, bouncing, jumping, and rolling out of the way of various bolts from Thunder!

    Gary stared at his whimpering Ralts. ¡°Ralts...¡± he whispered, and felt himself calming down. His eyes closed as he placed a hand to the side of his head and kneeled down. His eyes opened on his Pokemon and then he lowered his hand to the ground. ¡°Ralts.¡± He extended his hand. Before he could reach Ralts, his hand stopped as the horn on his Pokemon¡¯s head glowed light blue. ¡°Whoa. That thing again.¡±

    Ralts smiled and held Gary¡¯s hand, squeaking cutely.

    Gary smiled back before using his free hand to grab his Pokedex and used it on Ralts.

    Ralts can use their psychic powers to read the emotions of others with an empathy considered by many to be unique to the species. The Pokedex spoke in a lighter male¡¯s voice, unlike the deeper one Gary was used to.

    Gary lowered the Pokedex and smiled at his Pokemon. ¡°Hm. I think I get it now... I¡¯m sorry, man. I¡¯m good now, though.¡± Standing, he said to everyone, ¡°I¡¯m going through a lot, and I shouldn¡¯t be taking it out on any of you guys. You¡¯re doing great, Ralts. You all are!¡±

    His Pokemon turned to each other happily and then back to Gary, nodding.

    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s enough training for now.¡± He stared up at the slowly brightening sky, the sun taking its time.

    His Pokemon all watched with him in silence, taking in the beautiful view in the woods.

    Both Pokemon stood in front of each other, breathing hard, leering.

    Electivire held out a fist to Tyrogue, but didn¡¯t strike.

    Tyrogue smirked and reached out a fist to touch Electivire¡¯s. ¡°ROOOOOOOOOOOOGUE!!¡± Tyrogue was electrified and fell over, hit by Thunder Punch.

    ¡°But after lunch later, we¡¯re gonna do some more intensive training,¡± Gary returned, his stern eyes on his Pokemon. ¡°It¡¯s not gonna be fun and games, either. These Pokemon are just as good as you all are.¡± He turned to his Pokemon who were already staring back. ¡°One, even stronger, for sure. Goal is to beat him before we get to the League. We can¡¯t be competing half assed. Right?¡± He raised a determined fist.

    His Pokemon called back at him strongly.

    Gary nodded.

    There was a sudden rustle in the woods that grabbed everyone¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Tyyyyy!¡± Tyrogue leaped up and boxed Gary right in the side of the head!

    ¡°AAAAAH!!¡± Gary raged, holding his injured, throbbing area. ¡°WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT??!¡± Overcome by his anger, blinded, even, Gary released his head and punched Tyrogue right back in the head!

    Tyrogue frowned back. ¡°TY!¡± Tyrogue threw a punch for Gary¡¯s leg.

    Gary cried out and dropped to his knees. ¡°You little!¡±

    With Tyrogue digging his fingers in his Trainer¡¯s face, Gary was holding down Tyrogue¡¯s head and delivering punches.

    ¡°Electivirrrrre...¡± Electivire growled, breathing heavy. His horns sparked.

    Gary and his Pokemon took a step back. The Trainer then swallowed and frowned at the Pokemon. I can¡¯t back down. He¡¯s back from... whatever he does when he chooses to come out, so... Now what? Gary yawned due to the early hour, having gotten a few hours of sleep in before waking up randomly in the middle of the night and deciding to stay up and train. Before letting out his Pokemon, he woke himself up even further by doing some push-ups, sit-ups, and jogging after he brushed his teeth.

    Electivire used Thunderbolt, and a white beam sent out a Pokemon from within June¡¯s bag that sat at a distance on the ground.

    ¡°Rai-chuuuuu!¡± Frowning, Raichu¡¯s arms raised.

    Electivire¡¯s Thunderbolt curved away from Gary and his Pokemon and hit Raichu, surrounding him in electricity.

    Raichu¡¯s determined face never changed, even after the attack ended. ¡°Rai! Raichu!¡±

    Electivire growled at Raichu and flexed his arms.

    Gary¡¯s eyes were wide at the cold, blue-grey eyes of Gym Leader Hitomi. Whoa... She¡¯s something else entirely! Gary¡¯s mouth opened. Hello, he thought to himself. Gary was then hit with a powerful blow, and he collapsed to the ground, facefirst.

    Raichu¡¯s ears lowered and he looked back at Electivire with worry now. ¡°Rai...?¡±

    ¡°Take it easy, Electivire!¡± Gary insisted, taking a brave step forward. With Raichu here, at least I can¡¯t get zapped, Gary thought comfortingly. But I can still get physically knocked around...

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    ¡°Vire,¡± Electivire said shortly, sharply, and sat on the grassy dirt, soon laying out on his back and going to sleep.

    Whether that¡¯s a sign of disrespect or not, I¡¯ll take it, Gary breathed out gratefully.

    Raichu looked up at Gary, his ears still down. There was a more mournful look in his eyes. ¡°Rai?¡±

    Gary stared back, knowing that Raichu wasn¡¯t acting the same, and he was sure he knew why.

    ¡°ROGUE!¡±

    Something hit Gary in the face. And he blacked out.

    Gary tossed the Poke Ball with the E sticker into the air, catching it with the same hand, repeating the action while staring at Electivire. Well, he is asleep now... Gary thought, and he held out the Poke Ball.

    Electivire whipped his head towards Gary and opened his eyes. They were glowing blue.

    Gary yelled out as his body was also outlined in blue and he began to ascend into the air.

    ¡°Rai! Raaaai! Rai!¡± Raichu called from the ground with his wide eyes on Gary.

    Hoothoot, Sabrina, Ralts, Clamperl, Primeape, and Fashioned also watched in shock, shouting to their Trainer as he kept ascending.

    ¡°Scizor!¡± Fashioned zoomed in a flash at Electivire to use Bullet Punch.

    At the same time, Electivire zipped forward for Fashioned using Quick Attack.

    At the same time, the blue around Gary vanished, and he screamed as he dropped from high up.

    With his eyes closed, Tyrogue reached out his own fist and connected it with Electivire¡¯s.

    Electivire¡¯s fist sparked.

    At the same time, Tyrogue¡¯s body was surrounded in a white light, blinding everyone! The light faded off of the Pokemon, and Hitmonchan was revealed. ¡°Hitmonchan!¡±

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire smiled and held out a fist.

    Hitmonchan raised a fist and the two touched.

    A huge spark started between the two!

    Gary called out and groaned in pain as he hit the ground on his back. Rolling over onto his side and holding himself up with one arm, he watched Fashioned and Electivire eye each other with barely an inch between them.

    Electivire raised one of his bandaged arms and pulled back a fist. The instant it burst into Fire, he swung on Fashioned.

    Fashioned was gone in a flash, avoiding the move, and then moved just as fast to collide with Electivire.

    Electivire barely budged and swung his other flaming fist to drop Scizor.

    ¡°Sciiii...¡± Scizor croaked motionlessly.

    ¡°Doof!!¡± Gary¡¯s face was rocked after gawking at a sexy jogger, and he spun in a circle twice before landing on his back. Quickly, he sat up and shook his head, glaring around him, spotting instantly who he was looking for, and kicked out, toppling over Hitmonchan as he cried out in surprise.

    Hitmonchan and Gary were scuffling in the middle of the grassy field!

    Electivire turned to Raichu.

    Raichu¡¯s fur stood on end, his ears high as he cried out in fear.

    This made Electivire smirk and snicker. He nodded and then looked to Gary sharply.

    Gary jumped a little, visibly.

    ¡°Lect.¡± Satisfied, Electivire laid on his back again and was soon snoring.

    Gary growled, tightening his fists as he eyed Electivire angrily. ¡°Electivire...¡± he whispered. He pondered trying to return the Pokemon. I¡¯ll beat you. I can¡¯t be the best, until I beat you.

    SLAP! Gary slapped the laid out Hitmonchan.

    The Pokemon was cut up, scarred, bruised, and his chest looked smashed and covered in blood after Team Solace¡¯s attack at the Indigo League had been stopped.

    Gary ignored all of that, sure Hitmonchan was alright, and slapped him harder than before. SLAP! And then again with more force. SLAP!! And once more with greater power. His hand then rose into the air and became a fist, and he punched Hitmonchan! Tears fell from his eyes and onto his Pokemon. ¡°COME OOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!! GET THE FUCK UUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!¡± Gary kept punching Hitmonchan. One fist, the other fist, over and over again, tears rolling down his face nonstop. Crying louder, heaving, bawling, he kept swinging on his Pokemon, sure he would wake up eventually.

    Gary shuddered in place, sitting in the dirt.

    The only Pokemon out was Electivire, still snoring many feet away.

    Tears were falling out of Gary¡¯s eyes continuously. He closed his eyes to try to keep them in, but this failed, tears squeezing their way out.

    June suddenly shrieked.

    Gary could hear something else. He looked up.

    Something bright was flying in the sky over the Indigo League stadium, glowing like a shooting meteorite. A huge diamond in the sky. It was out of sight in a short time.

    For some reason, Gary suddenly felt comforted. He couldn¡¯t explain it, but all of a sudden, everything in life felt okay.

    Gary¡¯s tears stopped as he reflected on this last memory. As he replayed it in his head, he found that he didn¡¯t understand it. What was that light? Just a meteorite? Hitmonchan... Gary found himself even more confused as he pondered the final night at the Indigo League over a year ago. My crying stopped so simply there. Too easily, Gary thought curiously. I felt... okay? Happy? Maybe I was in shock and my body just shut down on feelings. I wasn¡¯t ready to handle that loss at that time. Now... Now, I¡¯m a mess. He wiped at his cheeks with both hands and sniffled. Now... I have another Baby, Fighting type Pokemon. Riolu. What are the odds? Gary looked over.

    Electivire was still snoring, louder than ever.

    Gary looked over at June¡¯s bag near him. He then looked to his own bag at his other side. He stared at it quietly for a while, thinking. Finally, he blinked hard twice. That phone. I need to see if it¡¯s working. I need information... He crawled over to his bag and sat on his knees, unzipping it. Before long, he came out with the square, white Flipbook Mini. Does it still work? Gary wondered, and then cut it on. Yes!

    The phone turned on, showing the picture of multiple different Trick Masters on the lock screen. They all wore different suits with bowties of different sizes, and they all were smiling huge for the photo and were all in different positions. Some of the guys were upside down while others were on top of trees. A few even had their arms around one another. They all were in a park full of balloons, benches, banners, and other decorations, tables topped with varying foods. The occupants all looked like the Trick Master, though it was hard to confirm if they all indeed were the same guy.

    Gary placed his thumb on the screen and keeping it down, strummed his other four fingers across it in turn.

    The lock screen was gone, the background revealed. A variety of apps were lined up on the screen, but behind them was the background of an open field. In the grass were large blocks, each one a different color. Something seemed to be hiding behind a few of them. Only the shadow of the figure was revealed at all.

    Gary hit a symbol on the bottom of the screen that read nothing more than the numbers 12345. He was taken to a keypad and paused for a while, thinking his decision over. He finally changed his mind and pressed a series of numbers, and then hit a symbol at the bottom that looked like a black phone receiver. The screen went light blue, the words CALLING... visible in thick black letters. He raised the phone to his ear.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this phone is out of service. Please pay your phone bill, or, purchase an MFC,¡± a mechanical female¡¯s voice spoke.

    Gary lowered the phone and sighed. ¡°Thought so. Dead.¡± He hit the symbol of a phone receiver laid down, and the call ended. ¡°Okay, but once I get out of these woods...¡± He looked for the bars to show how strong the phone¡¯s internet data signal was, but that wasn¡¯t there. Instead there was a circle with a backslash through it where it otherwise would have shown bars for the reception to make calls. ¡°The Pokemon Center oughta have reception. I can go online there.¡± He dropped the phone back in the bag. Breathing out, he fell out on his back and just listened to Electivire snore. Eventually, his eyes closed.

    The monster roared at June.

    June screamed back at the monster, but in terror.

    One of the monster¡¯s hands rose, and her other hand behind her then reached out, and the strange ball flew out from it.

    June took a step back.

    The ball resembled a Poke Ball, the top half a blue-gray color, the bottom pale green, and it hit her. It hovered in the air and then opened, and an orange beam came out, hitting June and making her glow orange.

    June screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    The monster stepped up to the ball and picked it up, and then looked to Gary with a threatening sneer. ¡°Once I have figured out this human, I shall kill her. And your unworthy Pokemon. If I have to. One by one. And last, you.¡±

    *

    ¡°Alright Magneton and Galvantula, get back!¡± Gary recalled the two Pokemon, and after dropping the two Poke Balls into June¡¯s bag, rubbed at his shoulders with a shudder. Galvantula really had to be one of the ones to be okay in all of this? Gary regretted thinking that, but he also couldn¡¯t help it. I have to travel with that thing? What do I do? Do I get to use June¡¯s Pokemon in battles? Gary was picking up the food bowls June¡¯s three Pokemon had finished eating from. I can¡¯t use another person¡¯s Pokemon in a Gym battle. Is it disrespectful to use them? Will they even listen to me to begin with? He stood up straight, the area cleaned up, and he turned around.

    Electivire was staring into Gary¡¯s eyes.

    Gary looked down and off to the side, at Raichu.

    ¡°Raaaaiii...¡± Raichu looked down and off to the side as a large bead of sweat trickled down his face.

    Gary breathed out a sigh. ¡°Alright, you two.¡± He pulled out his Pokedex, fiddling with it for a bit. ¡°We¡¯re a couple of days away from our first Gym. The Powerzone Gym, in... the middle of the woods? Literally? It¡¯s an official Gym, not in a city or town?¡± Gary was reading the information on his Pokedex. ¡°A Dark type Gym Leader named... Cas. Whoa...¡± Viewing the image of the Gym Leader, Gary¡¯s eyes widened.

    The image shown was of a pale, young girl shrouded in shadows. She was perhaps even close to Gary¡¯s age. Her long black hair rested at the sides of her face and in her eyes. Her eyes themselves were practically ovals. Her lips were very dark, indistinguishable between black and a possible red. One hand was at her face, a finger raised against her cheek. Gary¡¯s attention was caught as he noticed her fingernails on that hand weren¡¯t painted dark, which stood out a little with the dark style of the photograph.

    An emo Gym Leader? Gary thought. She¡¯s... cute though! Those eyes... Her lips! She¡¯s... Gary suddenly flinched and whipped around in a circle. All he saw was Electivire and Raichu, who watched him warily. ¡°Huh??¡± Gary was breathing hard, his hands raised defensively for no clear reason. ¡°Wait. He¡¯s...¡± Gary¡¯s head lowered as tears filled his eyes. ¡°Right...¡± he whispered. ¡°He isn¡¯t coming.¡± He stared at his Pokedex again. ¡°So, the Powerzone Gym is first. We¡¯ll be there in three days max. Let¡¯s hurry up, burn off this food, get in some training, and get our first Badge.¡± With a hardened face, his eyes no longer carrying tears, Gary shook his shoulders, confirming his backpack was on his back, and then hoisted June¡¯s bag onto his right shoulder and led the way through the woods.

    Raichu following behind him.

    Electivire following behind them.

    The past Gary couldn¡¯t forget if he wanted to.

    Following closely beside him.

 Nothing Lasts Forever

    Gary watched Galvantula, not moving from where he stood several feet away.

    Galvantula looked back, silent and still on top of a tree branch.

    Raichu ate away at his bowl of food.

    Magneton was floating by quietly, full on electricity Raichu had spared.

    Gary swallowed uncomfortably, the hairs on the back of his neck bothering him so much, but he didn¡¯t dare move right now. His body gave an involuntary shake in the cold air blowing. Even that slight movement he wished he didn¡¯t make.

    Galvantula stared at Gary patiently.

    Suddenly, her feelers waved at him and Gary yelled out, leaning back. I can¡¯t stand this thing, Gary gave in, and he returned her to her Poke Ball. Letting out his breath in relief, he rubbed the back of his neck and gazed at the others. What has my life become? Gary thought. I¡¯m raising my own six Pokemon, plus I¡¯ve got June¡¯s four Pokemon, and one of ¡®em, Electivire, won¡¯t even stay in its Poke Ball and I¡¯ve got to keep Raichu out to keep me safe from his outbursts. All while I train to get my eight Badges to compete in the League. And Electivire just walks off on his own to beat up wild Pokemon and destroy stuff.

    A loud sound in the distance made Gary turn.

    If he keeps that up he could start a damn fire! Gary sucked his teeth. Not like he has any Water moves! This is totally out of control! Does he even care his Trainer is missing? Another explosion made Gary jump despite how far off the noise was. Maybe that¡¯s his way of letting off his emotions about June being gone. Magneton is impossible to read in general, but Raichu has been down and Galvantula is... well... just gross. But even she is lacking in energy. At least, I think. How am I supposed to take care of all of these guys at once, on my own?? Electivire is a whole team by himself!

    Raichu sat with sad eyes and lowered ears, his huge tail moving in the dirt. When his tail raised, there was a big heart drawn at the ground.

    Gary walked over to Raichu and sat beside him.

    ¡°Rai?¡± Raichu stared to Gary reluctantly.

    ¡°I miss her, too, Raichu,¡± Gary told him.

    Raichu¡¯s face got even sadder, and he lowered his head, his eyes closed, and sniffled.

    ¡°But this is why I need you, and everyone else, at their best, Raichu!¡± Gary went on. When Raichu didn¡¯t react to this, he continued, ¡°I need you ready to fight when we run into that demon again.¡±

    Raichu looked to Gary, his ears perking up some.

    Gary nodded with a focused face. ¡°June¡¯s okay, you know. And she¡¯s counting on you to help her get back to us. We have to be at our best. You, and me! We can¡¯t be the next victims, right? When we run into that thing, we¡¯ll defeat her for good and bring her in and get June back. But not with that attitude you¡¯ve got. Let¡¯s do this for June! Let¡¯s battle together! Get stronger!¡±

    Raichu¡¯s eyes widened as he looked away from Gary and into the bright blue sky above. He frowned with determination and turned to Gary. Tightening his little paws, he nodded. ¡°Rai!¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Gary stood up. He stomped one foot into the middle of the heart Raichu drew, disrupting the shape.

    ¡°Rai?¡± Raichu stared in surprise at the ruined drawing before looking to Gary again.

    Gary smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s kick this thing right out of Sinnoh. Right out of the planet! Let¡¯s show Sinnoh what Kanto can do, and save June!¡±

    ¡°Raichu.¡± Raichu then leaped into the middle of the heart himself and gave a stern smile. ¡°Raichu!¡±

    A loud shout was heard, followed by sharp cawing and then more shouts.

    Gary turned to the sounds. ¡°What¡¯s that? Electivire?? Raichu!¡± He turned to the little Pokemon. ¡°We¡¯ve got to check it out! There might be trouble!¡±

    ¡°Raichu!¡± Raichu agreed, nodding.

    Together, the two ran towards the noise, screams turning to screeches, shouts turning to raged yells. A commotion could be seen up ahead, but it was impossible to see clearly. It wasn¡¯t long before Gary and Raichu were able to make sense of things.

    An Arbok had its body around a Pidgeotto, the two of them on the ground struggling with each other.

    Pidgeotto was pecking at Arbok, desperate to break free, cawing out for help.

    In the trees above, another Arbok was being swatted at by a different Pidgeotto and sent flying out of a nest they both were in.

    The second Arbok disappeared into the trees.

    The second Pidgeotto then dove down to the first Arbok that had the other Pidgeotto Wrapped.

    Arbok looked at the attacking Pidgeotto and opened its jaws, spraying out purple spikes.

    Pidgeotto cawed out and dropped. As it got up from the ground, its face was revealed to be flushed purple, Poisoned!

    The Arbok then opened its jaws and turned to the Pidgeotto it still had and hovered over its head.

    ¡°NOOOOOOO!!!¡± Gary pointed, and Raichu leaped ahead, cheeks sparking. ¡°DO IT RAICHU!¡±

    ¡°RAICHUUUUUUU!!¡± Raichu zapped Arbok, but also got the Wrapped Pidgeotto caught in the blast.

    Both Pidgeotto and Arbok collapsed.

    ¡°Get on out of here, Arbok!¡± Gary ordered. ¡°Dinner time is when I¡¯m gone! Not during! Better yet...¡± Gary reached in his pocket and pulled out a Poke Ball. ¡°Poke Ball, let¡¯s go!¡± He threw it at Arbok.

    Arbok¡¯s body swiveled and it knocked the Poke Ball to the side.

    The ball hit the Poisoned Pidgeotto and opened in midair, sucking it in by a red beam. The ball hit the ground and shook.

    And shook.

    And shook...

    PING!

    In another moment, the ball glowed a bright white and vanished.

    Gary¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°That wasn¡¯t... Grrrrr!¡±

    Arbok stood up but was hunched over, breathing hard.

    ¡°We¡¯re almost done here! Thunderbolt, Raichu!¡± Gary demanded.

    Raichu¡¯s cheeks sparked before sending out a bolt for Arbok.

    Arbok opened its jaws and they were coated in electricity! It snapped down on the Thunderbolt, and a bright flash blinded Gary and Raichu as they yelled out, shielding their eyes.

    When Gary lowered his arm, squinting to see, he yelled out!

    Arbok had Raichu in its Wrap attack, strangling the Mouse!

    Raichu¡¯s cheeks sparked but he couldn¡¯t concentrate, choking helplessly.

    ¡°Raichu! Use your teeth!¡± Gary wasn¡¯t sure if Raichu even had any bite moves, but he didn¡¯t know what else to do.

    Raichu didn¡¯t bite down, instead choking out painfully, twisting his neck desperately.

    Arbok opened its jaws and dove down for Raichu.

    ¡°Double Team, Raichu!¡± Gary decided.

    ¡°Rai!¡± Raichu choked out.

    Arbok bit into Raichu!

    Raichu vanished in a puff of gray smoke!

    ¡°Chaaa??¡± Arbok looked around, confused, its catch now gone.

    ¡°RAAAAAAIII!!¡± Raichu was falling from the sky!

    ¡°RAICHU!!¡± Gary was smiling big with his mouth gaping wide, his Pokedex out. ¡°That was a new move! Substitute!¡± He glanced over the Pokedex again, his mouth hanging open, staring at Raichu¡¯s new move. Suddenly, he froze, unable to decide on the next move. He looked to the two battlers in confusion. ¡°Raichu!¡± Gary!! Gary screamed in his head, his mind blank.

    ¡°Rai?¡± Raichu¡¯s face became fearful as he fell towards Arbok.

    Arbok opened its jaws wide, ready to catch him!

    ¡°Raaaaaaaaaaaai!!¡± Raichu wailed out.

    ¡°JUST THUNDERBOLT IT!!¡± Gary screamed.

    Raichu¡¯s cheeks sparked.

    Something big leaped in and knocked Raichu out of the way of Arbok¡¯s waiting jaws.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡± Gary let out.

    In the midst of all this struggle, the electrified Pidgeotto that remained woke up and squawked out in fright, flapped its wings and flew away through the sky.

    Electivire¡¯s body was covered in a glowing bright white light.

    Arbok hissed at Electivire, leaning back.

    Electivire fearlessly grabbed Arbok by the tail and spun in a circle, getting faster, faster, and even faster by the second!

    ¡°Chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!¡± Arbok cried, tears falling from its eyes.

    ¡°LECTIVIIIIIIIIIRRRRRE!!!¡± Electivire let go of Arbok.

    Arbok flew into the sky, screaming the entire way, and with a twinkle in the sky, it was gone.

    ¡°Whoa...¡± Gary kept his eyes on the light that shined where Arbok was last seen for only a second, then turned to Electivire. ¡°Electivire.¡±

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Electivire...¡± Electivire replied, smirking. He then looked away, his eyes now on Raichu.

    Raichu was only just getting up. He shook his body hard and stared back at Electivire with a blank face. He looked unsure of what to expect next.

    Electivire then snarled and punched a sparking fist into an open palm.

    Raichu screamed and ran, ending up disappearing behind a tree.

    Electivire then looked to Gary.

    Gary didn¡¯t move. Now what? I think I¡¯ve had about enough-

    Electivire then flexed his bandaged arms, grinning proudly, and he then laid down on his back. In seconds, he was snoring.

    *

    Gary sat at the edge of the cliff, staring across at the waterfall flowing down. The sound of the water crashing below, watching the water cascading down, brought Gary to his own tears. He wished to match the example being led by the waterfall. To either take the place of the flowing water and do the work for it, crying endlessly with comparable force and volume. Or, to just jump off the cliff, into the waterfall, and flow down with it to the bottom and see where it all comes to an end.

    ¡°PROFESSOR OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAK!!!!¡± Gary exploded.

    Prof. Oak and Isaac fell out of the helicopter, screaming and trying to get control of the big, golden gun Isaac had.

    THUMP!

    Prof. Oak landed first, right on his back. He choked out in a nasty-sounding groan.

    Isaac coughed out, landing on top of the old man.

    Prof. Oak sprawled out and remained still.

    Isaac groaned and rolled off of the professor, laying out flat himself. The gun hit the ground, falling out of his hand.

    Gary stared at his hands.

    Holding the exact same gun!

    While officers and medical aides ran through the stadium, people getting arrested, others being yelled at to get on their knees, and bodies of both Pokemon and humans being checked for any signs of life, Gary stared at the body of a blonde woman.

    She had a tight white romper on, and her little black gun was still in her hand. She had shot Prof. Cozmo not long ago, and was the same woman Gary had encountered when his sister was murdered by the monster. She was laid out on her front, her back to Gary, where he could see the lady¡¯s cheeks hanging from the bottom of her romper.

    The Infinity Energy capsule, Gary noted. It¡¯s gone. But she took it, so where is it? Did she give it off to Team Solace already? What happened to her? Is she alive? As he looked away from her, something caught his eye from a distance.

    Something golden that was sitting on the ground.

    Gary stared at the golden gun he had found back at the Indigo League. He found himself admitting it was actually a pretty nice-looking gun.

    It was really big, and had a black handle.

    Even though he had tried pulling the trigger several times to make sure it wouldn¡¯t fire off in his book bag, he was still terrified carrying an actual, deadly weapon around like that on his journey. Now, he was holding it! I have to figure out how to use this thing, Gary told himself. The location of the Gym must also have a Pokemon Center. But, a Pokemon Center in the woods... Will it have internet service? Yeah, it should. I can watch a video on how to use this thing when I get there. And then... Gary¡¯s hands landed gently in his lap, and he imagined the gun going off and blowing his whole leg off, leaving him screaming to death. At the end of that thought, he sighed. His eyes closed. ¡°And then, I can get revenge on...¡± He went silent. Taking a deep breath, and then exhaling, he thought, I can finally kill her. And them.

    His mind flashed with images of the monster that murdered his sister. And then of Isaac, and Team Solace in general. I¡¯ll get my revenge on them all, and put an end to this for good. Hang tight, Melissa. You¡¯ll be able to rest in peace. Soon.

    Staring at the gun, Gary snickered to himself thinking about how he snuck it through the recently tightened security before getting on the boat to Sinnoh. A risky trick he knew he¡¯d have to keep in mind for the future.

    *

    The sky wasn¡¯t even visible through the thick branches and leaves jumbled above, being denser now than before. It was still the afternoon, but it could have passed for evening easily.

    After inhaling, Gary let out his breath in a weary, loud sigh. A Dark type Gym, so who do I bring? he thought. Not Charizard... I don¡¯t have him, but who do I have again? Dark types. Dark types...

    Absol stared Gary in his eyes.

    Gary blinked repeatedly and looked away, trying to clear his mind. When his eyes returned to the spot he was sure he had imagined the Absol, he froze.

    Absol was standing still, eyeing the boy.

    An... Absol? Gary started shaking. Do they all behave like this? Do they always just stare in this way? Or is this...?

    The already dark woods got even darker, as if night had fallen from space and took over the Sinnoh region. It was almost entirely black, shades of purple in the mix.

    A breeze blew through the forest, chilling Gary to the bone so suddenly he cried out and jumped, wrapping his arms around him in his thin black jacket with the Mewtwo design embroidered on the right breast, and he swallowed. I¡¯m not imagining this, he convinced himself. I¡¯m here, in front of... He swallowed again, the acceptance he¡¯d come to being unbelievable.

    ¡°Absol!¡± Absol barked.

    ¡°Absol,¡± Gary whispered. ¡°How? My Absol?? There¡¯s no way!¡± Gary shook his head and his eyes got watery. ¡°You¡¯re dead...¡±

    In the middle of Viridian Forest with June, Gary looked behind him and screamed.

    A Golbat flew in with a huge, gaping mouth and only three fangs.

    ¡°AAAAAAABSOL!!¡± Absol appeared in front of the attacker, and it sunk its fangs into her body! Before she even landed, her body went limp.

    Absol approached Gary slowly, hobbling, limping.

    Gary didn¡¯t move away or towards the Pokemon, not sure of what was going on, or why he felt the way he was feeling. It¡¯s just a wild Absol... That¡¯s why this feels so nostalgic. It¡¯s not... mine. It¡¯s not... Melissa¡¯s. I watched her die. Absol is dead.

    Absol got closer to Gary, leaning down so low to the ground with each step that it looked like it wouldn¡¯t get up.

    Gary wanted to step back, but he was frozen in place, shivering in the sudden cold, and then another blast of air kept Gary chilly. It really is pretty cold out here in Sinnoh, Gary ended up admitting, keeping his eyes on the Absol.

    Absol finally fell, landing on its side right by Gary, and something red began to flow down its body starting from two spots, but as the liquid met each other, they formed one and spread, drenching its fur. The Pokemon was breathing hard, trembling.

    ¡°ABSOL!!¡± Gary burst out and dropped down beside her, June¡¯s bag¡¯s strap falling off of his shoulder. He touched her body, away from the blood. ¡°ABSOL!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE??!¡± Gary shook his head, unsure of what to do. My Absol is still alive!! She¡¯s right here! he knew. How is this possible?? ¡°Absol, I¡¯ll save you! Hold on, Absol!¡± Gary reached for a Poke Ball within his black jeans pocket.

    ¡°Gary...?¡± a gentle voice called out weakly, echoing softly.

    Gary turned sharply. His eyes widened and his mouth hung open in horror. He let out a terrified scream in the night.

    Laying on her back, Melissa¡¯s face was covered in scars, cuts, and little holes. ¡°G-G-G-Gary...¡± Gary¡¯s sister stuttered. Her body sparked with blue electricity once, and she flinched, but she never looked away from her little brother.

    She isn¡¯t even blinking, Gary realized. ¡°Melissa...¡± He tried hard to swallow a huge knot in his throat, but he ended up choking.

    Melissa held out an unsteady hand. It quivered as tears rolled down her cheeks. She coughed several times. ¡°P-p-p-please...¡± she whispered shakily. ¡°Gary. Help... me...¡± Her clear streaks of tears now became bloody, running down her face and neck. ¡°I¡¯m scared...¡± she croaked.

    ¡°MELISSAAAA!!¡± Gary stood up, his mind abandoning Absol for his blood. He reached her and knelt down, holding onto her shoulders. The moment he touched her, he screamed at how frail and weak she looked.

    Melissa was now skin and bones, the skin on her face caving in, blood still rolling out of her eyes. ¡°Gary... Gaaaaaaaarrryyyyyyy...¡± she was now rasping.

    ¡°MELISSAAAA!!!!¡± Gary pulled her into his chest only for her head to snap! off of her shoulders, and her body to collapse into a pile of bones and dust in front of him.

    Melissa¡¯s head was only a skull, tumbling shortly before stopping, facing the young boy.

    Now staring at Gary wasn¡¯t the head of his sister, but the head of the monster that had killed her. With her eyes all black, only the tips at the ends being purple, and no eyebrows, the hair on her head resting on the ground, and protruding cheekbones jutting from her face, blood still rolled down from the eyes. She blinked and the mouth fell open, the disgusting teeth revealed, and the fat, pink slug of a tongue slid out and hit the ground. She rasped out at him. ¡°Juuuuune... Iiiiis... Deeeeeeead...!¡± The monster rasped in a voice that crackled and roared like from the raging flames of a forest fire dancing with the forceful jolts of powerful electricity, sounding as if she had multiple voices speaking at once, each one at varying tones and frequencies, all of them mad at him.

    Gary screamed as he leaned away, crying hard, his face getting soaked. He didn¡¯t understand what was going on, or how any of it could be real, but he knew this was absolute torture. This can¡¯t be, he told himself, wishing it all would go away. Melissa! Absol! Gary shut his eyes and covered his face in fear, not knowing what to do, and cried his very life out, digging his fingers into his face. He clenched his teeth and cried with what he believed could be enough force for the water to flow through his eyelids with the pressure of a firehose. The way Gary felt, he could have cried until he was a dried out, shriveled up piece of fruit on the ground.

    ¡°Nothing lives forever.¡±

    Gary fell over with a shout and looked up. Tears continued down his cheeks nonstop as he stared, stunned, into the smiling face of an old man in a white lab coat.

    ¡°That is the rule of life itself,¡± Prof. Oak told him. ¡°It ends. These things happen, all the time, all over the world. Nothing lives forever. The rest of us have to move on and either make something or ruin everything. Nothing lives forever. That is life, Gary. The creation of, or the destruction of. Remember that, my boy. Nothing lives forever.¡±

    Gary shook his head, silently crying the entire time. He felt exhausted and helpless, like there was nothing he could do, and nowhere he could go. He just wanted it all to end. What is all this??

    ¡°Nothing lives forever, my boy. Remember that. Nothing lives forever.¡± Prof. Oak suddenly held up a big, golden gun, gripping a black handle.

    Gary gasped and crawled backwards in fright.

    ¡°Nothing lives forever, my boy.¡± Prof. Oak put the gun to his own head.

    BANG!

    Blood and bits of brain, skin, and other horrifying things splattered from out of the man¡¯s head. Prof. Oak¡¯s head was made into stew right before Gary¡¯s eyes!

    Gary whipped around and screamed, his back to Prof. Oak. He couldn¡¯t stop screaming until he was out of breath. He inhaled, keeping his eyes to the ground, ready to scream some more, hoping anyone would hear him and come to his rescue. Someone real! Gary begged in his head. ¡°IS ANYBODY OUT THEEEEERRRE??!!¡± A red light flashed around Gary and he went still, wondering what was coming next.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here,¡± a gentle voice spoke.

    ¡°Get away from me!!¡± Gary jumped around to face the newest horror, ready to kick out at whatever it was this time. He screamed as he realized he was surrounded! Taking in numerous breaths, he stared at the several Pokemon which were the same kind, as well as one unique Pokemon beside a human girl!

    Prof. Oak, his sister, the head of the monster, and Absol, were all gone!

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened on the sole human.

    The eyes of the singular Pokemon stopped glowing.

    ¡°Thank you, Sableye,¡± the girl smiled smally at the Pokemon. She maintained this smile as her eyes went to the surrounding Stantler, glasses on her face. ¡°Hey now, you can leave the sweetheart alone now. I think that¡¯s about enough now, don¡¯t you?¡± She approached all of the Stantler and stopped at one. She was a few inches taller than all of the Stantler and patted this one¡¯s head that had the largest antlers.

    It responded pleasantly. This Stantler turned to the others, and together, they all walked off calmly.

    Gary watched them as they left into the woods and then he turned back quickly to the young girl.

    ¡°Sorry about that, sweetie.¡± She spoke with a slight accent that was very pleasant, her voice just a little bit deep. While not a whole lot of emotion was on her face, just enough was present to read her welcoming mood. ¡°You¡¯ve gotta really be on your toes out here. This isn¡¯t the place to be goofin¡¯ around. Just kiddin¡¯, sweetie.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t say a word, or move a muscle.

    ¡°You must still be in shock. Guess the Stantlers¡¯ illusions took you for a ride, huh?¡±

    Gary swallowed, digesting her words, but he still didn¡¯t speak or move.

    The girl went over to him and held out a hand kindly. ¡°Here. I¡¯ll help you up.¡±

    Gary stared at the hand, eyeing the dark nails, before taking it and getting to his feet. She felt cold to the touch, but something about touching her warmed Gary up on the inside.

    ¡°Now that¡¯s better, innit? May I ask your name?¡± the girl inquired.

    ¡°I¡¯m Gary. And, you¡¯re beautiful!¡± Gary¡¯s eyes widened in shock and he slapped his hands over his mouth. Whoa! He couldn¡¯t believe what he had just said! Or, more accurately, he couldn¡¯t believe he had said it out loud!

    The girl¡¯s pale, pale face went red, her eyes wide, and she gasped. ¡°What?¡±

 In Cas Of Love, Break Here

    Severely embarrassed, Gary kept his hands over his mouth. What was that, Gary?? Why would you say that?? Sure, she¡¯s really, really cute, but you don¡¯t just tell complete strangers that!

    As her eyes fell away from Gary, the girl raised a hand to her hair and brushed at the side of her face, her tiny smile spreading and her hand went over it, her cheeks as red as apples. ¡°I...¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to say that! I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Gary removed his hands from his face and held them up.

    The girl''s hand lowered to her side and she laughed lightly, her eyes raising back to Gary¡¯s. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you could possibly have meant that about me, anyway.¡± She laughed again. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°But I do mean it! You¡¯re so pretty!¡±

    Gary finally stopped talking for a moment, staring at the girl in disbelief, finally feeling like he was taking back control of himself. ¡°Who... are you??¡± He asked this question with a sign of desperation in his voice. The way he was acting wasn¡¯t like him at all, and somehow, he felt that it was all because of this girl in front of him.

    Smirking, the girl lowered her head and adjusted her glasses. Keeping her head down, her eyes looked to Gary. ¡°My name is Cas. And thank you for such... kind words.¡± She spoke with such a delightful little accent, possibly Southern.

    ¡°Cas...? Wait. Cas?!¡± Gary ended up snapping out of his enamored state of mind. ¡°The Gym Leader?!¡±

    Cas lifted her head and her eyes widened. ¡°Oh, yes. The Dark type Trainer of the Powerzone Gym.¡±

    Gary pulled out his Pokedex and went through it. He stared at the darker image of the girl he had originally seen, the picture hidden in shadows and purposely poor lighting.

    Cas was wearing dark lipstick and eyeshadow in the picture, her hair all black. But in front of him, her hair was black but could have been a dark brown, the tips highlighted green. Her lips had not a smear of lipstick on them. In fact, she wasn¡¯t wearing any makeup. She had on glasses, a dark-blue shirt with the front covered in bizarre artwork and illegible words that could have been a shirt promoting a rock band or some dark, chaotic symbolism. She stood in dark-blue jeans and all-black sneakers.

    Before Gary even knew he was speaking, he was again! ¡°You look so amazing in this photo.¡± He held out the Pokedex to show her her own picture. ¡°Here, in this picture, you look so captivating! Engrossing! I saw you there and I couldn¡¯t stop staring! And now, here in person, even without the makeup and stuff, you¡¯re so cute! You¡¯re adorable, even! You look... so precious, delicate...¡±

    GARY! STOP!! he screamed in his head.

    ¡°My...¡± Cas covered her face with her hands and shook her head adorably. ¡°Oh, my... It really surprises me that you think I¡¯m pretty... Those words coming from someone as handsome and lovely as you makes my heart swell. God, Gary, you¡¯re so nice. Thank you.¡±

    Gary, just shut the-

    ¡°Well, you know how I feel then. I certainly can¡¯t believe you think I¡¯m handsome. I¡¯m happy you do but you are just a doll! Your eyes are hypnotic! Your lips so perfect. You look incredible as far as I¡¯m concerned!¡± Gary was just gushing out of control!

    It was as if hearts had filled Cas¡¯ eyes, delight unlike anything before taking over, and yet she still looked subdued, like she was resisting fully expressing herself. ¡°Oh my god! No one has ever told me that.¡± Cas swayed in place in front of Gary.

    Gary, what are you DOING?? He tried to find reason for his actions and ended up shaking his head hard and took a step back. His wide eyes on Cas, he started to breathe heavily. What the hell?!

    Cas¡¯ eyes widened on Gary. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s my Electivire?!¡± Gary came up with, and he looked away from the girl. ¡°Raichu?!¡±

    The two were actually missing!

    ¡°Oh, are those two Pokemon yours?¡± Cas smiled. ¡°I came out here for a reason, you know. To Bewilder Forest? I was out here trying to gain some peace of mind and to enhance my psychic abilities. It¡¯s why I¡¯m not so... dressed up as I am in my Gym Leader profile.¡±

    ¡°Bewilder Forest?¡±

    ¡°Do you not know of the area you¡¯re in?¡± Cas smirked. ¡°This forest is home to Stantler who are known to cause illusions if you¡¯re not careful.¡±

    ¡°Illusions??¡± Gary gasped.

    ¡°I came upon two Pokemon not native at all to these woods, an Electivire and a Raichu. They were both clearly under an illusion. Knowing they weren¡¯t from these woods, I didn¡¯t dare wake them, and knew they likely had a Trainer, so I left and found you not too far off. They¡¯re right over here.¡± She pointed.

    Gary let out his breath with relief. ¡°Oh, thank goodness!¡± He gasped sharply with the realization of the fact that the woods were no longer as dark and cold as they had been a little bit ago when the hallucinations had occurred. He turned in a sharp circle, trying to make sense of this sudden change in his perception.

    ¡°Come with me, honey,¡± Cas said so smoothly to him.

    Gary¡¯s feet took him after her.

    Cas reached behind her and grabbed his hand.

    There was a bright and loud spark between their hands, forcing them apart, but together, they reached out again and grasped each other.

    Gary felt like he might slide right through her soft, smooth hand and gripped it tighter.

    They smiled at each other with understanding, and then walked through the dark woods.

    The little Pokemon that kind of scared Gary somewhat, followed next to Cas.

    Wait! Just wait a second! Gary panicked. I¡¯m... I¡¯m holding a cute girl¡¯s hand?!? Is this some kind of dream?? An illusion?! It must be!

    It wasn¡¯t a long walk before Cas stopped.

    ¡°Oh, no!¡± Gary gasped, releasing Cas. ¡°Electivire? Raichu?¡±

    Electivire and Raichu were both on the ground, surrounded by a bunch of Stantler!

    Electivire was curled up on his side. ¡°Vire Vire Vire Vire Vire...¡± he mumbled. His body sparked brightly in the dark woods and stayed lit, the electricity crackling loudly. It went away after another moment and his body eased up.

    Raichu was also on his side, his tail raised high in the air. His head reached out and he took a bite and growled. ¡°Raaaiiii... Raichu.¡± He then started squirming around like crazy.

    Gary pointed his Pokedex at the Stantler.

    Stantler. The Big Horn Pokemon. A Normal type Pokemon. From their horns, they can produce strong hallucinations. These horns are valued by Pokemon hunters and the species was nearly driven to extinction not long ago.

    Gary then turned to Cas, and then looked at the Pokemon at her side. He held the Pokedex out to the creature.

    Sableye. The Darkness Pokemon. A Ghost and Dark type Pokemon. Due to a diet of gemstones and rocks, that is exactly what protrudes from this Pokemon¡¯s body. It was once believed looking into the eyes of a Sableye would steal one¡¯s soul. While not believed these days, the Pokemon¡¯s eyes have been the subject of research recently for having possible hypnotic properties.

    The Sableye stared at Gary. ¡°Sableye.¡±

    Gary flinched and looked away sharply, not wanting to meet its eyes. Geez, what is it with Ghost types?! Gary found himself thinking about the Viridian City Gym Leader, Tera, who had passed away during their battle when her Shedinja collided with her face.

    While it had been ruled that she died from a concussion, there were plenty of rumors about her fate being made by the hole in Shedinja¡¯s back, and the theory that the hole sucks out souls.

    Gary put away his Pokedex and then, ¡°Oh! Ju-!¡± Gary shut his mouth, and he looked to Cas.

    She looked back at him with wide eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°My other bag! I left it back there. I have my Poke Balls for those two in there, so I need to go back.¡±

    The two were silent as they stared at each other.

    Cas looked Gary down and back up. ¡°Oh. Do you travel alone, Gary?¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open. When he finally closed it, he nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± He swallowed with guilt. ¡°I¡¯m alone right now.¡±

    Cas stared him over again and nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s get that bag.¡± She and Sableye walked away.

    Gary felt uncomfortable. Why did I say that...? Why did I not mention June...? Why do I feel like Cas is upset with me? I didn¡¯t lie... I am alone. Gary turned back to the two sleeping Pokemon and the Stantler still keeping them under a hallucination. That¡¯s not what she asked me, though, he admitted. He then jogged after Cas. Soon, they all were at June¡¯s bag.

    Gary ran up to it and hastily lifted it up. ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s go back- OH, NO!¡±

    Gary¡¯s grab was off and this led to the items in June¡¯s bag spilling out everywhere.

    Gary, Cas, and Sableye stared at the assortment of items.

    While there were Poke Balls, clothing, makeup, and even a couple of Poke Dolls in view, there were also things Gary wasn¡¯t familiar with at all, and a couple of them made him feel uncomfortable. ¡°Crap.¡± He fell to his knees and shoved it all into June¡¯s bag as quickly as he could. He paused for a brief moment at an object. Huh? Shaking his head, he continued shoving everything in. When he finished, he stood up swiftly and turned to Cas with a huge smile. ¡°I-!¡±

    ¡°Gary, have you always traveled alone?¡± Cas questioned.

    Gary¡¯s mouth fell open and hung there for a moment. ¡°No.¡± He sighed. ¡°No, Cas...¡±

    ¡°That bag.¡± She stared at it.

    ¡°It belongs to someone I know,¡± Gary admitted. ¡°She was kidnapped.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Cas practically screamed.

    ¡°I... Cas, a friend of mine I know was kidnapped. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard of that new monster species that¡¯s been discovered, right?¡±

    Cas nodded hard, giving her full attention.

    Gary swallowed. ¡°She took Ju-¡± Gary paused and swallowed again. ¡°She took away my friend.¡± He stopped talking but kept his mouth open, thinking. Thinking... His eyes looked around. Thinking... They went back to Cas¡¯ eyes. Thinking... He shut his eyes and held the fingers of one hand to them. ¡°You don¡¯t understand, and this is hard for me, because me and him were good friends, but he was taken from me by that monster thing.¡±

    ¡°He?¡± Cas stared at Gary.

    ¡°Yeah. My friend Jeffrey.¡± Gary... WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?! ¡°She... She took J-Jeff from me and I... I¡¯m on my journey, collecting the Badges we were supposed to collect together,¡± Gary continued sloppily. ¡°We were gonna be traveling partners and compete in the League to see who was better and who¡¯d get further. She took him and I have no idea why, but I have to get him back.¡±

    Cas stared at Gary silently. She looked him over again.

    ¡°I-I know it sounds crazy, but I¡¯m telling the truth. I¡¯m traveling to fulfill our journey, and to become stronger so we can kill that thing.¡±

    ¡°Kill?¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll bury it into the ground. She-!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t!!¡± Cas¡¯ voice echoed in the forest.

    Birds fluttered away and creatures scampered.

    Gary was startled, staring at Cas and not moving.

    She lowered her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have spoken... Please, just forget I said anything. Your Pokemon.¡± She and Sableye walked past Gary and towards where they had left Electivire, Raichu and the Stantler.

    Gary took June¡¯s bag with him as he went after them.

    They all came to a stop to see Electivire and Raichu alone, both sitting up and staring back at them.

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    The Stantler were all gone.

    The two Pokemon faced each other.

    ¡°Raaaaaii...¡± Raichu gave Electivire his best, openmouthed smile.

    Electivire sneered and growled, his fists sparking.

    ¡°I guess the Stantler have left.¡± Cas turned to Gary. ¡°If you¡¯d like, I can take you all to the Powerzone Gym location.¡±

    ¡°You mean, you¡¯ll come with us??¡± Gary couldn''t believe his luck!

    Cas smiled lightly and nodded. ¡°If you¡¯ll have me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have you, Cas. Please, travel with me.¡± Gary realized how stupid his words to a Gym Leader were, but he then became further horrified at how he was speaking to her! Something¡¯s come over me! he knew. He stared down at his hands as if the answer to his crazy behavior today could be explained within the lines in the palms of his hands.

    ¡°I¡¯ll happily get you to my Gym,¡± Cas offered. ¡°I have a feeling there¡¯s a lot for us to talk about together, honey.¡± Her smile faded. ¡°Like, why your Electivire¡¯s arms are wrapped up.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened in panic. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s because-!¡± He froze up, ice cold, and went silent.

    ¡°Gary?¡± Cas raised one eyebrow.

    Gary breathed out through his nostrils and then inhaled through them before opening his mouth. ¡°Me and my friend were at the Indigo League last year during the Team Solace attack. A lot of our Pokemon were injured.¡± He swallowed, taking up only a second.

    That brief moment in time was enough for Cas to jump in sympathetically. ¡°Oh, Gary!¡± She lunged for the boy, making Gary, and even Electivire, Raichu, and Sableye, jump in surprise as Cas ended up holding him. She was instantly weeping over his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Gary. I had no idea.¡± She sniffled before looking at Gary with big, watery eyes.

    ¡°What a beauty,¡± Gary was sure he had kept in his mind, but seeing Cas¡¯ eyes water even more, and a slight smirk cross her face, he realized it had come out of his mouth, and his eyes widened in disbelief. Again?? What kind of-?

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll have a really nice night together,¡± Cas whispered, and she rested her head against his cheek.

    The boy shut his eyes hard, feeling his face heat up, and he swallowed hard, resting his cheek against hers, Cas¡¯ hair in the way. Oh, Cas, he was barely able to keep to himself, unable to hold back his smile as he inhaled the wonderful scent encompassing her hair.

    *

    PING! The Poke Ball disappeared in bright light.

    ¡°Nice catch, Gary!¡± Cas smiled at him.

    Gary finally swallowed a mouthful of chips he¡¯d been chewing on since before the Psyduck had appeared from the water in the large pond. Barely able to speak, Gary had managed to muffle out commands to his Clamperl and finally captured the Pokemon.

    Clamperl bobbed in the water happily.

    ¡°Thanks, Cas!¡± he beamed at her, proud of himself. I must have looked pretty cool, Gary thought pleasantly. This thought was squashed remembering he had been battling with a mouth full of chips. He walked back over to her and took his previous place to sit, right next to the girl.

    ¡°Though you¡¯ve probably scared off any chances of any other Pokemon coming out to join us for the rest of the night.¡± Cas looked away, still smiling.

    ¡°Sorry about that, ha.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s better this way.¡±

    ¡°More... romantic?¡± Gary added hesitantly.

    Their eyes were locked on each other. Their faces perhaps a foot away. Anything could have happened in that moment.

    Gary wanted something. He knew exactly what, too. He looked at her lips and licked his own. Gary... Eeeeasy, he told himself. But... Suddenly, he blinked and leaned back a bit. ¡°Cas, that monster.¡±

    Cas stared back at him with surprise. ¡°Huh?¡±

    Gary looked away and into the starry night sky, the full moon glowing.

    It¡¯d been a few hours since the two had been in Bewilder Forest. Cas made sure Gary left safely and they took a break on the way to her Gym. She suggested eating ¡°by a beautiful spot by a lake,¡± and Gary went along more than willingly, hand in hand. Now out of the woods, the two kids were in a much wider, open plain. Grass extended forever, beyond which were mountains. There were also spaces with high-reaching grass and weeds. They all were sitting on a ledge surrounded on three sides by the taller plant growth, the fourth wall taken by the water that reflected the twinkling, starry black sky.

    The Psyduck was the only Pokemon that had popped out of the water, but Cas said many different ones, mostly Water types, lived in the area and were very active in the day.

    Primeape, Hoothoot, Ralts, Fashioned, Clamperl and Sabrina were the ones out eating now.

    June¡¯s Pokemon had eaten first and were back in their Poke Balls before Gary sent out his six.

    Electivire was snoring, ruining an otherwise nice night.

    Raichu sat by the pond. He had been splashing his feet in it but stood up when the Psyduck had appeared. He now was back to his happy splashing.

    ¡°You said I can¡¯t kill her earlier.¡± Gary stared at Cas. ¡°Why did you say that?¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± Cas looked down. ¡°Yeah...¡± She shook her head and then faced Gary with a determined face.

    This look caught him off guard.

    ¡°Listen, I have no place to speak on her when she has done something to your... friend.¡± She looked away from him and to June¡¯s bag before returning to him again. ¡°But I do know that that creature is special. I¡¯ve never met her, but I do believe that she holds a special role in our universe.¡±

    Gary nodded, squinting at her.

    ¡°I... I guess we need to stop her. Someone has to. I admit it, I¡¯m scared. She¡¯s been destroying Gyms, supposedly. But I don¡¯t think they¡¯re unprovoked attacks. My fear is, what¡¯s exactly provoking her? If she took your friend, why would she do that?¡±

    ¡°Once I have figured out this human, I shall kill her. And your unworthy Pokemon. If I have to. One by one. And last, you,¡± the monster had threatened Gary after obtaining June.

    ¡°I guess - I don¡¯t know... But she did,¡± Gary insisted.

    ¡°I believe you,¡± Cas nodded. She placed a hand on Gary¡¯s, but turned her face away from him, looking far off.

    Gary closed his eyes, his breath escaping.

    ¡°Is killing her really the answer, though?¡±

    Gary opened his eyes, turning to Cas, and saw that she was staring back at him. ¡°If it¡¯s her or us, is there really a choice?¡±

    Cas waited in silence, her eyes on Gary¡¯s. ¡°Are we so sure it¡¯s her against us?¡±

    ¡°Is there really any doubt?¡±

    Cas¡¯ hand slowly slid off of Gary¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s just, I like to think Pokemon and humans aren¡¯t so different. Animals and Pokemon and humans. If we all can just learn to coexist, maybe we don¡¯t need to worry about separating us into categories like we do. It doesn¡¯t have to be us humans against... whatever she is. We don¡¯t have to feel like a... different species is not an ally.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not talking in terms of species. I don¡¯t know what that thing is. Pokemon or otherwise, it¡¯s dangerous and I¡¯ve run into it several times already.¡±

    ¡°Really? Several?¡±

    ¡°YES! And that thing has killed or tried to. It has powers you don¡¯t have a clue of, and what I¡¯ve seen of it I¡¯m sure doesn¡¯t cover all the things it can do. And now that my friend is gone...¡±

    ¡°Jeff,¡± Cas said.

    Gary stared at her for a moment. ¡°Yes, Jeff,¡± he nodded.

    Cas nodded back.

    Why didn¡¯t I say June? Gary wondered. Why won¡¯t I tell her my travel friend is a girl? Why is she saying his name like that? Something¡¯s wrong...

    ¡°Now that she has him, you have to kill her?¡± Cas asked.

    ¡°Now that she threatened to kill me, he-him, our Pokemon? I have to!¡± Gary thought of his gun. I¡¯ll shoot her dead, he kept to himself.

    ¡°Wait... Did you say she spoke? She actually can talk?! I thought it was just a fake rumor!¡±

    Gary shook his head. ¡°That thing... It... She talks.¡±

    ¡°And she threatened to kill you and your friends...¡± Cas looked away, shaking her head. ¡°I... I still wish to meet her. I wish there was something we could do.¡±

    Gary stayed quiet, staring at the side of her face.

    Cas turned back to him. ¡°You may find it silly, but I have these psychic abilities. I can pick up on emotions from creatures.¡±

    ¡°Really...¡± Gary said as respectfully as he could, though he wanted to just roll his eyes. Great, she¡¯s one of those... he thought.

    ¡°Like, you, for example. I can feel your sensitivity. Your emotions. You¡¯re brave, but you don¡¯t like being put in the positions you¡¯ve been put in that have forced you to be brave. Deep down, you¡¯re so delicate. And I mean that in the nicest way, sweetie.¡± She was smiling bigger for him. ¡°You¡¯re full of passion you can¡¯t share with others because you¡¯re trying so hard to be braver than you want to have to be.¡±

    Gary nodded slowly. Huh?? Did that even make sense? Maybe?? ¡°I suppose. Yeah... I¡¯m... not a fan of conflict or anything.¡±

    Cas nodded. ¡°My psychic abilities aren¡¯t perfect or even all that good. But, my mom was amazing at it. And my grandmother. But that¡¯s why I was out here to begin with; to strengthen my powers. I wish to be as great as the late Sabrina, Kanto¡¯s previous Psychic type Gym Leader.¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open a little as he silently listened.

    ¡°Her powers were astounding, and yet even she was taken over by the Ghost Pokemon, Haunter. But I believe there¡¯s more to it. I think it was because of her psychic energy that the Haunter even stayed with her as long as it did. It wanted that kind of energy from her. I think, Haunter was, essentially, just hungry, not to make light of Sabrina¡¯s death, of course. But this is why I am so endearing to that new animal. Maybe her actions are bad, but maybe it¡¯s just a kind of hunger. It still does mean she has to be stopped, unfortunately, but if I could build up my psychic power and get through to her, I¡¯d keep her safe for all of my days. They say, to truly control a Psychic type Pokemon, you must possess Psychic ability. I think Sabrina¡¯s ability had the power to keep Haunter with her, but she wasn¡¯t strong enough to stop it from killing her. I want to be stronger than her, and be able to draw ghosts to me. Not just Ghost Pokemon, but the spirits of those departed.¡±

    ¡°So, like a Channeler Trainer?¡± Gary asked.

    Cas nodded. ¡°Yes, something like that, I suppose.¡±

    ¡°But, aren¡¯t you the Dark type Gym Leader? Why are you so interested in ghosts and psychics?¡±

    Cas laughed. ¡°I¡¯m a mixed bag, I guess. Comes with being a witch, huh?¡±

    ¡°A witch?¡± Gary let out a single, nervous laugh, but couldn¡¯t get out even the slightest smile.

    ¡°Oh, do you not know?¡± she smiled.

    Gary finally smiled back and shook his head gently. ¡°I mean, like, you¡¯re... really a witch?¡±

    ¡°As real as they come.¡±

    ¡°Spells? Witchcraft? Magic??¡±

    ¡°I could teach you some if you¡¯re interested!¡±

    ¡°No! No!¡± Gary tried to let out respectfully. ¡°No thank you.¡± Oh my goodness, she thinks she¡¯s, or really is, a witch?! I dunno about all of that!

    ¡°Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know, ha ha! My family has an ancient spell book that dates back to the third king of Pokemania. It¡¯s a family heirloom. There¡¯s even a spell that could allow humans to understand the feelings and thoughts of Pokemon, but the final page of the spell has been ruined and to this day, we still can¡¯t figure it out. In fact, there¡¯s a funny story about my mother who apparently turned a boy into a Pikachu when she mistakenly tried to perform the incomplete spell.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll definitely pass, please!¡± Gary laughed, holding up his hands in defense.

    Cas laughed. ¡°Well, anyway, should we sleep the night here, or do you want to keep going? The night is still young.¡±

    Gary looked around.

    Electivire was no longer snoring, but his eyes remained closed, his arms crossed over his chest.

    Raichu, Primeape, Hoothoot, Ralts, Fashioned, Clamperl, and Sabrina were actually staring at the two kids.

    ¡°I see you guys are done eating...¡± Gary muttered uncomfortably. ¡°What are you staring at??¡± He stood up and recalled all of his own Pokemon.

    Raichu snickered as Gary cleaned up the bowls of food and trash, a sneaky grin on his face, one paw over his mouth.

    ¡°Keep it up and you can go back, too,¡± Gary warned.

    ¡°Raaaai?¡± Raichu kept his grin, staring right at Gary, challenging him to call him back.

    Gary looked at Electivire and then Raichu again. He sucked his teeth and turned away to get his backpack on his shoulders.

    Cas was standing up now. ¡°We¡¯re not far now, and I think you¡¯ll find my place might be a lot nicer to sleep in than the woods.¡± She held out a hand.

    Gary couldn¡¯t even swallow in surprise having heard this. His throat locked up entirely, and he could have very well suffocated. But his hand did shoot out immediately to grab Cas¡¯.

    *

    ¡°Cas: The Witch of the Midwest!¡± Gary read out loud, looking at his Pokedex. ¡°The Phobia Badge. And she¡¯s only thirteen years old.¡± Gary went quiet, thinking, his eyes lowering. That¡¯s the same age as June is now, isn¡¯t it...? He sighed at this memory. Man, you¡¯ve gotta be kidding me. He shook his head and looked back to the Pokedex. ¡°Wow. A witch...¡± Something suddenly hit Gary. ¡°A witch...¡± Now laying on a bed inside of Cas¡¯ house, which was also the building of her Gym, he started to reflect back on the day. Thinking about how strange he¡¯d been acting with Cas, and how he¡¯d been feeling around her. ¡°But, she can¡¯t really be a witch, can she? She¡¯s just... wanting to be one. It¡¯s just that... try-hard crap kids, people in general, do. She isn¡¯t a broom-flying witch!¡± Gary laughed lightly.

    But after that, he wondered, then why have I been feeling so out of control with myself around her?

    ¡°What, you think she cast a spell on you?¡± he questioned out loud.

    No... I just... I don¡¯t act like that normally. I¡¯m too shy to. I could never. And yet... I was holding hands with her! Gary sat up in his bed and stared out the window, looking into the sky. He focused on the moon, and the dark gray spots and shades that were on it. Thinking about what those areas were, and why they were there. A full moon, huh? Gary thought. What a day this has been. And it¡¯s all real...

    ¡°Hoothoot, use your Foresight EVERYWHERE!!¡± Gary had ordered in the Pokemon Center Cas took him to earlier.

    Hoothoot immediately flew around, casting red light around the building from his eyes, blinding the Nurse Joy and Chansey, and even startling Cas.

    Glad Cas was understanding and didn¡¯t take offense, Gary told himself. Really not convenient that there¡¯s only emergency phones in this place, though. It¡¯s so secluded! No computers or internet or anything! Even a Gym Leader doesn¡¯t have one?? I can wait until I reach the next Gym, I guess... Wherever that is... Can¡¯t even call Professor... Gary¡¯s eyes filled with tears. He laid back down and let out his breath through his nose. As his eyes closed, he finished his thought: Prof. Oak... Tears slipped through his eyelids and slid down his cheeks.

    Tomorrow night, Cas will battle me, Gary thought. Makes sense she¡¯d prefer a night battle. Gives me time to sleep and focus on who to bring, and to train. Gary ended up snickering to himself. Just what were you thinking she meant when she said you¡¯d be sleeping at her place, anyway? No. Really. What was running through your mind, kid?

    Now, Gary¡¯s head was filling with all kinds of thoughts.

    They went from Cas being right there in bed with him, close enough to share a kiss, and changed to battling Cas tomorrow night.

    Soon, he was calling his mom, and then he was wondering what Pokemon to bring to the battle tomorrow.

    Things then changed to how he had felt in his heart, and throughout his entire body, walking with Cas in the middle of the night.

    And then it was cuddling with her at the pond, Cas in his lap, their cheeks pressed together.

    To just listening to her talk with her deep, seductive voice.

    To staring into Cas¡¯ lovely eyes and kissing her dark, juicy lips.

    To offering her to stay with him, and travel the Sinnoh region together, so they could track down the monster Cas was so desperate to meet, together.

 Cant Let You Go

    June hit the ground, her breath coming out in a forced grunt. She looked up frightfully. Her clothing was tattered, shots of her skin visible through holes all over from her shirt and jeans. She was barefoot, her feet bleeding and swollen, blackened with filth and bruised, similar to her face.

    A clawed hand with coal-black skin, a hand like that of a human, with long, broken nails, slashed for June¡¯s face.

    June screamed as she was struck, and blood hit the rocky ground.

    There was a noise, unclear in the darkness of what was seemingly a cave, though there was a source of light coming from somewhere that also created wild, shifting, scary shadows.

    A voice? Speaking? The clawed hand grabbed at June, grasping the back of her neck, lifting her up like a cat.

    The noise was heard again.

    There was a raspy yell in June¡¯s face.

    June screamed in return in pure terror, squirming but unable to free herself.

    A second very black hand grasped at June¡¯s hair. The first hand on the back ofJune¡¯s neck let go, and June¡¯s face was slammed to the ground. A filthy black foot with curved toenails, hooked like bird talons, stomped on her head, and the dark toes curled to dig the thick nails into the top of her head.

    June shrieked for her life as blood started to spurt out from the breaking skin.

    ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!¡± Gary sat up, and his scream didn¡¯t stop as he stared in surprise at someone else screaming right in his face! On instinct, he reached out to attack, but luckily, a side of his brain recognized who it was, and he reduced his assault to just roughly grabbing onto her shoulders.

    Cas stared back at him with wide eyes. ¡°Gary, I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispered. ¡°I...¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth was hanging open wide, confused by what was going on. ¡°Cas.¡±

    ¡°You were having a nightmare,¡± she swallowed. ¡°I-I-I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    Gary looked down her body to see that she was on his bed, sitting on her knees in a black, silky nightgown, her small bust visible in front of him. He took his time returning back to Cas¡¯ eyes and then shook his head, breathing hard. ¡°Cas, I-¡±

    Cas moved in quickly and connected her lips with Gary¡¯s.

    Gary¡¯s eyes bulged out for a moment, and then they closed as he placed one hand through her hair and rested it against the side of her face.

    Cas pushed Gary down with her lips alone, laying the boy on his back, and Gary didn¡¯t fight back. She then straddled Gary, her legs on either side of him as she sat atop him, and she moaned into the kiss, Gary responding with a similar sound. There were kissing sounds present before both boy and girl shyly let go. Like magnets, they went back eagerly for more kisses, the children not really sure of what they were doing, and not a clear reason as to why they were trying, but not wanting it to end.

    Gary¡¯s eyes were forced open again as something wet slipped into his mouth and met with his tongue. He panicked and let out a startled noise.

    With a loud gasp, they broke apart, Cas sitting up.

    ¡°Cas!¡± Gary uttered.

    They both stared at each other with open mouths, but not a word was spoken to each other.

    Not until, ¡°I love you!¡± Cas covered her mouth with her hands and removed herself from atop Gary. She leaped off the bed and took off, out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

    Gary sat up and stared at the door. He could still feel the wetness of Cas¡¯ tongue in his mouth, rubbing against his own tongue. He could taste her saliva in his mouth, and he swallowed, afraid to lose it. He licked his lips. ¡°Cas...¡± He breathed heavily several times, and then his eyes went over the walls and ceiling of the room.

    They were covered in white wallpaper with strange drawings of flowers, people, houses, animals, and designs Gary didn¡¯t understand. Some were a couple of shapes of the Symbol Pokemon, Unown. The drawings didn¡¯t seem to be done by an adult, but maybe by some youth. It all seemed to mean something, but Gary couldn¡¯t decipher what. And he also couldn¡¯t understand why, if the drawings were done by a young kid, there were a lot of penis drawings. He turned to the door again. ¡°What are you doing to me...?¡± His breathing got more relaxed, but it was still an effort. He stared at his bed, laying underneath a pure white blanket, and took in a big, shaky breath and held it, closing his eyes. June, he thought, remembering his nightmare.

    *

    ¡°Raichu, Double Team NOW!¡± Gary ordered.

    ¡°RAAI!¡± Raichu scrunched up his body and his cheeks sparked.

    ¡°Ralts, Thunderbolt!¡± Gary continued.

    Ralts brought his hands close to his face and yelled out.

    Nothing happened from either Pokemon.

    Raichu¡¯s cheeks stopped sparking as he looked to Gary sadly, and his ears lowered.

    Ralts arms fell and he leaned over, breathing hard.

    ¡°Oh, what a joke! What else do I have to do?¡± Gary let out in exasperation. ¡°You guys, c-come on,¡± Gary tried to speak more calmly.

    Ralts squeaked and lowered his head further.

    ¡°Rai Rai Raichu.¡± Raichu lowered his head, too.

    Gary let out his breath and turned to the next two Pokemon. ¡°Clamperl, use Substitute!¡±

    ¡°Claaam!¡± Clamperl said and opened and closed his shell.

    ¡°Galvantula, uh, use Thunderbolt?¡± Gary wasn¡¯t remembering her moves.

    Galvantula¡¯s entire body sparked, and she hit Clamperl with the Electric move.

    Clamperl vanished in a puff of white smoke. With a shout, Clamperl landed in the grass, right behind Galvantula.

    The big Electric spider jumped and her entire body turned around to face Clamperl.

    ¡°That¡¯s the stuff!!¡± Gary pointed at the two. ¡°See, Ralts? That¡¯s what I need from you! Raichu and you need to focus better! You¡¯ve both done it before, or come so close. We¡¯re about to battle a Gym Leader and I need everyone to be ready so I¡¯m prepared for any surprises she may have! I¡¯m counting on you all.¡± Gary tried to relax, feeling himself getting impatient. ¡°Please.¡± He went to Ralts and knelt down, holding out a hand.

    Ralts horn glowed light blue. He cocked his head at Gary and reached out, holding his hand in both of his own.

    Gary smiled. ¡°I¡¯m especially counting on you, you know. You might come in handy against Dark types. But we might have trouble against Ghosts like the Sableye she has. I need everyone to be prepared. I don¡¯t even know how many Pokemon will be used. So let¡¯s keep training and get this right, okay?¡±

    Ralts kept his hold on Gary¡¯s hand and jumped repeatedly.

    Gary nodded and stood, freeing himself from Ralts, and turned to Primeape and Magneton.

    Facing each other, Magneton was silent and hovering while Primeape was letting out impatient, low grunts, bending his knees repeatedly.

    ¡°Good energy, Primeape! Let¡¯s keep it going! Magneton, use your... Thunder...¡± Gary said. ¡°I gotta learn these guys¡¯ attacks...¡± he then muttered. ¡°Primeape, Cross Chop!¡± he then ordered.

    Magneton¡¯s eyes glowed red and its magnets were covered in sparking electricity. Its body then fired a beam of lightning outlined in black sparks.

    Primeape crossed his arms and they glowed white as he leaped into the Thunder but was overtaken, screaming out in pain and then dropping. He got up easily, jumping around more than before, seeming energized from that blast.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta move faster, Primeape! We¡¯ve gotta train harder! Faster than lightning, stronger than iron! Let¡¯s go!!¡± Gary pulled out his Pokedex and checked out Magneton¡¯s moves. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s give Lock-On a try, Magneton! Primeape, Cross Chop again!¡±

    Magneton¡¯s eyes glowed red and two beams shot out.

    Primeape leaped at Magneton with glowing, crossed arms again and was hit by the beam. This did nothing to him, but a red target was left on the front of his body. He slammed his arms into Magneton and tossed it back.

    Magneton hit the ground and bounced and then tumbled.

    Primeape landed easily and yelled out.

    ¡°Alright, Magneton follow up with Zap-!¡±

    ¡°Lec Lec Lec Lec Lec Lec Lec Lec Vire...¡±

    The cackling got everyone to turn.

    Electivire had been sleeping earlier, but now he was sat up with his bandaged arms crossed, chuckling at the group.

    ¡°Don¡¯t start, pleeeease,¡± Gary rolled his eyes. Raichu? He looked over to him.

    Raichu was staring with worry at Electivire and turned to Gary. ¡°Raichu.¡±

    ¡°Prrrrrrrrrrrr,¡± Primeape growled. ¡°AAAAAPEAPEAPE!!¡± Primeape charged at Electivire. As he got closer, he pulled back a fist.

    Electivire stood up and then kicked out at Primeape. Catching him in the legs.

    Primeape screeched hard and grabbed his shin, falling to his back. He rolled side to side, whining. He then rolled over so his back was to Electivire and started trembling.

    Electivire was laughing, pointing at Primeape.

    ¡°Flinch!¡± Gary realized. ¡°From Low Kick. Or Low Sweep... Anyway, I don¡¯t see what was so funny, Electivire. Though,¡± he turned to Primeape, ¡°I don¡¯t recall instructing you to start attacking Electivire, either.¡±

    Primeape was relaxing now and stood up. He ignored Gary and kept his attention on Electivire. With a yell, he leaped to Electivire again and swung on him!

    Electivire easily smacked the punch away, and then his big hand came right back around and backhanded Primeape!

    Primeape cried out and fell hard.

    Maybe we should battle? If I can¡¯t even beat him, I can¡¯t be the best...! ¡°Yeah! Primeape, let¡¯s go! Focus Energy!¡±

    Primeape started to breathe heavily and punched his fists together more and more. Snarling, his face got red, and soon his entire body was the same color. He jumped around like mad, punching out.

    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Gary covered his ears. ¡°SCREEEECH!!¡±

    Primeape let out a horrible, sharp noise that felt like needles being forced into Gary¡¯s ears!

    Gary and the Pokemon all screamed out, suffering from the attack.

    Even Electivire raised his hands to the sides of his head and fell to one knee, grunting and then calling out in agony.

    Gary¡¯s eyes teared up and he blinked numerous times to clear them. When he saw that the Screech was over, he screamed, ¡°CLOSE COMBAT!!¡±

    Primeape lunged for Electivire, swinging wild, swinging loose, swinging out of control.

    ¡°PRIMEAPE!!!¡± Gary blew up in a rage, recognizing what he was seeing.

    Primeape was ready to connect several different blows with Electivire.

    Electivire frowned, his eyes and body glowing red, and white smoke blew out of his nose!

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary let out, startled.

    ¡°EEEEELECT!!¡± Electivire shot his head forward in a headbutt. His face was struck by Primeape, but this didn¡¯t slow down Electivire at all! His head still hit Primeape!

    Primeape was rolling through the air and ended up on the ground on his side, groaning.

    ¡°PRIMEAPE!!¡± Gary called.

    ¡°Prime?¡± Just when Primeape looked up, Electivire punched at the ground and hit Primeape.

    The Pig Monkey slid on the ground and finally laid still.

    But Electivire didn¡¯t stop. He moved and grabbed Primeape, lifting him into the air and slamming him right back down. He then swung out a leg and kicked Primeape, the Pokemon screaming helplessly until he was forcing out a series of grunts as he bounced along the ground.

    ¡°Prrrrr... Prrrrrrr...¡± Primeape struggled back up. He nodded at Electivire.

    ¡°THAT¡¯S ENOUGH!!¡± Gary held out his arms at his sides.

    The other Pokemon were all watching frightfully.

    ¡°PRIMEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPE!!!!¡± Primeape ran for Electivire, determined not to stop.

    Gary watched, so happy his Primeape still had it in him to continue, but conflicted on if this was the right way to have a battle. Primeape wasn¡¯t even listening to him. He knew Primeape had used Thrash when he had said to use Close Combat!

    He also knew Electivire had just used Frustration. This made Gary wonder where the power for it was coming from if June wasn¡¯t around. Was she still the source for his anger? Or...?

    ¡°Prime?¡± Primeape skidded to a stop.

    Gary gasped.

    The Pokemon all uttered out low responses.

    Electivire had turned his back on Primeape and wasn¡¯t moving. It was like he wasn¡¯t even afraid of Primeape attacking him; or he was daring him to. After a minute, Electivire walked off, disappearing into the surrounding woods.

    Primeape took a step forward. After his second step, he fell onto one knee and let out his breath. His body heaved as he tried to regain his energy.

    Gary had moved after a moment and ended up knelt down beside his Pokemon. He put his arm around Primeape¡¯s body. ¡°We¡¯ll get him, man.¡± He and Primeape both had their eyes on where they had last seen Electivire before he had gone through the trees. ¡°Keep up that energy, and we¡¯ll get him.¡± He stared at Primeape. ¡°But we have a lot to work on, don¡¯t we?¡±

    Primeape never looked away from where Electivire had last been.

    *

    ¡°Your Pokemon are all ready for your Gym match, Gary. Good luck!¡± Nurse Joy had a bright smile on her face, topped with a bright array of flowers sat around her head.

    Gary nodded with his own big smile. ¡°Have a nice day.¡± He turned from her and walked to the front door.

    While he was quite taken by this Nurse Joy, like he would be any other Nurse Joy, he couldn¡¯t ignore such a bizarre smile. It didn¡¯t appear forced, but it definitely wasn¡¯t normal. But Gary couldn¡¯t define exactly what made her¡¯s so... off. And he couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was some meaning behind the smile, as well as the flower crown she wore, despite him finding her even more beautiful with the topping.

    Gary wasn¡¯t sure why, but he knew he definitely felt this unease mainly because of Cas. The self-proclaimed witch. Whether or not she really was one, she seemed to believe she was. Something about this put discomfort in Gary¡¯s heart.

    As Gary walked through the lobby of the Pokemon Center, he stared at the white wallpaper covered in strange drawings of men and women seemingly not doing much more than staring out at him, looking at each other in other artwork, along with some images of bears, burning buildings, more Unown, and far too much other stuff to keep track of. He had the creeping feeling that Cas was the reason for things like these peculiar, yet innocent sights. It was as if all the quirks came with a hidden meaning that, if he knew more about Cas and her witchcraft, might not be so hidden.

    Another thing that had bothered Gary were the framed photographs of women who all looked like Nurse Joy that were on one wall. They all had on the same flower crowns, vague differences if any, and all of them were smiling, some just slightly less enthusiastic than others. Excited or not so excited, the collection held an eerie, unsettling feeling with it.

    Gary shook himself off as he left the building. He looked around, but didn¡¯t see what he was looking for. ¡°I guess he isn¡¯t gonna be watching my Gym battle,¡± he muttered and then sighed. ¡°How am I gonna find him afterwards, then?¡±

    Gary then started thinking about his own Pokemon. I¡¯ve got Primeape with me, so that should work well against her Dark types. Fighting types. Maybe I should also bring over that Riolu... Gary stopped walking, standing outside of the Gym. Gary... Don¡¯t do this to yourself... This isn¡¯t the same thing. That¡¯d be a big mistake. He heard himself sniffle as he looked at the building before him.

    The Gym was tall, made of seemingly old planks of wood. Holding two floors, the gray house¡¯s exterior had a large ring of flowers at the front of the middle of it. The top floor of the building was a separate section, a big yellow triangle with a single dark window. Gary had no idea what was there, as the room he¡¯d been sleeping in the previous night was behind a door on the first floor. The first floor was also where the Gym match would take place.

    Gary stood in front of humongous double doors that were wide open and stared inside.

    The room was lit with several small candles, giving low light. Like the room he slept in, and like the Pokemon Center, the walls were covered in white wallpaper with bizarre, loosely-drawn images.

    Gary¡¯s eyes stopped on one.

    It was of a young female with her dress lifted, her knees bent over a little cup. Something was dripping from a dark place between her legs, into the cup. Before that image, Gary noticed a closeup of that dark place, looking like an oval of blur surrounding something. The female had a pair of scissors open to the spot.

    Gary gasped and cringed, disturbed and not sure what he was seeing. Is... ¡°it¡± cut off on that girl? Or... Or is that an accurate drawing? Don¡¯t they have... ¡°one¡±??

    There was another image further ahead of a young man with swirls in his eyes, as if he were hypnotized.

    ¡°A little love story,¡± a voice in the room said.

    Gary jumped and turned to see a man in a white... dress? No. Even Gary knew that couldn¡¯t be a dress.

    It was some kind of formal wear, with a beige sash around the waist. He wore a wide brim hat in the same color as the sash. He approached Gary with open arms and stopped before him.

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe it as the man wrapped his arms around him in a big hug, and he hugged him back, entirely out of shock. That was when he saw someone else. His mouth dropped open, and his eyes widened. No way...

    There was a girl beaming at them both. She looked pretty frightening, covered in a scary getup. Her eyes were surrounded in black makeup, her lips drenched in darkness as well. Her face was in pale makeup, a dark line straight down the middle of her face from her forehead to her chin. Her nails were painted black. A big black dress on her came down to the floor, covering her feet entirely.

    It¡¯s Cas, Gary knew, finding, even despite the whole costume that made her unrecognizable, that she looked so beautiful. He smiled back at her.

    The man released him. ¡°Welcome, Gary. We are so happy to see you!¡± he nodded enthusiastically.

    Gary smiled slightly and nodded uncomfortably at the man. Who is this weirdo? Gary questioned. His eyes went to Cas for a second, and then they went to the man and looked him over.

    The man jumped a little, holding up his hands, making Gary also jump back a bit. ¡°Is it my frock?¡± He raised it slightly. ¡°Quite girly, no?¡± He fluttered it a bit and did a short, corny little dance, clearly trying to be funny.

    Gary let out a light laugh. ¡°No, it¡¯s great, um.¡± He turned to Cas. ¡°Cas! HI!¡± He walked away from the guy and towards Cas.

    Cas looked thrilled and ran up to him and pulled him into a hug, resting her chin on his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m so glad you came, Gary. I wasn¡¯t sure you¡¯d be here.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    Cas looked into Gary¡¯s eyes. ¡°Because I ran away after...¡± She went silent briefly. ¡°I love you, Gary.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart exploded listening to the girl¡¯s sweet, melting voice. If she were truly a witch, her voice was like that which Gary expected them to sound like. Deep, seductive, and holding secrets Gary could only dream of finding out. He couldn¡¯t get over how beautiful her thick, wide lips were. He found himself longing for another kiss from them. ¡°Cas... Really?¡±

    ¡°Gary, yes. And it sucks that you¡¯re going to be my final challenger.¡±

    ¡°Wh-what? Your final challenger? What do you mean? AAAAAHH!!¡± Gary jumped as the man appeared beside them with a huge grin.

    ¡°Our Casey is leaving the Gym for good after your battle,¡± he told Gary. He looked happily from Cas to Gary and back.

    ¡°What do you mean?!¡± Gary cried to Cas.

    ¡°It¡¯s just, a while back, I was a cripple. I had broken my ankle and couldn¡¯t even walk,¡± Cas explained. ¡°So I had to teach my mom, dad, and sister how to cook and clean and do all the stuff I normally did for them all. They¡¯ve got it down well enough, and I think this has become the opportunity I needed to break free and start traveling. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll do exactly, or where I¡¯ll go, but I need to get out of here and see the world, come back someday, I¡¯m sure, but I can¡¯t stay here any longer. I¡¯ll leave the Gym to my family, and go off on my own.¡±

    On your own...? Gary thought. I should invite her to travel with me. ¡°Cas...¡±

    Cas smiled at him and then frowned at the man. ¡°And you know I do not like the name Casey, Father Odd. It¡¯s Cas.¡±

    The man laughed and nodded. ¡°I am so sorry, Cas. I do need to work on that. Please forgive me.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heartbeat sped up with nervousness. Am I about to witness the wrath of an angry witch? he only half-joked to himself.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Please do, Father Odd,¡± she said kind of sweetly. She then turned to Gary and blinked once, slowly. ¡°Gary.¡±

    Gary smiled, taken by her adorableness. ¡°Cas. Cas...¡±

    ¡°Gary?¡± A look of concern came over her face.

    ¡°Cas, I hate to sound too taken, but you¡¯re far prettier than I remember only the other night, where I can see you better here in this room.¡±

    Cas closed her eyes and lowered her head, smiling hard.

    ¡°You can see your beauty so easily here. I love that you¡¯re the Gym Leader here. I love that I can get to see you. I¡¯m infatuated by such a beauty,¡± Gary poured out his heart.

    ¡°You¡¯re so kind,¡± Cas gushed, looking at him again. ¡°You know, I could paint you. Your face is so strong, you¡¯re like a sculpture. Your eyes, too. They¡¯re so deep, like caverns where intelligence dances with emotion.¡±

    Gary was stunned into silence by such words.

    ¡°You really are beautiful...¡± Cas continued to speak delicately. ¡°I mean that with my whole heart.¡±

    ¡°W-w-w-wow...¡± Gary paused, trying to find the next words he could possibly say after hearing all of that. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard anything like that about me in my life... Th-that... was heartstopping. You¡¯ve a way with your words, honey. Absolutely incredible. I love it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only describing what I see before me, love.¡±

    ¡°And what I see, is quite the lovely romance,¡± Father Odd jumped in. ¡°But, as the judge and advisor, I feel it is my duty to interrupt this and remind you of your Gym Leader duties, as I hope is not a problem and that I haven¡¯t overstepped my boundaries.¡± He smiled extremely big.

    Cas shook her head warmly at Father Odd. ¡°You¡¯re fine.¡±

    Gary watched this moment with returning nervousness.

    Cas returned to Gary. ¡°I think it is best we begin our match. It is why you are here, after all.¡±

    Gary nodded.

    Cas got an apprehensive look on her face. ¡°Does my makeup not scare you?¡±

    Gary shook his head. ¡°Nah, not at all. I hope I don¡¯t offend you, but you kind of remind of me that band, Siouxise and the Mankeys.¡±

    ¡°I love them!¡± Cas exclaimed, smiling excitedly.

    ¡°Yeah! Me, too!¡± Gary replied.

    Cas giggled. Then, she walked away from him and stopped.

    Gary then took in the rest of the Gym and finally saw the battlefield!

    Cas was standing on her end of the field outlined in black that was barely visible in the poor lighting.

    His eyes then spotted four doors. He had seen them when he first entered the Gym the previous night, and his eyes stopped on the door that would lead to the room he stayed in. Gary walked over to his end of the battlefield and turned to Cas. A more determined look came over his face.

    Father Odd walked to the outside of the battlefield and stopped in the middle.

    ¡°Gary, I¡¯m so glad my makeup didn¡¯t scare you,¡± Cas grinned.

    ¡°Nothing about you could, my love,¡± Gary replied to her.

    Cas now smiled with her teeth. She raised one finger into the air and then lowered it.

    Father Odd nodded. ¡°Please, state your name and hometown for the record.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Uh, I¡¯m Gary, from the Kanto region. Pallet Town!¡± Gary struggled to get out.

    ¡°This match is a one-on-one match between Cas, the Powerzone Gym Leader,¡± Father Odd explained, the choice making Gary gasp out loud, ¡°and Gary of Kanto¡¯s Pallet Town! There is no time limit! The first Trainer whose Pokemon is defeated, is out, and the winner will be the opponent! This battle may now begin!¡±

    Gary was a little confused by Father Odd¡¯s choice of words and froze, thinking on them until, from out of nowhere, white smoke started slowly filling the Gym! ¡°Hey! Whoa! Cas!¡± He turned to her.

    She stared at him solemnly, not reacting as the smoke started hiding her.

    Father Odd was also calm, watching Gary as he vanished in the smoke.

    Cackling filled the building from a number of unclear areas.

    Gary tried to spot the source of the new voices and called out, ¡°Hey!¡± as red eyes were now appearing and disappearing all over the place, the only things visible through the smoke. He also found that he wasn¡¯t choking. It¡¯s not smoke, he realized. It¡¯s fog? Is it a fog machine? What¡¯s that flying around? It looks like there¡¯s a bunch of them! Cas¡¯ Pokemon? Sableye?

    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind, Gary.¡±

    Gary looked to Cas, eager for an explanation. Instead, he screamed at the top of his lungs.

    Cas wasn¡¯t there anymore. Instead, there stood Prof. Oak! Prof. Oak stood staring at him in his white lab coat over a dark-red shirt tucked into beige pants held up by a brown belt with a silver buckle. His feet were in brown shoes.

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open in disbelief. ¡°Prof. Oak...?¡± He shook his head hard and his eyes narrowed. ¡°N-NO! NOOOO!!¡± He looked around angrily. ¡°GET ME OUT OF HEEERRRRRRRRE!!¡±

    ¡°Gary, please relax,¡± a voice echoed throughout the Gym. ¡°Please don¡¯t leave, honey.¡±

    Gary stopped moving. ¡°Cas? CAS! WHERE ARE YOU?!¡± He looked around briefly before turning back to the professor.

    He had a Great Ball in one hand, enlarged.

    ¡°Gary, you¡¯ll have to forgive me, but this is my Gym, and we battle within a unique environment of fear,¡± Cas spoke out, her voice echoing so hauntingly from every direction. ¡°Many Gyms have a... I guess, a gimmick to it. A pool in a Water Gym, a forest in a Grass Gym, a gym in a Fighting Gym. Here, in the Dark Gym, with my obsession for Psychic types, Ghost types, Dark types, fear is my passion! Please, Gary. This is all an illusion, courtesy of some of my Ghost Pokemon friends. I¡¯m glad my makeup didn¡¯t scare you away, Gary, but today, you face what truly scares you the most and must overcome it all in order to earn the Phobia Badge.¡±

    A buzzing sound filled the building, and Gary shouted out in disgust as the skin all over his body began to crawl. He grabbed and smacked and patted at his body, feeling as if there were bugs all over him. He looked at himself, but he couldn¡¯t tell if anything was on him due to his clothing, but the feeling was enough to make him rip his clothes right off!

    ¡°Gary, sweetheart, this is hereby out of my control,¡± Cas told him. ¡°I will be battling you, but the effects are not mine. I love you...¡±

    ¡°CAS! PLEASE!¡± Gary begged. ¡°DON¡¯T DO THIS!!¡±

    ¡°Gary, my boy!¡±

    Gary turned to the visual of Prof. Oak and shook his head. ¡°YOU ARE NOT PROFESSOR OAK!!¡±

    Prof. Oak laughed. ¡°Son, of course I am! I gave you your Starter, Charmander, and Robin his Squirtle, Aly her Bulbasaur, and Kiwi her Pidgey.¡±

    Gary took in a long, shaky gasp, continuing to shake his head.

    ¡°You had issues in the Viridian Forest with Charmander and were beaten within an inch of your life along with your Mankey, by a group of wild Mankey,¡± Prof. Oak went on. ¡°Your first Badge, from Obsidian City, the Dimensia Badge, was a Gastly in disguise. You made it to the top sixteen in the Indigo League last year.¡± He held up the Great Ball and threw it.

    From within the ball, a being came out. At first hunched over, it stood, revealing itself to be a human girl!

    Gary let out a terrible yell as he laid eyes upon his sister! Melissa!!

    Gary¡¯s sister stared at him with a black hood over her head and standing in purple jeans and black sneakers. Her thin lips held a sweet smile. Her light-blue eyes stared into Gary¡¯s dark-brown ones.

    Trembling, Gary shook his head. ¡°Wh-?!¡± He was breathing hard, taking several steps back. ¡°MELISSAAAAAAA!!¡±

    The ball hit June and opened, and an orange beam came out, hitting her and making her glow orange.

    June screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    Seeing a human come out of a Poke Ball reminded Gary of when June went inside of one! And worst of all, his sister had popped out!

    This isn¡¯t real! This isn¡¯t real! Gary chanted in his head. Melissa, Prof. Oak, it¡¯s all an illusion!

    ¡°Who will you choose to face my Honchkrow, my boy!¡± Prof. Oak insisted happily.

    Gary squinted at Prof. Oak before looking at Melissa. ¡°It¡¯s not my sister. It¡¯s not Melissa... It¡¯s...¡± He pulled out his Pokedex.

    Honchkrow. The Big Boss Pokemon. The evolved form of Murkrow when exposed to a Dusk Stone. It is both Dark and Flying. By merely crying out, it summons and gives orders to entire flocks of Murkrow. The pitch black scene of the sky being taken over by Murkrow gives Honchkrow its nickname the ¡°summoner of the night.¡±

    Gary looked back up to his sister, and then back to the revolving 3D image of Honchkrow shown on his Pokedex. He ended up frowning at the girl. ¡°This is some bull,¡± he muttered, noticing the floating red eyes appearing and disappearing in the background. He scratched at his body, irritated by the buzzing noises. ¡°That¡¯s not my sister!¡± he called out louder. ¡°It¡¯s a Honchkrow!¡± He put away his Pokedex and grabbed a Poke Ball from his waist, leering at Prof. Oak. ¡°And you¡¯re not the professor! You¡¯re Cas! Everything here is a load of crap!¡± He screamed to the ceiling, readying his brain, amping himself up, demanding some focus! Then, he did a double take at Father Odd.

    Because Father Odd wasn¡¯t there. Instead - was the monster!

    Gary screamed and his legs gave out as he ended up on the floor.

    The monster stood completely naked as always, her long black hair going down her back. Her chest carried her large, diamond-shaped breasts with each of her flat nipples shaped like half of a diamond and darker than her already blackened skin. There were her long fingers and cracked, extended nails like claws. Her thick legs with loads of hair on them, her feet ending in toes with hooked nails like talons. Red diamond patterns in different shapes were all over her body. Her back end was large enough to just barely see as she stood facing Gary. Her head sat atop her curvy, elongated, scaly neck. Her disturbing eyes kept Gary frozen. She opened her mouth and her fat, pink tongue tumbled out, slithering in her mouth around broken teeth. The hole in her face where a nose would be widened for a bit, and then shrunk down.

    Gary shook his head, horrified most of all by the eyes.

    They were all black but had purple tips surrounding it, the holes they sat in being rectangular rather than circular, showing open, dark space between the sides of the eyeballs and the skin, only the top and bottom of the eyeballs connecting with the face. It was just unnatural and disturbing, no matter how many times he saw it.

    ¡°Gary, you¡¯ll need to send out a Pokemon, or you¡¯ll be disqualified from this battle,¡± the monster spoke... in Father Odd¡¯s voice!

    Gary blinked in confusion, ending with his eyes wide in surprise. ¡°Ha.¡± He got up. ¡°Wrong voice,¡± he spoke, sneering.

    The monster stared at him, confused, and then looked down upon herself.

    ¡°But you are right. It is my turn!¡± He was feeling stronger now. Hearing Father Odd¡¯s voice come out of the monster almost made a mockery of all of this madness. A joke. He made a fist and then stared at it as he opened it wide, surprised he was able to fully close it. ¡°My Poke Ball!¡± Gary picked it up from the ground where he dropped it and then faced... his sister... He was shaking now. It¡¯s all in your head, man! he told himself. No. An illusion! It¡¯s a Honchkrow! He swiped at his left ear and rubbed his left shoulder against his chin as his skin continued to crawl from the buzzing insect sounds. ¡°IT¡¯S JUST A HONCHKROW!! GOOOO!!¡± He threw the Poke Ball.

    It hit the ground and opened, sending out a little Pokemon in a white flash.

    Ralts squeaked happily. His smile faded as he saw Melissa leerring down at him. He squeaked at her, confused, and then looked to Gary. He then turned to the referee and let out a loud scream, backing up.

    ¡°Hey! Take it easy, Ralts! I¡¯m counting on you for this one! Everything here is a lie! There¡¯s no Prof. Oak, no girl in front of you, and that monster is just a man in a dress!¡±

    The monster looked down at herself and grabbed at her legs. ¡°It¡¯s a frock, actually, but-¡±

    ¡°We can win if we just focus on the battle and not the distractions, Ralts!¡± Gary cut the man-monster off. ¡°Let¡¯s start this off right! Use that Thunderbolt!¡± His right shoulder was bugging him now and he scratched at it. Nothing¡¯s real. It¡¯s just sounds, he told himself, struggling to ignore the buzzing.

    Red eyes swam in and out of the fog.

    Ralts¡¯ body sparked as he yelled out and then raised his arms into the air!

    Nothing happened.

    ¡°RALTS!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe it didn¡¯t work!! ¡°RALTS, THUNDERBOLT NOW!!¡± he roared at his little Pokemon.

    ¡°A Psychic and Fairy type,¡± Prof. Oak acknowledged. ¡°A nice choice, my boy! But evolution takes an advantage here. Use Nasty Plot!¡±

    Melissa now wore an evil smirk on her face as she eyed Ralts like a hawk. Her body then glowed red for a moment.

    ¡°And follow up with Swagger!¡±

    Melissa inhaled and puffed out her chest, keeping eyes on Ralts.

    Ralts cried out and stumbled about, his body glowing red with his eyes. The red around his body vanished, but his eyes remained the color, Ralts now Confused and his Attack boosted! He shouted and bolts of Electricity surrounded him, but he didn¡¯t attack. Another failed move. He spun around in Confusion and dropped, landing on his head, injuring himself. Ralts struggled to get up and swayed, holding onto his hair and moaning.

    ¡°RALTS, GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!!¡± Gary was rubbing his arms hard, the buzzing seeming to get even louder, and the red eyes seemed to be appearing more frequently. Were there more of them now? he wondered. He gave his head a hard shake, struggling to concentrate. ¡°HYPNOSIS!!¡±

    Ralts turned to Melissa and called out lazily, but nothing actually happened until he fell over hard again. He mumbled and moaned, his arms and legs kicking out stupidly.

    This was a mistake! Gary whined out loud as his shoulders slumped. Why would I choose to use Ralts for this? And in a one-on-one!

    ¡°Now use Foul Play to finish this up!¡± Prof. Oak insisted.

    Melissa now ran at Ralts.

    ¡°RAAAAAAAALTS!!¡± Gary wailed in a panic.

    Ralts sat up, still Confused, and his horn glowed light blue. With a loud cry, Ralts curled up into a ball and his body started sparking again.

    Melissa stopped at Ralts to pull back her right leg, looking ready to kick the Pokemon like a football!

    Ralts screamed out as his body released a big yellow blast, hitting Melissa!

    Melissa was stuck, screaming out in pain, and she collapsed onto her back, still wailing out helplessly. This turned into a much different, and much more familiar scream.

    Gary gasped, mortified at what he was now seeing.

    Melissa wasn¡¯t being electrified by yellow lightning from Ralts.

    No... Gary¡¯s eyes watered, horrified, disgusted, at what was actually happening before him!

    Melissa was surrounded by blue electricity, screaming for her life in agony.

    The hair atop the creature reached out and connected with Melissa¡¯s face.

    Melissa screamed at the top of her lungs as her body was lit by the blue lightning, and her body jumped.

    ¡°MELISSAAAAAAA!!¡± Gary exploded and took a step forward.

    She hit the ground and laid still.

    Gary swallowed.

    Ralts looked back at his Trainer and cried out to him. His horn glowed again.

    Two fists formed, and Gary furrowed his eyebrows. He opened his mouth wide and took in a big, angry breath as he tilted his head back and closed his eyes. And then, ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGGGGHHH!!!!!¡± Feeling completely out of control, enraged, infuriated, he stared at everyone.

    Prof. Oak, Melissa who now was sitting up and staring at him, Ralts, and even the monster.

    Wide eyes returned all of the stares.

    ¡°Hu-huh...¡± Gary¡¯s body shuddered and he grabbed at his head, collapsing to his knees. He could have thrown up in that moment. He blinked repeatedly, not sure what was going on.

    ¡°Gary?¡± Prof. Oak called out to him. ¡°STOP THE MATCH!¡±

    Gary looked up at Prof. Oak.

    ¡°STOP THE ILLU-!!¡±

    ¡°NOOO!!¡± Gary swallowed and when his lips tightened, he realized he had been drooling. ¡°NO! JUST WAIT!¡± He wiped at his mouth quickly. ¡°DON¡¯T STOP A THING!¡± he pleaded. His body was shaking as he got up, but he kept his balance. ¡°If this is the way you wanna play, ha, ha...¡± he managed to say, his breathing heavy now. ¡°Then let¡¯s finish it this way. I, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m over it. Do your worst.¡± He smiled at Prof. Oak. ¡°I¡¯ll defeat you head on, sir!¡±

    A shocked look took over the worried one Prof. Oak had, and then he smiled and nodded. ¡°If you¡¯re sure, son.¡±

    ¡°Ralts! You ready?¡±

    Ralts horn was still glowing light blue, looking at his Trainer with a face that was a little hard to read, most of it covered by his hair. His eyes weren¡¯t red anymore, the Confusion lifted. The horn stopped glowing and he nodded. With a cry, he turned to Melissa.

    Melissa was on her feet. She shook her head and glared at Ralts.

    ¡°Use Dark Pulse!¡± Prof. Oak decided.

    ¡°Ralts, Teleport away from that!¡± Gary said.

    Melissa inhaled big and then exhaled in a loud scream.

    A beam of black and purple circles came out of her mouth.

    Ralts glowed in multiple colors and appeared behind Melissa!

    ¡°THUNDERBOLT!!¡±

    Ralts held out his arms and blasted at Melissa again.

    Gary bared his teeth, struggling to be strong! ¡°GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡±

    ¡°NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡± Melissa shrieked. She stumbled forward and ended up on her back. From her position, she was able to look at Gary.

    Her light-blue eyes tore into Gary¡¯s heart. She looks... pale... Gary realized. As pale as when I last saw her. Before-

    ¡°Little brother... Please...¡± she whimpered. ¡°It...¡±

    ¡°No...¡± Gary whispered, shaking his head.

    She flinched and yellow static surrounded her body. ¡°Gary, it hurts. Help me...¡±

    ¡°GET AWAY FROM MEEEEEEE!! YOU¡¯RE DEEEEEAD!!¡± Gary barked at her. He almost didn¡¯t notice the tears falling from his eyes, but when he did, he stared at the floor, seeing a couple of wet drops. ¡°Ralts...¡± Gary stopped and came to a realization. ¡°Wait... Ralts!¡± He smiled at his Pokemon. ¡°Let¡¯s try and break this all apart! Disarming Voice!¡±

    Ralts opened his mouth and a loud shriek came out, a beam of purple hearts hitting Melissa.

    Melissa sat up and raised an arm against the blast but fell back as she gave in. After that, she stood up, seeming just fine. She gave a nasty smile to Ralts.

    Ralts shouted at her.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to shake the illusion that easily, but a noteworthy attempt, Gary!¡± Prof. Oak commended.

    Gary growled in response at him.

    ¡°Now, another Dark Pulse! Let¡¯s end this!¡±

    ¡°Ralts!¡± Gary¡¯s eyes closed as he pressed the tragus of his ear to the earhole to help keep out the buzzing that was really messing with him. He was sure it was louder than ever! ¡°RALTS! Grrrr! I can¡¯t! Can¡¯t think! HYPNOSIS!¡±

    Melissa used Dark Pulse again.

    Ralts was just staring at Gary! His horn was glowing light blue again.

    Gary¡¯s eyes watched what was going on. ¡°RALTS! Look out!¡±

    Ralts¡¯ entire body glowed brightly. Dark Pulse collided with him, tossing him back. As he hit the ground and slid, his body remained glowing, and started changing!

    Gary gasped. ¡°Ralts! WHOA!¡± He smiled in amazement.

    Prof. Oak beamed, his eyes wide.

    The monster had a small smile as she watched as well.

    Melissa watched with wide, stunned eyes.

    The glow vanished in one bright flash and revealed the new Pokemon. ¡°Kirlia!¡±

    ¡°A Kirlia! Wait, but...¡± Isn¡¯t that a girl? Ralts is a he!

    Kirlia. The Emotion Pokemon. Ralts evolved form. A Psychic and Fairy type Pokemon. This Pokemon uses its horns to distort realities, cause illusions, and rip dimensions. The amount of control they have over this power is incredible, as they could easily bring about global destruction in moments.

    ¡°This is amazing, my boy! You have a fantastic Kirlia there! Congratulations!¡± Prof. Oak approved, clapping.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing work! You both came through for each other!¡± even Father Odd, the monster, was telling Gary, also clapping.

    Wait, so there¡¯s no gender difference? The boy does look like that? Gary looked over to Kirlia.

    Kirlia was struggling back to his feet. When he was up, he crossed one leg in front of the other, and his hands touched in front of his body. He looked back at Gary and his horns glowed light blue.

    Gary laughed a little. ¡°Okay, cool. No problem.¡± So be it. A little skirt... Whatever, ha.

    ¡°Kirlia?¡± Kirlia tilted his head at Gary.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a match to win! You ready?¡± Gary nodded.

    Kirlia¡¯s horns stopped glowing and he faced Melissa. ¡°Kirlia!¡±

    ¡°First, I think it¡¯s time to clear this illusion crap once and for all!¡± Gary had a hardened look on his face now. ¡°Kirlia, do your thing!¡±

    ¡°Kiiiiiiirlia!¡± As a light-blue outline surrounded his eyes, Kirlia¡¯s eyes and horns went entirely black, twinkles seen through the eyes, like stars. His entire body became outlined in light blue. He raised his arms and extended them out from his sides.

    The buzzing was cut off instantly, bringing immediate recognition and relief from Gary.

    Next, Melissa vanished in the blink of an eye, replaced by a big, black bird! Honchkrow!

    After that, Prof. Oak was gone just as fast, Cas now standing there!

    The monster was gone after that, Father Odd taking her place.

    The red eyes stopped appearing, and the gray fog was cleared, the Gym back to its normal look! The only difference was that there were a few new creatures around the room! Gary recognized a Gastly, a Haunter, a Gengar, a Dusclops, and a Misdreavus, but a few others were new to him. They all stared in shock at Gary and Kirlia, and then looked to Cas and Father Odd.

    ¡°Go to your room, everyone,¡± Cas smiled and nodded.

    At once, all the Pokemon flew upward, through the ceiling.

    That upstairs room... Gary realized with shock. They... stay there?

    ¡°Baby? Shall we proceed?¡±

    Gary looked down to her swiftly only to lift his head up again. He went back to Cas and gave his head a hard shake. ¡°Right! Kirlia!¡± Should I do Light Screen? Reflect? He took a breath and released it. He opened his mouth and stopped when he saw Kirlia¡¯s horns glowing light blue. ¡°Kirlia?¡±

    Kirlia stared at him and nodded before looking back at Honchkrow.

    ¡°It¡¯s our turn, then! Dark Pulse, right now!¡± Cas demanded.

    ¡°Kirlia!¡± Kirlia cried, still holding his arms out.

    A rainbow of lights swirled around his entire body and gleamed twice before expanding outward.

    ¡°Hoooonchkrow!¡± Honchkrow opened its beak and blasted back with Dark Pulse.

    The two moves hit and exploded, both Pokemon screaming out as they were tossed backwards! Smoke spread out from the explosion and there was silence as everyone watched and waited.

    ¡°Electivire...¡±

    Gary jumped and stared in shock at Electivire!

    The Pokemon was several feet from Gary, watching as the smoke cleared.

    ¡°Electivire?! How the hell long have-?¡± Gary started.

    ¡°Kirlia is unable to battle! Honchkrow is the winner!¡±

    Gary gasped and whipped back around.

    Kirlia was on his back, laid out.

    Honchkrow was settled down, its head down, eyes closed, and feathers ruffled, shaking its head.

    ¡°Cas and Honchkrow are the winners of this match, the Phobia Badge remaining with Cas!¡± Father Odd finished. He smiled at Gary. ¡°You did good, kid. A great battle.¡±

    Cas walked over to her Pokemon.

    Honchkrow turned to her and closed its eyes as Cas patted its head, and it pushed back happily against her hand.

    ¡°A great job, Honchkrow. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡±

    ¡°Honchkroooow!¡±

    Honchkrow was returned to its Great Ball.

    Gary ran up to Kirlia and got down on one knee. ¡°Thanks, Kirlia. I can¡¯t believe you evolved! That¡¯s as good as any Badge. As long as you¡¯re okay.¡±

    ¡°Kirl...?¡± Kirlia slowly opened his eyes to his Trainer. His horns glowed light blue.

    Gary touched the side of his face, smiling.

    ¡°Kirlia...¡± Kirlia whispered, closing his eyes and smiling back. He rested his face against Gary¡¯s hand before relaxing his body.

    ¡°Rest up, friend. We¡¯ve got a lot of training to do.¡± Gary recalled his Pokemon and stood up as Cas walked up to him. ¡°Cas... I...¡±

    Cas took both of Gary¡¯s hands in hers and pulled him to his feet, taking the boy by surprise as he cried out. She smiled so sweetly at him. ¡°This is yours, Gary.¡± She put something between his hands and let go of him.

    Gary opened his hands to see a Badge!

    It was an eyeball, the black pupil very large.

    Gary looked to her. ¡°What are you doing? I lost! I can¡¯t take this!¡± He grabbed her hand, but Cas was ready for this.

    She used her free hand to grab his wrist that held her and yanked him hard to her face and then wrapped both arms behind his head to deliver a big kiss on his lips.

    Gary¡¯s mouth instinctually opened as he took in a noisy breath and then closed as he pressed them against Cas¡¯. He felt a wet object slip into his mouth that forced his eyes open, and he closed his eyes as he tried to replicate what Cas was doing to him. It felt stupid, sloppy, embarressing, but he was loving every second of it.

    It took a couple of minutes before the two finally broke apart, their faces close to each other, breathing hard.

    ¡°Things got out of hand with my Ghosts,¡± Cas told him. ¡°I can see that they tormented you with what they did, and I feel terrible. Take the Badge. It¡¯s only fair. It¡¯s only right!¡±

    ¡°Then travel with me, Cas. Please!¡±

    ¡°Gary, I can¡¯t do that,¡± Cas shook her head. ¡°That isn¡¯t fair. I won¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°Why??¡±

    ¡°You have someone you traveled with, Gary! A girl!¡±

    Gary pulled away from Cas with wide eyes. ¡°W-wh-what do you mean...?¡±

    Cas smirked at him. ¡°Sweetie, I told you I¡¯m a psychic, didn¡¯t I, baby? I just know these things! And besides, back in Bewilder Forest, you spilled everything out of your bag. I saw... a thing or two you may not be aware of at your young age,¡± she couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, ¡°but there¡¯s no way any boy is carrying that. She was taken while you two were traveling. You¡¯re looking for her. I can¡¯t be there when you find her.¡±

    ¡°Cas...¡± Gary¡¯s shoulders fell with his head, all in shame. ¡°What was I thinking...? You¡¯re right...¡± Why was I about to...? Why would I do that? Gary questioned himself. He looked to Cas. ¡°Cas... So, you¡¯re really a witch?¡±

    Cas¡¯ smile faded some. ¡°Yes, baby. I am.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t mean any offense, but... I just have to ask... did you put, like, a spell on me or something? I feel like, ever since I laid eyes on you, I¡¯ve been... not quite myself, ha ha.¡±

    Cas smiled more and looked off to the side. ¡°No... I don¡¯t think so... I mean, maybe I put together a lil¡¯ somethin¡¯ one night and put out some energy into the air, feelin¡¯ kind of lonely, askin¡¯ for a lil¡¯ someone to keep meh company. Wonderin¡¯ what this love thing was truly all about.¡±

    Gary could just melt at her accent. What a way to speak! Gary swooned. ¡°Then maybe I¡¯m that answer! Cas, travel with me!¡±

    Cas looked down. ¡°Gary, I-¡±

    He grabbed her hands and bent down on one knee, making Cas look down on him. ¡°I did lie, kind of. I admit it. I don¡¯t know what took over me. But that girl is nothing but a friend to me! We¡¯re not interested in each other! But I do know I love you, Cas. Travel with me. You want to explore? Then do it with me! We can show each other so many different things, and even track down this monster! Together! Cas, I love you!¡±

    ¡°Gary, I love you, too...¡± Cas said hesitantly. ¡°I really do.¡± She pulled free one hand and placed it over Gary¡¯s. ¡°Gary...¡±

    ¡°Cas.¡±

    Cas got down with Gary and pulled him towards her.

    They kissed again.

 Cant Let You Go (Remix)

    Cas was the one to pull away from Gary, breaking their kiss, her and Gary left breathless.

    ¡°What I see before me... I can¡¯t even put into words. You¡¯re truly a little sexy ball of magic manifested before me right now,¡± Gary told her. The words he¡¯d never in his right mind say out loud just tumbled out naturally while lost in the incredible eyes of the girl. The sentence itself sounded like nothing he thought would come to mind to begin with! It was more like something out of a movie! It was insane that he had uttered such words, but somehow, he felt calm and confident about it. ¡°Please, travel with me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so nice, but I¡¯m just a girl who lives on the border of somewhere and nowhere,¡± Cas shook her head, a longing look in her eyes.

    ¡°I love you, Cas.¡±

    ¡°Gary, I love you, too.¡±

    ¡°Then-¡±

    ¡°But we have to break this.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t speak, listening to her.

    ¡°I think your partner really cares for you, and you do for her, too. The both of you, with your whole hearts.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s only a-¡±

    ¡°A person you couldn¡¯t be upfront with me about,¡± Cas smiled at him gently.

    Gary wanted to whimper, cry, and beg for her to understand.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know her but she seems like a ray of sunshine in your life. And I don¡¯t want to wreck that. Not to a girl like that.¡±

    ¡°So you want to end all this, is what you¡¯re saying,¡± Gary began to slowly accept.

    Cas closed her eyes and lowered her head. ¡°Yeah... I¡¯m sorry if this hurts you in any way. But we can¡¯t do this to her. It isn¡¯t fair to her. If she really is just a traveling partner, she isn¡¯t even here to welcome me into the group you two have. It might come off backstabbing.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like you¡¯re saying anything wrong.¡± Gary felt stuck for a moment on what else to say, his heart falling far, far into the depths of his body. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what to say.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry it had to come to such an abrupt end. It¡¯s nothing against you and I¡¯m sorry if I brought you any pain... If you had just told me from the beginning... or if you just were traveling alone to begin with, this would be so much different. But I can¡¯t fight what¡¯s right and what¡¯s wrong. And I feel like if we continue down this path, it¡¯s only going to end in sorrow.¡±

    Gary kept his tear-filled eyes to the ground, not wanting to stare at Cas any longer. ¡°I suppose.¡± He blinked, and tears dripped to the floor.

    Cas witnessed this. ¡°You were beautiful and for a short while you gave me something to look forward to. I¡¯ll never forget the feelings you gave me.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t forget how you made me feel, too. I promise that.¡± Perhaps... this is a test? Gary found himself wondering, a little shot of hope filling up his chest and stopping his tears. He looked up slowly to the Gym Leader. ¡°I almost want to fight back a little, to be honest...¡± he tried. ¡°But I feel like you¡¯re pretty adamant about this.¡± He was already giving up again.

    ¡°She¡¯s your partner. I¡¯m just a witch from Ohio. It can¡¯t be any other way.¡±

    ¡°A very special witch... to me...¡± Gary¡¯s voice quivered. ¡°But okay. I guess, that¡¯s it...¡±

    ¡°I suppose so. I hope you don¡¯t resent me.¡±

    ¡°Oh, no. How could I?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡± Cas was now the one looking away from Gary, a hesitant look on her face. ¡°But promise me you¡¯ll never come back here, or seek me out.¡± Her eyes were now on Gary¡¯s eyes, a sharp glare in them.

    This didn¡¯t surprise nor put off Gary. He just stared back easily.

    ¡°Just so there¡¯s no temptation. I¡¯m sorry honey, but I¡¯m an honest woman and this isn¡¯t right.¡±

    Gary just nodded. He couldn¡¯t speak. He wanted to, but he just couldn¡¯t. Is this of my own free will? Or is she using a spell on me right now? Gary was making a joke to himself, but he also couldn¡¯t help but wonder just how much of a joke it was.

    For the first time in his life, he truly believed in witches and magic spells.

    *

    Gary licked the spoon that held so much flavor even though no food was on it anymore. He stared down sadly at the container and tears streamed down his cheeks.

    The container previously held a stew inside, and it was sooooooo delicious to Gary! He had never tasted anything like it!

    Cas had made it for him to take, winking while admitting it was ¡°special" and "something to remember me by."

    While Gary was a little uncomfortable taking it, he let that go after one hesitant taste she insisted he have. Some time later that night, in the middle of the woods, Gary had finished the surprisingly still-hot meal, crying the entire time. Touched that she had even sent him away with food. He sighed with sadness and looked around him.

    Electivire was still gone, having left some time ago to cause a ruckus in the forest, training by himself.

    Galvantula was settled on the ground, staring at Gary, which creeped him out.

    Magneton hovered over Galvantula, staring at Gary but not disturbing the kid as much.

    Raichu sat by Gary, his ears perked up as his eyes looked around trying to identify random noises.

    Gary¡¯s Pokemon were in their Poke Balls, next up to eat after June¡¯s.

    What do these things want from me? Gary questioned, knowing he knew the answer. I can¡¯t help you guys. He refused to even look them in the eyes. I just have to feed you dudes, but after that, stay away! I¡¯ve even kept you guys in shape and battled! I know what you all want! I¡¯m not June, though! I can¡¯t talk to you or give you the proper attention you want! I¡¯m sorry! I don¡¯t know where June is! I don¡¯t know how to find her! I hear you guys speak to me, needing answers, every day! Gary finally glared at the three Pokemon. ¡°What?¡± he asked shortly.

    Not one Pokemon answered him.

    An explosion went off from far away, but everyone ignored Electivire by now except for the animals that were still around.

    ¡°Look, you all ate, I let you all stretch out and do what you want, but you just wanna freak me out and I¡¯m not in the mood!¡± Gary stared right at Galvantula. ¡°I can¡¯t-!¡± He inhaled hard, unsure of what to tell her or the other Pokemon. ¡°Guys, I don¡¯t have time for this crap!¡± He soon returned the three Pokemon back. And I¡¯m sick of that thing, too! Gary thought irritably of Electivire. I have to gain control of him. Electivire cannot just go around doing what he wants! At least he isn¡¯t bothering me, though... He must just want to defeat that thing that captured June. That was his goal. Gary¡¯s eyes closed as hot tears formed. A shared goal... Between him, and Hitmonchan...

    ¡°They share a different goal,¡± June had explained a long while back to Gary about Electivire and Hitmonchan.

    ¡°Share a different goal?¡± Gary questioned.

    June nodded. ¡°One wants to stop Team Solace. The other, wants to beat that... beast... And they support one another. They¡¯re like best friends. Who¡¯d have thought Electivire could make a friend?¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, witnessing a tear roll down June¡¯s cheek.

    Gary blinked a few times. Electivire, having a friend... Yeah. Who¡¯d have thought? Electivire lost something close to him... He sat in silence, thinking about his Pokemon he still had to feed before finally getting up and putting June¡¯s Pokemon bowls away.

    That was when he recalled something. Back in Bewilder Forest, when he had spilled the contents of June¡¯s bag in front of Cas. He reached in June¡¯s bag and pulled out the item that had caught his attention back then. A Water Stone. Gary turned it in his hand. Weird. Where¡¯d she get this? he wondered. Suddenly, his memory was jogged as he recalled Stone Town, a town in the Kanto region.

    June had earned an Evolution stone while there after she won a battling competition. After an incident that nearly cost her her Eevee¡¯s life, she was given an extra stone, a Leaf Stone, which she gave to Gary.

    She chose the Water Stone for herself? Gary wondered. But she trains Electric types. Who evolves on her team by stone? Pikachu, well, when she had Pikachu. She traded it to Rob, right? Eevee... What else? There has to be something else. Why else would she have a Water Stone? Wouldn¡¯t she choose Jolteon over Vaporeon? Why¡¯d she never tell me the stone she chose? He returned the stone back to the bag and continued to put everything else away.

    When Gary¡¯s Pokemon came out and he gave them their food, the six of them chomping away, Gary was able to return to his thoughts again. This lasted only a second as he jumped from a frightening noise that certainly came from Electivire. Ignoring it, he watched the eating Pokemon.

    The Pokemon were relatively calm knowing the wild sounds were from Electivire, but they weren¡¯t completely at ease, either.

    Gary was starting to feel sleepy now, his eyes shutting, so he slapped himself hard on each side of the face.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    His Pokemon all turned to him, chewing.

    Gary shut his eyes and shook his head sharply. When they opened, he kept them wide. Stay up, man. No point in sleeping now. We¡¯re not even that far off from the next city. Jubilife City. I can get my next Badge, and finally make some calls. And after that, I know Canalave City is not far. Finally.

    He looked behind him and then back to his Pokemon. Prof. Oak... he thought sadly. I can¡¯t believe it, sir. He looked up to the night sky and inhaled. Things will never be the same. He closed his eyes as they started to tear, and his head lowered quickly. Hitmonchan... His back leaned against a nearby tree. Cas... Tears were running down his cheeks. I¡¯ve lost... everything. June. His hands rubbed at his eyes, and then he stared at the ground. Crap, man... More tears started to roll out from his eyes and he sniffled. Why couldn¡¯t she just come with me? How am I supposed to handle all of this on my own? I have no one. Even Charizard isn¡¯t with me right now. All I had in the world left was Cas... He was watching his Pokemon now, staring at their food bowls. ¡°You guys aren¡¯t done yet?!¡± Gary snapped at them.

    The Pokemon turned to him and then turned to their bowls in response to his outburst.

    Kirlia¡¯s horn glowed light blue. When the glow went away, he, Scizor, Clamperl and Sabrina started digging into their bowls even faster.

    Primeape and Hoothoot eyed Gary silently.

    Inhaling big, Gary puffed out his chest, glaring at them all. When he released his breath, he ended up sucking his teeth. He was tempted to just recall the Pokemon back, dump their food on the ground and collect the bowls, and just take off. Where? He stared at his hands as he held them up to his face. His arms were trembling. With a determined look coming over his face, his hands made fists and he nodded quickly. I can¡¯t, Gary decided, narrowing his eyebrows. Cas. Cas, I love you! He returned every one of his Pokemon and in fact tossed any remaining food onto the ground before putting the bowls back in his bag. He slipped his arms into the straps of his bag and then jumped at the sound of something approaching.

    Electivire had returned with a brisk walk.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE! GET JUNE¡¯S BAG!!¡± Gary then took off through the woods, leaving behind a confused Electivire and all of June¡¯s other Pokemon and stuff. He barely thought about what he just did as he tore through the grassy dirt ground, stomping the path with a look of desperation and hope on his face. A smirk came over his mouth. I don¡¯t know how to take a hint, but I love you, Cas. This feeling you gave me, I can¡¯t let it go so easily. I can¡¯t give up like this. Whether it¡¯s a spell you¡¯ve put on me, or for the first time, I¡¯m actually in love, but I have to try and convince you to make this work, for us. I have to try at least one more time if I truly love you, Cas.

    A couple of creatures ran away through the grass, startled as the human charged through the nighttime woods. Cries and shouts came out, and animals fluttered into the air, bugs and birds alike.

    Rattata, Gary thought absentmindedly, recognizing a Pokemon, but he didn¡¯t slow down. Cas. Cas. Cas. Despite charging through utter darkness, Gary magically reached the area where the Powerzone Gym was. He stopped, out of breath, and bent over to get his hands on his knees. He couldn¡¯t see Cas in the limited area, so he went straight for the Gym. Before he reached the large, open double doors, he came to a stop, gasping with a huge, openmouthed smile. ¡°Cas!¡±

    Cas was stepping out of her Gym building, yawning cutely, her hand over her mouth. Her hair didn¡¯t seem to be well brushed, but wasn¡¯t a total mess, either. She also was noticeably absent on makeup, though it took nothing away from her beauty to Gary. It was in fact a far better look to him. Another thing that stood out to Gary was the top Cas had on. Nothing more than a black and gray sports bra, matching pajama pants underneath. Her mouth went to one side tightly, her eyes off to the same side, and she stretched her left arm downward, her right hand raising up to her shoulder. Once she saw Gary, she gasped and covered her chest, backing up a couple of steps. ¡°Gary?!¡±

    Cas wasn¡¯t that big of a girl, but certainly had a little weight on her, Gary¡¯s eyes glued to her chunky stomach before forcing his vision back to her face. Oh, mama... Gary couldn¡¯t believe what he was witnessing. Yes. This girl is the one! Gary was certain. ¡°Cas!¡± He walked over to her, taking in every bit of this enchanting, lucky moment. Cas... He beamed uncontrollably at her and finally stopped walking as he was now within a mere couple of feet of her presence.

    ¡°Gary, what are you doing here??¡± Cas cried.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I guess you¡¯ve forgotten all about me, and don¡¯t wish to see me anymore, huh?¡± Gary stared at her sadly, hoping with every fiber of his being that she would deny these things.

    Cas tightened her arms around her body and looked down. ¡°No... I was actually just thinking about you, Gary. But...¡± She looked at him. ¡°Gary, why have you come back?¡±

    ¡°Because what I feel for you, I don¡¯t see happening again with anyone. You... were special, Cas. And always will be to me.¡± Gary was begging, pleading for Cas to say she felt the same way about him as he stared at her with watery eyes.

    ¡°You were special to me, too, honey,¡± Cas admitted, looking at the boy.

    Gary¡¯s heart flipped repeatedly with joy, and he stepped closer to her. ¡°I still love you, baby,¡± Gary went on slowly, wanting more, wanting to touch her bare arms. Wanting to hold her revealed shoulders. Wanting to rub her bare, lower back. Wanting to kiss those lips forever! ¡°That won¡¯t change.¡± He got even closer, ready to grab her hands. ¡°You¡¯ve forever affected me. So I had to... I-¡±

    ¡°Gary, I told you not to come back here...¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary froze, taken aback by her sentence. His heart started to crack. ¡°Cas, I can¡¯t!¡±

    Cas just shook her head, her big, lovely eyes wooing Gary. ¡°No. We can¡¯t, Gary. I told you, I¡¯m an honest woman. What we want just isn¡¯t right.¡±

    Cas¡¯ sweet, sweet, almost Southern accent wasn¡¯t helping to persuade Gary to stay away. In fact, the more she spoke, the more he wanted to marry the girl!

    ¡°You need to worry about your friend.¡±

    ¡°Stop bringing her up! Please!¡± Gary insisted.

    She just shook her head. ¡°I do love you, Gary.¡±

    ¡°Then there¡¯s no problem, Cas!¡±

    Cas didn¡¯t speak after that, staring at Gary with sadness, a pleading in her eyes.

    ¡°I love you, Cas.¡± Gary¡¯s voice was weakening to a croak. ¡°Don¡¯t do this to me. Don¡¯t leave me. Not after what you did to me. Your spell, your love and attention, our kisses. All you¡¯ve done, you can¡¯t just leave me like this. Cas, I love you.¡± Gary was now just letting the tears fall, his last resort to keep the girl he had fallen in love with.

    Cas closed her eyes and lowered her head, tears falling down her cheeks as well. ¡°It¡¯s not fair to blame me like that... To say I put a spell on you...¡± Her eyes opened, glittering behind tears. ¡°I never put a spell on you. I didn¡¯t force this to happen!¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. You didn¡¯t force this. I¡¯m legitimately in love! I love who you are! I love how you are!¡± He sniffled. ¡°Don¡¯t... Cas. Please!¡±

    ¡°This is why I said not to come back. Because it¡¯s wrong! And it¡¯s so tempting to go back to what we were...¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go back, and stay there!¡± Gary was beginning to feel hopeful again. He smiled. ¡°Baby. Cas, pleeeeeease.¡±

    Cas stared, not answering. She looked down, thinking.

    ¡°Cas?¡± Gary held his breath. Please, Cas... He started to reach out to her hands.

    In that instant, Cas looked at his eyes.

    Gary ended up freezing in place. ¡°Cas?¡± Just grab her hands! Make her feel your love! Gary screamed in his head. Why can¡¯t I move??

    Cas sniffled and closed her eyes, turning her head away. ¡°Take care, honey. And be careful with...¡± Her head tilted, as if wanting to stare at Gary, but stopping short. ¡°...Sea.¡±

    Gary finally broke free of the hold keeping him from moving, and desperately tried one last time to touch Cas. ¡°If I said I wanted you to not leave because you have my heart in a death grip, what would you say??¡± He reached out and grabbed her shoulders as she turned her back on him.

    Gary went right through Cas¡¯ body!

    Screaming, Gary hit the cement ground of... a city?! Gasping, Gary looked around him in confusion. ¡°What...?¡±

    Around Gary that night were several skyscrapers and other shorter buildings, lights glowing in numerous windows, with displays and billboards all over the sidewalks. Many men and women of all ages, heights, and skin colors, looked at Gary like he was a crazy person, some even pulling out their phones to take a picture or film him. Some people were just walking by as if they hadn¡¯t seen the kid at all.

    Gary¡¯s eyes stretched as wide as they could possibly get. He got to his feet and struggled to keep his balance, terrified of his sudden surroundings.

    The forest and grass were all gone. Had he just been teleported to a new location?

    ¡°Electivire!¡±

    Gary turned quickly and gasped. ¡°Electivire!¡±

    Electivire stood several feet from Gary, in the middle of the crowd, holding the strap of June¡¯s bag. He also looked surprised, staring at the new people and environment.

    Gary made a full circle, trying to make sense of what had happened. He then stopped in disbelief at what stood before his eyes. Seconds later, everything made complete sense to him. And now, he was pissed. ¡°HEY!!¡± He pointed at the thing that brought such fury into his heart, and he charged after the Pokemon, getting past Electivire who stayed still.

    The Pokemon took off, getting lost easily in the crowd of people and the tight setup of huge buildings.

    People screamed and pointed as it got around them, even leaping over groups, and Gary kept up his chase, the scared people confirming where the Pokemon had last been. ¡°HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYY!!!¡± Gary bellowed. ¡°GET BACK HERRRRRRE!!¡± He grabbed at a Poke Ball and tossed it, not fully thinking out his plan. He flew past his own Pokemon he had let out.

    ¡°PRRRRIME!!¡± Primeape immediately chased after Gary. Even though his Trainer was moving at top speed, Primeape was having no trouble keeping up. ¡°PRIME! PRIME!!¡± The vicious Pokemon was loving the game that seemed to be going on, bouncing and leaping, swinging out punches and kicking wildly.

    As the pair turned another corner, someone screamed loudly.

    ¡°PRIMEAPE!! DON¡¯T HIT ANYONE!! JUST GET THAT POKEMON!!¡± Gary pointed.

    ¡°PRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMEAAAAAAAAAAPE!!!¡± At that, Primeape blasted ahead of Gary and followed the path of the Pokemon they were chasing.

    ¡°GET THAT STANTLER, PRIMEAAAAAAAAAAPE!!!¡± Gary demanded, enraged. All this time, it was all just a stupid illusion! Gary yelled in his head. I wasn¡¯t back with Cas at all! With a ferocious roar, tears also falling, Gary did his best to locate the two Pokemon that disappeared around another curve. He finally made that turn less than a minute later and came to a stop after several seconds as a crowd formed around an incident. Inhaling hard, he ran into the crowd and shoved his way through, grabbing people, tossing people, elbowing his way into the middle of everything until finally, he broke through and landed hard on his knees. He gasped sharply in pain but focused on his Primeape.

    Primeape was kicking and punching at Stantler, and with a final kick, Stantler cried out and collapsed.

    Gary pushed himself to his feet quickly and dug into his pocket. ¡°HEY! GO!!¡± Gary came out with a Poke Ball and quickly enlarged it, throwing it right after.

    The Poke Ball hit Stantler and opened, pulling it in by a red beam. The ball landed and shook, shook, and shook some more before...

    PING!

    The red light remained, and then the Poke Ball glowed, disappearing in seconds.

    Primeape turned to Gary, raising his fists and grunting with pride.

    There were even a few claps in the crowd.

    Gary was done, though. He fell harder than he had planned on his butt and sat there, not happy one bit. Glaring, in fact.

    Primeape noticed this and the happiness was removed from his face as his arms dropped. ¡°Prrrime?¡±

    Gary wasn¡¯t mad at Primeape, and looked away from him. Still crying, he grabbed a Poke Ball and held it out.

    ¡°Hoooooot!!¡± Hoothoot appeared, flapping his wings and lowering himself to the ground to stand on one foot.

    Gary held out his open hand to Hoothoot. ¡°Foresight!¡±

    Hoothoot stared at the object in Gary¡¯s hand and his eyes glowed red, shining red lights on Gary¡¯s Phobia Badge. When the lights went away, the Badge remained.

    Gary made a fist, enclosing the Badge, and just stared at his fist. He blinked, and more tears flowed down his cheeks.

    Hoothoot looked at his Trainer and cocked his head.

    So the Badge is real, Gary accepted. It was all real. Except for the last part... With never-ending tears, Gary couldn¡¯t help but wonder if maybe the final illusion was done on purpose by Cas to keep him away from her. This possibility hurt him. But not as much as the general loss he felt in his heart.

    He could accept that Cas had to do what she had to to keep him from returning if she didn¡¯t want him.

    But the fact that he felt he had found something. Something that he never thought he would, nor that it would feel so amazing, and powerful. Just to lose it just as fast.

    Hurt more than anything else that he¡¯d felt since June was taken.

 Stirring The Pot

    Gary cried in his sleeping bag, thinking about Cas. Actually, he felt a lot better than he had last night. But better didn¡¯t mean he was just alright. He had a broken heart, and while he questioned what exactly put him head over heels in the first place, the painful results of having a relationship end were torturous. His heart felt out of place in his chest, and he knew that ripping it out was the cure to all his issues right now.

    At one point, he wanted to just release his Pokemon and return back home, or leave the Pokemon with Prof. Sketchit. Either way, that feeling had passed soon enough as more senses came into his head. He knew that he had fallen for the girl way too soon, and was still struggling with the possibility of Cas being a real witch who had put a spell on him in the first place! He just couldn¡¯t believe how quickly and strongly he fell for her, and was thinking it was either witchcraft, or he had simply lost his mind. I even took off and left June¡¯s Pokemon behind... Gary reminded himself.

    Gary had spent much of the night between the Pokemon Center, the city of Jubilife, the woods that led into the city, and finally the exiting woods. He had failed to locate Electivire, or June¡¯s bag, even with the help of a couple of Officer Jennys. Gary was told to rest when it was almost three in the morning, but he refused and kept up the search. At some point, the sky just starting to lighten up, his thoughts wavering between June and her Pokemon, and Cas, he gave up, mentally beaten up, and ended up in his sleeping bag. He cried out of control over Cas before he knew it, and passed out asleep.

    Waking up hours later, the sun now high and bright, he was still sniffling tearfully. Be careful with the sea... Gary found himself remembering the last thing he had heard from Cas. What did that mean? The water? I hate swimming. Why would she tell me to be careful with it? He breathed out in a light snicker. It wasn¡¯t even Cas. It was some weird ass illusion. Whatever... Despite the sadness within him, Gary knew he¡¯d be okay. He felt it in his heart. Felt... the spell wearing off?

    He shook his head and crawled out of his bag to stand up. Shoving his hands into his back and leaning backwards while groaning, he relaxed into a yawn. After rolling up and putting away his sleeping bag, he stared in the direction of the city. I should go collect my Pokemon, Gary remembered. I left them with Nurse Joy before continuing looking for Electivire. Speaking of... I need to make some calls. He let his breath out through his nose but just stood there. Prof. Oak... No more phone calls, huh, sir? His teary eyes looked into the sky and he closed them, tears falling right out. He sniffled and wiped at his eyes, and his head fell, his shoulders slumping. Prof. Oak, sir... Sir... You held such a huge role in helping me put together my life as Pokemon Trainer, and yet I feel so unprepared to continue now that you¡¯re gone, he thought mournfully. As if I didn¡¯t know all you did for me. And for so many Trainers. You gave your life to save everyone.

    Gary began to walk back into the city. And June, I won¡¯t leave here until I find your Pokemon, he promised. He promised, and yet, somewhere deep down in his chest, he tried to deny that he felt that he wanted to keep up on his journey no matter what. Get his Badges. Challenge the Sinnoh League. Find that monster. Kill that monster. Save June?

    He walked along a cement path into Jubilife City, which was lined on each side by trees, bushes, and grass. Before long, he was in the concrete jungle itself. How he had explored the entire city, even with the help of the patrol car driven by Officer Jenny, still amazed him, but all that traveling got him to recognize key spots. He knew where the Pokemon Center, Poketch shops, and a few other locations were, some of which he had forgotten about until he went by them again.

    Gary craned his neck back and stared at the big, dark-blue building that had the words Poketch Company in a matching blue color. He walked by it. Would be cool to be able to afford one of those... he considered. He thought of Prof. Sketchit¡¯s XX version he had worn and used to flip a coin to decide who would get Squirtle between Robin and Gary when both argued for the Starter Pokemon, Charmander.

    ¡°I¡¯m a Poketch campaign clown! Can you solve my question?¡±

    Gary turned to the sudden voice.

    ¡°WOW! We found one right by the Poketch Company! Can you believe our luck since getting here?¡± a guy cried out, a thrilled look on his face as he observed a classic clown.

    Beside the guy was a young lady in a light-blue miniskirt and a beige shirt. She looked nervously at the clown.

    The clown looked like it was wearing a costume to look fat and rounded, but this couldn¡¯t be confirmed. The face was covered in various colors. ¡°What Pokemon did a boy reportedly turn into-?¡±

    Gary kept moving, and after a while of crossing streets, making turns around corners, all while getting through constant crowds, Gary finally found himself in front of the ugliest Pokemon Center design he had ever seen in his life.

    The building looked normal less than halfway up, but after that, there was an added department that was a lot thinner than the section it sat on, a pink P on it near the top. It just looked really awkward and lazy, with absolutely no effort or care put into it, especially compared to the robust city energy surrounding it.

    Gary went through the doors that opened for him and walked through the yellow lobby. Even that color kind of bothered Gary. It was so bright, and kind of gross.

    Nurse Joy saw him and smiled so brightly next to her happy Chansey, both of them wearing a nurse¡¯s hat with a blue cross. ¡°Oh, Gary! How are you this morning?¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart did a jump of love before he thought about Tyrogue, causing his heart to dive back down into a death dive. He swallowed. Tyrogue... Hitmonchan... His smile went away as he flinched, almost feeling a good punch in his face from both Pokemon, one swing at each cheek. He looked to either side of him and then sighed, lowering his head and walking away for a phone booth. He sat on the bench in one and stared at the computer that also had a phone receiver beside it. While thinking of his mother at first, he then thought of Prof. Oak. This was followed by Prof. Cynthia, though he had no reason to call her. ¡°My mom, for sure,¡± Gary said out loud, and he took the receiver to punch in her number.

    The screen was blue as the phone rang, and rang, and rang, and rang.

    Where is she? I know she must have been- Gary thought.

    Finally, the screen revealed the living room of his house, his mother in front of the screen with the phone receiver to her ear. ¡°Gary?!¡± she cried out loudly.

    ¡°MOM! Hey.¡± He smiled at her.

    She sighed heavily and nodded. After letting out a second breath, she shook her head. ¡°What?¡± she asked moodily.

    Gary sighed and lowered his head. ¡°Just thought you¡¯d want a phone call from me is all?¡±

    ¡°Why? I let you go off on this stupid journey. What do you care about calling me for?¡±

    ¡°So you don¡¯t want me to?¡± he asked sadly, looking at her. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°What I want has never meant anything to you, Gary, or you¡¯d be home right now!¡± she yelled.

    Gary was stuck. He had taken a one-two punch and was down for the count with those words. There was no argument to use against her. He had put himself into a corner.

    ¡°What, you have a bunch of new Pokemon, and some Badges, and whatever else you do?¡± Gary¡¯s mom went on in her son¡¯s silence. ¡°Well I don¡¯t care! I don¡¯t care about any of that! I am glad you¡¯re alive, okay? But-¡± She swallowed and took a big breath. ¡°Gary, I am glad you''re alive and all, but I don¡¯t know why you would leave after what happened at that tournament. You were hurt, and lost Prof. Oak. I thought, for sure, you¡¯d give up. But you only continued. I didn¡¯t know what to say when you said you¡¯d be traveling again, and so I let you go. But I can¡¯t believe you really flew off to that place you¡¯re in right now. What is it called?¡±

    ¡°Sinnoh,¡± was all Gary said as he lowered his head again.

    ¡°Yeah. I heard it¡¯s really cold over there. Do you have a proper coat?¡±

    ¡°I do. I brought all I will need.¡±

    ¡°You know, I know about your girlfriend. I know she was kidnapped. Kiwi told me. It was on the news.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, staring at his mom again. ¡°Huh?¡± He didn¡¯t know what to say, and that was all that came out.

    ¡°With her kidnapped, you want to find her now, right? I¡¯ve come to accept that you won¡¯t leave until you find that Pokemon that kidnapped her.¡±

    ¡°That thing isn¡¯t a Pokemon, mom. I tried capturing it.¡± Gary made sure that statement was the priority, knowing what his mother was doing. Blaming Pokemon. ¡°And June isn¡¯t my girlfriend. She¡¯s just a friend.¡±

    ¡°Well, Team Solace said it was, and many others are saying the same thing. Scientists and professors,¡± his mother fought back.

    Gary grit his teeth, but didn¡¯t know how to respond.

    Taking advantage of his silence, his mother continued, ¡°And this girl is a friend you¡¯ve known for a little while now, and you won¡¯t leave without her, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course! How can you expect me to leave??¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re my son! I know she means a lot to you, but how does a mother expect her son to not return to the safety of her home? It¡¯s because I¡¯m your mother! I understand, though. For once, I understand. Not because of this obsession you have for Pokemon, but I understand trying to save a girl.¡±

    His cheeks burning hot, Gary wanted to argue against this, but how could he? Sure, he wasn¡¯t there to solely save June, but it did become amongst his top priorities. And he knew if it came down to continuing his Badge collecting, or dropping that to save his friend, she¡¯d come first. That monster had to be stopped, one way or another. Gary only inhaled and then exhaled.

    ¡°So, you can call me whenever you like, but I am still not happy that my son could be next to go missing. Then, what will I have, Gary? Your... dedication to your... friend is admirable, and honorable, don¡¯t get me wrong; but my daughter is gone, and so is my husband, and my son is all I have left. Just remember that.¡±

    Gary only nodded.

    ¡°Is that all, then?¡± his mother asked.

    Gary took another deep breath before exhaling. ¡°I¡¯ll call you in every town I can. My cell phone doesn¡¯t work anymore, but I¡¯ll call you whenever I can. Mom, I just need help right now. I need someone. I can¡¯t lose my family, too.¡±

    ¡°Gary, you¡¯ve always had, and always will have, your family. We just want you back home.¡±

    Gary opened his mouth, but what he wanted to say wouldn¡¯t make his mother happy, so he shut it and just nodded.

    The two sat in silence, staring at each other.

    ¡°So is that it?¡± Gary¡¯s mom asked again.

    Gary lowered his eyes and nodded, smirking as he looked back at her. ¡°See you soon.¡±

    His mom shook her head. ¡°You mean speak to me soon.¡±

    Gary¡¯s teeth clenched as he started to get angry. He struggled hard to hold it in, and he was sure a sneer had crossed his lips for only a second. ¡°Yeah. Bye.¡± He hung up by pressing the button labeled Esc on the keyboard, turning the screen back to blue. Her and her bull, Gary thought bitterly. Always trying to guilt trip me. But I guess I can understand her, too, he admitted. I¡¯m her son. Would I not be the same way for my kids? He closed his eyes and thought for a bit. All that was on his mind was Prof. Oak, so he knew what he had to do. His eyes opened and he dialed another number and listened to the ringing.

    The screen now revealed Kiwi!

    Kiwi leered out at Gary from behind glasses, a slight blue glare in the lenses. Her eyes widened. ¡°Gary.¡±

    ¡°Kiwi!¡± Gary replied. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here! Where¡¯s Prof. Sketchit?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s been busy. I¡¯ve been helping him and also taking the phone calls.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Gary didn¡¯t know what else to add to that. He wasn¡¯t even fully sure why he had called. He took a big breath in just to release it. ¡°So, how are things with you and Prof. Sketchit?¡±

    Kiwi nodded. ¡°Cool.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Gary nodded back. ¡°Well, you noticed how many Pokemon I¡¯ve caught? Not bad, huh?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten a single one from you, actually.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart fell from its place in his chest and down, down, down to his toes. ¡°What??¡±

    ¡°Prof. Cynthia is the one who has been receiving them, of course. Didn¡¯t you know that?¡±

    ¡°Cynthia?!¡± Gary leaned forward.

    ¡°Professor, Cynthia, to you, Gary,¡± Kiwi frowned.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Right. Professor. What is she doing with them, though??¡±

    ¡°Duh, we set it up so you¡¯d get the updated Sinnoh Pokedex from her and you, Aly, and Rob would have all your Pokemon sent to her since you are in her region. Didn¡¯t she tell you that?¡±

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t think so, at least.¡±

    ¡°You must not have been listening. Anyway, how many do you own, now?¡±

    ¡°Uh...¡± Gary couldn¡¯t remember an exact number. Kricketot... Or Tune...? Pidgeotto, Riolu, something else... ¡°Like, ten, I think? I¡¯ve caught a good number. I¡¯m finally used to this whole thing and I can handle it. I¡¯m running into so many cool Pokemon out here!¡±

    ¡°Great, but it honestly took you long enough. Back in Kanto you were dead last in the rankings of captured Pokemon between us, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    Gary sucked his teeth. ¡°Yeah well I¡¯ll destroy all of you once I¡¯m done in Sinnoh!¡±

    ¡°Maybe me, because I¡¯m done with my journey, but Aly and Rob? Ha! We¡¯ll see!¡±

    Gary growled at her. ¡°Just you watch!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in contact with Prof. Cynthia, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    After a little bit of silence, Gary finally asked, ¡°So, how are Aly and Rob doing?¡±

    ¡°Rob is in Sinnoh now, but I haven¡¯t heard from him yet, funny enough.¡±

    ¡°OH! Rob got here?? Awesome!!¡± Gary beamed happily. ¡°That¡¯s great!¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Catherine is better, so he finally left. And Aly had left Jubilife City after a pretty bad loss to-¡±

    ¡°Jubilife City?? That¡¯s where I am!¡± Gary interrupted.

    ¡°Oh. Well, she left days ago. Went two matches and gave up in a fury. Said the Gym Leader was just too rough.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s Aly, alright,¡± Gary snickered.

    ¡°Jupiter¡¯s no lightweight, Gary. She hasn¡¯t been defeated in years!¡±

    ¡°Wait, what??¡± Gary¡¯s eyes widened, and he instantly thought of Kanto¡¯s Pewter City Gym Leader, Aurora, who he never defeated.

    ¡°You should look into Jupiter. She¡¯s an ex-con. She used to work for a gang named Team Galactic. They were shut down a long time ago, and after quitting what was left of the gang, she turned herself in, served her time, and decided to lead a clean life as a Pokemon Trainer. The late Professor Rowan assisted her, giving her her Pokedex and everything. She¡¯s grown to become one of the strongest Trainers in Sinnoh, many say. Not to mention, she uses Poison types, a dangerous type to mess around with. Her Gym also utilizes a Fog technique throughout the match that¡¯ll make it hard for you and your Pokemon to see. But it also affects her own. I¡¯ll be honest, Gary. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll beat her, either.¡±

    Gary stared at her with little expression, and then his eyes tightened a little as his jaw clenched up. ¡°I¡¯ll be just fine against her.¡±

    Kiwi only nodded.

    I haven¡¯t even beaten Aurora, though, Gary admitted to himself. Could this girl be as bad? Worse, even?

    ¡°Anyway, Aly ended up lost but found her way to Eterna City and obtained her first Badge there only a few hours ago,¡± Kiwi informed Gary.

    ¡°Oh, she got lost?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I said.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart beat a little faster, his eyes tightening on Kiwi¡¯s smart-mouth answer. ¡°I¡¯ll get the Badge here, alright? And then I¡¯ll go right to Canalave after. Nothing¡¯s gonna slow me down. None of these Gyms, or anything. I have to get to Canalave City!¡±

    ¡°I know, Gary. I know,¡± Kiwi nodded calmly. ¡°Let me know what you find, okay?¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Of course! I¡¯m gonna go to the Gym right now and-!¡±

    ¡°Okay. See you.¡±

    The call disconnected, the screen going blue again.

    ¡°Huh??¡± Gary gasped. ¡°What happened?? Did we get disconnected?¡± Gary could clearly remember Kiwi putting the phone receiver down. She hung up on me! he realized. He snickered to himself, not cracking a smile. Wow, Kiwi. Are you that busy there? Or are you just... different nowadays? She¡¯s definitely more serious, like Prof. Oak told us she would be. But that¡¯s to be expected. At least she¡¯s safe with us; safe at home. He let out a sigh and left the phone booth.

    ¡°The Sinnoh Underground remains locked down despite protests from the dedicated few, led by Oreburgh City¡¯s Rock Gym Leader, Roark,¡± someone said.

    Gary looked to the hanging TV screen to see that the news was on.

    A white woman in a sleeveless, soft-looking gray shirt sat at a polished white desk.

    Beside her was a white male, but his skin had just a bit more color to it than the woman¡¯s. He wore a bright, all-white suit, including the tie.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°He reasons that, while some lives have been lost due to accidents in the Underground, closing it is not necessary, and there just needs to be renovations, and qualifying guides present in the future,¡± the female was saying. ¡°In the meantime, it¡¯s also being discussed if the Underground should just be demolished!¡±

    ¡°In other news, Team Solace strikes again,¡± the man picked up as the camera focused on him.

    In the upper left corner of the screen, a mountain was shown, the words Stark Surprise in bold, white words.

    ¡°Also in the Sinnoh region, Stark Mountain nearly was destroyed when Team Solace apparently tried to freeze parts of the mountain with what¡¯s being described by eyewitnesses as some kind of a huge cannon spraying out ice and snow. This resulted in a dangerous chain reaction, causing the volcano to erupt. When Trainers inside tried to stop the act, Team Solace released a large amount of Cryogonal, who are accustomed to the cold.¡±

    A picture of a blue creature resembling a giant snowflake, a spooky face hidden within, was shown in front of the mountain.

    Whoa! That¡¯s a Pokemon? Gary stared in surprise.

    ¡°It¡¯s been reported that while Team Solace fled, the Cryogonal continued trying to cool down the volcanic environment. Trainers attempted to stop them but many found themselves trapped between icy chain traps or otherwise frozen solid as the Cryogonal were trying to protect themselves. Wild Pokemon were said to also be trying to stop them, but the number of Cryogonal, as well as their desperation to survive in the heat, was overwhelming. In the end, the fire conquered ice, the returning volcanic heat becoming too much for the Ice type Pokemon, and they were melted into vapors and Stark Mountain remains safe as ever. A victory for the victims within Stark Mountain fighting the Cryogonal, but a loss to anyone with heart and sympathy for the Cryogonal who experts believe were likely taken from their native Unova region against their will for an evil plot by the terrorist group Team Solace.¡±

    ¡°And in other news, we¡¯re gonna give it to Sophie for the Sinnoh Now news on some Spotlight Trainers!¡± the woman continued as the view now held both reporters. ¡°Sophie?¡±

    The screen immediately featured a much more fuller-shaped woman in a red suit and skirt. She had fair skin, blonde hair, blue eyes, and plump, red lips. ¡°Thank you, Margaret. This is Sophie with Sinnoh Now news, the report on what¡¯s hip and now, in Sin-now!¡± She giggled, her eyes closing with delight. She stood next to a young guy.

    He was likely in his early twenties and looked nervous standing next to the shapely woman, smiling awkwardly into the camera, but his eyes kept shooting back to Sophie¡¯s curvy lower half.

    ¡°Mr. Vince Parrolli, tell me how you feel after such a crushing defeat with Jupiter here at the Jubilife City Gym.¡±

    ¡°Jubilife?!¡± Gary cried out.

    ¡°Aha! She was sure strong! It¡¯s no wonder she¡¯s considered one of the best Sinnoh has!¡± he laughed lightly. ¡°I-I-I don¡¯t really know what to say. We brought Psychic and even fellow Poison types here, and still were demolished. I¡¯m just grateful to Arceus we got out of there alive, ha...¡± He grabbed a necklace he wore and held the design up.

    The design looked like an almost full, golden circle, but there was a gap at the top and bottom of it. In the middle of it was a full circle that had two sharp points inside, facing each other. Two sharp spears were shoved through the design to come out of the four corners of the larger circle, connecting it with the smaller circle without cutting through that.

    Arceus. The Alpha Pokemon, Gary knew. Said to be the creator of the entire universe. The most powerful of all Pokemon. If it really exists. He must definitely believe in it if he has that.

    A sad look came over Vince¡¯s face as he looked to the camera. ¡°I wish luck to any future Trainers trying to challenge her. She¡¯s not to play around with! I can¡¯t advise you at all on how to beat her! She¡¯s... a monster! May Arceus guide anyone attempting to defeat her.¡±

    Sophie turned to the camera. ¡°You heard it here first, everyone. Future challengers, beware!¡± She smiled at the guy. ¡°Thank you for your time.¡±

    He smiled weakly, not even able to turn to her, and walked away with his head down.

    Gary walked to the counter where Nurse Joy stood with her Chansey.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Jupiter actually in danger of losing her title as a Gym Leader?¡± Gary heard the first newswoman, Margaret, ask. ¡°Due to what has been described as a relentless and violent win streak?¡±

    This made Gary stop at the desk and then turn back to the TV.

    The screen showed Margaret and the man she worked with, Sophie in a little section to the side.

    In between the two videos was a picture of another woman. She had purple hair in a bob-cut style.

    There she is, Gary recognized. Jupiter.

    Sophie was nodding. ¡°That¡¯s right, Margaret. But that hasn¡¯t slowed down Jupiter¡¯s relentless winning streak. Some say, she doesn¡¯t care anymore and will continue on to greater titles, like the Sinnoh League Champion, at this rate. Perhaps a Gym Leader title means little or nothing to her anymore.¡±

    Just like what Aurora did... Gary remembered. After beating me, he ended bitterly.

    Margaret nodded with concern on her face. ¡°She¡¯s come a long way since her criminal past. I can only imagine what goes through her mind these days.¡±

    Gary looked from the TV to Nurse Joy.

    Nurse Joy looked down to Gary and her eyes widened. She forced a smile. ¡°Hello, Gary! Are you here to collect your Pokemon?¡±

    ¡°Yes, please. Sorry I was gone a while.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s no problem!¡± She set his six Poke Balls on the counter. ¡°And there¡¯s some hopeful news as well. It¡¯s been reported that an Electivire with a black bag has been spotted around Jubilife City. No doubt it¡¯s your friend!¡±

    ¡°Wait, really?? Then I can¡¯t just get my Badge! I have to find them!¡±

    Nurse Joy smiled so sweetly at Gary. ¡°That¡¯s the kind of answer a true Pokemon Trainer would give. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡±

    ¡°Well, of course I¡¯d say that!¡± Gary looked at her in shock.

    Nurse Joy nodded, her eyes tightened with pleasure. ¡°I meant no disrespect. I just love to see the love between Trainer and Pokemon.¡±

    Gary nodded as he grabbed his Poke Balls. ¡°Absolutely, Nurse Joy. And thank you for all you do.¡±

    Nurse Joy kept a big grin. ¡°Any time, Gary.¡±

    Gary walked to the front doors quickly, eager to make distance between himself and the nurse. Even with Hitmonchan gone, it was like he was still there. He could hardly bear to be around a pretty girl again. And yet, he thought, I was stuck all over Cas. I wasn¡¯t myself at all. A real live witch, in the flesh, casted a spell on me and had me, entirely, he accepted. The front doors slid open on their own, and he attempted to step out into the sunlight.

    ¡°In more gruesome news, a-¡± Margaret was saying, but Gary was outside and couldn¡¯t hear the rest.

    He grabbed the black straps of his backpack on his shoulders and adjusted them as he stepped into the city. Where is this Gym, anyway? This Jupiter chick and her Gym. Gary looked around the city and began to walk. Should I really just be looking for her? Shouldn¡¯t I be training? I¡¯m stronger than Aly, I know already. But just because Aly lost, should I count her out so much that I not even train? This woman is considered in the league of even an Aurora. Both undefeated for years. I should train before facing her. Come up with some cool strategies. Check my medical supplies for Poison healing. Gary realized he was no longer walking and looked up from the ground. I¡¯ll find the Gym and hopefully bump into Electivire, Gary decided. Then I can more clearly decide on what to do about Jupiter. Ivysaur would be great for this Gym.

    ¡°Gary?¡±

    Gary jumped at his name and turned. ¡°Gary??¡±

    Standing from far off, a little man had wide eyes for Gary. A surprised smile hit his face and he approached Gary quickly. ¡°Dude!¡± His hair was short, the middle of it in a high mohawk. Looking to perhaps be from the Middle East, he had a goatee and a pair of glasses. He was wearing a green, button-up shirt, and gray jeans with gray and white sneakers. On his shoulder was a green satchel. ¡°Gary, man!¡±

    ¡°Scientist Gary!¡± Gary approached him.

    They both shook hands.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re here, dude! Are you alright?¡± Scientist Gary inquired.

    ¡°Alright? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Dude, the Indigo League! You survived?¡±

    Gary shrugged and held up his arms. ¡°I¡¯m here, aren¡¯t I? Ha ha ha, yeah! I¡¯m just fine! What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m actually on my way to Victory Road,¡± Scientist Gary answered.

    ¡°Victory Road? Really? In Sinnoh?¡±

    Scientist Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah, you know of it, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! The final and best recommended spot for Trainers in any region to train against some of the most rambunctious, wild Pokemon out there before the Pokemon League starts.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Some Gabite live over there, and I want to see if I can finally locate me a Garchomp. My little Gible hasn¡¯t evolved, and I¡¯m no Trainer, so it¡¯s going to take forever to evolve, but I figured I can have my favorite Pokemon, Garchomp, and still keep my friend Gible if evolution never happens. So, I¡¯m working on becoming strong enough to handle the Pokemon in Victory Road so I can last long enough to maybe even find a Garchomp. I know they¡¯re rarely ever seen there, but even if I only got to see it, I¡¯d be so happy.¡±

    ¡°Then, wait, does this mean you¡¯re collecting Badges or something to get stronger as a Trainer?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m no Trainer, man,¡± Scientist Gary shook his head hard. ¡°I don¡¯t trust these government-sponsored events like the Pokemon League and all the Badge collecting. But besides that, I¡¯m probably not ever gonna make it to Victory Road, or survive long there. I just want to see how far I can make it. But I need to get stronger.¡±

    ¡°The best way to do that is to battle the Gyms!¡± Gary insisted. ¡°I¡¯m a Trainer! There¡¯s no scheme going on! Ha!¡± Gary smiled. ¡°You can trust me!¡±

    ¡°Eeeeehh...¡± The scientist started looking uncomfortable and smiled awkwardly; fakely. ¡°That¡¯s just not my goal. Hey, how about we have a battle? You and I! I lost to one Trainer already, but let¡¯s see how I do against you!¡±

    ¡°You want to battle? Yeah! That¡¯d be good, I guess. I have to train for my Gym battle in this city, so this will help.¡±

    ¡°Great! We can both benefit! There¡¯s a good spot outside of the city, lots of room. Let¡¯s battle there,¡± Scientist Gary suggested.

    Gary nodded. ¡°Sounds good.¡± He followed the scientist.

    The two walked past buildings, people, and Pokemon and were soon down a familiar cement path lined by trees and shrubs. Before long, the two were out of the city and surrounded by grass and trees. Understanding the situation, Gary stopped walking, and Scientist Gary moved ahead, stopping after a good range from Gary. Gary leered seriously, Scientist Gary smiling challengingly.

    ¡°How many Pokemon?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotta be prepared if I¡¯m training in the Victory Road, so can we have a Full Battle?¡±

    ¡°A six-on-six? Yeah! That¡¯s fine!¡±

    Scientist Gary grabbed up a Great Ball and threw it. ¡°Then I¡¯m starting off with my main man Gible!¡±

    ¡°Gible!¡± Gible¡¯s tiny arms extended, its hands reaching upward but getting nowhere, barely past its neck.

    ¡°Okay, a Dragon Pokemon.¡± Gary grabbed a Poke Ball up and enlarged it. ¡°Right!¡± He threw it. ¡°Come out now, Kirlia!¡±

    With a twirl, Kirlia kept his hands at his sides as he stopped. ¡°Kirlia!¡±

    ¡°Gible, use your Dig, now!¡± Scientist Gary commanded.

    ¡°Gible! Gible!¡± Gible tore through the ground and disappeared.

    ¡°Great! Barrier!¡± Gary started.

    A multicolored barrier surrounded Kirlia.

    The ground shook, and Gible burst through with a shout, tackling Kirlia.

    Kirlia cried out but kept his footing. He didn¡¯t seem affected.

    ¡°Gible, Dragon Claw!¡± Scientist Gary continued.

    Gible leaped high and its claws glowed light green as it came down on Kirlia.

    ¡°Right there! Grab it with Thunderbolt!¡± Gary smiled.

    Kirlia¡¯ body was surrounded by electricity.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Scientist Gary said to Gary.

    Gary looked at the scientist and he started to feel worried. Did I do something wrong?

    Kirlia blasted Gible, but Gible was unaffected and kept dropping. A big swipe hit the barrier around Kirlia, sliding him back, but he stayed on his feet.

    ¡°Gible is Dragon, but it didn¡¯t take that at all?¡± Gary called into question.

    ¡°Gible is Dragon and Ground, dude,¡± Scientist Gary told him bluntly.

    ¡°RIGHT! I knew that! Crap! Okay, then...¡± Gary pulled out his Pokedex and held it out.

    ¡°Gible, use Dig again!¡±

    Gible disappeared underground.

    Gary kept his eyes on the Pokedex, looking through Kirlia¡¯s moves. ¡°Teleport!¡±

    The ground rumbled.

    Surrounded by multiple lights, Kirlia vanished just as Gible popped up underneath him. He reappeared a good distance away.

    Gible faced Kirlia with a grunt.

    ¡°Dazzling Gleam, NOW!¡± Gary shouted.

    ¡°Kirlia!¡± Kirlia called out as his body gleamed with the colors of the rainbow and the colors expanded, blinding both Trainers and Gible.

    Gible screamed as the light hit it and tossed it off its feet. It slid on its side and remained still.

    ¡°Gible? Gible, no!¡± Scientist Gary looked stunned and he stared to Kirlia.

    Wow, that move is beautiful! Gary thought to himself. ¡°Nice one, Kirlia! We did it! One down!¡±

    ¡°Daaaaamn... Aight...¡± Scientist Gary smiled at his fallen Pokemon. ¡°I¡¯ll give you that. Gible, thanks a lot, man. Come back for now.¡±

    Gible was returned.

    Nodding, his bottom lip sticking out while smirking, Scientist Gary grabbed up another Poke Ball. ¡°I¡¯m going with you, Shellder!¡±

    ¡°Shelldeeeeerrrr!¡± Shellder exclaimed.

    ¡°The Shellder,¡± Gary said out loud. ¡°No problem, then! Thunderbolt!¡±

    ¡°Oh, shit! Shellder, Protect!¡± Scientist Gary burst out.

    A turquoise shield appeared in front of Shellder, protecting it entirely from Thunderbolt.

    ¡°Thunderbolt again!¡± Gary insisted.

    ¡°Whoa, Protect!¡± Scientist Gary followed up.

    Kirlia used Thunderbolt, and Shellder seemed to do absolutely nothing until it was hit and screamed.

    ¡°Shell... Sheeeell... Der,¡± Shellder¡¯s shell had opened and closed continuously until keeping shut.

    ¡°I think Shellder¡¯s had enough.¡±

    Scientist Gary turned to the voice.

    Gary turned to the voice. And gasped! A smile spread across his face. ¡°ROB!¡± He ran over to his long-time pal.

    Robin jogged over to Gary and they hugged strongly, trying to be the strongest friend.

    ¡°Robin, man! What are you doing here??¡± Gary exclaimed as they released each other.

    ¡°Yeah, I just saw you like ten minutes ago, dude!¡± Scientist Gary was heard.

    Gary looked over to him, confused.

    After returning his Shellder, Scientist Gary went up to Robin.

    Robin in a blue jacket, dark-blue jeans, black sneakers, and carrying a huge, dark-green backpack, beamed at Scientist Gary and the two shook hands.

    ¡°You two know each other?¡± Gary asked.

    The two released hands and turned to Gary.

    ¡°Well, only recently. He was showing me all of these crazy V-UTube videos, yo!¡± Robin exclaimed.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Some real False Dexer stuff, but a couple of them actually makes sense!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I told you I¡¯m a False Dexer, right?¡± Scientist Gary squinted at Gary, keeping his smile.

    ¡°Yeah... Basically...¡± Gary managed out a couple of low, weak, cringey laughs.

    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s true. I know you¡¯re busy on your journey, but the ¡®Dex is full of shit, man. Don¡¯t just believe everything it tells you. Dragonite is supposed to be able to move at such a speed that it could circle the Earth in sixteen hours, but its Speed stat isn¡¯t even three hundred at max! And that¡¯s assuming the Earth is round, which I don¡¯t believe.¡±

    Robin got out a few laughs, though they weren¡¯t as enthusiastic as they normally were from him.

    And this guy is a scientist? Gary kept to himself, his eyes wide as he just simply nodded. ¡°Well, there¡¯s supposed to be a difference between the speed of a Pokemon and their actual Speed stat, by my understanding...¡±

    ¡°Come on, how does that even make sense?! Speed is speed! And there¡¯s more, too! Magcargo is said to be as hot as the sun! Come on, man!¡± Scientist Gary went on.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s supposed to mean what they¡¯re capable of...?¡± Gary suggested, sort of familiar with this entry.

    ¡°But how is that tested? In what lab? By who? What kind of technology is that? Come on, that¡¯s ridiculous!¡± Scientist Gary insisted.

    Gary looked down and nodded uncomfortably. ¡°Yeah.¡± Geez, whatever, dude. The Pokedex knows what it means. Don¡¯t use me as proof for what you believe just because I can¡¯t defend the Pokedex.

    ¡°Well, anyway, I¡¯ve gotta head back! I¡¯ll see you guys later!¡± Robin said.

    ¡°Back? Back where?¡± Gary asked him.

    ¡°I¡¯m staying at the Jubilife Condominium for another day, leaving tomorrow. Want to say bye to my friend Ben.¡±

    ¡°Oh, alright. Why are you in a condominium?¡±

    ¡°I really needed to stay here another couple of days to get my training in and beat Jupiter. And it was super-duper cheap so my mom and dad spotted me! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!! You must be here to face her, too, huh?¡± His smile went away.

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah! We can both defeat her for sure! I heard she-¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a monster, Gary,¡± Robin said seriously. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t think you¡¯ll just run in there and win. Forget type advantage, too. She¡¯s got things covered, and is just pure power! If all the Gym Leaders here are like her, as much as I hate to admit it, I get why they say Sinnoh is tough. The Gyms in Kanto at least seem to be preparing you. This girl is out to take off your Pokemons¡¯ HEADS! Ha ha ha...¡± Robin had laughed nervously.

    Gary was lost for words, not believing the way his usually confident friend was talking.

    ¡°She reminds me a lot of Aurora, from Pewter City?¡±

    Gary just let out his breath through his nose. Great... She really is another her? He took in a stronger breath, remembering something now. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here, Rob. I¡¯m glad Catherine pulled through.¡±

    ¡°HA! Of COURSE she did! Catherine¡¯s tough shit! We¡¯re not gonna stay behind you two! You have any Badges?¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open for a second, and he finally closed it, smiling, and then nodded. ¡°Yeah! I got one not far from here, actually. This weird spot in the woods.¡±

    ¡°No surprise I¡¯m the one behind. Damn. But I¡¯ll catch up in no time! I know Aly got her first Badge, too! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah, I heard, too. I¡¯m gonna get my second here. I¡¯m ready!¡±

    Robin¡¯s face went solemn. He shot a quick glance to Scientist Gary and then went back to Gary. ¡°Hey, man. Good luck. Uh, we really need to catch up.¡± He nodded.

    Gary¡¯s heart thumped hard repeatedly. He nodded back, getting uncomfortable as he started to catch on to what Robin might have been trying to say. ¡°Yeah... We have plenty to talk about I guess.¡±

    ¡°You alright...?¡±

    Gary tightened his lips into a little smile. He opened his mouth and then nodded, his mouth shutting afterwards. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll catch you at the condo.¡±

    Robin¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Yeah! Ask for me and you can visit! We can talk then! Let¡¯s battle, too! I¡¯ll see ya around!¡±

    Robin and Gary shook hands.

    ¡°Hey, good meeting you!¡± Robin told Scientist Gary, and then they shook hands again. ¡°I¡¯ll be making me a Log-A-Graph account for sure! Those memes are funny!¡± He then turned to Gary. ¡°Yo, make a Log-A-Graph account! Really can take the edge off from a tough day!¡± Laughing wildly, Robin walked away from the Garys.

    ¡°He¡¯s right, you know. You gotta make a Log-A-Graph. And, hey, I just remembered, you haven¡¯t been responding to my texts since the Indigo attack. I¡¯ve been hitting you up forever!¡±

    ¡°Oh? I¡¯m sorry.¡± Gary thought for a second. ¡°I just don¡¯t have a working phone anymore is the problem.

    ¡°Oh, that sucks.¡± Scientist Gary slanted his mouth.

    ¡°Yeah, man. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all good. Well, if you get another one, you¡¯ve gotta let me know. Let Rob know so he can tell me! I wanna show you so many memes! They¡¯re hilarious!¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah. Right, heh...¡± Gary faked a smile.

    ¡°Speaking of Indigo, have you heard the latest news? About that supposed ¡®monster¡¯ at the League after Team Solace was caught?¡±

    Gary¡¯s head shook hard. ¡°What?!¡±

    Scientist Gary shook his head softly and rolled his eyes. ¡°Yeah, now they¡¯re saying that the monster was at the League for a second, but the video isn¡¯t clear at all. I¡¯ll show you.¡± He pulled out his phone. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t believe in that monster at all.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean??¡± Gary gasped.

    ¡°I just mean, there¡¯s some videos showing it and all that, but I think it¡¯s a load of crap. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s real. And now they¡¯re trying to claim it¡¯s a she, and Team Solace is in on it, too. It can¡¯t be real! It looks like CGI!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t think the species thing is real??¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe his ears.

    Scientist Gary shook his head, typing away on his phone. ¡°This is all a distraction. A setup. I¡¯m telling you. Some say it¡¯s a Pokemon, some don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t believe in it at all. Oh, here it is!¡±

    ¡°But I ran into her several times! I¡¯ve fought her! Myself! And my Pokemon! She kidnapped my best friend!!¡±

    Scientist Gary stared at Gary in horror, stunned by his words.

    Gary glared back, tight fists at his sides, angered by the scientist. His body was trembling, losing control. His eyes were filling with tears he couldn¡¯t fight off.

    Gary¡¯s tolerance of the scientist had reached its limit.

    Gary¡¯s fuse had just been lit.

    Scientist Gary watched Gary warily, knowing he had unintentionally pushed a button in Gary he didn¡¯t even know was there.

 Desperate Measures

    It was so fast and unclear. Something with a humanoid shape had landed swiftly and bent over near the body of a bloodied, young woman. A bright object laid by the woman¡¯s side. The thing then shot off into the sky, the bright object now gone.

    Scientist Gary lowered his phone and gave Gary an unimpressed look with a slanted mouth. ¡°You see? What even was that, dude?¡± He managed a laugh.

    Gary breathed out of his nose. ¡°That was her. That was that monster.¡±

    Scientist Gary¡¯s lips moved, but no words came out at first. But finally, ¡°B-but - you can¡¯t even see anything!¡± Scientist Gary forced a smile. ¡°That looked so edited!¡±

    Gary just shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve seen her close up. I¡¯ve fought that thing, myself and my Pokemon. It¡¯s her, and it took the Infinity Energy from that lady from Team Solace.¡± Gary remembered that at the League, the Infinity Energy was in her hands the last time he had seen it, in the capsule Prof. Cozmo kept it in.

    ¡°They said she was from Team Solace,¡± Scientist Gary admitted, nodding. ¡°They said she was found dead, her throat mutilated. Crushed by one of the Pokemon in the struggle. But others, including the person who showed this video, said they saw that supposed monster attack her. But who could tell what was what at that time of night, and after the terrifying things that happened? Come on, there¡¯s no-¡±

    ¡°What don¡¯t you get about the fact I saw that thing myself!!¡± Gary lost his cool, fuming now. ¡°That video is as much proof of the monster as anything, and I don¡¯t need proof! I¡¯m the one who first saw it! It killed my sister right in front of me and kidnapped my-!¡± Gary took a shaky breath. ¡°One of my best friends...¡± Gary¡¯s eyes filled with tears.

    The Pokemon Center held an uncomfortable air at Gary¡¯s screams. Aside from the two Garys, there were kids, and Nurse Joy and her Chansey watching the scene in silence.

    ¡°Yo, dude. I¡¯m sorry, man.¡± Scientist Gary shook his head, holding out his hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to disrespect you or anything. What do you mean by, she kidnapped your friend, though?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe she even exists. If I told you about the kidnapping...¡± Gary closed his eyes, failing to hold back tears, and he sniffled. Shaking his head, he looked to Scientist Gary. ¡°I know it sounds crazy, and I understand that you don¡¯t believe she¡¯s real. Just be careful, okay? When - if - you meet that thing, you might not tell your story afterwards.¡±

    Scientist Gary focused his eyes on Gary. ¡°But you met... her, before, and lived to tell the story?¡±

    Hesitantly, Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Scientist Gary waited. ¡°Where did she take your friend?¡±

    ¡°If I knew that, I¡¯d be there right now! Killing her!¡± Gary barked.

    Scientist Gary just nodded. ¡°Was that the red-haired girl you were with?¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Ah. I thought that was your girlfriend.¡±

    Gary sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ve gotta go, man. Gotta get this Badge and figure out stuff.¡± He held out his hand to the scientist.

    Scientist Gary took it, nodding solemnly, and they shook.

    Gary let go of the man quickly and turned abruptly, but he stopped walking before long and turned at what was spoken from the flatscreen TV hanging from the wall.

    ¡°Senator Slowking continues with a rant against women, once again, judging their personal choices for trivial things including clothing and makeup,¡± the news reporter Margaret was reporting. Her face looked very weary now.

    An image of the infamous Senator Slowking was shown in the upper left corner of the screen. He wore a more sinister smile, staring upward in front of a white background.

    ¡°After a heated argument, Senator Slowking was then seen assaulting a journalist in this video.¡± The newswoman slanted her mouth as a video took over the screen.

    Senator Slowking stood in the middle of a crowd outside, frowning outward, several men in black suits and black sunglasses behind him.

    Journalists and cameramen made up the crowd, holding out microphones and shouting questions.

    ¡°As I said, it is simply denial to think women who show off skin and wear unrecognizable amounts of makeup, are doing it solely for themselves!¡± Senator Slowking insisted loudly to the crowd. ¡°Their actions are hypocritical, and the same goes for men! This is not a gender attack, but a focus on a troublesome lack of self-esteem and a need for social validation from mankind! But there are far deeper reasons at heart and focusing on choice words of mine and making this a gender issue is nothing else but propaganda and I for one-!¡±

    ¡°Senator Slowking, are you victim-blaming rape victims who are said to have ¡®asked for it¡¯ by their critics?¡± one female shouted.

    ¡°NNO!¡± Senator Slowking raged. ¡°When did I even say such a thing?? This is putting words in my mouth!!¡±

    ¡°But, sir, you just said that women are asking for the attention they receive by wearing makeup and dressing how they wish!¡±

    ¡°I HAVE MADE NO SUCH STATEMENT!!¡± Senator Slowking denied.

    Whoa, he didn¡¯t say that... Gary thought, watching the video.

    Senator Slowking¡¯s eyes glowed light blue.

    There was a scream, and suddenly a woman was rising out of the crowd, her body surrounded in the same light-blue color! She struggled, barely moving as she cried and yelled out in a panic.

    The people below her shouted out and backed away in fear, cameramen filming her.

    ¡°HEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!! SOMEBODYYYY!!¡±

    ¡°This woman has shown herself to be a disrespect to the journalism profession!¡± Senator Slowking accused, pointing at her. ¡°Let her face be known to the general public, and I demand repercussions to her job for her poor adherence to unbiased, equal, fair news reporting!¡±

    The woman kept shrieking, louder and louder, as she was slowly put back down on her feet. She screeched wildly and collapsed to her side. ¡°HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!! OOOOOOOOOOOOWWWW!! MY LEEEEEEEGS!! CALL AN AMBULAAAAAANCE!!¡±

    ¡°What?! She isn¡¯t hurt!¡± Senator Slowking looked mortified. ¡°Wait a minute!!¡±

    The suits behind Slowking grabbed him and took him away, shoving through the crowd as the Pokemon protested, yelling out towards the woman angrily.

    The video froze and the newswoman Margaret had returned. She sucked her teeth and shook her head. ¡°Response to this video has surprisingly been split, with as many people berating Senator Slowking as they are defending him.¡±

    ¡°Man, Senator Slowking didn¡¯t even do anything.¡± Scientist Gary walked over, watching the video.

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah. That was messed up.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really like that guy, or Pokemon, much. I mean, I like Slowking, but the Senator, I don¡¯t really like everything he has to say. He be wildin¡¯ sometimes. You ever watch that guy?¡± Scientist Gary smiled at Gary.

    ¡°Nah, I don¡¯t really do politics I guess,¡± Gary answered, keeping his eyes on the TV. He looked around the room to see how everyone else was reacting to the news.

    The kids were laughing and chatting or playing with their Pokemon, unconcerned with what was on TV.

    Gary kept looking around, soon wearing a smile. There she is!

    Nurse Joy was approaching him, wheeling a cart over by one side, Chansey at the other side, the both of them smiling with love. They stopped by him. ¡°Hello, Gary. Your Pokemon are all ready again! Good luck!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Nurse Joy!¡± Gary took his Poke Balls from the tray on top of the cart.

    With a cute giggle, Nurse Joy¡¯s eyes closed at the same time as Chansey with a tilt of their heads. They turned and left with the cart.

    ¡°She¡¯s so bad, huh?¡±

    ¡°Huh??¡± Gary turned to the Scientist.

    He looked back at Gary. ¡°Nurse Joy. She¡¯s hot!¡±

    Gary looked to Nurse Joy with wide eyes, but she didn¡¯t seem to hear him. Laughing lowly, he looked to Scientist Gary. ¡°Yeah...¡± He flinched hard, raising an arm to protect his face, and he looked around him. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Yo, you okay, dude?¡± Scientist Gary asked, surprised by Gary¡¯s action.

    Gary lowered his arm and took a breath before letting it go. He looked down and a sad feeling came over him. Hitmonchan... Gary swallowed and looked up, fighting off his tears. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. She¡¯s really pretty. Ha.¡± He looked over to Nurse Joy as she went through the electronic doors to disappear into the back with Chansey.

    ¡°Oh, dude! I never showed you that meme!¡± The scientist pulled out his phone and went through it.

    Gary could barely control his groan and instead cleared his throat, forcing a smile. He squinted at the image Scientist Gary was showing him.

    There was a Dodrio in the middle of fighting with itself, its three heads attacking each other.

    Above Dodrio it read: When you¡¯re trying to justify why you¡¯re still with her

    Gary laughed out loud, genuinely finding the meme funny.

    ¡°And check this one out. It¡¯s kind of the same thing.¡± Scientist Gary changed the picture, holding out the phone after.

    Now it had a Dugtrio, each head glaring at another one. The words above said: When you and the boys are fighting over girls you haven¡¯t even talked to yet

    Gary let out more laughter, shaking his head. ¡°Ha. That¡¯s a good one.¡± He chuckled some more to keep up seeming genuine.

    ¡°Wait, I got one more.¡± Scientist Gary went through his phone again.

    Is he kidding me?? Gary nearly sucked his teeth. He sneered at Scientist Gary. Man, this guy is really annoying! His sneer was wiped clean as the phone was held to him again.

    An Electrode was shown with a huge, sneaky grin, the words above it reading: When Prof. Sycamore is telling you about the lore of Mega Evolution, but you¡¯re from Hoenn.

    Gary didn¡¯t get this one, but he remembered the term Mega Evolution. Still, he snickered a few times and shook his head.

    Scientist Gary stared at Gary.

    Gary stared back, flashing his teeth in a big smile, hoping he was coming off believable and that the jokes were over. ¡°That one¡¯s funny, too. Ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Man, I hope you get your phone fixed or whatever. I¡¯ve got so many more to show you! Have you heard? Now they¡¯re trying to say that new findings here in Sinnoh may prove Arceus is real.¡±

    ¡°Arceus? Isn¡¯t it real?¡±

    ¡°Dude, come on! There¡¯s no god! Let alone it being a Pokemon!¡± Scientist Gary told Gary with a face of exasperation. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you believe in Mythical Pokemon and gods and all that stuff.¡±

    ¡°You mean, you don¡¯t...?¡± Gary responded. His heart was beating rapidly. This conversation was taking a controversial and uncomfortable turn.

    ¡°Nah... I don¡¯t believe in any kind of gods, and I don¡¯t believe in Mythical Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°But, so many are confirmed!¡±

    ¡°Like who?¡± Scientist Gary challenged, giving Gary a face daring him to convince him.

    Mewtwo! That was the first thing that came to Gary¡¯s mind. But his lips only pressed together for the ¡®M.¡¯ He wasn¡¯t able to say it out loud. While he was certain it did exist, he wanted something far more conclusively proven. ¡°Articuno, Moltres and Zapdos! We know they exist! That famous Pokemon photographer Todd Snap has proven-¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe in Mythicals! Not regular Legendary Pokemon,¡± Scientist Gary clarified. ¡°The Mythical Legends are just that: myths. There¡¯s no evidence they exist. It¡¯s just a bunch of bullshit. Just like gods.¡±

    He¡¯s just ranting, now, Gary thought, getting offended. ¡°But Mythicals do exist!¡± he defended.

    They both stared at each other quietly.

    Scientist Gary finally sighed and shrugged. ¡°Okay, well, I don¡¯t believe in them. No one ever has a clear image of them, and they¡¯re just speculation. We can confirm Legends but not Legendary Mythicals? Nah, man.¡±

    ¡°Well, you know, these Pokemon have been seen by people from the ancient past, to even nowadays, enough that some are in the Pokedex, but not all of them. That¡¯s gotta count for something.¡± Gary knew his argument wasn¡¯t the best, but it was all he had. ¡°There¡¯s no real reason not to believe in the Mythicals.¡±

    ¡°And no reason to, either,¡± Scientist Gary shrugged. ¡°The Pokedex is full of crap, too. I told you this already.¡± Scientist Gary took a moment before continuing speaking. ¡°Look, it¡¯s all good if you believe in them. I just didn¡¯t know you did. It¡¯s no big deal. Hey, dude, good luck in your Gym match, okay?¡± He held out his hand.

    Still irritated, Gary took it and they shook. ¡°Alright, thanks. And good luck with your quest out here, too.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. Maybe I¡¯ll see you at Victory Road for some training. We could battle again. They¡¯ve got a Gym not far away. Sunyshore City. I forgot what type of Gym Leader is there but if you head out there, well, let¡¯s keep in contact and maybe we can try and find Garchomp together or something.¡±

    Gary could feel himself warming up to the man. Maybe he¡¯s not so bad after all, he thought. He smiled and nodded. ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t see why not. I¡¯ve just gotta work on this phone thing. If nothing else, dude, I can always call you at a Pokemon Center or something, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, man!¡± Scientist Gary nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll see ya, man! I¡¯ve gotta go.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Okay. Bye, then!¡± Gary was relieved to be losing the guy.

    Scientist Gary left the building.

    Finally, he¡¯s gone, Gary breathed out with relief. Think it¡¯s time already for this second Badge.

    Or... The first...? Gary stared at the floor, thinking about the Phobia Badge. And how he ¡°earned¡± it.

    But first! Gary remembered, straightening up. I have to see if the police have located June¡¯s Electivire!

    *

    The tall building blended bland colors or bland versions of otherwise bright colors. There was a lot of dull red and gray mixed with darker traces of yellow and occasional streaks of a pale blue. One set of windows sat in a row at the middle of the Gym. The sign hanging from the door read: Jubilife City Pokemon Gym Leader: Jupiter

    Having still not found Electivire, Gary wound up at the Gym after all, deciding to take it on. He felt some regret in his heart, remembering that Nurse Joy had been proud of him earlier, but he didn¡¯t know what else to do or where to look. He promised he wouldn¡¯t leave without locating him, and now reached out to the dark-blue door, seeing no doorknob, and it swung open slowly against his push. ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary squinted as he looked through the inside of the Gym.

    It was hard to see inside, as it was filled with some kind of smoke of multiple colors! Brown, yellow, red, and white shades of smoke hovered in the air.

    Gary sniffed a few times but didn¡¯t smell anything burning or anything specific at all.

    ¡°Please, come inside!¡± a voice called out.

    ¡°Into the smoke?¡± Gary questioned.

    ¡°Please! It¡¯s just Fog! It won¡¯t harm you! Harmless gasses. Don¡¯t worry, dear. Just a little effect for those challenging my Gym! I assume you are one?¡± The female voice was gentle, just a little deep, and welcoming.

    The Fog, like Kiwi told me! Gary remembered. He smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes! I¡¯m here to challenge you, Jupiter!¡±

    ¡°Then please come in, young man!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Gary walked into the Fog, perhaps more eagerly than he should have, and he realized this. His smile went away as he slowed down his walk but kept moving forward. With a gasp, he froze, seeing someone.

    ¡°Stop right there! You¡¯re perfect!¡± the woman said afterwards.

    ¡°I¡¯m perfect?¡± Gary¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Yes! Right there is your spot on the battlefield!¡± The woman was taller than Gary, her hair the same shade as the door. It was kept short, but the back of her hair was in a huge, circular bun. She wore a white blouse buttoned up aside from the very top button, tucked into purple pants and standing in purple high heels.

    Gary looked down and realized he was in fact standing at the end of a battlefield outlined in black.

    ¡°Tell me, kid, how does a three-on-three battle sound?¡± she offered.

    ¡°Sounds great!¡± Gary beamed.

    ¡°The Fog effect will be present during our match. It will cause a few things to affect both of our Pokemon during the match, to challenge things just a bit. Along with interfering with some weather-based moves, it will cause some issues with Accuracy, and affect the ways some moves like Solar Beam and even recovery moves like Moonlight, work.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m ready,¡± he nodded. Reminds me a bit of Cas¡¯ Gym, Gary thought, keeping his eyes on the Gym Leader as he grabbed up a Poke Ball.

    ¡°Please, inform us of your name and where you¡¯re from, young man,¡± Jupiter insisted in a friendly voice.

    ¡°My name is Gary! I¡¯m from Pallet Town, in Kanto!¡±

    ¡°Oh, from so far away! It¡¯s so nice to meet you. Welcome!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Jupiter!¡±

    A man stepped out from the Fog, surprising Gary and making him jump. He wore white pants and a black T-shirt with little white stars all over it. He smiled broadly and held out his arms. ¡°Welcome to the Jubilife City Gym, Gary!¡± he welcomed the kid with a big voice full of joy. ¡°You¡¯ll be facing the Poison type Gym run by Jupiter in a three-on-three battle! There will be no time limit! Only you may substitute Pokemon! The first Trainer to lose all of their Pokemon in this battle is out of the match! The Infiltration Badge is on the line! This battle may now begin!!¡±

    Man, I dunno about how tough she is as a Gym Leader, but if she¡¯s as tough as Aurora as a battler, she¡¯s far from Aurora in friendliness! Gary felt himself smiling even bigger, taken over by the cheerful atmosphere.

    ¡°Together, shall we?¡± Jupiter held out a Poke Ball.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Gary held his out after enlarging it.

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    Jupiter pulled back her arm and made her Poke Ball larger, flinging it out.

    Gary threw his at almost the same time.

    ¡°Scizor!¡± Fashioned appeared and watched her opponent be revealed.

    ¡°Croba!¡± A big bat flapped its wings in the air with an angry face for Fashioned.

    Gary froze up instantly. His lips pulled back in disgust and his eyebrows narrowed. A Crobat??

    A ferocious look came over Absol¡¯s face in the middle of Viridian Forest as she, Gary, and June were surrounded by a bunch of wild Zubat and Golbat.

    Something big flew by Gary with a huge, gaping mouth and only three fangs.

    ¡°AAAAAAABSOL!!¡± Absol appeared in front of the Golbat, and it sunk its fangs into her body! Before she even landed, her body went limp. She was on her side, breathing hard and trembling, blood running from her back and side, into the grass.

    ¡°Astonish!¡± Jupiter started.

    Crobat swooped in on Fashioned with a loud screech and glowing red eyes as a second ghastly, completely black face came off of its own face, surrounded in bright red, with glowing blue eyes and a dark, purple smile.

    Fashioned was tackled down and cowered, shivering, Flinching.

    Gary screamed out as well and ducked to his knees, covering his head.

    In a rage, Gary charged at the crawling Crobat and raised his right foot, pulling it back and thrusting it forward, kicking the creature in the upper jaw as it went for Absol.

    ¡°Double Team, now!¡±

    Gary looked up to see Crobat call out and split into two. And then four, and then twenty! They all moved in the same motion and time, glaring down at Fashioned.

    Fashioned got up shakily and shook her head. She bent her knees and waited. ¡°Scizor?¡± She looked back at Gary.

    Gary was still on his knees, trembling in place. Absol... Absol... he repeated in his head. Absol!

    ¡°Heat Wave, right now!¡±

    The group of Crobat fluttered their wings hard, and the room heated up as waves of Fire blew out and consumed Fashioned.

    ¡°Sciiiiiizoooooooorrrr!!¡± Fashioned wailed and then dropped to her knees.

    ¡°Scizor!¡± Gary gasped.

    ¡°Scizor...¡± Fashioned dropped to her face.

    ¡°Scizor is unable to battle! Crobat wins!¡± the referee ruled.

    ¡°Fashioned...¡± Gary stared at his Pokemon sadly. ¡°What have I done...?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Gary, do you feel okay? What happened out there?¡± Jupiter asked him.

    Gary shook his head and gazed up at the bunch of Crobat looking down and fluttering about together. He swallowed uncomfortably. ¡°Crobat...¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Do you feel well? We can postpone this battle if you aren¡¯t well, Gary.¡±

    ¡°No! I¡¯m fine!¡± Gary got to his feet and returned Fashioned to her Safari Ball. ¡°I¡¯m fine...¡± He inhaled deeply and held his breath. I¡¯m just fine. Focus, man. We can¡¯t be stopped by this. Gary wiped at his eyes with his thumb and index finger. With a sniffle, he grabbed up his second Poke Ball. Fine, so Steel didn¡¯t work here. But that was because of me. I failed. As a Trainer, I failed. I¡¯m so sorry, Scizor. Fashioned... Gary rolled his eyes, hating that name. He extended his arm. This is for you, Fashioned! ¡°Out, now, Dustox!¡±

    ¡°Dustoooox!¡± Dustox fluttered in the air.

    Gary¡¯s shoulders gave a hard shake and he rubbed at them in turn with the same hand. Okay. A Poison type in a Poison Gym protects us great. We just have to watch out for that Fire. Just like with Scizor, huh...? His last thought brought regret for sending out Dustox into his heart. Maybe I didn¡¯t think this fully through. He pulled out his Pokedex and looked through it, first noting that his Pokemon¡¯s gender was male, and then checking out the Pokemon¡¯s moves. He smiled up at his Pokemon. We have some Psychic moves to fight back with. Thanks, Melissa. He looked around at all the Crobat for a moment and finally smirked. ¡°Whirlwind!¡±

    ¡°Not so fast!¡± Jupiter grinned sweetly. ¡°Use your Heat Wave again!¡±

    At once, all of the Crobat collectively attacked, flapping their wings and sending out a blazing wind to overtake Dustox.

    ¡°Dustooooooox!!¡± Dustox flipped through the air several times and ended up sliding on the ground. He twitched in pain, struggling against the super-effective move.

    ¡°No way! It¡¯s still fighting?¡± Jupiter nodded, smiling. ¡°That¡¯s not bad!¡±

    ¡°Dustox...¡± Dustox¡¯s wings fluttered rapidly, causing Gary to shudder openly. He got into the air and started flapping his wings even harder, blowing a strong wind.

    Jupiter raised an arm against the Whirlwind.

    The Fog in the Gym moved around but was not blown away.

    One by one, the duplicate Crobat vanished. The remaining one glowed red and was sucked back into its Poke Ball.

    A white beam came out of a different Poke Ball on Jupiter¡¯s waist and sent out a new Pokemon. This creature hovered sturdy, and Gary couldn¡¯t believe what he was looking at.

    Gary held his Pokedex out at the familiar Pokemon.

    Bronzong. The Bronze Bell Pokemon. A Steel and Psychic type Pokemon. Bronzor¡¯s evolved form. When angered, it lets out a sound like that of a ringing bell. While said to originate in Sinnoh, it is said to have connections to other regions, as well as having capabilities of accessing entirely separate dimensions.

    ¡°Bronzong!!¡± Bronzong called out.

    That¡¯s not a Poison type at all! Gary thought. She isn¡¯t playing just Poison types. This throws me off entirely! I played myself! Or, better, she played me! Gary shook his head angrily. ¡°NO! Use Moonlight, then!¡±

    ¡°Duuuus!¡± Dustox¡¯s antennae glowed bright white and began to wiggle. Sparkling white light arose from them, and then appeared around his body, rising from it and vanishing instantly. The beautiful sight repeated. ¡°Dustoooox!¡± Dustox flapped his wings and rose back into the air.

    ¡°Use Future Sight!¡± Jupiter told her Pokemon.

    ¡°Bronzong!¡± Its red eyes glowed blue, and then its body was outlined the same color.

    Several spacial holes appeared high in the air, swirling with blue, purple, and white energy. Electric sparks danced around them and soon, it all disappeared.

    ¡°Dustox, Quiver Dance, now!¡±

    Dustox¡¯s wings flapped rapidly and he did a crazy dance in the air, his body glowing white.

    Yuck, Gary shuddered, his skin crawling, and he shook himself.

    ¡°Psychic attack!¡±

    Bronzong¡¯s eyes glowed light blue and Dustox cried out, his body outlined in light blue. Both Pokemon yelling out, Dustox was rammed into the ground. The color around the Bug was removed as Bronzong¡¯s eyes stopped glowing.

    ¡°Dustox is out! Bronzong wins!¡± the referee stated.

    And we haven¡¯t done a thing to them, yet! Gary told himself quietly. This is horrible! There¡¯s no way we can win like this... But... But, I can¡¯t just give up, either! ¡°Dustox, come back! And thank you!¡± He recalled his Pokemon. I know who I wanted to use last, but how can I use him against such a powerful foe? And this thing is a Steel type, at that! It¡¯s not even the Poison I had planned for! Steel against Fighting... But then, Crobat... He grabbed his final option and squeezed the Poke Ball tight.

    Jupiter stood amongst the fog, grinning sweetly.

    The referee focused on the boy, waiting.

    Gary swallowed and bared his teeth. We can¡¯t give in! Swallowing, he pulled back his arm. ¡°Alright, Prime-!!¡±

    There was a roar as something flew out from behind Gary!

    Gary screamed out and cringed in fright at the yellow beast that charged forward.

    The referee and Jupiter both gasped, the woman crying out, ¡°What?!¡±

    The arms of the Pokemon were flexing, but were also heavily bandaged, and another roar blasted outward as Electivire leaped at Bronzong. A fiery fist pulled back as the Pokemon landed and slugged Bronzong.

    ¡°BROOOONZONG!¡± Bronzong let out and toppled over.

    ¡°An Electivire?!¡± Gary gasped. ¡°Wait! Where-?¡± He looked behind him and then back to the Pokemon.

    Electivire blasted Bronzong with Thunder this time.

    ¡°Bronzong, get that thing away from you! Use Toxic to disorient it!¡±

    Bronzong was still down on its back after being Thundered. The hole at the bottom of its body started to glow purple.

    That Electivire... The arms. No way! Gary¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    The Electivire stopped attacking and proceeded to kick Bronzong.

    The glow Bronzong had charged went away as Bronzong tumbled but got up quickly.

    A wormhole appeared by Electivire, followed by another, and another, and more. Each wormhole from the Future Sight sparked at random, and a blast of blue and white energy beams hit Electivire.

    ¡°ELEEEEEECTIIIIIIRRRRRRE!!!¡± Electivire roared, looking electrified by the blasts.

    June¡¯s Electivire? Gary wondered, confused and stunned. Those bandages... It has to be? But, why is he here?

    Electivire¡¯s eyes shot open and he grinned. ¡°Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeelectiviiiire!¡± He flexed his arms, the wormholes disappearing. His body was sparking with electricity now. He sent several separate bolts for Bronzong, but each stream hit the ground around the Steel type, missing it. Electivire growled and curled up his injured arms, showing off his muscles.

    ¡°Bronzong, use your Hypnosis!¡±

    ¡°Bronzong!¡± Bronzong¡¯s eyes glowed in multiple colors, and circles flew out from them.

    With a snarl, Electivire cupped his hands in front of him and a yellow orb formed in between them. Giving a big yell, he shoved his hands forward, throwing the ball outward. He then moved swiftly to the side as the circles from Hypnosis went off in random directions, only having to actually dodge one of them.

    Bronzong called out as it flew back from the impact of Electivire¡¯s attack and crashed hard.

    ¡°Bronzong is unable to battle! Electivire wins!¡± the referee declared.

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open as he stared at the referee. ¡°Wait...¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know you had come in with that one!¡± Jupiter chuckled.

    ¡°That¡¯s not my-YYAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHH!!!!¡± Gary bellowed painfully as he was zapped by the Electric type. He was twitching and sliding and flinching all over the Gym floor, gripping tight onto Primeape¡¯s Poke Ball, though his actions were out of his control. Crap! It really is him!

    ¡°Gary! Are you okay?¡± Jupiter called.

    ¡°E-E-E-E-E-E-E-Electivirrrre...¡± Gary groaned, quivering in place.

    ¡°Lectivire!¡± Electivire insisted, nodding at Jupiter.

    Gary managed to his knees, keeping his fist enclosed around Primeape¡¯s Poke Ball and using it to hold himself up.

    Electivire extended one arm and motioned with his hand for Jupiter to send out another Pokemon.

    He wants to battle Jupiter? Why is he battling? Why is he back? When did he find me? And, how? His head went down as sparks took over his body and he grimaced.

    ¡°Oh? It looks like the big guy is ready,¡± Jupiter grinned. ¡°Gary, are you?¡±

    Am... I? Gary raised his head and tried to speak, but he was unable to. I didn¡¯t choose Electivire... But here he is, having taken down a Pokemon already. Am I forced to keep battling with him now? His body trembled violently as he went down.

    ¡°Gary! Oh, no! Stop the match!¡± Footsteps stomped towards the boy.

    ¡°NO! We¡¯re fine!¡± Gary burst out. He looked up to see that Jupiter and the referee were running to him.

    They stopped by him and kneeled.

    From this close, Gary could see a dark top through Jupiter¡¯s blouse. He raised his eyes to Jupiter¡¯s magenta ones and then smiled lightly. ¡°I¡¯m okay. We¡¯ll finish this up, me and Electivire.¡± He struggled hard with actually standing, Jupiter and the referee assisting him.

    ¡°You two must be good friends,¡± Jupiter told him warmly.

    ¡°A...ha,¡± Gary managed.

    Jupiter and the referee returned to their spots.

    ¡°This match may now continue!¡± the referee stated.

    ¡°Crobat, let¡¯s do this again!¡± Jupiter tossed her Poke Ball.

    ¡°Croba!¡± Crobat returned, glaring down at Electivire.

    Gary shuddered, making fists. We have to kill that thing off right away, Gary knew, putting Primeape¡¯s Poke Ball back on his belt. One good blast and we¡¯ll be two down! But, is it right? This isn¡¯t my Pokemon! And I didn¡¯t choose him!

    Electivire¡¯s body started to spark.

    ¡°Use Cross Poison!¡± Jupiter commanded.

    ¡°Electivire, wait! I didn¡¯t-!¡± Gary started.

    Electivire sent a bolt out for Crobat.

    The bolt of Thunder went over Crobat¡¯s head.

    ¡°Croba!¡± Crobat then swooped down and back upward, seemingly startled. Its wings crossed over its body and glowed purple. The wings then opened and an X fired out, hitting Electivire.

    Electivire snarled out nastily and dropped into a sitting position. His face was flushed purple from a Poisoning!

    ¡°Electivire, NO!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe it! His eyes went back up to Crobat and he started to  tremble. No! he yelled in his head. Not again! Not again! Gary! He glared at the poisonous Flying type and then leered at Electivire, tightening his fists. ¡°Electivire, try to use a better Accuracy move! The Fog here messes with your aim! Use your Psychic attack to grab Crobat!¡±

    ¡°Crobat, another Cross Poison! End it!¡± Jupiter called out.

    Crobat used the move again, another purple X coming out for Electivire.

    ¡°Psychic, NOW!¡± Gary demanded.

    ¡°VIIIIIIIIIII!!¡± Electivire was on his feet in an instant and swung a sparking fist at the Cross Poison.

    The move was annihilated! It burst into falling purple drips and vanished before hitting the ground.

    ¡°VIIIIIIRRRE!!¡± Electivire blasted at Crobat with another Thunder.

    In a shrill voice, Crobat wailed out, being electrified helplessly. It then dropped hard as the move finished.

    Gary couldn¡¯t help but smile and let out a relieved sigh. Good, he kept to himself. But it¡¯s not over, is it?

    Crobat flinched on the ground. It eventually got up and then fell over again, its body sparking. Crobat was Paralyzed!

    ¡°Electivire, fini-!¡± Gary tried. But he got stuck with fright.

    Struggling to keep going, Crobat crawled forward towards Electivire.

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open as he stuttered nonsense.

    Crobat was crawling on the ground from a short distance from Absol. The way the purple being moved looked entirely unnatural and made it unrecognizable, looking as if it had some kind of physical defect, its joints perhaps out of place, moving at a steady pace as it crept up on Absol from behind, its yellow eyes holding desperation within them.

    Gary continued screaming out as Crobat leaped into the air and flapped its wings, hovering high.

    Crobat looked at the boy.

    ¡°Gary?¡± Jupiter questioned loudly.

    ¡°Vire,¡± Electivire looked back at Gary.

    Golbat flew in with a huge, gaping mouth holding only three fangs.

    ¡°AAAAAAABSOL!!¡± Absol appeared in front of the attacker, and Golbat sunk its fangs into her body! On her side in the grass, she was breathing hard and trembling, blood running from her back and side.

    ¡°Absol...¡± Gary whispered weakly. He blinked. Blinked again. He inhaled and then frowned, breathing out. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Electivire! Jupiter, come on, then!¡±

    Jupiter nodded slowly, concern on her face. She looked up at Crobat. ¡°Crobat, go in for Giga Drain and let¡¯s finish this match up!¡±

    ¡°Crobaaaa!¡± Crobat swooped in, eyes glowing red, and the four fangs glowing green.

    Gary wanted to scream so badly, watching this nightmare coming right at him. His mouth hung open, terror taking over his body and mind. He couldn¡¯t think straight. He just wanted it all to end. His mind blanking hard, Gary raised his arms to protect his face, struggling not to close his eyes in the middle of the battle, but believing he was about to get bit!

    ¡°VIIIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!!¡± Electivire charged at Crobat, and his body started to spark. He leaped at the Flying Pokemon, extending out his arms to grab Crobat! He then pulled Crobat to him!

    The two crashed in a powerful headbutt, Crobat wailing in pain, consumed in electricity. They flew away from each other and both crashed hard.

    Electivire sparked but sat up, rubbing his head.

    Crobat¡¯s sprawled out body sparked, and it was clearly beaten.

    ¡°Crobat is out, Electivire wins the battle!¡± the referee announced.

    ¡°What... power...¡± Jupiter stared at Electivire in disbelief. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m down to just one Pokemon!¡± She smiled at Gary. ¡°I¡¯m lost for words!¡±

    ¡°Uh...¡± was all Gary could get out. He just nodded, unable to even smile back.

    Jupiter returned Crobat, and Gary felt like he could actually breathe again.

    ¡°Is it Crobat that bothers you?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary stared at her, feeling like he understood what she meant, but not certain if he was mistaken.

    ¡°You¡¯re afraid of Crobat? Is that what it is?¡± she asked.

    Gary swallowed uncomfortably. His mouth opened, but no words came out for a few seconds. ¡°No,¡± he finally managed. And said nothing more.

    Jupiter nodded, her smile fading. ¡°So, this is my final Pokemon. Let¡¯s begin!¡± She threw her last Poke Ball.

    This new Pokemon was even taller than Electivire! It spoke excitedly and bounced side to side.

    Tangrowth. The Vine Pokemon. A Grass type. Tangela¡¯s evolved stage. This Pokemon¡¯s unique vines, which also bundle to function as its arms, have a peculiar and useful vitality. It can regrow them easily, and even removes its own vines if they get too long. This growth is especially strong when the climate is warm.

    It¡¯s not Poison, either... Just like Bronzong! Gary noted. But it must know something Poison I¡¯m sure. And Electivire is still Poisoned, as well!

    Electivire was breathing hard, but he stood up straight, looking unfazed by anything he was suffering from.

    ¡°It¡¯s easy to see just how powerful this Pokemon of yours is. But luckily, we¡¯re well prepared.¡± Jupiter put her kind smile back on. ¡°Use Natural Gift, now!¡±

    ¡°Tangrowth! Tangrowth!¡± The Pokemon¡¯s vines wavered.

    The Gym began to rock, Electivire and Gary looking around at the floor.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire called out as an explosion went off near him. He was cleared of the blast, stumbling away from it.

    Jupiter growled, snapping her fingers in upsetness but maintaining a smile. ¡°Damn it. The Fog,¡± she whispered. ¡°Lucky. Then go for Constrict!¡±

    ¡°Use Protect!¡± Gary decided.

    Electivire made two fists and they burst into flames.

    Gary sucked his teeth. ¡°Seriously??¡± This is what June deals with?? Gary thought. I didn¡¯t even ask you to battle!!

    Constrict wrapped around Electivire¡¯s chest, neck, legs, and wrists, and the Fire went away from his fists.

    Jupiter looked proud at what occurred.

    ¡°Electivire, just take it easy! Don¡¯t make any sudden moves!¡± Gary told the Pokemon.

    Electivire growled and flexed his arms. His body glowed white.

    ¡°NO! Electivire!¡± Gary pleaded.

    ¡°Let ¡®em go, Tangrowth!¡± Jupiter waved her arm out.

    Electivire used Strength, pulling inward.

    The vines removed themselves with noisy snaps! and were freed from Tangrowth¡¯s body!

    ¡°I TOLD YOU!¡± Gary blew up. ¡°Come on, Electivire! You¡¯ve gotta listen if you wanna battle! I saw that coming!¡±

    Electivire faced Gary and his body sparked.

    Gary took a step back, bracing himself for the attack.

    ¡°Use Sleep Powder, now!¡± Jupiter told Tangrowth.

    Tangrowth held out its arms and its thumb and index fingers touched, a bright, light-pink glow appearing at that spot. An indigo powder with light-blue and pink sparkles flew out for Electivire.

    ¡°Eeel?¡± Electivire turned back to watch the Sleep Powder.

    ¡°PROTECT!¡± Gary screamed out.

    Electivire instead attacked by blowing out a long stream of Fire from his mouth!

    The flames blew out and swept over the Sleep Powder, eventually consuming Tangrowth as well!

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. ¡°When¡¯d you get that?¡±

    Tangrowth was yelling out as it was taken down.

    ¡°Tangrowth!¡± Jupiter cried.

    Electivire¡¯s eyes then glowed blue, and Tangrowth¡¯s body was outlined in the same color.

    Held high against its will, Tangrowth yelled out helplessly, weakened by the Psychic attack. It then soared out of the battlefield, over Jupiter¡¯s head, and vanished in the Fog.

    Jupiter gasped shakily, her hands over her mouth, her body facing where Tangrowth had been flung.

    The referee got over to her and then disappeared in the Fog as well.

    Jupiter was last to go into the Fog.

    Gary¡¯s heart was in his throat. A solid rock he couldn¡¯t swallow down.

    There was no sign of any of them. No sounds, no visuals. Only Fog everywhere.

    Gary stared at Electivire, but the Pokemon kept his eyes ahead, awaiting the verdict on Tangrowth.

    Suddenly, there was a familiar sound heard.

    Jupiter and the referee finally reappeared, the both of them smiling.

    The Gym Leader stopped at her end of the battlefield and, maintaining her smile, her head fell, letting out a sigh.

    The referee stopped in the middle of the field and glanced over at Jupiter before raising one hand high. ¡°Tangrowth is unable to battle! That makes Electivire the winner! That means, for the first time in over six years, Gym Leader Jupiter takes the loss, and challenger Gary of Pallet Town, wins!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped wide open, a huge smile on his face.

    Jupiter strolled past the referee and to the boy. ¡°I guess I owe you two things, Mr. Gary.¡± She held out a Badge.

    It was a circular, purple shape with two curved, black lines in the middle, a few purple bubbles on it.

    ¡°The Infiltration Badge is yours,¡± Jupiter told Gary.

    Gary hesitantly took the Badge and stared at it. It kinda looks like a face, Gary considered. Like a sick person¡¯s face with two closed eyes. ¡°Wow.¡± Did I... deserve this...? he wondered. ¡°Thank you...¡± He looked up at her, considering admitting Electivire wasn¡¯t his at all. After all, he didn¡¯t even listen to him the entire match! Instead, he asked, ¡°Why did you say two things, Miss?¡±

    ¡°I owe you a thank you! I suppose by finally getting a loss, my job is once again safe! I was on the verge of losing my title again with my winning streak,¡± Jupiter laughed.

    ¡°Ooooh...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy as a Gym Leader! I¡¯ve heard I should go for bigger and better titles, but the comfort of seeing such youths pursuing such positive goals... And conquering overwhelming challenges. It¡¯s what I love to see the most! Powerful youths! Hope! Pokemon and Trainer friendships. I guess I battle so hard because...¡± She stared at Gary more thoughtfully. ¡°I know there are kids out there, perhaps prodigal ones, who can be so fresh on their journey, but be so masterful in their control of their Pokemon that even more experienced adults couldn¡¯t stop them no matter what. I became a Gym Leader to see that fresh-faced youth going against the odds, and the world, again.¡±

    ¡°Again?¡± Gary questioned.

    Jupiter nodded. ¡°And it all begins with the Gym battles. I want to be that mountain they topple. I want to see that look again.¡± She gave Gary a more serious stare, but then smiled so friendly. Her head shook. ¡°You don¡¯t have that look.¡±

    Gary was taken aback by this. ¡°I - don¡¯t...?¡±

    She shook her head again. ¡°You did win, but your Pokemon doesn¡¯t listen to you. You have a cute relationship, though, but it isn¡¯t what I was hoping for. But, due to this loss, I can continue as a Gym Leader to find that prodigal child with that look. Though, perhaps, I already have.¡± She winked at him.

    Gary found himself smiling shyly and looking away. ¡°Huh?¡± He watched as Electivire walked past them, removing remaining vines from his body, and stepped into the Fog, heading to the exit of the building. ¡°Hey! Electivire!¡± He looked back to Jupiter. ¡°Thank you, Jupiter! I¡¯ve gotta go!¡± I can¡¯t lose him again! he thought quietly.

    ¡°Take care, Gary! And I hope you two get along better! You could be unstoppable with your powers combined!¡± she called after him as he ran through the Fog.

    ¡°THANK YOUUU!!¡± Gary called back without turning to her. He then broke through the Fog and saw Electivire leaving through the front door. ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary stopped outside and smiled.

    Electivire, still Poisoned, was walking like nothing was wrong.

    Gary let out his breath and jogged over to Electivire, getting away from the building. He wanted to thank him, and talk to him.

    Discuss where he¡¯d been before the battle, and what made him come back at that time.

    But for now, more and more thoughts flooding into his head, he walked beside June¡¯s Pokemon in silence.

    And it wasn¡¯t long before, together, they ended up standing in front of the Pokemon Center.

 A Friend Like Ben

    ¡°Gary, you¡¯re doing quite wonderfully,¡± Prof. Cynthia said. ¡°You have some great new Pokemon, so please feel free to transfer as needed. And please let me know what you come upon in Canalave City.¡±

    Despite being a lot, lot older than him, Gary couldn¡¯t help checking out such a beautiful woman. From her black, button up shirt, Gary could see some of her pale skin between a couple of buttons. As he nodded and smiled, rubbing at his face shyly and lowering his face, he wondered how good his attempts to hide what he was secretly doing were. ¡°I will, and thanks again for all you¡¯re doing, Prof. Cynthia,¡± Gary told her, returning his gaze to her only revealed eye, the other one hidden behind her long, flowing, dull-blonde hair with silver streaks. ¡°I¡¯m gonna need to call Prof. Sketchit to see what¡¯s up with my other Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°Yes, and let me know how they are doing, too!¡± Prof. Cynthia¡¯s eye closed with pleasure.

    ¡°Will do! Speak to you soon!¡±

    The screen went blue and after that, Gary held the receiver and punched in a different number. He held the receiver to his ear, listening to the ringing.

    It wasn¡¯t long before the screen revealed...Kiwi! From behind her glasses with a blue tint on the lenses, she stared out blandly. ¡°So you¡¯re back. Congratulations.¡±

    ¡°Uh... For...? Wait...¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Kiwi stared at Gary.

    ¡°You saw me on Sinnoh Now...?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Already?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°But I just did the interview!¡±

    ¡°And I just saw it.¡±

    Gary sighed impatiently. Kiwi was always a bit of a smart-mouth, but Gary wasn¡¯t used to such monotone sass from her.

    ¡°Anyway, that must have been a tough match. What did you use?¡±

    ¡°Uuuuh... Weeellll...¡± Gary thought out loud. ¡°I had my... Scizor, Fashioned. My Dustox and then... an Electivire.¡± Gary hoped Kiwi wouldn¡¯t press on any further.

    Kiwi stared at Gary and blinked once. ¡°Interesting,¡± was all she said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gary said quickly before Kiwi could continue. ¡°Hey, I have some questions, man. You hung up on me before I could even ask! What¡¯s up with my Pokemon? How¡¯s Charizard, Ivysaur, Weepinbell, Dugtrio, and Kingdra?¡±

    Kiwi nodded. ¡°Actually, me and Prof. Sketchit are just finishing some tests. They¡¯re mostly all fine, but Charizard did take a lot more damage. He¡¯s also very stubborn, just like you. He wants to get back to you and we¡¯re trying to let him know that the more difficult he makes things, the longer it¡¯s gonna take to get back to you. But he doesn¡¯t listen. Just like you.¡±

    Gary sucked his teeth and frowned at her, huffing out angrily.

    ¡°Not to worry. By the time you get to your next Gym, I suspect we¡¯ll have them all transfered over to Prof. Cynthia for ya.¡±

    Gary finally smiled. ¡°That¡¯s great! How is Prof. Sketchit? I never see him anymore.¡±

    ¡°If I weren¡¯t here, you wouldn¡¯t get your calls answered,¡± Kiwi replied. ¡°He¡¯s busier than ever, you know.¡±

    Gary kept quiet, feeling tears build up in his eyes.

    ¡°Any word on the monster? Or June?¡± Kiwi asked.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened and he put away his tears. He shook his head sharply. ¡°No, nothing...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Gary.¡±

    He just nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask about it the last time you called. I was trying to read your situation, first. How you were doing. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve been pummeled with enough about her, and your own stresses. I didn¡¯t want to add anything to such a sensitive matter.¡±

    ¡°I understand. That¡¯s really appreciated, Kiwi,¡± Gary nodded before lowering his eyes, the topic dropping with them. There was nothing more for him to say about it. But he was curious about something else. ¡°Say, how¡¯s my little buddy Barboach doing?¡±

    Kiwi nodded. ¡°Barboach is doing well. She¡¯s in great care. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°I know she¡¯s in the best care possible. As always.¡± Gary managed a little smile.

    Kiwi didn¡¯t, staring back at him. ¡°Keep an eye out for your friend in Sinnoh. There¡¯s something that might be of interest for you to look into concerning Prof. Oak.¡±

    Gary was startled, literally jumping in his seat with surprise. ¡°What did you just say??¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not saying you have to look into it, but I feel like... you¡¯re just the most capable of the three of you guys. Just something Prof. Oak was looking into, with some other professors.¡±

    ¡°Kiwi, what are you talking about?¡± Gary demanded. ¡°What friend in Sinnoh? What do you mean, ¡®something Prof. Oak was looking into¡¯?¡±

    ¡°When you find out, let me know.¡±

    The call disconnected, and the screen went blue.

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open as he stared at the screen for a bit. He then stared at the receiver, considering calling her back, but instead hung up the phone with some confusion, the screen then turning black. ¡°Why is Kiwi so weird nowadays...?¡± Gary whispered. ¡°Like, this is just too much. Someone is looking for me with information on Prof. Oak? A friend of mine? I don¡¯t even know anyone in Sinnoh.¡± He thought for a moment in silence. ¡°And since when does she wear glasses?¡± He sucked his teeth. ¡°Come on, Raichu.¡± Gary walked away from the phone with the Electric Mouse Pokemon behind him, trying hard not to stare at the people stuffed in the crowded Pokemon Center as he exited. He¡¯d answered so many repeated questions between the Sinnoh Now news crew, and just random people in general after being the one to stop Jupiter¡¯s nearly seven-year win streak, and was ready for some sleep, finally.

    ¡°I WON THE NEW POKETCH-XYZ! I WON! I WON! I WON! I WON!¡± a random woman was screaming happily at the top of her lungs as she ran by Gary, a small group of screaming, cheering people running after her.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Gary muttered, staring after them. He looked around and saw the tall Pokemon. He got closer to him and nodded. ¡°Hey.¡±

    Electivire, holding the strap of June¡¯s bag around one shoulder, growled and then let out a grunt.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t been zapping people, have you?¡± Gary looked around, but he didn¡¯t see any disoriented or incapacitated people. Electivire¡¯s horns sparked, making Gary jump and turn to him. ¡°Hey, come on! What¡¯s up, yo?¡±

    ¡°Raichu Rai!¡± Raichu pleaded, waving his paws at Electivire.

    Electivire stopped sparking and pointed ahead. ¡°Vire Vire!¡± He then crossed his bandaged arms and huffed.

    Gary didn¡¯t understand, and his face showed this. ¡°Listen, I let you eat and recover and everything. I wanna know why you jumped into my match, and then just left when it was over.¡±

    Electivire punched his fists together creating sparks and started speaking unintelligibly.

    ¡°I dunno what that means, but we¡¯ve gotta get on better terms. You¡¯re not even my Pokemon! We¡¯ll find June. I know she must be fine. But you can¡¯t leap into my personal matches. You know how awkward I feel with this new Badge?¡±

    ¡°EEEELECTIVIIIIIRRRE!!¡± Electivire roared in Gary¡¯s face.

    Gary fell over as if he had been shoved, even though the Pokemon hadn¡¯t laid a finger on him. He leered at Electivire and swallowed hard. ¡°I don¡¯t know how June put up with you!¡± He got to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll tell ya-¡± Gary held his tongue, not wanting to say anything regrettable. The situation wasn¡¯t that bad. There was no need to say the wrong thing. He¡¯s just a little stubborn, Gary told himself. He¡¯s not a bad Pokemon. He just needs time. But... ¡°There¡¯s just no reason to behave like this, Electivire. June¡¯s done everything for you. If you were just mad because June was gone, this might be okay, acting up with me; but you treat her just the same. You must know she¡¯s sorry for evolving you when you weren¡¯t ready. She¡¯s told you a hundred times! You don¡¯t have to be... such a jerk about it!¡± Gary tried to hold back but his last words slipped out.

    Electivire had a hardened face for Gary.

    Gary sighed. ¡°Just... Oh, forget it.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Just stay out of my Gym matches! Now let¡¯s go. I need some sleep.¡± He led the way through the city, walking along a concrete path lined by trees and lit up lamp poles under a night sky. Not checking to see if the Pokemon were following him, Gary removed his bag from his shoulders. Exiting Jubilife City, he walked through a wide plain of grass and trees, a couple of exceptionally tall pine trees in the field, and continued through, disappearing into the mix. He settled down after a while and crossed his legs, placing his backpack in his lap. After unzipping it, he pulled out his Badge case and opened it.

    He stared at the Infiltration Badge and shook his head. His eyes then ended up on the Phobia Badge. He blinked and then ran his thumb over the Badge that was an eyeball with an enlarged pupil.

    Cas¡¯ bottom lip reacted to Gary¡¯s thumb and went down with the pressure.

    Gary blinked, staring at the Badge, and then sighed  a very long sigh. Why am I so obsessed with her? She¡¯s haunting! Gary snickered before he even knew he had been smiling. He set the case down beside him. Falling out onto his back, his arms outstretched, he let out a laugh, staring at the stars above. ¡°I guess witches really do exist, huh? She must have had me under some kind of spell, but I think it¡¯s wearing off. I¡¯ll be just fi-¡± He sat up at a rustling sound.

    The noise stopped, and there was only silence.

    ¡°Electivire?¡± Gary asked. ¡°Raichu?¡±

    There was no response.

    Gary waited.

    A noise started up again, but from further ahead, and then another sound started up that was closer.

    Gary got on his knees and looked around him, not sure what was going on. He scooped up a Poke Ball. ¡°Who¡¯s out there?¡± he called.

    Noises got closer, louder, and then something burst onto the scene! ¡°Raichu!¡± Raichu ran up to Gary and stopped beside him. ¡°Raichu!¡±

    After this, Electivire strolled in, carrying June¡¯s bag. He tossed it at Gary.

    Gary grunted in pain as he was knocked down.

    Electivire walked past him and Raichu. He yelled out and swung a Thunder Punch at a tree, rocking it hard and causing leaves and branches to fall out of it.

    Little critters scampered and flew away as they were disrupted from their peace.

    Electivire got deeper into the woods, causing a ruckus, making his presence known.

    Gary pushed June¡¯s bag off of him and just shook his head, looking after where Electivire had vanished, but hearing his rage clearly. He then looked around him carefully, peering through the trees and grass. ¡°Hmm.¡± I need some sleep. Electivire can do whatever, Gary thought. He turned to Raichu.

    Raichu was already staring back, concern on his face.

    *

    The monster¡¯s fat tongue slipped around in her open mouth, moving along her broken teeth. She raised a black hand holding a ball resembling a Poke Ball, but the top half was blue-gray, the bottom half pale-green. She pulled back her arm and her long fingers released the ball as she hurled it at June.

    June gasped and took a step back.

    The ball hit her and hovered in the air before opening and an orange beam came out, hitting June and making her glow orange.

    She screamed out in agony and slowly was forced to her knees. ¡°G-G-G... Gary,¡± she choked out, gasping, reaching out for him. Her face was pure pain, her eyes bulging, her mouth looking ready to hurl out something horrible.

    The ball closed and hit the ground, releasing June from her glowing torture.

    The monster then charged at June with a roar. As June started to fall forward, the creature sliced one sharp hand upward, her broken, jagged nails ripping through June¡¯s head, slicing upward through her chin, up and through her cheeks, through her eyes, and up out of her head, blood splattering sickeningly everywhere.

    June¡¯s head was left shredded like cheese or meat from a deli, and her body collapsed lifelessly.

    ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!¡± Gary sat screaming as loud as he could. He screamed as there were calls, shouts, caws, and movements all around. ¡°HEEEEEEEEEELP!!!!¡± He struggled with an unseen assailant, but he collapsed to his back as he realized what it was, and he started to remember where he was. Gary was just trapped in his sleeping bag. In the middle of the woods. There was a rustling and Gary sat back up quickly and turned.

    Electivire stood there.

    The two had nothing to say to each other.

    Electivire then grunted and sat down next to June¡¯s bag. He crossed his legs and rested his hands on his knees, his eyes closed.

    Gary breathed out tiredly, trying to calm his heart, and he fell to his back in exhaustion. Closing his eyes, he whispered, ¡°June...¡±

    *

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you want to enter?¡± a young guy in a black suit and tie questioned Gary. His eyes shot around the lobby before looking back at Gary, but they wouldn¡¯t keep still.

    This made Gary uncomfortable. ¡°Uh... Yeah...?¡± Gary looked around while talking, but didn¡¯t see anything but a couple of bookshelves full of books, a few pots with tall plants in them, two large, white tables with wooden chairs, and a gray carpet designed into squared sections going back and forth between light gray and dark gray.

    Aside from the concierge and Gary, the lobby had no people.

    ¡°And you were invited?¡± the man kept darting his eyes around, disbelief worn on his face.

    ¡°Yes...? Is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°Well if you were invited, I guess not,¡± he shrugged.

    ¡°Okay, so can I see him?¡± Gary eyed the gold nametag on his shirt that read Roger.

    ¡°Go ahead. 2B,¡± Roger said briefly.

    Gary nodded and looked around. ¡°Thanks,¡± he mumbled, spotting the elevators. He walked over to the two and pressed a silver button that was above another, causing a tiny glass middle to glow white.

    The glow turned off when a couple of light dings went off by an elevator. A white, protruding circle over the elevator was blinking brightly over another circle beneath it for a couple of turns before staying on. The circle below never flashed. The doors slid open silently, revealing a wooden interior, the walls glowing similar to gold. The floor was carpeted black, the word Jubilife in yellow.

    Gary stepped inside. ¡°2B,¡± he said to himself, hitting one of a set of buttons on a silver panel.

    The doors closed easily.

    Gary found that the ride, while short, was also longer than he expected considering he only went up one stop. When he arrived, the doors opened with a couple of chimes, and he stepped out.

    And screamed at the top of his lungs!

    Rats! Huge, black, nasty, scurrying rats were running and bouncing and rolling along the floor!

    ¡°Rats!!¡± Gary watched, panicked about the gross things.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    On the landing of the second floor were scampering rats, and a huge black beast the size of a dog in the mix of them all!

    Yelling in his head to leap back into the elevator did nothing towards actually getting back in. Gary was petrified at the sight and imagining that the critters had already gotten into the elevator! He wanted to look back, but was too frightened to take his eyes off the rats in front of him! This is so disgusting! There¡¯s rats here?? Gary thought, sickened to his stomach. Filthy! They¡¯re so huge!

    And then, a Poke Ball flew through the air and a rat was hit, being pulled inside!

    Gary gasped in disbelief.

    The remaining creatures scattered, moving collectively to where the landing ended at a white wall with a huge, golden number 2 on it.

    Someone also stood at the wall, watching as the rats split up into two separate directions to the left or right, disappearing down the hallways.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened at the guy standing there. ¡°Rob...?¡± he uttered shakily.

    The Poke Ball let out a PING! It then glowed brightly, dissipating away.

    ¡°Rob! What¡¯s-?¡±

    ¡°Ssshhh!¡± Robin, standing at the wall, angrily put a finger to his lips. He then waved a hand over, smiling.

    Gary looked around cautiously before making his way over to his friend.

    Robin then winked and started creeping across a beige carpet to the left, past brown door after brown door.

    The hallways were completely empty, the rats nowhere in sight.

    ¡°Rob, what¡¯s going on here?¡± Gary asked shakily.

    Robin snickered. ¡°Aaah, I guess you¡¯re confused right now, huh? Come on, then. Back to my room. But keep quiet. I¡¯ll fill you in, pal.¡± He looked back and winked.

    Gary smirked slightly, struggling to keep his legs from quaking as he quickly followed Robin.

    Robin stopped at the second to last door and stopped. Facing Gary again made his eyes widen. ¡°Gary? You look totally freaked, dude,¡± he spoke lowly. With a light chuckle, he added, ¡°You¡¯ve gotta take it easy. Ben¡¯s friendly.¡±

    ¡°Ben?¡± Gary replied.

    ¡°The Raticate. It¡¯s what I¡¯ve nicknamed him.¡±

    ¡°Raticate? What Raticate?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°Ha, ha. You just saw them,¡± Robin answered quietly. ¡°All those Rattata and the big guy, Raticate.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second! Those were Rattata and Raticate??¡± Gary burst out.

    ¡°Ssh!¡± Robin frowned, raising a finger. ¡°You¡¯ll scare them away,¡± he then whispered.

    Gary just nodded with wide eyes and got out his Pokedex. Putting it on silent mode, he read the information on two Pokemon to himself.

    Rattata. The Mouse Pokemon and its evolved form, Raticate, the Mouse Pokemon. These are their Alolan forms. Both are Dark and Normal type Pokemon. These Pokemon are a threat to their environments, just like their Kantonian counterparts. Not native to Alola, Kantonian Rattata wound up there and their appearance changed while adapting to a threat. Raticate tend to control the Rattata to scourge for only the best, finest food.

    They are! Gary realized, staring at the revolving 3D images of a dark Rattata and Raticate. ¡°Another form...¡± he said softly before looking back to Robin, confused as ever. ¡°Robin, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain, but we¡¯ve gotta keep calm so I don¡¯t miss out before I¡¯ve gotta leave today. This is my last chance.¡± He opened the door, and he and Gary walked into a pretty decently kept, but slightly messy room.

    The blinds and curtains were closed, making it fairly dark inside despite the sunny day. The bed was unmade, reminding Gary of how he kept his bed back at home and how he still leaves any bed he gets the rare chance to get into while on his journey. On the floor were a few bags, both plastic and paper, all tightened shut in various ways.

    ¡°So can I talk now?¡± Gary asked, smiling.

    ¡°Ha ha ha ha! Take a seat while we wait!¡± Robin offered, waving around the room.

    ¡°Wait? For what?¡± Gary eyed several wooden, cushioned chairs and a sofa.

    ¡°Ben!¡± Robin exclaimed as he plopped on the sofa.

    ¡°The Raticate? It¡¯s coming back?¡±

    ¡°Dude, he and the Rattata have scared off this entire building! It¡¯s about to be shut down as a health hazard with all the complaints coming in! The building has tried to downplay the incident but they can¡¯t keep it up forever. This place is history,¡± Robin told him.

    ¡°It¡¯s an infestation?¡±

    ¡°Well, one of the chefs is from the Alola region, real far away, and does the meals for this building and apparently, Raticate from Alola have a specific preference for quality food, so chefs out there use them to check how good their food is,¡± Robin explained. ¡°He brought over a couple I guess and... aha... Things seem to have gotten... uh...¡± Robin smiled at the ceiling and then went back to Gary. ¡°Rated R, eh? Hee hee hee...¡±

    ¡°Rrrooooob,¡± Gary rolled his eyes, smirking in disgust. ¡°Gross, man.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, they¡¯ve taken over now and this place is on its way out. But I¡¯ve met that Raticate, yo! Ben! I swear, he¡¯s cool as water, dude! A quality Pokemon! I wanna catch him, but every time I throw a Poke Ball at him, a pack of Rattata show up and get in the way. After my third Ultra Ball, and one Great Ball, I just gave up and stuck with Poke Balls! But I¡¯m running low, and this is my last day!¡±

    ¡°Why did you name him Ben?¡±

    Robin¡¯s mouth hung open as if ready to give an answer, but he remained silent for a bit. ¡°Aha... Well, when I had first met him with MJ, my Jumpluff, he-¡±

    There was a noise from another part of the room, startling the two boys and making them turn.

    Robin held out his palm to Gary, signaling for his silence. He stood up and crept along to another area.

    Gary moved after him slowly, and the two ended up at a cracked open door. Seeing a part of a faucet, he soon deduced this was a bathroom.

    Robin reached the door, his arm outstretched towards it.

    ¡°Rooob...?¡± Gary stared warily.

    Robin held up his other hand which had a Poke Ball in it, and he made it large. He then shoved the door open.

    Inside, the sight was sickening.

    Gary would have screamed had it been a bunch of actual rats in there and not Pokemon, though he still was close to doing so anyway.

    Rattata upon Rattata were sliding, crawling, rolling, leaping, all over the bathroom floor, like a bathroom full of sewer rats!

    Robin and Gary turned suddenly and yelled out at the same time, ¡°HEY!¡±

    It was the Alolan Raticate, Ben! He hissed at Robin and gnashed his teeth at him.

    ¡°You sure that thing¡¯s friendly, Rob?¡± Gary questioned with fear.

    ¡°Totally! Ben is amazing! And strong!¡± Robin nodded with a huge smile, his eyes practically twinkling with joy. ¡°POKE BALL, GO!! HA HA HA HA!!¡± He threw the Poke Ball.

    Raticate stood still, watching the ball. Suddenly, he turned his back on the boys and ran, the Poke Ball still heading for him.

    A sudden bunch of Alolan Rattata then appeared and got in the way of the Poke Ball, one of them being captured.

    ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Robin complained.

    PING!

    Letting out an aggravated groan, Robin ran after Ben.

    Gary looked back to the bathroom and gasped.

    The Rattata were all gone! Not a visible hair was left behind.

    Gary went after Robin but only a few feet in, he stopped, seeing Robin alone and on one knee, staring at the bottom of a wall.

    ¡°They¡¯re next door! Come on!¡± Robin ran out the room.

    Gary stared at the bottom of the wall where a big hole was at.

    It didn¡¯t look big enough for all of those Rattata, let alone that fat Raticate, to fit through, but the truth was, all of them had vanished.

    Gary ran to the door Robin had left open and looked first down the right side of the hallway, then the left, to see Robin stopped at a door and opening it easily. ¡°Rob!¡± Gary went after him as Robin leaped into the room.

    A second later, Gary at the door, packs of Rattata led by a Raticate poured out of the room. They overtook Gary and the boy was curled up on the floor, screaming his head off as the rats ran all over him!

    PING!

    ¡°Shit!¡± Robin¡¯s voice was heard.

    When the stampede had ended, Gary got to his knees and rubbed at his body, feeling disgusting and dirty. ¡°Maybe we should say goodbye and leave this place to the Pokemon,¡± Gary suggested. ¡°This is disgusting!¡±

    ¡°Maybe I need a new approach.¡±

    ¡°Have you tried battling?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but the Rattata just get in the way. I need a way straight to Raticate, somehow.¡±

    There were a pair of chimes, and then footsteps as someone got off the elevator.

    Gary and Robin turned to each other and then looked ahead, waiting to see who would arrive.

    A man appeared, stopping at the wall. He turned to the boys. ¡°You kids seen the rodent Pokemon?¡± he asked casually. This guy was tall and wearing a dark-blue jumpsuit. He held a huge black container with a hose, like what an exterminator might have.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Robin asked. ¡°Nobody¡¯s in this building. It¡¯s practically vacant.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to change that. I¡¯m the exterminator.¡±

    ¡°WHAT??¡± Robin shouted.

    The guy kneeled down and touched the floor. He seemed to scoop something up and sniffed his hand, and then made a motion like he was crumbling something up. The exterminator stood again and turned to the boys, brushing his hand against his leg. ¡°They were here. Did you see the direction they went in?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you a thing! I thought they were done with exterminators after the last guy ran off!¡± Robin barked.

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t afraid of rodents. Just Pokemon. I don¡¯t have that problem,¡± the exterminator answered. ¡°Besides,¡± he looked off to the side, ¡°I won¡¯t have much trouble getting these things.¡± He walked down the hallway, away from the two kids.

    ¡°NO! Don¡¯t do it!¡± Robin pleaded, running after him.

    Gary watched sadly. Rob... He let out his breath. It is that guy¡¯s job, but I can¡¯t! Not as a Pokemon Trainer! And I don¡¯t own a Rattata. At least, I don¡¯t think I do. I¡¯ve caught so many Pokemon now... It¡¯s hard keeping track. Gary ran after Robin. Maybe, he continued thinking, we can just capture all of them!

    The exterminator entered a room and yelled out. ¡°WHOA, mama!!¡± He then stepped right inside.

    Robin burst in after him, followed by Gary.

    The place was lit by sunlight from outside, the blinds and curtains wide open. The place also held several Rattata running about!

    A Raticate stood glaring angrily in the back.

    ¡°BEEEEN!!¡± Rob dug in his pockets and came out with several different Poke Balls! He hurled them ALL into the hordes of Pokemon.

    ¡°Rob!¡± Gary watched in amazement as Rattata after Rattata were hit and captured one by one. He then went into his pockets and pulled out two Poke Balls of his own and tossed them.

    One Rattata smacked away a ball with its tail, but another Rattata was sucked in.

    PING!

    ¡°YAAA!¡± Robin threw a Poke Ball.

    This one was headed right for Raticate.

    ¡°Rattataaaaaaa!¡± A remaining Rattata ran and then leaped after the Poke Ball. Its teeth flashed as it seemed to be trying to bite at the object.

    There was a shout, and something black soared through the air, knocking the Poke Ball out of the way. It hit the floor and black smoke burst out of it.

    Gary turned to who shouted. ¡°HEY!!¡± He turned back to the smoke. ¡°ROB!! IT¡¯S A BOMB!!¡±

    ¡°WHAT??¡± Robin let out.

    ¡°FOR RODENTS!! WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!!¡±

    ¡°BUT THE POKEMON!!¡± Robin inhaled deep and ran into the smoke, pulling his shirt over his face.

    ¡°I was hired for this job, not you kids! You¡¯re messin¡¯ with my money! I ain¡¯t responsible for your actions!¡± The exterminator took off, leaving the room.

    ¡°ROOOOOOB!!¡± Gary knew he couldn¡¯t leave behind his friend. He didn¡¯t have time to think up a plan, and he ended up just taking action blindly. He pulled his shirt over his nose, inhaled lightly, and held his breath as the smell of the fumes reached him, running into the blinding smoke.

    ¡°GARY!! I NEED YOUR HELP!!¡± Robin was choking heavily.

    Gary was even choking now, the fumes just too strong! He fell to his knees, desperate to call out, but resisting so he could reserve his breath. He reached out blindly, feeling his body weakening. His lungs were desperate to breathe, making his entire body jump in the struggle not to. His hands grabbed something furry and he took hold, pulling a hefty weight into his arms and cradling it with all he had. Unable to keep fighting against the poison, he forced himself up with the last of his breath and stumbled away from the smoke as his breath came out. Tears flowed down his face as he pleaded with his body not to inhale and found himself in the hallway, out of the room. Gary inhaled against his will, but then exhaled in shock as he was tackled to the ground by someone!

    Choking, Robin was on the carpet on his side.

    Raticate was in his arms!

    Choking along with his friend, Gary stared into his own arms at a Rattata. ¡°Rob,¡± he choked out, breathing heavily, still smelling the poison as it seeped out of the room. ¡°We did it.¡±

    Robin was still coughing hard, tears soaking his face, but he nodded. ¡°Get help. I can¡¯t.¡± Robin gave up speaking and just kept suffering on the ground.

    Gary remained there with him, not even able to respond.

    *

    ¡°If he wasn¡¯t so damn fat, I coulda done it,¡± Robin stated, staring at the floor of the Pokemon Center.

    ¡°Don¡¯t blame yourself. What was it? Fifty-nine pounds? That¡¯s sixty pounds of weight.¡±

    ¡°Fifty-six,¡± Robin corrected him.

    ¡°Still sixty, basically. You saved his life. They both made it because of us. We did it! Let¡¯s be happy! They were both dead if not for the both of us being there.¡±

    ¡°Ha, just wait ¡®til my parents hear about this. My mom will make sure that guy never works again! A ha, huck...¡± Robin¡¯s laughter was cut short as he coughed.

    ¡°They only believed him over us because the management didn¡¯t wanna be responsible for what happened to us. But they¡¯re screwed. They¡¯ll be sued through the ass.¡±

    ¡°We were still in that building. It wasn¡¯t cleared, and they let a poison bomb loose. They¡¯re gonna get screwed several ways into the new year.¡± Robin smiled.

    There was silence in the Emergency Room Robin and Gary sat in. While initially they were hooked up to breathing masks, they ended up being just fine by the next day, clearing all the medical tests given. Now, they sat apart on their separate beds, chatting and awaiting their discharge.

    Gary turned to Robin, noticing the elongated silence. His eyes widened at the surprise guest.

    Robin was already looking at the new arrival, smiling, his mouth hanging open.

    An Alolan Raticate stood several feet from Robin.

    How¡¯d he get in here? Gary wondered. Ugly thing, really. Still, Gary smiled.

    ¡°Ben...¡± Robin stood up and took a slow, careful step forward.

    Raticate¡¯s tail swept the floor and then went still. ¡°Rrrrrrrrr...¡± he seemed to growl.

    Robin kept his smile and raised his hands by his face. ¡°Hey. It¡¯s okay, friend. I won¡¯t hurt you. I never would. You¡¯re my friend, Ben.¡± He moved closer, slowly reaching the Pokemon, and he slowly extended one arm.

    Raticate stared at the hand and his tail waved a little. He moved forward and let Robin pet him.

    ¡°See? You can trust me, Ben.¡± Robin¡¯s hand slid along Raticate¡¯s cheek.

    Raticate, his eyes closed, let out a kind of raspy, wheezy, anxious purr.

    Robin pulled back his hand, Raticate watching now. He dug in his pocket. ¡°Sorry I don¡¯t have anything cooler, but I used up all of my-whoa!¡± His hand came out with a different kind of Poke Ball. ¡°I forgot I had this thing!¡±

    This Poke Ball was white on the bottom, green on top, and had four red, teardrop-shaped designs against the green, two of them on opposing ends of the ball.

    ¡°Perfect! What do you think, friend?¡± He held out the ball.

    ¡°Rrrrraticate!¡± He stared at Robin¡¯s face but didn¡¯t move.

    Robin¡¯s smile lessened just a bit. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re free to go if you like. Those remaining Rattata still need a leader, right? The extermination¡¯s been put on hold in the meantime, so I¡¯m sure you can find them at the condo. I just thought... Yano. HA HA! I dunno.¡± Robin¡¯s hand lowered some.

    ¡°Rrrrraticate...¡± Raticate kept his eyes on the ball. He sniffed at it and then got closer, sniffing some more.

    Robin started looking more hopeful. ¡°What do you say? Friends, Ben? This is called the Friend Ball! I can¡¯t imagine a better way to start off our journey together. Ha ha ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Raticate!¡± Raticate said, though there was no clear emotion to read as he stared at Robin.

    Robin waited.

    Gary watched.

    Raticate looked behind him and then back to Robin.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Robin¡¯s arm went down, disappointment on his face.

    Raticate lunged forward! He ended up underneath the Friend Ball still in Robin¡¯s lowering hand, sliding on the floor like he was playing baseball. His head bumped into the ball softly, and the Friend Ball opened, pulling him in by a red beam, and the ball closed!

    The button blinked red repeatedly as it shook a couple of times in Robin¡¯s hand before PING! The Friend Ball then glowed white and disappeared.

    Robin made a tight fist, also forming a fist with his other hand. ¡°Now that¡¯s what I call class!¡± He burst into wild laughter, coughing lightly afterwards.

    Gary stared at him uncomfortably. Even though they were alone, he felt embarrassed in the long time Robin was cackling almost maniacally.

    ¡°So that¡¯s where he went.¡±

    Both kids let out a shout and turned.

    ¡°Hello, boys. I¡¯m sorry to have startled you,¡± Nurse Joy spoke, standing in the open doorway. ¡°If you¡¯re okay, we¡¯re ready to let you both go!¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Gary leaped up.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Robin cheered, also jumping to his feet.

    Nurse Joy gave a bow and left the room.

    Robin and Gary grabbed their bags and jackets from a couple of chairs and stepped out into the hallway, walking past several doors before stopping at a pair of electronic doors that opened at their arrival. They stepped into the lively Pokemon Center lobby.

    Gary scanned the building, but he didn¡¯t see Electivire anywhere. He¡¯s supposed to be waiting for me. What¡¯s his deal? He interrupts my matches, but he won¡¯t stick around, either! Annoying. I can¡¯t keep tracking down this thing. He¡¯s gonna slow me up big time.

    ¡°Hey, Gary, if you¡¯re not-¡± Robin started.

    ¡°YO! GARY!¡± a voice shouted, cutting off Robin and making both children turn. ¡°Oh, and Robin! What¡¯s up? I can¡¯t believe I found you, Gary! I thought you¡¯d left already!¡± His short self getting through the crowd, it was Scientist Gary with a smile on his face! He adjusted his glasses. ¡°Nigg-bro! I¡¯ve been looking all over for you, bro! Dude, I¡¯ve got something for you?¡±

    Gary blinked at him a few times, thinking back on the past few seconds. Wait... Gary remembered when Scientist Gary tried to call him the word ¡°nigga¡± back in Kanto, but switched it up at the last second. I¡¯m sure he just tried it, Gary thought. Is it me? Does he think I¡¯ll be offended? I don¡¯t want him to be any different around me because I¡¯m Black. Or was it because of Rob, who¡¯s White? Ugh, this just all seems so stupid! ¡°What¡¯s good, man?¡± Gary had tried to say the word back, but he wasn¡¯t used to it, and he failed entirely.

    Scientist Gary removed his little satchel and unzipped a section of it. ¡°Dude, Kiwi sent me to give you this!¡± He held out a black, leather-bound notebook.

    Gary made a face that resembled disgust and shock. ¡°Wh-what?! Who??¡±

    ¡°Kiwi! Your friend from Pallet Town!¡± Scientist Gary responded easily.

    ¡°You know our friend Kiwi??!¡± Robin shouted.

    ¡°You know her, too? She only mentioned Gary,¡± the scientist told Robin.

    Robin nearly hit the ground, an embarrassed smile on his face. ¡°Kiwi sure has changed these days.¡±

    ¡°She told me she had something you¡¯d be interested in, involving Prof. Oak,¡± Scientist Gary told Gary.

    Gary stared at the book, not believing what was going on.

    ¡°Keep an eye out for your friend in Sinnoh. There¡¯s something that might be of interest for you to look into concerning Prof. Oak,¡± Gary recalled Kiwi informing him. He stared at Scientist Gary, and then returned to the book.

    Pondering his options.

    Knowing there were none.

    Knowing he¡¯d take the book held shut by a leather strap.

 Chain Of Command

    ¡°So let¡¯s check it out already!¡± Robin insisted.

    ¡°Alright! Alright! Take it easy, man! This is kind of serious...¡± Gary stared at the book in his trembling hands. ¡°What could be in this thing? It¡¯s just a notebook. Kiwi didn¡¯t tell me a thing about this!¡±

    Robin sighed impatiently. ¡°And we¡¯ll never know what¡¯s in it at this rate.¡± He grabbed the book.

    Gary struggled with him, removing it from Robin. ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s check it out.¡± He unbuttoned the strap and then opened the book to the first page.

    This is an introduction into the world of Pokemon. My name is Prof. Oak, a Pokemon Researcher. Born and raised in the Kanto region, I have been all over the world and seen an innumerable number of incredible things in my life so far. I created this notebook specifically to keep my quick thoughts in place, but it shall not contain much information as I do have my tablet. I suppose you could say I¡¯m a bit of a romantic for the old-school way of doing things. I laugh. That said, this book is of critical importance to me and should never leave my side. Should it be found, please hand it over to the authorities immediately, if not myself. Thank you very kindly.

    ¡°As if anyone who found this baby would do that,¡± Robin snickered.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gary smiled lightly, practically hearing Prof. Oak¡¯s voice as he read the contents aloud. Did he really just say ¡°I laugh?¡± Was that his ¡°lol¡±?

    There¡¯s only but a few things I plan to put in here. It may even end up being more of a diary than anything else. Maybe when I¡¯ve filled up my other one...

    It¡¯s been a couple of days now, and I honestly am not sure why I decided to start this book up, ha ha! I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll end up using this thing after all. But it¡¯s fun to watch where this goes, if this ever does become anything. Or even if it doesn¡¯t!

    Wurmple: An unknown evolution, a pleasant reveal, regardless.

    Gary sucked his teeth and frowned. This frown went away as his eyes started to water up, and he snickered. I thought I was never gonna hear another one of your poems again, Professor.

    Robin laughed. ¡°His poems. Man, I kind of miss those, now. Ha ha ha.¡± His last laugh was a lot less energetic. There was pain within it.

    ¡°He didn''t even date these,¡± Gary noticed. ¡°When was this stuff written?¡±

    ¡°That is weird that he wouldn¡¯t date them. Maybe there¡¯s nothing important in it. But why would Kiwi give us this?¡± Robin inquired.

    ¡°There¡¯s something else in here, too. In the middle of it. A bookmark or something.¡± Gary flipped through page after page, written words with every turn, stopping where something had been placed inside the book, and the kids saw a folded piece of paper.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Robin snatched it up, and Gary didn¡¯t try to take it back. ¡°It¡¯s a letter?¡± Robin realized after he unfolded the paper.

    Gary found himself recalling what Kiwi had told him about being the most capable of the three in Sinnoh to take on the contents of all of this. Why would she say something like that? Gary wondered. His eyes swept over a page in the book. Why would she choose me out of all of us to read all of this? What could be so-? His eyes widened. He couldn¡¯t even breathe anymore.

    ¡°Dude! Is th-th-this a joke...?¡± Robin stuttered.

    Gary wanted to see what caused Robin to say that, but he was too captivated by what he was reading.

    ¡°Gary, you have to read this! Prof. Oak!¡± Robin grabbed his friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°What are you reading?¡±

    Gary finally looked over to Robin. His mouth was wide open. He just shook his head, unable to speak.

    There were a couple of quiet moments between them before they turned from each other and continued reading their information.

    Located northeast of Jubilife City, northwest of Oreburgh City, is Alamos Town. But it¡¯s what¡¯s outside of the grandiose town that is of true interest. My research concludes, without a doubt, that the Mythical Pokemon, Jirachi, is set to appear there.

    Gary¡¯s eyes hurt as he stared at the final sentence after that. It stated the year the Pokemon was due to appear. The very year Gary was in.

    It¡¯s nothing but a myth, and other records dictate that this is not the correct year, but the chances are far greater than not as far as I can see it. The Pokemon who grants three wishes to whoever finds it. Unlimited opportunity. To actually verify the existence of this Pokemon confirmed to exist by so many others. Even a younger Ash Ketchum himself has stated the Pokemon to exist, and I certainly trust his word over even scholars who would oppose him. If we could capture this Mythical Pokemon, and perform research upon it, the things the scientific community could learn. Many professors refuse to accept a Pokemon can just grant wishes with no limit, but this is the very problem. We are too closed-minded in a world where such undeniable magic exists! We must be more accepting to the impossible if we are ever to accept the future! I do need more time to get my thoughts together, but realistically, I cannot do such a thing without advancing forward and getting my hands on Jirachi, somehow.

    It would be better in my hands, than in the hands of more sinister forces. But who am I to judge power in the hands of another? That is to say, who is to say how far power can corrupt?

    These spaces, Gary thought. Maybe they mean that this wasn¡¯t written in the same time, or day. There could have been as little as a day, to days, between those last two statements. Or maybe, they were done only minutes apart. Prof. Oak was on the track of Jirachi, a Pokemon who grants wishes. But, why? Just for the research? Or was he after more?

    ¡°Gary, what¡¯s going on here? Your book is a lot longer than a letter,¡± Robin said.

    Gary looked from his book to Robin, but he didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°What¡¯s in that thing?¡± Robin stared at the book.

    Gary slammed it shut, not answering. He swallowed hard, nervously.

    ¡°Oh, is that how it is?¡± Robin smiled, surprisingly not laughing. ¡°Kiwi told you it was just for you, right? That scientist even knew how important this was and left. Fair enough. Don¡¯t tell me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, Robin. The book talks about a Legendary, Mythical Pokemon.¡±

    Robin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh, yeah? So does mine! A ha ha ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Really??¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe it!

    Robin nodded, his face growing solemn. He then handed the letter to Gary. ¡°You read it for yourself. I wanted a battle with you, but you don¡¯t have time for that, I guess. You apparently are too busy.¡±

    ¡°Too busy? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°With Prof. Oak¡¯s research. So, I¡¯ll just see you around, dude. Sorry to disturb you.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t understand the sudden attitude he was picking up from Robin. ¡°Rob, what are you saying? I wanna battle!¡±

    Robin leered at Gary. ¡°You have more important stuff to be dealing with with Kiwi and Prof. Oak and Scientist Gary, evidently. I¡¯m out of here.¡± He turned his back on Gary and walked away.

    ¡°Yo, what¡¯s wrong with you??¡± Gary called to him, getting angry, and he ran forward. He grabbed Robin¡¯s shoulder.

    Robin stopped and looked back at Gary, his face only slightly, but noticeably, less serious. ¡°It¡¯s cool, man. Just chalk it up to jealousy, if anything.¡± He maneuvered his shoulder out of Gary¡¯s grip and walked out of the building, the electronic doors opening for him.

    ¡°Robin, what the...?¡± Gary started after him and then stopped. He stared at the letter. Why did Kiwi state she wanted me to have this? Why¡¯d she give it to the Scientist to give to me? Why don¡¯t I just call her?? He looked around him to locate a phone, but then stared to the door. Rob... He frowned and, shoving the letter in the middle of the book, ran out of the building. ¡°HEY!¡± he barked.

    Robin was already standing still, his back to Gary. He turned back, his face softened. Suddenly, he burst out laughing! As he approached Gary, his laughter stopped and he gave Gary a sad smile. ¡°Hey, man, I¡¯m sorry. I just didn¡¯t like being left out. I was a little hurt Kiwi would keep the rest of us out of the loop. I mean, even Aly?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s call her and ask why she did that. You know, she¡¯s changed so much. She might just not be thinking straight.¡±

    Robin¡¯s smile was no longer present, and he stared at the ground. ¡°Or maybe she¡¯s thinking smarter than ever...¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Robin looked into Gary¡¯s eyes. ¡°Dude, have you really been okay lately?¡±

    Gary swallowed, caught off guard by this inquiry. ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±

    ¡°I just mean, we didn¡¯t get to talk back at the condo, and when we were with the scientist yesterday, I didn¡¯t wanna bring it up, but, I just thought maybe things weren¡¯t going so hot, you know?¡± Robin spoke hesitantly. ¡°June and all... Do you know anything?¡±

    Gary swallowed, shaking his head. He looked down sadly. ¡°I know nothing about anything of it.¡±

    Robin only breathed out, but didn¡¯t speak.

    Gary rubbed at his right eye, keeping his vision down.

    People running around outside, kids shouting, Pokemon calling, a commotion or ten, all were going on throughout the huge city.

    Robin held out his arm, a Poke Ball in his hand. ¡°Just a one-on-one, Gary. I have a surprise for you that we haven¡¯t had the chance to discuss. Might help out some, considering all the bad going on. Put a smile on your face, maybe?¡± A smile crossed his own face.

    Gary eyed the Poke Ball with a mournful look, and it even took energy just to keep staring at the ball. Ready to just cry, he looked to Robin¡¯s face, but he blinked repeatedly to keep in the tears. ¡°Rob...¡± His eyes finally fell. ¡°I dunno...¡±

    ¡°I know nothing will help, but it might just... help. Ha ha.¡± Robin didn¡¯t stop smiling.

    Gary grinned, forcing it, but it was still so faint. He didn¡¯t want to, but he said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Robin looked around. ¡°Just out of the city there¡¯s a huge open field. Let¡¯s go there!¡±

    Gary followed his friend, recognizing exactly where they were headed, and before long, they were surrounded by stretches of grass, trees, and a couple of really, really tall pine trees. Robin walked ahead, and Gary stepped backwards two steps.

    Robin kept going, eventually stopping and turning to Gary. ¡°You ready?¡± he grinned sneakily.

    Gary looked down at his waist, thinking on who he should choose, wondering what Robin had to show him. Does it have to do with Wartortle...? Catherine? Something else? Does he own a Legend? Nah... Gary stared at one Poke Ball in particular. One he had meant to use for quite a while. He wasn''t sure if he was avoiding it on purpose, or was just overwhelmed with the amount of Pokemon he had. But he thought about it a lot. There was something he was concerned about and would rather not address, but he felt compelled to.

    ¡°Catherine, I choose you!¡± Robin eagerly threw his option.

    Standing tall, Catherine called out, ¡°BLASTOOOOISE!!¡± She stared down at Gary and smiled. ¡°Blastoise Blaaas!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open. ¡°No WAY!! Catherine??¡± Gary smiled huge, flashing every last tooth in his mouth. ¡°Wartortle evolved?!¡± his voice cracked.

    ¡°HA HA HA HA HA HA!! Thaaaaaat¡¯s right! Blastoise over heeere! Whoooop, whoooop!¡± Robin pumped his hands in the air twice and then swung a proud fist upward, shouting, ¡°YEAAAH!!¡± Then his arms fell and his smile disappeared. ¡°Hey, man. I hear Charizard will be back real soon, too.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully, yeah. Him, and all my Pokemon. I¡¯d love to have Catherine fight Charizard but I¡¯ll have to substitute with one of my newer catches. I¡¯ve been doing a lot of catching in the Sinnoh region.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I got me a couple of guys, too. And now all these Rattata and my friend Ben!¡±

    ¡°How many Pokemon do you have?¡±

    At once, both boys pulled out their Pokedexes and went through it.

    ¡°Just in Sinnoh, I¡¯m at five, but seventy-two overall.¡±

    ¡°Six in Sinnoh, but one¡¯s a duplicate so basically five, too...¡± Gary stared for a moment at his total Pokedex results, showing the differences counting and not counting duplicates. But his heart twinged with a different consideration. ¡°Fifty-two total, counting a couple of duplicates,¡± Gary spoke a little glumly. He swallowed uncomfortably.

    ¡°Quality! You¡¯re doing pretty good this time around,¡± Robin laughed.

    Gary squinted at him and looked back down to his belt. He released his breath from his nose and then set his book down on the ground. With a shake of his head, clearing his mind, he placed his foot on the book and then grabbed a Poke Ball. Gary... What are you doing, exactly? he thought hard, his eyes on it. His hand gripped the ball even harder. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go! Come out!¡± He threw it.

    A white beam came from the Poke Ball, releasing the Pokemon inside.

    The thing squeaked out.

    ¡°Uh... Gary? Isn¡¯t that a Riolu?¡± Robin spoke hesitantly. ¡°A Baby Pokemon? Ha ha ha...¡±

    ¡°Ri...¡± Riolu stared up at the much larger opponent.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, but don¡¯t count it out!¡± Gary checked through his Pokedex to find a good move.

    ¡°Ri,¡± Riolu looked back at Gary.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Gary looked to his Pokemon with a smile. ¡°Get ready!¡±

    Riolu kept silent, keeping her eyes on her Trainer. She nodded and then faced Catherine.

    ¡°If you¡¯re sure...¡± Robin kept his eyes on the little Riolu, confused, but his face went serious as he stared up at Gary. ¡°Catherine, we¡¯ll do this the hard way, just in case! Hydro Pump!¡±

    ¡°FORESIGHT!¡± Gary smiled hard.

    Catherine leaned forward, aiming her cannons.

    Riolu¡¯s eyes glowed a blue that matched her body and blue waves swept around the area.

    There was a sudden noise.

    ¡°Blastoise!!¡± Catherine fired her shots!

    With a snarl, something big and yellow arrived in the middle of the battle, and it kicked Riolu aside!

    Crying out, Riolu flew off and slid on her side. Groaning, she looked at what had attacked her.

    Flexing his arms, his body sparking, a huge grin on his face, Electivire stood strong in matching height to Catherine.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡± Gary shouted.

    ¡°Electivire??¡± Robin said at the same time.

    Gary looked to his side, seeing June¡¯s bag now sat near him. He whipped his head back to Electivire. ¡°Wait!¡±

    Roaring, Electivire leaped out with both fists sparking and swung on Catherine!

    ¡°BLASTOOOOOOIIIISE!!!¡± Catherine was tossed back and ended up on her shell.

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Robin called out. ¡°Catherine!!¡±

    ¡°Shoot!¡± Gary grabbed Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball from his pocket. ¡°CALL CATHERINE BACK, ROB!!¡± He tried returning Electivire.

    Electivire¡¯s body was outlined in white, and he then bent his knees and leaped over the red beam trying to pull him back in.

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open in shock, his eyes widened to a painful point and watering. He used Strength to power up his dodge! he realized.

    ¡°Where did that come from??¡± Robin asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s June¡¯s!¡± Gary tried to recall him from the air.

    Electivire shot forward, a fist extended, and flew into Catherine like he was Superman!

    Catherine wailed out, still stuck on her back.

    ¡°There¡¯s no running on this team! Catherine, Rapid Spin yourself out of this one!¡± Robin instructed.

    Catherine started spinning hard.

    Great, Electivire is pulling this again! Come oooon! Gary fumed silently. ¡°THUNDER, ELECTIVIRE!¡±

    Electivire landed and waited, staring at the twirling tortoise.

    Catherine¡¯s body flew at Electivire.

    Electivire held out his hands, catching Catherine, but his eyes burst open as he was unable to keep her in his grasp and Catherine knocked his hands away, colliding into his face! Wailing out, he was toppled!

    Catherine appeared from her shell and landed heavily. ¡°Blastoooooise!!¡±

    Electivire raised his head and then shook it. He hopped up quickly and glared at Catherine.

    Wait, his bandages! Gary realized with a start. They¡¯re gone!

    Robin had stern eyes on the Electric type. ¡°Catherine, Rain Dance!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. He¡¯s gotta be mistaken, Gary told himself.

    Catherine raised her arms up and called out to the sky.

    The sky darkened instantly, the clouds going gray and black. One cloud in particular got the darkest of them all. Lightning flashed and rain started to pour.

    ¡°Really, Rob?!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t hold back the fearful surprise on his face. ¡°Rain Dance?? With a Pokemon with Thunder on the field?¡±

    Robin smiled big in response. ¡°Whatcha waiting for, then?¡±

    Gary was stunned at this response. ¡°Oh? Fine! Thunder, Electivire! GET HER!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s horns sparked, and then the clouds sparked as well. His body was engulfed in electricity and then he launched a beam into the sky.

    ¡°Withstand that and use Skull Bash right now!!¡± Robin pointed.

    Gary gawked at him, stunned by his opponent¡¯s decision.

    The sky flashed a few times and then a thick blast came for Catherine.

    Catherine bent over, her head aimed for Electivire, and she stood still. ¡°BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASTOOOOOOOOOOOOOIIISE!!!¡± Catherine wailed out as she was hit by the powerful Electric move.

    Electivire laughed wildly as Catherine was injured, made helpless to her weakness.

    Gary stared sternly, glad Electivire did the move, but certain he would have done it either way. He knew Electivire wasn¡¯t listening to him. This made him mad on a couple of different levels.

    ¡°CATHERIIIIIIIIIINE!!¡± Robin reached out for his Pokemon.

    The Thunder finally ended.

    ¡°Blastoise!!¡± Without missing a beat, Catherine¡¯s head gleamed right before she shot at Electivire, slamming into his stomach.

    Electivire let out a huge groan as he was taken down. Grunting, he slapped at Catherine¡¯s face.

    She fell off of the Electric type and they both got back up noisily, facing each other, breathing hard with Rain pouring down hard.

    ¡°Electivire, Thunder again!¡±

    ¡°Catherine, use Protect!¡±

    A blue forcefield surrounded Catherine.

    Outlined in white again, Electivire swung fist after fist, blow after blow, at Catherine¡¯s Protect.

    Catherine didn¡¯t react from behind the protective barrier.

    Electivire fell back from it and the Protect went away.

    ¡°Iron Defense, now!¡± Robin followed up.

    ¡°Thunder, GO!¡± Gary tried again.

    Outlined in light blue, Catherine pulled herself into her shell and it shined, becoming the appearance of Iron as Electivire swung at her with Thunder Punches.

    The shell was flung about, Electivire running after it and continuing to Punch it.

    Finally, the shell flew away from Electivire, Catherine¡¯s limbs and head popping out as she screamed and slid on her stomach. The Iron appearance was removed from her.

    ¡°Catherine, back up!!¡± Robin ordered.

    ¡°There¡¯s no way,¡± Gary muttered.

    But Catherine stood!

    ¡°That¡¯s the stuff, girl!¡± Robin cheered, cackling.

    ¡°That¡¯s just crazy!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. How? ¡°Electivire, had you listened to me! Gah, use Thunder while the Rain is still up!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s body was outlined in white as he lunged for Catherine.

    ¡°Go for Surf attack!¡± Robin decided.

    ¡°Blastoooooise!¡± Catherine sprayed a wide pair of waves from her cannons.

    The Water hit the grass ground and combined, eventually growing, standing, and becoming a huge wave headed for Electivire!

    ¡°Electivire, just listen to me, will ya??¡± Gary watched Electivire¡¯s fists spark. ¡°PROTECT right back!¡±

    ¡°VIIIIIIRE!!!¡± Electivire screamed at the wave as it consumed him.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡± Gary screamed out.

    As the wave died out into the grass, Electivire¡¯s body slid along the ground to a stop. His chest heaved and then he coughed out water while sitting up. ¡°Vire.¡± Electivire shakily stood and then flexed his arms, smirking. ¡°Viiiire!¡±

    Robin ended up nodding, a stern look on his face at first. This ended up being a smile that gave in to a chuckle, and finally full-on laughter!

    Gary¡¯s shoulders fell as he frowned at his friend. How can he laugh right now? I¡¯m so furious! I guess his Pokemon isn¡¯t disobeying him; that¡¯s why!

    Electivire punched his fists together, sparks flying from them as he yapped.

    Riolu was watching from far off, her face amazed.

    Catherine was breathing heavily, looking much more worn out than Electivire.

    Robin finally stopped laughing, but he kept a large smile. ¡°Catherine, Surf again if that¡¯s what it wants!¡±

    ¡°Blastoooiiise!¡± Catherine attacked again.

    ¡°PROTECT!!¡± Gary raged.

    Electivire extended his arms and took on the Surf, taken down yet again. He stood up just as easily, coughing out. He was leaning forward just a bit, but still kept a grin, looking ready for more.

    ¡°Electivire, I think I get it already! You wanna battle!¡± Gary had a plan. ¡°You wanna prove how bad you are, right? How strong? That¡¯s why you jumped into my Gym match, and now with Robin! But, if you¡¯re not gonna work with me, you can¡¯t get strong and battle! Maybe we can work out something, but you can¡¯t do this on your-!¡±

    ¡°Vire...¡± Electivire looked back at Gary, growling, and his horns sparked.

    Gary dropped to his knees and then further down, covering his head, shutting his eyes tight.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡±

    ¡°Catherine, look out!!¡± Robin was heard calling.

    Gary looked up to see that Electivire wasn¡¯t after him now, but was using Thunderbolt at Catherine!

    Catherine moved just in time, avoiding the attack.

    ¡°Electivire, cut it out! I¡¯m not playing anymore!¡± Gary stood. ¡°This is enough! I never called you to begin with! We¡¯re done battling! I forfeit!! RETURN!!¡± He held out the Poke Ball. ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!!¡± Gary dropped hard after being electrified by Electivire. He coughed dryly, painfully. His body gave a sharp twitch as sparks surrounded him. ¡°Aaaaack...¡± he managed out. Something approached Gary and spoke, but Gary couldn¡¯t see what it was from his position, unable to move. He had a feeling it was Riolu, though.

    ¡°Electivire, what gives, yo!¡± Gary heard Robin bark out. ¡°Come on, then! We ain¡¯t afraid of you! Catherine, we¡¯ll go straight for Earthquake!¡±

    Gary struggled to see what was going on, managing to his stomach with grunts and groans and sharp cries as the sparks jolted off of him.

    Catherine raised her foot.

    Electivire cupped his hands and a yellow orb formed between them.

    Catherine stomped the ground with one foot. The entire place rocked and quaked.

    Robin struggled not to fall but ended up tripping over his own feet.

    Gary was still on his hands and knees but fell further to his shoulder.

    Electivire struggled to keep his balance, leering hard at Catherine, and with a ¡°VIRE!!¡± he tossed his attack.

    Wait... Gary remembered.

    With a snarl, Electivire cupped his hands in front of him and a yellow orb formed in between them. Giving a big yell, he shoved his hands forward, throwing the ball outward and hitting Jupiter¡¯s Bronzong.

    Gary held out his Pokedex, and his eyes widened. ¡°Oh! I left it on silent,¡± he remembered as he read what move the Pokedex was explaining.

    Focus Blast. This Fighting type move requires the utmost focus in order to land, for a big payoff result in damage.

    Gary changed the setting back so that the Pokedex would read the data out loud before putting it away. ¡°So that¡¯s what that move was.¡±

    Focus Blast collided into Catherine.

    ¡°VIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!¡± Electivire gave in to the Earthquake and was floored along with Catherine.

    They both slid to a stop by the appropriate Trainer.

    Robin ran over and knelt down by his Pokemon. ¡°Catherine, you¡¯re okay! Get up! No way you¡¯ll lose to that thing! You¡¯re better than that!¡±

    ¡°Electivire... Electivire, hey!¡± Gary wasn¡¯t sure if he should be motivating the independent Pokemon or not, or if it even mattered to Electivire. ¡°Electivire, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Elect...¡± Electivire flinched and rolled onto one side. He ended up sitting up and watched Catherine.

    Catherine¡¯s eyes shot open. She turned her head to Electivire, but she remained against the ground.

    ¡°AHAHAHAHAHAHA!! YEAAAAAAAHH!!! I KNEW YOU-!! Huh?¡± Robin watched his Pokemon.

    Catherine¡¯s breath gave out and her head rested, her eyes closed.

    ¡°Rob... I think-¡±

    ¡°HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!¡± Robin laughed loudly. ¡°I guess you sorta win, huh?¡± He looked over at Riolu. ¡°Is this some new training method you have to raise Riolu or something? HA HA HA HA HA HA!¡±

    Gary stared sadly at Riolu, and then Electivire, and ended up back at Robin.

    ¡°Elect...¡± Electivire stood, grinning at Robin. ¡°ELECT!¡±

    Robin¡¯s eyes widened at the Pokemon. ¡°Does it want even more...?¡±

    ¡°It was one-on-one, Electivire!¡± Gary told him as he finally got him back into his Poke Ball. ¡°I¡¯ve had about enough of this guy already!¡± he said to the ball, lowering his arm, exhaling wearily at the same time. ¡°This is insane! I can¡¯t even train my own Pokemon with him around!¡±

    ¡°He must love battling,¡± Robin said, standing. He smiled at Catherine and held out her Poke Ball. ¡°Thanks, my friend. We¡¯ve got it next time, though! Return!¡±

    Catherine was returned.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting that,¡± Gary nodded. ¡°I think I¡¯m understanding him a bit, but not enough. What a pain.¡±

    Robin walked over and reached out to Gary, helping his neighbor up to his feet. ¡°So you¡¯re playing babysitter to June¡¯s Pokemon, huh?¡±

    Gary stared at Robin, fighting with his weak, quaking legs to keep him standing.

    Robin stared back with a bland smile, as if he was okay with what he had said, but was also considering it may not have flown over entirely well with his friend.

    Gary smiled back lightly. ¡°Until she¡¯s back with us, yeah. Everything¡¯s gonna be back to normal soon. My Pokemon, June, we¡¯re all gonna be okay again.¡±

    ¡°I know that¡¯s right, ha ha ha! Say, on the way back, how¡¯s about we trade some Pokemon at the Global Trade Terminal?¡±

    ¡°Global Trade Terminal?¡± Gary repeated.

    ¡°Yeah, have you tried it out? You can set up trades with people from all over the world, any time! And how about the Pokemon Contests? You seen those?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t really been many places in Jubilife.¡±

    ¡°Dude, come on! You can¡¯t leave this place without seeing everything in it!¡± Robin burst out laughing.

    Gary laughed lightly with him. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m just trying to get my Badges and beat the League. I guess I could see the trade thing but I¡¯m not really interested in the Contest stuff, personally.¡±

    ¡°Well, one place you have to go before you leave is the Trainers¡¯ School!¡± Robin gripped Gary¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Trainers¡¯ School...?¡± Gary looked at Robin as if he were stupid.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that look! They aren¡¯t just for beginner Trainers. Those guys are teaching great things!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Fine.¡± Gary rolled his eyes, having zero intention to ever go to a Pokemon Trainer school.

    ¡°You were always the one reading and being smart, and that school is a place to really see what you know. Someone like you will appreciate it. Please, just take a look. You might not wanna leave. Didn¡¯t you wanna find a library in Sinnoh, too?¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t respond or react for a moment, just staring at Robin. He ended up nodding slightly. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m off to Canalave City next.¡±

    Robin nodded. ¡°I know, but if you can¡¯t find this book there, maybe it¡¯s right here!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Of course! It¡¯s a school, right??

    ¡°I can tell from that look in your eyes you¡¯re definitely gonna take a look, now!¡± Robin smiled wide.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take a glimpse,¡± Gary smiled slyly. He looked down to the book Scientist Gary had given them earlier and picked it up.

    ¡°HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!¡± Robin placed his arm around Gary¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s so totally worth it! I bet you¡¯ll be blown away!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll see. Come on, Riolu! We can battle next time. Sorry.¡± Gary recalled his Pokemon.

    Riolu watched her Trainer as she was returned, not reacting, or having much of any emotion on her face.

    Together, Robin and Gary headed back into Jubilife City.

    To get to the Pokemon Center to heal their Pokemon.

    Check out the Global Trade Terminal.

    See a Pokemon Contest.

    Visit the Trainers¡¯ School.

    But Gary promised himself.

    If the school here didn¡¯t have the information he needed, as soon as he was freed from Robin, he¡¯d be out of this city and on his way to Canalave City.

    To try to obtain answers that might change the world.

 Where It All Began

    ¡°So I just choose the person, and I can make a trade with any of these people,¡± Gary remembered the instructions he was told by the receptionist earlier. He stood in an empty room located at the top of the Global Trade Terminal building.

    The room was all gray, made up of countless gray square tiles from the floor to the walls to the ceiling that curved upward.

    There was only a counter holding a huge machine in the tremendous room, and Gary stood at it pressing all kinds of buttons. It wasn¡¯t as hard to understand as he was concerned, and he felt less nervous being alone now than he had been when he first was left here, Robin in another room apparently checking on a previous trade he had been trying to make. He selected one of five of the tiny holographic humans, a man in a black suit holding a cane.

    A menu appeared below him, showing a little black and blue Pokemon and its level, gender, Nature, and information on its moves and stats. At the bottom it read: Looking for: Togepi.

    Gary checked on the next human, a girl in a skirt, to see her Pokemon, and stared at the same creature. He then looked at the final three choices.

    Hydreigon. The Brutal Pokemon. A Dark and Dragon type Pokemon. The evolved form of Zweilous. Its middle head is reportedly the only thinking one, the two heads of its previous evolution now brainless. It is amongst the more dangerous of Pokemon to raise, let alone encounter in the wild. Exercise caution.

    Gary swallowed nervously at his Pokedex, looking over the Base information of Hydreigon again before turning his eyes back to the machine. I like this one, comparatively, I guess, he decided, staring at the Pokemon Deino. I traded Dedenne for Rob¡¯s Togepi. This Deino is male. Level thirty. But what¡¯s a Rash Nature mean again? He played with the Pokedex again.

    A Rash Nature breeds better Sp. Attack, but lower Sp. Defense.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡±

    *

    A tall woman twirled in a blue dress with several white frills attached to it, flowing in the ongoing spinning, a blue pole in her hand with a long white ribbon hanging from it.

    A Shiny Nidoking was spinning as well, using Hyper Beam! The attack was forcing the Pokemon into the air, and it seemed to be balanced perfectly atop the blast from the air while spinning its body in a constant circle! The attack was wrecking the floor beneath it and raising up smoke and debris. But this destructive mess was all surrounding the bright light from the blast, actually swirling around the attack! The scene had an almost apocalyptic look.

    The woman stopped twirling and waved her pole, the wind from the explosion ruffling the woman¡¯s dress. ¡°Transform into Stealth Rock!¡±

    The Shiny Nidoking then glowed in a multitude of colors as its body changed in shape and size!

    The colors went away in a dazzling display and a new Pokemon was revealed, sparkling!

    ¡°A Shiny Bisharp??!¡± Gary was on his feet now.

    Robin had been screaming and clapping the entire time.

    The Shiny Bisharp, bright blue and yellow, neared the ground. Its eyes glowed blue and Rocks flew out from the flowing debris and landed in a huge circle. It landed on one of the Rocks.

    ¡°Dual Chop!¡± The woman in blue swung her pole around twice.

    Bisharp destroyed its own Rocks, first jumping high and then coming down as both dangerous-looking blade-arms glowed purple to destroy one Rock. It backflipped to the next Rock and did the same tactic.

    The girl was singing a high note now as she twirled blindingly, dizzyingly.

    It wasn¡¯t just Gary and Robin cheering for this Pokemon Contest contestant, but the entire audience, blown away by the spectacle.

    ¡°I TOLD YOU CONTESTS WERE INCREDIBLE!! HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!¡± Robin boomed wildly.

    *

    ¡°Well, here we are. The Trainers¡¯ School. I¡¯ve already been here and I¡¯ve got things to do. But, I¡¯ll see you around next time. Was great catching up, catching a show, hangin¡¯ and eating,¡± Robin smiled. ¡°It¡¯s nice to get out of the way of the nonsense, huh? Just enjoy life, like we used to! Ha ha ha ha!¡±

    Gary smiled and nodded, but in his mind, he dwelled on how true Robin¡¯s words were. We really have changed so much, haven¡¯t we? he considered. It¡¯s almost like we¡¯re adults with jobs and kids. Did we start all of this too young? Yeah... Maybe we did... He blinked and shook his head, not wanting to tear up in front of Robin or get silent around him. Letting out a laugh, he held out his hand.

    Robin gripped it, adding in his own laughter, and they squeezed hard.

    ¡°Kanto fo¡¯ life!¡± Robin let out enthusiastically.

    ¡°Kanto always,¡± Gary nodded far more calmly. ¡°Let¡¯s take this thing over this time. Us two at the top.¡±

    ¡°What about Aly?¡± Robin¡¯s smile faded to surprise.

    Gary smirked. ¡°I have a score to settle with her for last year. I need to knock her out the park. But us? Charizard and Catherine? That¡¯s what I wanna see. Charizard versus Blastoise is a battle as old as time. It¡¯s gotta happen on the big stage!¡±

    ¡°YEAH! HA HA HA HA!¡± Robin¡¯s hands went into his blue jacket pockets. He stopped laughing and his eyes widened. Pulling out one hand, he opened it and held out the palm. ¡°Oh, hey, you want this? Some weird badge I found.¡±

    ¡°A Badge?¡± Gary stared at it.

    It was golden, the yellow top ruffled up like a bush. The two sides were also yellow, extending from the bushy top and stretching down like poles, the back of the item streamed down in yellow as well. It was almost like a blonde wig atop a golden, faceless head.

    ¡°That¡¯s a Badge?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°I mean, not like a League Badge, but just some kind of clip I found in the condo. Want it?¡±

    ¡°Why would I want it...?¡±

    ¡°¡®Cause I don¡¯t?¡± Robin shrugged and laughed. ¡°Maybe it is a League Badge after all!¡±

    ¡°Then you need it more than I do,¡± Gary joked.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s funny. Get a sense of humor in Sinnoh?¡± Robin shot back.

    They both laughed. Robin then tossed the little object at Gary and he caught it.

    ¡°Touched it last!¡± Robin beamed at him and then waved. ¡°Good luck, bro!¡± And he ran off, laughing hard.

    Gary considered tossing it at Robin but just shook his head and shoved it in his jeans. ¡°Thanks. You, too.¡± He watched Robin until he was out of sight. Then, he stared at the building before him.

    There was a tall, red house made of bricks, the outer edges painted blue. It had a red chimney, and attached to the side of it was what could have been a huge garage, but by staring through the many windows, it was evident there were classes taking place for children. This extra section had two gray chimneys atop its red roof. The main building was only a story high, the side section with classes just a few feet shorter.

    I haven¡¯t been to school in a little while now... Over a year now. And I¡¯m sure it wasn¡¯t as cool as a Trainer school. We learned about Pokemon some, but... Gary stared at the taller section of the building that had a Poke Ball painted over the door, looking like a child did it. He opened the door and stepped inside. Immediately, Gary inhaled at the slightly unpleasant, but oh-so-nostalgic scent of a school that hit his nose immediately. His eyes swept the area.

    The entire floor was covered in orange carpeting. Gary could see one sectioned off area where some adults were sitting around a huge table, each reading a book with a mug in front of them, one wearing glasses and sipping from his mug. In this area, the carpet was light blue and had the outline of a yellow square in the middle. There was a really old CRT television above them, held up in a metal setup, a commercial playing involving old people laughing.

    Gary walked past this area and down a long hallway, his eyes on some bookshelves.

    A young girl was pulling on a book that was above her and got it free. She flipped through it carelessly.

    Gary stopped at the shelf and scanned titles of books, pulling out some without titles on the spine so he could see the cover. The Princess and the Togepi... Beauty and the Beast... Little Red Gyarados... Gary stopped after a bit and he let out a sigh. These are all kids¡¯ books... he realized. I need to get to a real library, not one for kids. Unless maybe I can ask a teacher or something if-

    ¡°Are you here for the Open House?¡±

    Gary jumped and turned around. He opened his mouth.

    A tall man in a gray suit stood before him, a bulging belly nearly touching Gary. He stared down with little interest at the child, looking possibly even annoyed. He pointed to the right. ¡°It¡¯s the first door. Do you have any idea how late you are?¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth was still hanging open, trying to inform the man that he was just browsing the building lobby and wasn¡¯t there for a set appointment. Instead, he remembered Robin¡¯s recommendation. Sighing, he looked to where the door was. I¡¯ve wasted enough time in this city. I¡¯ve gotta get to Canalave already! But for the same reason, maybe I can actually pick up a thing or two here. Probably not... He ran his eyes down several more books. The Very Hungry Caterpie... Quarter Roy... The Three Little Spoink And The Mightyena... James and the Giant Pichu... The Pyroar, the Dartrix and the Poipole... Forget it...

    Gary walked away and stopped in front of a wooden door with a window at the top. He couldn¡¯t quite see through it due to his height. Back to school after I thought I got out of it, Gary thought, inhaling shakily. His arm was quaking, nervousness filling his heart, anxiety begging him not to proceed. I¡¯m only doing this, Gary told himself as he grabbed the doorknob, to possibly get any kind of answers. To understand this thing, Pokemon or not, is to start better understanding Pokemon. Probably. That¡¯s probably how this all works out. Gary turned the doorknob and pulled. It starts by better breaking down the differences, and narrowing things down. Right? His thoughts stopped as he looked inside.

    There were several desks attached to chairs, every seat taken by a child. Everyone was staring back at him.

    I told you not to come in here! Gary yelled at himself. He turned to the front of the class where two men stood eyeing him.

    One older guy was against the wall right by the whiteboard in a blue plaid shirt tucked into black pants.

    Another much older man stood behind a large wooden desk and chair, a closed thermos on the table. He was wearing an all-white suit aside from a black waistcoat and a black bowtie. Attached to his waistcoat was a little golden pin. His hair was wild and grown high, all gray but for one part that was a much lighter gray at the front and over to the left. He wore gray shades with two bridges in the middle.

    No one was smiling.

    ¡°Tardiness isn¡¯t attractive,¡± the older man spoke gruffly. ¡°The class is almost over but we are on the final topic. You might just find it the most interesting thing. Please take a seat!¡±

    ¡°Sorry!¡± Gary walked through the seats, trying not to stare at anyone but also hoping to find an empty chair. He ended up at the wall, failing to find a place to sit, and leaned against it with a sigh. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m the only one standing. Not one extra kid?

    Some kids were giggling and staring but soon, all eyes were on the main man. Several desks held an open notebook and something to write with.

    ¡°Now, for those of us running late today, allow me to repeat that you please refer to me as the Proprietor,¡± the man in shades said sternly.

    This made numerous students turn to Gary and giggle and chatter softly, several turning away immediately after.

    Gary frowned at the floor. I knew I shouldn¡¯t have come in here, he thought angrily. Now he¡¯s gonna be a total jerk.

    Once all attention was back on the Proprietor, he opened his mouth and inhaled before speaking again. ¡°While my profession typically involves electronic engineering and bartending, today I have hoped to educate you youths on Pokemon mastery. That is, mastering the art of Pokemon battles. It all begins with you youths. From birth, you are molded. What you see and experience, leads you to becoming the kind of person you will grow into, and what you will do with your lives. Life is but an influence on a child.¡±

    There were many mutters and mumbles.

    That¡¯s not particularly true, Gary kept to himself. How you¡¯re brought up doesn¡¯t guarantee you¡®ll be like that. It happens all the time. At that moment, his eyes going over the whiteboard, his eyes widened on a drawing.

    ¡°Children, to conclude today¡¯s course, we are going to be discussing the very origins of Pokemon, and technology, and how they relate. For example: how can you become a Pokemon Master, without understanding what it means to even capture Pokemon?¡±

    Is this guy about to teach us how to throw Poke Balls? I¡¯m outta here, Gary thought.

    ¡°We discussed earlier the functionality of the Poke Ball is to keep the being inside most comfortable, safe, and alive, if possible, both inside and outside of the Poke Ball,¡± he added.

    Keep the Pokemon safe inside and outside? Gary repeated, his curiosity keeping him still. What¡¯s that mean?

    ¡°This is why Pokemon like Diglett or Zubat, who are normally weak to the sun, can battle just fine in it. Or Pokemon like Snorlax, with appetites almost no Trainer can afford, eat considerably less after being captured. The Poke Ball rationalizes this and makes things easier for the Trainer, and Pokemon, involved.¡±

    Gary was normally the silent type. Not one to ask too many questions, especially in a setting he was unfamiliar with. But this had become interesting! Gary truly felt like he was learning, and he didn¡¯t want it to stop. In spite of that, and because of that, he raised his hand.

    ¡°And I¡¯m sure some of you may be wondering why that is!¡± the Proprietor went on, his voice sounding more angry. His eyebrows narrowed. ¡°Perhaps some of you forgot what was told, or you weren¡¯t paying attention. Or perhaps even, some of you were late!¡±

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Gary¡¯s hand dropped quickly, many eyes turning to him. Oh, come on! he complained in frustration, frowning at the floor. Though the Proprietor¡¯s eyes were hidden, his face was in Gary¡¯s direction, and the boy could feel the heat. This is why I shut up and don¡¯t talk, Gary thought, regretting his action.

    ¡°That¡¯s why humans can¡¯t go inside of Poke Balls, right?¡± a little girl asked.

    Gary¡¯s body jumped like he¡¯d been jolted by an Electric type and he looked at the blonde girl. His gaze then focused on the Proprietor.

    The man¡¯s head lowered to the girl. ¡°A Poke Ball will reject a human, leaving them temporarily stunned. No other known effects have been confirmed. The same goes for regular animals. And certain objects can be kept inside of a Poke Ball.¡±

    Gary shook his head. June wasn¡¯t captured by a Poke Ball, he thought. So what was it then??

    ¡°Can anyone tell me what the key ingredient in a Poke Ball is?¡± the Proprietor asked.

    There was silence.

    Gary still had his eyes down until the Proprietor walked to the board while uncapping a black marker and raised it to the drawing that had caught his attention earlier.

    MEW was written above it.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, and then he raised an eyebrow.

    There were gasps in the room and the children talked excitedly, some pointing, laughing, and whispering out the name.

    ¡°I knew it!¡±

    ¡°I told you!¡±

    ¡°I saw her before! It¡¯s a girl! That¡¯s why it¡¯s pink!¡±

    ¡°Mew DNA is the core ingredient in the Poke Ball!!¡± the Proprietor suddenly barked, silencing almost everyone.

    Gary was the one to gasp out loud.

    Many of the kids looked back at him and then back to the man and started talking again.

    ¡°Poke Balls are made out of Mews?¡±

    ¡°No they¡¯re not! The Poke Ball is a machine!¡±

    ¡°My mommy says Mews isn¡¯t real!¡±

    ¡°Do the Mews die to make Poke Balls?¡±

    The Proprietor raised an arm high. His palm slammed on the board with thunderous intimidation. ¡°Silence in my course!!¡± he ordered.

    The class quieted down immediately.

    Even the other man who was up there and had been silent this whole time jumped, looking at the Proprietor uncomfortably.

    Gary swallowed a huge lump, his heart booming in his chest.

    ¡°This is where things might get a little complicated,¡± the Proprietor spoke easier. ¡°So listen closely.¡± He took a deep breath. ¡°Since the discovery and understanding of science, technology, even well before our modern day Poke Ball, when even ancient civilizations figured ways to tame these magical creatures known as Pokemon, there has always been one key ingredient. The Poke Ball, or the Dark Device, these ancient artifacts, the names go on. But nothing is as old as the ancestor of them all: Mew. Since man first learned about Mew and the incredible connection it holds to our entire world, it¡¯s been known that to control any Pokemon, you must be able to control Mew. You see, it is because Mew holds the DNA of all Pokemon; it is because all Pokemon come from Mew, that Mew is the way, and the reason, Poke Balls, and items like it, can function as they do at all.¡± The Proprietor started to draw lines out from Mew to other parts of the board, linking to words and other drawings. ¡°Some of us may have missed out on some key bits here from earlier today, but the point is still the same.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart twinged uncomfortably as a few kids looked back at him for a second and giggled.

    The other man rubbed at his cheek, a slight, awkward smirk on his face, keeping his eyes on the floor.

    Gary sneered, looking away. Give it a rest already!

    ¡°Some of mankind¡¯s greatest achievements have been accomplished by manipulating the DNA of Mew! It is why the Pokedex may not always recognize a Pokemon¡¯s information if it is not properly updated, but it knows the main, trace ingredient of Mew that lies within all Pokemon. In the same manner, Poke Balls can instantly recognize any Pokemon, discovered or not. Unless the form of the Pokemon is distorted or corrupted, say by being buried or otherwise submerged, there is usually no issue whatsoever for a Poke Ball to recognize a Pokemon. The source is the Mew DNA all Pokemon have, no matter what! Including man-made Pokemon!¡±

    Mewtwo, Gary said in his head, absorbing all of what was being said.

    ¡°Take the Legendary Pokemon of the Kanto region, Mewtwo, for example,¡± the Proprietor went on. ¡°A Pokemon created straight out of Mew¡¯s DNA!¡±

    ¡°My mommy says Mewtwo isn¡¯t real, either!¡± a girl whined.

    ¡°And your mother is incorrect!¡± the Proprietor yelled at her.

    Gary held his breath, staring at them in shock.

    ¡°Uh.¡± The kid looked stuck, shocked.

    Other children were gasping, giggling, and started whispering.

    The second man¡¯s mouth hung open, looking ready to say something, but nothing came out.

    ¡°You¡¯d be much wiser to respect Mew¡¯s existence, and do some actual learning on your own, if that¡¯s the knowledge you¡¯re getting at home!¡± He kept his face aimed at her.

    The girl looked down sadly, looking like she might cry.

    The Proprietor stayed still, keeping his eyes on her.

    The girl sniffled. She was blonde with freckles and wore glasses with yellow frames.

    The man then moved forward, walking to the girl.

    The kid sniffled again in the silent classroom, snorting hard now.

    The man stopped at the girl¡¯s desk and held an open hand under her chin.

    Gary couldn¡¯t get the best view, unable to tell if he was actually touching her, nor if the kid was actually crying.

    The silent man watched them intently.

    The Proprietor suddenly made a fist and then raised it to his face, opening his palm. ¡°Tears. Child.¡± His hand then brushed against the girl¡¯s cheek.

    She looked up at the Proprietor, trembling.

    The Proprietor stared down at her solemnly. ¡°Perhaps that is all for now. Class is dismissed. You, child, where are your parents? Next door?¡±

    The kid nodded.

    ¡°Then let us find them, you and I.¡± The man looked around, his eyes stopping on Gary. ¡°I said class is dismissed! Return to your parents in the room right next door! Thank you all for your time. I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡±

    Everyone got up, getting their things and chatting loudly, eager to leave.

    Gary moved as well, thinking about what he¡¯d heard. Wishing he¡¯d been there earlier to hear what else had been spoken about. He looked back when he reached the door.

    The Proprietor was talking in low tones to the kid he had made cry, down on one knee before her, his eyebrows narrowed and one hand on her shoulder.

    The girl had her eyes down, listening and sniffling still, tears rolling down her cheeks.

    The other man walked over to them. ¡°Thank you for your lesson today, Mr. Proprietor. I¡¯ll see you with the parents.¡± He smiled and tapped the Proprietor¡¯s shoulder.

    The Proprietor didn¡¯t acknowledge him, staring quietly at the one child.

    The other man stared at him strangely and then shook his head, walking away.

    Gary left and watched as most of the kids walked into the room next door, a few leaving the building altogether. As he headed for an exit, he began to think of his own mother. School, he remembered, consciously breathing in that weird, nostalgic smell again. The normal life. Things were so... different. Boring. Good... And now?

    ¡°The latest challenge for the kids this year is the Kylie Kyle, Jynx Challenge, where teens are trying to make their lips as large as the celebrity¡¯s famed lips are.¡±

    Gary turned to the TV he was walking past and sneered in disgust. ¡°Eeeehh...¡± he groaned.

    On the screen was a guy who looked especially... outstanding. Lavish. Flamboyant. Extravagant. Gay, as the kids might say. He wore makeup on every spot of his face, and then possibly redid it a thousand more times before being satisfied. His very head was like a rainbow somehow, glittering majestically. His lips were covered in probably a mix of red lipstick with lipgloss splashed over that. His lips were also protruding abnormally. He could have been a woman, really.

    Next to him was the Pokemon Jynx.

    The TV then showed picture after picture of young teens with miserable faces, some even crying, their lips giant and bruised.

    ¡°The Jynx Challenge involves placing one¡¯s lips in a tiny glass or bottle and removing the air to cause a pull on their lips to have the voluptuous lips of Kylie Kyle and his Jynx,¡± a female spoke from the TV.

    Gary felt like puking hearing about this guy¡¯s ¡°voluptuous lips.¡± This world... Gary shook his head, noticing that more adults were at the table now than when he had first walked in, and he turned from the TV.

    ¡°These damn dumb kids,¡± one of the adults at the table spoke up. ¡°They¡¯ll do any fucking thing they see. These celebs take no responsibility. And even worse, where the hell are the parents?¡±

    It¡¯s all about getting attention these days, no matter what, Gary added irritably to himself. This is why I¡¯ll never get social media. Just look at this circus freak.

    ¡°Hey, you! Hold up!¡± a voice tugged Gary from his thoughts. ¡°I remember you from Prof. Cynthia¡¯s lab!¡±

    Gary stopped at the door he had entered from and turned around. He squinted at a young boy.

    The kid had wild, messy hair and wore glasses, staring through them with tight eyes, moving quickly before stopping in front of Gary.

    ¡°OH!¡± It suddenly hit Gary. He was the boy who was at Prof. Cynthia¡¯s lab! I remember him. He was kinda cold back then. What¡¯s he doing here? ¡°I remember you. Hi.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I remember you, too. And you had friends with you. Did you all split or something?¡± the kid demanded.

    Gary hesitated on answering. ¡°Yeah...¡± he finally responded.

    ¡°So you¡¯re all on your separate journeys,¡± the kid said.

    Gary swallowed, not wanting to explain everything, particularly about June. He kept quiet as he looked to the ground, away from the kid. I can¡¯t lie. Not about this. Even if I don¡¯t know this guy. I can¡¯t just pretend we¡¯re all off on a happy old journey like everyone else is.

    ¡°Hey, you okay, man?¡± the kid asked, squinting at Gary.

    ¡°My friend, June, with the red hair? She was kidnapped by that monster thing that¡¯s been running around loose.¡± The words just tumbled out of him while he still was thinking against speaking. But he didn¡¯t feel like covering it up. He wanted it to be known. Whatever it took to get her back. He was after her and he wanted everyone to know it.

    ¡°Wait, whaaaaat??¡± The kid couldn¡¯t believe his ears.

    ¡°You¡¯ve heard of her, right? That new species thing running around? That humanoid thing?¡±

    The kid nodded. ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s a Pokemon, I heard, right? It uses attacks!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what it is, but she does have attacks, but I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s a Pokemon, either. I think she might be some kind of actual monster. Some kind of wild beast thing. I¡¯ve tried catching her in a Poke Ball and failed. She¡¯s unstoppable.¡±

    ¡°Catching her??!!¡± the kid exploded. ¡°HOW??!! Like, you battled it and then threw a Poke Ball at it??¡±

    ¡°It was some time ago. Look, I¡¯ve met that shitty thing and it¡¯s whooped me and my friends¡¯ asses time and time again. And now it took away my friend and I¡¯m out to kill her once and for all. She took my sister from me, too. Killed her right in front of my eyes. I have a score to settle, for sure.¡±

    ¡°I hate you!¡± the kid burst out.

    Gary¡¯s emotions softened and he was surprised now rather than getting more angry and serious. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Dude, I mean, I¡¯m sorry for your suffering at the hands of that thing, but, man, I can¡¯t believe you met it! Like, damn! I¡¯ve dreamed of seeing that thing up close, and you¡¯ve fought it?! How many times?? What the fuck??¡±

    Gary leered at the kid. ¡°You¡¯d probably be dead had you met it even one of those times! This isn¡¯t a damn joke, you know!¡± He was now ready to explode in rage.

    ¡°Dude, I understand, but this is a discovery! Any scientist would kill to be in your shoes! How much more could I want to, you know? I¡¯m truly not trying to make light of the terror and killing it¡¯s doing to others, and what it¡¯s done to you, but this thing is a world wonder, man! You¡¯re... Not lucky, but - like... lucky! You know? Like-¡±

    ¡°Shut up! Just shut up!¡± Gary flipped out, his patience completely gone. He was ready to just beat him up right there! ¡°How dare you think I¡¯m lucky... Did you not just hear me say I lost my sister and good friend to her? I don¡¯t even know if my friend is alive, and I¡¯m supposed to be considering myself lucky?!¡±

    The kid shook his head, holding out his hands in fear. ¡°NO! WAIT! Listen, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it that way. I know you¡¯d give anything to reverse what that monster has done. And I should be grateful then, that I never met her. You¡¯re right. You lost so much, in place of what someone else would have lost instead.¡± One hand fell, but he kept the other one extended. ¡°I¡¯m sure you forgot my name, like I did with you. So, let¡¯s start over. I¡¯m Rael. What¡¯s your name?¡±

    Gary wanted to smack the hand away and spit in his face, and then beat his ass down. ¡°Gary,¡± he said to the kid nastily.

    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s be friends and try this all again. Let¡¯s start fresh and have a Pokemon battle tomorrow. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not worth my time,¡± Gary responded and left the school. He walked along the street under a darkening sky.

    ¡°Hey! Gary! Listen, I¡¯m sorry!¡± Rael followed after Gary. ¡°My Pokemon are recovering right now but, tomorrow, what do you say? Let¡¯s try again! I¡¯m so sorry!¡± He stopped walking. ¡°Please? Hey, I¡¯m worth the time! I¡¯ve got one Badge right now! I would have two but the Gym here was too tough. Jupiter demolished me!¡±

    Gary stopped but didn¡¯t look back, purposely being rude. ¡°I beat Jupiter with one Pokemon,¡± he said impatiently.

    ¡°One Pokemon??¡± Rael gasped. ¡°IMPOSSIBLE!!¡±

    Gary considered showing him the Badge, but instead just ignored him and continued walking, heading to the Pokemon Center.

    ¡°Show me the Badge, then!¡± Rael insisted.

    Sucking his teeth, Gary stopped again and pulled out his Badge case. ¡°See?¡± He opened it.

    Rael moved closer and his eyes widened at one Badge. ¡°I can¡¯t... B-b-but- How??¡±

    Gary turned, closing the case, and kept moving.

    ¡°I hate you!! Dude!! You¡¯re amazing!! You¡¯re like, a Pokemon Champion to me! Like Cynthia!¡± Rael called after him.

    Gary stopped.

    ¡°Dude, I know you¡¯re just starting out here, but you are special to me already! Gary, please battle me! You¡¯ve accomplished so much, so fast! And in incredible ways! Even that you know Prof. Cynthia is awesome to me! I spoke to her. You¡¯re not from here, dude. You¡¯re from Kanto! You were in the Kanto League last year! You finished in the top sixteen! You even fought against Team Solace when they tried to kill everyone there! You¡¯re a hero, Gary! You fought when others would have run! I wanna be like you! You continued your journey instead of hiding after being face to face with death! I wanna defeat you! Be greater than you, even! Like you, I want to become a Pokemon Master! That¡¯s your goal, right?¡±

    Gary looked back to Rael. ¡°Of course.¡±

    Rael nodded. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re in Sinnoh now! To become greater! This is the greatest region! Fight me, Gary! First thing tomorrow morning! Deal? Right here, even!¡±

    Gary looked forward, seeing the Pokemon Center. Something was happening that he didn¡¯t want to admit. Something happening deep down in his chest. He struggled not to smile and rolled his eyes to play off his true feelings. ¡°Tomorrow midafternoon. I¡¯m not really a morning person.¡±

    ¡°Alright! Great! I¡¯m not either. I wasn¡¯t sure if you were.¡± Rael sounded happy.

    Gary kept his back to the kid, smiling fully, though against his will. ¡°I look forward to it,¡± he replied seriously. He kept going and eventually entered the Pokemon Center. I must have looked pretty cool to that kid, not even glancing back, he considered, approaching the counter where Nurse Joy stood with her Chansey, his smile now a slick smirk. Or maybe, I should have given a glance at him and smirked. A nice, cocky, but cool, and still tough-guy look.

    ¡°Welcome back, Gary! Are you leaving for Canalave City now?¡± Nurse Joy asked as Gary reached her.

    Gary shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll just take June¡¯s bag now. Is Electivire here?¡±

    ¡°You just missed him, actually,¡± Nurse Joy let him know, pulling out June¡¯s bag and setting it on the counter with a grunt. ¡°He left, and I let him go, as you instructed. And I made sure that his wounds were fine. He doesn¡¯t need the bandages anymore. I wouldn¡¯t worry anymore, Gary.¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Thanks. He¡¯ll be back, I¡¯m sure. I could use time away from him. Was nice today without him acting up. Anyway, I¡¯ll be spending my last night here, then I¡¯ve gotta go. Thanks, Nurse Joy.¡±

    ¡°The pleasure was all mine, Gary. Sleep well!¡±

    ¡°Chanseeeeeey!¡± Chansey added.

    Taking June¡¯s bag, Gary walked into the back of the building, finding his room, and changed into his pajamas before laying in bed. It wasn¡¯t even night out, and he wasn¡¯t tired, but he was ready to just lay down and take off for the night, his body feeling exhausted. He looked across from the top bunk bed and stared at the second bunk bed across the room. June... I¡¯m coming for you, he thought as his eyes started to tear up. I haven¡¯t forgotten about you, either, Melissa. Tears rolled down his face fast. I¡¯ll avenge you. I¡¯ll rip her fucking head right off her nasty neck and smash her body to bits so the scientists can¡¯t even learn anything about whatever the fuck she is!! By now, Gary¡¯s face was in his pillow, heaving as he cried out hard. He slammed a fist into his pillow, knowing that he hadn¡¯t been able to truly and properly cry and let out his emotions over his losses in a while.

    He also knew that June and Melissa weren¡¯t the only things he was suffering over.

    Gary knew he wanted so badly to cry to his mom.

    But he felt like he had lost her, too.

 Keepin It Rael

    The monster screamed wildly, her tongue slipping all over her bottom row of messed up, broken teeth.

    June was on her knees, her hands pressed hard against her ears.

    The monster kept screaming, the vocals of her voice rising horrifically.

    June¡¯s head exploded.

    Gary sat up with a painful gasp, his heart beating so hard in his chest, he was almost willing to cut it open to ease the pain. He placed his hands against his heart and struggled to slow his breathing down, his body trembling against his will. Shit, man... Gary thought. He turned to the window and stared at the black, starless sky. June... He shook his head as anger started to fill his brain. Dreams mean nothing, he thought. It doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re dead, or alive. Or anything else! He yawned and then closed his eyes, lowering his head. Melissa, he went on silently. I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯ll call mom real soon. I love you both. So much. His eyes then swept around the room. Soon after, they started tearing up. Despite the time he had been traveling alone so far, he wasn¡¯t used to the feeling, nor was he enjoying it.

    *

    ¡°Then can I get ten more Poke Balls?¡± Gary asked.

    The man behind the register turned to look behind himself at the almost completely bare shelves. ¡°I can offer you six right now.¡± He stared back to Gary. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. Believe me. This drought is killing me, too. I just got stock in!¡±

    ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll take what you¡¯ve got.¡±

    ¡°Alright, kid. And excuse me again. I didn¡¯t think the Saffron City attack would still leave us in such a bad place. It¡¯s been over a year or so already.¡±

    The two made their exchange, what little funds that were left on Gary¡¯s Pokedex being used to pay for some Poke Balls and even fewer Great Balls. Man, this is a lot tougher without June to spot me a few times, Gary was noticing. The funds I make as a Trainer suck! I have to be so careful. With June, I barely thought about it, I guess. I need to battle more Trainers to earn more money.

    ¡°Say, you know, you kinda look like that kid from the Saffron attack,¡± the cashier brought up, taking Gary out of his head. He scratched at the little beard on his chin, smiling and squinting at him. ¡°A lot like him, maybe.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Gary looked away and walked out of the building, not saying another word. He went back to his Pokedex he¡¯d been messing with most of the day so far. ¡°Right, so Riolu is Timid. I guess that¡¯s okay... Not great, but okay... Who else? Porygon-Z is... Quirky... Well doesn¡¯t that make sense...¡± Gary went to the next Pokemon he owned. ¡°Ah, right. Deino. That¡¯s fine. I could use a change up on my team.¡± He looked over to Electivire.

    ¡°Virrrre...¡± Electivire growled at him, June¡¯s bag hanging from one shoulder.

    Gary held out the Pokedex to Electivire. ¡°Brave...¡± he read and looked at the powerful brute. ¡°Hmm,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Not sure I expected that.¡± It was several minutes of Gary playing with his Pokedex before he faced Electivire again. ¡°Listen, man, after this, we head out. But there¡¯s no more of this interfering with my battles. I need to raise my own Pokemon, and you¡¯re not mine, okay?¡±

    Electivire snarled out at him.

    His eyes widened with a thought. A realization. Melissa... She¡¯s dead. Because of that, I own her Pokemon. But... June¡¯s not dead! It was like something had just snapped in Gary, the breaking point suddenly reached. He frowned at Electivire. ¡°June¡¯s not dead, and you¡¯re not mine either way, really! I never agreed to ownership. You don¡¯t even listen to me! And I hate that you got that Badge from Jupiter! It wasn¡¯t right! Stay outta my battles!!¡±

    Electivire made fists and bared his teeth, leaning toward him.

    ¡°NO! BACK UP! I¡¯m not June!¡± he went on. And then his voice softened as something else came to mind. ¡°And I don¡¯t think you think I am, either. You¡¯re not expecting me to be your Trainer. You¡¯re sticking with me because of June, isn¡¯t it? You know she¡¯s out there. You await her return. That¡¯s it, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Electivire sneered and growled lowly. ¡°Electivire. Elect, Electivi...¡±

    ¡°You can play Mr. Toughie all you want, but you and her need to settle your issues once she¡¯s back. She hasn¡¯t done anything that can¡¯t be forgiven. That she hasn¡¯t apologized for! Why are you so... intolerant?!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s fists squeezed harder and began to spark.

    Gary¡¯s eyes leered at the sparking fists before going to Electivire¡¯s red eyes. ¡°She¡¯s gonna be glad to see your arms are healed. Because she cares about you, Electivire!¡±

    Both pairs of eyes hardened on each other, refusing to look away.

    ¡°She-!¡±

    ¡°Gary! Hey, man, I¡¯m ready!¡± From a short distance, Rael was seen running over to Gary.

    Electivire and Gary stared at him sternly, but only Gary lightened up and managed to smile at the new Trainer. ¡°Rael,¡± he breathed out, trying to get himself to relax.

    ¡°Bro, there¡¯s a great spot right outside the city we can battle in!¡± Rael smiled and nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m familiar. Let¡¯s go, and then I am heading out of here.¡±

    ¡°No problem! Just one quick one-on-one battle. I wanna fight whatever you used to take down Jupiter!¡±

    Gary¡¯s body stiffened. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Which was it? Was it this Electivire?¡±

    Gary stared at the Pokemon.

    Electivire smiled sinisterly at Rael.

    ¡°NO! We talked about this, Elec-!¡±

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire pushed Gary aside by the face, the kid falling over helplessly, crying out angrily. He punched sparking fists together and nodded at Rael, cackling lightly.

    ¡°Whoa, he looks kind of mean,¡± Rael managed to laugh nervously, an uncomfortable smile on his face, keeping widened eyes on the Pokemon.

    ¡°He¡¯s not the one you''re battling!¡± Gary got to his feet. ¡°Stop it already!¡±

    ¡°I wanna battle him! Let¡¯s go! He looks ready!¡± Rael took off, running along the path out of the city.

    Electivire let June¡¯s bag hit the ground and he took off after Rael, scowling.

    ¡°Electivirrrre!!¡± Gary charged after the Pokemon, scooping up June¡¯s bag on the way, not enough time to dig into his pocket to get the Pokemon¡¯s Poke Ball.

    When Rael was out of the city and in the familiar, huge open field Gary had battled Robin in, he stopped and turned with a smile. But that smile vanished and he was now screaming!

    Electivire didn¡¯t stop, both of his fists in flames, and he swung on Rael!

    Rael shrieked and fell down, avoiding the Fire Punch. He screamed at the top of his lungs as Electivire then reached out to grab him!

    Electivire gripped the kid¡¯s body right before he glowed red, being returned to his Poke Ball.

    Rael looked petrified, unable to move even with the Pokemon attacking him gone. Trembling visibly, he stuttered incoherently, staring at the spot Electivire had been in as if he was still there.

    ¡°Rael! Are you okay?!¡± Letting June¡¯s bag fall, Gary continued moving towards the kid and knelt beside him. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about that! He usually doesn''t do stuff like that! He usually just battles Pokemon!¡±

    Rael looked to Gary. ¡°I-I-I-I-I thought m-m-my l-l-l-l-life was over! That was terrifying! I-i-i-it¡¯s disobedient?¡±

    ¡°Yeah...¡± Gary admitted, letting out his breath. And not mine, he kept to himself.

    ¡°So you mean you beat Jupiter with a disobedient Pokemon?¡± Rael managed to choke out.

    ¡°He has a lot of issues is all... I¡¯m so sorry, dude.¡±

    ¡°You could¡¯ve killed me, dude! Damn!¡± Rael got out a smile.

    Seeing his smile, but not feeling in a good mood after what had occurred, Gary forced a big laugh, mostly out of relief. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, man.¡± Gary¡¯s smile was gone again.

    Rael laughed and reached out. ¡°Gimme a hand, will ya?¡±

    Gary stood before helping Rael up, but his heart was beating a thousand beats a minute. He couldn¡¯t believe what had just taken place with Electivire attacking a Trainer! But he also kept to himself that June had said back in Kanto that Electivire did try to attack a Trainer before. ¡°How about a different battle, then? Maybe a three-on-three instead?¡±

    ¡°I wanna fight that Electivire, but only if it¡¯s my Pokemon he¡¯ll be fighting, not me! Ha ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Gary considered confessing about Electivire. I shouldn¡¯t even let that Badge count. What about that first Badge of mine? I didn¡¯t even win! I think I need to do this whole Badge thing all over again... ¡°I¡¯d rather use something else. I¡¯m really not happy with him right now, and I have some other guys I¡¯ve been dying to train. Could we do that instead?¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay. Fine.¡± Rael brushed off his clothes and backed up.

    Gary also moved away.

    Both Trainers grabbed a Poke Ball.

    Gary smirked at Rael. ¡°First up, I choose you!¡± He threw a ball and sent out a flopping fish.

    ¡°Magikarp! Magikarp! Magikarp!¡±

    ¡°Magikarp?!¡± Rael frowned at the Pokemon and then at his Trainer. ¡°Hey, are you making fun of me, man?¡±

    ¡°Beat my Magikarp, then you can be upset!¡± Gary grinned big and hard.

    ¡°Right... Fine, then I¡¯ll choose my Machoke to handle that!¡± Rael sent out his first choice.

    ¡°MAAAAAAchoke!¡± Machoke flexed hard on Magikarp.

    ¡°Magi? Karp!¡± Magikarp stopped flopping and balanced on his bottom end, glaring at Machoke. ¡°Machoke, end this quick! Vital Throw!¡±

    ¡°MACHOKE!¡± Machoke charged at Magikarp.

    ¡°Magikarp, RAGE!¡± Gary beamed proudly.

    Magikarp soared into Machoke¡¯s abs, the muscular Pokemon¡¯s eyes bulging in surprise as it took a step back.

    Rael gasped loudly. ¡°NO WAY!¡±

    ¡°Machoke!¡± Machoke moved after Magikarp and scooped him up, whipping around in a circle and slamming Magikarp down!

    Magikarp straightened back up, his body briefly glowing red, and he eagerly bounced repeatedly.

    ¡°How does Magikarp know Rage??! It can only do Splash and Tackle!¡±

    ¡°This is a rare breed that knows a couple of surprise moves!¡± Gary smiled, loving the shock on his opponent¡¯s face.

    ¡°That¡¯s bullshit! No way! Machoke, let¡¯s end this with Wake-Up Slap!¡± Rael shouted angrily.

    ¡°Magikarp, Rage again!¡±

    Surprisingly, Magikarp was a lot faster than Machoke and slammed into it again.

    Machoke took a couple of steps back this time but then moved forward and slapped Magikarp hard.

    Magikarp¡¯s body was glowing red, his Attack rising again.

    Both Pokemon leered at each other, Magikarp looking a lot more worn out than Machoke, who looked just fine.

    Maybe physical isn¡¯t the way to go... Gary considered. ¡°Dragon Rage right now!¡±

    ¡°Wait what?!¡± Rael looked like he couldn¡¯t believe his ears. ¡°There¡¯s more??¡±

    A flaming ball charged in front of Magikarp¡¯s mouth and then shot out at Machoke, taking it down.

    Gary was beaming at the opponent¡¯s reaction, delighted, but his smile was exchanged for a more disappointed look as Machoke was quick to get up, brushing off its abs.

    ¡°Machoke, our turn! Karate Chop!¡± Rael ordered.

    Machoke flew into Magikarp with a glowing hand and swiped at him.

    Magikarp cried out and flopped on the ground several times, bouncing, sliding, and skidding to a stop. ¡°Magikaaaarp...¡±

    ¡°Magikarp!¡± Gary ran over to his Pokemon. ¡°Magikarp are you okay?¡± He touched his Pokemon gently.

    ¡°Magi. Karp...¡± The Pokemon was breathing hard, barely moving.

    ¡°Look, just because I¡¯ve only got one Badge doesn¡¯t mean you can send out a Magikarp on me, okay? I¡¯m not here to train your weaker Pokemon! Okay?¡± Rael snapped. ¡°Are you some kind of hacker?? How does your Magikarp know Rage and Dragon Rage?!¡±

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°A hacker? What do you mean?¡± Gary questioned, confused.

    ¡°You know, people who manipulate Pokemon to have stats they can¡¯t normally get!¡± Rael looked furious right now.

    Gary was suddenly thinking of Scientist Gary. The scientist who was altering Pokemon stats for Trainers. ¡°I don¡¯t do that stuff! He really has those moves! I don¡¯t play around with that type of crap with my Pokemon! I would never do that! He¡¯s been checked and verified by Prof. Oak, in fact, okay?¡±

    Rael¡¯s face eased up. ¡°Oh, if Prof. Oak said it was legit, then that¡¯s just something I need to look into more. But there¡¯s evil scientists out there who have been working on, according to them, ¡®improving¡¯ Pokemon to be more powerful by altering their stats. Seeing this Magikarp, I assumed if they could alter stats, they could maybe cheat and teach Pokemon wild moves they can¡¯t learn, too. I guess that¡¯s just impossible, though. I¡¯m sorry, dude. I thought you were one of them for a sec.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine...¡± Gary responded softly. Could Scientist Gary be ¡°evil¡±? Gary wondered. Would he do something like teaching impossible moves to Pokemon? Gary then shook his head. No way, he told himself. He wouldn¡¯t do something that crazy. Like Rael said, that¡¯s just impossible, anyway.

    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s legit, then I just hate you, then!¡± Rael barked.

    Snatched out of his thoughts, Gary blinked twice at Rael, his mouth open in shock. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°You have such a cool Pokemon! A Magikarp with moves other than Tackle or Splash?? And Dragon Rage?! Come on!¡±

    ¡°Oh, aha,¡± Gary smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s next? Your special little Magikarp is out!¡± Rael added.

    Gary looked sadly at his Pokemon and nodded. ¡°Magikarp...¡± He grabbed his Pokemon¡¯s Poke Ball and put a smile on. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. You did so awesome!¡± Shame on me, sending out a Magikarp just to show up this kid and try and look cool with a Magikarp. Prof. Oak warned me of behaving like this. To not show off Magikarp like that. And I lost because of it. ¡°Return, and thank you, Magikarp.¡± He recalled his Pokemon and his eyes glanced over the Poke Balls on his waist before he settled on one. Yeah, this is it. He grabbed it and smiled at Rael, his eyes then closing in on Machoke. ¡°Riolu, let¡¯s do it!¡± He threw the Poke Ball, sending out his next choice.

    ¡°Ri!¡± Riolu raised her fists, facing Machoke.

    Machoke punched its fists together, looking down on the little Riolu. It then growled.

    Riolu barked back lightly.

    ¡°Dude, are you kidding me?? Come on!!¡± Rael complained. ¡°Now you¡¯ve got a Baby?!¡±

    Gary frowned at the kid. ¡°I¡¯m the experienced Trainer here, right? Defeat Riolu, and then talk! I think I know what I¡¯m doing here!¡±

    Rael¡¯s mouth slanted but he nodded. ¡°Okay, fine. Let¡¯s start this one off. Machoke, Karate Chop again!¡±

    ¡°Foresight right away!¡± Gary said.

    Riolu¡¯s eyes glowed blue, and then a blue aura swept throughout the area.

    Machoke roared, flying at Riolu with a glowing, swiping hand.

    Riolu was howling in pain as she was taken down by Machoke¡¯s attack.

    Gary gasped in disbelief. ¡°RIOLU!¡±

    ¡°Machoke, Seismic Toss, now!¡±

    Machoke ran for the Baby Pokemon.

    ¡°Riolu, Counter that!¡± Gary pleaded.

    Riolu¡¯s body glowed light red.

    Machoke wrapped both arms around her and then bent its knees. Looking up to the sky, Machoke leaped into the air and then tumbled. It released its arms and Riolu shot down to the ground.

    A red aura blasted out from Riolu and hit Machoke, downing it.

    Machoke stood up easily.

    Riolu was the one struggling.

    ¡°RIOLU! Get up!¡± Gary begged.

    ¡°Now use Low Sweep!¡±

    Machoke moved to Riolu as the Baby managed to stand.

    ¡°RIOLU, COUNTER!!¡± Gary shouted desperately.

    Her body glowed light red again right before Machoke kicked her in the middle, sending her flying out to Gary while crying out helplessly.

    Gary screamed and reached out. ¡°OOOOOOOFFFF!!¡± He was taken down, his breath stopped by the impact of his Pokemon colliding into him. They both hit the ground, Riolu even tumbling out of Gary¡¯s arms. Riolu... Gary reached out weakly with one arm, keeping his other arm around his sore stomach.

    Riolu was on her side, eyes open, staring motionlessly at her Trainer.

    ¡°Gary!¡± Rael called out and ran to the kid.

    ¡°Riolu...¡± Gary coughed hard a few times, keeping his aching stomach tight.

    Riolu¡¯s eyes slowly closed.

    ¡°Gary!¡± Rael reached Gary. ¡°Yo! Are you okay? You need help getting up?¡±

    Gary groaned but used his hands to get to his knees. Placing his arm back around his stomach, he stared up at Rael and breathed out. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he let out in a groan and then looked to Riolu, holding out her Poke Ball. ¡°Riolu...¡±

    ¡°Gary, what are you thinking right now? I¡¯m not sure if I should be offended or not. A Magikarp, and now a Baby Pokemon?¡±

    Gary closed his eyes, returning his Pokemon. His hand fell to the ground. What was I thinking...? he wondered. Ffff... He held his tongue as tears got through his eyelids and went down his cheeks. Magikarp was one thing, but what was I thinking trying to continue with a Baby, Riolu?

    Tyrogue flew through the air, fighting Weepinbell, Charmeleon, Pangoro, Mienshao, and Electivire.

    Gary blinked in realization, his eyes on the Poke Ball. He nodded with understanding and shrunk it before clipping it to his belt. ¡°Right,¡± he said so lowly. He didn¡¯t even think about what came over him as he decided on his final choice to fight with. With anger boiling in his blood, and his eyes narrowing with impatience, he grabbed and then enlarged the Poke Ball. Getting to his feet, he hurled it in front of the so far unstoppable Machoke.

    ¡°PRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIME!!!¡± Gary¡¯s Primeape glared at his opponent.

    ¡°Okay, finally something more reasonable!¡± Rael smiled.

    ¡°Heh,¡± Gary let out. ¡°Reasonable.¡±

    ¡°Machoke, Seismic Toss!!¡±

    ¡°Primeape, Thrash, NOW!¡±

    Primeape lunged wildly at Machoke as Machoke opened its arms to grab him. He flew right into the arms and was wrapped up.

    ¡°Chooooooke!¡± Machoke groaned as Primeape continued forward, right into it, ramming his head under Machoke¡¯s chin and toppling it over.

    Machoke was barely able to sit back up before Primeape was all over its face with punches, kicks, stomps and blows. He finally got off of Machoke and huffed angrily, stomping around and swinging wildly.

    ¡°My Machoke! Whoa! That quick!¡± Rael looked highly surprised. He returned his defeated Pokemon. ¡°Wow! Alright, then I¡¯ll go with a type advantage to win!¡± Grabbing up a new Poke Ball, he shouted, ¡°Starly, you¡¯re next! Let¡¯s finish him off!¡±

    The ball flew through the air and opened, sending out a little bird.

    ¡°Staarlyyy!¡± Starly called out and settled on the ground.

    ¡°Into the air, Starly! Stay away from it!¡± Rael demanded.

    ¡°Staaaaarlyyy!¡± Starly fluttered away from Primeape as he jumped at it.

    Primeape landed on his feet. ¡°Priiiiiiiime!¡± He jumped right after Starly again, reaching up with an extended fist and catching it right in the back!

    ¡°Staaaaaaaaarly!¡± Starly wailed out.

    Primeape, unable to fight gravity, landed on his feet again, bending his knees, and kept his eyes on the bird like a cat waiting to catch a meal.

    The prey didn¡¯t even get to hit the ground.

    Primeape pounced, tackling Starly. They both slid in the dirt. Primeape got up, huffing and grunting at the still Starly.

    ¡°That¡¯s another one! But I had the type advantage! I guess they were right about type matchups not promising you a win!¡± Rael brushed aside his messy hair and sighed. After returning Starly, he just stared at the Poke Ball with disappointment. ¡°Ah, man! Alright.¡± He soon had his last Poke Ball in his hand. ¡°Then let¡¯s go, Growlithe!¡± He threw the last Poke Ball.

    ¡°Grrrrrrrrr!¡± Growling, an angry-looking Growlithe appeared. It barked at Primeape.

    Without an order given, Primeape ran out and kicked the Puppy in the face.

    Growlithe whined in pain and slid on its side.

    Primeape then punched, kicked, and swung fist after fist mercilessly. His eyes suddenly glowed red and he stopped his attacking, stumbling around, Confused. ¡°Prrrriiiiime... Priiiime?¡±

    ¡°Growlithe! Growlithe!! Get up!! Come on!!¡± Rael begged.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s it, man,¡± Gary smiled after seeing the red Confusion fade from Primeape¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Damn it, Growlithe!¡± Rael yelled at his Pokemon. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s alright,¡± he pulled back instantly, smiling sadly. ¡°This is Gary, after all. You totally just embarrassed me. You were just toying with me, weren¡¯t you? Testing me then breaking me down when I was most confident! I hate you! You¡¯re crazy strong!¡±

    That wasn¡¯t really what I was going for... Gary thought to himself. ¡°Hey, I really was at my limit there! I thought I¡¯d do better than that.¡±

    ¡°My man, you sent out a Magikarp and Riolu! Come on, you weren¡¯t really trying. I was just training for you, huh? And your Magikarp has crazy moves, too! You¡¯re a powerhouse!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, but really, I do my best to raise all my Pokemon the same.¡± Deep down, Gary could feel that he knew Primeape was more than enough to handle this starting Trainer. He took in a deep breath, his stomach feeling a little better now but still pained.

    ¡°Nah, you beat Jupiter, man. Man, I hate you.¡± He recalled his Growlithe. ¡°Hey, how many Pokemon do you own? I¡¯ve got ten so far!¡±

    ¡°Uh...¡± Gary thought about what number should be stated; the Sinnoh number, or the total.

    ¡°Man, you must have like two hundred or something if you already did a whole region!¡±

    ¡°No, nothing that crazy, ha ha! Only fifty... three? I think?¡± He couldn¡¯t say the low Sinnoh number now.

    ¡°I went a little far saying two hundred. I bet I can beat your fifty and top you at catching Pokemon!¡± Rael challenged. ¡°Is catching Pokemon really that hard?¡±

    Gary frowned at him. ¡°No. I just...¡± He swallowed. ¡°It¡¯s harder than it looks. Especially when you¡¯re fighting strong Pokemon.¡± Not that fighting strong Pokemon is the reason I don¡¯t have more... Gary kept to himself.

    ¡°You must be fighting some powerful wild Pokemon! Any Legends??¡± Rael¡¯s eyes were wide with excitement, like a starstruck child.

    Gary just shook his head. ¡°No, but, it¡¯s just hard sometimes. I¡¯m busy training.¡± Lazy excuse, Gary, he knew.

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s why you¡¯re so strong! But you only get stronger by catching more Pokemon.¡±

    Is this guy lecturing me?! Gary looked to the ground, trying not to be bothered. ¡°Well, next time we meet, we can check the score again.¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Rael then walked up to Gary and reached out to him.

    Gary took the hand and they shook.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you next time. And I¡¯ll beat you, too!¡± Rael insisted.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that. See ya next time.¡±

    Rael turned from him and left the area, heading back to Jubilife.

    Once the kid was out of sight, Gary let out his breath. Last time, he promised. And went back to the city, making his way for the Pokemon Center, feeling a little nausea now from the hit he took earlier.

    *

    ¡°Riolu, Foresight!¡± Gary ordered.

    When Riolu¡¯s eyes glowed blue, a blue aura swept through the area.

    ¡°Electivire, use Thunderbolt!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s body glowed white and he scooped up Riolu with both huge hands.

    ¡°RIOLU! COME ON! GET OUT OF THERE!¡± Gary begged.

    Electivire hurled Riolu.

    She flew through the trees, sliding to a stop in the dirt.

    ¡°Electivire, stop that! Use Thunderbolt! Help out Riolu! Riolu, use Quick Attack to get in closer!¡±

    Riolu got up and nodded at Gary. She yelled out shortly at Electivire and then vanished, moving at lightning speed to slam into Electivire.

    Electivire sneered down at the Baby and then raised a sparking fist to come down on her.

    ¡°Bulk Up! Use your muscle against him and hold Electivire back!¡±

    Riolu cried out, holding out her arms as her body was outlined in crimson. Her arms, legs, head, and entire body thickened and got muscular.

    ¡°Vire!¡± Electivire¡¯s huge, sparking fist crushed down into Riolu¡¯s face.

    She didn¡¯t even make a sound. The color around her vanished, and the muscles were gone.

    Electivire made a sound like a cough, or maybe a snicker, his face hard and angry. ¡°Vire.¡± He turned to Gary.

    Gary¡¯s arms and legs were trembling hard, his heart having its own panic as he stared back at the Electric Pokemon. He knew this was from the fright of realization and acceptance of what had just happened. Riolu, he thought sadly and looked down at her.

    Gary saw Tyrogue.

    Tyrogue¡¯s hands tightened, and he shivered as he tried to get up and keep fighting. His hands pushed him up just about an inch before he fell forward again and didn¡¯t move.

    Gary blinked out tears.

    Riolu remained still on the ground where she had fallen.

    She isn¡¯t Tyrogue... Gary took in. This is... a Baby Pokemon. But she¡¯s not Tyrogue. What happened in Kanto isn¡¯t... gonna happen again... He sniffled hard, letting more tears fall out of his eyes. At that moment, his eyebrows narrowed. ¡°And you! You think you can keep doing this and getting away with it, but this has to stop! What do you get out of this? Riolu is supposed to be a friend! We¡¯re all friends, here! This isn¡¯t about proving your strength like against Gym Leaders and Trainers! Now you¡¯re just being a bully!¡±

    Electivire turned his back on Gary with a grunt and then went silent.

    ¡°NO! You answer me!¡± Gary was losing his cool, ready to start a fight he knew he couldn¡¯t possibly win, but as his anger kept rising, his rationality was fading at the same time. He stepped up to the Pokemon, glaring at his back. ¡°What is it?! Does this have to do with June? You were always difficult with her, even though June did nothing wrong to you! And now you¡¯re passing your crap right onto me! Well I¡¯m not her!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s fists sparked and he finally faced Gary.

    ¡°You keep attacking me, and getting in my way, and acting like I¡¯m June! If you¡¯re mad at her, zap her, but don¡¯t zap me! I don¡¯t belong to you! I mean, you don¡¯t belong to me! Either way, that¡¯s unacceptable! You must care for June! Why else are you still here?? So, if you care about her, and want her back, stop acting like a jerk!¡± His voice echoed in the setting they were in.

    Trees surrounded them, but there were also open plains of grass visible around a wide stretch of water, wooden bridges built over them to cross.

    ¡°It¡¯s like, you know she loves you, and wants to do better by you, and you just want to be the bad guy to her on purpose! What, you think that¡¯s cool? You think you¡¯re cool being the bad guy? Tell her how you feel, because back when you didn¡¯t, you missed out on it and what if-?¡± Gary came to a stop, taking in a shaky breath. He couldn¡¯t say what he had come so close to letting out. His own fears. A possible truth.

    Electivire¡¯s fists stopped sparking, and a look closer to angered confusion was now being worn.

    ¡°We¡¯ll find her, Electivire, and when we do, you need to apologize and make right. The both of you. You get that, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Electivire¡¯s entire body sparked. ¡°Lectivire, Lectivire,¡± he grumbled and turned his back on Gary, walking away.

    Gary could still see him, and his eyes focused on the Pokemon as he got away from the trees and moved through grass instead. The young Trainer finally gave out his breath and fell to his knees. ¡°Ow,¡± he whispered. His eyes closed, and his head fell.

    After a long while, Gary¡¯s body started trembling as he began crying over what he had nearly said earlier.

    The possibility that June could be dead. That it could be too late. He heard the creeping in the grass, and felt relatively certain of what it was.

    Something rested against Gary¡¯s side, breathing heavy with him and whimpering.

    There was a sudden, familiar noise that grabbed Gary¡¯s attention. This made him lift his weeping head. The first thing he saw was what he expected.

    Riolu was leaning on his side. She was looking at what had caused the other noise, her eyes filled with tears, surprised by the interruption.

    Gary turned from her to the sound, knowing it was that of a Pokemon coming out of a Poke Ball.

    Far off in the distance, amongst the dark trees and swaying grass helpless to a slight breeze.

    With a solemn look that held no true expression, and yet was unnerving all the same.

    Stood Gary¡¯s Kirlia, in complete silence, watching them both.

 Oaks Research

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m so stupid. I could have used the phone in Jubilife. I know they had internet service in that big city.¡± Gary stared at the phone he had been given by the late Trick Master. He put it back into his bag and grabbed the zipper to close it but froze on what was inside and swallowed uncomfortably. Why do I feel like this looking at that book? If anything, maybe I should look into it more. A Pokemon that grants wishes? What does that even mean exactly? It¡¯s a Mythical, the notes said. It doesn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s probably not even real. Then again, he realized, there¡¯s no proof the book I¡¯m looking for holds any factual information, either. Gary closed his bag and got his arms through the straps. ¡°I¡¯m just not ready,¡± he told himself. ¡°It¡¯s too soon.¡±

    He stared at the water below as he sat on the wooden bridge made of logs. Canalave City is just a little trip away. There¡¯s a blimp, boats, all kinds of ways to reach it. Then, I¡¯ll have my answers. Or something...

    Electivire was sitting in the grass eating from a bag of Pokemon food, far away from Gary. June¡¯s bag sat next to him. He chomped and snorted and made a huge commotion, clearly angered by something.

    Raichu sat next to Gary, swaying his feet out happily and staring into the water with a big, open grin. ¡°Raaaaaai,¡± he spoke so relaxed.

    What was it even called again? Maybe that book will make good reading material on the trip to Canalave. He stood up and grabbed at his bag straps. ¡°Alright, guys. Let¡¯s get going.¡± Gary moved along the bridge only a few steps before, still walking, he noticed something bubbling at the surface of the water. His head turned.

    A monster burst out of the water, screaming with gaping fangs and a skinny, loose, forked tongue.

    Gary screamed, taking a couple of steps back, frightened half to death.

    ¡°RAAAAAAAAAAAI!¡± Raichu also wailed out. ¡°Rai, Rai, Rai...¡± Raichu was suddenly being strangled by the body of the creature!

    A huge snake¡¯s body gripped the poor mouse up to his throat. The head of the attacker was raised over Raichu, hissing angrily at... Gary!

    Gary tried to think straight in the sudden situation, glaring at the Arbok. An Arbok, he thought. ¡°Raichu! Thunder!¡±

    Raichu¡¯s cheeks sparked, but he was unable to get the energy to attack! He continued choking, desperately trying to breathe as his face went purple.

    ¡°CHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!¡± Arbok yelled at Gary.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Why is it staring at me? It has Raichu!

    Arbok hissed again, never taking its eyes away from the human, and Raichu sounded like he was having the last of his breath squeezed out, his tongue out of his mouth!

    ¡°GET OFF OF HIIIIIIM!!!¡± Gary tore across the bridge for the two.

    Electivire was moving at the same time.

    Gary got there first, being closer, and he stopped and scooped up a Poke Ball. ¡°Kirlia, go!¡±

    ¡°Kirlia!¡± Kirlia took his gentle pose.

    ¡°Use your Confusion!¡±

    His eyes glowed purple, his entire body also outlined in the same color.

    ¡°CHAAAAAAAAA!!¡± Arbok moved with wicked speed, tossing Raichu!

    Raichu¡¯s face was shocked, matching Kirlia¡¯s, as he neared the Psychic and Fairy type Pokemon.

    ¡°Kirlia?! Kiiiirliaaaa!¡± Kirlia waved his arms wildly and was taken down by Raichu as the big boy landed on top of him. ¡°Kiiiiiirl...¡± Kirlia was disoriented, unable to budge under the Raichu still trying to catch his breath.

    ¡°CHAAAAAAAAAAA!!¡± Arbok bent a bit on its tail and arched its back like a question mark, hissing and flicking its tongue.

    The pattern on Arbok¡¯s body, once a more random set of features, became a more focused visual. The face of an unnatural creature, like that of some horrific monster with swirls of tie-dyed colors on it. The face moved in and out, the eyes getting closer to each other and then separating. The mouth lowering away from the rest of the face just to rise with it again. It was totally surreal, like something computer-generated.

    Taking all of this in, Gary found himself unable to move. He just wanted to shout out to his Pokemon. Recall Kirlia. See if Raichu was okay. Get away from Arbok. Anything! But... he couldn¡¯t move! He was completely paralyzed! GARYY! he screamed in his head, panicking. He was losing his mind, his heart tearing itself to pieces in an attempt to make any kind of movement!

    ¡°CHAAAAAAAAAAA!!¡± Arbok lunged for Gary. ¡°Cha-!¡± Arbok choked out, struggling to breathe! The scary face went away, resorting back to the normal pattern on Arbok.

    Now, Gary could not only move, falling down, but he could see something had happened.

    Electivire had Arbok by the throat, strangling it! His other huge hand grabbed around his other hand and he shook the snake angrily, growling ferociously.

    ¡°Chaa...!¡± Arbok tried to breathe.

    Electivire¡¯s body started to glow white.

    ¡°Ch... Ch... Cchhhh...¡± Arbok¡¯s eyes started to roll up in its head.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary watched on, unsure of what to do. Wondering if he should stop it.

    Electivire spun in a circle and then used his Strength, hurling his hands into the air and releasing Arbok.

    ¡°CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± Arbok flew into the bright sky until vanishing, a bright twinkle replacing it before that too was gone.

    ¡°Oh, man,¡± Gary said. ¡°That was like the second Arbok I¡¯ve seen... Hey! Kirlia!¡± He turned to his Kirlia and Raichu.

    Raichu was coughing, getting up and rubbing his throat with both hands.

    Kirlia was sat up, looking out of it.

    ¡°You guys okay?¡± Gary ran to them and knelt down on one knee.

    ¡°Rai... Raichu,¡± Raichu croaked out.

    ¡°Kirlia.¡± Kirlia looked to Gary with a bland stare.

    ¡°That was pretty crazy, huh? Though not to be unexpected, huh? Get back for now, guys.¡± He recalled the two and turned to Electivire.

    ¡°Vire,¡± Electivire said with attitude to Gary.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he nodded solemnly.

    Electivire gave Gary his back.

    Gary sighed. ¡°Whatever, then,¡± he muttered, not caring if Electivire heard or not. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta go.¡± He stared at June¡¯s bag and then frowned. He left all of June¡¯s Pokemon behind and after crossing the bridge, he kept going. He¡¯ll follow or he won¡¯t, Gary decided. I don¡¯t have time for his nonsense. I¡¯m almost there. I¡¯m nearly at Canalave City. Time to see what I can find out. And even if it¡¯s nothing, at least I¡¯ll know. Also, once I¡¯m there, maybe I can finally get my Pokemon back.

    His mind focused on his Charizard.

    *

    Gary stared at the loose piece of paper from the book of Prof. Oak. A map, Gary recognized.

    Drawn on the paper was indeed some kind of map, with lines leading around and stopping on an X. This was written over a name that made Gary understand why Robin got so excited when he saw it. It also marked a location found at the edge of Route 210. Gracidea Garden.

    *

    I released Mew because it belonged free. A Pokemon so valuable and crucial to the foundation of the land all other Pokemon walk on, the water they swim across, the sky they soar through; a Pokemon that is the ancestor to all Pokemon which created these essential systems of our reality. Mew, the staple put in place by the Original One, is of immeasurable value. Far greater than a human like me, or any human for that matter, to so selfishly hold claim over. Not everyone could even understand such a value, and therefore, in undervaluing Mew, would have kept it for themselves. But in fact, I made it leave because I did know what I had, and it left with only minor resistance. It, too, must have understood. Forever my friend, ¡®til we meet again. Shall we meet again, perhaps on another chance encounter on Pasio, or elsewhere.

    *

    This wasn¡¯t meant to become this, but I do believe I warned this could at some point become a diary, Lol out loud. I have ended up a little bit beside myself this beautiful morning in Alola. I know she would have loved to be here to research this Legendary Pokemon known as Lunala. It has so many features of things she enjoyed, and would have a good laugh over. Time is a painful delight. So fragile, and gone fastest when the mind forgets it. Perhaps mine was not misused, but simply misunderstood.

    I read these words aloud, Agatha, as I write them, in hopes that if you¡¯re too busy to read over my shoulder, perhaps you¡¯re able to at least hear them. And if that¡¯s not the case, may I relay the message when I¡¯m with you again.

    *

    Me and Pokemon

    My spirit forms around them

    For them, I revolve

    *

    I admit, as time gets closer to this calculated date arriving, I am more nervous than I have ever felt in my entire life. This is different from the excitement that comes with tracking down rare Pokemon. This has nothing to do with it being a Mythical Pokemon, but rather this specific creature, and the miraculous things it is said to be able to do. My nearly illegible handwriting, much unlike my normal penmanship, proves my shaken, physical state. Located northeast of Jubilife, northwest of Oreburgh City, is Alamos Town. But it is outside of the grandiose town that is my destination. My research concludes, without a doubt, that the Mythical Pokemon, Jirachi, is set to appear there. But even if I should really find it, what will I do? Will I really make a wish? Can I really do it?

    I have argued with myself about whether life teaches us lessons for a reason, therefore trying to create magic to change things or affect things, is a kind of attack on the laws of nature. But could it be that by changing things if given the chance, that we truly learn about ourselves? Is refusing to change anything, when having the power to do so, the lesson?

    Pokemon are manifestations of all aspects of nature. Life, death, water, fire, plants... Even down to attacks, abilities, none of it excludes creation itself. Saying this, then, wish granting must also be a part of the reality of this world, and an allowed feature. Yes. I will seek Jirachi, and I will have just one wish granted if permitted. This cannot allude me again. My time is up.

    *

    My information isn¡¯t quite as cut and dry as the last time, but it¡¯s strong enough to get me up and traveling. It¡¯s nothing but a myth, and other records dictate that this is not the correct year, but the chances are as good as they are bad, and that¡¯s a good thing as I see it. The Pokemon who grants three wishes to whoever finds it. Unlimited opportunity. To actually verify the existence of this Pokemon confirmed to exist by so many others. Even a younger Ash Ketchum himself has stated the Pokemon to exist, and I certainly trust his youthful, eager word over even scholars who would oppose him. If we could capture this Pokemon, and do due research upon it, the things the science community could learn. Many professors refuse to accept a Pokemon can just grant wishes with no limit, but this is the very problem. We are too closed-minded in a world where such undeniable magic exists! We must be more accepting to the impossible if we are ever to accept the future! I do need more time to get my thoughts together, but realistically, I cannot do such a thing without advancing forward and getting my hands on Jirachi, somehow.

    It would be better in my hands, than in the hands of more sinister forces. But who am I to judge power in the hands of another? That is to say, who is to say how far power can corrupt? Who is to say my own desires aren¡¯t corrupt? No one¡¯s intentions, even when evil, are the desire of a bad outcome for themselves. And, sadly, no good act is done without harming another.

    This sounds so... morbid for Prof. Oak, Gary thought, reading from the man¡¯s notebook. And yet, so much like him, huh? Oh, sir... He sighed, closing his eyes. In the next instant, he looked over at Electivire.

    While the child and his Electric Mouse Pokemon friend were sitting at a table, Gary in a white chair with Raichu in his own, Electivire was sitting at a different table alone. His head was in his hand, his elbow on the table, frowning out the window.

    The inside of the blimp was nothing like Gary thought it would be. It was exactly like a calm, clean, beautiful restaurant! He had a glass of apple juice he was given for free. He could have afforded it, but he declined the juice and the waitress came by later saying it was on her. He didn¡¯t understand why, and he felt awkward as he took the drink from her, smiling. His discomfort had nothing to do with her.

    She was a gorgeous, tall, dark-skinned woman with an outrageous body altogether.

    Gary was more unsettled by the past times he remembered loving how a girl looked when in Kanto, and the consequences that usually came with it. In other words, he was thinking of particular moments with Tyrogue, which led to the same behavior when he evolved into Hitmonchan.

    He took another sip of juice and sniffled a little. He opened the book of Prof. Oak to try to take his mind off of the image of his Hitmonchan at the League, on his back in the grass, beaten and covered in blood, his chest looking smashed in.

    *

    Gary gazed at his Pokedex from the side of the ship he had boarded. Almost there, now, he told himself. His heart hurt from how hard it was beating. Once I get off this ship, I¡¯m getting to that library and seeing what I can learn. I can tell all those guys online that I made it and found the book, if it¡¯s still there. This is my only chance. He put away his Pokedex, slipping it into his large black coat he had put on due to the colder transportation, and gazed down into the dark water, the countless stars being reflected in it. There¡¯s so much to look forward to once I reach the Pokemon Center. Charizard. I know he¡¯s better by now! I can also call my mom, though maybe I¡¯ll save that for after I- ¡°HEY!¡±

    There was a BOOOM and people around Gary yelled out with him, everyone stumbling on the rocking ship. Everyone was looking around, frightened.

    Electivire made tight fists, growling and looking around.

    Raichu was sitting, his ears down and his hands by his cheeks, scared.

    ¡°Excuse me, Captain, what was that?¡± a frightened female voice asked.

    Gary looked to see that there was a man in a blue uniform looking up at a tall, fat male. Confused, he looked around some more, but no one else seemed to be in such a special outfit as this one guy.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t hit an iceberg or something, did we?¡±

    Gary looked back and squinted at the two again. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not the captain, but I will certainly ask him and let you all know what that was. Nothing to worry about, though! The captain has over twenty year-¡±

    BOOOOM!

    Everyone screamed again, the ship quaking again.

    The man in uniform had his arms out, no longer appearing calm, his eyes wide as his head whipped back and forth. He then took off, going inside of the ship.

    What was that? Gary knelt down, feeling like he was going to fall.

    ¡°Oh no oh nooooo!¡± the female voice was panicking.

    Gary squinted towards who was speaking, but not believing it.

    ¡°This is why I didn¡¯t wanna get on no motherfuckin¡¯ BOAT!!¡± It was the fat guy! This big male had the voice of a dainty woman!

    Gary raised an eyebrow, but he ignored this and stood up, looking over the edge of the ship. Something¡¯s going on. Are we gonna need to get off the boat?

    BOOOOM!

    Everyone screamed and fell over.

    Raichu was now trembling, looking up fearfully at Gary.

    Electivire maintained his footing and didn¡¯t react much differently.

    His eyes on Raichu, Gary said loudly, ¡°I need Raichu¡¯s Poke Ball! He¡¯s scared!¡±

    ¡°Rai?¡± At those words, Raichu stood up and puffed out his chest, patting it strongly as he closed his eyes. He kept his eyes closed and smiled nonchalantly, giving a quick, easy wave. ¡°Raichu. Rai Rai Rai.¡±

    BOOOOOOM!

    ¡°RAAAAAAAIII!!¡± Raichu screamed with everyone else and he curled up into a ball.

    Gary leaned up against the edge of the ship and continued breathing hard. It¡¯s probably just some Pokemon that got in the way or something. Some Tentacruel or something. No biggie. And I¡¯ve got all these Pokemon with me. I can catch me a- Gary¡¯s thoughts came to a stop as something cold hit the top of his head. He swallowed, thinking about how cold and wet it felt, but frightened to confront whatever it was. He slowly gazed upward.

    Above him, a long, pink tentacle with white edges was reaching over from outside of the ship!

    Gary screamed and hit the deck, tumbling out of the way of the tentacle.

    Or so he thought.

    The tentacle extended as Gary rolled, and slapped at his body, stopping the boy!

    He screamed louder than ever, trying to break free as the tentacle clung to him and pulled him back.

    ¡°RRRRAI-CHUUUUUUUUUU!!!¡±

    ¡°ELECTIVIIIIIIIIIIII!!!¡±

    ¡°GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!¡± Gary exploded in pain.

    There was an unfamiliar scream as the tentacle was, like Gary, struck by a giant lightning bolt.

    The tentacle then fled around the outside of the ship.

    Everyone was shouting and leaving the outside now, getting back inside the ship.

    Gary couldn¡¯t move, in a position to watch as everyone was leaving him behind. Crap... he flinched as his body kept sparking, his teeth clenched uncontrollably. His eyes closed weakly. I got hit by Electivire and Raichu¡¯s move! I¡¯m screwed! I can¡¯t move!

    ¡°HEY!! KID!! GET OVER HERE!! GET OFF THE-!!¡±

    CRASH!

    BAM!!

    SMAAAAASH!!

    There were all kinds of crashes and smashing and loud noises going off all over the ship now.

    Even hearing the voice of a man and footsteps stomping over, Gary stayed still. He couldn¡¯t look up, trying as hard as he could. He got his eyes open, but even that was an effort. He flinched as steps stopped near him.

    ¡°KID, WHAT-? OH!!¡± The man took steps back as Gary¡¯s body sparked again.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    I can¡¯t... I can¡¯t even... speak... Gary groaned silently. His breathing came out heavy. He was in pain, wishing it would stop.

    ¡°Hey, Electivire, is this your kid? Your Trainer? Help me, won¡¯t you?¡± the man in the blue uniform was yelling. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, kid, but I can¡¯t touch you while you¡¯re-WHOA!¡± The guy jumped at Gary sparking again.

    Smaller sounds made their way over to Gary, like little feet jogging over.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!! VIIIII!! VIIIRE!!¡±

    ¡°Raichu!¡± Raichu¡¯s voice was close by Gary. ¡°Raaaaichu! Raichu!¡±

    Gary felt his arm being yanked by something weak and small, but it didn¡¯t do much but extend his arm and just hurt the kid. ¡°Aaaaaahhh...¡± he forced out a groan. He then grunted in pain and scrunched up as his body sparked. ¡°I can¡¯t...¡± he whispered.

    ¡°RAICHUUUUUUUUUU!!¡± Raichu sent out an Electric attack to the distance.

    ¡°Kid, your two Pokemon are attacking all these Jellicent tentacles the best they can, but there¡¯s only two of them! We have to get you all to safety so we can devise a better plan than this! We need a plan of attack!¡±

    ¡°Just leave me...¡± It was an exercise to inhale again. ¡°I can¡¯t make it...¡± Gary didn¡¯t really want to get left behind, but he felt using time and energy trying to save him was a waste. He was immobilized for now. That was when he saw the huge, blue tentacles hovering over the man, white edges on it just like the pink tentacle earlier. His eyes widened, and he croaked helplessly.

    Electivire and Raichu were yelling out, attacking, but their attacks weren¡¯t for Gary or the uniformed man about to be attacked.

    The man¡¯s eyes widened with realization, seeing the fear in Gary¡¯s eyes. His eyebrows then narrowed with determination.

    Gary suddenly found his voice, screaming out, as he was grabbed by the man and lifted up!

    The man ran, carrying Gary, and tore along the ship. ¡°COME OOOOOON!!¡± He yelled back at the Pokemon. Once inside, the uniformed man set Gary down on the ground and ran back to the door.

    Moments later, Gary found himself smiling on the inside as Raichu appeared in his vision, the Pokemon smiling down gently at him. This warm feeling vanished into nothing at all as Electivire also came into view over Raichu, sneering down at him.

    ¡°Okay, kid. Take it easy,¡± the man in the blue uniform stated. ¡°My name is Chief Mate Arethe. Can you tell me your name, son?¡±

    Gary merely groaned.

    ¡°Son, what is your name? Are you here with anyone? Your parents?¡± Chief Mate Arethe questioned.

    His eyes shut tight, Gary¡¯s head moved to one side, but that was all he could manage.

    ¡°Are Electivire and Raichu yours, son?¡±

    Gary only moaned and then cringed hard as he sparked. His body then loosened up and he got his eyes to open.

    He was looking down a wooden hallway. Down the hall were several doors leading to private cabins. At the end of the hallway was an especially large door where the captain stayed. Crowded in the hall were several adults and kids, along with a number of big Pokemon.

    ¡°Alright, there¡¯s no worries, kid. Take it easy.¡± The man stood up and turned. ¡°Have we got any?¡±

    Two uniformed men, one in light blue, the other in white, stepped up and nodded. They held out an arm to the group of others.

    ¡°Come forward, willing Trainers!¡± the man in light blue commanded.

    Several men and a couple of women walked up, leading the Pokemon, and stopped shortly.

    ¡°This looks great. I think we can hold off these creatures until we arrive. We¡¯re mere minutes-¡±

    BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSHHHH!!!!

    The roof and much of the enclosure blew up!

    Everyone shrieked out in fright, Pokemon included, as dark balls flew through the air above and blasted through the enclosure they were hiding in. Water pumped outward, and other explosions occurred. Objects slammed into the Pokemon, the Trainers, and other innocent people.

    Electivire covered his body around Raichu as Raichu wailed out in fright.

    Gary curled up helplessly as debris and wood and other things unrecognized bounced about.

    ¡°Pikachu, Thunderbolt!¡± one seemingly male voice yelled.

    ¡°Marshtomp, Hydro Pump!!¡± what sounded like a woman ordered.

    More moves were yelled out, but some were interrupted by screams and panic and running.

    Gary closed his eyes, unable to do a thing to help. But, I¡¯ve got to! Gary knew. I¡¯m all alone here. If I don¡¯t get up, I¡¯ll die here! Gary¡¯s eyes popped open suddenly as he felt a strong movement, but there was no one touching him. The ground! Gary realized.

    People were now screaming at the top of their lungs, and Pokemon were even being called back.

    ¡°SCREW THIS SHIT!¡± one man ran and leaped right off the ship!

    Another man followed almost immediately after!

    Everyone else watched this and then turned to each other, unsure of what to do.

    What¡¯s going on here?? Gary grit his teeth and struggled with all his might just to sit up a bit. He leaned over, his head almost touching the floor, and his body sparked. He breathed in and out, in and out, each inhale painful, each exhale stressful. His body trembled. It feels like the floor - it is! The floor is tilting!! ¡°Whoa!¡±

    Everyone was screaming out again, crying, pleading, begging.

    ¡°WHERE IS THE CAPTAIN?!¡±

    ¡°WHAT¡¯S HAPPENING WITH THE SHIP???¡±

    ¡°THE SHIP IS SINKING!!!¡±

    One of Gary¡¯s hands slammed to the floor as he slid against his will to the ship seeming to lean over! Trying to stop himself, he managed to look over to the side of the ship, and his heart stopped.

    On the deck of the ship were several creatures, some pink , and others blue, but they looked so similar despite that. The tentacled creatures! The Jellicent that had been spoken about!

    Shiny Pokemon? Gary wondered about the color differences.

    The commotion and attacks that had been going on came to a stop, but several tentacles were gripping the floor of the ship, reaching from the outside of it, and seemed to be pulling the ship over!

    People were still losing their minds over the footing they were losing.

    ¡°The scourges of the sea, Jellicent! I didn¡¯t even know they were so populated in this region. You rarely see a Unova Pokemon out this far!¡±

    Gary saw Chief Mate Arethe staring fearfully at the Jellicent.

    Screams from outside of the ship were heard suddenly. The pleas and shouts from people were coming from the water!

    The guys who jumped off! Gary remembered.

    The Jellicent on the ship leaped off and into the water.

    As the ship started tilting further, it became impossible to stand. Slowly, people started sliding over, crying, shouting, and complaining.

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Gary groaned as he finally slid to wall and stayed still, unable to move. ¡°Electivire!¡±

    Electivire was holding Raichu in his arms. He was able to use his full strength, all that he could to fight gravity and stay grounded and not slide over.

    Raichu was crying openly in Electivire¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± Gary groaned angrily. ¡°Why did I leave everything in my room?¡± He stared at the two Pokemon desperately. I could have at least saved these two from this. Gary struggled to get up, but gasped with horror as something wrapped around his body and he was swiftly taken into the air! He shrieked like a young girl over a roach. Or, perhaps like he himself would have over a bug. Gary was now in the grasp of a pink tentacle holding him several feet high over the ship.

    Over the water.

    Over everything!

    Gary let out another terrified wail.

    Electivire leered from far below.

    ¡°RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIII!!¡± Raichu called out, reaching up for Gary. His cheeks started to spark.

    ¡°DON¡¯T DO IIIIT!!¡± Gary pleaded. Tears started to fall out of his eyes quickly. ¡°ALL I HAVE LEFT IS WHAT LITTLE ENERGY I¡¯VE GOT!! ZAP ME AND I MIGHT DROWN!!¡±

    ¡°Rai?¡± Raichu¡¯s cheeks stopped sparking.

    ¡°YOU GUYS!!¡± He stopped, unsure of what to order them.

    The two stared back at him.

    SPLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!!!!

    The ship was now starting to sink, the side hitting the water first!!

    Even Electivire could no longer keep his balancing act up and fell, sliding into the side of the ship.

    ¡°YYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!¡± one woman shrieked as she fell over, out of the ship and into the ocean.

    Gary was being brought down into the waters, crying. ¡°My Pokemon!¡± My arms! Gary struggled to move his wrist to get his hand to grasp a Poke Ball. Any Poke Ball! But it was no use. He was getting closer and closer to another phobia of his. The water. He let out his fears, crying and breathing out sadly in defeat. This is it, Gary. Say your prayers, for real! Gary swung his eyes around, looking for any way out.

    It was clear, from the ship starting to go under, the bodies, Pokemon and human alike falling out of the ship, and everyone begging and pleading for a way out, that there was no way to freedom.

    Electivire did his best, Punching tentacle after tentacle with different elemental moves, but more would just rise up again to grasp the side of the ship and keep it going down. Soon, Electivire, up to his neck in water, was holding Raichu up high to keep him safe.

    Raichu was weeping like a baby.

    Gary actually found himself smiling as his feet hit the water and he kept going down. Look at you, Electivire, he thought. Keeping Raichu safe. You ain¡¯t- Gary gasped as cold water got in his sneakers, and up his ankles. This is it! he understood as his jeans got soaked.

    The ship was about a quarter down in the water now, almost entirely on its side.

    More people were trying their luck with just jumping off the ship, but those who had tried that earlier were in the grasps of other Jellicent tentacles!

    Gary was up to his chest now and sinking fast, soon after, up to his chin. He took a last glance at the ship as it sank further, Electivire and Raichu going under. The last thing he saw before taking in his last breath before water poured into his mouth, was something bursting out of the water from right next to him! Riolu?! were his last thoughts. Gary went under and shut his eyes.

    Underwater, things were noisy, yet somehow silent. It was like an audibly-obstructed party. You couldn¡¯t hear anything clearly, but you knew ¡°it¡± was there.

    His breath running out.

    His time nearing its end.

    Gary¡¯s nose started burning as water filled it, and he decided to exhale. He prepared to take in his painful, suffocating, last breath underwater.

    The water seemed to EXPLODE!!

    Gary¡¯s body was freed from the Jellicent¡¯s grasp now! But he was forced under even deeper from the sudden blast, his body helpless against the pressure. His arms and legs were spread wide apart as his body moved backwards. Around him, he could hear things dropping and splashing. He kept his eyes shut out of fear of having water in them and tried to reach up and get to the surface, his arms and legs flailing frantically.

    It was when Gary was smacked by something that he had to combat the urge to open his eyes by closing them tighter. His breath came out and he inhaled in surprise, choking out instantly. Shit!! No!! Gary panicked. This is really it!! His body going berserk from desperation to inhale air but instead taking in water, he did his best to stop breathing entirely and grabbed onto the subject for dear life. To his surprise, he felt himself ascending! He held tight onto whatever he had come across and he kept rising, his chest burning for air. Out of desperation to do something, his left arm and leg released whatever he was holding and flapped around on its own, his body going completely out of control and trying to survive! He swallowed and then choked out a final shout, his nostrils and lungs burning. Don¡¯t inhale Gary!! he begged desperately, his life depending on it! DOOOON¡¯T!!

    He tried to just freeze his entire body, but in the effort to do just that, his body loosened, releasing whatever was taking him to the surface. He was unable to control this act. And then, against his will, he inhaled again! His last breath came out in anguish and pain, wailing and choking out, and to his surprise, he then took in air! His eyes popped open in shock! He could breathe! He had made it out! Choking his very life out of his throat until it was burning raw, he blinked repeatedly, trying to free his vision from the water. While he was out of the water, his breathing was as desperate and painful as if he were still drowning! He could have thrown up from how sick he felt, traumatized and shaky. His eyes widened at what he saw before him!

    Multiple Riolu were standing atop the upright ship! Perhaps ten or so Riolu all stood in a line, their bodies outlined in red.

    In front of the pack were Electivire and Raichu, dripping wet!

    Raichu called out happily to Gary, his ears high.

    Electivire leered at all the Riolu. With a grunt, he stared at Raichu for just a second and then turned to face the dark waters.

    Raichu¡¯s ears fell as he stared with wide, innocent eyes at Electivire.

    There were Jellicent both in the water and atop the ship, facing against the Pokemon.

    The water was littered with pieces of wood that seemed to have come from broken parts of the ship.

    Along with that, all the passengers also seemed to be in the water with Gary, crying and trying to keep afloat, many gripping pieces of wood. A baby could even be heard screaming its head off.

    Gary stared at the huge piece of wood he was holding and then gave his attention back to the Pokemon on the ship. They let go? The Jellicent don¡¯t seem too happy. Where did all the Riolu come from? Is one of them mine?

    Electivire formed fists and his horns sparked. ¡°ELECTIVIIIIIIIIRE!!!¡± He tried to blast the Jellicent, but his Electric move moved over to Raichu instead!

    Raichu closed his eyes momentarily while the attack lasted. He gave a shake when the attack was over.

    ¡°The Lightning Rod Ability!¡± Gary mentioned, still coughing out hard and trying to breathe properly.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡± Electivire¡¯s eyes glowed blue and instead, he took down a number of the Jellicent with Psychic instead, several of them falling back into the water.

    ¡°Riiiiiii!!¡± Collectively, all of the Riolu moved at once, their bodies coated in blue light. The same right eye twinkled, and their eyes glowed blue. With another shout, they blasted at the remaining Jellicent with blue energy!

    ¡°Did they just do Psychic attack??¡± Gary was confused, speaking with a beaten throat.

    ¡°The Riolu are using Copycat!¡± someone shouted.

    Gary turned behind him and saw another man in a uniform!

    His was red and black, and he even had a sailor¡¯s cap to match it. ¡°I saw it all myself,¡± he said in such a gruff growl of a voice with a frown that went along with it. ¡°I swear it. The Riolu used Double Team. Then, when Electivire was puttin¡¯ up a fight against the dastardly scourge that are the Jellicent, raising little Raichu high above himself, Electivire used his free arm to mistakenly use the Normal type move, Strength, against the eeeeevil Ghooooosts...¡±

    Is this guy telling a sea tale or what? Gary questioned silently, frowning.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell ya, he was never more shocked, using the last of his breath tah try tah knock off the Jellicent, but instead going right through the demons. All hope was gone in his face. They were done for. They would be in Jaimie Stone¡¯s Locker. Minutes from sleeping with the Finneon. Twenty-five thousand leagues under-¡±

    ¡°Okay, Captain! We get it!¡± a new voice yelled.

    Gary turned and there was Chief Mate Arethe! Soaked through and through, he frowned at the captain. ¡°Electivire¡¯s Strength may have failed, but Riolu used Copycat at just the right time to mimic the move. The collective Strength of the Riolu was used to level the ship back. But the fight¡¯s not over.¡±

    The three turned to the Jellicent in the water.

    Gary noticed that a couple of the Jellicent had slightly larger crowns atop their heads than the others.

    ¡°Electivire can¡¯t shock them or he¡¯ll hurt us all,¡± Gary stated, his chest heaving hard, but he could feel himself breathing better. ¡°Oh, and Raichu¡¯s Lightning Rod just makes it impossible either way.¡±

    ¡°Riolu¡¯s doing a great job, but the copies will only attack the same target at once. It¡¯s not as reliable to attack so many different opponents,¡± Chief Mate Arethe stated. ¡°Riolu has done a great job, though. It¡¯s well raised.¡±

    Gary eyed the man quietly and then turned back to Riolu, nodding. Yeah... he thought.

    ¡°Ri! Ri!¡± the copies all urged Electivire.

    Electivire didn¡¯t speak, looking back at Riolu. After a little while, he turned to Gary and his eyes glowed blue.

    Gary felt his body being gripped as it was coated in blue energy, and he was lifted out of the water! The child cried out, uncomfortable as he soared through the air and hovered over the ship. He was finally released and yelled out in pain as he was dropped hard. ¡°You coulda done that a lot nicer,¡± he complained to Electivire.

    ¡°Electivire,¡± the Pokemon sneered.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Gary grumbled and stood, rubbing his end. He smiled at Riolu and started rubbing his sore throat. ¡°Thanks. You two are really working together. I can¡¯t imagine how you got this guy to help me out of there, but thanks.¡± Making fists and narrowing his eyebrows, he turned back to the waters where the Jellicent remained.

    Yelling angrily, they reached out again for the ship and latched on, tilting the ship all over again!

    Gary stumbled, holding out his arms. ¡°Damn it,¡± he croaked out and then coughed a little. ¡°This again. We¡¯ve gotta get rid of them.¡± He looked to Electivire and the pack of Riolu.

    The Riolu were starting to disappear as the ship rocked, all of them moving around to the same rhythm to keep balanced.

    Electivire was also trying to keep his ground.

    How do we stop them all? I¡¯ve gotta think. I¡¯ve got to lead!

    There was only the real Riolu left now, the clones all gone.

    ¡°Riolu! Use...¡± He pulled out his Pokedex and checked Riolu¡¯s moves. Nothing looked too useful. In desperation, he looked to the three Pokemon. ¡°Crap!¡± He fell over and started sliding down the tipping ship again.

    ¡°RI!¡± Riolu leaped after her Trainer. She landed beside him, holding onto him to give assistance as Gary got to his knees.

    ¡°Rai!¡± Raichu ran over to join Riolu.

    ¡°You guys...¡± Gary smiled, holding onto each Pokemon.

    Some Jellicent were starting to slip over onto the ship and approach.

    ¡°Riolu! Jump into the air and use Double Team!¡± Gary decided, not having one clue of where he was going with this.

    ¡°Ri?¡± Riolu looked surprised.

    He pointed ahead. ¡°Goooo!¡± he insisted and then flinched from his aching throat.

    Riolu got a determined face and leaped away from him, splitting into several different Riolu, glaring down at the Jellicent.

    The Jellicent sent out multiple attacks, some being a water blasting move, others the more recognizable Shadow Ball.

    A few of the Riolu clones vanished.

    ¡°Double Team! Keep going!¡± And then what?? Gary yelled at himself, knowing he was just trying to buy time. Am I the only one with Pokemon or what??

    Before he could further question this, something leaped from the waters and landed on the ship. It was carrying another slug-ish animal in its arms and set it down. The two yelled out at the Jellicent.

    Gary had trouble focusing on the new creatures, not knowing if they were friend or foe as he tried to order his Riolu into combat.

    The two creatures then started attacking the Jellicent!

    One leaped atop one and opened its huge jaws and snapped glowing fangs onto it!

    The Jellicent screamed out and was then tossed by the jaws of the big animal, back into the water, before the creature lunged at another Jellicent!

    The other creature was using a wide spray of something like brown dirt to knock back the Jellicent.

    Gary pulled out his Pokedex.

    Feraligatr. The Big Jaw Pokemon. The final stage of the Johto Starter, Totodile, and a Water type Pokemon. While its weight makes it unsteady at times and it can often be seen traveling on all fours to move better, its hind legs make it quick and agile for hunting prey and battling enemies. Once its jaws have clamped down on an opponent, it will never let go until the foe is defeated.

    Gastrodon. The Sea Slug Pokemon and Shellos¡¯ evolved stage. It is Water type and Ground type. Related closely to Shellder and the evolved form, Cloyster, it can be seen living on land, but does better in water as it can dehydrate very easily.

    The two Pokemon were sending out attacks, keeping back the Jellicent and forcing them off the ship!

    Rocking roughly, the ship straightened out again.

    But how do we get rid of them? They¡¯ll just jump back in! Gary looked to his multiple Riolu that were looking up at him, awaiting orders. He shook his head, no idea of what to do, and his eyes started to water. No... His head shaking got more determined. Canalave City! No! He could feel his heart beating more rapidly, pumping his veins with power, his mind with focus, and his brain with resolve. ¡°We¡¯re going to Canalave City, damn it!¡± He cleared his throat. ¡°Come on, guys!!¡± And then, his eyes widened as his mouth dropped open in shock. Okay, if battling isn¡¯t gonna do it, then we can do the next best thing!

    Gary stood up and grabbed onto the edge of the ship, looking out at everyone below. He inhaled and grabbed a brand new Poke Ball from his pocket. Ready for the pain from his sore throat, he shouted, ¡°EVERYONE!! HEEEEY!! IF WE CAN¡¯T BEAT ¡®EM!! CATCH ¡®EM!!! HAAAAAAAA!!¡± With rage, Gary threw a Poke Ball at a pink Jellicent in the water.

    The Jellicent cried out in shock as it was pulled in the ball, and the ball hit the water, going under.

    There was silence as everyone, Pokemon and human alike, watched where the Poke Ball had vanished from.

    It was moments later before, ¡°YEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!¡± Every human in the water that was able to, started hurling Poke Balls like mad!

    Gary watched in amazement as Jellicent after Jellicent were being forced into a Poke Ball! Just like the Raticate and Rattata, Gary remembered from the Jubilife Condominiums. He scooped up another Poke Ball, throwing it over the ship.

    It hit another Jellicent and pulled it in before sinking.

    Jellicent aren¡¯t popping up, either! We¡¯re really catching them! Gary realized.

    At that thought, two beings in glowing white lights popped up out of the water. One blue Jellicent and a pink one. They had been unsuccessful catches!

    ¡°FERALIGATRRRR!!¡± Feraligatr yelled, and it jumped into the water!

    The two Jellicent screamed out and fled!

    The remaining Jellicent were also trying to get away, going underwater or swimming out into the distance.

    Feraligatr didn¡¯t go too far, snapping at the closest Jellicent before letting them escape.

    Soon, everyone was cheering and clapping, glad it was all over.

    Gary smiled down at everyone and turned to his Pokemon. ¡°Hey, thanks, everyone. It looked a little hopeless out there, and I didn¡¯t do my best on how to make things work, but, Riolu, you sure did! All on your own! With Strength, and working with Electivire. That was incredible! You saved us all!¡±

    ¡°Riii!¡± All of the Riolu looked up at Gary adoringly and then surrounded him. One by one, they vanished until only one remained, rubbing her head against Gary¡¯s knee.

    Gary knelt down and rubbed her head before staring to Electivire. ¡°And you. You kept Raichu safe. You¡¯re a real friend.¡±

    ¡°Eeeeel...¡± Electivire growled at Gary and turned from him.

    ¡°Raichu! Raichu!¡± Raichu called out to him.

    Electivire seemed to spit out at his side, disregarding Raichu¡¯s friendliness.

    Raichu¡¯s ears drooped, but he kept his smile, a sympathetic look in his eyes. ¡°Rai Raichu.¡±

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary realized something. ¡°Lightning Rod! When I was zapped by you two. I couldn¡¯t have been! So that blast I took that paralyzed me was just from you, Raichu?¡±

    Raichu¡¯s ears had perked up at Gary¡¯s cry, but fell back down at Gary¡¯s accusation and he rubbed the back of his head, smiling nervously. ¡°Raichu... Rai...¡± He pointed at Electivire, shaking his head.

    Gary squinted at Raichu, trying to put the pieces together. ¡°Lightning Rod boosts your Special Attack, right? Or your Electric moves, when hit with electricity?¡±

    Raichu¡¯s ears perked up again and interest came over his face.

    ¡°I¡¯ve really gotta look this up,¡± Gary admitted. He tightened his fists as he looked out to the sea, giving his surroundings a hardened look. June. We¡¯re coming for you. I believe that in Canalave City is where all of our answers will be. Or at least enough of them. Enough to help you. Enough to find you. Enough to save you.

    And if not, Gary continued on in his mind as flashing lights went off in the distance, sirens getting louder as they slowly got closer. If not, June. We have a final plan, don¡¯t we? We have one more idea that might just put an immediate end to all of this for good. If it¡¯s true...

    ¡°HEY! KID! I KNOW THE RESCUE BOATS ARE HERE BUT YOU COULD MAYBE USE SOME OF THAT PSYCHIC POWER TO PULL SOME OF US OUT OF THE WATER, TOO!!¡± a voice barked from the water. ¡°IT¡¯S COLD!! THERE¡¯S A BABY OUT HERE FOR CHRIST¡¯S SAKE!!¡±

    Gary was ripped from his thoughts and shook his head. ¡°OH! I¡¯M SORRY!! Electivire, please!¡±

    Electivire was sitting in the distance, his back to everyone.

    Gary sighed and his head fell. Hearing the complaints and aggravation from the people in the water, Gary somehow was able to smile slightly at Electivire. He¡¯s not so bad, you know, Gary told himself. And I guess, deep down, I always knew that.

    At least, I first knew that, when I finally started to understand his relationship with Tyrogue...

    The flashing lights were closer than ever, nearing the victims in the water, the sirens from the police boats blaring.

 Nothing Important Happened Today

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but this just isn¡¯t a great time,¡± Kiwi told Gary sternly. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s fine but at the moment we haven¡¯t finished tests and it¡¯d be better to just give us another day, please.¡±

    ¡°A whole day?!¡± Gary complained.

    ¡°I understand how you feel, but...¡± She sighed. ¡°Call later tonight, okay?¡±

    Before Gary could say a word, the call disconnected! ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Gary frowned. ¡°What a load of bull! I even waited ¡®til morning!¡± I¡¯m just yelling at a blank screen in the middle of the Pokemon Center, Gary told himself. I should just use the Pokedex and transfer him over. If that¡¯ll even work, anyway. Or I¡¯ll just wait like I was told. Something could still be wrong. Besides, it¡¯s not like there¡¯s nothing else I¡¯ve gotta be doing while I¡¯m here. Had the library been open last night I¡¯d have been in there, then. Gary stood up but then sat back down. My mom... he thought. With a sigh, he added, Or should I just wait ¡®til I get this Badge? He was still holding the phone receiver, looking at the blue screen of the computer. Shaking his head, he punched in the number to call his mom and then held the receiver to his ear.

    The ringing went on four times before the screen changed, and his mother appeared. She rubbed at her eyes and yawned before her face held a sharp glare. ¡°GARY!¡± she shouted out.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Mom?¡± he started. ¡°What-?¡±

    ¡°I HAVE TO HEAR FROM ROBIN¡¯S MOTHER THAT YOU AND ROBIN WERE NEARLY POISONED TO DEATH TRYING TO SAVE A BUNCH OF RATS?!?!¡±

    ¡°Uh, oh...¡± Gary remembered what happened at the Jubilife Condominium. Shoot, of course. Robin! Gary knew he was in trouble, now.

    ¡°Uh oh? Uh oh?!¡± his mother raged on. ¡°Is that all I get is an uh oh?! I don¡¯t even get one single phone call from you! Robin called his parents immediately! Here you show up, days later! Where have you been??! Are you okay??¡± The anger in her face faded some, but not much.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mom. I¡¯m fine. We¡¯re fine. We were just trying to save some Pokemon from an exterminator. He was trying to kill a whole building full-¡±

    ¡°An exterminator was trying to kill a bunch of filthy rats and you two were nearly killed!!¡± his mother let off at him. ¡°Me and Rob¡¯s parents are certainly going to sue the ass off of that guy, and his company, and the building, but my main concern right now has been you, and you haven¡¯t reached out to me once!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve-¡± Gary stopped himself. Don¡¯t Gary! Don¡¯t!

    ¡°You¡¯ve what? Been too busy trying to get killed to call your own mother to let her know you¡¯re still alive after nearly being gassed to death??¡±

    Gary could only swallow nervously.

    ¡°Why did you call? Hm? What is it today? A new Badge? New Pokemon? Someone die? What?¡± She stared at him expectantly.

    Gary stared at her with some surprise, wondering if she regretted saying that. ¡°Geez, mom... Real nice.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hear that from you!¡± she shouted. ¡°What good news have you ever brought me? ¡®Hey mom, I¡¯m not dead, yet, but I oughta be with what I survived this month,¡¯ is usually the best I can get out of you! And now, who knows when you¡¯ll decide something is worth informing me about! Badges this, Pokemon that, all at the risk of your life. There¡¯s only one call I ever wish for from you, because hearing that you¡¯re just alive is killing me!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean...?¡± Gary didn¡¯t understand what she was saying.

    ¡°You saying you¡¯re alive and continuing on this journey is just me waiting weeks before you call me again, every waking second of each of those days wondering if you¡¯ll ever call me again. Do you think this is a life worth living?¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open to speak, but his mother kept going.

    ¡°I¡¯m so tired of crying, Gary. I¡¯m so tired of being afraid. I just want it to be over. I¡¯m tired of answering your calls.¡±

    ¡°So you want me to stop calling?¡± he asked meekly.

    ¡°No,¡± she shook her head weakly. ¡°No. I don¡¯t. You know what I want already, Gary. But geez it¡¯s like, the day you stop calling me, I can finally rest!¡±

    Gary was frozen at her words, stuck in disbelief.

    ¡°I love you, Gary, but you torture me. You¡¯re going to drive me to the grave.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes filled with tears, his heart cracking painfully in his chest.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt you, but you leave me with nothing at this point. Seeing your own sister murdered in front of your eyes by a Pokemon hasn¡¯t swayed you in the slightest.¡±

    Gary felt like screaming out to deny that that monster was any kind of a Pokemon, but instead, he kept himself calm, ignoring the hurt of his mother¡¯s words. ¡°It wasn¡¯t a Pokemon that killed her, mom.¡±

    ¡°Pokemon are monsters, Gary. That¡¯s exactly what they are. If you¡¯re going to say it¡¯s a monster, it¡¯s a Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that kind of monster. It¡¯s an animal. A humanoid thing, like...¡± An ape? A flying ape? A flying ape that shoots out electricity and talks human? He began to wonder if he was not calling it a Pokemon out of a personal bias to defend Pokemon from people like his mother. Or Team Solace. Was he himself afraid it might be one, after all?

    Maybe, he found himself admitting. After all, if it were one... What would that mean? If it were an undiscovered Pokemon, it could change so much about what¡¯s known about Pokemon. Sure, it fits some aspects of a Pokemon, but there¡¯s something else there, too. Something dark and evil. Mean. Conniving. Sinister. ...Thoughtful. It just doesn¡¯t behave like a Pokemon. It¡¯s more like...

    ¡°Well? Like what?¡± Gary¡¯s mom asked.

    Gary stared at her, pulled from his thoughts. Huh? What was the last thing I said? Gary tried to remember, swallowing. ¡°Like... It¡¯s like... It¡¯s just a rampant beast that needs to be put down. But it¡¯s not a Pokemon. I can¡¯t even catch it.¡± Yeah... Gary recalled with relief, his eyes lighting up. The fact is, I couldn¡¯t even catch it in the Master Ball! Because it¡¯s not catchable! ¡°It broke out of a Master Ball, a ball known to catch any Pokemon! So it can¡¯t possibly be a Pokemon, mom!¡± Gary felt a release from around his heart. Why am I panicking about this thing possibly being a Pokemon, when it¡¯s so obvious, so conclusive, that it¡¯s not?! The Trick Master and even Prof. Cozmo were investigating this thing and they never concluded that it was a Pokemon! Gary was actually smiling. ¡°That thing isn¡¯t a Pokemon at all!¡±

    But then, what flies and shoots lightning, all while running on two feet, Gary? What controls the elements??

    There¡¯s electric fish, he remembered. There¡¯s answers if you just think about them! Birds walk on two feet and fly. Okay, but this isn¡¯t giving me answers as to what this thing is! Gary frowned. And it ain¡¯t no damn bird.

    ¡°Gary, all I know is, it¡¯s a monster, and it¡¯s out there with you, putting your life in danger. Hell, you¡¯ve met the thing, Gary! It killed your own sister in front of your eyes! Your girlfriend was even taken by it!¡±

    Gary sighed out angrily, lowering his head. Just ignore that, Gary, he convinced himself. There¡¯s more important things to talk about right now. ¡°Mom, June isn¡¯t my girlfriend!¡± He couldn¡¯t let it go. ¡°But there¡¯s something more important I need to tell you, though.¡±

    ¡°Oh, what more could you have for me?¡± she let out, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re not gonna believe this, but there might be a way to put an end to all of this terror in one swoop. With a few words!¡±

    ¡°Gary, what in the world are you talking about now?¡±

    ¡°Mom, Prof. Oak let me in on something. He gave me a book!¡±

    ¡°Oh, Prof. Oak. Who died during the Team Solace attack at your tournament.¡± Gary¡¯s mom was pressing hard.

    Gary inhaled hard through his nose, going silent as he held his breath. Is she trying to trigger me? he wondered, his heart beating strongly now as he considered why she said that. Did she just say that to use it against me? To manipulate me? He released his held breath and then swallowed, convincing himself that wasn¡¯t true. It just couldn¡¯t be. That¡¯s going way too far. She wouldn¡¯t do that. ¡°YES! Prof. Oak!!¡± Gary screamed out. ¡°Listen, there¡¯s a Pokemon, named Jirachi. It grants wishes, mom! And it¡¯s coming to Sinnoh in like, a few days! If I can track it down with Prof. Oak¡¯s notebook, I-!¡±

    ¡°STOP!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open, keeping silent.

    ¡°Gary, stop! I¡¯ve had it! Enough already!¡±

    ¡°But, mom!¡±

    ¡°I SAID ENOUGH!! Now there¡¯s a magic Pokemon who grants wishes?¡±

    ¡°Mom, there is! Look it up, it¡¯s call-!¡±

    ¡°And what are you gonna do, catch it and make a wish and bring back Melissa?¡± To Gary¡¯s surprise, his mother¡¯s eyes started to twinkle behind water building up in them. ¡°Bring back Prof. Oak? Kill the monster who killed my daughter? Maybe wish I support Pokemon? Get rid of Team Solace? How many wishes do you get?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only three...¡± Gary spoke lowly, his eyes going down.

    Sniffling, his mother wiped her eyes, clearing the tears. ¡°So three chances to save the world, huh? Do what you want, Gary, but remember: be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.¡±

    Gary just nodded. Why are you crying, mom? he wondered. Everything¡¯s gonna be just fine! Just trust me, mom.

    Her lips pursed together tightly, she gave a short set of rapid shakes of her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want her back, Gary,¡± his mother continued, her eyes tearing up again. ¡°She¡¯s dead, Gary. I don¡¯t want you bringing back people from the dead.¡±

    Gary wasn¡¯t all that surprised his mother said this. If anything, he was surprised he never stopped to consider that himself. It¡¯s not right to bring people back from the dead like that, he knew. Is this all a mistake? Should I be trying to avenge my sister, but not bring her back, too? And Prof. Oak? All these people taken away wrongfully? ¡°Mom, they were taken from us. They shouldn¡¯t be dead.¡±

    ¡°Many people are taken from others, Gary. All over the world. It happens to everyone.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I can wish that their deaths never occurred. That they survived, even! It¡¯ll be like they never died to begin with!¡±

    ¡°I HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED YOUR SISTER¡¯S DEATH, GARY!! LET HER REST IN PEACE!!¡± she barked. ¡°I WILL NOT LOSE HER A SECOND TIME, DAMN IT!!¡±

    Gary was trembling, his hand gripping the phone receiver. He ended up nodding. ¡°I understand, mom. And I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    His mother nodded. ¡°Give me that much, if nothing else, Gary. Don¡¯t add to my pain, please.¡±

    Gary blinked out tears and nodded. ¡°I understand. And I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t mean to hurt you with the things I do.¡±

    His mom sighed and lowered her head. ¡°I go through enough with you, kid. Please.¡±

    ¡°I get it, mom,¡± Gary muttered, irritated. He was tired of hearing her cruel words.

    ¡°Anything else?¡± she asked with impatience.

    ¡°No, mom,¡± he rolled his eyes. ¡°Bye.¡±

    ¡°Bye,¡± she replied with the same annoyed voice her son used.

    Gary hit the Esc button and then hung up the receiver roughly. He leaned back and closed his eyes. Maybe there¡¯s more to this than just making wishes. Maybe there¡¯s more to think about. Maybe... she¡¯s right...

    ¡°In light of this, discussions have begun about closing down the Gyms in the Sinnoh region.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Gary stood up quickly and turned to the TV hanging high up on the wall.

    The news was on, showing a woman with lipstick almost as dark as her skin. Her long, pitch-black hair was shiny and beautiful. ¡°Plenty of Gym Leaders and Trainers are opposing the closing of the Gyms, while others are in favor of it.¡±

    The screen now showed a short, white man in a dark-blue jacket with a microphone in front of his face. The words: Pokemon Trainer: Gary Leslie were written under him. ¡°It isn¡¯t right to close down the Gyms. Whatever that thing is, we¡¯re supposed to be stronger than this! We don¡¯t cower in the face of things! How in the world are we Pokemon Trainers if we¡¯re caving in under pressure? I mean, Elite Four members? These are the leaders of Sinnoh?¡±

    The screen changed to show a very pale woman with red hair and a tired face. Pokemon Trainer: Mary Ortiz was written underneath her. ¡°I¡¯m just worried about innocent lives being lost over something we don¡¯t fully understand. We need to set up a trap to capture it before it hurts someone else. But putting kids¡¯ lives in danger in the meantime isn¡¯t the answer. Their lives aren¡¯t worth a Pokemon battle. No one¡¯s lives are.¡±

    The screen then returned to the newswoman. ¡°Both the Phantump and Abomasnow administration are also at odds with how to handle the crisis involving this creature whose origins remain a mystery.¡±

    At the top of the screen was a square image holding the face of two men, a different creature by both of them.

    ¡°How each party chooses to handle it, could sway the upcoming Sinnoh region election votes. As it stands, the original idea of using their Pokemon as their marketing tools has proven to grab some votes according to these questioned individuals.¡±

    The screen now showed an angry-looking black man talking into a microphone held by the hand of an unseen person.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want no baby-time ass Phantump runnin¡¯! I want a big, badass Abomasnow! That¡¯s who I¡¯m votin¡¯ for! A man who can control a Pokemon like Abomasnow, can lead!¡±

    Who cares about that? Gary tuned out the news. What were they talking about earlier?? The Gyms shutting down? Over the monster creature? She¡¯s still out there. But doing what? Is her presence alone enough to scare those in charge to close down the Gyms? What about the League? Is everything going to just shut down? He started feeling angry and impatient, and he frowned. No. I came here to stop that beast, but I also came here to beat the Sinnoh League, too! So far I¡¯ve gotten two Badges, and... His mind thought of Cas, who gave him the Phobia Badge, and then Electivire taking on Jupiter¡¯s Gym to win him the Infiltration Badge. Rob said the League here was tougher than others, and perhaps it shows... I haven¡¯t earned a single Badge here... Can I really say I won these two?

    Gary found himself thinking about Cas and her rounded, luscious eyes. The soft kiss of her lips. The heart-racing shape of her body. She gave me that Badge... But... I can¡¯t just... get rid of it... It means too much to me. Besides, she said it herself that she went too far, and I almost beat her. If a Gym Leader says I earned it, then I must have done well enough. It¡¯s not all about winning. His thoughts became more hardened, darker, as he thought of Jupiter and Electivire. That one really shouldn¡¯t count... I should toss that damn Badge. Now I¡¯ve got the world thinking I beat an unbeatable Gym Leader... He sighed angrily and then remembered another thing. Aurora. He could feel himself getting worked up and sad. I guess I really did earn my spot at the League, huh? Or did I even deserve where I made it?

    ¡°I just feel like, which came first? The Squirtle or the turtle? You know? Like, these creatures are classified with animal names, but who had it first?¡± some girl was saying loudly in her own phone booth. ¡°These scientists claim this or that, with this proof and that evidence, but they don¡¯t really know what they¡¯re talkin¡¯ about!¡±

    Gary stood up, looking at the back of the girl¡¯s head covered in a black afro, and walked over to where Nurse Joy stood. ¡°I¡¯ll be back later, okay? Take care of my gang until I return. I¡¯ll just be in the Canalave Library.¡±

    ¡°Of course! Everyone will be here whenever you get back! Enjoy!¡± Nurse Joy smiled.

    Gary could have spilled his heart out of his mouth, right on the table. He took a deep breath and turned away from her instead. Feeling really depressed now, he exited the building, now thinking about Hitmonchan. I can still feel those punches, you little bastard, he thought, smirking. In the next moment, he pulled out his Pokedex and went through it, finding directions, and started following the map to the library. The walk wasn¡¯t long, and he found himself looking up at the three-story building before he knew it.

    It was very old school, and therefore, in Gary¡¯s case, oh-so-nostalgic. It was made with gray bricks and a blue roof, a blue awning held up by four beige pillars.

    It looked like home to Gary. I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s been so long since I¡¯ve been in a library, he thought. Not since back when I was in school. He stepped up to the door. A sign on the front of it read: Please refrain from bringing food or beverages into the library. Grabbing the doorknob and turning it, he let himself inside. He inhaled a smell of familiarity, and listened to the song of silence playing inside. It¡¯s good to be back, he thought, purposely not wanting to disrupt the peace.

    The floor was brown wood, and as expected, bookshelves were everywhere. There was plenty of seating and huge tables, but not many people were inside. It could have been mistaken as empty.

    ¡°Do you need any assistance, sir?¡± a gentle voice whispered.

    Gary turned to the huge counter beside him and saw a man. ¡°Um, I think so...¡± He went over to him, smiling nervously. ¡°Um, I¡¯m trying to locate any books on-¡±

    The man raised one finger to his lips. ¡°I apologize, but we have strict rules in this library, so if you could speak a little lower.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± I thought I was, Gary thought. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said even lower. ¡°I just wanted to know if you know if there are any books in this place related to the mythology of this region, Sinnoh.¡±

    The man nodded, smiling. ¡°Yes, there are plenty of those. Anything more specific that you¡¯re looking for, or just the general area?¡±

    Gary saw the gleaming silver name tag on his blue suit jacket. Charles, Gary read. He returned back to his face. ¡°Um! Oops.¡± Gary covered his mouth.

    ¡°Sshhhh!¡± Charles shushed him, a finger raised.

    He nodded. ¡°Sorry. I think the general mythology section is fine. I¡¯ll find what I need. Hopefully.¡±

    ¡°Third floor. Please keep quiet while you¡¯re on the premises, and please, no food or beverages.¡±

    Gary opened his mouth, but then just closed it and nodded.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    *

    In the beginning, there was only a churning turmoil of chaos.

    At the heart of chaos, where all things became one, appeared an Egg</a>.

    Having tumbled from the vortex, the Egg gave rise to the Original One.

    From itself, two beings the Original One did make.

    Time started to spin. Space began to expand.

    From itself again, three living things the Original One did make.

    The two beings wished, and from them, matter came to be.

    The three living things wished, and from them, spirit came to be.

    The world created, the Original One took to unyielding sleep...

    *

    Mankind, in spite of itself, owns nothing, but rather, adopted everything, including its own existence. Inventions that amount to nothing but the replication of things already set into motion, driving the desire to support their delusions of a need for crowns to highlight their self-appointed titles. The sad, unignorable truth, however, is that all that is, and is yet to be made, was already there. Plucking the fruit from the tree with an extension did not plant the tree nor grow the fruit. Writing books did not create the thoughts nor spread the message. Even man-made material only comes from the earth, and therefore was never necessary to be made. I¡¯d even go as far as to say, philosophically speaking, these so-called ¡°inventions,¡± never existed to begin with. They are only as real as we pretend that they are. Mother Earth prevails with or without their acceptance. Pokemon evolve without the need of man¡¯s assistance. It all began without humans. The end will also be without us.

    *

    ¡°The Original One breathed alone before the universe came.¡±

    ¡°When the universe was created, its shards became this Plate.¡±

    ¡°The power of defeated giants infuses this Plate.¡±

    ¡°Two beings of time and space set free from the Original One.¡±

    ¡°Three beings were born to bind time and space.¡±

    ¡°Two make matter, and three make spirit, shaping the world.¡±

    ¡°The powers of Plates are shared among Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°The rightful bearer of a Plate draws from the Plate it holds.¡±

    *

    There lived a Pokemon in a forest.

    In the forest, the Pokemon shed its hide to sleep as a human.

    Awakened, the human dons the Pokemon hide to roam villages.

    *

    It¡¯s impossible at this time in history to say where the entire world began. But as it goes, the Original One is said to have created all of the Pokemon world as we know it, starting with this region of Sinnoh, using its thousand arms, starting with Mt. Coronet.

    Perhaps, even other worlds and places mankind has yet to discover.

    Furthermore, it has been said that the origins of mankind¡¯s own consciousness is not of our own, but a gift from those who dwell by the waters. Now separated, but born from the same Pokemon Egg: from Uxie, the Being of Knowledge, comes the wisdom to solve problems. From Mesprit, the Being of Emotion, comes the joys and pain of life. And from Azelf, the Being of Willpower, comes the resolve to accomplish whatever task may be in hand. It is the power of these three that keeps the world in balance.

    *

    A rumored land existing in canon between our own ones? What is Arceus¡¯ purpose for this pocket dimension? What lands exist further beyond?

    These two ancient clans made a temple in its honor, it, and the multitude of others. What more could we learn could we merely set foot there?

    Is it this that is the reason we have yet to locate the Sinjoh Ruins? A peaceful landmark for the glory of the god and his angels, made by better men, not to be tainted by lesser men?

    I am jealous.

    *

    There once were Pokemon that became very close to humans.

    There once were humans and Pokemon that ate together at the same table.

    Humans and Pokemon used to marry, but it wasn''t weird because they were basically the same thing.

    It was a time when there existed no differences to distinguish the two.

    *

    When the world was made, Dialga and Palkia appeared. With them, one more Pokemon also appeared. This one was just as powerful as Dialga and Palkia. A banished being whose name was never to be spoken -- Giratina!

    This Pokemon is said to have committed terrible acts of violence and was banished for them to a world opposite of our own, a separate dimension labeled the Distortion World. A place where gravity is unstable and time and space is warped, and any damage done to the Distortion World causes destruction to our own world. However, these acts of violence are not detailed anywhere. In fact, information concludes that the Distortion World is a perfect, opposite balance to our world that keeps it stable. So how is guarding this world a punishment?? Why was this place made? Why was Giratina made to rule it, with no subjects?

    I¡¯ve come to my own theory that Giratina is not evil after all, but instead, cannot live safely in our world without there being substantial harm to itself due to the gravitational manipulation it likely has, which is why it takes care of the Distortion World, keeping us on the other side, safe. It was almost certainly, mistakenly, seen as a punishment by ancient people, to be sent away for perceived sins.

    This is why Giratina must live alone in that world. It cannot stay in this world, because it does not belong in it. The Distortion World was designed for Giratina, and Giratina alone. It was never meant to live with us, but alongside us.

    *

    Pokemon and humans were once of the same spirit, so closely related that some people took the place of Pokemon, and some of the Pokemon just as easily replaced the humans, the spirits so much like each other that they could intermingle. By this, then, Arceus is the physical form of the original, that is, the first spirit. Arceus, the Original One, is in fact, the perfect design we all began as. Our own failure to replicate Arceus¡¯ eternal beauty, time after time after time, resulting in the design getting further and further away from Arceus, and even, from Pokemon themselves, that there should be a difference between us two, causing us to look as we do today. And what further blasphemy that we should consider ourselves somehow greater than the Pokemon, enslaving them to work for us.

    When the day comes they should not be so tolerant of us anymore and take back what is theirs, which is in fact, everything...

    Oh, Arceus, reign down your Judgment.

    *

    Long ago, when Sinnoh had just been made, Pokemon and humans led separate lives.

    That is not to say they did not help each other. No, indeed they did.

    They supplied each other with goods, and supported each other.

    A Pokemon proposed to the others to always be ready to help humans.

    It asked that Pokemon be ready to appear before humans always.

    Thus, to this day, Pokemon appear to us if we venture into tall grass.

    Gary closed the book entitled Sinnoh Region¡¯s Mythology. That last story sounds familiar to me, I think... Gary reflected. Someone told me that tale, didn¡¯t they? Whatever. He sighed lightly. All these books I¡¯ve gone through, a bunch of... ¡°incredible,¡± at best, tales... But none of this taught me anything! What did any of this have to do with the monster? This was all a waste! His hands slammed lightly upon the table covered in books he had been going through. I need to tell those guys what I found. They need to know that these books didn¡¯t help at all! Or did I not find the right one?

    *

    OrangeIChamp: u seriously don¡¯t relize what u just rea?

    OrangeIChamp: *realize

    OrangeIChamp: *read

    OrangeIChamp: damn it

    Gary started typing back.

    GaryReppinKanto: Dude, it didn¡¯t say anything! It was all crap about myths and folktales, dude!

    GaryReppinKanto: I needed answers on the monster that¡¯s been out there!

    Twirliagirl: as any1 seen the new Weirder Stuff ep??

    OrangeIChamp: Gary man, the answer is right there!!!

    Flexinonhoes123: i havnt wathed it yet. im so bored but my lazyness outweis the desire to fix the boredome

    OrangeIChamp: read those myths, the legends, the history

    OrangeIChamp: This is even the thing the late, great Prof. Rowan considered worth his time to research!!

    Gary rolled his eyes and sighed impatiently. ¡°Oh, come on,¡± he whispered. ¡°I can¡¯t with this guy anymore.¡±

    MargaretFisher: LOLOLOLOL how can u be SOOOOO lazy by CHOICE???? Lol

    RayNice: whoz trynasee me on clubG?

    GaryReppinKanto: I¡¯m not going through those books again.

    RayNice: en esta vuelta mucho van a tener que pedir clemencia

    Flexinonhoes123: yall just dont understand my life man

    AdamantNature: anyonegot a Steelixite?

    Flexinonhoes123: i dont wanna do nothin but like

    OrangeIChamp: hey, I can¡¯t make you, I was just tryna help

    Twirliagirl: you¡¯re in the wrong area Adamant

    Flexinonhoes123: whenever i try to, im alwayz in such a chill spot, ya dig?

    Twirliagirl: you need to post in the Mega Evolution section

    OrangeIChamp: if you really focus on the info there, there¡¯s no mistaing that it¡¯s speaking about her

    RayNice: por que soy defuerte i pesao conmo una sentencia.

    Gary stared at the words he had typed but hadn¡¯t sent.

    Well I¡¯m just glad I came to this region for more than some books that gave me nothing.

    He held the Backspace button to remove the message and then stopped to think, reading the chat as it moved along quickly. Finally, he typed.

    AdamantNature: oop, sorry *flees in shame*

    GaryReppinKanto: thank you, I¡¯ll think aboutit.

    GaryReppinKanto: has anyone heard about else about her recently?

    Goosbumps2000: Ray, you know this is an English-only chat. Please refrain from other languages.

    MargaretFisher: has anyone see the new episode of Pokemon?

    Twirliagirl: looool

    Maryslamb: Hey friends!

    OrangeIChamp: she had destroyed another Gym the last I heard of her

    GaryReppinKanto: Another??

    Twirliagirl: Hey Lamb!

    MargaretFisher: Lambchop!

    OrangeIChamp: Hey Lamb

    GaryReppinKanto: Hello Lamb

    MarysLamb: How is everyone doing today?

    OrangeIChamp: this is the third Gym she¡¯s destroyed this month so far, bro

    MargaretFisher: ithouht talking about that thing wasn¡¯t allowed anyroe here?

    OrangeIChamp: you don¡¯t caught the news every once in a while?

    MargaretFisher: im doing ok Mary, u?

    GaryReppinKanto: Do they know anything more on her lately?

    Twirliagirl: yeah, you two. Orange, you know you can get an infraction for that

    Twirliagirl: Gary, i no ur on your jurney so u havnt been here but that thing has becum not allowed to talk about here

    OrangeIChamp: sorry guys. Yeah, let¡¯s chat in PMS, Gary. It ain¡¯t allowed her no more

    Twirliagirl: hey Mary, sorry, ive been great! 2hats up?

    GaryReppinKanto: Don¡¯t worry, I need to head out anyway. I¡¯ll PM you when I get another chance.

    OrangeIChamp: *here

    MarysLamb: Are you guys talking about that alien?

    GaryReppinKanto: Take care everyone!

    Gary left the chat before he could see any more comments pop up and looked at the website he was on.

    POKEBAY sat in thick yellow letters outlined in blue.

    He clicked on one of the tabs on the site labeled Forum and the page went to a list of different forums. He clicked on one labeled Mega Evolution, his eyes scanning the list of posted threads.

    Mega Stones to trade!! LF Lucarionite WITH A LUCARIO!! WILL TRADE ANYTHING!!!!!?!??!!

    A Mega Stone... Gary thought. I need to really start looking into those things. I wonder if that monster maybe even is linked to Mega Stones somehow. That would imply she¡¯s a Pokemon, though... He stood up and grabbed his bag, thinking about what had been discussed in the chat with his online friend.

    *

    ¡°You finally called us!¡± Gary¡¯s grandmother gushed with delight.

    ¡°Ooooooh, my favorite nepheeeewww, how are you?¡± his aunt asked lovingly.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I know I don¡¯t really call but I wanted to make a better effort and say hi,¡± Gary smiled.

    ¡°Oh, we understand completely, Gary. We really do appreciate you calling us when you¡¯re so busy. Are you alright out there?¡± his aunt responded.

    ¡°Your mother has had a lot to say,¡± his grandmother spoke up, cutting off Gary as he had opened his mouth to answer. ¡°She¡¯s very concerned. Especially with you not calling her.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I get it,¡± he said lowly, his head going down.

    ¡°Why are you speaking like that?¡± his grandmother insisted, a hint of impatience in her voice. ¡°¡®Yeah. I get it,¡¯¡± she mumbled, mocking him and lowering her own head. ¡°That¡¯s not how you speak to your grandmother. You speak clearly, with yes, not yeahs. Is that clear?¡±

    Gary groaned on the inside as he lifted his head and cleared his throat. ¡°Yes, I get it, grandma.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s better! Your mother told us some very concerning things about you. I can understand that the life of a Pokemon Trainer is a constantly life-threatening feat, but there¡¯s something else that she mentioned today that I want you to repeat to us.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡± he asked reluctantly, sure of what was about to be brought up.

    ¡°Something about bringing my granddaughter back to life? You don¡¯t play around with the dead, you understand me, Gary?!¡± His grandmother sounded like she was getting more angry by the moment, scowling at him now. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you think you can do to bring her back, you don¡¯t go toying around with that kind of magic. She¡¯s dead, Gary. Don¡¯t you do this to us. To your mother!¡±

    ¡°Gary, there isn¡¯t really a way to do that, is there?¡± his aunt questioned.

    ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if there is, Bev! I don¡¯t even want to know!¡± the grandmother cut off Gary again, turning to his aunt and then returning to Gary. ¡°You promise your grandmother you won¡¯t do any such thing. Promise me!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open. I haven¡¯t even decided if this is the right thing to do or not, he thought. I can¡¯t make a promise like that.

    ¡°Gary! You will not do this to your family!¡± his grandmother was practically screaming.

    ¡°Ma! Please!¡± The aunt placed her hands on the old woman¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Relax!¡± She then looked at Gary from the computer screen. ¡°Gary, I must admit, I do agree with your grandma. Please don¡¯t do this. What is this? It¡¯s a Pokemon who can do this?¡±

    Gary kept quiet and lowered his eyes.

    ¡°Gary, I know you¡¯re going through a lot. With Prof. Oak gone, and apparently your girlfriend was kidnapped by that monster, too?¡±

    Gary groaned and rolled his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s not my girlfriend!¡± he insisted. ¡°I don¡¯t have a girlfriend!¡±

    ¡°Oh. Your mother said she was your girlfriend,¡± his aunt explained. ¡°Well I know she was a close friend of yours who you had traveled the Kanto region with on your first journey.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point,¡± his grandmother spoke, her voice a little less angry, but still holding agitation. ¡°You know I always supported you going out on your journey while your mother did not, but it might be best for you to return home with all the things you¡¯re going through. I understand that this is a lot to go through, and that may be why you need to concern yourself less with Pokemon, and start caring for yourself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Gary burst out.

    ¡°I know you feel an obligation to your sister not to quit, but you need to understand she wouldn¡¯t want you to go crazy over this, either,¡± she continued.

    The aunt nodded next. ¡°That¡¯s right. The things you¡¯re saying, the stuff you¡¯re trying to do; it doesn¡¯t sound like you¡¯re in the healthiest mindstate right now. Melissa would want you to be happy, not out risking your life trying to find this monster. I know you want to rescue your girl- Oops!¡± She stopped short for a second, her eyes wide. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, your friend. But, Gary...¡± She went quiet for another second. ¡°Gary, what about us? Your family? You¡¯re all we have left!¡±

    Gary¡¯s vision was quivering behind tears, and he blinked them out, causing more tears to roll out continuously. ¡°You guys, I get where you¡¯re coming from. And I love you all, so so much! But, I¡¯ve gotta say, I¡¯m not in Kanto!¡± A little laugh came out as he said that last sentence. ¡°I¡¯m in a whole ¡¯nother region, and, there¡¯s nothing any of you can do to make me come home. I¡¯m here, and I¡¯m going to avenge my sister, and save my friend, and send that - thing off this planet in a million pieces!¡± Gary was breathing hard and shaky now, trembling, gripping the phone receiver as tight as he could in hopes it would cease his body¡¯s involuntary movements.

    Nothing else was said for what seemed to be the longest time in Gary¡¯s mind.

    His grandmother stared at him solemnly.

    His aunt stared with sorrow.

    Gary swallowed.

    Gary¡¯s grandmother''s lips tightened and she nodded shakily. ¡°You¡¯re right, Gary. So what else can any of us do but support you and hope and pray that you make it back home?¡±

    Gary breathed out shakily, more tears flowing down his face. ¡°Gramma.¡±

    ¡°I love you, Grandson.¡±

    ¡°I love you, Gramma. I love you, Auntie!¡±

    ¡°Oh and I love you too, so much my darling nephew!¡±

    The three managed to get smiles out to comfort each other despite such a discomforting conversation.

    ¡°Are you okay out there? How are your Pokemon, Gary?¡± his aunt mentioned.

    ¡°Me and the guys are great! We¡¯re...¡± Gary thought for a couple of seconds. ¡°We¡¯re working on the Badges and getting to the League.¡±

    ¡°How many Badges have you got so far?¡± his aunt went on.

    ¡°Two,¡± Gary managed to get out.

    ¡°That¡¯s great,¡± she replied, her mother nodding quietly. ¡°I know you¡¯ll do just great in the Sinnoh region¡¯s League, just like you did in the Indigo League. You can do it!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Auntie. And I have a lot of training to do in the meantime so, I¡¯ve gotta be heading out.¡±

    ¡°Oh, of course. You do that. And please keep in touch with us, okay?¡±

    ¡°I will, you two. I love you both.

    ¡°And we love you as well, Gary.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be a stranger, okay, Gary?¡± his grandmother smiled softly. ¡°You will always have your family here waiting. Don¡¯t you forget that.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t. Thanks, guys.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye, Gary. And please be careful.¡±

    ¡°Bye. Speak to you soon.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye, Gary! Be safe!¡± Gary¡¯s aunt called out.

    ¡°I will! Bye, guys!¡± Gary hung up the call, hanging up the receiver, the screen going black. He let out his breath loud and tiredly. ¡°Wow!¡± He stared at his hands in his lap and then held them up a little, watching them tremble. Even my gramma and auntie wanna bring me back home, he thought, letting his hands fall again. At least I got out of making a promise I can¡¯t keep. Or is it a promise I should keep? Am I wrong trying to do this? Three wishes... For who? Melissa, Prof. Oak, and the monster? What about Team Solace? June? He looked down at his hands as a tear fell from each eye. Why does no one want Melissa back? Is it so wrong to save my own sister¡¯s life? Wouldn¡¯t anyone?

    Thinking about the chance to meet Jirachi and get his wishes granted, he started to remember a lot of other things.

    Saffron City... All those lives lost.

    Sabrina.

    Kiwi¡¯s Pidgeotto.

    This is a lot bigger than me... Gary admitted. Maybe I get it now, why they don¡¯t want me to bring her back. Maybe I¡¯m not seeing the bigger picture.

    Who am I to just save myself?

 No Offense Like A Good Defense

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but Charizard¡¯s still not performing up to par. And his behavior has only gotten worse and making testing that much more difficult,¡± Kiwi told her friend Gary. ¡°Ivysaur I think will come along just fine, but they¡¯re just totally lacking the physical energy to keep themselves going for long.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about Charizard, Kiwi. Thank you and Prof. Sketchit so much for everything,¡± Gary said sadly and then sighed. ¡°I was really looking forward to finally getting Charizard back.¡±

    ¡°If he¡¯d just take it easy he could get back to you that much sooner. That¡¯s what he doesn¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°Man, what a mess this has been. Maybe everyone¡¯s right and I shoulda just stayed in Kanto and be near my Pokemon. This trip has just been a huge waste.¡±

    ¡°Well, you know that isn¡¯t true. Just because you didn¡¯t find what you wanted in Canalave City, doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re just dropping out of the League, right?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°So your work isn¡¯t over yet. You have a League to compete in and supposedly win, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! And I will!¡± Gary was getting fired up at her challenge.

    She nodded. ¡°Then, off you go.¡±

    The screen went blank.

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary stared in shock at the blue screen. ¡°Damn it, Kiwi!¡± he frowned. ¡°Why does she do that?¡± After hanging up the phone, he stood up in the Pokemon Center and held his sides, leaning back to try to crack his back. After no sound was heard, he let out a groan and stood straight, looking around. I can finally start using my older guys again. That¡¯s great. Dugtrio, Kingdra and Weepinbell are back again. Man, it feels great to say those names again. So many memories. My old friends are slowly coming back. Charizard, you just need to chill. And Ivysaur, we¡¯ll be back together again soon, too.

    A sadness came over his face and he could feel the urge to cry as he thought of the one member who would never return. He touched his right cheek and rubbed it. I can almost feel you, Gary thought wistfully.

    The building was lively, older folks focusing on a TV show that was on, the younger people bragging about their Pokemon and showing off their Pokedexes.

    Gary stepped outside into a bright and cool, breezy day with a hundred thoughts in his head. How does she know Scientist Gary? Why did she tell me the book was for me, and not Aly and Rob? Should I wait for Charizard before taking on the Steel Gym Leader here? Should I be focusing on tracking down this monster? Keeping up with the news? Or is my main goal the Sinnoh League? I can¡¯t be expected to really track and kill this thing just like that, right? Even if it is what I want to do. What did Orange expect me to get out of those stupid books?

    He walked away from the doors of the Pokemon Center and through the big city, his hands in his jacket pockets and his head down. He wasn¡¯t alone, and he knew it, but he continued with his thoughts, ignoring his companion.

    Prof. Cynthia¡¯s writings on the Legendary Pokemon of Sinnoh was really cool. Time and space Pokemon. The creation of the entire universe by Pokemon. But Arceus doesn¡¯t even have a thousand arms. Assuming the image in the ¡®Dex is accurate, anyway. Then there was stuff about morals and other metaphors about things by ancient people who didn¡¯t even understand what Pokemon were! I mean, we may not know all that much even now, but they knew way less! Wasn¡¯t there something about them marrying Pokemon?! Was that real? What am I meant to learn from people who did things like that??

    Removing himself from his irritating thoughts, he looked back to see Electivire still following him, not causing any trouble, but glaring around at the sights of the city. His thoughts continued once he focused back on the path to the Gym.

    *

    As many myths about Pokemon, especially the Legends and Mythicals, remain unconfirmed as have been proven to be real! Gary went on as he walked, Electivire only feet behind him. Creatures out there are still being confirmed to be actual Pokemon or not, which is why the exact number of Pokemon is still in question. There¡¯s just too many questions out there. I should speak to Orange again before I leave. I need to know what he thinks. What is it he wanted me to see that I missed in those books. All they talked about was the relationship between humans, Pokemon, and the world itself. Right? What could that have to do with the monster? Is he saying that she is a Pokemon? The more I think about it, the more it does make sense. And the more it seems that I simply don¡¯t want her to be one... But she speaks... She wouldn¡¯t go inside of the Master Ball... And her actions are so... planned. Deliberate. Pokemon can be wildly smart and calculated, especially Psychics, but even so, this is more than just being smart. It¡¯s... It¡¯s kinda... too human, if anything! She¡¯s purposely attacking Gyms. Human establishments, like Prof. Cynthia said. Her friend told her that. So what am I saying exactly? He swallowed nervously, struggling to get it down his throat. What exactly am I interpreting this monster to be, then? This ¡°monster¡±... Is the answer just that simple, yet complicated? Am I hunting a real, live, monster? Is that possible?

    Gary looked up and stopped walking. He had practiced this long walk all night long, and it paid off as, while paying almost no attention to his surroundings, including a bridge over water that he had to cross, he found his way back to the Canalave City Gym.

    The place was the most oddly-constructed building he¡¯d ever seen. It looked like someone just threw boulders around a poorly structured steel setup with a top that looked like a UFO. A design of a Poke Ball sat near the top of the rock section.

    There was a steel sign that stated: Canalave City Pokemon Gym Leader: Byron

    The Man Who Loves Defense!

    The road beyond the sign leading up to the Gym was all dirt and rocks, lined by grass with tall hedges set apart from each other.

    Gary and Electivire walked down a steel hallway before stopping at a pair of blue doors with horizontal and vertical lines in a darker shade, the sections between the crisscrossing patterns only a couple of shades away from appearing like blue glass. They opened at the two¡¯s arrival.

    Flexing in a white muscle shirt, his arms curled up, a very dark man SCREEEEEEEAMED to the ceiling!

    ¡°AAAAAAAAHHH!!¡± Gary reacted, taking a step back.

    ¡°Vire?¡± Electivire stood his ground, merely looking confused.

    This guy had smooth, good-looking skin and was entirely bald. His mature face had white whiskers amongst his big black beard. ¡°ARE YOU A CHALLENGER FOR BYRON AT CANALAVE CITY GYM??!! RAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!¡±

    Gary was breathing extra hard, confused and scared of this crazy guy. ¡°Huh??¡±

    The man¡¯s arms dropped and he frowned at Gary. ¡°Are you not here to challenge the Canalave Gym?¡± he asked in a calmer voice.

    ¡°Y-y-yes. I am?¡± Gary stuttered.

    The man burst into a roar and flexed his arms, veins showing throughout his whole body, his knees bent in his black spandex shorts.

    Gary screamed out again and jumped in place. He then frowned at the man. Who is this guy?! This isn¡¯t Byron!

    ¡°THEN SUCK IN SOME ENERGY AND LET IT EXPLOOOOODE!!! YYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!¡± the man let out like a madman.

    ¡°ELECTIIIIIRE!!!¡± Electivire let June¡¯s bag drop and he flexed his arms and his body began to spark, bolts bouncing around him and along the ground.

    Gary yelled out and moved away.

    The bald man just laughed in a booming voice, pointing at the Pokemon. ¡°NOW THAT¡¯S THE ENERGY I LIKE TO SEE!!! I CAN¡¯T WAIT TO SEE-!!¡±

    ¡°WAIT WAIT WAIT!! THIS guy isn¡¯t doing anything! Electivire, I told you to keep yourself in check, man!¡± Gary barked.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire shot back.

    ¡°Stay outta my match!¡±

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!¡±

    The two were in each other¡¯s face now, fists clenched, looking ready to fight each other. Electivire¡¯s horns sparked, and Gary eased back, softening his face a little. ¡°Come on, man. We¡¯ve talked about this! This isn¡¯t how this journey is gonna go, okay?¡± Electivire sent out a joined bolt from his horns, causing Gary to scream and collapse. His body tightened up and he resisted the pain surging through his body.

    ¡°WHOA! CHILD, ARE YOU OKAY??¡± the man shouted, leaning over and staring down at him.

    ¡°W-w-w-we-we¡¯ll see-see-seeeee,¡± Gary managed as sparks came off of him constantly. I can¡¯t keep this up. This thing is not only attacking me, but if he tries to steal my match again... Th-uggggg! That¡¯s it! Gary couldn¡¯t even think straight with the pain he was in!

    The older man helped him up to his feet.

    Gary¡¯s legs trembled and then rocked and soon he just fell.

    ¡°Electivire!!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± The man turned to Electivire with surprise.

    Electivire was punching his fists together, creating sparks with each hit.

    ¡°N-n-n-no!¡± Gary sat up with balled fists, hunched over, heaving. ¡°No.¡± He lifted his head, frowning. ¡°NO, Electivire! This is enough! Return!¡± He pulled out Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball, but never got to extend it as he was zapped yet again. This time, he remained on his back. With occasional sparks, his back would arch painfully before he¡¯d drop flat again. This... has to end... Gary thought exhaustedly. No more of this after today... He twitched in more agony as he sparked.

    ¡°Perhaps this match should be postponed until you and your Pokemon are more willing and ready!¡± the man suggested.

    ¡°P-p-please,¡± Gary grunted. ¡°I just need a couple of moments and we can fight... Gggggghhh!¡± His body tightened up from more sparking. And Raichu... Gary told himself. Don¡¯t take any chances. Just keep... ¡°Gggghhhh!!¡± Gary¡¯s body jumped. Raichu... Out...

    *

    Gary and the older man walked through the inside of the Gym that looked like an office building. There were several doors down several hallways, and the floor was a shiny gold. The walls were different colors, some white, some blue. Every large tile of the ceiling had a rectangular light in it.

    ¡°AND HERE IT IIIIIIS!!¡± The man pointed ahead at a square section lined with steel, the doors closed tight. He walked up to it and they slid apart.

    Gary hoisted June¡¯s bag up on his shoulder and moved quickly after him, his body tightening a little bit as he stopped. He couldn¡¯t tell if this was from nervousness, or the electricity still coursing through his body from Electivire. He didn¡¯t think long about this, his eyes widening as he took in the new room.

    It had a steel, silver floor, but the middle of the room was a dirt field with numerous rocks and boulders. Red bleachers sat on either side of the room, a silver, metal platform underneath.

    As the two stepped inside, Gary could see a figure already standing at one end of the battlefield that was outlined in white. The Gym Leader? he wondered and looked around him quickly, seeing bolts and metal pieces in the walls. He turned to the man who had led him inside, and then looked to the other guy.

    This second man was also bald and had muscular arms crossed over his shirtless, hairy chest. He looked even older than the darker man, but his body was a light-skin shaded work of art! His face was covered in a long, white beard and he wore gray jogging shorts, white socks, and gray and white sneakers. His eyebrows were frowned. He inhaled exaggeratingly, opening his mouth wide. ¡°WELCOME TO THE CANALAAAAAAAAAAAAAVE GYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYMMM!! I AM BYRON, THE STEEL POKEMON EXPERT!!!¡±

    Why does everyone shout here? Gary found himself thinking, but he forgot about this and stepped forward, moving until he reached his spot in the Gym. He let June¡¯s bag fall and then took in the largest breath. ¡°HI! I¡¯M GARY FROM PALLET TOWN, IN THE KANTO REGION!! I¡¯M HERE TO WIN YOUR BADGE, SIR!!¡±

    Byron burst out laughing. ¡°HOW CUTE!!! WE¡¯LL SEE HOW FAR YOU GET, YOUNG MAN!!¡±

    The black male ran onto the field and then right out of it to the middle. ¡°THIS WILL BE A THREE-ON-THREE BATTLE BETWEEN THE CANALAVE CITY GYM LEADER, BYRON, AND GARY FROM THE KANTO REGION¡¯S PALLET TOWN!!! THERE WILL BE NO TIME LIMIT!!! THE WINNER WILL BE DECIDED ONCE ALL THREE POKEMON OF ONE SIDE ARE DEFEATED!!! ONLY GARY MAY SUBSTITUTE POKEMON!!! LET THE BATTLE BEGIIIIIIN!!!!¡±

    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! YYYYEEEEAAAAAAAA!!!!¡± Byron exploded with energy that seemed to literally explode behind him in flames and wild debris as he flexed in front of Gary. ¡°WELCOME TO THE SINNOH REGIOOOOON!!! KNOW THAT I LOVE MUSCLES!! I LOVE DEFENSE!! AND I, LOVE, EXCADRIIIIIIILL!!!!¡± He scooped up a Poke Ball and sent out his first choice.

    ¡°EXCADRIIIIIILLL!!¡± The Pokemon landed, a giant, fat mole with gleaming silver claws that looked like they¡¯d tear through any opponent with a single swipe. A matching blade sat at its forehead.

    Excadrill. The Subterrene Pokemon. The evolved form of Drilbur. A Ground and Steel type Pokemon. Known as the ¡°Drill King¡± in its native Unova region, it can straighten its body and spin like a ball to create complex tunnels to confuse predators and keep them from its nest.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened in amazement. That thing looks wild! And it¡¯s from Unova! Ground and Steel... I¡¯m gonna use Lanturn! He grabbed the Poke Ball, enlarged it, and sent out his first option.

    Lanturn cried out happily.

    Or maybe this wasn¡¯t the best choice... Gary found himself reconsidering too late. June¡¯s concern was her battling on ground. She doesn¡¯t move as well here. Gary grit his teeth. We¡¯ll make it work! ¡°Stockpile!!¡±

    Lanturn opened her mouth big and took in a huge breath, her body filling with air and glowing purple.

    ¡°EARTHQUAKE RIGHT AWAY!!¡± Byron let out.

    ¡°EXCAAAAADRIIIILL!!!¡± Excadrill jumped and came down heavy.

    The Gym was suddenly under an earthquake! It shook strongly, flooring Gary with ease.

    Byron and the referee were both screaming with crazed smiles, their knees bent and arms flexed.

    Lanturn yelled out in pain as she tumbled and rolled, finally stopping as the move ended.

    ¡°Lanturn!¡± Gary managed, still on the ground. ¡°You can do it! GET UP! Strike back with Hydro Pump now!¡±

    ¡°DIG AND GET AWAY FROM THAT!!¡±

    Lanturn attacked, sending a big stream of Water at Excadrill.

    Excadrill went underground quickly, tearing through the dirt floor and avoiding contact.

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Gary realized as he stood up, keeping a focused face, his eyebrows frowned. ¡°It¡¯s our turn so, another Stockpile!¡±

    Lanturn called out and then took another breath, glowing purple and raising both Defense and Special Defense one more stage.

    Excadrill exploded out of the ground, tackling Lanturn into the air. The two fell apart and Lanturn bounced as she landed, Excadrill landing on its feet a distance off, watching her.

    Lanturn groaned as she straightened up and glared at Excadrill.

    ¡°Lanturn!! You okay, girl?¡± Gary called.

    Lanturn shook her head and got up!

    ¡°NOW THAT¡¯S IMPRESSIVE!! AN ELECTRIC TYPE TAKING SO MUCH!!¡± Byron congratulated.

    ¡°That¡¯s right! And stand by for this, next! SWALLOW!!¡± Gary smiled.

    Lanturn gulped down the Stockpile and her body sparkled for a bit.

    ¡°That¡¯s a help,¡± Gary mumbled. Can¡¯t screw up this time, he told himself. This is our last chance!

    ¡°EARTHQUAAAAKE!!!¡±

    ¡°TAKE THAT AND RETURN WITH HYDRO PUMP!!¡±

    Excadrill slammed down hard after jumping, Gary and Lanturn hitting the ground.

    Lanturn wasted no time and blasted Excadrill, sending it flying back into a large boulder.

    ¡°Excadriiill!!¡± Excadrill groaned.

    Lanturn was breathing heavily, weary from the Earthquake as Gary jumped back up readily.

    ¡°EXCADRILL!! DIG AGAIN!!!¡± Byron raged to the ceiling.

    Excadrill leaped at the ground and dug into it, disappearing underground.

    ¡°THAT¡¯S IT! MIMIC!!¡± Gary beamed. His eyes widened, dying to see how this would look!

    The orbs on Lanturn glowed gold. Then they returned back to normal.

    ¡°USE THAT DIG!!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t wait for the move to work!

    Lanturn looked back to Gary, confused.

    ¡°Lanturn??¡± Gary¡¯s heart went mad with panic!

    Lanturn cried out as Excadrill came out of the ground and took her down.

    ¡°LANTURN IS UNABLE TO BATTLE!!! EXCADRILL WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINS!!!!!¡± the referee ruled.

    ¡°YEEEEEEAAAAAAAHH!!!! I LOVE DEFEEEEENSE!!!¡± Byron cheered.

    ¡°Lanturn, I thought we had this, but thanks anyway! You helped a lot!¡± Gary recalled Lanturn. ¡°I knew that Mimic was confusing. I shouldn¡¯t have tested it out here. You put a lot of work into this match. We¡¯ve got this because of you!¡± he said to the Poke Ball. ¡°And I know who¡¯s next!¡± He clipped the Poke Ball to his waist and scooped up his second choice, making the ball large and tossing it. ¡°PRIMEAPE! GO!!¡±

    Primeape appeared. ¡°PRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIMEAPE!!!¡± Primeape was bouncing wildly, punching and jumping, kicking and flipping, ready to fight!

    ¡°WHAT AN ACTIVE SPORT YOU¡¯VE GOT THERE!!¡± Byron noted. ¡°BUT IT¡¯S NO MATCH FOR MY EXCADRILL! I LOVE DEFENSE!! I LOVE IRON DEFENSE!!!¡±

    At those words, Excadrill¡¯s body was outlined in blue. It raised its claws and crossed them in front of itself as its entire body became covered in an Iron coating.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°Primeape, let¡¯s do it! Rage!!¡±

    ¡°PRIIIIIIIIME!!!¡± Primeape charged at Excadrill and then jumped, coming down and slugging Excadrill. Excadrill didn¡¯t even flinch, Primeape being repelled and sliding back on his feet.

    The Iron on Excadrill¡¯s body went away.

    ¡°USE IRON HEAD!!¡±

    Excadrill¡¯s horn turned to Iron and it rammed it against Primeape.

    Primeape hit his back and slid. He then cowered, curling up into a frightened ball and started shivering. But his body was glowing red with an increase in his Attack.

    ¡°Primeape??¡± Gary called. ¡°HEY! NO! A Flinch!¡±

    ¡°I LOVE DEFENSE!! DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFEEEEEEENSE!!! IRON DEFENSE AGAAAAAIN!!!¡± Byron smiled with might.

    Excadrill repeated the move.

    ¡°Oh, no you don¡¯t! Cross Chop!!¡±

    Primeape finally stood, grunting, and he kept punching his fists together. He then jumped, crossing his arms, and they glowed white. He slammed into Excadrill. Where they met, Excadrill flashed white with a Critical Hit and the Iron vanished from around it.

    Excadrill groaned out in pain as it flew backwards and slid into a large boulder. It slowly got back up, his eyes closed with exhaustion.

    ¡°EXCADRILL, EARTHQUAKE NOOOOW!!!¡±

    We got lucky with the Crit! Gary knew. ¡°CROSS CHOP!! QUICKLY!¡±

    Primeape shot for Excadrill like a missile.

    Excadrill opened its eyes and then bent its knees to jump.

    ¡°JUMP AFTER IT, PRIMEAPE!!¡± Gary made tight fists.

    Excadrill moved first, beginning its ascent.

    Primeape followed right after and flew into Excadrill with Cross Chop.

    ¡°DRIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLL!!!¡± Excadrill came back down and bounced, Primeape landing easily and watching it.

    ¡°EXCADRILL IS OUT OF THE MATCH!!! PRIMEAPE WIIIIIIINS!!!!¡± the referee declared.

    ¡°WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAA!!!¡± Byron raised his fists. ¡°INCREDIBLE POWER!!!¡± He recalled Excadrill. ¡°THAT, was a GREAT MATCH!! EXCELLENT DEFENSE, EXCADRILL!¡± With a twist full of dramatic flair, he grabbed his second Poke Ball. ¡°I LOOOOOOOVE DEFENSE!! AND I, LOVE, SCIZOOOOOOR!!!¡± A Great Ball flew from his hand and bounced on the ground before opening and revealing in a white beam, a Scizor.

    ¡°Scizor!¡± The Pokemon stood up straight, its arms at its sides.

    ¡°A Scizor! Cool!¡± Gary smiled and nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s keep the momentum up! Cross Chop!¡± No need to risk Defense with Close Combat right now, Gary settled.

    ¡°SHOW SOME GUTS!! IRON DEFENSE!!!¡±

    Primeape lunged at Scizor and knocked it back with Cross Chop.

    Scizor grunted as it stumbled but remained standing.

    Yes! We¡¯re faster! Gary smiled.

    Scizor¡¯s body became coated in Iron and it stood motionless.

    Too late for that! We¡¯ve already got a fresh hit in! Should we risk one Close Combat? ¡°Cross Chop!¡±

    Primeape rushed at Scizor.

    ¡°BULLET PUNCH!!¡± Byron ordered.

    Scizor flew sharply and quickly, outspeeding Primeape, and punched Primeape with a light-blue claw.

    Primeape¡¯s move was stopped and he fell down.

    ¡°USE YOUR LEEEEER!!¡±

    Scizor¡¯s eyes flashed red and it leaned in intimidatingly on Primeape.

    ¡°Primeape, don¡¯t back down! Screw it! CLOSE COMBAT!!¡±

    ¡°COUNTER THOSE BLOWS WITH DOUBLE HIT!!¡± Byron smiled.

    Primeape swung one fist.

    Scizor¡¯s claws glowed purple. With a cry, it swung one claw, connecting with the original swing from Primeape.

    Primeape didn¡¯t slow down, swinging the other fist.

    Scizor swung with its free claw, blocking this, too.

    Contrary to his Trainer, Primeape didn¡¯t look the least bit surprised and moved his arms from Scizor as he jumped up and extended a foot to kick it.

    ¡°AGILITY AROUND THE REST OF THE HITS!!¡± Byron instructed.

    ¡°Scizor! Scizor! Scizor!¡± Scizor could¡¯ve been using Teleport for all Gary knew as it dodged all the other kicks and punches Primeape was trying to land.

    When Primeape¡¯s attempts ended, he looked around in confusion. ¡°Prime? Prime? Ape?¡± There was no one in front of him except Byron!

    Scizor stood behind Primeape.

    ¡°BEHIND YOU!¡± Gary called.

    ¡°METAL CLAW!!!¡± Byron called.

    Scizor raised its claws high as Primeape turned. As the claws transformed into Metal, they came down on Primeape¡¯s face.

    ¡°PRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!!¡± Primeape flew across the field and slid on his back.

    Scizor glowed red, its Attack boosted.

    ¡°PRIMEAPE IS UNABLE TO FIGHT!!! SCIZOR WIIIIIINS!!!¡± the referee determined.

    ¡°GRRRRREAT DEFEEEEENSE!!!!¡± Byron celebrated.

    Scizor silently kept its eyes on Primeape.

    Primeape croaked weakly and looked up dizzily before his head fell again.

    ¡°Primeape, it¡¯s okay. Stay down. You did a lot of work out there. Thank you!¡± He recalled his Pokemon and stared at Scizor. A Scizor, Gary thought. And after this, there¡¯s only one Pokemon left. Gary grabbed the Safari Ball from his belt. And this guy was raised by one of the best Trainers I know, so I bet she can take this one home! He made the ball large and gripped it harder. I just wish she didn¡¯t have such a stupid nickname, Rob... ¡°F-¡±

    A white beam came out from Gary¡¯s pocket.

    He gasped angrily. This better not be...

    ¡°ELECTIVIIIIIIIRE!!!!¡± Electivire roared, flexing his arms and sparking.

    Little sparks from his body bounced around the field.

    ¡°ELECTIVIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRE!!!!!¡± Gary erupted.

    ¡°AN ELECTIVIRE!! GREA-!!¡± Byron started.

    ¡°I DID NOT TELL YOU TO COME OUT!!! STOP THE MATCH!!! I AM NOT US-!!!¡± Gary took a step, trying to enter the battlefield.

    ¡°VIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!!¡± Electivire blasted at Scizor.

    Scizor vanished, reappearing just a bit to the side, just dodging damage.

    Electivire growled, his fists bursting with sparks.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE CUT IT OUT ALREADY!!!¡± Gary dug into his pocket for Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball.

    ¡°SCIZOR, USE YOUR X-SCISSOR!!¡±

    Scizor¡¯s claws now glowed light green. It then attacked Electivire, crossing its arms in front of it and sending out a light-green glowing X.

    Electivire pulled back one fist and punched! His Thunder Punch hit the middle of the X and shattered it into light-green pieces!

    Byron now let out a stunned, loud groan of disbelief!

    Gary had Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball in his hand but was now watching, shocked at the power Electivire had displayed.

    There was silence in the building.

    Electivire and Scizor eyed each other easily.

    Byron and the referee were watching quietly.

    Gary started getting more angry. ¡°Electivire! STOP! I request to recall him and-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!¡± Gary collapsed after Electivire sent an Electric blast his way and left him immobilized on his back.

    Now, the referee and the Gym Leader eyed Gary in shock.

    ¡°GARY!! DON¡¯T TELL ME YOU HAVE A DISOBEDIENT POKEMON!!!¡± Byron brought up.

    ¡°I-I-I-I h-h-h-h-haven¡¯t h-had one of th-th-those in a while...¡± Gary shuddered uncontrollably on the ground.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Byron questioned. His attention was returned to the battlefield as an action occurred.

    Electivire was flying for Scizor with both fists sparking again!

    ¡°SCIZOR!! USE LEER!!¡±

    Scizor leaned towards Electivire, sneering intimidatingly, and its eyes glowed red. ¡°SCIZOOOOOOR!!¡± Scizor wailed out as Electivire kept going straight ahead, unbothered by the Leer, and socked the Bug and Steel type dead in the face. It collapsed to the ground and remained still.

    Byron gasped loudly. ¡°SCIZOR!!¡±

    Gary couldn¡¯t react too properly, but even he was surprised by what had just happened.

    ¡°Sciz...¡± Scizor¡¯s eyes opened. ¡°Scizor...¡± It got up, glaring at Electivire.

    ¡°ALRIGHT, SCIZOR!! SHOW YOUR DEFEEEEEEEEEEENSE!!! IRON DEFEEEEEEEEEEENSE!!!¡±

    Electivire moved quicker, slugging Scizor in the stomach with flaming fists this time!

    Scizor wasn¡¯t even able to use Iron Defense now as it slid in a sitting position, holding itself where it was hit, its head lowered and eyes shut tight with pain.

    ¡°SCIZOOOOOR!!!¡± Byron¡¯s eyes were wide as he stared at Electivire. But then - he was smiling!!

    Scizor¡¯s head raised back up as its eyes opened and it leered at Electivire.

    ¡°SCIZOR! PERHAPS THIS IS THE ONE!!¡± Byron spoke. ¡°Gary! I may not know exactly what is going on here with your Electivire,¡± he inhaled big before letting out, ¡°BUT I KNOW A CHALLENGE WHEN I SEE ONE!!!¡± He stretched, reaching his arm out to one side. ¡°I may not have all the fancy words and movements and clothing creativeness, BUT I KNOW MY POKEMON, AND THAT¡¯S WHAT MEGA EVOLUTION IS ALL ABOUT!!!¡±

    Mega Evolution?! Gary got himself to sit up, his body briefly twinging from surrounding sparks.

    Byron stretched to the other side. ¡°THIS ELECTIVIRE OF YOURS IS ASTOUNDING!!!¡±

    Scizor stood up. It then held out a claw and opened it, revealing some kind of jewel inside!

    ¡°WE LIVE FOR MUSCLES!!!!¡± Byron pressed his hands into his lower back and leaned against them. ¡°WE LIVE FOR DEFENSE!!!!¡± Byron then bent forward, and one hand dug into his right sock. ¡°WE LIVE,¡± Byron stood, holding out a clenched fist, ¡°FOR BATTLLLLLLLLLLLE!!!¡± He turned his hand around and opened it, revealing a similar, smaller jewel to what his Scizor held, a tone similar to a rainbow within.

    The one in Scizor¡¯s claw seemed to be mostly red inside, a gray stripe in the middle.

    Byron¡¯s other hand then touched the jewel, and a bright flash shined.

    Long sparks reached from the stone Byron had and extended out for Scizor as the stone Scizor held also sparked. While one stone sparked yellow, the other sparked with a more bluish-white.

    The streams met and took over Scizor. When the bright light vanished, Scizor now looked very different!! A symbol appeared in front of it in a mix of a few colors before vanishing as well. ¡°Scizor!¡± Scizor took a ready pose, looking like it was going to strike.

    Mega Scizor. A Mega Evolution Pokemon. A Bug and Steel type. The power of this Pokemon is unbearable for itself. It cannot last in battle for too long, the energy it sustains resulting in melting its own body. Its pincers will destroy anything.

    Gary¡¯s eyes were HUGE! What the...?

    ¡°WE WON¡¯T NEED LONG IN THIS ONE!! SCIZOR!! NIGHT SLASH!!!¡±

    Mega Scizor¡¯s claws glowed purple and it raised them high.

    Gary was just getting to his knees.

    Electivire raged out and held up his arms as his eyes and body glowed bright red.

    Mega Scizor slammed down onto Electivire.

    There was a loud collision and a strong wind whipped through the field.

    Gary¡¯s eyes shut against the force and he lowered himself down. After the wind ended, he weakly lifted his head.

    ¡°INCREDIBLLLLLLE!!!¡± Byron was shouting, smiling huge.

    ¡°I¡¯VE NEVER SEEN SO MUCH DETERMINATION!!!¡± even the referee was joining in.

    Gary gasped.

    White smoke was blowing from Electivire¡¯s nostrils. ¡°VIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!!¡± He shoved back on Mega Scizor, the opponent actually stumbling backwards!

    Mega Scizor fell, moreso from a rock in the ground that tripped it up.

    ¡°FIRE PUNCH!!!¡±

    Everyone looked over to Gary.

    Even Electivire.

    Gary himself was stunned, and confused. Did I give Electivire an order? Am I really trying to battle with him? Is this right? ¡°Electivire,¡± he struggled out, getting to one foot, still down on one knee. ¡°Use your Fire Punch! It¡¯s its weakness!¡±

    ¡°Electivire,¡± Electivire grunted, turning from Gary. ¡°VIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!!¡± He used the move Gary didn¡¯t recognize right away, and punched the Mega Scizor. He then kicked, punched, and tackled it down to its back. Jumping up, he swiftly kicked at it and then grabbed it by the shoulders, making the Mega Evolution Pokemon stand, only to headbutt it and punch it some more.

    Mega Scizor took the hits, reacting to the impact, but not that severely despite Electivire¡¯s visible efforts.

    ¡°DOUBLE HIT, NOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!¡± Byron finally commanded.

    Electivire swung at Mega Scizor.

    Mega Scizor¡¯s claws glowed purple, and it attacked.

    Electivire hooked Mega Scizor.

    Mega Scizor completely ignored this and slammed a claw on Electivire¡¯s head.

    ¡°Lec...¡± Electivire froze.

    Mega Scizor then slammed the second claw across Electivire¡¯s cheek.

    At the same time, Electivire raised a leg and kicked at Mega Scizor. ¡°VIIIIRE!!!¡±

    Both Pokemon fell over together!

    Neither Pokemon moved!

    The referee¡¯s jaw dropped.

    Byron was staring between the two Pokemon and the referee repeatedly.

    Gary remained on his knee, eyes wide, jaw opened.

    Mega Scizor¡¯s body was consumed in a big flash of light for just a moment before its body was revealed again. Laying there was just Scizor without the Mega Evolved body.

    ¡°SCIZOOOOOOOOOOR!!!!¡± Byron burst out.

    The referee shook his head at this and raised both arms. ¡°BOTH SCIZOR AND ELECTIVIRE ARE UNABLE TO BATTLE!! AS THE GYM LEADER, BYRON, STILL HAS ONE REMAINING POKEMON, BYRON WINS THE MATCH AND DEFENDS THE MINE BAAAAAADGE!!!¡±

    Gary fell over onto his side, exhausted.

    Byron was in the middle of the battlefield, heading for Gary.

    Scizor was gone, only Electivire remaining and not moving.

    Byron stopped in front of his opponent, a grim look on his face. ¡°Gary.¡± The man then smiled. ¡°THAT WAS THE GREATEST BATTLE I MAY HAVE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFE!!!!¡±

    Gary was trembling, but he wasn¡¯t entirely sure why. ¡°Byron...¡± he whispered.

    ¡°I may have won, but your Electivire withstood the power of my Mega Scizor with exceptional power!! HOW DID YOU DO IT???!!!¡± He leaned forward and held out his hand to help up the kid.

    Gary didn¡¯t take it, not wanting to move yet. ¡°Sir, I¡¯m sorry, but Electivire isn¡¯t my Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°WHAAAAAAT???!!!¡±

    ¡°Electivire isn¡¯t mine. He¡¯s my friend¡¯s. Electivire is just disobedient and chose to fight. He¡¯s nothing but in my way.¡±

    ¡°Wha-? But. Then, who IS ELECTIVIRE¡¯S TRAINER???¡±

    ¡°My friend, but she¡¯s not here. It¡¯s a long story, sir. The point is, this battle wasn¡¯t supposed to end this way. But, I would have probably lost, anyway. This guy is super strong, and I was only planning on bringing out my own Scizor. We stood no chance against you. I had no idea you could Mega Evolve Scizor, or that you yourself had the power to do it. Huh?¡± Gary stared at the hairy, large hand the older man kept out for him to take, but instead he looked back at the man¡¯s face.

    Byron smiled. ¡°Kid, you¡¯ve got a lot of heart!! And you¡¯re an INCREDIBLE battler!! I only used Mega Evolution, not because I was afraid to lose, but because of the unique strength I saw in your Electivire!! Or, your friend¡¯s Electivire! Listen, I want to battle it AGAAAAAAAAIN!!!¡±

    ¡°What??!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing.

    ¡°Next time you come to challenge my Gym, bring Electivire, PLEASE!! I¡¯m DYING to take it on again, one-on-one with my Mega Scizor! That it managed to match raw power with it and tie is OUT OF THIS WORLD STRENGTH!!!¡±

    ¡°NO!!¡±

    Byron gasped, finally dropping his hand.

    Gary struggled to get up. He looked to the ground and picked up a Poke Ball. Holding it out, he returned Electivire. After frowning at the ball, he turned to Byron. ¡°Maybe, maybe, if I can learn to get him under control, I¡¯ll consider it. But I will not use this thing like this. I¡¯ll be back here after some time to face you, after some training and stuff. I need to make my way towards Alamos Town first, but I¡¯ll be back. But Electivire isn¡¯t mine to begin with, and before I¡¯d dare to use his power to earn another Badge here in Sinnoh, I¡¯ll sooner quit as a Pokemon Trainer.¡±

    Byron stared at the boy determinedly. After a couple of moments, he finally smiled and nodded. ¡°Then, our next battle will go down in HISTORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!¡±

    Gary smiled tiredly, but as he looked down to Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball, he found himself frowning again.

    ¡°Alamos Town, huh?? That¡¯s northwest of Oreburgh City, where my son ROARK RUNS THE GYM!!¡± Byron mentioned loudly. ¡°How about you stop by there and challenge my boy and tell him his dad says HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO?!!!¡± The Gym Leader flexed on him. ¡°I¡¯M A LOOOOOT STRONGER THAN HIM, OF COURSE, BUT I KNOW MY SON CAN PUT UP A GREAT CHALLENGE AGAINST YYYYOOUUUUUU!!!¡± His finger was aiming right at Gary¡¯s face now.

    Gary was ready to leave this loud place. He nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll see him next. And I¡¯ll return here to show you the Badge I won from him before finally getting yours.¡±

    Byron just exploded in laughter at this. ¡°I LOVE IT!!!¡±

    *

    Prof. Rowan believed that around 90 percent of all pokemon are connected through eviltuon!! He did a ton of heavy research into those myths and considered them worth his time!! He was one of the greatest professors to ever do this, and I think if he thought such little ¡°myths¡± were enough to lok into, then we should look at the ma little more closely. That monste rhas to be a Pokemon/human combination! Like a MISSING LINK!! You know how humans were once monkey and became huamnse and cows were whales aint he sea? She is the missing link between Pokemon and human beings!!!! SOEMTHING NBETWEEEN!!!! This si literally the research of Prof. Rowan! EVOLUTION!!!! These myths, the stories about Pokemon not being distginuished from humans! It¡¯s the same idea!! From then to now! Don¡¯t you see??? There was once such a similarity that you couldn¡¯t tell even!! And then there became more differences! That difference is what I think is the middle ground before the two fully seperated!! That¡¯s what this MONSTER is!! Is¡¯ a Pokemon! And it¡¯s NOT!!! The proof is in the pudding MAN!!

    Gary read over the private message that his online friend OrangeIChamp had sent him three more times, and then sighed. He was so angry and tired of arguing with this kid. I can¡¯t believe this guy. There¡¯s just... Gary wanted to believe there was no way this made any sense, but did it really not?

    The evolution idea of humans from apes, and cows from whales, Gary believed was preposterous, but the things on the species being some kind of point between human and Pokemon differentiation did make more sense... Even Prof. Rowan seemed to be studying this idea, if what Orange is saying is true, Gary considered. I need to look him up. But if I accept that, do I have to also accept everything else about evolution? Gary thought fretfully. Monkeys into humans? Whales turning into cows?? That¡¯s absolute nonsense! His eyes closed and he then inhaled through his nose, later breathing out sharply. This is crazy. I¡¯ll reply another time. This is just ridiculous. I wonder if Prof. Cynthia maybe... Inside of the Canalave Library, Gary logged out of the Pokebay website. After typing on the computer for a bit, he was watching a video on V-UTube.

    An angry woman was screaming into a microphone held by an unseen person in this video. She had on a very strange, blue and white outfit with a rounded hood on her head. The blue hood wasn¡¯t even resting on her head, basically billowed out and surrounding her head. ¡°COUNTLESS POKEMON ARE VICTIMS OF THIS TORTURE KNOWN AS MEGA EVOLUTION!! METAGROSS GO ENTIRELY EVIL AFTER UNDERGOING MEGA EVOLUTION!!! THEY WILL RESORT TO EVEN BLOWING THEMSELVES UP IN A BATTLE DUE TO THE CRAZED FRENZY THEY ARE GOING THROUGH MENTALLY!! A GLALIE¡¯S JAW IS LITERALLY BROKEN ENTIRELY!! HOUNDOOM¡¯S BODY IS LITERALLY MELTING!! GYARADOS BECOMES ENTIRELY UNSTOPPABLE!!!! IF THIS DOESN¡¯T TELL YOU OF THE EVILS OF MEGA EVOLUTION, WHAT THE FUCK WILL??!!!¡±

    Behind her were people dressed just like her, chanting and waving around signs.

    Gary paused the video, having heard enough. But Mega Evolution is a practiced tradition all over the world, he knew after all he had looked into it. It can¡¯t be that bad... Can it? Gym Leaders, Pokemon Champions, all use it! He then remembered that even his Pokedex had mentioned something about Mega Scizor during his battle with Byron. Something about the energy of the Pokemon not allowing it to battle for long? he tried to recall before standing up. He looked around at all the books on the floor and with a huff, began to lazily put them back wherever was convenient for him before he left the building, making his way to the Pokemon Center.

    *

    ¡°Call me tomorrow, Gary.¡± Kiwi hung up the call.

    ¡°Oh, come on, now! She¡¯s just doing this on purpose, now!¡± Gary complained and slammed the receiver on the hook. Glaring at the black screen, Gary ended up thinking about his mother. There¡¯s no point... he reasoned. I¡¯m the last person she wants to see. She basically said so... There¡¯s no one else, really. I guess I¡¯ll call both Kiwi and Prof. Cynthia in the morning. It¡¯s kind of late now. He yawned and stood up. His backpack was the first thing he got up from the floor, June¡¯s bag next, before leaving the building.

    It wasn¡¯t long before he ended up over the water. He placed June¡¯s bag on the bridge floor and sat beside it, letting his legs dangle down, well and safe over the wet bottom. Gary slipped his shoulders out of his own backpack straps and placed it in his lap. He looked around cautiously, seeing not a human nor Pokemon in sight, and then unzipped the bag with shaky hands and dug around carefully. He spotted the golden object and grabbed the black handle, slipping the gun out of his bag and holding it with both hands. I can¡¯t believe this thing hasn¡¯t gone off in my bag. I really need to look up how to use this thing before it¡¯s too late. I just don¡¯t want to get caught researching something like this. But if this stupid phone of mine won¡¯t work... He looked into the bag but couldn¡¯t spot the phone. ...I¡¯ll have no choice. Wait, lemme try using it in the library, maybe. Tomorrow, when it¡¯s open. Wait! The Pokemon Center must have internet, right? Yeah! I¡¯ll connect there later. He stared at the gun and didn¡¯t move, listening to the sound of the water below moving gently around by gusts. You bitch... I¡¯ll kill you with this gun, I bet.

    During Gary¡¯s last trip to Viridian City where Team Solace was attacking, the villainous group¡¯s efforts focused on the monster that had decided to appear and they fired multiple bullets as the watching, human crowd screamed and fell away in fear.

    Moving like lightning, the creature swiped in front of herself, and a blue, sparking blanket opened in front of her.

    It appeared that the bullets hit but didn¡¯t penetrate the sparking shield, blowing up like little bombs.

    Everyone was fighting so hard against you, Gary recalled, remembering his Charizard using Flamethrower against the monster¡¯s shield.

    Electivire using Thunder to barely shove her back.

    Ivysaur¡¯s Solar Beam dropping the monster although it didn¡¯t look like it hurt her at all.

    At one point, the monster mercilessly tossed June herself to take down Hitmonchan.

    My Pokemon may have been unable to stop you. And I, myself, can¡¯t fight you, Gary knew.

    But if I can get one of these bullets through your damn head. Damn it. I¡¯ll kill you myself if no one gets to you first. I¡¯ll kill you, you monster.

    Pokemon.

    Human being.

    Whatever else lies within the truth of whatever your existence is.

 Gary V Gary: Science Vs Gods

    ¡°I¡¯ve got two Desert Eagles, one chambered in .44 Magnum, the other chambered in .50 A an¡¯ E,¡± a man in sunglasses said from Gary¡¯s phone on VU-Tube. The guy stood outside where a forest sat in the background, his separate area covered in gravel and targets in front of a big wall. A wooden table in front of him held two guns and an accompanying part for them. ¡°We¡¯re gonna do a little bit of a... a visual comparison of the two cartridges, a two hundred and thirty grain in the .44 and a three hundred in the...¡± He looked down, thinking, and took a breath. ¡°In the .50 A an¡¯ E and we¡¯re gonna see how much recoil splits the difference between two pistols of, very similar characteristics.¡±

    Gary looked around the Pokemon Center lobby swiftly, keeping his head down.

    There were people walking throughout, but no one seemed to be paying him any attention as he struggled to hear the guy on the phone. Struggling to hear because he put the volume so low because he didn¡¯t own any headphones.

    ¡°I will say however that the... .44 does have Magnum Researches new, muzzle brake compensator, uh at the end of the barrel. Uh, I do not recommend trying this at home! We have special permission here from the Range Master, to fire one shot, from, both pistols, simultaneously, just for the visual comparison and your enjoyment.¡±

    Gary watched as the man loaded up the guns and eventually fired them. He lowered his head even more and his eyes looked around the room after the loud noise.

    Now, a couple of people had turned to him, but not for long, returning to their business.

    I think I get the gist of it, Gary told himself as he turned off the phone and slipped it into his pocket. But when do I get the privacy to practice? I don¡¯t even know how many bullets are in it. I won¡¯t get to practice if there¡¯s only one bullet. If there¡¯s only two, I¡¯ll only get one chance to practice. And I can¡¯t buy more. Even if I did have the money. He stared at his bag, knowing the weapon was inside. But assuming it hasn¡¯t been used since, it probably has plenty of bullets.

    From the door of the hovering helicopter, Isaac reached into his pants, right at his belt, and pulled out the big, golden gun! He pointed it at the Dragonite that carried Prof. Oak on its back and the shot was tremendous!

    Gary jumped despite being so far away on the ground. He hated the loud, sudden poppings of things like guns, and balloons.

    Another shot fired!

    Gary jumped as if a gun had actually been shot and blinked back to reality, having trouble breathing. At least two bullets... Gary remembered from the Indigo League. And these things carry sixteen I think the video said? And it works just like the TV shows say. It¡¯s almost too easy. Which makes this so dangerous. And scary. Gary¡¯s heart gave a painful jump at a sudden BANG!

    No.

    Gary saw that a young boy had hung up the phone and left the booth. He got up and stretched his back. Hoisting his bag on his shoulders, he moved to the phone booth and quickly made his call.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this line is currently busy. Please hold or try again later,¡± a mechanical female voice instructed.

    The screen then went black and the image of a Wobbuffet appeared and repeated in an annoying voice, ¡°Wooobb¡­ Wooobb¡­ Wooobb¡­ Wooobb¡­¡±

    ¡°If Kiwi can¡¯t even pick up, they must be really busy,¡± Gary considered, and then hung up. He left the booth and stopped in the middle of the building. I guess it¡¯s time, he told himself, and he pulled out his Pokedex and went to the map. ¡°Northwest of Oreburgh City. Right. But that¡¯s... further along... Soooo... We have to get to Jubilife City after all, and we¡¯ll just head north to Route 204, where the Ravaged Path is, and not far from that, Alamos Town is where Prof. Oak¡¯s notes lead. But that Gym Byron told me about is also cutting into my journey. But it can just wait. I¡¯ll get there, but first, I need to get to those mountains. I¡¯ll face his son on my way back to Canalave City. Yes.¡± He smiled, putting away the Pokedex, and then frowned. ¡°Now to handle business, because I¡¯m not going after any Badge until I sort this out.¡±

    *

    Gary hurled his only Great Ball left at the weary Pokemon he met crawling out of the water after the Trainer had crossed the bridge. Come on, just stay in! he begged, feeling tears take over his eyes. He wiped them away and watched as the ball shook repeatedly and then...

    PING!

    PONG!

    Gary stared at the Great Ball as it vanished. He shook his head, trying to free his mind from a terrifying memory. But the harder he tried, the easier it was to remember when June had, somehow, been captured in some kind of a Poke Ball-like device and was taken away by the monster. He blinked sadly, shaking his head. Between the nightmares, and the memories when I¡¯m awake, I don¡¯t know how much longer I can survive on this quest. While he wasn¡¯t entirely serious about this thought, it was honest enough.

    The blimp ride that eventually got him back to Route 218 was meant to end with him calling out Electivire to have a talk with him. But he just never got the energy or patience to deal with such a hard-headed Pokemon. I should still keep Raichu out as a precaution. Or just send Electivire to- He ended up freezing, thinking about Prof. Oak, and tears ran out of his eyes. Sketchit... Kiwi... Right... Gary kept his hands in the pockets of his warm coat and kept it moving, crossing the bridge and walking through the grass.

    Riolu cried out and ran after him.

    Walking through the trees, Gary stopped and released June¡¯s bag from his shoulder with a tired sigh. One thing Electivire does good is carry this thing around, Gary admitted. It¡¯s just more annoying work more than it is actually heavy. But I can¡¯t have that thing out of the ball when he behaves how he does. More to the point, how do I stop him from ruining my Gym matches?? He sat down carefully and grabbed two Poke Balls. ¡°Thanks for battling earlier,¡± he told Riolu. ¡°Sorry. My head is just full of a lot right now. Come back.¡± He returned her.

    Riolu was gone quickly.

    Gary then found himself staring at Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball. But what do I say to the guy? Yeah I can keep Raichu out, but how is that solving the problem if he just wants to zap me? But also, he¡¯s not even my Pokemon! I¡¯m not meant to be having a relationship with him. It¡¯s not my responsibility! So what? You give up? We move on? Wait for him to come out and get into another fight? I can¡¯t get my next Badge until I sort him out! But if I tell him I¡¯ll send him to Prof- Gary gave out his breath with irritation. If I tell him I¡¯ll send him to Prof. Sketchit... What if he catches an attitude? What if he attacks the professor and Kiwi? No, he would. It¡¯d be irresponsible of me to do that to them. They clearly have enough to deal with. So it¡¯s all on me...

    Gary gripped the Poke Ball and stood. He extended his arm and the Pokemon inside was set free.

    ¡°Electivire,¡± Electivire grumbled, first staring at Gary, and then looking around, finally focusing again on Gary.

    ¡°Electivire, man. We¡¯ve had this talk a hundred times already, but you don¡¯t get it, and I¡¯m not doing this again, no matter what.¡± A bit of a harsh start, Gary? Gary regretted, but he was also fed up. ¡°I don¡¯t know what else I can do for you, and I don¡¯t know if your attitude is a result of June being missing or something else, but your behavior needs to chill. Maybe we can work out something where you battle with me, but this has to be on my terms! This is my journey! I¡¯m sorry things worked out the way they have!¡± His eyes now started to water. ¡°I¡¯m doing my best here for you and the other Pokemon. I haven¡¯t done anything to solve the mystery of the monster, or catch her, or even seen her. And June¡¯s had issues with you before that, anyway. If there¡¯s anything I can do, maybe something that, when we do find her, you two can put aside your differences and love each other again, please let me know what it is!¡± Gary stared helplessly at Electivire. He shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m at the end of my ropes here, man! I¡¯ve got nothing else! Don¡¯t you want help?!¡±

    Electivire kept cold eyes on him and then gave him his back. He crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°Electivirrrre,¡± he let out.

    Gary now frowned again. ¡°Look, you. I don¡¯t care about your stupid problems, to be honest. Just stop causing me them! June and I have done nothing to hurt you or offend you. We¡¯ve tried to do nothing but reach out to you! Especially June, and now me! This hasn¡¯t been fair to either of us. As a Pokemon Trainer, I¡¯m here for any and all Pokemon to befriend and raise and take care of in general, but if you don¡¯t want my help, it¡¯s just not my problem! Especially-!¡± He inhaled deeply. ¡°Especially when you¡¯re only trying to keep me, us, away from you! Many Trainers would have just released you by now at this rate! It¡¯s not worth it for everyone! If you¡¯re happier free, you can be released! But that¡¯s not my decision, and I¡¯m not, I can¡¯t, give up on you. That¡¯s June¡¯s decision! But damn it, Electivire. Damn it! You will not ruin what I am going for!¡±

    There was a momentary silence in the woods.

    ¡°I¡¯m the one competing in the League, not you! These are my Badges!¡± He pulled out his Badge case and plucked out his latest Badge from Jupiter. His eyes focused on the Phobia Badge still in the case, but he shook his head and put away the case. He then flung the Infiltration Badge at Electivire!

    The Badge went past Electivire¡¯s right shoulder and disappeared.

    ¡°I¡¯ve wasted so much time to only earn one Badge while in Sinnoh all this time.¡± Earn, huh? Gary questioned, thinking on his first Badge from Cas. Ignoring this, he continued, ¡°You will not interfere anymore.¡±

    No one moved or said a thing.

    Gary¡¯s shoulders slumped. Fine, he thought in defeat. What a waste of time. Electivire wins. He looked down, thinking. But he can¡¯t win my next Badge. My second Badge will be by my own Pokemon. Even if I have to get rid of this thing. He looked up into the sky. I can¡¯t do that, can I...? Which means... I have to drop my journey? Why does Electivire need to battle so badly? Why does he want to fight my Gyms? Why can¡¯t he just take it easy? Am I not training him enough? Is he just overloaded on energy? Should I battle with him more? But, it¡¯s almost like nothing¡¯s- Gary¡¯s eyes widened. ...A challenge... He hated that he had even thought that, but this fired him up as well. If I want to become a Pokemon Master, then I have to beat Electivire. And I will. Before my next Badge, Electivire has to be defeated! A challenge...

    Another thought was creeping into his mind.

    A memory...

    ¡°A challenge...¡± June had said in Viridian City after she, Gary, Robin and Aly had survived the encounter with the monster and Team Solace. Her voice was low and shaky, but loud enough for her friends to hear. ¡°A challenge is coming. Soon.¡±

    ¡°June,¡± Robin and Aly said at the same time, and Robin went silent. ¡°What¡¯s coming? Who?¡±

    ¡°It may not be a living thing. But it¡¯s something the creature wants to really bad,¡± June whispered. ¡°It could be what she came from to begin with. The answer to what she even is. Maybe, something greater than her. Or... More of her.¡±

    Aly gasped. ¡°There can¡¯t be!¡±

    Gary inhaled hard, sniffling right after, his nose running. The cold of Sinnoh was getting to him right now and he shivered. A challenge... he remembered. What did June mean? Even she had no idea of what it meant that she heard. Oh, June... Where in the world are you right now? He gazed to the sky mournfully. I can¡¯t do this without you.

    *

    Gary¡¯s mother¡¯s angry face was clear. She reached out for him, tears in her eyes.

    June was standing in the middle of an unfamiliar house, her head tilted back, moaning from pain. Slowly, she transformed into Gary¡¯s sister, Melissa.

    Now, Melissa¡¯s head, still leaning back, was swaying as she groaned and made lurching noises.

    Gasping, Gary looked behind him to see something so disturbing.

    Deformed babies were crawling along the ground for him, whining and crying in echoed, inhuman squeals. As they got closer, Gary could see the displaced jaws, their eyes hanging out of the sockets, fingers and toes missing, legs and arms twisted in horrible, broken positions.

    Screaming, he kicked one of the babies. His foot went into the stomach of it, cracking it open as if the human were made of porcelain or glass, and roaches, spiders, and all kinds of bugs escaped, moving along the floor to freedom.

    As the bugs got away, slipping into the cracks in the floor, walls, and ceiling, the old house started to creak, groan, cry out from the pressure of the bugs filling themselves into the crevices, and with a loud, horrible, groaning wail, the building came down upon them all.

    Gary sat up, gasping hard. He swallowed, holding his chest. He thought back on his dream, but all he could remember was June turning into his late sister, his angry mother, and something about a lot of bugs. A couple of minutes later, the only thing of the dream he could recall was June turning into Melissa.

    He stared into the woods around him. He was so close to Jubilife City. He could have walked in in about ten minutes if he wanted to. But he didn¡¯t want to.

    So close to civilization, he had given up and decided to rest. A little break. Getting into Jubilife City meant returning to his goal of becoming a Pokemon Master. It was a feeling he wasn¡¯t ready to take on that night, instead taking a little half-day vacation, promising to get back to it in the morning.

    Now, he wished he had gone to the Pokemon Center to sleep. He longed so badly for just a little bit of companionship. Just being able to find one human being in close proximity to him meant everything to him right now.

    *

    ¡°Alright Electivire, Raichu, let¡¯s head out of here,¡± Gary told his Pokemon from inside of the Pokemon Center that morning.

    Electivire was holding June¡¯s bag, sparking but not attacking, his arms crossed, growling at Raichu.

    Raichu was looking away nervously, his ears down.

    ¡°There¡¯s also a Gym nearby that I wanna stop by afterwards, after our trip.¡±

    Electivire¡¯s eyes widened with interest and he smirked sneakily, turning to Gary.

    ¡°And you will not be interfering, either!¡± Gary warned.

    Electivire was full-on smiling now, snickering evilly.

    Raichu wore a nervous, sheepish smile, keeping his stare away from the taller Pokemon.

    Gary mocked Electivire¡¯s laugh with a nasty, disgusted look. ¡°Cut it out! This isn¡¯t funny and it¡¯s not a joke! We¡¯re gonna go traveling for a bit and we¡¯ll return to get a new Badge, and you¡¯ll be out of my way about it or we¡¯re gonna have us a serious issue that I will solve!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s arms uncrossed and he raised his fists, leaning towards Gary threateningly.

    Gary made his own fists and struggled to keep his shaking arms firm.

    ¡°YO! Gary! What¡¯s good?¡±

    Gary turned and pulled back from June¡¯s Pokemon to gasp at the arrival of someone he knew.

    Scientist Gary!

    ¡°Gary!¡± Gary managed to smile at him.

    ¡°Good morning, dude!¡± Scientist Gary grinned. He reached out a hand.

    Gary reached out as well, and he was stunned to see that the scientist was using the same handshake he recognized from Ish! He stared at their hands with wide eyes. Whoa! When¡¯d he start shaking like that? Maybe he¡¯s more comfortable with me? Could he know Ish?

    The handshake was sloppy, as usual for Gary, and the two fell apart, keeping smiles.

    ¡°Everything okay, here?¡± Scientist Gary asked nervously, staring back and forth between Electivire and Gary, shooting Raichu a glance as well.

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re cool,¡± Gary nodded reassuringly, forcing himself to keep a small smile. ¡°Just getting ready for the next Badge we have over in Oreburgh City.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah. That¡¯s cool. That¡¯s where you¡¯re headed now?¡± The scientist was talking a little strangely.

    Gary nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right...¡± he answered slowly, catching the scientist¡¯s tone.

    ¡°You¡¯re not headed to catch Jirachi?¡±

    Gary jumped a little, a loud sound going off in his ears. He then squinted at the short man. ¡°You went through the book.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I did. It was notes by the legend himself. How could I not?¡±

    ¡°Who are you? How do you know Kiwi?¡± Gary demanded.

    ¡°Alright, here me out,¡± the little man held up his hands defensively. ¡°I never got to meet Prof. Oak before his passing, but he was someone who was highly interested in my work with the PGS system. Would you believe me if I said he was almost a one-time investor?¡±

    Gary gasped. ¡°There¡¯s no way he¡¯d support something like that!¡± he said angrily.

    ¡°It shows just how great Prof. Oak truly was, that he was able to see my vision. He knew a lot more about it than you do. A lot more than a lot of people who don¡¯t even understand it properly, but think they do. My work isn¡¯t bad. Given enough time, I believe, just maybe, he would have openly supported my work and pushed it to like, a thousand levels closer to acceptance than I could ever get it. Not at the speed he could do it at, anyway. He had questions, but he also had answers to my own questions, and that¡¯s why he supported me. I just want everyone to understand. But I don¡¯t want to start spreading the fact Prof. Oak supported me. It¡¯d be in bad taste. He just died. No one would believe me anyway. I finally had a way to the top, and it was taken. I could have helped so many.¡±

    Gary just leered at him. He was just using Prof. Oak, he thought. But, how could something like this trick the great Prof. Oak? There¡¯s no way! Then, does that mean his work is legit?

    ¡°I know Kiwi after calling the Lab after his passing. I just couldn¡¯t believe it was true. I tried to speak with Prof. Sketchit, but he and I never quite saw eye to eye the same way me and Prof. Oak did. So I ended up talking with Kiwi.¡±

    So that¡¯s how... Gary tried to say out loud, but it ended up staying in his head.

    ¡°That¡¯s how I got to know her, explaining our history. Look, I went through the book, and I read about the Legendaries and Mythicals he met. He was trying to track down a few of them. Shaymin, Celebi, and Jirachi.¡±

    ¡°Jirachi...¡± Gary whispered, keeping hard eyes on the scientist.

    ¡°He had wishes, Gary. I don¡¯t know what they were. He didn¡¯t write them down, but he must have wanted the three wishes from Jirachi for something. And I know it was for the best of the world to benefit from.¡±

    ¡°You went after Jirachi!¡± Gary accused angrily.

    Scientist Gary looked around the building.

    Gary suddenly noticed how quiet the building had gotten and glanced about, too.

    Everyone was staring at them. Only a couple of people looked away, everyone else openly admitting their interest in the conversation.

    ¡°Maybe we should take this outside,¡± Scientist Gary suggested.

    Gary nodded. ¡°I agree.¡±

    Scientist Gary led the way, Gary, Raichu, and eventually Electivire following. No one stopped walking, even when they were out of Jubilife City, until they were all on an open plain, distant woods at either side.

    ¡°Alright, start talking!¡± Gary ordered.

    ¡°Okay, look. I went after Jirachi, okay? We all have dreams, don¡¯t we? Wishes?¡± Scientist Gary admitted. ¡°I have a lot on my mind these days, okay? I wanted to know if I could find some kind of peace if I had the chance to-¡± His head lowered and he shook it. ¡°I just wanted to fix some stuff in my life, okay? It wasn¡¯t right, but I got desperate.¡± He looked at Gary and shrugged. ¡°Me and my girl broke up. I¡¯ve been a mess, dude. I don¡¯t know what to do, or what I would have wished for had I found Jirachi, but I just wanted to do... something... Not like, force her to be with me or anything, but, just know why... What went wrong, you know? Gaaah!¡± He closed his eyes and lowered his head, shaking it. ¡°It¡¯s probably best I didn¡¯t find it.¡± He looked to Gary again. ¡°But this is why I don¡¯t believe in Mythical Pokemon, anyway. Waste of my time. That¡¯s why they¡¯re called myths. They aren¡¯t real.¡±

    Gary breathed out of his nose and looked down, trying hard to keep silent. What an idiot, he kept to himself. How can he be this stupid? They¡¯re not just throwing any old legends and stories in the Pokedex! There¡¯s a process to determine things!

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ve been all kinds of broken up and wasn¡¯t thinking straight, so, I dunno, I just went out there and I found nothing, obviously. I probably wouldn¡¯t have used all three wishes, though. I just wanted one thing. But there was nothing there. Are you still going?¡±

    I¡¯m pretty sure Jirachi wasn¡¯t set to appear yet, Gary tried to recall. That¡¯s why you didn¡¯t meet it. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m going to try my luck and capture Jirachi. And get my wishes. All three.¡±

    ¡°Whoa. All three? It won¡¯t appear for a thousand years after that!¡±

    ¡°Okay? I¡¯ve got things to fix in my life, today, okay?¡± Gary snapped. ¡°A lot of stuff, and only three wishes!¡±

    Scientist Gary just looked down and nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find it, and capture it, and I¡¯ll show you just how real the Mythicals are.¡±

    ¡°You believe in them??¡±

    ¡°Of course I do! I¡¯ve told you this!¡± Gary was getting irritated now, but he managed to hide it, giving a confused look instead.

    Scientist Gary didn¡¯t say anything, looking at the grass below.

    ¡°You¡¯ll see when I¡¯m done out there. I¡¯ll have my first ever Legendary Mythical Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°Yeah aight...¡± Scientist Gary mumbled, raising his eyebrows.

    Gary struggled to smile at his reaction, highly put off by Scientist Gary¡¯s dismissal. ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±

    Looking back up, Scientist Gary said, ¡°Yeah well, let me know. Just call-¡± He stopped. ¡°Hey, your phone is still broken?¡±

    ¡°Of course! I don¡¯t make enough to afford luxuries like fixing electronics. I didn¡¯t buy the phone in the first place, myself.¡±

    ¡°Oh... Well, look, if you give me it, I can try to fix it for you.¡±

    ¡°Really...? But, how can I repay you?¡±

    Narrowing his eyebrows, the scientist shrugged. ¡°I mean, not for nothin¡¯, but you could give me back my Slowpoke that you took from me.¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open. ¡°I - I mean...¡± He froze up for a long moment before finding more words. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to-¡±

    The scientist burst out laughing, holding out his hand. ¡°I¡¯m just joking, okay? I¡¯m over that. I still need a Slowpoke, but just never mind, okay?¡±

    ¡°Uuhh...¡± Gary was stuck, not sure what to say. Should I argue against that? Is he only saying that to get me to feel bad and give him back the Slowpoke?

    Scientist Gary waved at Gary reassuringly. ¡°Really, dude. Don¡¯t worry about that, man. I¡¯m doing okay financially. I can help a friend for free.¡±

    Gary smiled. A friend, he repeated. Despite our differences, we- Gary got his bag off of his back and went through it carefully, slowly. He saw the gun before he saw the phone, and he tried not to move it around too much as he went for the phone underneath it. The gun was on safety, but even he knew there still was nothing safe about carrying around the weapon. He grasped the phone and pulled it out warily, zipping up the bag as soon as he was able to before giving the scientist the phone.

    The scientist nodded, turning the phone around. ¡°The Flipbook Mini. Alright. What¡¯s wrong with it?¡±

    ¡°It works just fine. I¡¯ve got a charger for it and all that, but it was given to me, but the owner no longer uses it, basically. S-so, I still have it. It just needs a chip or something to pay the bill, I think? That¡¯s all it is. I¡¯m not saying I can afford to keep it operating but while it¡¯s still connected, I can at least try hooking it up to my Pokedex and earn enough from battling to keep it going. I hope.¡± He laughed a little, but his smile vanished swiftly remembering he¡¯d lost money recently by losing to Byron. Crap. What exactly can Gary do for me, then? It looks like I¡¯m asking him to foot the bill or something! Gary opened his mouth to make himself more clear, feeling completely stupid and not wanting Scientist Gary to misunderstand anything.

    ¡°I mean... that¡¯s an easy fix, honestly,¡± Scientist Gary spoke up quickly. ¡°For me, at least. I dunno about how you¡¯ll feel about it, though.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Gary asked, confused by what the man was saying.

    ¡°Well, I dunno, man. I know how much of a stickler you are for the rules, buuuut, if you don¡¯t mind actually bending them, I can make this thing work for free with a hack. But, I don¡¯t wanna make you do something you don¡¯t really believe in like that.¡± He shrugged.

    ¡°Wait, that¡¯d be so cool! And helpful! Like, real service and all that?¡±

    ¡°Service as long as you¡¯re in a good area. Data for the internet. And, it¡¯ll take longer for the police to trace your call. But, hey, I know you¡¯re a good guy and one for the rules and not cheating, you know, like with the Pokemon, so, never mind, I guess.¡± Scientist Gary shrugged, holding the phone out to Gary.

    ¡°Hey, come on, man! You know that¡¯s not even the same thing. Pleeeeeeeease?¡± Deep down, Gary didn¡¯t really care if the guy did it or not. He really didn¡¯t even want the phone anymore. But if the guy would do it, it would only benefit Gary.

    ¡°Aaaaaaaah, now you wanna join the dark side!¡± Scientist Gary teased with a wide smile. ¡°Noooow you wanna join me.¡± He held out his other hand. ¡°I am your fatha...¡± He then laughed.

    Gary managed to laugh, rolling his eyes at the Starly Wars reference.

    ¡°Nah, but seriously, let¡¯s head back to Jubilife and work on this, then I can set you up with a Log-A-Graph account and send you all the memes I see. I be seeing the stupidest shit ever, man.¡± Scientist Gary looked so excited, leading the way back.

    When the scientist had turned from him, Gary¡¯s forced smile went away with a silent release of air and he sneered as he and the two Pokemon followed the man, disgusted for three reasons. One, he didn¡¯t want a stupid Log-A-Graph account and see his stupid stuff he wanted to send Gary so badly. Two, he didn¡¯t want to keep in contact with this guy at all! And finally, he was tired of returning to Jubilife City!

    Soon, they were in front of the Pokemon Center and they walked inside. Scientist Gary stopped and turned to Gary. ¡°I¡¯ll grab a room and work on the phone and I¡¯ll catch you back here. That okay? I won¡¯t take long.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Gary shrugged.

    ¡°Cool. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Scientist Gary walked over to Nurse Joy and before long, she was leading him into the back of the building. Before going through the doors, Scientist Gary looked back at Gary and nodded with a sneaky smile and an added wink. ¡°Yeeeeaaah,¡± he mouthed and then went after the nurse, the doors closing behind him.

    Confused, Gary started walking to a bench at the other end of the lobby.

    Raichu followed, but Electivire merely grunted and then stuck out his leg.

    ¡°Rai!¡± Raichu tripped over Electivire¡¯s foot and fell to his face. ¡°Raichu...¡± Raichu managed to smile, his eyes closed but his hairless eyebrows furrowed, and he continued over to Gary.

    But that brings back the question, why is the phone still even operational to begin with? he wondered. The Trick Master is dead. Him and Prof. Cozmo. No one has been taking care of that phone. No one¡¯s paid the bill. Gary took a seat, continuing his thoughts: Shouldn¡¯t the account for it be closed? I guess once Scientist Gary is done with it, none of that will matter anyway.

    ¡°The titan Regigigas was spotted and fled, leaving not only a wide trail through the woods to follow, but also a huge hole that some say leads to the Sinnoh Underground.¡± From the TV hanging high, Gary saw a newswoman in a blue dress for only an instant before the screen showed a new video with a new woman with a microphone. ¡°We¡¯re live on the scene where it is being said the Legendary Pokemon Regigigas, a Normal type Pokemon, vanished in thin air! Lisa?¡± the previous woman could be heard.

    Standing in a black dress, Lisa stared at the camera.

    Around her were just trees, but several of them were toppled! The ground itself looked disturbed as well, roughly trampled on and ripped up. Something powerful had made its way through and left almost nothing in peace. There was a large hole in the ground beside the woman. But behind her, the destruction seemed to come to an abrupt end, the trees and grass in place.

    ¡°The citizens of Hearthome City bravely went after the enormous Regigigas that seemed to appear from out of nowhere and ran through the city, going directly for the Foreign Building recklessly. Risking themselves to protect the age-old, religious construction, the Regigigas then fled here, Amity Square, where it disappeared, presumably into this huge hole. No one was injured, and aside from my surroundings, everything remained intact. Despite this, the citizens swear the Legendary Pokemon appeared, and was headed for the building to destroy it. What made the powerful titan stop and flee from humans, however, remains unanswered. If it¡¯s proven that this Pokemon is indeed hiding in the Sinnoh Underground, it¡¯s said to be the last straw, and its demolition, certain. Back to you, Carina.¡±

    The video of Lisa now only took up half of the screen, Carina¡¯s screen taking the other half. ¡°Thank you, Lisa. I must ask before you leave, is this confirmed to tie in with the missing Regigigas, Regirock, Registeel, and Regice that used to be in the care of the late Pyramid King Brandon?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s uncertain at this time, Carina. Only Regigigas was spotted here, but at various other times, the other Regis have been seen throughout Sinnoh. It still remains a mystery as to where they are headed, and who took his Legendary golems, let alone the cause of death for Pyramid King Brandon and his wife, Temple Maiden Maria.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the information, Lisa. In oth-¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very welcome, Carina,¡± Lisa said.

    Carina smiled and laughed quickly before trying her sentence again, the screen with Lisa going away as Carina¡¯s took over. ¡°In other news, Prof. Cynthia remains missing after not attending a big meeting a few days ago. This gathering included the likes of many of the world¡¯s most well known professors and scientists to discuss many things, including the current global crisis with limited items and supplies for Pokemon care due to the terrifying attack in Saffron City¡¯s Silph Co. a year ago, and the resulting panic and theft by Pokemon Trainers.¡±

    ¡°Prof. Cynthia?!¡± Gary burst out, standing up.

    ¡°Sources say she¡¯s been unreachable by phone or email, and may just be wrapped up in work. While known for, at times, being a bit absentminded, this still has left many baffled. Prof. Elm released a statement earlier today joking about his own tendencies to get lost in his work, and believing she likely just found a really good ruin.¡±

    A picture of a white guy with glasses, short blonde hair, and a long, messy black beard around his face, stared out with his head cocked to the side, looking like he didn¡¯t have any fucks left to give.

    ¡°American rapper... Um, El... em... enee... homey? I think I actually got that right, is in the news this week, sparking controversy this week with his stance siding with Team Solace again,¡± the lady was saying. ¡°The rapper is preparing to drop his latest album, entitled Truth Hurts, with an extra word at the end that I won¡¯t be adding here, soon. His first single, Pokemon To Be Murdered By, drops at a time when heated debate burns long and fierce between folks who are against Team Solace, as well as those who support them.¡±

    The screen was changed, showing one old black man speaking into a microphone held by someone unseen. ¡°I just think, when it comes to Team Solace, Pokemon need to be wiped out to keep them out of the hands of Team Solace! Team Solace themselves is the threat, more than the Pokemon themselves, but they show that with people like Team Solace around, Pokemon are no good for this world!¡±

    The video now went to a woman with dark hair and only barely lighter skin. ¡°It¡¯s disgusting that that white boy thinks he can just use his platform to speak so much evil into the world. It¡¯s disgusting he even has a platform. Who gave him this? You know who. White people! Only priveledged white people being protected by the excuse of freedom of speech to promote murder and support terrorism, but when it¡¯s us saying the truth about the government keeping us down, we¡¯re criminals and thugs and threatening. He¡¯s hijacked an already violent genre of music, Rap, and is making it unbelievably worse! He should be arrested! He should be being held accountable!¡±

    The camera then changed to a pale kid in a nice suit coat. ¡°You know, I agree with Team Solace, because, they just show us that Pokemon can do this on their own! It¡¯s not Team Solace doing this, it¡¯s the Pokemon. They literally cause all of these deaths and stuff by themselves. So what if Team Solace is triggering a few extras? This has been an issue for how many years, decades, centuries? Now we wanna talk about it because why? Humans are causing it? We support animals far too much and make them out to be innocent and victims, but now we see them for what they can do so, I get where Team Solace is coming from. Should they be stopped? Maybe, sure, but what about the Pokemon? We just leave this issue Team Solace was brave enough to raise to our eyes and let it go back to normal?¡±

    Carina returned along with the bearded photo of Elemenemopee. ¡°We¡¯re heading to our commercial break but stay tuned when we get back as we cover an underground Pokemon battle ring discovered in Ryme City, the debate on the use of a new Pokemon medicine to enhance stats gathers more acceptance than ever before, and info for the list for favorite Pokemon of the year and how to vote! Details after this.¡±

    The screen now changed to a commercial featuring older men looking thoughtful or otherwise depressed.

    Pokemon medicine? To increase stats? Wait... Scientist Gary? Gary¡¯s eyes widened and he looked around. He¡¯s not here... But this is about him, isn¡¯t it?

    ¡°Yo, Gary! I¡¯m back! We good!¡±

    Gary turned to see the little scientist jogging through the double doors, heading back for him. He smiled and approached him. ¡°Yo!¡±

    They stopped in front of each other.

    ¡°I told you I got you, and look!¡± Smiling, the scientist held out the phone to Gary. ¡°I downloaded the app. Just make an account and you¡¯re good!¡±

    Gary kept his smile up, although he nearly dropped it, and he took the phone. ¡°Awesome...¡± he responded, staring at the opened Log-A-Graph app that was asking for a login.

    ¡°Yeah, make that shit!¡± Scientist Gary insisted. ¡°Then I can send you all the dumb shit I find!¡±

    ¡°Right. Hey! The news!¡± He turned to the TV. ¡°Yo, they were mentioning the Pokemon medicine stuff you were doing, I think.¡±

    ¡°Wait, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°They said there¡¯s people supporting some kind of new Pokemon medicine that boosts stats!¡±

    ¡°Really??¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s see what they have to say on it. They said they¡¯d discuss it after their commercials.¡±

    The current commercial had an Arcanine running through a backyard with a happy man. In the end, it showed a bag from the brand Pokegree, which made cat and dog food for Pokemon.

    Carina returned onscreen with a smile, some basic music like you would expect on a news station playing for the return. ¡°We are back with the news, thank you for being with us. The newest drug on the market, said to be an enhanced version of the over-the-counter vitamins for Pokemon stats, is reaching a new level of representation after the meeting between Pokemon scientists and professors continued today, as mentioned earlier, noticeably without Prof. Cynthia.¡±

    ¡°Without Prof. Cynthia?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s apparently been busy and caught up in her work,¡± Gary answered quickly as the report continued.

    Now, the screen showed several professors and other scientists, one man in front of them all speaking with a young news reporter in a brown suit.

    The man speaking wore an open white lab coat with no shirt under it, showing his tanned, perfect abs and incredible pecs. The words Pokemon Prof. Kukui: Alola Region were shown. ¡°While previously unwilling to accept this new method as nothing more than something similar to steroids, today, we are happy to announce, while our views aren¡¯t entirely shifted, we are willing to look deeper into this matter as a possible new step into legitimate, Pokemon advancement. This does not make it legal to use at this time, but we all agree that we might learn something out of this and are trying to come to a conclusive decision. I will say that this drug is starting to receive a slightly more positive reply from us experts than before.¡±

    Scientist Gary screamed for joy, jumping and celebrating.

    There was a lot of talk in the Pokemon Center now.

    Scientist Gary beamed at Gary. ¡°You see?? Didn¡¯t I tell you?!! I told you this was legit! I told you we would make it and be legit one day! We¡¯re on the road now, huh?? YEAH BOYYYYYYY!!¡±

    Gary ended up laughing at the scientist''s excitement and shook his head, turning to the TV.

    Carina was discussing something else now. ¡°Ryme City was under investigation for some time now for an underground Pokemon battling ring, and this has finally been uncovered. Ryme City is one of the few places in the entire world where Pokemon battling, using Poke Balls, and just being a Pokemon Trainer in general, are prohibited.¡±

    Gary was trying to focus on this news, knowing few places had such rules.

    However, Scientist Gary was still shouting out, ecstatic about his victory for his medicine.

    Talks in the lobby got even louder.

    Gary gave up trying to hear the news and just smiled at the scientist. So I guess you were right, huh? Your medicine might just not be that bad, after all. You were right.

    You.

    And Prof. Oak.

 It Was All A Dream

    June screamed as she slammed into the stone wall before collapsing to the hard floor. A horrible, raging rasp made the defeated girl gather the energy to curl up into a ball and wail out helplessly. Her body, illuminated by a nearby light, was covered in bloody cuts, and most of her body was exposed, wearing nothing but a bra and panties, which also had holes, stains, and rips. The girl collapsed after the raspy noise ended, sprawled out on her face, shivering.

    I¡¯ll kill her. Right here!

    June gasped and choked as her throat was grabbed, and then she was hoisted up in the air by only a monstrous, clawed hand with skin that would make the night envious, the hand possibly of a human, but also couldn¡¯t possibly be. Her hands remained at her sides, swaying slightly. ¡°Gaaaaaahh... Ggggghhh... Cccc...¡± she gurgled and choked, literally dying in the hand of her apprehender. She couldn¡¯t even lift one hand to grab the wrist, tears of death rolling out of her eyes.

    My mouth opened wide as I dove in.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    Gary roared furiously in the darkness. He extended his arms and made tight fists, grabbing at... Nothing! He kept his fists outward, his eyes wide as he stared at the forest he was in. Where am I?? He breathed hard, not sure of how he should be feeling now, his head still but his eyes whipping around. His mouth was so wide and dry. Taking in a swallow, he actually choked, his throat as dry as sandpaper. He patted his chest and then licked his dry lips. They still felt exceptionally dry and crusty. He couldn¡¯t slow down his breathing. After blinking, he felt something fall from his eyes and looked down to see tears dripping out of his eyes, landing on his sleeping bag. Tears... Gary thought. He stared at the wet drops in silence. But... he told himself. Tears, but... Then... His hands tightened into fists. Why do I feel so... angry inside?? His eyes shut, more tears running down his cheeks swiftly. He could still feel some kind of rage inside of him as he thought of June, all while sadness over her resulted in tears. His eyes moved to the side and he screamed at something staring right at him in the shadows of the woods.

    Riolu was on her feet, her mouth gaping, her eyes wide, breathing as heavily as Gary was, watching her Trainer in disbelief.

    Raichu was awake as well, staring back and forth between the two, his ears up, his face terrified.

    *

    ¡°So... I¡¯m right beside the Ravaged Path... Alamos is a bit away from here. Should make it there in a few days.¡± Gary looked up from his Pokedex and through the thick forest. He turned to Raichu, who was right by his feet, and then looked further back to see Electivire.

    Raichu looked uncomfortable walking through such tight trees, letting out surprised cries and stumbling every here and there.

    During the hiking, Electivire punched, kicked, grunted and shouted out when needed, destroying branches and other plantlife as he stomped through.

    Gary screamed out, jumping once in place as something trembled in his pocket and he grasped for his phone. ¡°Damn it!¡± he whispered, pulling it out. It vibrated in his hand, and he could see Scientist Gary was sending him something on Log-A-Graph yet again. He sucked his teeth hard. ¡°This is like the tenth time in a day!!¡± Gary complained. And like, one of them was merely remotely funny! he added in his head. He opened the phone to see what it was this time.

    On the app, there was a previous conversation from earlier. A picture showed comic book characters Gary wasn¡¯t familiar with in a small alleyway, a thin man in a tight, white spandex outfit with a matching hood and cape that kept his face entirely hidden in black shadow, only glowing red eyes visible.

    With arms and legs positioned on the walls to hold itself over the man in white, was an absurdly muscled being in a purple spandex outfit covering the entire body, a big white design on the chest. Its gaping mouth had no teeth showing, but a jabbing stinger extended from it for the man below.

    The man had a speech bubble that said: WHY AM I HEARING ELEMENEMOPEE ALL OF A SUDDEN?

    Below that picture, the conversation read:

    Lebaron88: Wait, do you like comics? Like Mervelous?

    *Marvelous

    Gary4Mewtwo: I mean, I don¡¯t know a lot about them, no

    I know some stuff about ABC comics

    Like, the Dark Type, and the Provoker, Powerfulman, those guys

    Lebaron88: Ah, ok so you dont get this one then

    Gary4Mewtwo: I know about Elemenemopee, lol

    I love his stuff!

    Lebaron88: Yeah, he¡¯s crazy. I think he does that Team Solace support stuff for the controversy though

    I doint think hes really serious

    Gary4Mewtwo: Yeah, he cant be serious. He just presses buttons for fun. He¡¯s said in songs

    Below that was the latest message Gary hadn¡¯t seen yet. His eyes glazed over it.

    It was a post gushing about a premiered model of a dinosaur in a museum, detailed down to even its scars and injuries. The post had hundreds of thousands of shows of support from other users, while the dislikes just barely hit one hundred, and there were hundreds of comments.

    Lebaron88: See

    And this is why I don¡¯t fucking believe in dinosaurs

    Read that and tell me when your done

    Gary raised an eyebrow and kept scrolling down the chat, seeing several pictures displaying different angles of a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a museum, devouring another smaller dinosaur.

    Families were also in the image, staring at the model, the children looking the most excited.

    Gary4Mewtwo: Done

    Lebaron88: You really going to tell me a creatures with proportions like that is able to stand

    Gary sighed out loud and rolled his eyes. This guy is something else!

    Gary4Mewtwo: But, you know, Fossil Pokemon do exist

    It¡¯s an indisputable fact

    Gary had misspelled indisputable, but the phone had corrected it for him before the message was sent. It doesn¡¯t always do that, Gary thought, squinting in confusion. Why¡¯d it fix that?

    Lebaron88: Nah, man. If that¡¯s so, they can bring back DEAD POKEMON!

    When have you ever heard of them doing something like that?

    Gary froze, staring at the phone. Dead Pokemon... Absol... Hitmonchan... And... He blinked, and it was when the tears fell out and hit his phone that he realized he even had built up tears. He saw the three dots at the bottom of the screen that indicated Scientist Gary was typing now and pressed his phone against his jeans to soak the tears off of it before staring at his phone again.

    Lebaron88: Shit said accurate scars and injuries

    Gary just stared at the phone, wanting to just toss the damn thing. He was sick of being connected to people. To this scientist. I¡¯m not on this journey to see memes and be aggravated by idiots, he told himself. I¡¯ll probably never run into this clown again. I just happened to have a connection due to Prof. Oak and Kiwi. This region is huge, and he¡¯s not a Trainer. I¡¯ll never see that guy again. He kept staring at the phone.

    Scientist Gary wasn¡¯t typing anything anymore.

    Gary4Mewtwo: Yeah i noticed that

    It was all he could come up with, and he had to force even that little bit out.

    The word Read was shown a minute later, showing that his friend had read his message. Scientist Gary was typing again, making Gary suck his teeth.

    Lebaron88: How you got injuries if you only found bones

    Gary¡¯s mouth became slanted as he started to think up a reply. Instead, he went back to a previous point of his.

    Gary4Mewtwo: But, what about the Fossils?

    Aerodactyl?

    Kabutops?

    Gary stopped when the scientist was shown to be replying.

    Lebaron88: Those are real, sure

    But it¡¯s nt what they say

    They¡¯re not just resurrecting Pokemon Fossils

    There¡¯s something more secretive to it

    They say they don¡¯t bring back Pokemon from the dead because it¡¯d be bad

    It¡¯d manipulate people¡¯s feelings and hurt them and leave them confused

    It¡¯d be too traumatic

    For the Pokemon and the people

    But what about the Pokemon you¡¯re resurrecting?? What are they going through?

    There¡¯s a conspiracy going on. I know it sounds crazy, but I¡¯m telling you dude. Something¡¯s up

    Gary¡¯s body jolted as he looked up from the phone, recalling something he seemed to have forgotten just a moment ago. Melissa. He stared into the trees, trying to process his current thoughts, but his mind seemed stuck. Melissa. He swallowed and his face broke into sadness. My mom, my family, doesn¡¯t want me to bring her back... But I want her back. I have to! Why...? Why can¡¯t we bring her back?! Why won¡¯t they let me?! They can¡¯t stop me!!

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Something scurried through the trees, startling Raichu first, Electivire second, and lastly Gary. It glared at them and cried out, finally turning to run.

    Gary was stuck for a second, stunned for a number of reasons. Finally, he put his phone into one pocket and grabbed a Poke Ball from a different one. He tossed it at the thing.

    The creature was hit and pulled in.

    The Poke Ball shook, and shook again.

    POP!

    The creature burst out, the Poke Ball shooting off into the woods.

    ¡°My Poke Ball!¡± Gary called out. He frowned and quickly wiped at his wet eyes, sniffling briefly. Man, what kind of a thing is this, anyway? He held out his Pokedex.

    Bidoof. The Plump Mouse Pokemon. A Normal type Pokemon. Its large incisors constantly grow, so it needs to gnaw on wood and rocks to keep them down. It is usually found to be perturbed.

    ¡°To be what?¡± Gary questioned, staring at the Pokedex before putting it away. ¡°Right, anyway.¡± He squinted at the Pokemon, breathing out of his nose wearily. He then sneered, shaking his head. I¡¯ve never seen something so... stupid-looking, but... He grabbed a Poke Ball from his belt this time and sent out what was inside. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Deino!¡±

    ¡°Deinoooo!!¡± Deino stomped his front legs and yelled out. He then charged at Bidoof and rammed his head into the opponent¡¯s!

    ¡°Bidoooooof!!¡± Bidoof flew back, rolling to a stop in the grass. Its mouth hung open, groaning. ¡°Bidoof...¡±

    It¡¯s still a Pokemon, right...? Gary frowned. Even if it does look absolutely... useless. Must be the Rattata of this region, maybe? He rolled his eyes and threw a Poke Ball again.

    The Poke Ball took in Bidoof and the button blinked red repeatedly, shaking. After a moment...

    PING!

    The Poke Ball didn¡¯t remain long, vanishing in a set of bright lights.

    ¡°Well,¡± Gary said calmly, and then he frowned at Deino. ¡°Hey, I never said to attack!¡±

    ¡°Deino?¡± He looked back to Gary, his eyes covered in black fur, giving it a very emo, edgy look.

    ¡°You need to do as I say- HEY!¡±

    Deino walked off, walking toward something in the distance.

    ¡°HEY! I¡¯m talking to you!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe what was happening.

    Deino disappeared into the woods.

    ¡°Come on, guys!¡± Gary ran after his Pokemon.

    Raichu moved past Gary but stopped very quickly. So quickly in fact, that Gary tripped right over the Mouse and his face crashed right into a tree! He fell and cringed nonstop, his body unstable. He looked over weakly and his eyes shot wide open. ¡°HEY!!¡± He reached out feebly.

    Deino was chewing on a Poke Ball!

    The one Gary had used earlier on Bidoof that the Pokemon had broken out of!

    ¡°BIDOOF!! I mean, Deino! DEINO STOP!!¡± Gary sat up.

    SMASH!!

    The Poke Ball shattered in Deino¡¯s mouth!

    ¡°DEINNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡± Deino wailed out, his head squirming and whipping around as he stomped in a frenzy.

    ¡°DEINO! Oh, no!¡± Gary ran to his Pokemon and reached out to him. ¡°DEINO!! CALM DOWN!! ARE YOU OKAY?!¡± Gary¡¯s teeth suddenly clenched, his brain processing the excruciating pain after Deino had clamped down on one of his hands. He blew up into a wail that echoed, startling animals on the ground, birds in the trees, and leaves fell from branches.

    *

    Gary rested in his sleeping bag, glaring at the shards of Poke Balls on the ground in the night.

    Raichu was curled up with his back against Gary, snoring hard.

    Electivire was gone, making a ruckus in the distance while facing off against whatever opponents he could come across.

    ¡°Can anyone tell me what the key ingredient in a Poke Ball is?¡± the Proprietor had asked at the school in Jubilife City. ¡°It is because Mew holds the DNA of all Pokemon; it is because all Pokemon come from Mew, that Mew is the way, and the reason, Poke Balls, and items like it, can function as they do at all. Some of mankind¡¯s greatest achievements have been accomplished by manipulating the DNA of Mew! It is why the Pokedex may not always recognize a Pokemon¡¯s information if it is not properly updated, but it knows the main, trace ingredient of Mew that lies within all Pokemon. In the same manner, Poke Balls can instantly recognize any Pokemon, discovered or not. The source is the Mew DNA all Pokemon have, no matter what!¡±

    This memory seemed to stick in Gary¡¯s mind after Deino had smashed his Poke Ball earlier.

    Gary threw the Master Ball towards the monster. The new species.

    She turned to the ball and watched as it hit her shoulder, but she didn¡¯t react in that moment.

    The Master Ball opened midair, sending out a red beam that engulfed her.

    Her hair came to life, sparking blue while the rest of her body remained red as the Master Ball made its attempt to capture her. Her hair then struck the Master Ball in separate, thin bundles, sticking around the whole of the ball like several snakes biting the same rat.

    BAAAAAMMMMM!!! The Master Ball came down in destroyed pieces of dust and metal.

    Gary suddenly found himself thinking hard about the time the monster destroyed his Master ball.

    But more specifically, how she attacked it!

    He shook his head, seeing her sparking hair become several separate bundles to jab into the ball.

    One by one, they stuck to the Poke Ball before destroying it.

    Gary was rubbing his head now, his eyebrows narrowed harder than before. Why does that seem so familiar to me...? Something specific... He covered his eyes with his hand and let out his breath, giving up on the thought after a little while.

    All Pokemon can be captured in a Poke Ball, due to all Pokemon having the DNA of Mew, and that DNA is how Poke Balls work, so since the creature thing wasn¡¯t captured by the Poke Ball... It can¡¯t be a Pokemon! Right?? Gary was wrestling in his mind yet again. But what the heck is it then?! This doesn¡¯t solve anything!! He gripped his head with his hand and let out an impatient, frustrated growl. We¡¯re out here fighting an actual monster?? That can speak?? One that can... It can send out electricity?? Has intellect?! Real consciousness?! That¡¯s not okay. It¡¯s not possible!

    I¡¯ve seen it take Fire moves from Charmeleon, and even Electivire¡¯s powerful Electric moves, so it can even withstand intense pressure from heat and electricity. It even used that electricity to harm Electivire even though his Ability turns electricity into Speed! Aly¡¯s Ivysaur hardly did a thing to it, but it did fall to her Solar Beam... Is that a weak point? Grass moves? Or is it like Aly said? Maybe it¡¯s... an alien! Aren¡¯t Pokemon supposed to be aliens? Isn¡¯t that what Ish believed, too? That Pokemon come from space? I may not believe in aliens, but with a being like this, just maybe... Maybe, after all...

    Breathing out, he ran his hand along his head and gripped what he could of his short hair. I haven¡¯t had a cut in a while, he thought. It¡¯s growing. Anyway, this monster. What do I do? What is it? Say! His eyes popped open. Mew, he remembered. The Pokedex! Have I ever scanned her in it?? I don¡¯t remember... I don¡¯t think so. But would it make a difference? If the Master Ball didn¡¯t work... is the Pokedex really gonna to something different? They both work on the same principle of the Mew DNA. He jumped and gasped at the sound of his phone vibrating. He stared at it on the ground, and his right hand flinched. ¡°OOOOOWWWW!!¡± he howled, sitting up.

    ¡°RAAAAAICHUUUUUU!!!!¡± Raichu lit the area brightly.

    Gary was blinded, wailing out helplessly, painfully, until the blast from Raichu stopped and he collapsed helplessly. His body radiating from the landing caused his right hand to ache out even more, and he grit his teeth, letting out a hard, long groan.

    ¡°Raichu! Raichu!¡± Raichu¡¯s ears were down as he gazed apologetically at the young boy.

    Gary¡¯s body flinched while sparking. I was in enough pain, Raichu, he thought. I didn¡¯t need an extra dose! It took him some time, but eventually control over himself started to slip back in, but this was still hindered by his wounded right hand due to Deino. The hand was wrapped in white gauze. Maybe I¡¯m getting used to the blasts, Gary considered as he got himself to sit up. He held up his throbbing hand. I am not going back to Jubilife City again, he promised himself. Deino is in good hands back with Prof. Sketchit and Kiwi, getting his wounds taken care of. Man, it¡¯s getting easier to get that right, huh? His eyes closed. I haven¡¯t forgotten you, sir.

    The phone kept buzzing and vibrating some more.

    Gary breathed out tiredly, sick of the device, as he reached out for it. Flipping through it with his left hand was proving just a little awkward.

    Lebaron88: Lol

    Dude, wtf? Lol

    You just butt dial me, dude?

    Lol!

    Gary scrolled up a little bit and saw four pictures, three of them entirely black, the first one a brighter blur. ¡°What?¡± Gary muttered, confused. His eyes suddenly widened in disbelief as he straightened up. ¡°Oh, crap! They¡¯re from me?! How did that happen? Shoot!¡±

    Suddenly, Scientist Gary was typing again.

    Lebaron88: Dude, I¡¯ve been working more on those PGS experiments, man. I¡¯m so happy it¡¯s becoming more accepted

    There¡¯s more offers and people coming through who want to have talks now

    Not a whole lot, but there¡¯s more than ever before

    There¡¯s stuff I wanna show you on the system, too. Things you don¡¯t know about that I think you might appreciate.

    Gary stared solemnly at the phone for a while, desperate to abruptly turn it off, but knowing that Scientist Gary saw that he had read the messages, so his silence would be rude. It wasn¡¯t in his heart to be that way, though he kind of wished it were. He typed, but then deleted the message, trying to think up something else to write. He waited, staring at the phone. The scientist was typing now, and Gary quickly typed again.

    Gary4Mewtwo: That¡¯s cool, man! Congras! Next time we meet!

    Gary exited out of the app before the guy could reply. He put the phone on silent and then locked it, setting it in the grass beside him.

    It was then that his eyes hit the pieces of the Poke Ball. It was then he remembered the Poke Ball shattering in Deino¡¯s jaws.

    It was then that Gary remembered the monster destroying the Master Ball.

    It was only then, that Gary remembered his nightmare.

    The Master Ball... he thought.

    He could see the monster¡¯s hair striking the Master Ball like snakes, in turn, almost biting the ball before it blew it.

    No, not almost. They were biting it!

    And Gary knew this!

    My mouth opened wide as I dove in.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face.

    My fangs sunk into her face... Over and over again... Gary remembered. Not... my fangs... But the fangs from the hair of the monster. That¡¯s what was so familiar to me about when she destroyed the Master Ball. It was like what happened in my dream. In my dream, the hair from the monster, each individual bundle, had fangs or something, and each chose to strike at June¡¯s face. Like they each had a mind of their own. The monster, and each separate bundle of her living hair, chose to attack June. But. Even more than that - that¡¯s exactly how Melissa was-

    Gary swallowed sickeningly, and felt like he might just throw up. He closed his eyes, narrowing his eyebrows. No. Don¡¯t, Gary. This is why it all feels so familiar. But don¡¯t throw up. Don¡¯t!

    But there¡¯s something else about that dream, too, Gary remembered. Knowing where this was headed didn¡¯t calm his churning stomach. It was making things worse, but he didn¡¯t know how to stop the thoughts. That dream. It felt like, suddenly, I... I was there. I was- I - wanted to hurt her. I wanted June dead. No. Yes! Yes, and no. I wanted her dead, but something... Gary swallowed his nausea down and rubbed at his face. I need to take it easy. This is crazy. These nightmares are driving me mad. I need to just actually get her back! And right now, the only way I know how to do that is to get to Jirachi. Three wishes. That¡¯s all I¡¯ve got. I need to stop this beast, and also, get my sister back. And then... I need to plan my words carefully for these wishes. Be careful what you wish for... That¡¯s how the age-old saying goes. I¡¯ll be sure to make it final, Gary promised. Each wish, will end all of this misery. I can¡¯t save the world, but I can save my own, and help this one along the way. By getting rid of this bitch monster.

    ¡°Chu?¡± Raichu¡¯s ears stood tall, and he sniffed at the air. His cheeks sparked. ¡°Rai.¡± He now was frowning.

    The rustling stopped, and this is what made Gary realize there was any rustling to begin with. Now he was on edge, and he made a complete circle. It became clear exactly what direction the approaching entity was coming from. Is it her? The monster? Gary held his hand over his Poke Balls, but he couldn¡¯t recall who he had with him in his fright. Primeape! He grabbed the ball and froze up. He¡¯s my best guy right now. The leader.

    There were now more noises around.

    Gary¡¯s eyes bounced through the grass and trees, unable to see anything coming through, having no sure idea of the spot the things were going to appear from. Are there more, now? Do I need more than just Primeape?

    Before he could think further, out stomped the monster!

    Electivire! He sniffed the air, frowning and looking around curiously.

    I knew it... Gary breathed out. I was just about to ask where¡¯s Electivire... Ha. I totally knew it.

    Electivire stared at Gary, still sniffing.

    Raichu¡¯s ears remained up, but he did seem to relax a little. ¡°Raichu.¡±

    Where do my wishes end? Gary wondered, keeping his eyes on Electivire.

    My sister.

    The monster.

    Team Solace.

    Prof. Oak...

    Electivire didn¡¯t look away from the boy.

    Gary kept his eyes right back on him.

    June, he added.

 Sweatin The Small Stuff

    She tasted as human as anything else.

    June, her face covered in filth, bruises and moisture, trembled on the floor.

    A bright light would have shone on her more clearly if not blocked by a towering figure.

    She won¡¯t give me my answers. She¡¯s no use to me. A clawed, black hand spread wide and then wrapped around June¡¯s throat. She is of no use to me. Then die. Your neck snaps, your breath stops. Your life dies.

    June¡¯s eyes bulged, looking ready to pop, as the claw squeezed even tighter.

    Yes! Die! Die! Die here! Now! Smiling, the thick tongue slid along equally plump lips, slurping before swallowing thirstily. I¡¯ll drink in her blood this day.

    The voices of others urged to destroy this abomination.

    June¡¯s body flailed, stomped, grasped wildy in their final desperation to be free, her death being accepted.

    With a roar in June¡¯s face, another arm raised and slashed into her chest, cutting for her heart to put her to rest.

    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!¡± Gary sat up. Inhaling hard, he looked up into the sky.

    It was still dark out, but the sun was on its way.

    Gary fell back onto his back and breathed heavily, and then he screamed! He sat up and whipped around, and his left hand gripped his right wrist when his right hand burst into pain at all the movement.

    Riolu stood leering at her Trainer, matching in breathing with him. She swallowed at the same time Gary did, staring uncomfortably at him.

    Gary stared right back at her. ¡°WHAT DO YOU WANT??!!¡± he demanded frightfully. ¡°STOP DOING THAT!!¡±

    ¡°Raichu!¡± Raichu eyed the two, looking like he couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing.

    Riolu never looked away, her gaze focused and stern for her Trainer.

    *

    ¡°It is now believed, due to the released records over a decade ago, that Mega Evolution was in fact not originally found in the Kalos region as the discredited, previous professor, Mr. Sycamore claimed, but instead, this incredible leap in humanity¡¯s understanding of Pokemon instead began in the Hoenn region,¡± Gary read out loud off of his phone. ¡°The Dra... Draconids? The Draconids, a group of people which myth would have you believe still exist to this day, and who had a deep bond with Dragon type Pokemon, are said to speak of ancient times when it had been said that there was constant warring between Kyogre and Groudon, in their supposed ¡®Primal Formes.¡¯ It¡¯s said that meteorites fell from the skies, Rayquaza with them, and the warring was quelled. This repeated, supposedly, two more times, every thousand years, stopped due to the collective power of Rayquaza, the prayers of the Draconids for the warring to end, and the power within the falling meteors that are believed to be the original Mega Stones and Key Stones, leading to Rayquaza Mega Evolving and saving the Draconids, and the world. This cycle of war is still believed to continue in a never-ending cycle.¡±

    Electivire had June¡¯s bag on his right shoulder as usual, walking through the thick forest.

    Raichu kept by Gary, his sunglasses on as he smiled outward, his mouth wide.

    Looking at Raichu, Gary couldn¡¯t help but think of the late singer from before his time, Charles Ray, and this made him snicker. He looked back to his phone in his left hand, having expanded it to the size of a magazine, and saw that he still had no signal. For a moment, he had a connection, but it was gone again. He had loaded the page on Mega Evolution before that.

    A shriek came out through the woods, Gary and Raichu gasping as they froze and looked around.

    Electivire also stopped to eye the area suspiciously. ¡°Electivire.¡±

    Where is that coming from? Gary panicked as another scream from a female rang through the woods. Someone¡¯s in trouble! ¡°You two! Can you spot where it¡¯s coming from?!¡± He turned to the two Pokemon, also trying to remember who he had on his team that he could send out to help.

    Electivire whipped around, glaring out behind him. ¡°Lectivirrrrrre...¡± he growled.

    ¡°Raichu!¡± Raichu was looking in the opposite direction, but then he turned to where Electivire was focused.

    Gary looked first to where Raichu had first glanced, and then turned to where the two Pokemon now looked.

    ¡°ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR!!!!!¡±

    Gary was so terrified by the sudden roar that he couldn¡¯t even swallow in fright. He was suddenly a lot less interested in the more human sceams he¡¯d heard. I don¡¯t wanna end up like her! he decided. He shrunk his phone down swiftly, touching the screen with his fingers specifically until it could fit in his pocket again, which is where he stuffed it. Gary looked behind him again, sure he¡¯d heard something.

    Something came out close by them, colliding hard into Electivire before falling.

    Gary screamed and glared out at the attacker. ¡°HEY!¡± His face went from determined preparation, to shock. ¡°A... girl?¡±

    The female shook her head with eyes closed tight behind glasses and then looked up at Electivire. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± She paused for a moment, taking in the towering Pokemon she had run into. ¡°Are you okay, cutie?¡± She got up and dusted off her jeans and adjusted her light-blue coat with a fur hood. She was very thin, very little, and very cute, smiling up with delight at Electivire. She kept that smile, turning to Gary, and almost immediately was caught up in Raichu as she gushed out. ¡°Aaaaaaaaaawwww!! A Raichuuuu!! Come here cutieeee!!¡± She ran up to him and kneeled down. ¡°Look at those little sunglasseeees! Can I touch youuuuu?¡±

    ¡°Raaaaaaichuuu!¡± He extended his head towards her, desiring a pet.

    ¡°Oh, do you have a Pikachu, too?!¡± she cried out happily as she looked up at Gary while petting Raichu.

    Raichu¡¯s ears fell and he frowned at the girl. ¡°Raichu,¡± he spoke irritably.

    ¡°Uummmm...¡± Gary was having trouble remembering. Pikachu isn¡¯t with me, I know that much. Was it one of the Pokemon knocked out? Was he given to Rob when we did that trade? ¡°No,¡± he answered. He squinted at her, finding her familiar.

    ¡°Awwww, I love Pikachuuuus! But I also love you, too, sweetie!¡± She rubbed Raichu¡¯s chin while also rubbing his head.

    Raichu didn¡¯t look pleased anymore, taking the pets more grudgingly than before, mumbling.

    ¡°Ooooooh, aren¡¯t you just the cutest bubba?¡± she kept on going.

    ¡°Wait, I do know you from somewhere,¡± Gary almost remembered. ¡°Don¡¯t I...?¡± He started doubting it again.

    The little lady stood up, arguably only Gary¡¯s height. She looked like she was older than Gary, but not by too many years, and yet seemed to possibly be an adult at the same time. It was hard to tell with her youthful appearance and hesitant size. Her jeans fit her very well, leaving little to wonder beyond them. She stared at Gary with a small, curious smile. Her eyes widened, and her mouth spread into an even bigger smile. Her eyes then further expanded in size and changed shape, now looking like half of a moon, expanding beyond the size of her actual head! Her smile now took up about a third of her face. Gaping wide, it was visibly pink inside, two fangs hanging out from the top lip. Her face was now pitch black and rounded, no longer the light complexion, and surrounded by a purple haze! ¡°Mmmmmm, wait, yeah! Yeeeees! You¡¯re the boy from the Pokemon Kanto League!¡± the ghoul spoke in the lady¡¯s voice.

    Gary screamed in terror at the top of his lungs, along with Raichu and even Electivire.

    The fiend frowned and raised a finger to the wide mouth. The skin on the rest of her body was still light. It was just her face. The face of...

    Gastly?? Gary realized.

    ¡°Ssshhhh! You can¡¯t scream in these woods, boy!¡± she whispered. ¡°You¡¯ll lure the monster that lurks in these woods.¡±

    Gary screamed again, his entire body desiring to run, but he also didn¡¯t want to turn his back on the situation. ¡°Gastly??¡±

    ¡°Gastly?¡± The face of Gastly raised an eyebrow, and the hand of the woman lowered. The eyes looked up, and then the head turned, the entire body also moving to look behind her. ¡°Gastly!!¡± The body moved away from the head of Gastly, and the head of the young lady was shown to be completely normal! The female looked back at Gary and then back to the Ghost and smirked at it. ¡°Gastlyyyyy.¡±

    The Gastly turned to the little lady, keeping a big smile. ¡°Gastly! Gaaaastly!¡± Gastly laughed.

    Gary sneered at it. If I never run into another Ghost type, it¡¯ll be too soon... ¡°So is that yours, then?¡±

    ¡°Yes! This is my partner, Gastly! He and I predict the future together!¡± the female gushed. ¡°I saw you at the Pokemon Kanto League and asked to predict your future with your girlfriend!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened and he gasped openly, remembering her. But he got quiet after that and swallowed. ¡°That¡¯s not my girlfriend, but anyway, I do remember.¡±

    ¡°Oooh, did yous two break up?¡±

    ¡°NO!¡± he barked at her.

    She let out a short, awkward laugh and leaned back, her eyes shocked at Gary¡¯s outburst. ¡°Whoa! Take it easy! What happened, then? Aha ha ha.¡±

    ¡°We were never together, but that¡¯s really irrelevant. Anyway, I do remember you, but what was your name?¡±

    ¡°Psychic Tiny, at your service!¡± She winked adorably, holding up two fingers in a peace sign. Her arms extended out at her sides and an energy seemed to take over as she and Gastly almost appeared to be spinning in place without moving a muscle. ¡°Together, me and Gastly can see beyond today, through tomorrow, and know the paths life sets before us, and anyone else! We are on the road to becoming the world¡¯s greatest psychic duo! We read about your love, your heart, your end goals, and so much more!¡±

    ¡°Gaaastlyyy!¡±

    Psychic Tiny and her Gastly had stopped their mystical twirling and were looking up to the sky, her two fingers above them.

    Gary stared at her uncomfortably. She¡¯s cute, but weird... I don¡¯t even know if this is cute right now, or weird. ¡°Psychic... Tiny. Right...¡±

    She lowered her hand and she and Gastly faced Gary. ¡°So, what brings you all the way out here to Sinnoh?¡±

    Gary stared at her weakly. ¡°You don¡¯t know? Aren¡¯t you the psychic?¡±

    She laughed at this, which made Gary smile a little bit. ¡°Psychic powers don¡¯t work just like that. Besides, I need Gastly¡¯s help to fully make my powers shine.¡±

    ¡°So, did Gastly tell you nothing about what would happen at the League with Team Solace?¡± His smile was now gone.

    Psychic Tiny sighed and smiled at Gastly, who stared back nervously. She returned back to Gary. ¡°Listen, we¡¯re psychic, okay?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s Ghost, actually. And Poison,¡± Gary teased.

    Psychic Tiny crossed her arms and pouted. ¡°You know what I mean. Psychic powers are strongly associated with Ghost type Pokemon, mediums, and all that stuff. But the abilities of psychic powers aren¡¯t always the same, based on the person getting them.¡±

    Something felt familiar about this conversation to Gary all of a sudden. At Prof. Oak¡¯s Lab... he recalled. We were discussing psychic ability and how it''s received with him.

    ¡°It¡¯s not possible to control Psychic type Pokemon without having psychic ability, and since psychic powers are related to Ghost type Pokemon, and I can control Gastly just fine, that proves I have good psychic ability!¡±

    ¡°Wait, that¡¯s just a myth. Psychic Pokemon can be used by anyone.¡± Gary was familiar with the claim that Psychic Pokemon could only be raised by actual people with telepathic ability. The claim was so easy to disprove and only upheld nowadays by Psychic ¡°purists.¡± ¡°In fact...¡± Gary thought for a moment, looking to the sky. ¡°I even own a Psychic type!¡± he remembered, looking down to her again. ¡°And we get along just fine.¡±

    Psychic Tiny just stared back at him. ¡°Wweeeeelllll... Maybe you have-¡±

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°RRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!¡±

    Gary wanted to throw up hearing the terrifying roar and he swallowed hard. ¡°Yo, what exactly is that? Should we be getting out of here? I almost forgot about that!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s why I told you not to scream. You¡¯ll upset the forest, and the trees will come to life and eat us all alive!¡± Psychic Tiny¡¯s face showed concern, fright, and worst of all to Gary, sincerity.

    She can¡¯t really be serious. He snickered and let out some laughter, but his companion didn¡¯t laugh back.

    ¡°It isn¡¯t a joke. What¡¯s your name again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Gary.¡±

    ¡°Gary, we have to get out of here before it¡¯s too late. And we have to keep quiet or else we¡¯ll be eaten.¡±

    ¡°And where are we going to go? I have to reach the mountains by Alamos City. If that roaring¡¯s just a Pokemon, I-¡±

    ¡°Viiiiiiire!!¡±

    Gary and Psychic Tiny turned, startled.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary cried.

    Electivire had tight fists, facing Gastly. His fists were sparking, but so were Raichu¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Raichu! Raichu!¡± Raichu pleaded, reaching out for Electivire.

    Gastly had a nasty face, refusing to back down.

    Electivire yelled out, getting angrier. His fists now burst into flames.

    ¡°Gastly, no!¡± Psychic Tiny told her Pokemon. ¡°Stop it!¡±

    Gastly closed his eyes and turned away from Electivire.

    Electivire puffed out his chest, inhaling huge!

    CRAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSHHHHH!!!!

    Everyone shouted out and looked to the loud sound.

    Electivire choked out a large flame for just a second.

    But that was all that was needed before one particularly small tree, only a few inches taller than Gary, caught on fire! The tree was affected badly, almost appearing to react with bends and shivers, the branches extending for the sky. But that was impossible and just some kind of illusion. Grunts and moans were even coming out from the tree, but that was obviously some kind of wind coming through.

    Whoa, how spooky is that? Gary thought. It¡¯s almost like the tree is in pain! I can even hear something coming from it! But it can¡¯t be... He recalled what Psychic Tiny had said about the trees coming to life to eat them, and he took a nervous step back as his eyes got bigger with fear.

    Electivire coughed a few times, hitting his chest.

    One gnarly branch seemed to reach up, and the branch was suddenly surrounded by a black aura with a purple outline! The aura took the form of a claw. This claw came for Electivire!

    ¡°Elec??¡± Electivire looked shocked and didn¡¯t move!

    ¡°Gastly, Protect!¡±

    Gastly flew in front of the claw that came for Electivire and held it back!

    The claw vanished, and to everyone¡¯s disbelief and shock, the tree started to pat itself down! The branches of the tree were smacking at itself, getting rid of the fire and causing a few embers!

    Those aren¡¯t branches... Gary realized, squinting in disbelief. And... isn¡¯t that a face I see??

    The tree stomped forward two steps and stopped.

    ¡°Gastly, use Shadow Ball!¡±

    A black Ball formed in front of Gastly¡¯s open mouth and then flew away from him, hitting the tree.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a tree!!¡± Gary screamed as it collapsed hard. He pulled out his Pokedex.

    Trevenant. The Elder Tree Pokemon. The evolved form of Phantump, and a Ghost and Grass type Pokemon. This Pokemon can control actual trees, using its own roots as the nervous system for them all. It would never harm peaceful creatures like fellow Pokemon, unless they are of the Fire type.

    ¡°The thing¡¯s a Pokemon!¡± Gary exclaimed.

    Trevenant started to get back up, groaning.

    Gary was still confused, thinking this thing was once a tree. As Trevenant stood again, he shook his head and focused. ¡°Electivire, Flamethrower! NOW!¡±

    Electivire stomped forward and punched his fists together, fiery sparks and embers flying from their hits. He then lunged outward and socked Trevenant with Fire Punch.

    Trevenant screamed out and fell down again.

    ¡°Whatever. Close enough,¡± Gary muttered and then dug into his pocket. ¡°GOOOO!¡± He threw a Poke Ball.

    It hit Trevenant and took it inside before hitting the ground.

    And shaking.

    And shaking some more.

    And shaking yet again before...

    POP!

    Trevenant burst out. It was leaning over, glaring at all of them. Its eyes stayed on Electivire. ¡°Trevenant...¡±

    ¡°Electivire, use Ice Punch this time! Let¡¯s go! Finish it now!¡± Gary insisted.

    But Electivire didn¡¯t move. At least, not at first. He did, however, end up nodding at it!

    Trevenant nodded back and turned away, walking into the forest.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡± Gary was less mad that Electivire wasn¡¯t listening, and more mad about Trevenant walking away! What¡¯s going on here?? He looked to his belt and tried to recall who he had on his team. Screw it, anything must be-! He grabbed a ball and then froze, Trevenant gone amongst the identical trees. ¡°TREVENANT, WAIT!!¡± He ran forward but stopped quickly. ¡°Trevenant!¡± He then glared back at Electivire. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you-?¡± He gave up, knowing this wouldn¡¯t go anywhere, and just screamed out at him before looking around for Trevenant one last time. His eyes then surveyed the ground. ¡°I can¡¯t even find my Poke Ball,¡± he added. ¡°Thanks...¡± he said the lowest of all, unsure who to blame, but knowing he was mostly at fault. ¡°So it was just a Pokemon!¡± He turned to Psychic Tiny. ¡°Not a forest come to life!¡±

    Psychic Tiny stood with an awkward, embarrassed smirk on her face. ¡°Oh... Yeah... Well, I mean, it may not have been a literal set of trees and forests, but, Trevenant is close enough to what I was describing.¡±

    ¡°It didn¡¯t even want to eat us!¡± Gary fumed.

    ¡°Yeah! Because your Electivire and him had an agreement to let it go to spare us!¡± Psychic Tiny insisted, smiling big.

    ¡°Did Gastly tell you that?¡± Gary squinted at her.

    Psychic Tiny sucked her teeth. ¡°Oh, be quiet.¡±

    ¡°How about no? You and your stupid ghost stories! It was just a Ghost type!¡±

    ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t worried about Ghost types,¡± Psychic Tiny glared at Gary. ¡°I was afraid of the actual ghosts who haunt these woods! Ghost type Pokemon are still living creatures. Ghosts are the souls of the restless deceased.¡±

    ¡°Look, if you¡¯re hunting ghosts, leave me out of it. I¡¯m just headed for the mountains.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not here for ghosts, either. That¡¯s why Gastly is with me. To keep me safe. I want to get out of here, too.¡±

    A big breeze blew through suddenly.

    Psychic Tiny seemed to be okay, her shoulders pressed up a little, but Gary was chilled to the bone! He shoved his hands into his coat pockets as far as they allowed.

    Electivire had a stern face on Gastly.

    Gastly frowned upward, looking into the sky. He might have even been purposely ignoring Electivire.

    Raichu was watching Electivire sadly, his ears down.

    Psychic Tiny suddenly crouched down before sitting. She wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her head in them.

    ¡°Psychic Tiny, are you okay?¡± Gary questioned, staring at her curiously.

    She didn¡¯t say a word.

    Gary waited, getting nervous with every several seconds, and after a couple more moments, he spoke again. ¡°Psychic Tiny? Ma¡¯am?¡±

    She remained still.

    Gary frowned, feeling a growing discomfort. ¡°Psychic Tiny! What¡¯s wrong?¡± He looked to Gastly. He wasn¡¯t sure if he was intending to actually speak to the Ghost, but his mouth did open, and dropped wide. ¡°Hey.¡± He looked around. ¡°Gastly? Gastly??¡± He looked around him, but there was only Electivire and Raichu. ¡°Psychic Tiny! Where¡¯s Gastly?!¡± He was now starting to panic. I don¡¯t want another scary thing to happen, Gary thought.

    ¡°Raichu. Raaaaichu.¡± Raichu pulled at Gary¡¯s jean leg.

    Gary looked down to the Pokemon, not sure of what Raichu wanted. He was trembling in the cold, but not necessarily because of it, the wind howling strongly now. Should I approach her? Shake her? Could she be asleep?

    The wind got wilder, more forceful.

    A raging scream combined with the wind and the area darkened to gray.

    A BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!! of thunder sent Gary¡¯s heart into his throat as he himself flew into the air, shrieking.

    Lightning flashed and then came down to the ground, hitting Raichu with a startling, loud CRRRRACK!!

    Raichu¡¯s body tightened and braced up on the impact.

    Gary was forced backwards and hit the ground, unable to even scream since he hadn¡¯t inhaled yet from the last yell. He was left to inhale painfully when he landed, his right hand now aching badly.

    Electivire was watching all of this with interest, but without panic or surprise.

    The lightning was gone quickly, and then more thunder returned, but it was a low rumble. The sky lightened up again, becoming a much lighter gray, the sun hidden behind clouds.

    Whoa. A passing storm? No rain? Gary processed, keeping his eyes upward.

    Raichu relaxed his body and smiled at Gary.

    Gary turned to Psychic Tiny, who was still curled up in a ball as a gentler wind blew. ¡°Psychic Tiny!¡± He crawled over to her, keeping his wrapped up hand off the ground and crawling with his remaining three options. ¡°Hey! Come on! Are you okay?¡± He reached her and froze up, hesitating. He really didn¡¯t want that Gastly to pop up again. But what was wrong with the lady? What if Gastly is harming her somehow?? I have to know! ¡°Psychic Tiny!¡± He grabbed her shoulder.

    Her head rose!

    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!¡± Gary let out. He then slapped his good hand over his mouth and swallowed.

    Nothing was wrong. Psychic Tiny was just fine. There was no Gastly, no monster, no demons. Just the young lady staring at him innocently. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Me? Yes, I¡¯m okay! What was wrong with you? Why weren¡¯t you answering me? Why did you curl up like this?¡±

    ¡°When the wind blows in these woods, you have to beware of Gastly. They¡¯re made of poisonous gas, so they get blown away and you could inhale their poisonous vapors.¡±

    ¡°OH! That¡¯s why you curled up! So where did-?¡± Gary turned and, ¡°YYAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!¡±

    ¡°BOO!¡± Gastly then laughed, ¡°Gaaaa-haaaa-haaaa-haaaa-haaa-haaaa-haaaaastly!¡±

    Screaming frightfully, Gary fell away from him and right into Psychic Tiny.

    Gastly went right on laughing at this.

    Gary frowned, but knowing there was no danger, he got to his feet. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Are you okay?¡± He helped Psychic Tiny up next.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± she said unhappily to the boy, and then frowned at Gastly. ¡°Gastly! That wasn¡¯t funny or nice! Apologize!¡± She smiled at Gary. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, what was your name? One more time?¡± she laughed.

    ¡°Gary,¡± he smiled easily.

    She turned to Gastly. ¡°Apologize to Gary right now!¡±

    Gary hesitantly turned to Gastly, not wanting any apology, but for that thing to just go into a Poke Ball and stay there until he was away from them both, assuming the Pokemon had one.

    Gastly looked sad. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Gary. Forgive me, please!¡± he spoke in a deep, pleasant, charismatic voice. He then smiled big for him.

    Gary nodded. Sort of. He was aware that on rare occasions, Pokemon could learn to speak human, but it didn¡¯t make things any less confusing and strange to him. He was just too tired at this point to express it. He then turned to Psychic Tiny. ¡°This thing can speak human and Pokemon?¡±

    ¡°Yep! He always chooses to go back and forth, but yeah,¡± Psychic Tiny nodded, beaming.

    Gary turned back to Gastly. ¡°Okay... Well. Nice to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Gaaaastly!¡± Gastly responded, his eyes closed now and he nodded with a big, open smile.

    Gary rolled his eyes on the inside, and then turned back to Psychic Tiny. ¡°And it woulda been nice to know I coulda been poisoned, by the way, rather than saving yourself and going silent,¡± Gary said sharply.

    Psychic Tiny looked sad now. ¡°Sorry... I thought you¡¯d follow along and figure it out.¡±

    ¡°How could I possibly have figured that out??¡± Gary let out, throwing his hands up and letting them fall to his sides hard. ¡°It was completely random! I thought you were sick or something was happening!¡±

    ¡°Awww! That¡¯s so cute!¡± she was smiling again.

    ¡°No it isn¡¯t!¡± Gary was getting angry, but he could feel himself starting to blush a little. ¡°I could¡¯ve been killed!¡±

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re the Pokemon Trainer, aren¡¯t you? Shouldn¡¯t you know this stuff?¡± Psychic Tiny shot back at him.

    Gary grit his teeth silently. This is going nowhere, he told himself. ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s been great meeting you two, but I have to get out of here, as you know,¡± he grumbled.

    ¡°Yeah! We¡¯re on the same road! We¡¯ll be separating soon.¡±

    I wonder if she can tell I don¡¯t exactly want to be traveling with her... he wondered. She is, supposedly, psychic. Pffft. Traveling with this nut. This feels familiar, actually... No, not June. Someone else... His eyes rose some and then dipped to the side, and then finally returned to Psychic Tiny. Some other idiot I used to know... His eyes moved side to side a few times before landing on the girl again.

    ¡°Come on!¡± Psychic Tiny grabbed his hand.

    Gary¡¯s heart jumped at the touch.

    ¡°We have to find shelter before dark! The nighttime is when the Dark type Pokemon in this area grow in strength! You can¡¯t beat a Dark type at night. They become invincible and invisible! More scarier than any Ghost type could be!¡±

    ¡°Wait wait wait wait hold up!¡± Gary frowned. ¡°That¡¯s not at all how Gho- I mean Dark types work! Dark types don¡¯t become invisible or invincible, ever!¡±

    ¡°They do!¡± Psychic Tiny insisted, smiling. ¡°It¡¯s true!¡±

    ¡°Do you just believe everything you hear??¡± Gary blurted out, unable to hold it in.

    ¡°No, but I heard it before.¡±

    Oh, this girl is just dumb! Gary said silently. I can¡¯t stick around with this idiot! She¡¯s the type to just listen to any rumor that comes out and believe it! People like that often live in fear of Pokemon! But, she has a Gastly. She can¡¯t be that bad, maybe... ¡°WHOA!!¡± Gary was yanked by his hand, taken by Psychic Tiny through the woods. ¡°Hey, wait, Tiny!¡±

    Psychic Tiny laughed and giggled excitedly.

    Gary looked back and saw Raichu chasing after him, a surprised look on his face.

    Electivire didn¡¯t move, glaring at them.

    Looking ahead, Gary gasped seeing Gastly over Psychic Tiny¡¯s head, laughing with joy.

    He could have stopped all of this and gotten himself free from Psychic Tiny, easily. But he couldn¡¯t help enjoying having such a cute girl holding his hand, pulling him against his will, leading the way.

    Even if it meant leading him towards another day of more of her complete idiocy.

 Crouching Tiny, Drunken Dragon

    ¡°I only have one Badge so far, but after I get done with what I need to in Alamos, I¡¯ll go to Oreburgh City and see Roark for my second Badge,¡± Gary told Psychic Tiny. That¡¯s right. Just one Badge, he kept to himself.

    ¡°That¡¯s great! Congratulations! And good luck on your next Badge!¡± Psychic Tiny whispered happily.

    One Badge... He thought about the Phobia Badge he got from Cas. One Badge... What is it about that girl that I just can¡¯t let go of?

    ¡°So, what exactly are you going to Alamos City for?¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t respond right away. ¡°I¡¯m trying to find rare Pokemon in the mountain area outside of the city itself.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right. Looking for more Pokemon. Of course, ha ha ha.¡±

    Gary just nodded.

    The five went through the night woods.

    Psychic Tiny kept as quiet as she could, but kept talking. She was truly worried about any Dark type Pokemon in the woods, afraid they would be unstoppable at night, despite Gary explaining that that isn¡¯t how it works.

    If Gary was now afraid of anything though, it was that Trevenant they had run into earlier.

    Voices rang out.

    The party came to a collective stop.

    ¡°So everyone heard that, right?¡± Gary said loudly.

    ¡°Gary!¡± Psychic Tiny whispered loudly. ¡°Your voice!¡±

    ¡°Come on, Tiny. I¡¯m a Pokemon Trainer! I battle Pokemon for a living! If it¡¯s Pokemon you¡¯re afraid of, you¡¯re in the right hands!¡± Gary argued, frowning now.

    ¡°How did your hand get injured? I bet a Dark type messed up your hand, didn¡¯t it?¡± Psychic Tiny eyed Gary.

    Gary paused.

    Psychic Tiny caught this and smiled. ¡°I knew it!¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t prove anything! Pokemon-!¡±

    ¡°Gary!¡± She held a hand out to him.

    ¡°NO! You - no! Trainers get hurt all the time from all types of Pokemon! I won¡¯t let you pin this on Dark types!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re evil!¡±

    Gary was stuck, knowing the backstory of Dark type Pokemon. ¡°They¡¯re not that bad! They¡¯re just... embodiments of nature! Evil is a part of nature. But Dark types are no more ¡®evil¡¯ than a Squirtle is literally made up of water! Or, or... Or a Charmander is just a ball of fire! You said it yourself that Ghost types aren¡¯t actually dead, but are a representation of death!¡±

    Psychic Tiny was gonna respond, but a shout came out of the woods, interrupting her.

    ¡°That must be a Pokemon,¡± Gary stated.

    ¡°Yeah, an evil, Dark type Pokemon,¡± Psychic Tiny added, glaring around her. ¡°Gastly, be ready.¡±

    ¡°Gaastly!¡± Gastly responded determinedly, turning everywhere his Trainer looked.

    Gary¡¯s eyes shot through the trees. It¡¯s okay, he told himself. Just a new Pokemon to capture. A cool Dark type, at that. I won¡¯t let this one get away.

    Nothing came out.

    The Trainers and their Pokemon did their best to not make a sound.

    The grass briefly rustled in one spot.

    Everyone focused on that one spot.

    ¡°Alright, if this thing won¡¯t show itself, then let¡¯s just go ahead and see if we can make it jump out!¡± Gary suggested impatiently and walked past a number of close trees, slipping by them by scraping along.

    ¡°Gary, please!¡± Psychic Tiny pleaded fearfully.

    ¡°Pokemon leap out all the time to attack Trainers and their Pokemon!¡± Gary said loudly. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of that. I¡¯m an experienced Pokemon Trainer!¡± Gary felt a large amount of nervousness in his heart, but he rejected the idea that he was speaking so loud to scare off whatever might be there.

    ¡°Oooooh... Garyyyyyyy!¡± Psychic Tiny was trembling.

    It¡¯s fine!! Gary was now thinking loudly! He grabbed an empty Poke Ball from his pocket with his left hand and enlarged it. Nothing to it! Just another wild Pokemon to-!

    A dark monster burst out from the trees and came for Gary¡¯s face!

    ¡°AAAAAAAAHHH!!!¡± Gary waved his arms in front of him wildly and stumbled backwards, falling over. He purposely turned to land on his left shoulder to cause less pain to his injured right hand, but the hand still ached badly, causing him to shout out again.

    The creature flew over Gary and hit the ground before scampering off, looking like some kind of goblin to the Trainer.

    Gary¡¯s mouth was hung open wide, quivering with fright as he stared at the last place the monster had been.

    ¡°Raichu Raichu!¡± Raichu had run up to the boy and put one paw on him.

    Electivire had his arms crossed, unbothered by what had happened.

    Psychic Tiny, however, was sitting, her arms around her knees, her eyes bigger than her actual glasses, her teeth chattering, frightened.

    Gastly was smiling, hovering above her, staring at Gary.

    Seeing the scared girl, Gary gathered strength. His tightened fist shoved into the ground and he got to his feet.

    Raichu, Electivire, and Psychic Tiny turned to him.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be afraid again. Whatever animal, Pokemon, comes out of these woods, I identify and stop!¡± he stated loudly. He faced ahead of the path he was on. ¡°No more running! It¡¯s time to capture us all of the Pokemon that reside out here!¡±

    Raichu nodded at Gary and kept his paws by his face. ¡°Raichu!¡± he said bravely.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, team!¡± Gary walked, Raichu keeping by him.

    Electivire moved as well, holding onto June¡¯s bag.

    ¡°Gary!¡± Psychic Tiny called out.

    ¡°Gast?¡± Gastly spoke.

    Gary made his way through tight groups of trees, slipped on some dirt, and crunched leaves and branches along the way. I hope this coat will keep me warm enough for the mountain climb. It¡¯s the best thing I¡¯ve got! Come to think of it, how prepared am I to just think I can walk up a mountain? Do I have enough food? What kind of gear do I need? I mean, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m climbing up the side of the mountain or- The child froze at a sound. A giggle? he thought. His eyes swept around, but seeing was impossible at this hour. Oh, wait! The phone! Gary remembered and pulled it out. Light from the screen glowed, and after a minute, he got the flashlight to glow on the back and held the phone up.

    The murderer stepped into the light with an axe raised over his shoulder and brought it down upon Gary, screaming with a maniacal smile.

    Gary shrieked in the night.

    Raichu joined him in his wailing.

    Electivire was even shouting out, the bag slipping from his shoulder.

    Both Electric types attacked at once.

    Electivire¡¯s blast of electricity curved and hit Raichu, who continued to attack, even stronger now, and hit the attacking man.

    The guy screamed wildly and fell away, stumbling into a tree and sliding down. His weapon landed beside him.

    Trembling, Gary struggled to keep the light on him, the glow waving around unsteadily.

    A cry like that of a crazed lunatic came from behind Gary, and before he knew it, he¡¯d been taken down by something storming through.

    An animal? Pokemon? Gary couldn¡¯t see it clearly, his phone on the ground, the light mostly covered. When he had grabbed his phone back and held out the light, he squinted in disbelief.

    Its long hair covered its face. It stood at a towering height. Its body was covered in thick tufts of fur, long and dangling. It could have been a skinny bear, or some kind of pouncing panther.

    Gary shook his head. It¡¯s not a Pokemon, is it? It¡¯s... His arms, along with his legs, were trembling. She¡¯s back! The monster! She has June! June! Gary¡¯s eyebrows narrowed, but he couldn¡¯t build up enough anger or confidence to do anything, fear keeping him down. Wait! he remembered. Electivire! He turned.

    Raichu¡¯s ears were down as he watched the creature get ready to attack the man who had come at Gary with the ax, disbelief and fear on the Pokemon¡¯s face.

    Electivire just watched angrily.

    Electivire? Doesn¡¯t he want to-? Gary stopped and turned.

    The monster leaned towards the fallen attacker dangerously and grabbed at his throat, the man gasping out. The thing then grabbed the ax the man dropped and raised it into the air and started cackling! ¡°A stick?¡± it spoke in the voice of a human woman. ¡°Is this the best you can do? This is your scare tactic?¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Huh?? Wait, that¡¯s not-

    ¡°If I can get a minute to catch my breath... There¡¯s someone out there that I think I scared. Let go of my shirt and help me up.¡± It wasn¡¯t his throat that was being gripped, but his shirt!

    It was hard for Gary to see straight in the shaking light he held, but he could see that the monster had picked up the man¡¯s stick, not an ax!

    Furthermore, the monster that had been terrorizing the planet and haunting Gary¡¯s dreams, was not what was in front of him! It seemed that someone was covered in what looked like vines and moss, leaves and dirt, all hanging and otherwise dripping from their body. It was a woman! Nothing but a tall woman!

    The guy was now standing, matching in height with the woman, and they both turned to Gary and held up a hand, shielding their eyes.

    ¡°Wait. You mean that¡¯s not the camera guy?¡± the woman called. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! We mean you no harm! It¡¯s just a prank!¡± the man added.

    They both approached Gary and his Pokemon.

    ¡°RAICHUUUUUU!!!¡± Raichu freaked out, zapping the area.

    Gary, the man, and the woman were all screaming out now and collapsed.

    Electivire stood just fine, swinging both arms in separate circles, geared up by the attack.

    Psychic Tiny raised an arm to shield her eyes from the bright blast, but she wasn¡¯t hit.

    The other three human bodies were twitching and flinching, sparking and arching.

    ¡°O-o-o-o-o-o-okay, th-th-th-th-that¡¯s r-r-r-really start-start-starting to hurt,¡± the man stammered.

    The woman stuttered as well, but whatever she might have been trying to say wasn¡¯t clear.

    ¡°R-R-R-Raich-ch-chuuuu...¡± Gary managed. ¡°Y-y-you¡¯re supposed to be helping prevent this-s-s-s-s.¡±

    ¡°Ga-ha-ha-ha-ha-haaaaaaa-stlyyyyy!¡± Gastly appeared and disappeared, appeared and disappeared, over and over again, floating over everyone.

    ¡°Gary, are you okay?¡± Psychic Tiny knelt down beside Gary, not touching him as she saw him spark, and then staring at the man and woman. ¡°Who are these two?¡±

    ¡°Just a happily m-m-m-married cou-coup-p-ple trying to k-keep the sp-spa-spark alive,¡± the woman answered. ¡°Th-th-though I d-d-didn¡¯t m-m-m-mean l-l-l-like th-this.¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s one thing that gets us going, it¡¯s a good fright!¡± The man then groaned, cringing and flinching, unable to talk.

    ¡°Is that what this is all about?¡± Psychic Tiny sighed, smiling weakly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s going on...¡± Gary said wearily, sitting up and holding his head.

    *

    ¡°I need to sleep, boy,¡± Psychic Tiny said grumpily.

    ¡°Well, I wish you luck. I¡¯ve gotta keep going.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really late! Aren¡¯t you sleepy? And why did Riolu come out?¡±

    Gary looked to his Riolu.

    She stared back at him from the corner of her eye.

    Gary and Psychic Tiny had been arguing about going to sleep for half an hour, and suddenly, Riolu came out of her Poke Ball.

    When this happened, Gary was confused, and while he tried to put her away, she put up an incredibly determined effort to remain outside, including using attacks like Dig, Double Team, and even Agility. He eventually gave up and they all continued through the woods until Psychic Tiny demanded they call it a night, which Gary refused.

    Gary didn¡¯t admit it to the girl, but he was afraid to go to sleep. He¡¯d had enough of his nightmares. And he was sick of Riolu being there to stare at him almost every time he had them.

    And, she only seemed to appear during the most stressful, frightening of the dreams, when they seemed to be something else entirely...

    Some of his nightmares were the regular that would be expected. Making little to no sense, or just being simplistic and explainable.

    But then there were other dreams where he felt like they weren¡¯t dreams of any kind at all. It felt more like...

    Memories? Thoughts? Maybe. They just didn¡¯t feel like dreams! They broke him down to the bone. To his core. And left him shattered, trembling, and feeling like he wasn¡¯t himself. Feeling as if he could do the terrible things his dreams were telling him the monster was doing to June. As if he had done them! As if he wanted to harm June!

    ¡°Are you and Riolu close?¡± Psychic Tiny now asked.

    Gary stared at her. ¡°Yeah. We¡¯re working on getting stronger. I know that when we get really close, she¡¯ll evolve, so long as it¡¯s the day.¡±

    Psychic Tiny just stared at him. ¡°I only ask because, I find it so weird it¡¯s so determined to stay outside of its Poke Ball. You know about Aura, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gary answered. ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t really get it, to be honest. I meant to look into it a bit more...¡± he muttered.

    ¡°You need to if you have a Riolu. Riolu and Lucario are all about Aura! It¡¯s the essence of every living being! Pokemon like Riolu and Lucario are amongst the most important Pokemon in the world! They¡¯re like, the world¡¯s most important living creatures! If Riolu is so forcibly coming out of his Poke Ball like this, he might be seeing something important!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean...?¡± Gary asked hesitantly.

    ¡°Riolu can read Aura. This allows them to read the feelings and emotions and thoughts of other beings, Pokemon and humans. And animals, too.¡±

    She¡¯s reading me? My emotions? My nightmares are calling her out? Gary realized. Does she know what¡¯s going on with me?

    ¡°So-¡±

    ¡°Tiny...¡±

    ¡°-he must know about the forest ghoul!¡±

    ¡°Wait what??¡± Gary shook his head, his eyes widening.

    ¡°Your Riolu must know about the forest ghoul! It¡¯s a Dark type that takes the form of a doll to lure people to touch it. But if you doooo, it¡¯s revealed to be Banette, the forest ghoul! And it eats you!¡±

    ¡°Banette...?¡± Gary was about to put away his phone and grab his Pokedex, but an idea hit him and he ended up just typing on the phone. This search failed to work, as he realized he had no service, so he ended up getting his Pokedex after all. He squinted a bit in the bright glow of the Pokedex.

    Banette. The Marionette Pokemon and the evolved form of Shuppet. This Ghost type is an embodiment of resentment and revenge for a toy that was carelessly discarded. The full power of this negative energy is kept locked inside of the zipper of its mouth.

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open in confusion and disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s not what you just said, Tiny...¡±

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s more to it. Those things are evil. It only told you a little bit of the whole story. I¡¯ve heard things about that Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°Everyone hears things, Tiny! That doesn¡¯t mean they happened! And it¡¯s a Ghost, not a Dark type!¡±

    ¡°Ghosts don¡¯t eat people. Banette kills people lost in the forest!¡±

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°The Pokedex said nothing like that! In fact, what it actually says doesn¡¯t even make any sense! How can it be evolved but be a doll? Where does the first form-?¡±

    There was an explosive sound that silenced the two.

    Raichu cried out, grabbing onto his tail and staring into the sky.

    Electivire was looking upward but not as high up as Raichu, looking to each side.

    Riolu was trembling on the spot, her voice quivering as she said, ¡°R-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-i-i-i!¡±

    Gastly was silent by his Trainer, his eyes upward, staring around determinedly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a Banette, but was that the sound they make?¡± Gary asked shakily.

    ¡°P-probably,¡± Psychic Tiny answered.

    Gary didn¡¯t trust her response, but he knew that whatever made that noise didn¡¯t sound too friendly. Human-eater or not, Gary wasn¡¯t interested in being the test dummy for the outcome of encountering this ghoul. But what direction do we go in? We could end up walking right into-

    Another explosive roar sounded like it was coming from all parts of the forest, echoing untraceably.

    A low rumble of thunder followed.

    Thunder? Gary stared into the sky. Is that all it was? Have I been startled by some thunder? Another storm?

    BAAAAAAAAAAAMMM!!!!A bright light blinded everyone before Gary, Riolu, Psychic Tiny, and Gastly fell away from each other.

    Gary shielded his eyes with his wounded hand and held himself up with his good one, squinting into the blinding light.

    Riolu was motionless on her back, her eyes closed.

    Raichu was in the middle of the glowing light, revealed to be from a bolt of lightning!

    Electivire had his arms moved away from Raichu but stood close by the Pokemon.

    The lightning was gone soon after it arrived, and another noisy blast caught Raichu, startling everyone again.

    Raichu¡¯s body relaxed just a little and he nodded strongly at Gary. ¡°Rai! Rai!¡±

    The lightning was gone again.

    ¡°Raichu¡¯s going to evolve at this rate! Being struck by so many beams of lightning will-!¡± Psychic Tiny cried out happily to Gary.

    ¡°Will you shut up?!¡± Gary snapped at her. He managed over to Riolu.

    Riolu groaned, finally lifting her head.

    ¡°Riolu, stop. Please. Return.¡± Gary put her away and then frowned at Psychic Tiny. ¡°Raichu¡¯s a fully evolved Pokemon! Do you know anything but a bunch of false rumors and nonsense?¡±

    Psychic Tiny frowned and huffed. ¡°Well! Rrrrude!¡±

    Gary sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. Yeah, whatever, he kept to himself. Not like you- ¡°It¡¯s not like you aren¡¯t asking for it,¡± he decided to say out loud. ¡°What have you surmised that¡¯s been accurate so far? You said there were ghouls in the forest who would eat us, trees would attack us, like, what else?¡±

    ¡°And Dark types are evil,¡± Psychic Tiny reminded him.

    ¡°Yeah! That nonsense, too! You¡¯re supposed to be seeing the stupidity of what you¡¯re saying, not adding to it!¡±

    ¡°Rrrrruu-!¡± Psychic Tiny stopped and covered her mouth, her eyes now wide.

    A huge gust of wind was now blowing.

    Gary copied Psychic Tiny and covered his own face, holding his breath. Raichu! I should return him, but I need him with all this lightning out here! Though, isn¡¯t he the one pulling it down to him with his Ability? He¡¯s the one causing the lightning to come down!

    Gastly was gone completely.

    Maybe, since it¡¯s gone, it¡¯s fine, Gary considered. He won¡¯t suffocate from his poisonous body.

    With the howl of one hundred wolves, the wind blew hard and wild.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary leaned into the wind, struggling to keep his footing, Psychic Tiny shouting out, but the wind then blew in all sorts of directions and Gary fell!

    Psychic Tiny screamed and was lifted off her feet about a foot before dropping and tumbling nonstop!

    ¡°TINYYY!¡± Gary reached out for her but had to shut his eyes when something got in them. He growled with frustration. A storm at all times! Not even a storm! This is more like a hurricane! He got to his knees and tried hard to dig them into the dirt. His hands hit the ground, one firmly, the other one more gently. ¡°TINYYY!¡± He squinted hard and then blinked rapidly, trying to clear his vision as tears tried to flush his eyes.

    Psychic Tiny was sitting up against a tree, her eyes tight and her glasses crooked.

    Electivire had his arms out, struggling against the storm, and Raichu had managed to cling to one of those arms, his body being pulled by the invisible force as he wailed out constantly.

    ¡°RAICHUUUUU!!¡± NO! I have to-!

    Suddenly, it began to pour rain!

    Everyone was drenched in no time at all.

    ¡°Gary, this is dangerous now! In the rain, Electric moves have a higher chance of causing unwanted harm, and hurt way more!¡± Psychic Tiny complained. ¡°And they could draw the lightning right to us!¡±

    Well you got something right for a change! Gary could only nod, his eyes closing against all the water pouring down his head. Blind, he grabbed a Poke Ball and held it out. ¡°RETURN, RAICHU!¡± He waited until Raichu went silent and then went for Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball and enlarged it. ¡°ELECTIVIRE!¡± Don¡¯t give me any problems, man, Gary hoped.

    BAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSHHHH!!!!

    Psychic Tiny shrieked at the top of her lungs.

    Gary jumped in terror, screaming out, rain getting in his mouth. He wiped at his eyes and struggled to see. He found himself frantically wiping at his eyes to keep his vision as he stared at the sight in disbelief.

    Psychic Tiny was on the ground, facedown, feet away from a shattered tree that had only seconds ago been whole!

    Now, the tree was in pieces all over the ground!

    Gary¡¯s mouth was hanging open. What?!

    Psychic Tiny was okay though! She scrambled away from the tree, shouting, ¡°LIGHTNING!! LIGHTNIIIIING!!!¡±

    ¡°Are we gonna die here??¡± Gary was crying now, tears flowing from his eyes. ¡°We¡¯re gonna die in the middle of this storm!¡±

    ¡°This is the workings of Dark, Evil type Pokemon! They¡¯ve cursed us! We¡¯re going to die by a stream of bad luck!!¡± Psychic Tiny insisted.

    ¡°TINY!!¡± Gary shouted in tears.

    ¡°GASTLY! GET HELP, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME!!¡± She moved her wet hair from her face and looked around helplessly.

    And then, something tremendous forced its way through the trees, snapping them easily and crashing them down! It towered over the three and roared deafeningly, its head to the sky as its body waved around like crazy.

    ¡°GYARADOOOOOOS!!!¡± Gary screamed for his life, his voice mixed with Psychic Tiny¡¯s vocal panic.

    The blue brute looked down to Gary and roared again.

    Gary felt like he would end up deaf, if he survived this.

    ¡°THE FOREST GHOOOOUL!!!¡± Psychic Tiny stood on shaky legs.

    Gary frowned with irritation, but didn¡¯t take his eyes from the Pokemon. ¡°ELECTIVIRE!! USE STRENGTH! We can¡¯t use electricity here!! It¡¯s too dangerous!!¡±

    Electivire raged and his horns sparked.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE NO!!¡± Gary pleaded.

    Psychic Tiny screamed.

    Electivire¡¯s body then sparked, and soon, everyone was blasted and screaming!

    Before Gary knew it, he was on the ground, twitching uncontrollably in the rain, his body sparking.

    Psychic Tiny was also down and out.

    It was the Gyarados who was just fine! It didn¡¯t seem to have been struck at all! It roared, its head tilted back with about half of its body, completely out of control! Its body straightened back to normal and it was looking down at the group again.

    Electivire leaped for Gyarados and swung one of his two sparking fists.

    Gyarados leaned waaaaaaaaaaay back, bending its body over at the middle!

    The Punch went right over the bend. ¡°VIRE!!¡± Electivire shouted as Gyarados did the unbelievable!

    Gyarados continued leaning back, the top half of its body finally hitting the ground, and it raised the lower half to smack away Electivire!

    Electivire was sent flying and crashed into a tree! He gripped the trunk tightly, shaking his head, his eyes tight, and then looked back to Gyarados. ¡°VIIIIIIIRE!!!¡± He lunged at the Gyarados and swung again with Thunder Punches back to back.

    Gyarados could have been part Psychic the way it kept dodging the moves with ease, swaying lazily, dipping, sliding, and bouncing about. Electivire blasted with Thunderbolt, but Gyarados tumbled on the ground to get away! Electivire tried again, Gyarados flying off the ground tail first to get away.

    Gyarados¡¯ style of battling was so unorthodox and insane, captivating Gary and Psychic Tiny so much that they failed to even realize that the rain, wind, and general storm had come to a stop!

    Electivire now glowed white, and he lunged at Gyarados with all his Strength.

    Gyarados stood still, watching, its body swerving, curving, swaying.

    Electivire grappled Gyarados¡¯ upper half and leaned it back to slam it down.

    Gyarados leaned back, back, back... It then leaped into the air, flipped its body around, and slammed Electivire, who was still holding it, on his back!

    ¡°Vii,¡± Electivire¡¯s breath was snatched away.

    Gyarados¡¯ fangs then glowed and it bit into Electivire using Crunch!

    Electivire screamed and grabbed at Gyarados¡¯ head, struggling to get it off of him! His body then glowed red right before he vanished!

    Whoa. Gary kept his eyes on Gyarados, holding Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball, the Pokemon inside it. There¡¯s something different about this one. I think it has to have a Trainer. He eyed the forest, but he couldn¡¯t see anyone. His eyes scanned the sky above to see that it was actually starting to lighten up! Have I been up all night? Is it really morning?

    Gyarados was breathing hard and heavy, its eyes on Gary.

    Maybe recalling Electivire wasn¡¯t a good idea. The rain is done. Oh, no. Gary screamed as Gyarados then dove down with gaping jaws to eat him! ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!¡± He turned and closed his eyes, raising his arms uselessly, preparing for the chomp! Hot, stinky air hit him, and he flinched and panicked, squeaking in fright. He choked on the air and opened one eye, looking over. After taking in a sharp breath, ¡°AAAAAAHHH!!¡± he screamed again, turning back and holding out his arms pointlessly as he was about to die in less than a second!

    Seconds passed.

    Maybe even a minute, now? Am I dead? Gary questioned, and slowly, his eyes widened. He was soon in complete surprise!

    Gyarados, for all of its intimidating features, actually had a fairly cute face on now! Its eyes were closed, its cheeks red, and it had some kind of possible smile! It definitely didn¡¯t look as ferocious as it had earlier. Its head was rested on the ground and it rasped out.

    Gary choked on the foul air the Pokemon exhaled. ¡°Gyarados...? What is it doing...?¡± Cautiously, he scooted back a little. He would have gone further had his Pokedex not startled him by going off.

    Happy Hour. The user brings about good joy and celebration. It is said that good luck comes from this to those around.

    ¡°Happy Hour?¡± Psychic Tiny repeated.

    ¡°Happy Hour? It¡¯s using a move right now?¡± Gary questioned, confused.

    ¡°Waaaait... So this Gyarados is drunk?¡± Psychic Tiny breathed out as she stood up, her little, thin body quaking.

    ¡°Drunk?¡± Gary saw the stupid look on Gyarados¡¯ arguably pleasant face.

    ¡°That¡¯s what a happy hour is. It¡¯s a time when you can get drunk for cheap. I think this Gyarados is just drunk!¡± she laughed.

    Gary sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. ¡°Tiny! Come off it, already!¡±

    ¡°No, hear me out!!¡± she said loudly. ¡°Think about it. The way he fought Electivire just now, that was the drunken fighting style where you move all, whoooooooa! Whooooooa!¡± Psychic Tiny swayed her arms around wildly and leaned backwards, moving her body loosely. She straightened up and continued, ¡°It¡¯s when you fight but let your body do all kinds of crazy, unpredictable movements and make it hard to hit you and you fight back just as unpredictable!¡±

    Gary wanted to argue. He opened his mouth to call her an idiot. He formed his vocals to demand to not hear another word of this absolute madness.

    ¡°Tiny¡¯s right. That Gyarados is just lit as fuck right now. My man is twisted.¡±

    Psychic Tiny turned to the voice.

    Gary looked as well and then squinted, both due to the poor lighting, and the surety within himself that he couldn¡¯t be seeing who he was seeing. He just couldn¡¯t have heard who he heard.

    Approaching them was a young guy with a beard and sideburns, the mustache shaved. His entire face was cut, bruised, and scarring. He had on a big, puffy black coat and ashy black jeans with dark-blue and regular-blue sneakers. On his head was a knit blue beanie. On his back was a big black backpack with some white on it. He stopped and smiled at Gary. ¡°Ha ha haaaa! My nigga!!¡±

    ¡°ISH?!¡± Gary burst into a huge smile and got to his feet. ¡°ISH! I can¡¯t believe this! You¡¯re here?? In Sinnoh!¡±

    ¡°My nigga, I work out here! In Drive Hill. I work in a pet store, at PokeLand Discounts.¡±

    ¡°I know that place!¡± Gary said, surprised.

    ¡°We do a lot of work, helping Pokemon in other regions and working with other locations and other shelters and stuff to help Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°Yous guys have been in trouble lately with Neo Team Plasma lately for selling Mega Stones and other torture devices, a ha ha ha ha haaa!¡± Psychic Tiny laughed, pointing at him.

    ¡°Man, fuck dem niggas!¡± Ish responded with some energy, and yet, he still seemed pretty calm. ¡°They don¡¯t understand what we do. I get where they¡¯re coming from, but fuck them. They¡¯re ignoring all the good we do, and the fact that Mega Evolution is still in demand and completely legal. And the Pokemon are just fine after it¡¯s all done.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s being considered to be banned,¡± Psychic Tiny brought up.

    ¡°My nigga Senator Slowking won¡¯t let that happen. Watch when he wins. It¡¯ll be-¡±

    The Gyarados reminded them of its existence as it let out a low growl and flopped around lazily, ending up rolling happily on its back with its tongue hanging out.

    Whoa! Gyarados! Gary thought, staring at the beast warily. ¡°Wait, so, Ish! You were saying about this thing that it¡¯s actually... drunk?¡±

    ¡°I think Gyarados was just attacking in like, a state of play! Not to actually harm anyone!¡± Psychic Tiny spoke.

    I wanted Ish to speak, not you, Gary thought, shooting her a look.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ish agreed, nodding. ¡°That¡¯s not impossible. It¡¯s not a common effect of Happy Hour, but it¡¯s like, not everyone holds their liquor the same.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary was confused. He understood what Ish said, but this was just unbelievable!

    Ish was a talented and experienced Trainer who knew Pokemon, and he was speaking as if this definitely could be the answer to what had been going on!

    ¡°The sudden storm could have been an attack, the lightning, the rain, all attacks, but not meant to hurt us!¡± Psychic Tiny stated. ¡°We may have just been in the middle of him playing around and not really knowing what he was doing because he¡¯s a big drunk boy! Is that right, Boo Boo?¡± She walked right up to Gyarados with its big smile and red face. Her hand reached out slowly and touched Gyarados¡¯ huge head.

    Gyarados purred now! It rolled over to its side and continued to purr against Psychic Tiny¡¯s pets!

    Ish burst into crazy, heavy laughter. ¡°Yo, I¡¯m weak!¡±

    Gary felt like passing out in that moment, not believing what he was seeing. While a side of him was grateful things seemed to be going so well, another side of him wanted to actually be infuriated! This was all just plain ridiculous!

    Gyarados¡¯ tongue came out and it slobbered all over Psychic Tiny happily.

    ¡°Eeeeeewwww!¡± Psychic Tiny laughed helplessly.

    ¡°That¡¯s gross,¡± Ish commented.

    ¡°Perhaps this is what they mean when they say that the ends justifies the means, or something?¡± a voice asked next to Gary.

    Gary jumped, startled by the sudden arrival of yet another person, and turned. He choked out as a pale man in a blue cap grabbed his throat and forced him down to his back!

    ¡°What??¡± Psychic Tiny squealed with fright.

    The fingers on Gary¡¯s left hand dug into the man¡¯s left hand, and while he tore into the skin and shed blood, the man did not let go or react in any kind of pain. Gary raised his injured right hand, keeping the forearm in front of him as some kind of useless protection.

    The man opened his mouth wide, revealing a pair of sharp fangs in the upper half of his jaw. Two red ovals glowed from under the bill of his cap where eyes should be before he lowered his mouth to bite into Gary¡¯s neck!

    Gary¡¯s knees swung inward and kicked the guy in the stomach, and he vanished in a puff of purple smoke! Both his hands shoved into the ground to scramble backwards, but Gary had to stop and scream in pain as he held his right hand when it burst with pain. He was now staring in horror at...

    ¡°Sorry. Should I have chosen a woman to do the job?¡± Gastly smiled with a huge, open mouth.

    ¡°Gaaaastlyyyy!¡± Psychic Tiny ran from Gyarados and to her Pokemon. Somehow, she was able to hug him, Gastly closing his eyes and surrounding parts of her in his fog.

    Gyarados looked up, seemingly confused, its cheeks still red.

    ¡°My nigga Gastly. Ha ha ha!¡± Ish laughed.

    ¡°My brotha, Ish! Always a pleasure teaming up with you,¡± Gastly smiled at him, his eyes closing with delight. But his smile went away quickly as the Ghost gazed at the sky uncomfortably. ¡°Though, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be here for much longer. The sun is rising after all.¡±

    The sun hadn¡¯t risen yet, but the sky was showing that it was coming soon.

    ¡°Wait, you knew that Gastly was playing a trick?¡± Psychic Tiny smiled at Ish, and then her Pokemon.

    ¡°Yeah, I ran into my son when I was out here and he came up with the idea to get you guys with a prank, ha ha ha haaaaa!¡±

    ¡°Gaaastlyyyy,¡± Psychic Tiny smirked at him. ¡°So that¡¯s where you were blown off to. I told you to get help.¡±

    ¡°Did I not?¡± Gastly smiled again.

    ¡°Wait, do you two, or, three... know each other??¡± Gary questioned, curious about the situation.

    ¡°Yeeees!¡± Psychic Tiny answered. ¡°But I didn¡¯t know yous two knew each other!¡±

    ¡°Yes! I know Ish!¡± Gastly also answered.

    Gary stared at Gastly, feeling kind of uneasy. It was fine that Gastly could talk, but things were getting just a little too casual.

    ¡°This is the guy who beat Diancie!¡± Ish explained to Psychic Tiny. ¡°Remember I told you about him. He¡¯s good money.¡±

    ¡°Oooooooohhh!! That was yooooou! Wooooooooow! You¡¯re impressive, kid!¡± Psychic Tiny smiled at Gary.

    Gary smiled back, his face getting red, absolutely nothing making any sense.

    *

    ¡°Man, you stink, boy!¡± Psychic Tiny pulled away from Gary, smiling.

    ¡°Yeah... Thanks...¡± Gary muttered, moving away from her after their hug.

    She laughed. ¡°Sorry, but it¡¯s true! Ha ha ha! You need a shower! Gyarados breath isn¡¯t nice!¡±

    What about you? You were slobbered in its saliva! And yes, you do stink! Gary chose not to let this out openly, not wanting to be rude, but he didn¡¯t know why as it would be completely fair game. He was sure if Psychic Tiny wasn¡¯t female, he likely would have played back harder. ¡°Well, I¡¯d have given it some mints if it hadn¡¯t kept drunkenly dodging my Poke Balls,¡± Gary looked away with annoyance.

    Psychic Tiny laughed. ¡°I hope to see you again! Good luck where you¡¯re headed!¡± She ran over to Ish and hugged him. ¡°And take care, Ish! Text me, okay? We¡¯ve got to hang out soon!¡±

    Ish was hugging her back, towering over her. ¡°Sure thing, Tati. And you need to clean yourself up, too. You stink, too.¡±

    Psychic Tiny slanted her mouth at him after they pulled apart and brushed herself off. ¡°Jerk.¡±

    Ish just shrugged. ¡°It licked you all up.¡±

    Good one, Ish, Gary smirked. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll see you around, Tiny. Be safe. And thanks again for breakfast!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome! And you really need to sleep!¡± Psychic Tiny replied. ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep the whole night! I don¡¯t even think I¡¯m gonna make it any further, myself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    ¡°Byyye yous guyyyys!¡±

    ¡°Rai Raaaaaaaaaiii!!¡± Raichu waved back to her before she left.

    From the middle of the forest that wasn¡¯t so tightly squished together with trees anymore, Gary and Ish faced each other under the morning sun.

    ¡°So her name¡¯s... Tati?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s Tatiana, so I call her Tati.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. Right. Her name wouldn¡¯t really be Tiny. Duh.¡± Gary shook his head, looking down.

    ¡°Yeah, a friend of ours gave her that name.¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± Gary nodded. ¡°Well, I have to get somewhere in like, another, I dunno, another two days I think, so I have to keep going.¡± Gary was starting to feel woozy, sleepy, and ready to collapse, but with Ish there, he was fighting these feelings with the desire to be awake and attentive.

    ¡°I¡¯m out myself, actually. It was cool meeting you guys but I¡¯m on a serious mission right now.¡±

    ¡°Mission? For work?¡±

    ¡°No. I took time off for this, and they can fire me if they want. I don¡¯t care. I need to find my Pichu.¡±

    ¡°You have a Pichu?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Remember back in that city? Dark City? We helped those Raichu and Pikachu?¡±

    ¡°Raichu!¡± Raichu stared at Ish.

    Ish laughed lightly and pointed at Raichu. ¡°Dope sunglasses. Anyway.¡± He turned to Gary. ¡°I found a little Pichu running around there and I caught it. But now he¡¯s been kidnapped in this area, and I¡¯ve been looking for him for days now. I think he was taken by that Pokenapper who¡¯s been stealing Baby Pokemon, and I have to find him.¡±

    ¡°Ish, I¡¯m so sorry to hear that.¡± Gary considered that he could actually help Ish by using one of his wishes for him. He blinked repeatedly, feeling like he was swaying.

    Ish nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll find my buddy and fuck that guy up to death! Watch when I catch him!¡±

    Gary looked down and nodded, understanding Ish¡¯s feelings. ¡°Which direction are you headed?¡±

    Ish pointed.

    ¡°I¡¯m going that way, too. To the mountains. I need to climb and do some stuff.¡±

    ¡°You better change into a warmer coat. It gets cold up there.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Gary responded, keeping to himself that he had on the warmest coat in his luggage. Heat rises, Gary thought. So why is a mountain cold?

    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s get going if we¡¯re going.¡± Ish looked dead serious as he looked ahead. ¡°I¡¯ve wasted enough time.¡± He walked, leaving Gary behind, unconcerned that the kid wasn¡¯t following him. His fists were trembling, tight with determination, and urgent on releasing some pent-up rage.

 Some Sick Ish

    Something walked across the grass and stopped, eyeing Gary, the two Pokemon he had with him, and Ish.

    Gary kind of moaned in his head, staring at the thing.

    ¡°Nice,¡± Ish nodded at it. ¡°You tryna catch it, or you gonna battle for Experience?¡±

    Gary was certain he would meet the ground, but he remained standing somehow, feeling like he was swaying in place.

    Before them stood a big, beautiful sunflower. A Sunflora! ¡°Flor...¡±

    ¡°Raichu!¡± Raichu smiled and waved. He removed his sunglasses politely.

    Gary kept quiet.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡± Electivire hit Sunflora with Thunderbolt.

    After screaming out, Sunflora collapsed.

    Gary stared at it for a bit before taking a step forward.

    At the sound of crunching grass, Sunflora stirred and then frantically scurried away.

    ¡°Vire?¡± Electivire stared at Gary.

    ¡°Raichu?¡± Raichu also stared at Gary, surprise in his eyes.

    ¡°So it¡¯s Experience Points you want? You raising Electivire?¡±

    ¡°NO!¡± Gary burst out, his eyes wide with fright on Ish. He looked at Electivire.

    The Electric brute was leering back at him.

    Groaning out loud, Gary shuffled along, his head spinning from tiredness. When am I allowed to sleep? he wondered.

    Something fell from the trees, hanging at a distance and swaying.

    Gary didn¡¯t stop, walking by the unfamiliar creature.

    ¡°Yo, check it out!¡± Ish spoke.

    ¡°Raichu Rai!¡± Raichu called after Gary before moving to keep up with him.

    There was a shout from the new thing as Electivire attacked it, and a moment later, Electivire was following the child.

    ¡°You alright, my nigga?¡± Ish asked, catching up with him.

    Gary¡¯s head was swimming. He couldn¡¯t think straight enough to answer, and there were strange, unnatural noises in his head. I... Uuuh... What? Gary sucked his teeth, and then there was a BANG! He leaped in the air and ripped his bag off of him, remembering his gun. ¡°OOOWWWW!!!!¡± he howled, holding his injured hand, but his frightened eyes were looking around.

    Electivire, Raichu, and Ish had wary eyes on him.

    Breathing hard, his teeth grit in pain from his hand, Gary asked, ¡°Did you guys hear that bang?¡±

    Electivire and Raichu turned to each other and shook their heads. They both looked to Ish, and the three of them shook their heads at each other. Returning to Gary, they all shook their heads.

    ¡°You on coke, nigga?¡± Ish asked.

    With his mouth open wide, Gary inhaled big and held his breath. I¡¯m losing it? Still holding his aching hand, he crept over to the bag and poked at it with his foot. They didn¡¯t hear that? Nothing? He let go of his hand and slowly, cautiously, lifted the bag and turned it around. No holes. The gun didn¡¯t go off? So what was that sound... that only I heard...? Slowly, Gary turned his neck.

    Everyone looked a little scared now.

    Even Electivire.

    Gary held out his hands and smiled shakily. ¡°Okay. Okay,¡± he whispered. ¡°Ha.¡±

    He slowly went down to one knee, and then lowered the other.

    Fell to his left side.

    And finally passed out.

    *

    Ten thousand Plusles in two hours? From just two Badges? I can do that! Gary thought to himself, staring at the latest post from someone on Log-A-Graph named Harold.

    He was apparently really popular on the platform, but Gary had never heard of him outside of it. Harold wasn¡¯t an outstanding Trainer, and Gary was beginning to think that maybe that was the point. He was relatable, an everyman, and had nearly one million Supporters who get updates on anything he posts. He¡¯d competed in three Leagues so far and didn¡¯t even get by the preliminaries in any of them. Now, he was traveling through Sinnoh and had gotten two Badges by now. The comments on his latest post contained praise, mixed with some that were less impressed, confused why the guy was getting so much love.

    Gary wanted to join in on the dislike of the guy, but he couldn¡¯t be bothered. He also felt a bit of admiration for him not doing so well as a Trainer, and yet continuing on with the same drive, no matter what. If he can do it, I can, too! Gary told himself, and then posted his photo he had taken of his one Badge. Maybe I only have one, but I can get at least a thousand Plusles with that! Gary thought excitedly. Smiling, he then saw the latest from the Champion of the Sinnoh region, Tobias.

    His eyes briefly went to the upper right corner of the app where a tiny square with three horizontal lines and a pen was, the number thirty-one in red over it, showing messages Gary had received. He looked from it purposely, knowing these were stupid memes and posts from Scientist Gary that he hadn¡¯t seen yet, and was quite frankly tired of going through. Gary felt the guy was messaging him way too much.

    Instead, he watched the video by Tobias. The man was waving out with passion and a smile with his scary Darkrai behind him. He faced Gary and pointed, smiling. ¡°YOOOOU can be next for an open exhibition match, live, for all to see! Any Trainers with three or less Badges has an opportunity to face me and Darkrai for a one-on-three match to see if you have the power to stop my Darkrai.¡± The video froze.

    ¡°Your friend was right, huh? You really do love that nigga,¡± Ish said.

    Gary frowned tiredly at him. ¡°Hey, he¡¯s the man! I¡¯m gonna beat him one day, and then everyone will love him. That¡¯s how fickle people are. They only love you when you¡¯re taken down, but when you¡¯re on top, they won¡¯t give you your due praise.¡±

    ¡°Man, you really do love that guy,¡± Ish repeated.

    Gary just growled in response. The sun was setting and Gary was exhausted. He had managed to squeeze in a couple of hour-long naps, but it just wasn¡¯t enough. He would have slept the day away, but Ish was on a mission, determined to locate his Pichu.

    Ish had explained that he was blindsided by a Pokemon of multiple colors that took his Pichu, and he was upset he didn¡¯t recognize it. He was also certain that the Pokemon didn¡¯t act alone, but had a Trainer giving orders. And he was sure that said Trainer was the notorious kidnapper of Baby Pokemon that had been in the news several times.

    Gary felt like this wasn¡¯t new information to him, but he also couldn¡¯t remember where or when he¡¯d heard it. And he wondered why anyone would be stealing solely Baby Pokemon. Unconvinced they¡¯d actually locate the Pokemon or Trainer, Gary still wanted to help, and they also were headed in the same direction.

    Ish was on his phone, holding it up in the air, trying to grab some of the limited service that Gary had managed to snatch up. He had assumed the service Gary was able to get was due to being right next to Alamos Town.

    Gary, on the other hand, was wondering why his reception was pretty bad, thinking Scientist Gary had told him he¡¯d improved it.

    All of the Pokemon that the two had were fed earlier, and now Ish was gathering his thoughts, planning his next move.

    Right now, Electivire was acting a bit out of character. While Elekid seemed to admire Electivire and wanted to get to know him, Electivire would stare at him with wide eyes before walking away, completely ignoring his previous form no matter what he did.

    Elekid was confused by this and ended up giving up, walking away and collecting Ish¡¯s Unown-shaped headphones and Pineapple phone. Lying on his back, his legs crossed, eyes closed, and hands behind his head, he tapped his foot slowly to some lo-fi music.

    For some reason, Electivire snuck glances over to the Baby.

    Ish also had a Poliwag out with his Salizzle, the muscular creature his male Salandit had evolved into. Poliwag was really young and unable to walk well on land, so Salizzle would catch Poliwag whenever she fell over, either with his tail or leg.

    Raichu watched this with an adoring smile, his sunglasses in his paws.

    Ish¡¯s plan was to leave the actual Baby, Elekid, out to lure the Pokenapper, with Poliwag, not technically a Baby Pokemon, but hatched not long ago, out as well, just in case she helped bring the creep out.

    Gary¡¯s eyes wandered to the trees around him and he froze. His eyes then swept through the area in a complete circle. I coulda sworn I saw a really little tree, Gary thought, staring back at a single tree. Right next to that normal one, Gary recalled.

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving.¡± Ish moved swiftly to Poliwag and Salizzle, scooping the Water type up and cradling her in both arms carefully. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta cover more ground.¡±

    A loud blast tore through the trees, cries being heard all over the place.

    Ish and Poliwag screamed, Ish falling away from the energy that had shot out at his head.

    Elekid was sat up now, his headphones out of his head.

    Salizzle called out to Ish.

    Gary and Raichu yelled out with surprise.

    Electivire cried out at the noise, taken by surprise.

    Black birds cawed loudly in the night, flying by the group.

    With a roar, Electivire lit up the night, trying to attack the birds, but all of his electricity went right to Raichu.

    ¡°RAI-CCCHHHUUUUUUUUU!!¡± Raichu attacked instead.

    The birds all squawked out in pain, many of them fleeing the forest, a couple dropping, left behind.

    Everyone stared for a while at the remaining Murkrow. Then Gary¡¯s companions turned from the birds, to Gary, who noticed this and stared back at them all in turn.

    The two Murkrow stirred, grabbing everyone¡¯s attention, and then they groaned, puffed out their feathers, ruffled them hard, loosening some, and then cried out angrily at the group before flying off.

    Everyone watched them until they were gone, and then Gary was stared at expectantly.

    Gary sighed, lowering his head. ¡°I¡¯m really not in the mood right now,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem like it,¡± Ish responded, getting to his feet, still holding Poliwag. ¡°Do you already have a Murkrow, or do you not like them? They evolve into a really powerful Pokemon called Honchkrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay, but I just wasn¡¯t in the mood,¡± Gary added, annoyed, perhaps at himself for the lack of an attempt he made to capture a new Pokemon, and the fact that everyone seemed to be judging him for it. ¡°I really just...¡± He sighed.

    ¡°You seem tired. You should have stayed behind and slept.¡±

    ¡°No, I wanted to help you. I also don¡¯t have time to waste. I need to be somewhere.¡±

    ¡°You never said where. Why are you climbing that mountain?¡±

    ¡°Because in a couple more days, a rare Pokemon will be there that I need to capture. A Legendary.¡±

    ¡°Oh, word?? Who??¡± Ish¡¯s eyes were wide with interest.

    ¡°A Jirachi, supposedly. It¡¯s just a rumor...¡± Gary realized he really didn¡¯t want to grab Ish¡¯s interest in this and have him come along. This was a personal quest he was on. And he needed all three of those wishes. ¡°But maybe I¡¯ll find something else worth the trip. It¡¯s what Pokemon Trainers do, right? Travel? Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor body of water nor gloom of night nor mountain climb stays these Trainers from the swift completion of their chosen quests.¡±

    ¡°That motto is cringe as fuck,¡± Ish shook his head. ¡°But anyway, that¡¯s what¡¯s up about Jirachi. Good luck, nigga. Yo, I meant to ask you, what happened to that girl? Y¡¯all break up?¡±

    ¡°NO!¡± Gary exploded, his echoing voice causing animals unseen to fly and run off from their hidden spots. ¡°We¡¯re just friends!¡±

    Ish erupted into heavy laughter. ¡°I¡¯m weak.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story, but-¡± He stopped, looking behind Ish.

    ¡°Bro, you good?¡± Ish waved his hand in front of Gary¡¯s face. ¡°You look spaced out.¡±

    Gary blinked twice and then shook his head. ¡°No, nothing. Let¡¯s just go. I¡¯m feeling really weird.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should cut into Alamos Town and grab a bed before going mountain climbing, bro,¡± Ish suggested. ¡°You gonna fall off the thing before you reach the top.¡±

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have that kind of time. Jirachi will be there, and it¡¯s my only chance for a thousand years.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, you¡¯re gonna try and grant wishes off Jirachi.¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. I can do so much. I can save June. My friend. She was kidnapped by that monster! I can save her, and the whole world!¡±

    ¡°Brooooo! That girl got kidnapped?? By that creature?! No waaaay!!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I need to get Jirachi! It might be the only way I can save her! I can help her, and help a lot of people with those three wishes. I just have to be careful with those wishes. It¡¯s only three and that¡¯s it!¡±

    ¡°Mmmm.¡± Ish nodded shortly. ¡°I guess there¡¯s a lot you could do, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! I have to do something. I have to-¡± Gary wasn¡¯t sure what else to say, so he just shook his head and looked about. He then gasped. ¡°Wait, what...?¡± He walked past Ish and towards three trees.

    ¡°Gary, what¡¯s up with you? You see someone?¡±

    ¡°No. But...¡± Gary stopped at the group of trees and touched them one at a time. Wasn¡¯t I staring at a fourth one before? A little one? He kicked at one of the trees, no real reason behind it. I must really be out of it. ¡°I¡¯m seeing things,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Bro, take my advice. Get to Alamos Town, get some rest, and rethink this whole Jirachi thing.¡±

    ¡°What??¡± Gary whipped around to Ish.

    ¡°You ever heard the saying ¡®be careful what you wish for¡¯? It¡¯s real. You just might get it. There¡¯s a song like that, too.¡±

    Gary recalled the chorus of a song with those words by the rapper Elemenemopee.

    ¡°Jirachi is a dangerous Pokemon. Granting wishes comes with consequences. It might just be safer leaving things as they are.¡±

    ¡°And leaving my friend to be killed by that thing? I could even bring her back if she is dead!¡±

    ¡°Rai?!¡± Raichu uttered, staring at Gary in shock.

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying!¡± Gary shouted at Raichu. He then stared at Electivire.

    Electivire was staring back, but looked down when Gary met with his eyes.

    Gary swallowed. ¡°June¡¯s fine. Listen!¡± He looked at Ish. ¡°My point is, no matter what is going on right now, I can offer some help and put an end to it all. To Team Solace, to this monster, and - rescue her in the process.¡±

    ¡°I understand how you feel, but tampering with death, or messing with the way things are isn¡¯t always a good idea. It can be that worse things can be born out of fixing shit.¡±

    ¡°Nothing can be worse than that monster. It¡¯s pure evil and has to be killed, whatever it is. I¡¯m gonna wish that thing back into whatever ring of Hell it crawled out of!¡±

    Ish just shrugged. ¡°I dunno, but just be careful what you wish for. I pray for you, man.¡± He walked on carrying Poliwag, Elekid running after him, Salizzle at the end.

    Gary looked at all the trees in the woods, the three he had thought were four, and the one he had thought was two. He rubbed his eyes and then turned to Electivire and Raichu. Maybe Ish is right... he considered. But I can¡¯t afford to miss out on this. Jirachi is out there, and I¡¯m so close now! ¡°Come on, guys. We¡¯re gonna-¡± Gary turned away from the Pokemon but ended up looking back. Not back to the Pokemon, but stopping halfway. Quickly, he grabbed his phone and held up his shaky hand that clutched it. The camera on, the flashlight shining, Gary tried hard to take a clear picture of what he was seeing. He needed proof! Several photos later, Gary was sure not one of them came out good, but he couldn¡¯t get his hand to stop trembling! ¡°ISH! LOOK! I¡¯VE GOT IT! LOO-!¡±

    Elekid suddenly stumbled, tripping to the ground. One of his legs remained up in the air, as if being held up by an invisible hand!

    Ish stopped and looked back. ¡°Huh? Elekid!¡±

    Salizzle reached out to Elekid to help him, but his eyes narrowed in confusion. He rasped out, seeming to be struggling beside the squirming Elekid.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Ish cried out as he twisted and then randomly fell on his side, Poliwag flying out of his hands.

    Poliwag flew forward briefly before stopping right in midair! Facing downward, she was hovering in the air! The young one was crying and kicking out wildly, not far from the height of Elekid¡¯s raised foot.

    Gary wanted to run to their aid, but he couldn¡¯t.

    There was something wrong here.

    The three Pokemon and their Trainer were fighting against a force Gary couldn¡¯t see.

    The forest ghoul thing that Tiny was warning me about?? Gary panicked. His eyes widened on something and he gasped. What¡¯s that?

    A line of string in the middle of the air??

    Ish¡¯s backpack had a big white patch on it, like webbing. From that patch, a thin string came from it, extending to where it seemed Elekid¡¯s foot was caught in midair, also in line with where Poliwag was floating!

    Gary¡¯s eyes kept going along, even though he couldn¡¯t see the string anymore, and he looked deep into the woods. His heart stopped and he grabbed at his chest as pain erupted inside of it from absolute terror at what he was now witnessing.

    Leaves and dirt were hovering in the air in a line, connected to something unseen, but vibrating as Elekid, Salizzle, Poliwag, and Ish continued trying to get free. Everything seemed to be connected by something in the air!

    ¡°What is that?¡± Gary choked out, the words an effort to get out.

    ¡°VIIIIIIII!!!¡±

    ¡°RAAAAAAAI!!¡±

    Gary turned to the two Pokemon, and he screamed as something came for his face. He was smacked down to his back. He tried to gasp, but something was now covering his face! He could see through holes in it, like webbing! More white streams came for him, and in no time, he realized that he couldn¡¯t move! He was pinned to the ground, unable to get a word out of his forcibly shut mouth. Web? Am I covered in web?? A spider?!? No. No way a spider... A spider Pokemon, maybe?? His eyes were all he could move, unable to see anything but the trees and the dark sky. His right hand was hurting like mad, but he couldn¡¯t scream, only able to let out muffled groans and grunts.

    There were more cries now, and Gary recognized them as coming from Ish, Elekid, Salizzle, and Poliwag.

    ¡°Rai?! RAI!!¡± came Raichu¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Poliwaaaaaaaag!¡± Poliwag cried.

    ¡°LET GO OF MY POLIWAG YOU BITCH!!¡± Ish was enraged.

    ¡°With this Raichu around, Electivire, can¡¯t harm us,¡± a new voice spoke slowly and darkly. ¡°With Poliwag attached to Raichu, I don¡¯t expect Raichu to attack. Poliwag can do little on her own, and... this... I don¡¯t... know what this Pokemon is, but it seems to be some kind of Salazzle form? Anyway, on the chance this thing is Poison, rather than threatening it with Toxic-¡±

    Salizzle¡¯s screams and suffering wails were heard.

    ¡°SALIZZLLLLLLE!!¡± Ish roared.

    ¡°Sali...zz... Whatever this thing is, it¡¯s suffering from both Curse, putting it in constant pain, and is immobilized by Disable.¡±

    Salizzle continued groaning and uttering out in pain.

    ¡°Even more, this thing is now suffering from Infestation. There is nothing you can do,¡± the voice of the man continued. ¡°You can¡¯t get to your other Pokemon, since you¡¯re pinned by Ariados¡¯ Webs.¡±

    ¡°Ariiiii!¡±

    After a moment, Gary saw a yellow, sparking web appear over him and land.

    Ish, Gary, Salizzle, Poliwag, and Elekid were screaming in agony.

    ¡°And to top it off, a nice Electroweb to keep you all nice and still as I make my escape,¡± the man added.

    Gary¡¯s body was trembling.

    ¡°Leave my Elekid alone!¡± Ish was straining to say.

    ¡°Uh, but... But, you left him here for me! You set up this moment for us to meet!¡± the man responded. ¡°You wanted me to relieve you of his care and raise him for myself. Let¡¯s not deny this was all the plan.¡±

    ¡°Grrrr! Get away from my Pokemon you freak of nature!!¡± Ish demanded.

    Elekid was heard screaming out, and soon his voice was muffled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, kid. I¡¯ll take your phone and make sure he has the music he enjoys. I¡¯ve been watching you guys long enough. I know what he likes... And I know what I like, too...¡±

    Ish exploded in rage, but afterwards, he, Gary, Salizzle, and Poliwag were in pain again, a sparking Web hitting them all.

    ¡°Keep calm, and I won¡¯t have to keep zapping you guys,¡± the man told them.

    Gary¡¯s body collapsed, giving up. He knew he couldn¡¯t just give up, but he didn¡¯t know what else he could actually do!

    Footsteps were heard and they stopped by Gary. ¡°And I¡¯ll take this as well.¡±

    Gary felt someone touch his belt briefly.

    ¡°A two-for-one special.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened as far as possible. ¡°NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! RIOLU!!!¡± Gary tried to let out, but his mouth was held shut by the Webs. He did manage to get his head to move in his frantic actions, snapping a bit of the netting, and he watched a man creep away swiftly with a moving sack slung over his shoulder.

    The guy had a Poke Ball in his hand, and he sniffed it hard and noisily before lowering his hand.

    Gary, Ish, and the Pokemon were left grunting and groaning, calling out, yelling, fighting, struggling to break free, desperate to save the Pokemon.

    The cries of Elekid in the sack got further away.

    The man was free to leave, and no one could stop him, everyone stuck to the ground.

    There was a shout from a very light voice as the branch of a little tree suddenly became surrounded by a green aura. The branch then magically formed the shape of a stump!

    The man turned in shock. ¡°WHAT?!¡± His eyes were bulging out, his mouth wide, watching in disbelief.

    The stump slammed down on the man¡¯s head!

    ¡°OOOOOG!!¡± The man dropped like a weight and remained still, out like a light.

    Gary¡¯s eyes were wide with horror and fright.

    ¡°Ari!¡± Ariados leaped at the tree, the ends of its arms glowing purple.

    ¡°Crush it with Rock Slide!¡± Ish ordered.

    The tree raised its two branches, and white orbs formed in the air over it. The orbs then turned into rocks outlined in white, and the tree shouted out, forcing its branches forward, and the rocks flew into Ariados, burying it!

    The little tree I¡¯ve been seeing! Gary realized. Is it a Pokemon?!

    The little tree Gary had seen twice before was the one attacking the old man and the Ariados! Now walking, it spoke something over and over, and then grabbed the sack with Elekid, freeing the little guy!

    Elekid cried out happily at it.

    The tree spoke to Elekid quickly and then it walked over to Ish. The body of the tree now glowing in a light-blue aura, it pulled, tugged, yanked, ripped, and tossed off pieces of the webbing from Ish!

    What is that thing? Gary questioned. Where did it come from??

    The creature moved quickly, freeing Ish and Salizzle. It then got Raichu and Poliwag out as well, the two wrapped up together in the same webbing.

    Poliwag was sat on the ground, crying loudly and stomping her feet.

    ¡°Poliwag. It¡¯s all good now,¡± Ish smiled as he went over to her and picked her up. He returned her to her Poke Ball, the baby still crying, and then turned to the tree thing. ¡°Good work, my nigga! I knew this would work!¡± He then looked to his Salizzle.

    It was trembling weakly on the floor, unable to get up.

    ¡°Salizzle, my nigga, rest up for now! You¡¯ve been through some shit.¡± He returned Salizzle to his Poke Ball, and then ran to his Elekid, who met him halfway. They both hugged. ¡°Elekid!¡±

    While the two embraced, Raichu and the tree moved to free Gary and then Electivire.

    When Gary¡¯s mouth was removed of webbing, he and Electivire stood, Gary confused by what was going on, and what this thing was. The kid groaned, holding onto his right wrist, unable to touch the throbbing hand that was in so much pain.

    ¡°Raichu! Raichu!¡± Raichu greeted the new creature.

    ¡°Electivire...¡± Electivire growled at it.

    Gary turned to the thief and was about to run to him to get his Poke Ball back, but Ish shot like a dart, shouting angrily.

    ¡°MOTHERFUCKERRRRRRRR!!!!!¡± Before Gary knew it, Ish was kicking the man, and after that, he was on top of him, punching and pummeling the guy relentlessly. ¡°YOU SICK SON OF A BITCH!! I¡¯LL FUCKING KILL YOU FOR WHAT YOU¡¯VE DONE TO POKEMON, PIECE OF SHIT BITCH!!! I¡¯LL FUCKING KILL YOU YOU FUCKING FREAK!!!¡± Ish didn¡¯t stop, swinging punch after punch, spitting at him, stopping only to instead choke the old man.

    The man looked to be about sixty, a black and gray beard on his chin, his head covered in long, matching hair. His face was a bloody mess in seconds, but he was shown no mercy.

    Gary looked away after a while, the grotesque sight outweighing the genuine interest of how far things would go. He couldn¡¯t stop Ish. He didn¡¯t want to. The man got what he had coming, and he was sure he would be the same way if he were in Ish¡¯s shoes. In fact, he almost was! His Riolu! He saw the Poke Ball on the ground and moved for it, scooping it up and smiling. ¡°Riolu.¡±

    ¡°People like this burn in Hell! Fucking faggot ass, pussy nigga!!¡± Ish punched him again, out of breath by now. ¡°I should fucking kill you!! You don¡¯t deserve jail!! You lucky, you bitch nigga! YOU LUCKY!!¡±

    The man was motionless, and could have passed off as dead.

    *

    The old man¡¯s unconscious body was being dragged facedown along the ground, Ish holding one leg, Elekid pulling the other.

    Originally, Ish had Elekid struggling to drag the man by himself, to redeem Elekid and cause more injury to his Pokenapper, but the effort was a lot for the Baby, so Ish helped out. This was after his Pichu was allowed to zap the creep until Pichu was worn out due to injuring himself everytime he used Electric moves.

    Ish¡¯s Sudowoodo, once the young Bonsly, followed up behind them, keeping an eye on the bastard.

    The creep¡¯s Ariados was in its Poke Ball, Ish keeping it in his pocket.

    Electivire and Raichu were on opposite sides of Gary, Electivire a little further back.

    They all stopped at a crossroad. Off to the right was an open plain, and to the left, the beginning of a mountain to climb.

    Gary pulled his left hand that was in a black glove, out of his coat pocket and held it out to Ish.

    Ish reached out and they both bumped fists rather than doing the cool handshake Ish always did. ¡°Mah nigga, until next time.¡±

    ¡°You sure he¡¯s gonna make it there alive?¡± Gary joked.

    Ish sneered down at the old man. ¡°I hope not. I don¡¯t care. He needs to die. I¡¯ll drag his shit self to the police in Alamos Town and let the cops get him from there.¡±

    ¡°You have to care for all these Pokemon from work, Ish. Don¡¯t forget,¡± Gary smiled. ¡°You can¡¯t afford jail. You have a lot of good to do for this world.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and that¡¯s why I¡¯ll try to get him there alive, but no promises.¡± Ish never looked away from the guy.

    ¡°I still don¡¯t get what someone wants to kidnap Baby Pokemon for,¡± Gary shook his head, looking to the creep. ¡°To sell? Are they worth money?¡±

    Ish shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s more than that. He¡¯s a Pokephile. That¡¯s why he kidnaps Baby Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a... Poke File? What does that mean?¡± Gary asked, looking at Ish.

    Ish finally looked to Gary and shook his head. ¡°People like him... They...¡± He took a breath. ¡°They Pokenap Baby Pokemon to...¡± He paused and wiped at his mouth aggressively. ¡°They sell Baby Pokemon to other creeps like them and do bad things... Look.¡± He inhaled shakily and let it out in a big sigh, shaking his head. ¡°This may come as a surprise to you, coming from someone like me, but the less you know, the better. There¡¯s some things even I¡¯m not comfortable talking about.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened at this statement, and he held his breath.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you around some day. Good luck in Sinnoh.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Ish. I just wish you were competing here, too. We could have that rematch.¡±

    ¡°Next time we meet, let¡¯s battle,¡± Ish offered, nodding solemnly.

    Gary nodded eagerly. ¡°Deal.¡± This would have been a moment where Gary would be smiling.

    But the atmosphere did anything but welcome it.

    Elekid nodded to Gary and the Pokemon with him.

    ¡°Raichu!¡± Raichu waved weakly as Elekid and Ish walked down the road.

    Electivire grunted, watching them.

    Elekid looked back at Electivire with wide eyes.

    ¡°Vire!¡± Electivire looked around and then crossed his arms, turning his back to the Baby.

    Elekid stared only a second longer before looking away, continuing to drag the old man with his Trainer.

    Gary looked to the curving road leading up and around the mountain. He turned to the two Pokemon accompanying him.

    Raichu looked back at him.

    Electivire didn¡¯t, instead staring up the mountain.

    Gary turned to the mountain again. ¡°This is it, guys. The road to saving June, and the whole world.¡±

    Together, Gary taking the lead, the three of them began their climb.

    A sudden, strong burst of wind almost seeming to warn them away.

 Raging Vire

    Gary stomped up the mountain¡¯s curving road in his boots, slowly reaching higher. He had his hood down over his black beanie hat, only his left hand in a glove, but both hands in his coat pockets. Maybe I should have worn my pjs under the jeans, Gary considered, shivering as he continued to climb.

    Electivire and Raichu moved determinedly behind him. Electivire was always serious, but Raichu was uncharacteristically solemn.

    Man, this is a challenge, which I expected, but this is truly pushing my limits! Gary kept to himself. Hey, just try to warm up by thinking about what you¡¯re gonna wish for! You¡¯ve only got three wishes. June, Prof. Oak, this monster... My sister... Team Solace... Was there more? Should there be more? A hard wind slammed into Gary and he took one step back, groaning against it. It stopped after a moment and Gary¡¯s body eased up just a little but remained tight, struggling with just the cold now. I wonder if it will snow.

    A voice came from somewhere, and before anyone knew where from exactly, as they all stopped, something bounced around the corner and charged at Gary, flying through the air!

    Gary grabbed a Poke Ball and pulled his arm back. ¡°Riolu!¡± He thrust his arm forward. ¡°AAAAH!¡± His face was mushed, his Poke Ball flying out of his hand, and he landed on his side!

    Electivire had shoved Gary aside and leaped at the Geodude that had appeared, leaving June¡¯s bag behind!

    Geodude slammed into Electivire¡¯s middle, taking him down.

    ¡°Ri! Ri?¡± Riolu, freed from the tossed Poke Ball, looked to Gary and then to Electivire and Geodude, confused.

    Electivire looked furious as he stood and raised a fist. It became coated in Ice and he slugged Geodude.

    ¡°Duuuuude!¡± Geodude was Frozen solid and tumbled backwards on the hard ground.

    Gary sat up, his shoulder sore where he had landed. ¡°HEY!¡± he shouted at Electivire.

    ¡°DUUUUDE!!¡± Geodude burst free of the Ice and then turned and bounced away.

    ¡°Geodude, wait!¡± Gary got up and ran after it, turning the corner the Pokemon had gone around. ¡°GEODUDE!¡± Gary reached for a Poke Ball to toss, but Geodude leaped off the side of the mountain! ¡°GEODUDE! HEY!¡± Gary ran to the edge and looked over.

    Geodude was just fine. It had reached a landing and leaped from that ledge next, landing further below until it was out of sight.

    Gary let out his breath in defeat and then stood, turning to Electivire. ¡°This is getting to be enough, now! Electivire,¡± he walked over to him, ¡°it¡¯s time to settle this once and for all! How about a Pokemon battle?!¡± Gary instantly regretted these words. I can¡¯t challenge this thing! Not without Charizard, at least!

    Electivire grinned big and punched his fists together, causing big sparks, and he nodded.

    No, no, no. I need to consider what Pokemon I have who can take him on, Gary told himself. But I know Charizard can do it. Damn it! What do I do now? ¡°Okay, well, once I think it over, I¡¯m gonna battle you and beat you, but can¡¯t you listen to me? In the meantime, can¡¯t we get along?¡± He wanted to cry at this point. This just isn¡¯t fair! he complained in his head, keeping back desperate tears. I¡¯m practically begging this thing to listen to me! I¡¯m not his Trainer, but what kind of a Trainer am I? I¡¯m this close to crying!

    Electivire¡¯s horns sparked.

    ¡°Hey! We¡¯re not battling now, okay?¡± Gary took a step back, feeling himself giving up. I think I really oughta just toss this thing to Kiwi and Prof. Sketchit, he considered. Thinking this made him think of Prof. Oak, and he could have shed a tear right there.

    ¡°Ahoy, friend! You a Rock type Trainer? No? Perhaps you own some Rock types to battle?¡± someone called out.

    Everyone turned.

    A man was coming down the mountain, towards Gary, waving a happy arm, his mouth wide open in a cheerful smile.

    ¡°Hi.¡± Gary couldn¡¯t make himself smile back, being far from in the mood to make his muscles work for it. His eyes suddenly widened. There¡¯s other people on this mountain, he realized. Jirachi.

    ¡°Hey! Great day for climbing?¡± the man stopped by them, a Poke Ball in his other hand. His eyes met with Gary¡¯s.

    Gary tensed up. Oh, no, he worried. ¡°I... Yes, I guess.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a Hiker, as I¡¯m sure you can tell!¡± He laughed heartily as he grabbed at the straps of his large brown backpack. He then strongly patted the chest of his thick brown coat with one hand. ¡°I¡¯m looking to raise the Defense of my Rock type Pokemon and was hoping to battle some fellow Rock types. If you don¡¯t have any, I¡¯ll take what I can get for Experience, at least!¡±

    Gary racked his brain for a bit, trying to recall all of the Pokemon he¡¯d caught, but he gave up after a few seconds, and he didn¡¯t feel like going through the Pokedex. He didn¡¯t feel like battling at all. ¡°I don¡¯t, I¡¯m sorry. And-¡±

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire stepped up past Gary.

    ¡°Oooh ho! I see this one is ready to go! Looks like puuuure muscle!¡± the wide and tall man laughed again. ¡°Let¡¯s go, then! Is two Pokemon each okay?¡±

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary tried.

    Electivire¡¯s horns sparked.

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve got at least three, but I only own Graveler and Nosepass!¡± He threw the first Poke Ball, and immediately grabbed his second one and sent out his last Pokemon.

    ¡°Gravelerrrrrrr,¡± a Graveler growled excitedly.

    ¡°Nooooose!¡± Nosepass stood motionless.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start with Graveler!¡± the Hiker pointed, and Graveler called out, stomping forward.

    I can¡¯t refuse it. Our eyes met, Gary knew. ¡°Okay. Two Pokemon each. Let¡¯s go.¡± He looked to Riolu. Not my normal consideration, he knew, but...

    Tyrogue stared back at him.

    Gary blinked hard a couple of times.

    Only Riolu was there staring back.

    Gary¡¯s nose twitched. ¡°Riolu...¡± he whispered.

    ¡°VIIIIIIIRE!¡±

    Gary, Riolu, and Raichu looked up to see Electivire meet up with Graveler and Sweep its legs out from under it.

    Graveler crashed down hard.

    Electivire pulled back his leg again and Kicked out with a different move.

    Graveler was flung backwards and fell hard, tumbling until slamming into the side of the mountain.

    ¡°Graveler!¡± the Hiker called to his Pokemon.

    Before the Hiker even looked back to Electivire, the Electric menace already had cupped hands, charging up a yellow orb, leering at Nosepass.

    Nosepass didn¡¯t react, not even staring at Electivire, and not budging an inch.

    Electivire tossed his Focus Blast at close range.

    Nosepass was tossed back and hit the side of the mountain. It remained still.

    ¡°My Pokemon! Hey, now!¡± The Hiker glared at Electivire, and then Gary, and then back to Electivire before returning to Gary. ¡°What¡¯s the point of all that, now?¡±

    ¡°Elec...¡± Electivire growled at the man.

    The man stumbled backwards, frightened. ¡°What¡¯s going on, kid? You win! You win! I¡¯m out!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s body sparked.

    The man hit the side of the mountain and slid down into a sitting position.

    Electivire tried to hit them all with Thunder, but the move came out and instead curved, hitting Raichu. Electivire wasn¡¯t pleased and charged at Raichu!

    Raichu screamed and took off on all fours, running back down the mountain!

    ¡°HEY! NO! CUT THIS OUT!!¡± Gary ran after them. It wasn¡¯t a minute before Gary had Electivire back in his Poke Ball.

    Raichu was bent over, breathing hard and holding his knees, tired already.

    Gary was doing the same, and he looked behind him, hearing a noise.

    Riolu stood there, breathing as tiredly as her Trainer, but not looking worn out. Her eyes were focused on Gary.

    Gary stood up straight and approached Riolu. He let out his breath and smiled. ¡°Sorry you have to see so much nonsense, Riolu. I¡¯m not the amateur Trainer I appear to be right now. There¡¯s a lot going on.¡±

    Riolu just blinked, but showed no emotional reaction that Gary could read.

    With Riolu and Raichu, Gary walked back up the mountain, reaching the spot he had seen the Hiker last.

    The Hiker and his two Pokemon were gone, only June¡¯s bag left on the ground.

    *

    ¡°Shoot,¡± Gary whispered. He put his phone in his coat pocket, disappointed that he was getting no service, but not surprised. His arms wrapped around his legs as he shivered hard.

    Electivire was pacing back and forth.

    Raichu was happily rocking on his back, holding his feet.

    The gang was in a cave they had taken shelter in for the night.

    Prof. Oak¡¯s book on the ground in front of him, he knew from it that he supposedly had one more day left before the return of Jirachi. He also was going over the notes of how to make a wish on Jirachi.

    Prof. Oak bothered to note that it wasn¡¯t as simple as just stating the wish, but he didn¡¯t go any further into it.

    If it was more than just saying ¡°I wish...¡± then Gary had no clues as to what else was involved. This was a little frustrating, but Gary assured himself that if it were anything more complicated, the professor would have noted it. Right?

    It was freezing cold, Gary wishing he could just plug the opening of the cave long enough to sleep through the night. He was sure he¡¯d catch a cold when all this was done and over, and his nose was already stuffy and runny. He knew he could pass time reading Prof. Oak¡¯s book, but it was too cold to concentrate on it. Staying in one place wasn¡¯t a good idea, but Gary didn¡¯t know what else to do. ¡°Hey, you guys, it¡¯s warmer inside of the Poke Balls, you know? I bet Riolu¡¯s nice and cozy.¡± He held up their Poke Balls. ¡°Come back inside. No need to freeze with me out here.¡±

    Electivire ignored him completely, continuing his back-and-forth stroll.

    Raichu stood up and bent his arms, his cheeks sparking after giving Gary a determined smile. ¡°Raichu Raichu, Raichu! Rai Rai Raaai! Raichu!¡±

    Gary squinted with confusion, but he nodded. ¡°I see. So you¡¯re feeling just fine. You¡¯re warm. Is it because of the electricity within you? Are you both warm? That must be it. I could use some of that, ha ha ha.¡± Gary buried his head into his knees and wrapped his arms around them. Man, this sucks. I wonder what¡¯s worse: the unexpected horrors of this journey, or the expected ones... A sparking sound was going off, and when it finally registered with Gary, he looked up with a start. Wait! he realized. ¡°WAIT!¡± he shouted to Raichu.

    His cheeks were sparking. ¡°Raaaaaaaaaai...¡±

    ¡°RAICHU!¡± Gary begged, regretting his words just a moment ago.

    ¡°CHUUUUUUUUU!!!¡±

    ¡°WWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!¡± Gary was laid out flat, twitching and sparking. His jaws tightened against his will, his entire body pained. Is it me or are you getting stronger? Gary tried to say out loud, but was unable, so it stayed in his head.

    ¡°Raichu?¡± Raichu cocked his head, looking at Gary with innocent eyes.

    *

    Riolu stood staring at Electivire.

    Electivire was sneering back at Riolu, sitting with his legs crossed and fists on the ground.

    Raichu was watching with wide eyes, holding on to the end of his tail, his sunglasses also held.

    Gary sat holding Raichu, Riolu and Electivire¡¯s Poke Balls in his hands.

    Riolu¡¯s eyes were wide, staring with great focus.

    Electivire raised a hand and held it out to Riolu.

    ¡°Rai?¡± Raichu whispered.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Ri!¡± Riolu was flicked in the head with one finger from Electivire and she cried out, landing on her back.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary stood up and crossed his arms.

    ¡°Raichu.¡± Raichu looked down with exasperation.

    Riolu sat up, frowning.

    ¡°Did you at least get anything, Riolu?¡± Gary asked, not hopeful.

    Riolu closed her eyes and shook her lowered head.

    His arms came undone. ¡°I didn¡¯t think so. Ha. Without June, I don¡¯t have a way for you to tell me what you saw, anyway,¡± he smiled and then sighed. ¡°Darn. Thanks anyway, Riolu. You¡¯ve done more than enough. Good try.¡± He returned Riolu to her Poke Ball. After that, he glared at Electivire.

    The Pokemon now had his eyes closed, sitting in silence, like some form of meditation.

    ¡°Well, honestly Electivire, enough is enough at this point. We¡¯ve had this talk more times than I can remember. This is it, and it¡¯s up to you.¡±

    Electivire didn¡¯t reply, but he did open one eye and turned it towards Gary.

    Gary bravely walked up to him and crossed his trembling arms over his chest again. He was cold for sure, but scared? He wasn¡¯t right now. ¡°I thought by using Riolu¡¯s Aura, maybe there was a way to find a solution. To pull the answers out of you. But you won¡¯t let anybody in, right? You won¡¯t open up. And Riolu¡¯s too young, anyway. You don¡¯t want help, and you want to ruin my journey. I¡¯ll have eight Badges by the time I¡¯m done and won¡¯t have earned a single one! That¡¯s not how this is gonna work out, pal. I gave you everything, just like June.¡±

    Electivire¡¯s other eye opened now.

    ¡°When I get her back finally, I¡¯ll explain everything to her, but the decision is yours. You can either follow me to the next city and stay with Profess...¡± Gary inhaled deeply. ¡°You can stay with Prof. Sketchit, or you can just go and be free, battling and doing whatever you want. I¡¯m not here for you to get free battles from. Not like how you¡¯ve been doing, interfering with my matches. Get it on your own. I¡¯m not here to sit through your crap anymore, man! We are done!¡±

    ¡°Raichu! Raichu!¡± Raichu ran up to Gary and reached up to him.

    ¡°NO! Raichu, this is it!!¡± Gary barked at Raichu and then looked at Electivire. ¡°We¡¯re officially done, man!¡±

    Electivire didn¡¯t even seem to be breathing, sitting completely still.

    Suddenly, catching Raichu off guard.

    Causing Electivire¡¯s eyes to widen.

    Gary himself even startled.

    Gary snickered! A smile hit his face as he began to chuckle. I must be tired. Deliriously so, Gary told himself. What¡¯s so damn funny? Oh, yeah. That, he remembered, and laughed harder.

    Raichu was backing up a few slow steps, eyeing Gary with concern.

    ¡°You know, Electivire,¡± Gary kept laughing, rubbing his eyes. ¡°This is all so funny. I think I- No. No. I don¡¯t get it, but it¡¯s still funny. I can¡¯t help but think now on your past with June. You as an Elekid. When you first met her.¡±

    ¡°Vire?¡± Electivire spoke, frowning now.

    ¡°Yeah, you were a good little boy back then, right? Is that why you hated seeing Ish¡¯s Elekid? Is that it?¡± Gary wasn¡¯t laughing anymore, but he had a huge smile on and an expectant look. ¡°You reminded of when you used to be a good boy? Back when you were a good little Baby? Then you evolved and got yelled at for not being strong enough, and thought you¡¯d pay June back by evolving and becoming a smart-ass by not listening and just beating up everything in sight? You can¡¯t even look your past in the face. That¡¯s how I know you know what you¡¯re doing is wrong. You¡¯re not some tough guy. You¡¯re just a bully. A spoiled bully brat!¡±

    Electivire stood up with a grunt, tall over the boy and less than an inch apart.

    Gary bared his teeth, nervousness coming over him, but he stood his ground. His face was only almost at Electivire¡¯s chest, and he was forced to look up at him.

    Raichu was pleading for them to stop.

    ¡°Oh, just get out of here! Go on!¡± Gary pointed behind him with his thumb. ¡°Or I can leave! I don¡¯t care anymore! I¡¯m not raising you or caring for you anymore! Good luck to ya! You¡¯re no Electivire. You¡¯re still the same damn Baby you were back when June found ya!¡± He raised a finger and shoved it into Electivire¡¯s furry chest. ¡°Grow up!¡±

    Two huge hands rose and landed on Gary¡¯s shoulders. Gary yelped out in fright as Electivire leaned his head closer to the boy, tightening his grip.

    Raichu was crying out, begging and pleading, as Electivire¡¯s eyes glowed blue.

    Gary screamed at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing continuously.

    *

    A much younger June picked an apple from a tree, three other Pokemon behind her watching what was going on.

    One Pokemon was an Electrode, the other a Magnemite, and the last one a Flaaffy.

    A berry was plucked from a bush by the hand of an Elekid. Elekid turned and stared at June, and they exchanged fruits.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Soon, everyone was relaxed and happy, June and Elekid chomping away.

    ¡°Say, little guy. If you don¡¯t mind, maybe we could be even closer friends? I have a whole huge family that would love to meet you. And, if I have you by my side, I know I can beat- L... Loo... Lightneny... L... Mr. Surge!¡± June laughed.

    After taking another bite and swallowing, Elekid nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t really know if I¡¯m that good at battling, but I was warned Trainers usually attack Pokemon. Why didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you must mean for battle. Yeah,¡± June nodded. ¡°But that¡¯s using the Pokemon they own already. People don¡¯t attack Pokemon, themselves.¡± She laughed. ¡°I¡¯m not really a huge fan of Pokemon battles. I just want to make friends. But... I want to show Mr. Surge that I¡¯m worthy and can be whatever he wants me to be. He saved my life and I owe him everything. Please, will you battle with me just this one time? I only have to do this once!¡±

    ¡°Okay! One battle can¡¯t be that bad!¡± Elekid ate more of his apple as June laughed. He found the laughter kind of odd, not getting what was so funny, but paid it no mind, finishing his fruit as the other three Pokemon laughed with the girl.

    *

    ¡°Is this it? Is this the battle?¡± Elekid had come out of his Poke Ball, now inside of a big building, and he saw a taller being facing him.

    A Raichu!

    Behind Raichu was a very muscular man. He was wearing an open, dark-green vest with matching pants, a little silver dog tag around his neck. His smile was tremendous, his teeth a beautiful white. This was an impressive-looking human. ¡°So ya gotcha self a Baby, heh? Heh heh heh... Cute! I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t take it easy on ya, June.¡±

    Elekid looked behind him to see his friend. ¡°June!¡± He waved at her, his mouth open in an excited smile.

    June kept a stern face, looking from the man, her face red, down to Elekid. Her eyes narrowed at him. ¡°Pay attention, will you?? Where¡¯s your damn backbone?? He just disrespected you, which is a disrespect to me! Is this how you¡¯re gonna defend your Trainer? What good are you if this is how you¡¯re gonna be in battle?!¡±

    ¡°Huh...?¡± Elekid¡¯s mouth fell open, stunned by this. ¡°I-I-I-I¡¯m sorry, June...¡± He turned from her and formed fists. A more angry look came over his face. ¡°Alright, bigger Pokemon. This is my first-¡±

    ¡°Raichu, let¡¯s see how it takes da Dundabolt!¡± Lt. Surge instructed.

    ¡°Nice to meetcha, kid,¡± Raichu grinned, his cheeks sparking.

    The next thing Elekid knew, he was on his back, sparks surrounding his body. ¡°What just...?¡± he managed, trying hard to sit up. He just ended up back down.

    ¡°Elekid is unable to continue! Raichu is the winner!¡± a distant voice called out.

    ¡°Gonna have ta come betta den dat, June!¡± Lt. Surge was heard.

    Elekid blinked constantly, trying to see clearly, and he rolled over onto his stomach, looking up wearily at his Trainer. ¡°June... I¡¯m-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mister Lieutenant Surge, sir.¡± Her saddened, embarrassed words were for Lt. Surge, but her cold eyes were on Elekid. She held out the Poke Ball, pulling Elekid back in it.

    Elekid was now in a serene place again. It was quiet, the only noises coming from the voices outside. There wasn¡¯t anything to be seen, but the energy outside was strong. Noisy. There was tension.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I sent him out to battle. Stupid!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so harsh, June. It was just a Baby Pokemon. The most inexperienced of all Pokemon. You¡¯ll learn. I¡¯m sorry I had ta do dat.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, sir! It¡¯s all his. Elekid¡¯s!¡±

    Elekid felt a stir in himself, listening from within the Poke Ball.

    ¡°That will never happen again. I¡¯ll never use him again!¡± she shouted.

    More things were said, but Elekid couldn¡¯t listen any further. He just wanted to shrink into nothingness and be unreachable by anyone ever again. I never wanted to battle in the first place, Elekid cried to himself.

    *

    ¡°Elekid, this is the second time! I thought you would help me!¡± June yelled at Elekid.

    ¡°I tried, June! I¡¯m sorry!¡± Elekid pleaded, worn out on the floor after another battle. ¡°I thought I was only going to battle one-¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t land a single hit! I don¡¯t want excuses! I want a damn win outta you!¡±

    Elekid was put back in his Poke Ball.

    *

    ¡°I know Baby Pokemon are weak, but how am I ever gonna get you to be any stronger if you don¡¯t fight?! I can¡¯t believe any Pokemon can be this weak! It¡¯s just impossible! NO!¡±

    Elekid was crying quietly, his head down. He looked up slowly. ¡°But I attacked... The move didn¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°Excuses?! Again??!¡± June freaked out. ¡°That¡¯s all you ever have for me! No answers! No results! No improvement! What are we gonna do about this??¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know...¡± Elekid wiped at his wet face.

    ¡°Oh, boo hoo! I should be the one crying, but I¡¯m instead working harder! All you offer me are more tears! I can¡¯t even look at you right now, Elekid!¡± She returned Elekid to his Poke Ball, and the Baby was grateful.

    *

    Elekid stared at his bowl of Pokemon food.

    June was sitting on the ground next to him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being so stressed out lately, Elekid. I just have a lot on my plate since becoming a Gym Leader.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I should go back to the woods. The others fight much better than I do,¡± Elekid muttered.

    ¡°But our friendship comes first, Elekid. That means way more to me than winning battles.¡±

    Elekid looked up to see June staring at him. ¡°R-really...?¡±

    June looked away from him, to his bowl of food. ¡°I mean...¡± She paused again. ¡°I just have a job to do, and I need you to win. But, us being best friends is... also the world to me. They both mean a lot to me. I need to be enough for Lt. Surge!¡± A sad cry came out of her.

    ¡°June!¡± Elekid stood up and grabbed her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. June, I can do this! I can be a battler. We can show Lt. Surge, and beat him.¡±

    June smiled down at him, her eyes watering. ¡°Well, we won¡¯t be able to do a thing on an empty stomach.¡±

    Elekid nodded and sat down, stuffing his face determinedly.

    June began to laugh.

    Elekid turned to her and got a determined smile on his face before he started laughing with her. In an instant, he was choking on his food, unable to breathe.

    *

    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything today. You can''t be that hungry. You can eat in the morning,¡± June snapped at Elekid as the other Pokemon ate around them.

    Pikachu and Electrike ate with their heads in their bowls, pretending not to know what was going on.

    Elekid¡¯s eyes went from his bruised body to his Trainer. ¡°But-¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Elekid.¡±

    Elekid was recalled back. He found it nice being inside of the Poke Ball, where the most minor injuries and pain were being slowly removed and healed. Not all of the damages, but just enough of them. He found himself wishing he would be wiped away in the mix, too, never to be seen again.

    *

    ¡°I give you chance after chance, and all I get is loss after loss outta you!¡±

    ¡°June, you just don¡¯t understand!¡± Elekid was losing it at this point, and was actually yelling back at his Trainer!

    ¡°Hey, you guys, what¡¯s going on?¡± a challenger of June¡¯s called out hesitantly.

    The guy¡¯s Pokemon, a Pichu, stood on all fours, breathing hard, looking beaten up but with a determined smile.

    June glared at the Trainer and then back to Elekid. ¡°Baby Pokemon are weak, but a Baby Pokemon beat you. One that damages himself with most of his own moves! Lt. Surge is wrong. There¡¯s just something wrong with you! Just evolve already!¡±

    Elekid made fists and glared at June, enraged into tears as he was recalled.

    *

    The crowd in the Gym was louder than ever for June¡¯s next Gym battle.

    ¡°You can do it, June! You and Elekid will do it this time!¡± a man from the bleachers yelled out, followed by more support and shouts.

    ¡°Elekid, Quick Attack!¡±

    ¡°Yeeeeaaaaaa!¡± Elekid zoomed around the Gym, appearing here, there, and all over, having a blast. Haing the time of his life. I¡¯m doing it! I¡¯m gonna win my first battle!! ¡°Ha! Ho! Heeeeya!¡± Elekid leaped at Geodude and slammed into him headfirst. He fell back after colliding with such a Defensive Pokemon, but so did Geodude, although maybe only an inch.

    ¡°Grrr,¡± Geodude shook off the hit as he awaited orders from his Trainer.

    ¡°Tackle!¡± was Geodude¡¯s Trainer¡¯s only retaliation.

    ¡°Taaaaaaake this!¡± Geodude slammed into Elekid.

    Elekid groaned in great pain as he bounced twice on the Gym floor before laying still. The front of his body ached from the impact.

    ¡°Elekid!! Come on!!¡± June freaked out, losing her temper as she leaped up shortly in the air and slammed her feet down. ¡°I¡¯m not accepting another freaking loss out of you!! I¡¯m sick of this already!! What¡¯s the point in even using you?!  Can¡¯t you do anything?? I hate you so mmmmmmmmuuuuuuuch!!¡±

    Elekid groaned from the ground, tears burning in his closed eyes from his Trainer¡¯s devastating words as he sat up.

    ¡°I have so had it!!¡± June went on. ¡°After this match, I am so totally-!!¡± June¡¯s words were turned into a gargle of sorts, as Elekid started to glow in a bright white light!!

    He grew wider and taller. His arms got longer as his legs lengthened and became more sturdy, better holding up a bit of a fatter body. An appendage was sliding from his lower back. He felt more energetic than he felt in his entire life! This came with more confidence, attitude, and ¡°POWERRRRRRRRRRRR!!!¡± he exploded as the light around him went away in sparkles. He looked back at June.

    She had her mouth covered, stunned at the evolution.

    Electabuzz smirked proudly and nodded. I did it, June. I told you I could do it. For you. He looked to Geodude again and flexed his arms. ¡°YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!¡± His entire body sparked intimidatingly.

    Geodude sneered at the new Pokemon.

    ¡°Electabuzz!¡± the opposing Trainer gasped. ¡°We can still do this! Magnitude!¡±

    ¡°See if you can handle this!¡± Geodude flexed his arms as his body became outlined in brown. He dropped like a weight to the floor and the entire building shook lightly.

    Electabuzz groaned as he stumbled from the impact. The pain was unbearable. It was like the switch of energy within him was flicked off and grounded. The source unplugged. The Pokemon dropped.

    ¡°Useless!! AS EVER!!!¡± June scolded.

    The words were heard by Electabuzz, echoing around him, but also unclear to a degree. The ground was swaying, the Gym itself spinning. I lost, even after evolving, he told himself. I¡¯m not a Baby Pokemon anymore. June will hate me forever. Before he knew it, he was back in the comfort of his Poke Ball. I don¡¯t deserve comfort, he convinced himself.

    ¡°Grrrrrr!! I¡¯m done with losing due to you!¡± June¡¯s voice was heard from outside.

    Yeah... Electabuzz accepted. That¡¯s it. That¡¯s what I deserve. More words were heard out there, but Electabuzz paid none of it any attention.

    *

    Lt. Surge had paid June an unexpected visit. He complimented Electabuzz on his evolution, placing a powerful hand on his shoulder and giving him an affectionate squeeze. After he requested to talk to her in private, June¡¯s Pokemon were alone to continue eating.

    Electabuzz followed after them, giving them time to move ahead, and by the time he reached her room door, June was on her bed, her back to Lt. Surge, crying with her hands over her face.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir!¡± June burst out. ¡°I¡¯m so ashamed! I¡¯ve let you down! I can¡¯t defeat anyone no matter how hard I try! Even with Electabuzz evolved, he¡¯s just hopeless! Nothing I do with him works! Battling with my Pokemon, fighting wild Pokemon, he¡¯s just useless! Nothing but a friend to me, if that! I don¡¯t want friends! I want to be a powerful Gym Leader like you!¡±

    Electabuzz moved quickly from the door and carefully raised his hands to his mouth to keep any accidental sounds from coming out. Shaking his head, he crept away. There was a creeeeak that made him stop, and the conversation in the room went silent. But then, he didn¡¯t care, remembering what June had said. His hands fell from his face and hung at his sides, and he walked back to where June had left him and the others.

    There was a short trail of tears on the ground behind him that would have been easy to not see.

    *

    Electabuzz walked Gringey City with June that night. It would have been a beautiful night by the water, but all he could think of was that this would be the last time they¡¯d see each other.

    ¡°I truly cherish our friendship, Electabuzz.¡± June swallowed and then stopped, looking out to the water. She looked ill. A small object was held between both her hands. ¡°But if I can¡¯t do my job,¡± she swallowed again, ¡°then it¡¯s like, what kind of friend were you for me, you know?¡±

    Electabuzz stared at the thing June had, feeling drawn to it for some reason. He fought off this urge and instead looked down and just nodded.

    ¡°I thought we could do this. I thought we¡¯d be the best. You, me, Electrode, everyone. It¡¯s what I caught you for. It¡¯s why we teamed up, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    Electabuzz looked up to the item in his Trainer¡¯s hand again for just a second before staring at the girl. ¡°I know you¡¯re mad at me, and you want to release me now, but-¡±

    ¡°Release you? Electabuzz, what are you talking about? I¡¯m not gonna release you...¡± She looked away from him.

    ¡°June, it¡¯s not fair!¡± While he was surprised hearing June say she wasn¡¯t releasing him, he still had to let out all of his thoughts now. ¡°You promised we¡¯d never battle again after the first fight. You lied to me, and that¡¯s fine, but now you¡¯re mad at me! I never wanted to battle! You knew that, but now I¡¯m battling all the time!¡±

    June¡¯s eyes were wide with shock, her eyebrows narrowed. ¡°Electabuzz, I never said we¡¯d never battle again. I thought I made it clear that this was a longtime thing!¡±

    ¡°You specifically told me it¡¯d be just one battle, and nothing more! And I trusted you because you told me you didn¡¯t even like battling yourself. You told me you just wanted to be friends.¡± Electabuzz sounded so angry and hurt. Betrayed.

    ¡°Th-th-there must be a miscommunication, and I¡¯m sorry for that, Electabuzz,¡± June spoke carefully. ¡°But you¡¯re my friend! That comes before any of this Gym Leader stuff!¡±

    Electabuzz shook his head. ¡°June, I heard what you and Lt. Surge said about me. I know you hate me.¡±

    ¡°Lieutenant-¡± June froze, staring uncomfortably at her Pokemon. She gently passed the little yellow object between her hands a couple of times and then stopped, gripping it in just one hand.

    Electabuzz¡¯s eyes watched it when it was being moved from hand to hand, and he finally looked away from it when June held it still.

    ¡°Electabuzz, this is crazy,¡± she managed to laugh a little. ¡°Why would I ever say I hate you! I¡¯d never even dislike you!¡±

    Electabuzz sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes, sneering.

    ¡°Okay, I understand that I¡¯ve pushed you and been a little rough and mean and not been happy losing battles with you, but I nev-¡±

    ¡°You lose and blame me!¡± Electabuzz shouted. ¡°As if Pikachu and Electrode and the others aren¡¯t also losing matches!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because they put in so much more effort!¡± June shouted back.

    There was silence between them.

    Electabuzz was done with crying and being mad. He held back tears he wanted to shed. He¡¯d save them for when June finally released him and set him free, and he would be alone.

    June sighed and began to walk again. ¡°You have to understand, I¡¯ve been a Gym Leader for months, and have yet to win a single match. My title is being threatened, and I¡¯m letting down the greatest person I know, who means everything to me. He¡¯s all I care about!¡± She stopped and turned, seeing that Electabuzz hadn¡¯t moved from his spot. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to get stronger, Electabuzz?¡±

    Electabuzz stared at her calmly, blandly, simply. Do I want to get stronger, June? he asked her silently. You haven¡¯t listened to anything I¡¯ve said, and I understand why. I¡¯ve known for a while. He nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, June. I understand. I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t been good enough...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just... I mean, I¡¯ve taught you so many new moves to help you counter your weakness and to battle a variety of types, but nothing is working! I need strong Pokemon! Nobody loses like you lose! Do you know that?¡± She raised her hand a little higher and stared at the object in it.

    Electivire felt a strong pull towards whatever it was. He wanted to touch it, but he also didn¡¯t. He didn¡¯t understand, and he wasn¡¯t sure why June had it, or what that meant for him. But he felt reassured that this was it for them. He stared at her. ¡°I know. I¡¯m no good as I am, no matter how hard I try. I¡¯m completely useless.¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Seriously, though!¡± June insisted. ¡°I can¡¯t use you if you¡¯re gonna just do, basically nothing!¡± She laughed heartlessly, smiling with a satisfied look in her eyes.

    Electabuzz didn¡¯t return the grin. His emotional fuel had run dry. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything to make you happy.¡±

    June smiled huge and gripped the object in her hands, squealing with delight.

    Electabuzz continued to stare back at June, his solemness giving way to other feelings. Feelings he knew his Trainer, with her special talent, was well aware of.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad we¡¯re on the same page.¡± June held out the Electirizer.

    *

    Nurse Joy placed a Poke Ball on the trading machine. ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn, you two.¡±

    Electabuzz stared at the Electirizer in his hands. The power emanating from it was demanding in his hands, and yet somehow subdued. It was meant for him, and him alone.

    Or more specifically, any Electabuzz. Perhaps even an Elekid could feel what was inside. The power of the future.

    ¡°Alright. Return, Electabuzz!¡± June held out his Poke Ball.

    Electabuzz was hit by the red beam of the ball, and the beam then went away. He just stared at June.

    ¡°Electabuzz?¡± she gasped at him. She stared at the Poke Ball in shock, returning again to Electabuzz. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Electabuzz didn¡¯t look from the hold item in his hands. ¡°Sorry. Just got a little nervous...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t start having second thoughts, now! Let¡¯s get this over with already! Come on!¡± June demanded.

    Electabuzz looked up, meaning to turn to June, but his eyes went to Nurse Joy.

    She stared at him with such hard, focused, and at the same time, sympathetic eyes.

    Electabuzz stared back, taken aback by the woman he knew.

    She was always so kind to him, healing and feeding him.

    He¡¯d known her most of his life. There was nobody on the planet who meant more to him than her. Except June. He smiled at the nurse. ¡°If you¡¯re ready, I am.¡±

    Nurse Joy looked to June.

    ¡°Great! Then stop goofing around!¡± June responded, giggling. ¡°Cheer up! Ha, after this, you¡¯ll be happier than you¡¯ve ever been in your life! And I¡¯ll finally show Lt. Surge what I can do.¡±

    Nurse Joy became blurry in Electabuzz¡¯s vision as tears overtook his view against his will, and Electabuzz then glowed red. Before his vision went away, he saw Nurse Joy reach out to him, a sorrowful look on her face.

    *

    Gary blinked, staring at Electivire.

    Electivire¡¯s eyes were no longer blue. He just stared down at the boy. When his eyes closed, Gary saw a look he never witnessed on the Pokemon¡¯s face. He looked saddened, turning his back and walking over to the end of the cave. He sat, leaning back against it, and inhaled deeply. ¡°Electivire...¡± he breathed out.

    Gary looked around, confused. He was standing on his feet, but he felt like he could collapse to his knees at any second, his legs quivering. Where... was I? Just now, what happened? He looked down to see Raichu.

    And Riolu!

    Raichu was looking at Gary with a scared face, several feet away.

    ¡°Riolu?¡± Gary called out in confusion.

    Riolu was out of her Poke Ball, a couple of feet closer to Gary than Raichu was, staring at Gary with wide eyes. ¡°Ri...¡± she spoke softly.

    Gary breathed out and stared towards Electivire again.

    Electivire frowned, looking up to the ceiling.

    It was body language that Gary was familiar with. When he wants to cry about something, but is too proud to show it, and all he can do is look up, away from everyone else, to keep the tears from falling out and still look tough. But it was too obvious what was going on. He considered getting closer to Electivire. But he knew that might not be a good idea, so he stayed where he was.

    So that¡¯s your story? Gary thought. Electivire... It¡¯s not at all like June explained.

    She was abusive.

    And a liar.

    That explains it all. That¡¯s why you¡¯re still so mad at her.

    June... I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d do that, but I saw it myself, with what must have been the memories of Electivire, transferred through the move Psychic, somehow.

    June...

    Not you, of all people.

    Why?

    It took a little moment longer, but Gary realized that he had tears running down his face, and he sniffled.

 Be Careful What You Wish For

    Gary sat up, startled. ¡°June!¡± he let out. ¡°OW!¡±

    There were more startled reactions around him, Electivire and Raichu sitting up.

    The phone was blaring, the alarm going off.

    Gary raised his injured hand off the ground and used his other hand to cut off the alarm. He then swallowed. ¡°Ouch,¡± he whispered, shaking the hand lightly, feeling it throbbing. Breathing out, he lowered his gaze and thought back on the nightmare he just had. June... What was it this time...? He could see her falling to the ground from a high place, screaming. But that was it. In another memory, there was something flying through the sky, and... something about that involved June. He couldn¡¯t remember clearly. His left palm slapped his forehead and his hand then lowered, his fingers now rubbing his eyes, and finally, he looked to the cave opening and squinted from the brightness from the sun. He wanted to curl back up and sleep, but he had set that alarm for a reason.

    According to Prof. Oak¡¯s notes, the time to see Jirachi was in mere hours, and Gary wanted to be ahead of time. It was nine o¡¯clock now, and Gary got started with all of the hygienic necessities that he could actually accomplish, like brushing his teeth, using the bathroom, and, that was really all he was able to do. I¡¯ll bathe whenever I can finally find a body of water or just a Pokemon Center, but I really should look into those products the female Trainers are known for using, Gary told himself. Those face cleansers that don¡¯t require water like soap does. Women always know the best skin-care products, huh? Ha. I wonder if June has something like that in her bag...

    After he was taken care of, he took care of the Pokemon, sending them out once their bowls were out and filled, and introduced the latest change, Stantler. She was terribly shy and ran as far as she could, so Gary went over to her with her food and instructed the other Pokemon to leave her alone and allow her to warm up on her own. All of these tasks were hard to do with only one hand and as careful as Gary was trying to be, he kept crying out in pain from accidental bumps and movements.

    Finally, Gary was biding time, sitting and taking handfuls of cereal out of a box and tilting his head back, his mouth wide before letting the food tumble in.

    Most of the Pokemon were already done eating by now and were on to other things.

    Primeape was punching at the rock walls, burning energy.

    Riolu was watching with admiration and mimicking the punches, but not hitting the wall.

    Primeape would occasionally nod at her happily, looking down at her adoringly, and then go back to punching more eagerly than before.

    Raichu was watching them happily, pleased with their pleasant interaction.

    Scizor sat by herself, leaning against a wall, looking awkward.

    Stantler was clonking around shyly behind Gary, looking at the others slightly but mostly with her head down.

    Magneton was outside, taking in the sun.

    Lanturn was laughing at Magikarp as he flopped around.

    Electivire was sitting by the entrance to the cave, watching all of the Pokemon.

    Gary couldn¡¯t tell if Magikarp had touched a single bite of his food and just returned him to his Poke Ball. That¡¯s Raichu, Electivire, Stantler, Magikarp, Lanturn... I feel like something is missing... He rubbed the back of his neck as it prickled. Who else...?

    A sound grabbed his attention, from above. This made him uncomfortable, and slowly, he looked up.

    Galvantula was sliding down a string from a web, her legs waving wildly!

    Gary¡¯s scream echoed throughout the cave, and the entire mountain they all had settled on.

    *

    Gary walked through the freezing winds, a lot on his mind. My sister... That monster... Team Solace... June... Prof. Oak... Where does it all end? How? When? Why does this have to happen to me? He tried to inhale hard through his nostrils, ending up with a stuffy snort. A grunt behind him had him look back to see Electivire a distance away, walking with his head down, carrying June¡¯s bag. And this guy, Gary thought as he stopped walking. Who knew he had so much going on? But I saw it clearly through telepathy. I know the truth now. But what do I do with that? What does it mean for us all once I save her?

    Electivire looked up and stopped walking.

    Both Pokemon and child stared at each other in silence, the only sound the howling wind.

    Gary looked to the path they were going along and continued on it. After a bit of time, he peeped back, making sure Electivire was still following.

    He was.

    Gary felt like now, there was truly nothing stopping Electivire from staying with him, and nothing he could do to convince him to stay. He wasn¡¯t his Pokemon to begin with, but now that the secret was out, things had become silent and awkward between them. Gary even put Raichu back in the Poke Ball, no longer concerned Electivire would strike, and so far, he was right. June, abusing Pokemon. I just... I can¡¯t! How in the world? Why? Why wouldn¡¯t she explain this to me? Fess up to it? I would never believe this had I not seen it with my own eyes... Or... my mind. Whatever. This is just unbelievable. There¡¯s nothing I can ever say again about Electivire attacking June.

    The sun was high up, but it provided next to no help against the freezing temperature and threatening winds.

    And now, Gary stopped at a curve.

    It was a thin path ahead going around the mountain, and with such strong winds, everything seemed to reach a definitive end.

    Crap... He breathed out of his mouth and turned to Electivire. ¡°Yo, I think maybe you should wait here.¡±

    Electivire stopped walking and looked up.

    ¡°And watch the Pokemon. Including mine. In case things go wrong here.¡±

    Electivire frowned and shook his head. ¡°Electivire. Electivire.¡± He walked up to Gary and continued on, approaching the tight curve.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary grabbed his arm, stopping him.

    Electivire yanked his arm free, growling, but he didn¡¯t face Gary.

    ¡°Electivire, please. This is too much. I won¡¯t jeopardize your lives for my own goals. There¡¯s gotta be a better way.¡± Do I have anything big that can fly? Other than Charizard? ¡°Maybe I can check out what Pokemon I own and see if we can just fly through this.¡± He went through his Pokedex for a bit. ¡°Okay, Sabrina is an option to trade for, but I might weigh too much for her... It¡¯s a risk.¡± After pressing a couple of buttons, he nodded. ¡°Her weight, her height, not gonna happen.¡± Continuing through the Pokedex, he mumbled, ¡°Or maybe if I-¡± A rumble from afar grabbed Gary¡¯s attention, the mountain itself quaking lightly. Something loud and heavy, but definitely far away. Gary¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Jirachi?¡± he whispered. ¡°Was that it?¡± He and Electivire faced each other. ¡°Has it landed? Was that it?? I can¡¯t miss this! I have to go! Now!¡± He glared at the big Pokemon. ¡°Electivire, wait for me here. For once, just listen! Please!¡± He grabbed the Poke Balls from his belt and held them out to Electivire.

    The Pokemon held out his hands and the six balls fell into his palms.

    ¡°If anything happens, get out of here and get these guys to safety. Y¡¯all are free to go wherever you want. Just get off this mountain.¡± There¡¯s nothing any of my Pokemon can do for me, Gary knew. He looked beyond Electivire to the dangerous, thin road. It¡¯s too dangerous to be trying anything here, and I don¡¯t have time to come up with a plan. I think it¡¯s here already! Jirachi! ¡°I have to get going.¡± He walked past Electivire and stood at the curve. A deep breath was taken in by his mouth, and then blown right out. His right hand raised, bandaged and throbbing, and he sighed. How am I supposed to do this with an injured hand? With a sigh, he had his answer. I just have to. Somehow. He raised his left leg up, preparing to take the first step.

    The mountain rocked lightly with another loud but distant boom that came with billowing wind.

    Again? What is that? More than one Jirachi landing? Gary wondered, his foot lowering. Is it really Jirachi at all? Oh, man. If there¡¯s two, I can save the whole world for sure! I can make everything right with six wishes! I don¡¯t have time to think. Prof. Oak¡¯s notes, his information, can¡¯t be only stuff he knew. That Hiker could have been after Jirachi, too. Other people could be ahead of me right now, or right behind me. I have to get to the Jirachi first! Before anyone!

    Gary stepped ahead, and with another step, he flattened his body against the wall. He kept his injured hand behind his back, but the movement still caused him to groan out. He had enough room to actually walk, but it was too close to risk it, especially with the on-and-off winds and shaking mountain. Slowly, he slid his way along the wall, trying to be careful, but also urgent to get off of this deathtrap. Gary looked back to Electivire.

    He hadn¡¯t left his spot, watching with a glare.

    Gary swallowed and nodded. Good. He actually listened. Maybe the big oaf is actually afraid. He turned back to the path and swallowed. I can use my final wish to get the heck off this thing safely, Gary half-joked to himself. The child was hit with sudden realization that made him go still. Who am I to make such a call? Why am I so selfish? This is exactly what people like my family, and Ish, have been telling me! I¡¯m putting my needs so far ahead that even three wishes aren¡¯t enough, and I need six! What¡¯s wrong with me? Who am I? How dare I? Blinking himself out of his thoughts, he felt like he was going to fall and pushed his face hard into the rocky wall to confirm to himself that he wasn¡¯t. With that cold reassurance from the rock wall, he kept moving. Just don¡¯t look down, he told himself. Don¡¯t look down. Of course, thinking this only made him want to do it that much more.

    More winds came, roughly shoving at him.

    Gary groaned with fear and discomfort. Damn it, he cursed. Please, just don¡¯t quake again. Pleeeeease! Where is the end to this? He tried to see, but the path kept curving, making it impossible. The poor boy was trembling in the cold, and the fact his nose was blocked and he could only breathe through his mouth seemed to make the journey a lot harder somehow. He stared back towards Electivire, but he was now out of sight. This comforted Gary somewhat. It meant he had made some distance. But how much longer did he have to go?

    A strange sound was suddenly heard. A kind of raspy, low hissing of sorts.

    Must be... the air, or something, Gary came up with. Up here, air and heat rising, but somehow gets cold, and it must cause hissing like the air out of a tire. None of that made any sense, but it was too frightening to be hearing things, with the wind blowing, while inching along the edge of a loud, trembling mountain. Gary just needed anything to believe in! He needed some kind of mental ease! He inhaled big and held it, continuing on. It came out in a happy laugh!

    The edge! He spotted it! The landing looked so beautiful! No famous architectural structures matched the magnificence of that wide-open space right now. He inhaled swiftly before his body could get too eager and try to just slip across to safety. Easy, Gary. Take it slow. This isn¡¯t the time to die. You¡¯re almost there. And we¡¯ll definitely use one wish to get off this thing! Or maybe not. If I can save more lives, and help the world, my little old life is worth losing in the process. As long as it means-

    With a scream, something leaped up the side of the mountain, right in front of Gary! Towering well over him was an Arbok!! ¡°CHAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!¡±

    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!¡± Gary responded. ¡°AN ARBOK!! NOOOOO!!¡± Of all times, why now?! Where did it even come from?! Shhiiiiiiit!!

    ¡°CHAAAAAAAARBOKAAA!!¡± Arbok flicked its tongue out at him and inched closer.

    Gary had nowhere to go. No. Gary¡¯s eyes narrowed. This isn¡¯t how I go out, you stupid thing. Not pressed up against a wall. He moved off of the wall, his body facing Arbok, and his uninjured hand made a tight fist. Pokemon or not, I¡¯ll fight you myself, then!

    Arbok lunged at him.

    Gary screamed, waiting for his chance to swing, or kick, or do anything!

    Something lunged in between the both of them with a stern shout.

    Gary took one step back, terror taking over and then forcing his body to a still.

    Arbok chomped on the sudden stranger. ¡°CHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHAAAAAHHHAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!¡± Arbok wailed, letting go of the thing with pain, tears falling down its eyes.

    The thing that had appeared was very short and ugly and looked like a cocoon. With a cry, it slammed into Arbok, knocking it backwards.

    Arbok stood tall, calling out threateningly at the little creature. Its eyes then looked beyond the new creature.

    The thing Arbok was facing also looked behind it.

    In a loud rage, Gary was charging past the little monster, going for Arbok, and stopped.

    Arbok looked surprised and hissed at Gary while flicking its tongue out.

    Gary pulled back his leg, and after one mere second of hesitation, kicked the big snake off the mountain!

    Arbok screamed out as it went over!

    Gary and the little thing that saved him looked over the edge carefully, watching as Arbok screamed all the way down, disappearing with a bright twinkle. The Trainer then let out his breath and turned to the Pokemon. ¡°I couldn¡¯t let that thing stop us. No way, right?¡± He smiled, but he could have puked from the shock that he had actually done that!! He couldn¡¯t believe that amount of courage was within him, nor that it had just come bursting out like that, but it also made a lot of sense. This close to everything being fixed in his life, he couldn¡¯t let it end here like that. Swallowing, he thought, Sorry, Arbok. I hope you¡¯re okay, but... I had to. Looking back over the edge, he wondered, That Arbok... Why do I keep running into those things? It can¡¯t be the same-

    The new being bounced in place in front of Gary.

    ¡°Hey, what are you, anyway?¡± He took out the Pokedex as the creature bounced and spoke.

    Pupitar. The Hard Shell Pokemon. The evolved form of Larvitar. A Rock and Ground type Pokemon. Its shell is comparable to bedrock. Using the compressed gas within, they can propel themselves and with their power, topple an entire mountain.

    ¡°No way!! That¡¯s crazy! Just one of you can do that??¡±

    Yes.

    Gary stared with stunned eyes at his Pokedex¡¯s short response.

    ¡°Pupitar! Pupitar!¡± Pupitar bounced in front of him happily.

    That¡¯s just... impossible, Gary thought, smiling at the Pokemon. ¡°Well, take it easy in that case and let¡¯s get off this thing first, okay?¡± Gary smiled warily.

    ¡°Pupitar!¡± Pupitar happily bounced ahead, getting off of the dangerous bit, and then bounced in place again, urging Gary to follow.

    ¡°Right,¡± Gary nodded, and started walking until a big burst of wind hit him. ¡°OH!¡± He stumbled back a couple of steps.

    And his second step went over the edge!

    Screaming, he dropped to both knees and scrambled frantically. He was in pain immediately, his right hand aching, and he ended up rolling to the wall of the mountain. He cowered, waiting for the wind to end, as well as the pain in his hand. When they did, he quickly crawled on his knees and only good hand off the thin platform. ¡°I think that¡¯s it for me and mountains!¡± Gary said loudly to the ground, heaving hard.

    ¡°Pupitar! Pupitar!¡±

    ¡°Pupitar!¡±

    ¡°Pupitar!¡±

    ¡°Pupitar!¡±

    Gary looked up, seeing the one Pupitar that had helped him out, but there were more cries behind him, too! Remaining on his hand and knees, he looked back and gasped.

    Several Pupitar were standing there, a few of them bouncing in place. They all had such nasty faces, but the bouncing ones seemed to have a more friendly energy.

    Or at least Gary hoped. He stood up and turned to the one Pupitar he was familiar with. ¡°These guys are friendly, right?¡±

    BOOOOOM!

    Gary yelled out, trying to keep his balance as the mountain quaked a lot harder.

    A Pupitar had slammed into the side of the mountain, and the others were now bouncing in place after this.

    ¡°Wait, it¡¯s just you guys doing that? It¡¯s not...?¡± Gary said with disappointment.

    ¡°Pupitar! Pupitar!¡± the Pupitar by Gary jumped around.

    Gary smiled at it. I can¡¯t even battle one of these guys since my Poke Balls aren¡¯t even with me. Forced to breathe through his mouth only, his nose stuffed, he thought, Oh, well. ...However...

    As an idea came to Gary¡¯s head, a bright light blinded everyone, and Gary shielded his eyes as he backed up a bit, squinting in shock.

    *

    ¡°Pidgeooooo!!¡± Sabrina flew around the curve of the mountain, a big black duffel bag in her talons. She dropped it at Gary¡¯s feet and flew around happily.

    ¡°Sabrina, great job!¡± He went through the bag and found his six Poke Balls immediately. He then got Electivire¡¯s Poke Ball out of the bag, labeled with an E sticker, and sent out the Pokemon.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire smiled, flexing his arms. His smile went away as he looked around, his eyes first going to Gary, and then to the gang of Pupitar and the newest Pokemon, a Tyranitar. ¡°Vire!¡± He glared at Tyranitar.

    Tyranitar cried out with a happy face and ran up to Electivire. It wrapped him in a big hug and hoisted him up.

    Electivire¡¯s eyes were wide, not believing what was going on. He struggled and kicked to free himself, but Tyranitar had him locked up. When he was finally released, he rubbed his arms, sneering at Tyranitar. ¡°Elect,¡± he growled.

    ¡°Take it easy, everyone. Come on, now. Electivire, glad to see you. This is a friend. These all are. Tyranitar here, and the Pupitar. Let¡¯s all be nice.¡±

    Electivire curled his arms, his fists under them, and his horns sparked.

    Tyranitar just jabbered happily at Electivire.

    ¡°Like I said, he¡¯s not too friendly, but he¡¯s a good guy who¡¯s been through a lot,¡± Gary tried with Tyranitar. ¡°Please, don¡¯t be too offended.¡±

    Tyranitar nodded, smiling with its eyes closed.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°Vire??¡± Electivire looked at Gary with wide eyes and then got angry. ¡°VIRE ELEC VIRE VIRE!!¡±

    ¡°Please, man. I can¡¯t anymore with you,¡± Gary said wearily.

    ¡°IS THAT A TYRANITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR???!!!!!?!!!?!?!¡± a voice exploded from afar.

    Everyone turned to see a figure charging towards them, down from the upper area of the mountain.

    This person was babbling incoherently now, getting closer.

    Gary squinted at this woman. Something looked so familiar about her, and before he recognized who it was, he knew that something deep down inside knew her, his heart turning to ice and dropping hard.

    The woman got closer.

    Gary squinted harder.

    The woman was even closer.

    Gary blinked repeatedly. Who...?

    Tyranitar let out a big roar and then charged for the woman!

    Gary and Electivire gasped at this.

    Tyranitar and the woman stopped right in front of each other, held hands, and started stomping their feet in an eager dance, making the entire mountain quake and rumble!

    ¡°OH! Let¡¯s not do that!¡± The woman burst into laughter.

    Tyranitar laughed oddly, its hands waving with excitement. It was like a gigantic child.

    The woman cut her laughter short and squinted directly at Gary and then Electivire, and finally Sabrina. She turned to the Pupitar, and then went back to Sabrina, Electivire, and lastly Gary. ¡°Nice to meet you, stranger. Or I hope it is. Do you like Bug and Ghost type Pokemon? Do you own Bug and Ghost type Pokemon?¡± She approached Gary.

    It was with those questions that Gary was now remembering her, but he still wanted to believe that she could possibly be somebody, anybody, else!

    Still squinting at him, the woman stood several inches taller. She had a brown, furry ushanka covering most of the dark-blonde hair on her head, a Sewaddle on top. Her hands were in thick, black gloves, her legs in thick, black pants. She wore a big brown and red coat with a furry hood at the back. A rope was around her brown belt. A brown bag hung from her shoulder, another big white hiking bag on her back. Her feet rested inside long black boots, the black fur tops stopping just past her ankles. In her arms was a red blanket bundled up. The woman leaned in closer, squinting more.

    Gary took a step back, not minding if he fell off the mountain this time considering he was getting more and more convinced by the second exactly who this was.

    An old acquaintance of his during his journey in Kanto. Someone whose Pokemon literally saved his life twice. Someone - who was completely out of their mind.

    ¡°Uh,¡± Gary uttered.

    ¡°You do, don¡¯t you? I mean, you must!¡± she smiled, keeping in Gary¡¯s face. ¡°Who doesn¡¯t love Bug type Pokemon? They¡¯re only the greatest types of them all and Ghost types are also just as great, so it¡¯s like they¡¯re one singular type. Like, Bughost. Or, Ghostug. Ha ha ha ha I crack myself up ¡®kay bye!¡± She strolled past him. ¡°I¡¯ll see you guys later I¡¯ve got Jirachi and gotta go make my wisheeeeeeees ¡®kay byyyyyyyyyyye!¡± She skipped along and started crossing the thin path just as haphazardly.

    Gary watched her with wide eyes, not believing what she was about to do. Then, her words finally smacked him upside the head. ¡°Jirachi??! HEY!! STOOOOP!!!¡± Gary ran up to where the safe bit of the mountain ended, stopping at the thinner route.

    The woman stopped and looked back at him, her eyes wide. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re right. What am I thinking??¡± She skipped right back across, reaching where Gary was as the boy moved out of her way. ¡°We never got down to business. Do you like Bug and Ghost type Pokemon?¡±

    ¡°FORGET THAT!! Did you just say you have-??¡±

    ¡°Forget it?? There¡¯s nothing more important than Bug and Ghost type Pokemon! How dare you!¡± She looked mortified, holding the blanket bundle closer to her chest. ¡°What I¡¯m asking is crucial, and depends upon the level of judgment I must bring upon your head, stranger. Stran. Ger. Stranger.¡±

    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Gary erupted in his mind, memories, flashbacks, traumatic experiences flooding his head as he recalled the long day he had definitely spent with this woman back in Kanto last year. ¡°You... You...! You¡¯re that girl! The Ranger! From... Celadon! I think? Back in Kanto!¡±

    ¡°Hmmmmmmmmmmm????¡± She cocked her head, raising an eyebrow. She then smiled big, her mouth open huge! ¡°BUTTERFREE BOOOYYYY!!!¡± She was now glaring. ¡°Yeah, I do remember you.¡±

    Gary blinked in surprise. Butterfree Boy...? ¡°My name is Gary!¡± he said angrily. At this weird, new nickname, he couldn¡¯t help but feel upset, considering he had always referred to the late Bug Gym Leader Tera as the Butterfree girl. It was a memory he made a lot of progress in not thinking about anymore. But now it was back.

    ¡°Okay. Gary. Anyway, where¡¯s your Butterfree! She¡¯s gone, isn¡¯t she? You released her, right? I knew it! I knew I should have taken her from you when I had the chance! Where¡¯d you release her? I¡¯ll find her right now! Just you wait and see! I¡¯M OFF!!¡± She ran back to the thin path.

    ¡°WAIT!!¡± Gary ordered.

    She froze in place, stuck in a running position, one leg up behind her, smiling.

    ¡°First off, I still have my Butterfree, okay? Secondly-¡±

    The woman suddenly ran in reverse, as if someone had hit the rewind button on life. ¡°Then show me her! Where is she then, huh?¡± she insisted, leaning in Gary¡¯s face, her hands on her hips. ¡°Which Poke Ball is it?¡± Keeping the blanket in one arm, she reached out with her other to Gary¡¯s waist, trying to get a Poke Ball from it.

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary grabbed at her arm, not wanting to shove her while on the edge of a mountain, but struggling to save his personal space. ¡°HEY!¡± he repeated as the blanket in her arm unraveled just a tiny bit, revealing something within.

    The woman gasped and held the thing closer to her.

    What was inside cried out lightly.

    ¡°Is that it??¡± Gary cried.

    The woman pulled the critter away, turning her body. ¡°YOU CAN¡¯T HAVE IT!! I DON¡¯T CARE IF GHOSTS AND BUGS ARE BETTER!! I MUST PROTECT THIS CUTIE, FOR THE SAKE OF ALL GHOSTS AND BUG POKEMON!!! I MUST MAKE MY WISHEEEES!!¡±

    ¡°THAT¡¯S JIRACHI??? YOU HAVE IT??!!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s Jirachi who¡¯s Jirachi is that a new Pokemon?? Well, you better go catch it lemme know how that goes ¡®kay bye!¡± She turned and shot for the edge.

    ¡°NOT SO FAST!!¡± Gary grabbed her by the waist and yanked her back.

    The woman screamed and freed herself, facing Gary furiously. ¡°How dare you touch a woman that way!¡±

    ¡°Listen! I need you to cut this out! This is serious! What are you doing with Jirachi?? I came all the way up here for that!¡±

    ¡°You came to catch Jirachi?¡±

    ¡°Kind of, yeah! I need the wishes! I need to save lives!¡±

    ¡°Well, you shoulda arrived sooner. This little baby needs rest. I¡¯ve been with it since yesterday!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Didn¡¯t it only just arrive today?¡±

    ¡°Yesterday was the day.¡±

    ¡°No way! I have the notes from Prof. Oak! They said it was today!¡±

    ¡°Well, either he was mistaken, or you misread something. I had this one since yesterday. I was there when it landed. Jirachi is mine, and so are the wishes.¡± She looked into the bright, cloudy sky dreamily. ¡°I¡¯m finally gonna get my Capture Styler!¡± Tears started to roll down her cheeks. ¡°Promotion, here I come!¡± Her face went blank suddenly as she stared outward. ¡°Pro. Mo. Tion. Promotion.¡±

    ¡°WE ARE NOT WASTING WISHES ON THAT!! THERE¡¯S NOT ENOUGH!!¡± Gary exploded.

    ¡°I¡¯m not using them all on that,¡± she assured Gary. ¡°I also want to make the first ever Bughost type Pokemon!¡± She closed her eyes, smiling proudly and nodding confidently. Not even a second later, her smile was gone as she looked up above and put one hand to her chin thoughtfully. ¡°Or was it Ghostug?¡±

    ¡°Miss! Would you listen to me for a second?!¡± Gary begged desperately. ¡°We could save the world here! There¡¯s lost lives! We can¡¯t think about ourselves here! This is crazy!¡±

    Gary.

    The woman.

    Electivire.

    Sabrina.

    The Pupitar.

    Tyranitar.

    All turned as the little white critter in the woman¡¯s arms stirred and raised its head. It raised flappy little arms to the top of the blanket and stared around at everyone with big eyes. Its head held a yellow top with three points, one to the sky, and the other two at opposite ends of each other. On each end was a teal tag. ¡°Ji?¡± it squeaked adorably.

    Gary uttered a shaky, stunned voice, unable to speak, ready to tear up. Melissa... Prof. Oak... Team Solace... Hitmonchan... That damn monster. I can¡¯t let this idiot destroy the world! Even if it¡¯s my needs I¡¯m concerned about, it means a lot more than whatever nonsense this bonehead is worried about!

    ¡°Jirachi, I wish for Emmet¡¯s butt right here in front of me right now! Preferably with Emmet attached, please,¡± the woman spoke with a smile, her eyes closed.

    ¡°NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!¡± Gary erupted, reaching for Jirachi.

    With a loud whoooosh, something flew straight up from below the side of the mountain. It landed easily, gazing at everyone.

    Gary screamed for his life.

    The Ranger shrieked for her life, running backwards and slamming into the wall.

    Sewaddle clung to her hat, screaming with its Trainer.

    The Pupitar started shouting out, bouncing backwards.

    Tyranitar stared at what had appeared with horror.

    Frightened, Sabrina squawked out, flapping her wings frantically, causing feathers to fall.

    Electivire was the only one not screaming. In fact, he took a step forward.

    Standing taller than them all, her skin as black as night, was the ugly monster, staring right back at Electivire. Her long black hair rested on her back.

    When her eyes, the terrible, horrific eyes of her, landed on Gary, he felt like puking. Instead, he swallowed, but this made him feel even more sick, his throat burning from vomit. No, Gary. No, he told himself. Don¡¯t! He swallowed again. But he couldn¡¯t get over how ugly this thing was, and especially those eyes!

    A science experiment gone wrong. The result of torture and mutilation was all it could be! The huge eyes were all black, aside from the very ends around them that were purple. They didn¡¯t fit properly in the head, the circular eyes with rectangular holes leaving room to see between them, only the top and bottom of the eyeballs connecting with the actual skin of the face. There were no eyebrows, only adding to how alien the being appeared. Below that was not a real nose, but a nose-shaped hole, expanding and shrinking just slightly. Thick cheekbones stuck out far, and below that was her mouth, formed from two thick, protruding lips. More than that, her lips seemed to be pulled back. Any further and her teeth would have been showing. Her head tilted back and forth on her wavering neck that was like a curvy snake¡¯s body, long and scaly, with a red diamond design on each side. She flexed the long, thin fingers on her hands into fists and then released them, the act repeating. Her nails were long, cracked, jagged, and looked like a swipe would rip flesh apart. The thing¡¯s slender arms that held the hands had a fair amount of hair all over them. Even less hair ran down the beast¡¯s chest and stomach. Her breasts were large and shaped like a diamond. The nipples on them were darker than her actual skin, each one the shape of half a diamond, the opposite half of the other, and flat on the breast, like an areola or patch on the skin more than actual nipple. There were red diamond patterns all along the front of her body, as well as two large ones on each leg, barely visible underneath the heaviest amount of hair on her. Between her legs was something Gary didn¡¯t notice before, and it caught him by surprise for a moment. Between her legs was a red outline of a diamond surrounding a thick little bush of hair.

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open continuously as he eyed this spot. The monster roared, and Gary jumped, looking back up at her hideous face.

    ¡°Give me Jirachi, filthy human contaminant!¡± Her voice was like the crackling of lightning mixed with an explosive, swirling fire. She spoke with multiple voices that came out in various levels and tones, and the strange sounds made Gary shudder. The monster kept her eyes on the Ranger.

    The Ranger screamed and turned her back on the creature. ¡°GO AWAY FROM US!! PLEEEEEASE!!! THIS IS WHY I NEED A CAPTURE STYLERRRRRR!!!!¡±

    The monster advanced on the woman swiftly.

    Electivire moved at once, before Gary even came up with a thought, and grabbed the thing by the throat!

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE NO!! DON¡¯T DO IT!!¡± Gary, not sure of exactly what he was thinking he was about to do, ran up to them! ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡±

    One hand of the wild species rose up and grabbed Electivire by the face, the other hand grabbing Gary¡¯s face! Both hands squeezed.

    Grunting, Gary grasped the hand, feeling himself getting weaker by the second. He didn¡¯t even have time to process how it felt being touched by her, or even touching her himself, as his body quickly went limp. His mind was getting weak, and he couldn¡¯t utter a single sound. He would have collapsed if the creature wasn¡¯t holding him. But that meant he was hanging by nothing but the skin of his face. Nails dug into the edges of his head. His skin could have come off and he wouldn¡¯t have even noticed or been able to react with the way he felt right now.

    With barely a grunt, the monster flung her arm, tossing Gary!

    He wasn¡¯t even able to scream as he soared and hit the ground, sliding on his right side, scraping his injured hand! He groaned out, but that was all he could muster despite the mental acknowledgement of physical agony he was in. As he slid, he watched.

    The monster released Electivire and he too collapsed! She then stepped over Electivire and to the Ranger.

    The Ranger shrieked.

    Jirachi appeared, floating up from the Ranger¡¯s blanket!

    The creature actually stopped, looking up as the Pokemon hovered over them all. Incredibly, the monster smiled! At this exact same time, her skin turned entirely white! The red diamond patterns on her went a startlingly deeper, darker red. The hair on her head stayed black, but the hair all over her body went a white-blonde instead. Her creepy smile revealed her teeth, some of which were rather small, others larger, but all of them a mess. Yellow, blackened, cracked, even broken, were how most of them came off, only a few looking intact. ¡°Jirachi. Hello. It is an honor.¡± Her voice was so different now. It still sounded as if a hundred people were speaking at once, but the tones were lighter and pleasant with the change in her body color.

    ¡°Ji?¡± Jirachi stared at the creature.

    ¡°Jirachi get back here!!¡± the Ranger pleaded.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you, Jirachi. For so long. It¡¯s time.¡± The monster held out her hands. ¡°P-please. Just come to me, and everything will be okay in the world.¡±

    Jirachi had a sad look on its face. It turned back to the Ranger. ¡°Jira?¡±

    ¡°Jirachi, don¡¯t do it!! That thing is bad news! Please come back! Stay away from that thing!!¡±

    The skin on the beast went black sharply, the red diamond patterns going a little more dull, and all the hair returning to black. She walked over to the Ranger.

    Tyranitar stomped in front of her and roared intimidatingly.

    The monster stared up at the Pokemon, but she wasn¡¯t much shorter than it. She snarled back at it, revealing her huge pink tongue that swirled around in her mouth like a grotesque slug, and she swiftly kicked at Tyranitar¡¯s middle! Her foot had a normal appearance, aside from the hooked toenails that resembled talons.

    Tyranitar fell back and then stomped each foot, rocking the mountain. It roared at the monster again.

    The creature monster¡¯s eyes went all purple!

    Gary would have gasped if he could have, but his energy was all sapped by whatever the monster had done to him after touching him!

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!!¡± Electivire lunged at the monster in front of him and swung with Thunder Punch.

    The strange creature caught Electivire¡¯s fist, her body lighting up from the attack, but she didn¡¯t seem to react to it! Her entire eyes flashed with the color purple, and a purple squirt came out of each eye, hitting Electivire in his own eyes! She then released Electivire¡¯s hand.

    Electivire backed up, clawing at his own face and whining in pain! His own eyes were now both all purple!!

    ¡°Aaaaaaahhhh!¡±  It was the only warning he was able to rasp out as he remembered what was about to happen!

    Tyranitar turned to him and then, a turquoise force field surrounded it!

    A squirt of purple came out of the monster¡¯s eyes and hit the force field around Tyranitar!

    Gary got out a relieved sigh. But his eyes then widened and his breath stopped.

    The purple splashes from the monster. They were burning through Tyranitar¡¯s Protect!

    Tyranitar yelled out in disbelief before the liquids finally hit it in its own eyes! Its eyes then went entirely purple! It covered its face and stumbled about, crying out helplessly, and then fell to its knees!

    ¡°TYRANITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRR!!!¡± the Ranger wailed desperately.

    Tyranitar! Gary thought, strength finally returning to him slowly.

    The monster turned and walked over to Jirachi.

    Electivire was struggling to get back up, on his hands and knees now.

    The monster got closer to both the Ranger and Jirachi. Closer to Jirachi than the Ranger, she kept moving forth! She was directly underneath Jirachi, but kept on moving, aiming right for the Ranger!

    ¡°Hey... Hey! HEEEEEEEYYYY!!¡± The Ranger choked out, strangling as the monster wrapped one hand around her throat.

    The monster¡¯s long nails were digging into the Ranger¡¯s throat, forcing out blood!!

    Sewaddle was literally in tears, clinging to the back of the woman¡¯s ushanka, terrified and trembling nonstop.

    ¡°JIRAAAA!!¡± Jirachi yelled out in a squeaky, shrill voice, reaching out for the woman.

    The Ranger reached up, grabbed her Sewaddle, and she lightly tossed it away from her.

    Sewaddle tumbled on the rocky ground and looked up sadly at the Ranger. It cried out sadly.

    Tears running down her own cheeks, the woman gave a pained, weak smile to her Pokemon. She let out a creaky sound from her bleeding throat.

    The monster¡¯s tongue swirled around her big mouth while shouting at the woman she held, and more blood squirted out nastily!

    Sewaddle screamed out but didn¡¯t move, petrified.

    Jirachi was also screaming, but it didn¡¯t move from where it was hovering.

    The woman croaked out weakly, turning to her attacker, unable to fight except for grasping the being¡¯s fingers and trying to free herself.

    The monster¡¯s fingers weren¡¯t budged in the slightest, and she turned, walking to the edge of the cliff.

    Gary slowly fought against his weakness preventing him from getting one of his Pokemon.

    Electivire had his hands on his knees, watching as the monster casually strolled by him.

    Surprisingly, the being stopped next to Gary!

    Gary rolled onto his back and looked up at the... the... Animal! Gary told himself. No. Even Gary knew she was much more than that. But there was nothing he could do about it, either way.

    She pulled back her arm that held the woman in it, and before Gary could process what had happened, even after she had done it, the monster flung the Ranger right off the edge of the mountain!!

    She screamed as she flew off the mountain, helplessly wailing her last breath.

    Jirachi was screaming louder than ever, but still remained where it floated.

    NOOOO!! Gary was actually able to sit up now. He hunched over, his energy still drained. I can¡¯t... he told himself. He looked over to where Sewaddle had been, but it was now gone! His eyes widened and he looked around, but the Pokemon was out of sight! Oh, no! Where did it go? His eyes went to the weak and writhing Tyranitar on its back. Tyranitar!! he called out silently. He grabbed three Poke Balls, pressing the button on each one to enlarge them, and then hurled one at Tyranitar! He then extended the remaining balls out for Electivire and Sabrina, recalling them back.

    In the next instant, he was choking when the monster took him by surprise and grabbed him by his throat and hoisted him high up, over the edge of the mountain! He looked at the sickening eyes of the monster.

    She stared right back and then cocked her arm back.

    Gary was able to see Jirachi for a moment. Their eyes met... Jirachi! he thought frantically. He croaked out weakly, trying to bring out his wish vocally. His vision was blurred.

    The monster flung Gary off the mountain!!

    Gary screamed as loud as he could, pulling energy from wherever possible!

    The Poke Ball he flung hit Tyranitar, who was still clawing at its own face, screaming and squirming on its back!

    Before he could see any more, he was falling down the side of the mountain, wailing and flailing. He grabbed at the cliff with both hands, but only his right hand grasped at an edge, stopping his fall. He screamed out, his injured hand releasing his last chance at life, and he fell far, his arms flapping pointlessly.

    He saw a big, pointed edge of the mountain beneath him, a huge piece of rock, and realized he was gonna slam right into it.

    It was too late.

    His head slammed into it.

    He blacked out, his head leaking blood.

    And he continued down the mountain.

    *

    Something was seen.

    Blackness returned.

    The sight resumed.

    The vision was gone.

    There¡¯s something, Gary realized. Out there. Something. He blinked consciously, desperate to see what was around him. People, he started to understand. Humans. I see people. In a building.

    These people wavered in and out of clarity. Going from individuals to multiples of themselves, and back to individuals again. Back and forth, over and over again.

    After blinking for a while, his view became clear and he could comprehend what he was seeing.

    There were men and women in gray outfits. The clothing was strange, like jumpsuits covering their entire bodies, including helmets with head coverings, a plastic front obscuring their faces. They also all held some kind of gun... pointed right at Gary!

    Gary started to clear up his mind real quick, realizing the threat he was surrounded by.

    ¡°There¡¯s two things I hate: uninvited guests,¡± someone started, speaking gruffly.

    Gary turned abruptly, staring in disbelief at who was talking. He was just stunned in general, just at a voice at all, regardless who it was. But witnessing who was there added a whole new layer of surprise, fright, but overall, rage to the young boy.

    He wasn¡¯t in a building at all, Gary started to understand, seeing the sky and clouds flying by through the windows. But instead, a flying vehicle that sounded like a helicopter.

    The floor and walls were painted black, only the ceiling in white. There were several folding chairs that looked like they¡¯d been tossed about, and what must have been a table was in two pieces, broken.

    Gary returned to the person who had spoken, trying to regain strength back to himself. He felt really tired, but nothing more. Tired, and even more so, confused.

    Sitting in a black chair at the front of the vehicle, in front of a large window taking up the top half of the front, his back to everyone, sat a man with long black hair.

    But there was no mistaking it.

    Gary had heard the voice, and seeing what little he could see of the guy proved who he was.

    ¡°, and those suffering convenient amnesia when I demand answers!¡± The man turned in his rotating chair and faced Gary with a solid face.

    In his all-black suit, clutching a small object in his right hand.

    The black object outlined in a light-blue glow.

    The leader of Team Solace, Isaac, smiled wickedly. ¡°So you¡¯d better start talking, Gary...¡±

 With Friends Like This

    Gary got to his feet.

    The armed people held their guns threateningly at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±

    ¡°WE WILL SHOOT!!¡±

    ¡°FREEZE!!¡±

    ¡°GET ON THE GROUND!!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll shoot!!¡±

    ¡°LAY DOWN!!¡±

    ¡°EVERYONE RELAX!¡±

    Everyone stood still.

    Gary held his hands by his chest, trembling but glaring from Isaac, to his gang, and to Isaac yet again, continuously. His angry eyes settled for Isaac. He made two tight fists, desperate to hide his quivering.

    Isaac and Prof. Oak wrestled for the gun so close to the opening of the helicopter before both men fell out, screaming.

    ¡°PROFESSOOOOORRRRRRRRR!!!¡± Gary erupted.

    THUMP!

    Gary¡¯s lips started quivering, and he could feel tears building up in his eyes. You... Gary thought. I... His eyes widened as he remembered. I can... He flinched, his arms moving for the straps on his shoulders before he froze, remembering the people around him ready to shoot him up. His eyes swept around at them all. I can¡¯t do a thing. My gun. I¡¯ll be dead before I can get it out of my bag.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to know how you arrived here, and unconsciously, and your reason for being here,¡± Isaac inquired. His evil smile went away now, leering seriously at the child.

    ¡°Wh-what?¡± Gary understood what had been asked, but he didn¡¯t understand why he was being asked. Yeah, he was wondering the exact same thing, but how would he know anything?

    ¡°Gary, you will answer me now, or I¡¯ll be happy to personally toss you out of this helicopter,¡± Isaac said seriously, and he stood up, the others making room for him as he left his chair and took a few steps forward before stopping. He was still a good distance off from Gary.

    Gary¡¯s heart was colliding with his chest harder and faster by the second. I don¡¯t understand! he panicked in his head. What does he want from me? I... The last thing I recall is...

    Gary was choking when the monster grabbed him by his throat and hoisted him high up, over the edge of the mountain.

    The sickening eyes of the monster gazed back at him before she cocked her arm back. And the monster flung him off the edge!

    Gary screamed as loud as he could from a weakened body.

    Gary¡¯s thoughts stopped and he realized he was gazing at the floor. ¡°The monster...¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Pardon me?¡± Isaac walked a little closer. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear you. Could you speak up?¡± He smiled lightly, leaning an ear and raising a hand to it.

    Gary swallowed, looking at him. ¡°Uh, I-I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m here. The m-m-m-monster. She-she threw me off the mountain. I must have somehow survived the fall...?¡± He was too terrified to speak straight, and on top of that, he was so confused. I survived that? He could still recall how he felt as he was falling to his presumed death, low on energy, struggling to move a single muscle.

    Isaac¡¯s hand dropped and he straightened up, frowning. ¡°The monster.¡±

    Gary swallowed, nodding. ¡°Y-y-you know, that weird... That - I dunno what it is. That... beast... creature??¡±

    ¡°Gary, let there be no doubt in your young mind, that that is without any doubt, a Pokemon. And I can prove it.¡± He raised his hand holding a little black object that was outlined in a light-blue glow. ¡°We are in fact currently tracking her down as we speak.¡± He held out the object in his hand, a black device with a black antenna stuck out from the top, several white buttons on the body along with a red dial, and a glowing screen displaying something. ¡°Gary, allow me to briefly explain exactly what this is you see. This is the prototype to a nearly completed work Team Solace has been perfecting since before we were known as an organization.¡±

    Terrorists! Gary wanted to shout so badly, but he grit his teeth instead. He was also struggling to stop trembling in front of the group, not wanting to show the slightest hint of fear.

    Isaac opened his mouth and breathed out. His mouth closed and he took in a deep breath through his nostrils. ¡°I assume you are familiar with the Pokemon move, Detect?¡±

    Detect... Dodges all moves, Gary knew and nodded slowly.

    Isaac held up the little square box in his hand. ¡°This device mimics Pokemon moves. At this time, it only is programmed for a handful of moves, but in the long run, the idea is to have all known moves of Pokemon accessible.¡±

    Gary squinted in confusion. He heard him perfectly clear, but what was heard didn¡¯t make any sense to him.

    ¡°It¡¯s not hard to understand. In fact, it¡¯s as simple as it sounds. It¡¯s precisely as I described. I¡¯m using it right now, in fact. See?¡± Calmly, Isaac got closer.

    Gary gasped, not believing that this man was just easily approaching him. ¡°Back up, yo!¡± Gary¡¯s voice cracked, and he grabbed at his shoulders, not caring about the people with guns surrounding him, and slipped his bag off of his shoulders. Or he tried to. ¡°Huh?¡± He could have thrown up from how nervous he felt, his heart rebounding off every part of his chest, as his hands gripped tight on nothing. He rubbed his fingers together in confusion and grabbed at his shoulders again, ending up staring at them as he realized his bag was gone! In fact, his coat was gone, too! ¡°Hey!¡± He looked outward in shock.

    Isaac stared at him calmly. ¡°We¡¯ve taken your property, Gary. Your Pokemon, your Pokedex, your coat and bag.¡±

    ¡°My Pokemon!!¡± Gary shouted angrily.

    Isaac got closer, stopping before Gary. A smirk crossed his face. ¡°Have you learned how to fire a gun yet, boy?¡±

    Gary gasped.

    Isaac held his remote object in one hand. His other hand raised and sat on something sitting at his waist.

    A black holster. Sticking out of it was the black handle of a gun. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for this. I assume you were going for it in your bag just now.¡±

    Gary was breathing angrily now, forcing out each breath, sneering at the man.

    ¡°I can teach you, if you¡¯re so interested, Gary,¡± Isaac offered. ¡°I can train you to use the best weaponry out there.¡± He released the gun handle and held his other hand out to Gary. ¡°Tell me, what do you say?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not stupid, and neither are you,¡± Gary answered, wanting to spit into the man¡¯s hand. ¡°We both know I¡¯d kill you the instant I learned how to use that thing.¡± He was giving it his all to keep his voice steady.

    ¡°Not under the right influence you wouldn¡¯t.¡± His smile broadened. ¡°Gary, we should talk.¡± He spoke sharply, ¡°Bring us a chair.¡±

    It took only seconds for two black folding chairs to be brought over, and Isaac sat.

    Gary didn¡¯t even look at the other chair, keeping his sights on Isaac.

    ¡°Whenever you¡¯re ready, Gary. I¡¯ll happily start.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll never join with you creeps,¡± Gary spoke with great disgust in his voice. ¡°Don¡¯t waste your breath. If you¡¯re gonna kill me, then kill me.¡±

    Isaac kept his smile. ¡°I would never kill you, Gary.¡±

    ¡°You almost had me and my friend killed in Lavender Town!¡± Gary burst out. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t-!¡± Right then, he went silent and swallowed. If I hadn¡¯t...?

    The smile on Isaac¡¯s face slowly faded away as he watched Gary.

    If I hadn¡¯t... what? Gary recalled the day he jumped the man who was about to shoot Aly in the back. When?? he started wondering, his body quaking harder now, a strange discomfort falling on him like a weighted blanket. When did I make that jump?? I saw the man raise the gun, but I don¡¯t remember... Gary blinked repeatedly, and something suddenly rang a bell. No, I was behind him. I must have been. I saw him raise the gun but I was behind him. It makes... sense... Somehow, I-

    ¡°Gary, what happened in Lavender Town?¡±

    Isaac¡¯s question startled Gary. He looked at the man.

    Isaac was staring right back with a hard face. ¡°Gary, at the Indigo League, you said something that has stuck with me all this time.¡±

    Gary blinked, and his heart filled with dread. It didn¡¯t take him long to know where this was going. What Isaac was going to say next.

    ¡°You told me I had killed your friend in Lavender Town.¡± Isaac¡¯s voice was gravelly, dark, serious, and cold. ¡°And I had agreed. For a moment, what you said made complete sense to me. But that never happened, did it? I could have sworn that I knew what you were talking about, and then I realized, what I was remembering never occurred. In fact, it wasn¡¯t a memory at all. I don¡¯t know what it was, but the moment felt right to respond how I did.¡±

    Desperate to keep what he felt was fading sanity, desiring with all his heart to keep a sense of understanding, Gary glared hard at Isaac and clenched his teeth while making tight fists. He focused his mind to focus on the parts of his body that were tightening up, treating it like a kind of grounding for him. A mental place to cling to, because he was feeling like he might just slip off the planet, and he didn¡¯t understand why.

    ¡°This should mean nothing to me. All the death I¡¯ve seen, this simply should just be me remembering perhaps a similar situation. Simple d¨¦j¨¤ vu. But, no. You just confirmed it, didn¡¯t you? It happened to you, too.¡±

    Gary just stared at Isaac with wide open eyes.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t it?¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t respond.

    Everyone was quiet.

    Isaac lowered his eyes and sighed. His eyes returning to Gary, he spoke, ¡°Gary, how did you enter my helicopter? From out of thin air.¡±

    Gary blinked and looked stunned, his mouth hanging open. ¡°Huh?¡±

    Isaac frowned. ¡°I won¡¯t lie to you. I could threaten your life, but with this incident we both share, I find you a somewhat valuable asset, for now. That said, this could all mean nothing and be nothing. In other words, you may play innocent with me all you want, but your survival depends on me believing... this has meaning to it.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m not lying! That monster thing had me and-!¡±

    Isaac leaped out of the chair and to his feet, the chair falling over.

    Gary screamed as the guy approached him.

    His foot stomped right in front of Gary and he leaned over, getting closer, baring his teeth in fury. ¡°It is a Pokemon! That creature is a Pokemon!! Do you understand that?!¡± He looked maniacal and ready to strike if it meant Gary never calling that monster anything but a Pokemon again.

    Gary swallowed, his trembling arms keeping him up on the ground.

    Isaac was frozen in his position, waiting.

    Gary took a deep, shaky breath in. ¡°It-it-it threw me off the mountain, and I woke up here,¡± Gary spoke, unable to hide how frightened he was. His hands wouldn¡¯t stop shaking, digging as hard as they could into the floor. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know how I g-g-g-got here. I honestly don¡¯t remember a thing. How-how-how c-c-could I just appear here out of n-n-nowhere??¡±

    Isaac straightened up, groaning a little. He placed his hands on his hips and tightened his eyes on Gary.

    ¡°In fact, if I just magically appeared here, wouldn¡¯t it make some sense that I wouldn¡¯t be able to explain that?¡± Gary tried.

    ¡°In this world of ours where Pokemon exist, magic is one of the least complicated of things to explain and direct the blame onto,¡± Isaac answered.

    Gary sighed on the inside, knowing Isaac had him.

    ¡°Psychic types who Teleport, control our very reality; Ghost types that transfer between the realms of life and death at will, literally Evil type Pokemon. Living, breathing, physical embodiments of pure evil entities!¡± Isaac went on. ¡°Fires that burn houses ¡®til nothing is left standing. Startling the wrong Electric type resulting in death by electrocution. Poison, Pokemon! Need I say more?!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes closed and he lowered his head, staying quiet. He knew there was no arguing with a person like this.

    This was a man who had lost his daughter to a Poison type, which started his insane ideology.

    But Gary also knew, he had nothing to say in the face of Isaac¡¯s arguments.

    Isaac started muttering to himself.

    Gary looked up at him.

    Isaac was staring at the ground as he mumbled incoherently.

    Gary couldn¡¯t understand a word he was saying, but he did pick up on the man repeating similar sounds, over and over again, little additions at times, but overall the same melody, the same beat, the same thing.

    Isaac suddenly stopped and focused sternly on Gary. ¡°How is it okay, to allow children to venture into this chaos? Surely, adults have the right to jump to their demise, but what right do we, as adults, as the parents, the caregivers, have to force the children into our madness. That, is what bothers me the most about all of this.¡± Isaac went silent as a pair of tears started running down his cheeks. ¡°You kids don¡¯t have a clue what you truly want in life yet. Not at ten years old.¡± He shook his head slowly. ¡°You¡¯re not even old enough to drink and drive and... And...¡± He shrugged wearily. ¡°But you¡¯re old enough to travel the planet on foot, going headfirst into the living embodiments of all parts of nature. Without even knowing what that means. A bunch of fifth graders. You barely understand what a girl is and you think you¡¯re ready to grapple with the bull of life by the horns?¡±

    A young Gary from just a couple of years ago was in his classroom at school. The teacher was giving a lesson, but he had his favorite children¡¯s horror series book hidden under the desk, reading it quietly, his binder sitting up to cover him further. Getting lost on a thrilling twist, he jumped with fright as his book was snatched away by a sudden hand!

    The teacher, Miss Ariel, had his Yungoosbumps book held high, a raised eyebrow on her face as she stared with dissatisfaction at the kid.

    Gary smiled shyly, his face getting hot, and he looked around at his snickering classmates.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Robin was the loudest one, outright laughing hard.

    Aly rolled her eyes and sneered at him, looking away and writing in her binder while shaking her head.

    Kiwi kept her head in her binder, grinning as she also shook her head.

    *

    ¡°I wan¡¯ caaaaaaaake!!¡± little Aly screeched, slamming her fists on the table.

    Everyone was in the backyard, the kids sitting at a long wooden table. They all had a slice of chocolate cake on a plate.

    Only one child had a problem with this. Her arms were crossed at Gary¡¯s eight birthday party, pouting. Gary¡¯s mother tried offering sodas, ice cream, candies, and toys, but stubborn as ever, Aly rejected everything, eventually getting up and sitting in the grass, her back to everyone. She was successful in making everyone believe she was just angry and being difficult, but it was more than that. Sniffling as quietly as she could, tears were rolling down Aly¡¯s cheeks.

    Gary¡¯s mother, after going over to Aly, realized this and kept it a secret, sitting with her and talking low.

    Young Gary just rolled his eyes and sighed angrily, everyone, including a snickering Robin, staring at him. ¡°This is the worst birthday party ever,¡± he grumbled.

    Kiwi got up and walked over to Gary¡¯s mother and Aly and sat at Aly¡¯s other side.

    Gary and Isaac stared at each other without speaking a word.

    ¡°I¡¯m the crazy one, am I?¡± Isaac questioned Gary.

    Gary stared to the floor. He¡¯s not wrong... In fact, he¡¯s right. Isaac... is right... Life was so simple back then... he remembered. Hanging out with my friends. School we hated so much, but was so much safer than all of this. Having a home and food. My mom. My sister... Did we really think it¡¯d be wise to give all that security up? No. It¡¯s not that, is it? It¡¯s that... We... were allowed to do so! Allowed to make such a choice!

    ¡°Gary, did you lose someone on your journey?¡±

    Gary blinked hard, paying attention to the man who had spoken.

    His eyes were full of sorrow. He slowly got down on one knee, not removing his gaze from Gary¡¯s. ¡°Who is this... ¡®loud girl¡¯ that I spoke of? Who is it you believe I took from you?¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes filled with tears, not understanding what was going on. But he was frightened, because he knew that both he, and Isaac, knew about whatever it was that neither of them understood. Why us? Why did this happen? Why this thing? What does it mean? Aly... His eyes slammed shut like a steel bear trap. ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!¡± Gary erupted like a volcano, grabbing at his face and leaning back until he fell to his back and started crying. What the fuck is going on here?! Gary wailed in his mind. He was heaving, letting out pained confusion and just trying to regain control of himself as his body seemed to be fighting against it. Something was wrong. Gary¡¯s shoulders were grabbed, and he gripped at whatever was holding him. He glared at the face of Isaac.

    ¡°GARY! PLEASE! Take it easy! It¡¯s okay! I¡¯m here!¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t move, staring into Isaac¡¯s determined eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, son. I¡¯m here. Just talk to me.¡±

    Gary¡¯s head tilted. Son... Gary swallowed. Son? He could see Prof. Oak so clearly in his head. His rage building, he shoved Isaac off of him.

    As Isaac fell over, the surrounding group of people yelled out, readying their guns.

    ¡°STOP! It¡¯s okay!¡± Isaac insisted, getting to his feet but staying kneeled down and raising one arm out to Gary. His stern eyes stayed on Gary¡¯s. ¡°He¡¯s unarmed. He poses no threat. He is just in need of help.¡± Isaac slowly stood, keeping one hand extended to Gary. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not fooling me, bitch!¡± Gary shouted at Isaac. ¡°You¡¯re not gonna trick me into sympathizing with you, damn it!¡±

    Isaac¡¯s hand fell away and he breathed out.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not stupid!¡±

    ¡°No, just brainwashed. Poor child.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not brainwashed, either!¡± Gary belted out.

    After some time of no one speaking, Isaac finally sneered. ¡°I see this talk will get us nowhere. But, there is one thing I do wish to share with you.¡± He raised the device in his hand and looked at it. ¡°Detect, as I was explaining to you.¡± He inhaled and now spoke in a louder voice. ¡°Detect tracks the opponent¡¯s actions to determine how to avoid them with perfect precision! With this device that can use any Pokemon move, we can manipulate that further, to track down any Pokemon. Team Solace¡¯s grand prize. This Pokemon.¡±

    He¡¯s convinced this is truly a Pokemon, Gary kept to himself.

    ¡°Using Detect, and some DNA we obtained from her, we are finally able to locate this bitch and will destroy her as we were so close to doing last year.¡± Isaac kept his stare on Gary. ¡°Before you stopped us.¡±

    Gary held his breath, not believing what he had heard.

    ¡°We had her, and were going to end all of this madness, but you arrived and put a stop to our plans.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. You mean...? he realized.

    ¡°We would have killed her, but it was made pretty clear to me that the same boy from Lavender Town was also in those woods where we had managed to track the Pokemon down, and the bitch got away. She was shot and hit, and thanks to you, she was able to flee. Recovering energy from... your sister?¡±

    Huh? Gary didn¡¯t know how to respond to this outwardly.

    ¡°That¡¯s what my subordinates told me, anyway,¡± Isaac said quickly.

    Is he still trying to play mind games with me? Gary wondered.

    No, he answered immediately. Because that¡¯s exactly what happened! Isn¡¯t it?! This isn¡¯t taking my past experiences to use them against me! He¡¯s telling me what I actually went through!

    And yet... Gary rebutted. He is using that against me, isn¡¯t he?? He is trying to manipulate me! The question is... Is what he¡¯s saying, wrong?? His hands made tight fists, unsure of what decision he was supposed to be making. Sneering, he cleared his throat. ¡°Why were your men even with my sister to begin with? What were you guys doing with her that day? Why?!¡± He leered so hard at Isaac, he was sure heat would burn the man to ashes any second now.

    ¡°That was nothing but a coincidence. It could have been anyone,¡± Isaac answered. ¡°My people were trying to save your sister when you arrived. They were specifically hunting the Pokemon down. The goal was to kill her, and they had her shot. Unfortunately your appearance slowed things down and allowed for the monster to use your sister¡¯s life as energy to recover and escape.¡± Isaac swallowed, keeping his eyes on Gary. ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    Gary swallowed hard, keeping eye contact, before speaking some more. ¡°So...¡± He thought for a moment. ¡°You mean, she took energy from my sister? When she killed her?¡±

    ¡°Blue electricity surrounded her hair, and it was as if the hair came alive and attacked her, yes?¡±

    Gary nodded, not being able to forget that moment. A moment he thought of nearly every single day.

    ¡°It¡¯s some kind of an Electric move. Something that drains life out of one source and gives it to her, instead,¡± Isaac explained. ¡°Similar to the Grass move Giga Drain, which you likely are familiar with.¡±

    She has moves... Gary took in, but didn¡¯t move or speak.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t her only course of healing herself, however. You see, we nearly had her until you and your sister ran into her. This time, she utilized her Electric attack to heal herself and kill your sister, but she is fully capable of recovering from gunshot wounds on her own. She uses small but concentrated sparks to heal wounds. She can use-¡±

    A BANG! from a bullet fired by one of many armed officers caused red liquid to burst out of the monster¡¯s shoulder as she was attacking Gary.

    The monster¡¯s body flashed white, blinding and sending a painful burst through Gary and the armed officers.

    Robin was shaking Gary now, trying to help him focus and see, Aly also next to him.

    Gary could see the monster, her skin white, facing Aly¡¯s Ivysaur. There was a trail of dried blood leading from her shoulder, down her arm and stopping at where her knees would be, if she had them. She was no longer bleeding.

    ¡°Gary. Are you still with me?¡± Isaac asked. ¡°Gary. Can you hear me?¡±

    Gary blinked twice and shook his head slowly, softly. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    ¡°She can heal herself,¡± Gary muttered absentmindedly. ¡°She has attacks. I get it. She can recover. I¡¯ve seen her heal herself before.¡±

    ¡°But do you understand my point, Gary? The fact that, your sister didn¡¯t have to die for that monster to regain her strength.¡±

    Gary blinked again, soaking in Isaac¡¯s words.

    ¡°Your sister was murdered for no reason by that Pokemon.¡±

    Gary¡¯s brain froze. His body gave a shudder. Something came over him. It was like he was running. No.

    Flying through the air!

    Gary blinked, staring at the floor of the helicopter. Flying...? he told himself, continuing to blink a few more times. I¡¯m inside. What was-? He felt strange in his head. Dizzy. Sick. I¡¯m dying, he knew. I¡¯m losing it! I¡¯m gonna-

    ¡°I know this is painful for you to process, but at least, it¡¯s been about a year since the tragedy, dear boy. You don¡¯t need to wait much longer for retribution, either. As I¡¯ve been explaining, we are currently tracking down the Pokemon using this device.¡±

    Gary could hear Isaac, but he felt like he had come back from another place. He swallowed down the urge to vomit. I can¡¯t think straight, he panicked, wavering on the floor.

    ¡°We are not far away from her, Gary. With this device that uses Pokemon moves, we can use Detect to track down Pokemon, and so, we have located her. As I explained, we had obtained a sample of her and have used that to find her and we already have her location.¡±

    ¡°Where?¡± Gary wasn¡¯t even looking at Isaac, lost in his own mind.

    ¡°Not far ahead, now. We should be able to spot her pretty soon. It all depends on-¡±

    ¡°No. Where... are we?¡± Gary interrupted. ¡°Are we by Alamos Town still?¡±

    Isaac paused, inhaling, and then shook his head. ¡°No. We are far from there by now. We passed by there.¡± Isaac watched Gary. ¡°Is that where you were? Alamos Town?¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Isaac didn¡¯t look away for a while. Finally, he stood. He turned his back on Gary and walked away, looking at his remote. ¡°We had only passed over the place. We didn¡¯t stop there. But you say you were on the mountain by there, and were thrown off of it, and ended up in my helicopter?¡± He turned back around to look at Gary.

    Gary found bravery inside of himself suddenly, staring at the device in Isaac¡¯s hands, and he groaned, shoving both hands to the floor. Standing, he saw into Isaac¡¯s eyes. He understood in that moment what was going on. Where this was headed. What he had to do. Even if he wished with every bone in his body that he didn¡¯t have to. ¡°Isaac. That device tracks down Pokemon?¡±

    Isaac¡¯s face relaxed a little. ¡°That¡¯s correct, son. This can track down any Pokemon if given the right information.¡±

    ¡°Please, my father died. No son talk,¡± Gary requested.

    Isaac reacted slightly to this, his face changing to minor surprise. ¡°I am-¡±

    ¡°Isaac, can that device track down things other than Pokemon? Human beings? Animals? Cats and dogs? Squirrels?¡±

    Isaac¡¯s eyebrows narrowed, and he bared his teeth, like a dog warning something to stay back. ¡°This device is for Pokemon, and it tracks down Pokemon! That is why it has found this monster. It is the proof that she is in fact a Pokemon!¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Gary tried calmly. ¡°I¡¯m just asking if that device could track down things other than Pokemon. Since we don¡¯t know what she is, but you can track her down, it could point to her being something-¡±

    ¡°SHE IS A POKEMON!!!¡± Isaac roared at Gary, his hands open at his face and shaking as if he were struggling to keep himself from ripping his own skin off. ¡°THERE IS NO QUESTIONING THIS!! IT IS PROVEN!! SHE HAS ATTACKS, SUPERNATURAL ABILITIES, THERE IS NOTHING, NOOOOTHIIIING ELSE SHE COULD BEEEE!!!¡±

    There were a couple of uncomfortable flinches and movements from the gunmen in Isaac¡¯s organization, but everyone kept their position.

    Gary looked to the movements without moving his head and then kept his attention to Isaac. Right, he told himself.

    Isaac was breathing hard despite having done little but make noise. His lips rubbed together, fire on his face. He licked his lips and sniffled, sneering, and then he inhaled. ¡°I¡¯ve lost everything,¡± he whispered. ¡°All to save you all on this planet. And still, despite all the evidence I have shown,¡± his voice went to a normal level, the whispering done, ¡°I am still questioned?¡± He sniffled harder this time, the sound of snot in his nostrils.

    Gary¡¯s mouth opened and he tried to reason with the man. ¡°I just wanted to be sure we were on the same page, Isaac. Okay?¡±

    Isaac¡¯s shaky hands lowered and slowly became fists, his face full of so much fury.

    Gary took this as a threat. ¡°I¡¯ve lost things, too, Isaac,¡± Gary added quickly. ¡°People. Family.¡±

    Isaac¡¯s face softened and he ended up nodding. He then walked up to Gary.

    Gary¡¯s throat tightened and he forced down a swallow.

    Isaac got closer, a stern look on his face, the look of a torn, beaten, broken man. He stopped.

    Gary stood his ground, but he was terrified, his body quivering nonstop. He feared he¡¯d soil his pants in two separate ways if this went on any longer.

    Isaac made a move, grasping his gun¡¯s handle and taking it out swiftly.

    Gary took a step back, unsure of what to do, or what he could do.

    Isaac held the golden gun out to Gary, but he wasn¡¯t pointing the barrel at him.

    Gary stared at it, and then looked at Isaac before looking down sharply to the weapon again. He looked back to Isaac¡¯s face. ¡°What...? What is this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a gun,¡± Isaac replied seriously.

    ¡°But, why? Isaac, I-¡±

    ¡°I trust you, Gary. At this point, I trust you. I¡¯m not afraid of you. And even more so, I¡¯m not afraid to die. But this isn¡¯t about that. Take this gun. It has seven rounds in it. Using it is easy. The chamber is in. You just pull back the slide to cock the weapon, then fire. Keep this up until you¡¯re ready to actually use it. Then just push this down.¡± Isaac tapped at a little switch on the side of the gun. Then, he looked to Gary. ¡°Now take it.¡±

    Gary wished he weren¡¯t shaking, but there was no stopping it. He reached out with both hands and grabbed the dangerous object, retrieving the same gun he had taken only some months ago. I have it back, Gary told himself, keeping his eyes on it. This is it. You can kill Isaac. You can avenge Prof. Oak. You¡¯ll be dead right after, but, well, actually, you probably won¡¯t be able to do a thing. You¡¯ll be shot to death first. You¡¯re not killing Isaac. You¡¯re just a kid. A dead kid. This is it.

    Isaac straightened up, causing Gary to look at him. ¡°Drop your weapons.¡± His eyes were stuck on Gary.

    It took a moment, but slowly, everyone started putting the weapons away or if they were too big, set them on the floor. They still kept angry eyes on Gary, but they listened to their leader.

    ¡°Relax,¡± Isaac told Gary. ¡°I trust you now. And like I said before, I¡¯m not afraid to die. Do as you wish, Gary.¡±

    ¡°As if I¡¯d get out of here alive if I did that,¡± Gary replied.

    ¡°Getting out alive may not be your priority. But killing me might.¡±

    The two males stared at each other, Isaac calmly, Gary nervously.

    Is he trying to read me? Is he trying to psyche me out? More importantly... is he right?? Is that what I want to do? Am I willing to kill Isaac, knowing I¡¯ll be killed soon after? Is that worth it?

    It might be... Gary considered, his body shaking even harder now, and he looked down at the gun. ¡°But, I can¡¯t kill you.¡± He looked up to Isaac. ¡°Not anymore. Can I? Not after everything you¡¯ve told me. I understand now.¡±

    ¡°Do you, Gary? Are you sure you understand?¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t answer, and he wasn¡¯t sure if that was a good thing or not.

    Isaac reached into one pocket and he pulled out a blue object.

    Gary¡¯s new Pokedex!

    He held it out to the child.

    Gary looked from the Pokedex to Isaac, and he felt himself starting to crack emotionally. He could break into tears at any moment. ¡°Isaac...¡±

    Isaac opened his mouth.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want that thing anymore!¡± Gary burst out before the man could speak. Tears rolled down his cheeks. ¡°At least, not yet. I need to kill that monster first. The Pokemon. I need to know what plan you guys have in stopping her once and for all.¡± He looked around at the people in the room around them and then returned to Isaac. ¡°After we kill this thing, we can talk more about what she is, and how to save the world.¡± He stared at the gun again, and then stared back to Isaac.

    Isaac suddenly snatched the gun from Gary!

    The boy jumped in response. Oh, no, Gary thought the worst. I¡¯m dead!

    Isaac flipped the switch on the gun down, and then cocked the gun back. He then pointed the gun at Gary¡¯s forehead.

    Gary gasped, frozen in terror. Realizing his mistake. Seeing his failed opportunity. Understanding his stupidity in trusting Isaac. ¡°Isaac,¡± was all Gary could utter.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Isaac asked.

    Nothing else happened.

    ¡°Let¡¯s make sure you¡¯re prepared to use the gun. Just in case,¡± Isaac stated. He lowered the gun, keeping it pointed at Gary¡¯s chest. ¡°Get ready to use this thing in the coming minutes or so. Just beware. It has a nasty recoil.¡±

    Gary looked like he¡¯d pass out right then and there, ready to breathe out in a huge sigh of relief and then drop dead.

    Isaac put away Gary¡¯s Pokedex and then motioned with the gun. ¡°Gary, this is yours.¡±

    Gary tried to breathe, but it was hard right now. He was still gathering his thoughts and putting away his fear in poor fashion. Finally, he inhaled and carefully pulled the gun from Isaac. Every passing second getting the weapon freed from Isaac felt like minutes. And with each second within those minutes, Gary anticipated the explosive BANG!! of the gun going off to kill him. Seconds later, Gary now having the gun in his control, he was taken by surprise when Isaac held out a hand.

    Isaac was looking at Gary forcefully, angrily, seriously.

    Gary stared at the man¡¯s right hand.

    ¡°Gary, will you join Team Solace, and put an end to all of this madness?¡± Isaac suddenly asked.

    Gary¡¯s eyes bulged out at Isaac.

    Isaac kept his hand out. ¡°Join forces with me, Gary, and we can save the world. It all begins with you. This Pokemon is killed, and the world starts to heal. It¡¯s only the first of many steps for us both, together, Gary.¡±

    Gary sneered at the man, literally growling at him now!

    But to Isaac¡¯s surprise.

    To the surprise of the Team Solace members in the helicopter.

    Everyone but Gary gasping.

    Gary grabbed Isaac¡¯s hand!

    ¡°They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend.¡± Gary¡¯s eyes tightened, the grip of his right hand also getting tighter. ¡°Consider us on the same team, Isaac.¡±

    Isaac slowly smiled and then nodded, his eyes tightening back.

    That was when Gary lowered his gaze to the two hands shaking.

    And he gasped as he realized that he wasn¡¯t in any pain using his right hand to grip Isaac¡¯s!!

 All On The Line

    Gary¡¯s head was throbbing gently, but irritably. He sat on the floor, staring at both of his hands, confused.

    The golden Desert Eagle was on the floor beneath his hands. Next to that were the personal items that had been taken, stuffed into his bag. Even his coat had been returned, which he was now wearing. He also was given his black cap with the Poke Ball design on the back, wearing it backwards as it seemed made for. In the middle of all the confusion and mayhem, he hadn¡¯t even noticed he didn¡¯t have it on.

    The ten Pokemon Gary was looking after were kept from him, all placed into June¡¯s bag which remained with a few Team Solace members.

    Isaac¡¯s main concern was the monster he was so close to finding, keeping things vague and unclear on what would happen to Gary and June¡¯s Pokemon for the time being. After teaching Gary a few more things about gun safety, Isaac was now controlling the helicopter.

    The other Team Solace members stood around the ship, their weapons lowered but still held, some of them sitting on chairs, the rest choosing the floor.

    What happened? Gary wondered. He had removed the gauze from his right hand. There were no bruises or signs of injury, but the gauze was bloodied from when he had been hurt. He made tight fists, testing them, the same thing he¡¯d been doing for over twenty minutes now. My hand was really screwed up, and yet, here I am with it just fine. No pain at all! When did it stop? Was it not that badly injured after all?

    Gary went through his time while on the helicopter, trying to recall if his hand had been hurting at any point. I¡¯m not entirely sure, he thought. That last time I can think of when it was hurt... When was that? He took in a sharp breath. Surely it was hurting when I ran into that beast before she threw me off the cliff, right? He couldn¡¯t think of a specific moment his hand definitely hurt while up there, but he was certain it had. So what happened between then, and now, that my hand would be okay? I was thrown off a mountain! How did I even get here?! None of this makes any sense! I should be dead!

    He took a sharp inhale of breath through his nose and remembered something else. My cold. My nostrils are cleared. It¡¯s like everything that was wrong with me has gone away. No stuffy nose, no busted hand... What is-? His head suddenly burst with pain and he shoved both hands to it, shutting his eyes tight. Now what?? Is this, a migraine?

    ¡°We¡¯re close now, everyone,¡± Isaac was heard.

    Footsteps approached Gary and he raised his head, squinting blindly through tear-filled eyes.

    ¡°Are you alright, Gary?¡±

    Gary blinked repeatedly, his vision swaying and unclear from his watery eyes.

    ¡°Gary.¡± Isaac got closer to the boy and stopped, standing tall.

    Gary could see again. His eyes widened as he stared at Isaac, realizing his headache was now miraculously gone! He then inhaled shakily. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Isaac. She¡¯s near? We¡¯re ready to kill her? How are we going to get her?¡±

    Isaac raised the black, square object with white buttons, a glowing green screen, and a black antenna. The device was still outlined in a light-blue glow. ¡°Using this device. I never did show you it actually does what I say. It¡¯s in the middle of Detect, but we¡¯re working on using more than one move at once. If you look at that table, you¡¯ll see the damage from some more physical moves like Karate Chop.¡±

    Gary looked over at the broken table and then returned to Isaac.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to believe me right now. My claim is rather incredible,¡± Isaac admitted. ¡°But when the monster arrives, you¡¯ll see soon enough all the proof you need.¡± He turned his back on Gary, gazing out the large front window of the helicopter. ¡°It¡¯s why I told you earlier, things like magic are not that surprising, or hard to explain in a world such as ours. Once you understand that, devices like these are child¡¯s play. The entire world will soon understand once I¡¯ve killed this Pokemon and shown the true power of Team Solace.¡±

    Gary also gazed out the window, but he could only see the blue sky full of clouds. Suddenly, his eyes closed hard, his eyebrows narrowing, and he put his right hand to his head as it started aching and throbbing again. My head again... Gary thought. Why? All the stresses of all this must be getting to me! I¡¯m eleven years old, after all. No wonder I¡¯m breaking. That must be what it is. This whole journey of mine is driving me up the wall!

    Isaac stared at his remote and then walked to the chair at the front of the helicopter, taking a seat afterwards. He pressed a few buttons and pulled a couple of levers before him that were on an entire control station, making the helicopter shift and move in what felt entirely unstable.

    Gary was the only one to scream and react strongly to what was going on.

    ¡°We¡¯re closing in, everyone! GET READY!!¡± Isaac was screaming.

    Isaac¡¯s people got their guns ready to fire, aiming at every point of the helicopter with furious faces, though a few looked more nervous than others.

    Gary had his mouth and eyes open wide, looking at everybody. Before he knew it, he suddenly had the golden gun in his hands cradled carefully. His hands tightened on the gun once he knew he was holding it. Wait, my head! Gary remembered. When did it stop hurting? When did I grab up the gun??

    ¡°HERE SHE COMES!¡± Isaac¡¯s voice boomed. He ran from his seat, and a member of the gang replaced him, controlling the helicopter.

    Gary noticed that this guy was one of the four who was guarding June¡¯s bag. He watched the other three men who were aiming their weapons for wherever the monster might show up, and then he returned his focus to Isaac.

    The man was glaring at his remote as he reached the helicopter door and slid it open. ¡°LOWER!!¡±

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Gary yelled out as the craft dipped. He struggled not to fall over, keeping his gun in his hands as he stared out of the front window, seeing the unstable view. Then his eyes slammed shut! He held one hand in front of his forehead as it split right in two by what felt like an ax. His hand hovered in front of his head, unwilling to touch it, the pain he was in being unbearable. He didn¡¯t want to add to it.

    And just like that, the pain was gone!

    Gary¡¯s free hand fell to the floor, his other hand still keeping the gun up. His eyes went to each side, as if an answer to what had just happened to his head would be next to him. Tears slid down his cheeks and this made him blink and rub at his eyes. Tears? Why am I crying? From that headache I had? Maybe it has something to do with the sudden drop of the helicopter.

    ¡°Level out! Level out!¡± Isaac ordered.

    The helicopter curved around a bit before flying straight again.

    The split down Gary¡¯s skull returned! His eyes shut tight, his breathing suddenly became more of a struggle, forcing him to inhale deeper, his chest heaving, and he felt himself falling over against his will! He finally took a hard breath in, harder than he expected, and ended up choking out. His breathing had gone back to normal, and his head felt just fine. He managed to sit back up straight again before hitting the floor. What was that? Gary questioned, shaking, and more tears ran down his cheeks. He looked down and cried out in a shaky whimper as he realized how hard he was squeezing his gun, as if gripping it for dear life. The safety was off and he opened his hand quickly, afraid of any sudden accidents.

    He swallowed and started breathing hard, but not like a moment ago. Now, he was simply desperate to catch his breath. What was that feeling? I couldn¡¯t breathe. Some kind of pressure on me. With the door open like that, and the way this helicopter is flying, maybe I¡¯m getting sick from it all. Maybe that¡¯s how that feels when-

    ¡°SHE¡¯S HERE!! SHE¡¯S HERE!! I SEE HER!!¡± Isaac touched his remote several times now, a crazed smile on his face, and he pointed the device out of the helicopter.

    There was a shout from outside.

    At the same time, Gary screamed, charging forward. He ripped his coat off, holding it in one hand, his bag and gun in the other.

    ¡°HEY! FREEZE, GARY!!¡±

    ¡°NO! DON¡¯T MOVE!!¡±

    ¡°GET BACK HERE, KID!!¡±

    Members of Team Solace shouted at the kid.

    Gary had his eyes on three people in particular.

    The three by June¡¯s bag. Those three aimed their guns at the boy.

    Gary tossed his coat in front of him, at the trio.

    Guns fired, surprised at Gary¡¯s action, and the coat was riddled with bullets.

    Gary ducked low as he got closer to the men who were blinded by his coat, and he scooped June¡¯s bag from the floor before turning and immediately aiming for Isaac.

    Isaac finally looked back at him calmly, not looking at all surprised. In fact, he even smirked.

    Gary, infuriated, stomped across the helicopter, moving at the quickest speed he could, ready to knock Isaac right out of the vehicle.

    Gary could see Isaac and Prof. Oak wrestling over the golden gun in the helicopter before they both fell out.

    Gary snapped out of the memory before it could conclude on the worst part. He slipped his backpack onto one shoulder, getting the strap of June¡¯s bag on his other shoulder, and he used his arms to hold the bags close to him, gripping them with his hands.

    Guns were being fired, but they stopped soon enough, Gary too close to the boss now to risk the man getting hit.

    Gary readied his shoulder, almost up to Isaac. Professor Oak! Gary thought determinedly.

    Isaac straightened up, his body facing Gary, and his eyes tightened, his smirk even changing to show displeasure instead.

    Gary could see the sky they were flying through from the open door. He stopped running, facing Isaac, breathing harder than ever.

    There was complete silence except for the sound of the helicopter itself.

    Isaac was pointing his remote at Gary¡¯s body.

    Something outside caught Gary¡¯s attention, and he focused his gaze out of the helicopter, to whatever else was up there with them all.

    A being that was flying. The monster herself! Her skin was as dark as the night, her hair billowed out big behind her, holes all throughout it, like a net. Her arms were somehow entirely rolled up, as if she had no bones in them and they were just skin to roll up tight like a blunt, rolled all the way to her armpits. Her legs were bent back as far as possible, bending where her knees would be if she had them, with her feet touching her buttocks. Her head tilted up, looking to the helicopter. Though she had no eyebrows, she still appeared to be frowning. This angry look gave way to something else Gary wasn¡¯t sure he had ever witnessed from her. Surprise!

    It was as if, from those horrible, terrible, terrifying, ugly eyes of hers, he could see them widen with... Recognition? She knows it¡¯s me? Gary questioned. No.

    The monster, once moving at a speed that proved she¡¯d be able to pass the helicopter in seconds, now started to slow down! She fell back slightly, remaining beside the helicopter, but also started slowly descending.

    Before she disappeared entirely from Gary¡¯s sight, Gary clenched his teeth, and his nose twisted and his lips sneered at a look of what could only be described as blank surprise on the monster¡¯s face.

    Her facial features allowed so little emotion to be displayed.

    She¡¯s... staring? At me? Gary bared his teeth, suddenly furious. He moved strongly up to Isaac, his hard eyes burning into the man¡¯s cold ones.

    Isaac moved to the side, out of Gary¡¯s way.

    Gary kept moving, going right past the man, and he stopped at the edge of the helicopter. He knew Isaac could easily just push him out. He knew he could be shot to death right there. He knew he could slip and fall out and die all on his own. So what am I doing here? he asked himself, the wind shoving against him, testing his limit and courage at such a height that Gary could see no end to.

    But Gary could see her.

    The monster, flying, remaining below the helicopter, but keeping close to it, looking right up at him.

    Gary was hit with the most outrageous memories that could possibly hit him in that moment.

    The monster grabbed Melissa by the throat, screeching in a wild wail like nothing Gary was familiar with. Her hair then came alive, sparking with blue electricity, and connected with Melissa¡¯s face.

    ¡°MELISSAAAAAAA!!¡± Gary exploded, and charged in a rage.

    Melissa hit the ground and didn¡¯t move.

    *

    The monster bent over very slightly, just enough so that she could reach Gary with her long arms, and she dug her sharp nails into Gary¡¯s cheeks, gripping his face.

    Gary, downed by the creature, was whimpering more from terror than the pain.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!!¡± Electivire lunged at her and swung with Thunder Punch.

    The creature caught Electivire¡¯s fist, her body lighting up from the attack, but she didn¡¯t seem to react to it! Her entire eyes flashed with the color purple, and a purple squirt came out of each eye, hitting Electivire in his own eyes!

    Electivire backed up, clawing at his own face and whining in pain! His own eyes were now both all purple!

    ¡°TYYYYY!!¡± Tyrogue flew at the opponent with High Jump Kick!

    ¡°CHARMELEOOOOOOON!!¡± Charmeleon used Flamethrower.

    Her eyes back to their black color, only the edges purple, the creature moved to the side, Tyrogue missing his hit, and she grabbed Tyrogue¡¯s other leg and with one swift motion and slammed him to the ground! She then held out her other hand and let the Flamethrower hit it! Charmeleon¡¯s flames met with the thing¡¯s open palm, but she simply stood still, taking the hit without the slightest reaction!

    *

    ¡°ELECTIVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!!!¡± Electivire attacked the monster creature with Thunder!

    The monster was hit, but she didn¡¯t seem bothered by it. She barely flinched! Instead, she turned to Electivire. A smile crossed her face. ¡°Oh? Motor Drive,¡± she spoke in such a pleasant, airy voice, echoing as if multiple people were speaking. The monster reached out a hand, but her hair then sparked blue and reached out, striking Electivire.

    Electivire lit up blue as he twitched, grimaced, howled, bent over, and went all kinds of crazy as he was hurt by the attack.

    *

    The being knelt down and raised both sparking claws. She then ran them into the ground.

    Small eruptions ran along the ground, meeting up with Gary¡¯s Charizard¡¯s Flamethrower and tearing right through it, and finally exploding hugely in front of Charizard!

    Charizard wailed out and dropped to his side.

    ¡°HITMOOOOOOOOOOOOONCHAAAAAAN!!!¡± Hitmonchan struck the dangerous creature, flying at her with Retaliate, delivering a strong punch.

    Her cheek smushed up against Hitmonchan¡¯s impact, her head forced sideways. Her eyes then shot over to the attacker.

    Pokemon after Pokemon from the Pewter Police Department appeared out of nowhere, eventually accompanied by blaring sirens from far away.

    The monster grinned and then nodded and leaped into the air, high into the sky. Her hair billowed behind her and her body sparked with blue electricity as she came to a halt, floating, looking down at everyone. She held out one hand. ¡°You are blinded!¡± She now spoke with energy in her multiple voices made of fire and sparks!

    Several purple and blue beams came down from her extended hand, exploding everything.

    *

    ¡°Hey... Hey! HEEEEEEEYYYY!!¡± The Ranger choked out, strangling as the monster wrapped one hand around her throat, her long nails digging in, forcing out blood!!

    She pulled back her arm that held the woman in it and flung the Ranger right off the edge of the mountain!!

    In the next instant, Gary was choking when the monster grabbed him by his throat and then flung him off as well!

    *

    Gary stared out the window of his room, gazing at Pallet Town.

    The sun was still rising, covering the town in the same unwelcome awakening that had woken Gary up by making him uncomfortably hot.

    He could still hear June¡¯s screaming.

    He could still see June screaming as her throat was grabbed by the monster; the monster who¡¯s hand sparked with blue electricity and then covered June¡¯s body in the same thing, zapping her.

    June hit the ground after being released.

    She didn¡¯t move.

    She didn¡¯t breathe.

    ¡°Gary?¡±

    Gary jumped and looked back, seeing the solemn, disappointed, and otherwise helpless face of his mom in his bedroom.

    *

    June hit the ground, her breath coming out in a forced grunt. She looked up frightfully. Her clothing was tattered, shots of her skin visible through holes all over her shirt and jeans.

    A clawed hand with coal-black skin, a hand like that of a human, with long, broken nails, slashed for June¡¯s face.

    June screamed as she was struck, and blood hit the rocky ground.

    There was a noise, unclear in the darkness of what was seemingly a cave, though there was an unseen source of light coming from somewhere that casted wild, shifting, scary shadows.

    A filthy black foot with curved toenails, hooked like bird talons, stomped on June¡¯s head, and the toes curled to dig the thick nails into her head.

    June shrieked for her life as blood shot out of her head.

    *

    The monster roared angrily at June!

    June screamed back at the monster, but in terror, her ears covered and eyes shut.

    One of the monster¡¯s hands reached out, and she threw her peculiar blue-gray and pale-green ball!

    June was hit and the ball opened, an orange beam coming out that hit June and made her also glow orange!

    June screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    The ball hit the ground and rocked back and forth a few times. The middle of the ball had a button that went from white to black several times. Finally, the black remained with a PONG!

    Gary thought about his golden gun, and the long awaited opportunity to finally use it. It was now. But instead, he shoved the gun into the waist of his jeans. He then slipped his other arm into the remaining loose strap of his own bag. He inhaled as deeply as he could. ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!¡±

    Isaac gasped.

    Several shouts and cries and gasps came out from the inside of the helicopter.

    As Gary leaped out of the helicopter with a tremendous, enraged roar!!

    His arms outstretched at his sides, forced by the winds.

    The monster¡¯s eyes widened in undeniable disbelief.

    Screaming the entire time, ready to rip her head right off her shoulders, Gary got closer.

    Closer.

    Closer!

    Closer!

    June¡¯s bag was forced from his arm and flew free, but he didn¡¯t care. He just reached down for the monster. Nothing else mattered to him in the entirety of the whole world at this point.

    He had all he ever wanted.

    All he could need.

    Was right.

    HERE!

    The monster¡¯s arms, once rolled up into her armpits, now whipped loose, freeing themselves instantly with a sharp noise, and prepared for Gary!

    Gary got to her and grabbed her by the face, digging his nails in! Dirt, Gary thought. Her skin is so clumsy, like filthy dirt! He pulled back a fist and slugged her in the face. He punched her again. Again. Pulled back and forced his fist into her face as hard as he could!

    The creature didn¡¯t respond much at all to any of this and raised a claw to cut into Gary¡¯s face.

    Gary tried to hold up her chin.

    The monster¡¯s claw wrapped around his neck.

    His breath was taken away immediately. Ffffuck... Gary grunted. Shit! No! His legs kicked out and he raised his knees, bringing his entire body¡¯s remaining energy into his knees and into the monster¡¯s back.

    She remained unbothered and wrapped her other hand around Gary¡¯s entire head, her long fingers making the task a simple feat.

    Like filth running along my skin. Grainy mud, maybe, Gary described of the monster¡¯s touch as the nails on each finger started to dig at his skull. My gun! I can kill her with that Desert Eagle! She¡¯s done! He grabbed her shoulder with one hand, his other hand going for the gun at his waist!

    Time seemed to freeze as both Gary and the monster stared into each other¡¯s eyes. Their eyes were wide, dangerous. Primal! Nothing would stop either of them.

    This was their final fight.

    After this, one of them would be dead!

    SSSSPPPPPPPLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

    Gary gasped at first in shock at the sudden sound, and then inhaled in fright, realizing what had just happened. NO!

    The monster¡¯s eyes went down, taking in their sudden circumstance. They went up right after, and she roared.

    The two were now in the middle of the huge ocean beneath them, water rising around them and then crashing down to take them under and breaking them apart from each other.

    Gary took in a quick breath before the water came down to replace the air and flooded the two, and his eyes widened. He had to struggle not to gasp at what he saw next.

    The monster¡¯s neck stood out above all else now as the skin on it separated! It split into eight parts in total, one on each side, making four pairs of separate sections, greatly resembling gills!

    Gary was disgusted at the sudden act by the monster and he would have drowned had he not held in the urge to inhale. However, he didn¡¯t take a proper breath before going under and he knew his time was almost up.

    But he wasn¡¯t done yet! Suddenly, his arms spread out and shook hard. They then shot out as if he weren¡¯t obstructed by the water, moving as if he knew the depths and workings of the substance all his life. His mouth opened bravely and he tightened his fingers on the monster¡¯s face. He let out a roar, trying to rip her face apart right there and then!

    At the same time, the beast was also roaring back. The monster¡¯s drenched hair suddenly started wrapping around her head, clinging to it strongly rather than flowing in the water. It covered her head entirely, leaving only her eyeballs visible, forming perfectly around and even covering the gaping space between her eyes and the skin of her face! Out of nowhere, bubbles appeared around her head. While a consistent layer of bubbles stayed on her head, a different, smaller set kept rising.

    The monster moved as swiftly underwater as she did out of it, and one large claw ripped through the water like a piping-hot knife through a block of butter.

    Gary¡¯s hand shot out and gripped her wrist, squeezing and holding it back! With his other hand on her face, he dug a thumb into her eye.

    The creature didn¡¯t react to her eye being jabbed, but instead stared at her hand behind stopped by Gary. Roaring in his face, she struggled to swipe at him, but her claw was moving shakily as she strained to strike the child.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    Groaning underwater, holding back the beast¡¯s hand and trying to rip her eye out, he realized how in control he felt. How much stronger. I can do this! I can beat her! Yeah! DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEE!!!! Gary fought back.

    And then, Gary choked suddenly, inhaling without realizing it, and his body flailed out in a panic! It was as if he only just realized he was underwater! Just a moment ago he felt fine, as if he were on land and nothing could go wrong. As if he had the power to finally avenge his sister, kill the monster, and save June, all at once. But now, his nose and chest were burning, he couldn¡¯t see, and he couldn¡¯t breathe! What happened?!! he freaked out in his mind. Gary felt his body being forced through the water helplessly. He wasn¡¯t able to fight back, completely helpless, weak, terrified, and about to die at any second!

    Suddenly, Gary was in the air! Choking, coughing, his nose hurting from taking in water, Gary struggled to actually breathe, finding out he had made it out of the water, to the surface, soaring upward, and then dropping right back down again! He landed hard but sat up frantically, his hands on the ground, and leaned over to the side, hacking, coughing, and blowing out his nose to stop the agony he felt. ¡°Huh?!¡± Still heaving and coughing out hard, he stared at the ground. Wait a minute... He looked around. Where...? His eyes widened as he kept on coughing, but he was dumbstruck, not believing what he was seeing. But a huge SPPPLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSHHHHH!!!! behind him made him jump and look.

    Soaring through the air, the monster landed on the cement ground. Her hair came loose from around her head, the bubbles on it popping silently, and the gills sunk back into her neck, the skin returning to its scaly look with a red diamond tattoo on each side. She was a fair distance away and started moving determinedly for him.

    Gary, scared out of his mind, was now scrambling backwards and let out a fearful squeak. My gun, Gary remembered. My gun! Oh, no. It¡¯s too late! He grabbed at his stomach, gripping the gun handle. SHOOT HER!! He could hear the helicopter clearly, but he paid it no mind. This is it, you bitch! he thought angrily. He was too afraid to stand, his body trembling out of control. He pulled out his gun and stared at it. He spotted the safety switch. The safety. It¡¯s off! he remembered. It¡¯s been off the whole time! I could have... shot myself! Ignoring this terrifying revelation to focus on a more important matter, he looked up at the monster as he cocked back the gun. Slide back, he told himself. And... He raised the gun, holding it in both hands. FIRE! He slid his finger around the trigger. FIRE! Gary¡¯s arms were shaking too much. COME ON, GARY! FIRE!! But Gary knew he¡¯d never hit the monster like this. He couldn¡¯t aim. He felt like just holding the gun up was too difficult! GARY! SHOOT! Gary¡¯s finger squeezed. He shut his eyes, grit his teeth, and anticipated the sound.

    Instead, there came a different noise.

    Gary¡¯s eyes opened and he saw that the monster had stopped and was looking behind her.

    She was looking back at a helicopter!

    The bottom was painted black, the top half a shining, bright silver. A white S was painted on the front of it. From the open door of the helicopter was a man with a hard face glaring out from it, a rope ladder also swinging below.

    Isaac! Gary recognized.

    Isaac moved away from the door and was replaced with four men holding differing big guns, pointing them at Gary and the monster.

    Gary lowered his own weapon as his mouth dropped open in horror along with his widening eyes. No... he thought, horrified.

    There was a shout from the helicopter.

    Though it wasn¡¯t entirely clear who it came from, Gary felt certain it was Isaac.

    Soon after, the guns went off, bullets flying like mad.

    Gary screamed and raised one arm up, knowing that would do nothing, and that he was dead. He braced his body for the impact of the bullets. He was ready to close his eyes and take in death itself.

    Except.

    The monster waved an arm and screamed out shrilly! She stumbled back several steps and bent over as a sparking blue wall appeared in front of her and little explosions went off as more bullets collided with it. The monster grabbed at her chest with one hand, her stomach with the other, and heaved out weakly.

    That barrier again, Gary recognized. His memory wasn¡¯t precise, but he knew he had seen a protective measure like this before from her. In Viridian City? When the Team Solace members fired at her in the mist?

    Her body twisted enough that Gary could see the front of her better, and he noticed the blood running through her fingers that she was trying to keep in her chest and stomach area. Her hands, or claws, then moved away maybe an inch or less in front from where she was wounded, and they started sparking with blue electricity! As more bullets were fired at her, she remained safe behind her barrier, and continued to seemingly zap her chest and stomach with her own created electricity!

    Gary¡¯s mouth shut as he watched her, confusion strong on his face. He was startled just a bit at something he spotted out of the corner of his eyes. Did something just fall from her? Gary questioned.

    The sparks from the monster to herself stopped, and the little bombs against her shield from Team Solace¡¯s weapons ceased soon after.

    The creature turned away and stood tall all of a sudden. She no longer looked weakened by the shots she took before creating her shield. Her blood-stained chest even puffed out as she faced Team Solace. Her stomach was also covered in some fresh, glistening blood. Her shield vanished, and then she roared viciously. Her bloodied fingers extended.

    What did she just do? Gary questioned. He stared down at his gun for only a moment before looking at the monster and Team Solace.

    The helicopter got closer, the rope ladder just above the ground.

    By now, Isaac had been climbing down the ladder as the flying craft kept going right past the monster and Gary. With a shout, Isaac leaped, landing and bending his knees as his feet hit the ground. He stood up with a groan, a smile, and an extended arm. In his hand was the black remote. He raised his free hand to adjust a headset that he was wearing.

    The monster roared again, her broken, discolored teeth visible, her fat, pink tongue tumbling out of her mouth, and her hair came alive, surrounded by blue electricity. She raised sparking claws high into the air.

    Isaac hit a button on his device and it was outlined in red before something red, yellow, and orange burst out in a long stream from the antenna.

    This looked like fire had just come out and it hit the beast. The blaze then became a vertical tower, swirling and keeping her within!

    No way! Gary watched in amazement. That looks like...

    The fire went away around her, the monster¡¯s entire body now revealed to be covered in blue electricity. The blue around her went away. She looked furious as she extended a hand.

    Isaac moved swiftly, pressing buttons and twisting the dial of the remote before the black object was now outlined in white.

    Several purple and blue beams came out from the creature¡¯s palm.

    The device let out a purple aura that soon expanded, becoming circular, and quickly engulfed Isaac!

    He was inside of an orb! The beams the beast shot out hit the barrier, causing Isaac to hold his remote outward with both hands as if fighting against the force of the beams. When her attack ended, Isaac was just fine. He relaxed and smiled at his device as the barrier vanished.

    Wait. Gary was stunned. Protect?? Wasn¡¯t that the move Protect?? He really can do it?! Trembling, Gary kept watching, too shaky to stand up. Too frightened by the realization that, right now, he was watching a battle!

    The remote went blue and a huge stream of water came out of the antenna for the monster.

    Her body was covered in blue electricity and she flew right into the blast! The water curved around her body as she came right for Isaac.

    She¡¯s got him! Gary knew, unsure of how he should be feeling. Who am I rooting for? No! Isaac has to win!! Gary knew. SHE HAS TO DIE!! He gripped his gun shakily, looking at it, and then looked up to see what was happening next.

    The Team Solace helicopter remained in the area, flying slowly, noisily, in a big circle around the area, Isaac¡¯s shooters waiting for the word.

    In the area, people were either screaming and running, watching and filming with their cameras, or screaming into their phones.

    Gary barely had a chance to notice all of this, staring at the city by the edge of the water.

    Isaac raged out loud and messed with his device.

    Gary didn¡¯t know what to do. Try to shoot at her? Help Isaac?

    The monster was so close to Isaac now. But suddenly, she actually slowed down!

    Gary froze with interest at this. Is it working? Is Isaac winning?

    Merely inching forward now, the monster was struggling to get through the water to reach Isaac! She let out a yell, and only a couple of seconds later, she was forced back and away! She hit the ground and pushed herself up with one arm, heaving out strong, her tongue hanging out and writhing as she kept her evil eyes on the man.

    Gary inhaled sharply but quietly through his nose. She¡¯s down!

    Smiling wickedly, Isaac took slow steps towards her. ¡°You evil bitch,¡± Isaac taunted her. His smile became a sneer. ¡°And this is just the prototype,¡± he spoke darkly, pressing more buttons. ¡°The finished version will be much more powerful. And you won¡¯t be around to see it.¡± The remote started to glow green now, and Isaac stared at Gary. His smile returned.

    Gary just swallowed, quivering in place.

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll enjoy this one, Gary.¡±

    The monster¡¯s left leg swung upward.

    Isaac was already pressing the button to attack.

    Her foot was stuck just inches away from Isaac¡¯s face as she was hit by a green beam. She screeched out helplessly, painfully, her body twisting as she clawed at the ground while on her back as she was tortured.

    ¡°For your late sister, Gary.¡± Isaac kept his eyes on the Trainer. ¡°Giga Drain.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, watching the monster in so much pain. Yeah, Gary realized. Just like my sister. Now, you suffer. You took her from me for no reason, like Isaac said. You healed yourself using her life. Now you die. My sister can rest in peace.

    But... How do I find June...? While thinking about this, he focused on the monstrous thing that lay there on the ground, breathing hard, weakened from Isaac¡¯s use of Giga Drain. He eyed her body, and observed the area where dried blood rested. Her stomach and chest. She¡¯s been shot, he knew. And she healed her wounds.

    He recalled Viridian City, when he had been fighting this evil entity with Robin and Aly. After being shot by Team Solace, the blood stopped running and her shoulder was just fine!

    But she still... killed my sister, he continued. My sister should be alive. Melissa shouldn¡¯t have been killed! She really can heal herself without needing to take the health from someone else. This thought made Gary even angrier. I should be the one to kill her, he knew, fury taking over his face. But he still didn¡¯t raise the gun. He kept his eyes on her face. On her terrifying eyes. They never did blink, he noticed. She doesn¡¯t blink? Has she ever?

    Her eyes were wide open, staring around slowly.

    People in the area were talking, the crowd getting heavier around the fight.

    There were shouts like orders being given, and sirens were going off from police cars.

    Isaac had been pressing buttons.

    The monster¡¯s eyes focused on him as she started sitting up.

    This time, he raised his remote to the sky and pressed the button.

    The remote was outlined in yellow.

    And that was all.

    Gary waited, anticipating the new attack, but beside a cool breeze blowing by, there was nothing.

    The monster¡¯s body was covered in blue electricity and she started ascending off the ground.

    Dark clouds started creeping in, covering up the blue afternoon sky and replacing the bright clouds.

    The monster¡¯s body straightened as she glared down at Isaac from several feet high. She raised her hands.

    ¡°Do not fire,¡± Isaac spoke calmly, his eyes on the monster.

    What? Why would he say that? Does he expect her to just listen to him?

    ¡°Trust me.¡± Isaac¡¯s eyes tightened. ¡°She¡¯s all mine. As I instructed.¡±

    His men! Gary now understood. He¡¯s speaking through the headset.

    ¡°You. Your disrespect of Pokemon, so disgusting. HUMAN CONTAMINAAAAAAAANT!!¡± Her voice was in a sharp rage, coming out in one singular blast.

    Isaac squinted at her, his eyebrows narrowing as a low rumble came from the skies.

    ¡°The power is not yoooours!!¡±

    It was then that Isaac smiled. He looked to the sky at the same time the monster, Gary, and some others did, after lightning crashed loudly through the sky.

    The monster backed up through the air and then turned away, and with an almost blinding burst of speed, flew off towards the sea.

    She¡¯s escaping! ¡°NO!¡± Gary finally stood up and gripped the gun tightly. I have to!

    The electricity around the monster¡¯s body vanished, replaced instead by a light-blue aura. She had also stopped moving, just hovering still.

    ¡°GOTCHA!¡±

    Gary looked back.

    Isaac had his remote out, outlined in pink, and he yanked back hard.

    Before Gary could turn around, the monster flew past his vision and slammed into the ground.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere, bitch!¡± Isaac cackled.

    ¡°EVERYBODY FREEZE OR WE WILL SHOOT!!!¡±

    ¡°EVERYBODY STOP WHAT YOU¡¯RE DOING!!¡±

    ¡°EVERYBODY ON THE GROUND, RIGHT NOW!!¡±

    More commands from the police were heard as more cop cars pulled up to the area. Their guns in hand, both male and female officers ran up to the chaos only to stop short, petrified.

    Gary was going to shove his gun down his pants on fearful instinct, but he was afraid he¡¯d be seen doing so. It was this extra time to consider his actions that made him remember that he might end up in a far worse position if he ended up accidentally shooting himself! It was scary enough that he hadn¡¯t done so earlier. Even knowing Isaac¡¯s safety instructions on the gun when not in use, he was too afraid to just slip it into his pants.

    Looking around him, Isaac let out a yell and whipped one arm around, the remote in the same hand.

    The monster was carried with the motion and flew around in a huge circle, slamming into police officers!

    The officers weren¡¯t sure who to aim their guns at, Isaac or the monster, resulting in them screaming as they were smacked down. But more cops were rushing in.

    The monster¡¯s body stopped glowing light blue and she slid on the ground.

    An order was given by an Officer Jenny that had just arrived and the police force that were on their feet, along with Officer Jenny, aimed their guns at Isaac while the cops on the ground scrambled to aim at the monster. ¡°GET ON THE GROUND, ISAAC!! THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!!¡±

    Isaac stared around at the scene.

    ¡°WHATEVER¡¯S IN YOUR HAND, PUT IT DOWN RIGHT NOW!! OR WE WILL-!!¡± Out of nowhere, Officer Jenny was jumped from behind by a man and forced to the ground!

    ¡°LEAVE TEAM SOLACE ALONE!!¡± he screamed angrily. ¡°THEY¡¯RE STOPPING THE MONSTER!!¡± He repeatedly punched the officer in the face while on top of her.

    That was until the shots were fired by three other officers.

    The man screamed out and collapsed amongst the flying bullets.

    Several other cops were staring in horror at the cops who fired their weapons.

    There was a roar that made everyone look.

    The monster was standing again!

    There were then more screams, and groups of people were now attacking the police!! Officers were being tackled, kicked, punched, and even struck with objects. Their guns were even being taken from them!

    CRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHH!!!!!!

    BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSHHHHHHH!!!!

    Lightning began hitting the ground wildly, striking whatever it could.

    Officers screamed, civilians screamed, buildings and other structures in the distance seemed to explode into fire. There was nothing but loud fear and pandemonium.

    What??! How?? It must be-! Covering his ears, Gary¡¯s eyes returned to the main scene, seeing that Isaac and the monster, both on their feet, were glaring at each other.

    The monster was hunched over.

    Isaac stood tall and proud.

    CRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!!

    One lightning bolt came down and took down the monster. She flew back and wailed out helplessly as she slid on her back.

    Isaac¡¯s machine used Thunder? Gary thought.

    Isaac moved up to her as lightning flashed above him.

    The monster watched him, but she didn¡¯t move.

    Wait! Gary realized, his eyes widening. She was taken down by lightning??

    Isaac stared back blankly. ¡°That¡¯s right, you embodiment of evil. This is it.¡± More lightning flashed above him. ¡°Your match is met. The trauma you and your species of Pokemon have brought to this planet, ends by my hand. The hand of god of this planet.¡± He held out the remote, pointing it at her. ¡°I¡¯d love to test out each and every type of move out there against you, but there¡¯s no time for that.¡±

    The monster¡¯s head lifted, wavering, her eyes on Isaac. She looked so weak. Tired. Her hair was away from her ears which were visibly just little circles bent in half.

    ¡°The best move in my arsenal to kill you with, specially requested by Yours Truly.¡± He pressed the button. ¡°Punishment.¡±

    The device Isaac held was glowing black.

    Isaac swiftly whipped the device towards the monster, and a streak of black came out and whipped her.

    She screeched in agony as she was hit and tumbled.

    Isaac was relentless, whipping her again with it.

    Blood splashed out of her skin where she was hit this time.

    ¡°I shall take immense pleasure in your slow death. For the pain you¡¯ve brought to my planet,¡± Isaac told her coldly, and whipped her again.

    There were cheers heard. From the circling helicopter holding Team Solace¡¯s members, to the crowds nearby that were jumping and celebrating amongst the fire and fighting against the police. The cops seemed to have lost complete control of the crowd somehow, overwhelmed as it seemed like everyone was against them. Fights were taking place over their guns, and in some cases, it was as if cops and civilians had chosen to have one-on-one fist fights!

    The blasts of lightning had come to an end, the blue sky making itself remembered as the dark clouds lightened up to white again.

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe any of this was happening. It was too much to take in and make sense of. Just kill her already, he insisted, frowning.

    With another whip, the black around Isaac¡¯s remote went away.

    The monster barely reacted to the latest whipping, laying motionless, her eyes closed.

    Is that it? Is she dead? Is it finally over? Gary wondered. His body was jelly, his bones made of mush.

    Isaac stared at his remote and then back over to the still monster. ¡°But if we¡¯re really gonna go old school, let¡¯s take it back...¡± He started to press a button.

    The monster¡¯s body suddenly flashed a bright white.

    In the next instant, Isaac¡¯s body flashed the same and he screamed in agony, gripping his remote! He fell to his knees. ¡°Nooo! Don¡¯t. Do. Anythiiiiiiing!!¡± he insisted, speaking into his headset, gripping it with his free hand. ¡°She¡¯s all MIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!!¡±

    The monster¡¯s body flinched, and soon, she had gotten onto her knees, her back to Isaac.

    ¡°STAND BACK I SAID!! THAT IS A DIRECT ORDER!! DISOBEY AND BE EXECUTED!!!¡± Isaac bellowed. His eyes were shut tight in pain, his tightened teeth showing.

    The monster was on her feet now, her body quivering and wavering, and her eyes on Isaac.

    Isaac¡¯s eyes opened and he breathed out wearily. They widened as they saw the beast. Both hands pressed at the remote as he struggled to punch in the commands he desired.

    She roared and moved at him, visibly weakened.

    Isaac aimed and fired at her, the device outlined in light brown.

    She leaped off to the side and rolled.

    A pair of huge, light-brown jaws came out of the antenna and went over the creature, instead crunching into the crowd and police vehicles. This impact caused an explosion mixed with screams.

    Isaac was quick despite the pain he displayed on his face and was punching in more information. Before long, he aimed as the monster was only just getting to one foot and fired another move from the device that now glowed a normal brown.

    The monster turned at the last second to see several glowing diamonds flying out from the device, headed for her. She moved swiftly onto both feet and bent herself where her knees would be, except she had none, and this made her legs look so weird as they bent.

    Isaac hit several buttons and turned the dial.

    The monster shot off into the sky like a jet. Her body was then outlined in a dark purple and she was held in the air, screaming out desperately, struggling.

    Isaac had trapped her again in a move! ¡°You¡¯re not that fast, bitch,¡± Isaac smiled angrily, using both his hands to grip the remote and keep her from escaping. He grunted and groaned, trying hard to slam her to the ground. ¡°You will die today!¡± he struggled.

    The monster reached up helplessly and she was forced down flat on her face.

    Isaac released her and punched in more buttons immediately as he walked quickly to her. ¡°This ends here this ends here this ends here this ends here!!¡± He held out the device, stopping right beside her.

    The monster¡¯s head jerked to the side to see Isaac, and she grabbed his ankle.

    Isaac¡¯s eyes widened before his eyebrows furrowed. Before he could make another move, he let out a struggled groan. He bared his teeth. ¡°Hey! Noo... What...?¡± Isaac fell to his knees, his device dropping out of his hands.

    The monster¡¯s grip tightened as she rasped out at him.

    Isaac tried to stand, but he eventually fell to his back, letting out a terrible sound from deep within.

    She¡¯s... doing that thing! Gary remembered. When she grabbed me and weakened me to submission on the mountain! And Electivire!

    The monster released his ankle and got herself to what would be her knees. Gunshots fired, and the monster turned to the large audience. She raised a sparking claw and rammed it into the ground, digging down as deep as her fingers being covered.

    Several sparks went off in several lines, exploding on the way toward the crowds.

    People started screaming and trying to run away in a frenzy, shoving others out of their way.

    The lines of explosive sparks reached the crowd quickly and it all exploded in one huge blast, clouding the area from view.

    The Team Solace helicopter tried to fly out of range of the explosives and failed, getting caught in the hit and crashing into an even larger explosion!

    It was just the monster, Isaac, and Gary visible.

    Gary knew he had his gun in his hands, but he felt completely useless right now. He knew he had nothing to stop this creature. MY POKEMON!! he suddenly remembered. WHAT HAVE I DONE??? WHERE ARE THEY??!!

    Gary saw himself leaping out of the helicopter and letting go of June¡¯s bag, which held all of his and June¡¯s Pokemon, as he came down for the monster. He remembered the monster being all he could think about, and them crashing into the water. The bags meaning nothing to him. I even... shook my arms free from the straps of my own bag! Gary realized. Why would I do that? Gary questioned as tears flowed from his eyes. My Pokemon...! They¡¯re all gone!

    The monster had crawled over to Isaac and grabbed him by his throat, getting up onto one knee.

    Isaac grunted against the grasp and grabbed at her fingers, trying to create space.

    The monster¡¯s eyes flashed purple, and now were completely the same color!

    Gary gasped. ¡°No,¡± he breathed out. ¡°She¡¯s gonna-!¡±

    Electivire lunged at the monster with Thunder Punch.

    The creature caught Electivire¡¯s fist, her body lighting up from the attack, but she didn¡¯t seem to react to it! Her entire eyes flashed with the color purple, and a purple squirt came out of each eye, hitting Electivire in his own eyes! She released Electivire¡¯s hand.

    Electivire backed up, clawing at his own face and whining in pain, his eyes now both all purple!!

    ¡°Isaac...¡± Gary spoke hesitantly. The poison! He shook his head. I can¡¯t, he knew. I can¡¯t let him die like that! Not when this bitch killed my sister! He¡¯s so close to beating her! Aly... Gary¡¯s eyes went down as something else infiltrated his mind.

    ¡°ALY, STOP!¡± Gary demanded frantically.

    BOOM!

    ¡­

    ¡­

    ¡­

    The blood splattered the floor.

    Aly gasped loudly.

    Gary¡¯s heart leaped into my throat, blocking his breathing.

    The tour group started screaming frantically.

    Aly collapsed on her side, gasping desperately for air, her eyes straight up to the ceiling as she coughed up blood all over herself.

    ¡°ALY! NO!¡± Gary gripped her shoulders.

    Aly¡¯s eyes gleamed with tears as she looked back at him, shivering and coughing up blood everywhere, splattering his shirt.

    People around them in the Kanto Radio Tower were still screaming, several people crying.

    ¡°Gary,¡± she managed. Her hand shot up and grabbed Gary¡¯s arm. Her eyes rolled up in her head.

    *

    ¡°ALY, STOP!!¡± both Garys demanded frantically!

    From where he stood, Gary couldn¡¯t see the man who raised his gun.

    But Gary was also behind him, watching the gunman aim at Aly!!

    The man whipped his head at the sound of Gary¡¯s voice behind him! ¡°HEY!! WHO THE-?!!¡±

    Screaming, Gary dove at the man, feeling as light as a feather as he floated over to him with ease. He was weightless. His-

    BOOM!

    ...

    ...

    ...

    Gary rested on top of the man, not entirely sure how he got there, but knowing he had made the jump at some point.

    The tour group started screaming frantically.

    ¡°AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!¡± one of the adults from the tour group charged forward and tackled a member of Team Solace who was near him.

    ¡°GOOOOOO!¡± The screams of DJ Bergamot and DJ Tulip came out from their throats and they charged individual members of Team Solace.

    This was followed by more encouraged shouts by the braver of the tour people who then ran at the criminals, grabbing for their guns and attacking them.

    Some people ran and hid in the booths, others running for the stairway exit.

    Gunfire went off like mad.

    Gary and the man he had tackled turned just as a boot flew and connected with the side of the man¡¯s head.

    BOOM!

    ¡°OH GOD!!¡± Gary covered his face and looked away.

    Aly shrieked and ran from the body.

    The man¡¯s dead body remained a still, bloody mess, having just accidentally shot himself after Aly stomped his head.

    ¡°Isaac...¡± Gary whispered. His eyes looked back to the man. ¡°What the-?¡± He went silent, unable to breathe with his heart now in his throat. And he was unable to keep it down.

    The monster, ready to poison the man with her eyes, didn¡¯t seem to see Isaac had raised his free hand, which held the remote.

    A button was being held down, outlining the device in white. But then, something more happened. The entire object started glowing bright white!

    The monster¡¯s head tilted to stare at the remote.

    ¡°My backup plan, you bitch!¡± Isaac choked out nastily. ¡°Explosion!¡±

    Gary inhaled hard. ¡°ISAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC!!!¡±

    There was a huge eruption from the ground right in that moment, but it wasn¡¯t from Isaac, nor the monster.

    Because right after that, before anyone had even processed what had just happened, Isaac¡¯s device blew up, further covering the entire area in smoke and dirt. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

    There were horrified screams from everywhere.

    Gary curled up into a ball and closed his eyes as the dirt and debris covered him. No. What have I done? Gary panicked. I let Isaac die? He used Explosion?? Isaac! Is he really gone?! Is the monster dead? As the rush of wind from the explosions died down, Gary held his breath and squinted carefully as he slowly raised his head, keeping a useless arm over his forehead to pointlessly protect his view. Isaac...? he thought.

    The air was filthy. There was nothing at all to see of anyone or anything.

    Gary got to his feet and stumbled a little, just trying to take in what happened. Everyone¡¯s... dead, he believed. The monster. Isaac gave his life to kill her. Team Solace... won?

    Strange noises filled the area.

    What is that? Gary wondered, looking around. But he felt certain the sounds were coming from right up ahead. Where Isaac and the monster had just been. He squinted feebly to try to see through the cloudiness, but he knew he¡¯d see nothing. But he didn¡¯t have to wait much longer to see what was causing the sounds.

    Eventually, Gary finally saw something up ahead.

    Some things, even.

    Standing tall was one creature that gleamed like metal.

    Gary was breathing again in the presence of this new being, but he was taking it slowly, not wanting to bring the filth in the air into his body. Is that...? A Pokemon? I don¡¯t have my Pokedex anymore! I think Isaac had it! And that means...

    From the cloudiness, something else was then shown.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Wait, I think I remember that one. From... From... From Route 1! When me, June and Aly were trying to make it back to Pallet Town! When Ditto was copying all those Legends! What did she call it again? Is this the real one??

    A third, tall monster appeared out of the dust as well.

    All three sort of resembled one another, but couldn¡¯t be more different at the same time.

    These have to be Pokemon! Gary was sure. But are they really all Legendary Pokemon? Why would they be here, now?

    And then.

    Something that was even taller than all of these three, emerged forward. It was twice the size of the other three, and looked little like them, and yet had similarities. For one thing, they all had several dots on the top of the middle of their bodies. They also had such a blocky formation to their bodies, like squares, one way or another.

    But with all the various kinds of Pokemon shapes, body types, elemental typings, and behaviors that Gary was familiar with, there was something about these four that let Gary know they were Pokemon.

    Something that let Gary know in that moment.

    That this monster Isaac had died for.

    Was never a Pokemon!

    Team Solace is wrong, he realized. Isaac, died, wrong! This isn¡¯t a Pokemon at all! In fact, I¡¯ve never seen something so unnatural in my entire life! But either way, this thing has to die! NOW!

    It was right after that thought, that a loud noise called out.

    The four Pokemon remained still until the being charged through the filthy air.

    He stood with a furious face with a white beard, a hairy chest, and gray sweats over white sneakers.

    The tallest of the four monsters stomped past the earlier three, revealed to be carrying something in each arm!

    Gary gasped, not believing what he was seeing it carry.

    In its right arm was the Infinity Energy inside of a capsule! The tallest Pokemon was holding a clear capsule, the top and bottom of it golden, with a bright light glowing in the middle of it. But in its other arm was something equally as shocking. It had the monster that had been fighting Isaac!

    The monster was motionless, completely sprawled out in the fourth being¡¯s left arm. She could have been dead!

    The huge titan then spun entirely unnaturally in place like some kind of move a particular, late celebrity might have been able to pull off, and was soon digging like a gigantic drill into the ground, vanishing moments later!

    The other three Pokemon leaped in turn after it into the hole it left behind, and just like that, all four Pokemon, along with the monster creature, were gone!

    The man who had appeared ran up to the hole and gaped down it with open eyes and mouth. He raised his hands to his head and screamed, ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!¡±

    It¡¯s Byron! Gary finally recognized him. The Gym leader of Canalave City!

    ¡°MY GYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYM!!¡± Byron screamed down into the hole. He looked to the sky as he continued to scream. His face was nothing but horror and disbelief. He inhaled again before bellowing, ¡°I LOVE MY GYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYMM!!!!!!!¡±

 Rekindling An Old Flame

    ¡°Gary, I don¡¯t know what to say but thank you!¡± Kiwi told him loudly.

    ¡°What? Thank you?¡± Gary, also speaking up over the commotion going on around him, looked at his friend like she had lost her mind.

    ¡°Listen, I know what you went through was crazy, but you survived! And while the information wasn¡¯t the most useful, it was more than we had before! You provided a lot of help for a lot of people by your testimony!¡±

    ¡°Kiwi, you can¡¯t tell anyone else about this, okay? I can¡¯t handle the... fame? It¡¯s bad enough I survived the Indigo League! I don¡¯t need more acknowledgement! I¡¯ve been lucky to be under the radar as it is! It¡¯s a miracle the news got there after it was all over.¡±

    ¡°I know! I won¡¯t tell anyone! But you saw things that I can keep notes on as we all try to comprehend what this monster is! You saw her take abnormally enhanced attacks of a variety of moves from Isaac!¡±

    ¡°But I can only verify a couple of the typings of them! What good is that?¡±

    ¡°All the good!¡± Kiwi insisted.

    ¡°BYE-BYE ISAAC!!¡± The crowd started clapping to a beat before chanting again. ¡°BYE-BYE ISAAC!!¡± More claps to a specific beat.

    ¡°FUCK TEAM SOLACE, YEAH YEAH YEAH!! FUCK TEAM SOLACE, YEAH YEAH YEAH!!¡± was a second cheer from a different group.

    Gary looked back, smirking slightly, and then looked back to Kiwi and shook his head. ¡°I just can¡¯t understand what the fuck is going on! What just happened yesterday?¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re cursing now?¡± Kiwi smirked.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a joke, Kiwi!¡± Gary insisted. ¡°Isaac¡¯s... dead! What does this mean for Team Solace? Is it over now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m quite sure he had others to take control just in case of something like this. It can¡¯t just be over because he¡¯s dead! Don¡¯t be stupid!¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart dribbled faster in his chest as he stared solemnly after his friend¡¯s harsh words, but he knew she was right. ¡°Well, tell that to these guys! I think they¡¯re mostly the same people from yesterday in here still celebrating!¡±

    ¡°Mmmm,¡± Kiwi merely nodded.

    Gary looked back again, taking in everyone jumping and slapping high fives, arms around each other, a few men shoving each other around playfully. Some people even had glasses of something to drink, the contents not certain.

    There were also some folks sitting down, not looking enthusiastic whatsoever. A couple of them were watching the celebrating while others just frowned at the ground, talking amongst themselves.

    ¡°But it¡¯s irrelevant, honestly! You saw this thing get hit by Fire, Electric, and other types of moves! That¡¯s what¡¯s interesting! That¡¯s what¡¯s important! The real question right now is if she¡¯s even alive! You didn¡¯t get to confirm that, but we know the four Regis took her underground!¡±

    ¡°Why? This is crazy!¡± Gary cried, returning back to Kiwi. ¡°Why would Regigigas and the other three take her to safety? And why did Regigigas have the missing Infinity Energy! They¡¯re working together?! Do you really think they took her to the Sinnoh Underground?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea, but that is the working theory on the news right now!¡±

    ¡°And what are they gonna do if they find all four... five... of them down there? The monster alone can take out an army! Add four Legendaries to the mix??¡±

    ¡°Guns and things are so futile against Pokemon, in the long run, huh?¡± Kiwi mentioned thoughtfully.

    ¡°They all came up to protect her from Isaac¡¯s Explosion attack! Isaac died trying to kill her, and she had a backup plan! She¡¯s intelligent! Too intelligent! She¡¯s more than a Pokemon! If she can think like this, she¡¯s gotta be some kind of mutant or something! Right?!¡±

    Kiwi had one elbow on the desk in front of her, her hand on her head, rubbing it. ¡°I¡¯m trying to come up with answers as best as I can, Gary.¡±

    ¡°She didn''t even have June¡¯s Poke Ball thing! Just, this whole thing was a bust! We got nearly nothing out of this!¡±

    ¡°We got hope!¡± Kiwi responded. ¡°Your previous encounters resulted in almost nothing! You thought some attacks did nothing to her, but we saw that she is in fact susceptible to type attacks, now! We can fight back! Guns are even useful against her! With the proper onslaught, we can kill her quite easily! I¡¯m just wondering if that¡¯s what we need to do!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s special! Killing her would be a waste of information!¡± Gary understood.

    Kiwi nodded.

    There was nothing but silence now between the two over the phone.

    Gary swallowed and looked away from the computer screen. His eyes closed. I can¡¯t believe this is all happening, he thought. Why isn¡¯t this over already? What more has to happen to end this?

    ¡°You must have noticed the shift in the climate,¡± Kiwi suddenly stated.

    Gary looked up at Kiwi. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°There were civilians who attacked police officers during that crazy fight between Isaac and the monster. People who claimed to not be from Team Solace,¡± Kiwi explained. ¡°Average, everyday people, fighting police, in the name of Team Solace, because they were fighting this monster.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Gary repeated, stunned at the explanation of what took place right in front of him.

    ¡°Are you still not hearing me, Gary?!¡± Kiwi now shouted. ¡°Is it really that noisy over there?!¡±

    ¡°NO! I can hear you! I¡¯m just surprised!¡± he explained.

    ¡°Oh. Yeah. Team Solace¡¯s influence is strong as ever! Isaac dying is far from the end!¡± Her eyes went down for a moment before returning to Gary¡¯s. ¡°Dare this turn into a never-ending chain! The new leader could already have been set up! That he¡¯d detonate himself to kill that monster! That he was so determined! He likely knew it¡¯d come down to that! He had a plan! Team Solace could reign forever! Perhaps there is more to their philosophy that isn¡¯t so obvious to us kids!¡±

    ¡°Look, Kiwi!¡± Gary spoke, tired of speaking over the crowd. ¡°I don¡¯t like how you¡¯re speaking, but all I know is, anyone on Team Solace¡¯s side, is an enemy of mine and will be handled as such! In fact...¡± He stared back at the couple of groups of people who were oddly silent and sitting, looking anything but happy amongst the delighted folks. ¡°I can¡¯t help but wonder if some of these people aren¡¯t those supporters, or even Team Solace members themselves. They don¡¯t look happy like everyone else is and are acting suspicious, if anything.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions, either, Gary,¡± Kiwi warned. ¡°Not everyone is going to react the same way.¡±

    ¡°But they¡¯re just sitting there,¡± Gary kept his eyes on the quiet ones. ¡°And not even smiling. I bet they¡¯re on Team Solace¡¯s side.¡±

    When one angry-looking man looked up at Gary, the boy returned quickly to Kiwi. ¡°I think-¡±

    ¡°I think everyone¡¯s different,¡± Kiwi cut him off, her head lowered. ¡°I think - people may side with Team Solace, but not support them.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Gary snapped at her in confusion. ¡°What are you saying, Kiwi?!¡±

    Kiwi¡¯s eyes went to Gary¡¯s and the hardened look made Gary flinch. ¡°I¡¯m saying that just because they may not want Team Solace to end, or Isaac to die, doesn¡¯t make them bad people! They might have some kind of understanding for that asshole, and, maybe that¡¯s okay! It¡¯s a very thin line to tread, but it¡¯s not that hard to understand when you get just how influential this group has been! They¡¯re not trying to destroy the world! They, Isaac, truly thinks they¡¯re saving it! And his ideas resonate with some otherwise very decent people! It¡¯s time to wake up and realize the threat this poses to the future of the entire world, Gary! If you can¡¯t do that, you won¡¯t be able to stop this in the long run!¡±

    Gary took in a breath and held it. No, he wanted to say out loud, shaking his head. He froze up. But he remembered Ish. Ish supports them. He doesn¡¯t agree with how they¡¯re doing things, but he said he gets it and likes their motives, basically. I mean, Ish isn¡¯t the most decent guy I¡¯ve ever met, but he¡¯s good at heart, deep down. I think... He¡¯s no Team Solace member. He¡¯s a great guy! He cares for Pokemon! ¡°I... get it,¡± Gary finally admitted in a whisper.

    Kiwi squinted. ¡°Huh? Speak up!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Kiwi!¡± Gary said louder. He inhaled deeply through his nose. ¡°This is bigger than I was willing to accept.¡±

    ¡°You should know! You¡¯ve dealt with him firsthand, a few times! But especially on the helicopter! You know what he can do! Don¡¯t dwell on that crap Isaac put in your head! He¡¯s a master manipulator and will say anything to convince you to see his side of things! Whatever he was telling you about his memories and yours being alike was him toying with you! He saw an opening and put himself right in! This is how sickos like him work! It¡¯s how Team Solace is so strong!¡±

    Gary inhaled again and nodded, staring right into Kiwi¡¯s eyes. He wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about what she had just said, and he wasn¡¯t sure what to say back, either.

    ¡°Please be careful, Gary. The bad guys aren¡¯t so obvious anymore. I have a bad feeling about things, and where things will be in the future.¡±

    ¡°So do I. We all have to be careful.¡±

    Kiwi suddenly smiled. ¡°Good thing you and June¡¯s stuff was located in the water.¡±

    Gary looked away. ¡°Yeah... They found our bags and our Pokemon and items and all that.¡± I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t think about them as I went down, though, Gary took in. I abandoned everyone to... fight that bitch. No. Even worse than that, I leaped out of a helicopter! But I can¡¯t tell anyone that. Not even Kiwi. I can¡¯t tell her about that, or that the monster tossed me off the mountain. Not yet, at least. And... Gary¡¯s breathing got heavier. I was in the water! I can¡¯t swim!! What was I thinking jumping out of a flying vehicle? And what was I doing actually underwater with her, trying to fight? I was swinging punches on her! How was I even able to move so agilely? It¡¯s as if I didn¡¯t even care I was underwater! As if that didn¡¯t matter! As if I weren¡¯t afraid! He sat there, reflecting on his fight with her after they hit the water. How vicious he had become. Sure, he hated the monster and wanted to kill her, but there was something else in that moment. What came over me? he wondered.

    Is it really any wonder at all? he answered. She killed my sister!

    ¡°What are your next plans?¡± Kiwi asked.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary looked to his friend only to look down at his hands. His entire body was trembling. To stop this, he made tight fists and clenched his teeth, narrowing his eyebrows.

    ¡°I asked what you¡¯re gonna do next. Are you okay, Gary?¡±

    He breathed out and slowly shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thanks. I¡¯m going to get to Oreburgh and go for my next Badge. I¡¯ve been really far behind.¡±

    ¡°Do you need to switch Pokemon? Are your guys okay?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re just fine. They were in their Poke Balls when they dropped into the ocean and their checkup was great,¡± Gary assured her.

    Kiwi nodded. ¡°That¡¯s great. But, you may still wish to trade a Pokemon to us here at the Lab. And I want to do more studies on Tyranitar and make sure no special lingering, surprise effects of that poisoning from that monster are around, but he¡¯s doing great. Just leave him with us a bit longer. And word from Prof. Cynthia¡¯s lab is that Deino¡¯s been doing good, too, despite your carelessness.¡±

    ¡°Can you not rub that in again?¡± Gary grumbled. ¡°Please.¡±

    ¡°You deserve to feel like a jerk for that. I will berate you for the rest of eternity for that,¡± Kiwi frowned.

    Gary sighed, lowering his head.

    ¡°Back on this end, others have also been recently recovering appropriately...¡± Kiwi added.

    Gary stared at her silently. Blankly.

    Kiwi stared back solemnly.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, and a smile started to cross his face.

    Kiwi, unable to hide it any longer, let a smirk slip out.

    *

    ¡°CHARIZAAAAAAARRRRD!!! IVYSAUR!!¡± Gary had pinned Charizard to the ground after tackling him down, crying overwhelmingly and smiling as big as he ever had. One arm was around his Charizard¡¯s neck, his other arm extended to hold his late sister¡¯s Ivysaur¡¯s bulb.

    Charizard didn¡¯t put up a fight, wrapping his Trainer in his arms and letting out a joyful cry.

    Ivysaur had two vines wrapped around her Trainer¡¯s arm.

    ¡°DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡± Kingdra wailed out tearfully. She blasted out a Hydro Pump, hitting the trunk of a tree in the woods, making leaves fall from it.

    ¡°Bell! Bell!¡± Weepinbell had his vine around Gary¡¯s other arm now and tugged.

    Both Grass types were now pulling, and Gary¡¯s arms were forced away from each other! ¡°Hey. Hey. Hey! Wait!¡± Gary called out frantically. The boy was hoisted into the air, screaming his head off.

    Charizard grunted with surprise and confusion as he sat up.

    ¡°Trio Trio Trio! Trio Trio Trio!¡± Dugtrio sang his praises, his three heads bobbing in turn.

    ¡°PRIIIIIIIIME!!!¡± Primeape lunged at Ivysaur first, punching her right in the forehead and knocking her back, causing her to let go of Gary.

    Screaming at the top of his lungs, the boy was now being forced towards Weepinbell, his vine making the boy truly fly!

    For a moment.

    He crashed into Weepinbell, dizzy now.

    Even Weepinbell was knocked out by the blow.

    ¡°Trio?¡± Dugtrio leaned over towards the fallen duo.

    ¡°DOOO! DOO! DOOO!¡± Kingdra bounced over to Gary, flopping sloppily around to reach her Trainer, and finally shoved the top of her head into his stomach.

    He groaned out against that hit and pushed her head back, but Kingdra fought back, demanding pets and attention. ¡°Kingdra!!¡± Gary barked, losing his cool.

    Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!¡± Kingdra sat up and burst into tears.

    Weak and groaning, Gary¡¯s shaky arms got him up to a sitting position. He then sighed and actually smiled, raising his hand up to pet her. ¡°There¡¯s no place like ho-oome!¡± Gary¡¯s face was tackled down, along with the rest of his body, by Primeape.

    *

    The building always looked like a lazy mess of rocks and steel. But now, it was a collapsed destruction of it.

    Gary, Electivire and Charizard were staring at the destroyed Gym building from behind the police tape. The Trainer shook his head. My second Badge... That evil- He huffed out through his nose. At least Byron¡¯s okay, but, boy is he pissed. He¡¯ll rip that bitch¡¯s head straight off her shoulders if he ever catches her.

    Throughout all the chaos in the battle of Isaac against the monster, it seemed the Thunder attacks from Isaac had caused something close to a natural disaster on Canalave City, mixed in with the destruction from civilians gone wild in the mayhem, which led to pointless fighting and even looting before special forces like the SWAT teams came in and took control.

    Gary wound up having to lie to the police after he was questioned by them, claiming he had just been walking around, minding his own business, when she landed. He also claimed he was just fine and didn¡¯t need any medical attention. Really, his main concern was being caught with the gun.

    It was hours later that Gary¡¯s stuff had been recovered from the waters. He waited in the police station with many other people who were there panicking or furious, but all collectively yelling at the officers who were trying to keep them calm about what had happened. Having explained his situation with his sunken property, a search began and actually turned up his and June¡¯s stuff, along with a lot of other things.

    His clothes were drenched, but that¡¯s what the drying machines in the Pokemon Centers were for. The Pokedex was waterproof. There wasn¡¯t much that was ruined, as even most of the food was sealed. Even his phone had managed to survive.

    The sad news was that Prof. Oak¡¯s book, and the portraits he and June had of themselves laughing with Aly and Robin at Prof. Oak¡¯s Lab at the Indigo League were likely destroyed. But he told himself he would check them out later.

    Gary tightened his grip on his phone as he gazed at the ruined Gym. No point wasting time here. He turned away from the building and walked. On his way, he gazed at his phone and turned it on, going to his Log-A-Graph account. He saw he had eighty alerts. Only eighty? Gary frowned. But... I haven¡¯t checked this out in a while. I¡¯m nothing big, but eighty alerts, and probably thirty or forty or so of those must be Scientist Gary. So... what about my post? Or maybe I don¡¯t understand how the app works, and this is all the Plusles I got? I¡¯m no one important but if that Harold guy can get thousands of Plusles just from a couple Badges, and in only a couple of hours, surely I can get a simple hundred for one Badge. I even tagged- Gary¡¯s eyes widened and he stopped walking in disbelief. Three...? Three Plusles?? That¡¯s it??! But... Gary¡¯s fingers flew around the screen before ending up on Harold¡¯s page. His eyes moved down for a moment before finding the post Harold had made of his two Badges. Over eight hundred thousand Plusles!! His head fell. What am I doing wrong?? How can I post almost the same thing as he did, and get back that little of a response?? We¡¯re only one Badge apart!! ¡°OH!¡± Gary walked right into somebody!

    The person grunted out. The man wore a brown fedora that hid his eyes, with a brown suit and white tie. He didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir,¡± Gary stated, seeing some of the man¡¯s pale face, which was aged.

    The guy grabbed at his hat brim a little, pulling it down slightly, and then raised it up. He had black eyes and long black hair that got down to his neck. ¡°Excuse me. I-¡±

    ¡°No, it was my fault. I was-¡± There was a sudden growl that pulled Gary¡¯s attention away from the man and he looked back.

    ¡°LECTIVIIIII!!¡±

    Both Charizard and Electivire were in each other¡¯s faces, Charizard sneering while Electivire had a challenging smile.

    ¡°Hey, you guys! Come on! This is the time-!¡±

    Charizard blasted at Electivire, letting out a Fire Blast!

    Electivire leaped right over it easily and then slugged Charizard in the face with Thunder Punch.

    Charizard roared out and collapsed. Grunting, he lifted himself up, shaking his head, and then flew for Electivire.

    ¡°YOU GUYS CAN¡¯T DO THIS HERE!!¡± Gary ran to them.

    Electivire reached out and stood his ground, catching Charizard by the shoulders. Charizard roared, forcing himself into Electivire, but Electivire, sliding along the ground but keeping himself steady, leaned into Charizard¡¯s force.

    Charizard raised a claw glowing white and Slashed into Electivire¡¯s face.

    Electivire¡¯s eyes slammed shut as he screamed out. His body then glowed white and he used Strength to slam Charizard down.

    Charizard¡¯s claws gripped at the ground and his jaws opened wide, bursting into flames.

    Electivire sneered and pulled back his right leg.

    As the Electric type¡¯s leg shot out, Charizard¡¯s head came forward and bit down. Both moves connected. Charizard choked out painfully and tumbled away as Electivire pulled his foot back and hopped backwards on his left foot, grunting and crying out.

    ¡°VIIIIIII!!¡± Electivire burst into flames!

    ¡°A Burn!¡± Gary gasped loudly. He shook his head. ¡°Wait! NO! STOP THE FIGHT! PLEASE!! NOT HERE!!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s flames vanished and he flexed his arms.

    Charizard was getting up slowly, leering. He was breathing heavy, leaning forward. While tired, he was not at the limit.

    ¡°Hey kid, this isn¡¯t a training spot!¡±

    Gary looked up to see three male police officers approaching him. ¡°Oh, no,¡± Gary groaned. ¡°Sirs! I need help! They¡¯re feuding and not listening to me!¡±

    The officers kept coming. ¡°Use your Poke Balls and put them away, kid! There¡¯s plenty of places to train in this city, but this ain¡¯t it!¡± one spoke.

    Gary sighed and grabbed his Poke Balls. ¡°This isn¡¯t gonna woooooooork,¡± he sang in a mutter, rolling his eyes, but he tried his best.

    The two Pokemon were blasting at each other, causing a huge disturbance that was stopping passersby.

    All three officers screamed as one of Charizard¡¯s Flamethrowers got fairly close to them.

    ¡°I DON¡¯T GET PAID ENOUGH FOR THIS!!¡± one officer screamed, and he ran off.

    ¡°WE NEED BACKUP! BACKUUUUP!!!¡± a second officer wailed as he ran away as well.

    ¡°YOU COWARDS!!! YOU CAN¡¯T LEAVE ME HERE BY MYSELF!!¡± the last officer barked, but didn¡¯t run.

    The second cop shouted something back that wasn¡¯t too clear while still running.

    Charizard was flying, scooping up Electivire, and taking him into the sky. While Electivire struggled to attack, Charizard made his dive for the ground and let him go, Electivire crashing from Sky Drop.

    Electivire stood easily, brushing off his shoulders. His horns sparked, and then he yelled out as the Burn returned.

    Charizard was quick to attack, taking the opportunity to attack with Fire Blast from the sky.

    Electivire¡¯s Burn damage went away and he saw the move coming. He waited. Watched. He pulled back both arms and his fists sparked. He waited. Watched. ¡°VIIIIRRRRE!!¡± He used both sparking fists to swing into the Fire Blast!

    There was an explosion that sent Electivire tumbling hard, wailing out helplessly. He ended up sprawled on his front.

    ¡°Whoa! Charizard did it! But wait!¡± He frowned up at the big dragon. ¡°Charizard, I¡¯m ordering you to STOOOOP!!¡±

    Charizard kept his eyes on Electivire. He finally looked to Gary and grunted, but turned back to Electivire and flew for the ground.

    Electivire remained still.

    He¡¯s not out yet, and I don¡¯t care right now, Gary knew. This battle ends now. And yet, deep down inside, he wondered if Charizard could beat him. I didn¡¯t want another Badge until I beat him, Gary remembered. Until I got him under control. Is this it? Is this that time? ¡°YOU GUYS, LET¡¯S JUST BATTLE ELSEWHERE!! IT DOESN¡¯T HAVE TO BE HERE!!¡±

    The sky darkened suddenly. Or was it really so sudden?

    Gary stared at the skies, noticing the lightning flashing. When did this happen? No. ¡°NO!¡± He glared at Electivire.

    Electivire lifted his head and snickered. A big bolt came out of his horns and into the sky, causing more lightning to flash, and one giant bolt came down and blew up Charizard.

    Charizard was flying through the air, calling out helplessly. He slid on his side and flinched repeatedly.

    Electivire got back to his feet with some grunts and groans. He puffed out his chest and smiled at Charizard. Forming two fists, he said strongly, ¡°Vire!¡±

    Gary waited, gripping the two Poke Balls. Come on, Charizard. I know you¡¯re not out. Please! he pleaded. The Blaze Ability. Activate! Come on, Charizard! Any second now! Charizard, get up! With Charizard remaining motionless, Gary¡¯s eyes started to fill with tears as frustration filled his head. It¡¯s not fair. Charizard... You only just got back. You just recovered. This fight wasn¡¯t fair! He wasn¡¯t ready is all it was! That¡¯s all it was! Gary turned to Electivire angrily, but he didn¡¯t know what to scream out.

    Electivire turned to Gary, and then he looked away to Charizard. ¡°Vire!¡± he repeated.

    Charizard stayed still.

    Gary¡¯s eyes closed and he sniffled. ¡°This was supposed to be a nice walk for us all together,¡± he muttered so slowly. ¡°This was supposed to be a reunion of sorts. Guys...¡± He looked sadly to the two Pokemon.

    Electivire had been staring at Gary, now looking to Charizard again. ¡°Electivire,¡± he said to Gary, his eyes having moved to the boy again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hear it!!¡± Gary snapped louder than he had intended. ¡°Return!!¡± Charizard was called back. He stared at Electivire and, gripping his Poke Ball even tighter, just turned away from him and headed back to the Pokemon Center.

    As he walked, he recognized things from just a couple of minutes ago. The familiarity of it made him stop, and he looked around. Oh, shoot. That old man with the fedora. He¡¯s gone. Duh. Makes total sense. Frowning his eyes, he kept walking, though a lot slower now, something suddenly bothering him, as if trying to trigger a certain memory.

    *

    Staring out the window of the blimp, Gary¡¯s thoughts went back and forth. I can¡¯t post these photos of Canalave City. His eyes went down to his phone and he saw the pictures he took. All for stupid Plusles on Log-A-Graph? I shouldn¡¯t have taken these pics to begin with. This is disgusting. But... it is just information to spread. And I really was there, too. But, the last thing I want is attention about who I am. All I¡¯ve been through. Me being traceable. I want the fame of a Pokemon Master, sure, I guess. But, not all this bull. Not this Team Solace, monster, whatever, crap. I¡¯ve had enough. Besides that, lives were lost in Canalave. I can say I¡¯m posting stuff so people will get information and the truth, but a side of me is mad about my Plusle amount and I know it. In fact, why am I even thinking about this? This is so stupid! There¡¯s so much more going on in the world than a freaking Log-A-Graph post and Plusles! Geez, I¡¯m letting this damn internet crap really get to my head! I¡¯m better than this! He locked his phone.

    To be honest, what I need to think about is the fact of where I¡¯m headed now. For the like, tenth time or so already! Gary sighed as the blimp continued over the water. And after this, I will never be caught in freaking Jubilife City ever again!

    He turned his phone back on and went to Log-A-Graph without knowing he was doing so, and noticed he had a new message from Scientist Gary. Rolling his eyes, he just decided to get it over with. We were talking only ten minutes ago, Gary groaned to himself before looking at the image:

    Woke white people with there Hispanic friends be like: Of course I know Spanish, I¡¯m culturally habla gated!

    Beneath these words was a white guy with a cheesy smile wearing a sombrero and a huge, fake black mustache and both thumbs up.

    ¡°Pffft!¡± Gary slipped out, taken by surprise. That was funny, he smirked, trying to hide it, though there was no one to hide it from. He used one of the stickers of a laughing Pikachu rolling on its back and holding its stomach to display his reaction. I mean, it wasn¡¯t that funny but it was pretty okay, Gary thought to himself. He was about to lock the phone but decided to tap on the profile picture Scientist Gary had that was outlined in a blinking yellow color.

    This took him to what was called the BS, or Behind the Scenes, section of a person¡¯s account. It wasn¡¯t a permanent post, but a temporary one that remained for only a day.

    There¡¯s no telling how long it will be before someone else will make you feel happy about yourself. Take today to be that person.

    Gary took longer than he thought he would to dwell on that post, feeling a heavy blanket of sadness fall over him. Well, that was depressing, he thought before locking his phone again.

    *

    Gary walked through the woods, keeping close to Electivire and Charizard. Keeping an eye on them.

    Just like they were keeping an eye on each other.

    The discomforting aura of all this hurt Gary.

    Electivire seemed to be a lot more tolerable since what happened on the mountain by Alamos Town, but with him and Charizard out, it was like they had a score to settle.

    Gary wanted this battle to happen, but not until they were a lot closer to Jubilife City. Though, even thinking of that name made him nauseous. It was like a meal he¡¯d eaten ten too many times.

    Can¡¯t believe my big coat got shot up, Gary thought. Hopefully I can pick up a new one soon. It¡¯s too cold here in Sinnoh for just this Mewtwo jacket. I need to battle more Trainers so I can hopefully get one.

    Gary gasped at the sight and cries of several creatures that came tumbling out of the grass all of a sudden. Or perhaps more accurately, rolled out! There were several Voltorb!

    His eyes ran over all of them. ¡°Voltorb! Right.¡± He grabbed a Poke Ball and enlarged it. ¡°Charizard, after one! Rock Smash!¡±

    Charizard charged at one and tried to swing a glowing fist, but it missed as the Pokemon was just too fast! He swung for another, and another, missing and missing!

    One Voltorb he had missed actually stopped and turned back to face Charizard! ¡°Voltoorb!¡± Its body sparked and it hit Charizard with an Electric attack.

    While Charizard did react negatively to it, he shook it off and shot out a Flamethrower next!

    The Voltorb rolled out of the way and then back in place.

    ¡°Charizard! I didn¡¯t say do that! Let¡¯s keep it cool in a forest, remember??¡± Gary insisted.

    Charizard gave a nod, still glaring at Voltorb.

    ¡°VIIIIIII!¡± Electivire leaped out of nowhere and Kicked the ball!

    Voltorb grunted and then cried out repeatedly as it hit tree after tree after tree after tree!

    Gary groaned with fright, covering one ear with his hand and having to settle for a finger in the other since that hand held the enlarged Poke Ball. He really feared sudden, loud noises, and Voltorb was a prime candidate for random explosions!

    Voltorb ended up rolling to a stop several feet away.

    More Voltorb poured into the area now, and some were curving around Gary, heading for the attacked Voltorb! While many kept rolling past Voltorb, a few stopped to form a line in front of it.

    ¡°Oh, no!¡± Gary kept his ears plugged. Please don¡¯t blow up, please don¡¯t blow up, please please please! ¡°Charizard, get rid of ¡®em!¡± Not Flamethrower, not Flamethrower! ¡°Use... Slash!¡±

    Charizard went for them and struck with Slash.

    Electivire used Thunderbolt on the four newest Voltorb and they all screamed.

    With Electivire¡¯s move over, Charizard continued his Slash and tumbled the four off into the woods. Charizard was now snarling at Electivire.

    Electivire merely shrugged and then laughed.

    ¡°OKAY GOOO!!¡± Gary threw his Poke Ball at the remaining Voltorb Electivire had Kicked.

    It was still knocked out.

    The Poke Ball hit and took it in before trembling in the grass.

    PING!

    Gary let out a breath of relief. At least it¡¯s gone before it blew up, Gary thought. It can explode in the Lab for all I care. Just not in front of me. Not that I want it to at all but sheesh! He shook his head and looked around. His eyes stopped on the two Pokemon he had out. ¡°What a random swarm!¡±

    *

    Gary had been moving at a faster pace than normal on his way to Jubilife City, but eventually he decided it was time to stop and rest. And eat.

    Charizard, Weepinbell, Dugtrio, Galvantula, Kingdra, Ivysaur, Raichu, and Primeape were finishing munching now.

    It was Electivire supplying Magneton with electricity, having already eaten.

    He¡¯s really been getting better since getting it all off his chest, Gary thought while staring at him. It¡¯s unbelievable. So what does that mean? That he¡¯s telling the truth? Having gotten it all out, he¡¯s now able to work with others better? What will this mean when we finally rescue June? What will I do then?

    Gary looked down to Prof. Oak¡¯s note that he had taken out of the whole book. The book, note, and portraits of him, June, Kiwi, Robin and Aly were wet and the ink smeared. He also had his Pokedex in his other hand, looking up the location written on the map drawn on the note.

    Route 210.

    This is where that garden is at. The Gracidea Garden, Gary remembered. And that¡¯s right where X marks the spot.

    He looked at the smeared X that covered a very special name.

    I¡¯m going there soon, Gary promised. And I won¡¯t mess up like I did with Jirachi. This Pokemon is mine.

    This only made him think about the fact that the monster did in fact have Jirachi at one point. And yet, when he saw her yesterday, she didn¡¯t have it anymore!

    And the Ranger... That bitch killed that Ranger girl!

    And... how did my hand recover?

    How did I end up in Team Solace¡¯s helicopter?

    What in the world was I even thinking leaping out of the helicopter to fight that thing?

    Why did Regigigas have the Infinity Energy?

    These questions and so many more swam through Gary¡¯s head as he kept his eyes on the X that covered the name: Shaymin.

 Terms Of Agreement

    I¡¯ve never felt so tired in my life, Gary kept to himself, lying on his back in the grass. Is all the stress finally catching up to me? Is that all? I feel like I went out to collect my final seven Badges overnight and just got back! He put his hand to his head and frowned. ¡°Hey can you guys shut up already?!!¡± he suddenly raged out and sat up furiously.

    Primeape, Weepinbell, Ivysaur, Dugtrio, Kingdra, Charizard, Magneton, Raichu, Galvantula and Electivire all turned to him in surprise, stopping their consumption of individually appropriate nourishment.

    Breathing hard, he stood up, suddenly energized. ¡°All this damn crunching and munching and zapping and shocking is driving me nuts!!¡± he screamed. ¡°Just shut up!!¡± Rationality started seeping into his brain, staring at the stunned looks the Pokemon were giving him. He swallowed and turned his back on them and walked away. ¡°I just need some fresh air, okay?!¡± he said. As he walked through the grass and trees, under a bright blue sky, a steady breeze began blowing. Inhaling and exhaling, he stomped through the area. I was just doing push-ups, he told himself. That¡¯s why I¡¯m tired. I did forty before I gave out, but then went right into sit-ups! It¡¯s no wonder I¡¯m tired. The journey of a Pokemon Trainer is tiring enough. I never really worked out before. I didn¡¯t really need to.

    But it¡¯s not just that... Gary continued. My head. I feel so stressed. I feel like something happened last night, Gary was thinking, his head swimming. I feel like... maybe I had a nightmare. What did I even dream about? I¡¯ve been having so many of those since arriving in this region. I guess because my life has only gotten worse since coming out here. I wish I¡¯d never come here. I should have gone to Johto. Anywhere! But not here.

    Why did I even come out here in the first place? he wondered, frowning. Thinking. Confused. And then he saw the face of the monster, clear in his mind, and he made tight fists, his face tightening with anger, and his teeth clenched. The monster. The book, he remembered. That stupid, useless book of myths. And what did that stupid thing cost me? I¡¯ve lost June. Shit, I¡¯ve lost my sister! This whole journey has just... been pain! Tears filled Gary¡¯s eyes as he moved quicker. As if trying to leave his stress and regrets behind him. This whole journey... My friends and Pokemon and family. Isaac... Team Solace. They¡¯re gone, but gone proving what? Proving to me finally what they¡¯ve been trying to tell me all along? Was this journey worth it? Everyone would still be fine if we all just stayed home! Stayed in school! Got real jobs!

    His teeth grinded against each other, his eyes closing as he shook his head before a scream exploded out of his throat and he charged into the woods blindly. This stupid action resulted in his crashing hard into a tree, and he dropped flat to his face. Weak, shaky, and feeling miserable, Gary started to cry. Like a baby needing his mommy, Gary sobbed out loud. He made fists and slid them through the ground, stopping near his head. One fist slammed into the leaves and dirt, the other following, and his body gave out against the ground, defeated. All of this, for what? Gary wondered as he kept crying more quietly. All the questions I had before, and now, I only have more.

    Where¡¯s Jirachi? What did the monster do with it?

    How am I healed? Why isn¡¯t my hand busted?

    How did I wind up in the helicopter of Team Solace??

    Why did I jump out of a helicopter to fight that monster?!

    Why does Regigigas have the Infinity Energy?

    Even, why did Kiwi give me the Prof. Oak book? Why just me? I keep forgetting to bring that up, but she hasn¡¯t even tried to explain!

    By now, Jirachi could be gone already, for another thousand years. It¡¯s all over... My chances to kill that evil bitch and undo what evil she brought to this planet is over. I wonder if, like Aly said once, she really is an alien. Real proof of extraterrestrial life. Could it be? I don¡¯t believe in aliens, but, I might be willing to in this scenario... I¡¯d have to! An alien. Pokemon are said to be extraterrestrial in origin. Like Clefairy. But could it be true??

    By now, Gary realized that he had stopped crying. Sitting up, he sniffled and brushed the dirt off his face. ¡°I know you said this wasn¡¯t just happening to me, but to Pokemon Trainers everywhere, sir,¡± Gary spoke in a low voice. ¡°But, this is starting to feel a little bit too consistent, all things considered.¡± He closed his eyes, taking in and then letting out a breath. ¡°What were you even doing there that night? Why were you there?¡± He could still see the professor falling to his death, fighting with Isaac. But he lived... he thought with disdain. You died, and he was the one who got away.

    Without even the slightest smirk, Gary breathed out in a silent snicker. But look now. It¡¯s your turn, now. You- There was a roar that ran throughout the forest, making the child jump and look. ¡°Charizard,¡± he whispered. A second roar made him cry out, ¡°Electivire!¡± He pushed himself to his feet and took off right back where he had left. When he had burst back onto the clearing, he wasn¡¯t surprised by what he was seeing, expecting it, and angry that he was right. ¡°STOOOOOOP!!¡±

    Charizard used Slash, Electivire swinging with Fire Punch to counter that. Both moves hit and both Pokemon¡¯s arms moved from each other immediately.

    Electivire¡¯s body glowed white and he lunged for Charizard with his Strength.

    ¡°Rock Smash, Charizard!¡± Gary settled. Listen to me! he insisted with frustration.

    Charizard hesitated, as if he had planned on a different move. That pause was his mistake as Electivire grabbed his shoulders and threw him back. Roaring, Charizard was on his back.

    ¡°Charizard, into the air!¡±

    Electivire stomped after Charizard.

    Watching this, Gary spotted Raichu and remembered something that made him run for June¡¯s bag.

    Charizard grunted and stood, shooting off into the sky.

    Electivire kept a smile the entire time while Charizard was already breathing hard.

    No. We have to win, Gary told himself, his teeth tightening as he grabbed Raichu¡¯s Poke Ball from June¡¯s bag. We have to beat Electivire, one-on-one, before we get to Oreburgh for my second Badge! ¡°Return!¡± Gary shouted quickly, recalling Raichu, and then he turned to Charizard. ¡°We have to win! Flare Blitz!!¡±

    Electivire took a moment to glance back at Gary, and then to the remaining Pokemon. His attention returned to Charizard when the Fire type roared and his body was covered in flames. Smiling even bigger, Electivire held out his large hands and waited.

    Charizard dove down and came straight for Electivire, a giant ball of Fire!

    ¡°GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!¡± Gary pushed his Pokemon.

    Electivire¡¯s eyes glowed blue.

    Charizard was caught in the Psychic attack. But he was too close! He was touching Electivire!

    Electivire grunted and groaned from the pressure of the blazing-hot Fire move driving into him while trying to force Charizard back.

    ¡°CHARIZAAAAAARD!!!¡± Gary demanded, making tight, shaky fists. ¡°DO IIIIIT!!¡±

    Both Pokemon raged in each other¡¯s faces before Charizard crashed into the dirt, the Fire around his body blowing out, while Electivire was tossed back.

    All of the other Pokemon scrambled in the chaos, trying to stay safe from the danger of the two brutes.

    Growling weakly, Charizard looked up.

    Gary noticed his Pokemon hadn¡¯t activated the Blaze Ability yet, but he also knew that didn¡¯t mean Charizard wasn¡¯t close to fainting.

    Electivire coughed out and as he raised his head from the ground, he smiled and stood.

    Charizard also got up.

    ¡°Charizard, that was great! Scary Face this time! Let¡¯s slow him down!¡± Gary accepted that a battle was happening, even if it started outside of his control. He¡¯d be the one to finish it. Or so he hoped.

    Charizard¡¯s wings flapped and he ascended into the air. Inhaling hard, he pulled back his head and then reached it forward to send out a Fire Blast from his jaws.

    ¡°What?! Fire Blast?!¡± Gary was stunned. ¡°Charizard?!¡±

    Electivire didn¡¯t even move! He stood still as the move crashed right into him and engulfed him! When the flames ended, Electivire looked seared in some areas, but he had the same healthy smile and looked just as energetic, flexing his arms!

    The grass under him was scorched but it seemed all the fire had gone out.

    He must be frontin¡¯ right now, Gary figured. There¡¯s just no way! He¡¯s taken a Flare Blitz aaaand Fire Blast! He¡¯s done for! ¡°Charizard, take it easy! Don¡¯t let your anger blind you! Listen to me!¡±

    Charizard was already on the move, flying for Electivire as his tail glowed green.

    Gary¡¯s mouth had opened to say something, but it hung open in silence as Charizard used a move his Trainer was completely unfamiliar with!

    Charizard whipped his tail at Electivire.

    Electivire¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the hit landed, causing his stomach to flash white. A Critical Hit! He flew back.

    And started laughing!

    Gary gasped at this reaction. NO WAY! He had his Pokedex in his hand to scan information on whatever Charizard had just done, but now, he was frozen in disbelief.

    After flying through the air briefly, Electivire kept laughing as he hit the ground and slid on his side! Still sliding, he then extended his arms out. His horns sparked first, and then his entire body, and a big blast of lightning came out and caught Charizard.

    Charizard roared on the spot, his whole body leaning back and balancing on just one foot.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!!¡± Gary pleaded.

    The move ended, Electivire¡¯s sliding finished.

    Charizard dropped flat, the front of his body on the ground.

    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Electivire got up easily, watching Charizard. He wasn¡¯t patient enough to watch for long and started moving for the Fire type.

    ¡°CHARIZARD!! WHY WON¡¯T YOU JUST LISTEN?? WHY ARE YOU TWO BEHAVING LIKE THIS STILL?!!¡± Gary complained, his eyes going back and forth between Charizard and Electivire.

    Suddenly, Charizard¡¯s tail flame burst powerfully! His body was outlined in red! His eyes opened, a blazing pair of fire, and he bared his teeth.

    ¡°Bl-!!¡± Gary started. But he was interrupted.

    Charizard choked out, struggling to breathe as Electivire stomped one foot on his neck! His breathing became more struggled and he tried to use his claws to get himself up, and finally grabbed the Electric Pokemon¡¯s ankle to force it off. The foot rose a bit, Charizard inhaling hard, but Electivire¡¯s horns sparked, and then his entire body let loose Thunder. Charizard could do nothing but wail helplessly, Electivire smiling down at him.

    Gary clenched his teeth and fists as tight as possible, his entire body struggling to keep from trembling. It¡¯s the type advantage, he told himself as he stared at his beaten Charizard, the Pokemon¡¯s tail flame low, the red outline around his body gone, the fire in his eyes extinguished. I need to use a powerful Pokemon of a different type. But I¡¯m a Pokemon Trainer, he admitted bitterly. Type disadvantage is what I¡¯m supposed to work on overcoming, not give in to. He swallowed and then coughed out once lightly, feeling like he had swallowed something. ¡°Take it easy, buddy,¡± he muttered, recalling Charizard to his Poke Ball. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you.¡± His hand fell and he struggled just to hold the Poke Ball as he stared wearily at Electivire.

    Electivire nodded slowly at Gary, keeping his pleased grin.

    The other Pokemon that belonged to June and Gary were silently watching, completely stunned.

    Even Primeape.

    ¡°You know, Electivire, I just don¡¯t know anymore about what I¡¯m gonna do,¡± Gary started. He sighed. Gathering some backup energy, he recalled all of the Pokemon, leaving out only Electivire. ¡°I thought I¡¯d go for my eight Badges in Sinnoh, and try to become the best Trainer in Sinnoh, and kill the monster. At one point, I even thought I could bring back my sister, Prof. Oak. Ha. Guess what? I even thought, maybe I¡¯d get Hitmonchan back at one point.¡±

    ¡°Vire?¡± Electivire¡¯s smile was gone now, paying attention to Gary¡¯s words.

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah. Man. I thought I¡¯d save the world and slay the Devil. All I had to do was beat you one time. Just prove that I had what it took. But look at you. Level seventy-nine last time I checked on you. I don¡¯t have a thing on my team that powerful. I wanted to believe I could stop you anyway. But I can¡¯t.¡±

    Electivire didn¡¯t say a thing, or move a muscle.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Electivire¡¯s eyes widened just a bit.

    Gary stood in silence, having a thought in his head, but he couldn¡¯t get the words right at first. Until, finally, ¡°Why is it that I can¡¯t save anyone?¡±

    Electivire just continued watching the boy.

    Gary swallowed. ¡°I try, and I try.¡± His eyes lowered. ¡°But everyone close to me just gets hurt at best, or kidnapped, and dies at worst.¡± He shook his head slowly and stared at Electivire again. ¡°I keep convincing myself June is alive in order to keep traveling, but that¡¯s all it is. Me convincing myself. I don¡¯t know why she captured June, but there¡¯s no way she¡¯d just keep her alive after-¡±

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire said loudly, his mouth and eyes wide in shock hearing Gary.

    ¡°But it¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it?¡± Gary shouted. ¡°Why would that thing keep her alive? She¡¯s tried to kill everyone else on sight! What¡¯s so special about June?¡± Gary froze, going completely silent. That June can communicate with Pokemon, Gary answered in his head. June¡¯s painful reaction to the monster¡¯s voice. That she captured June! She¡¯s never used one of those ball things on someone before, as far as I know. There¡¯s hope... Gary. ¡°There¡¯s hope,¡± he said out loud. ¡°She... really might be okay, after all. I don¡¯t know. But I do know that I can¡¯t stop her being this weak. I have to beat you, Gym Leaders, other Trainers, Pokemon Masters! But losing to you shows me that I¡¯m not ready to beat that monster. Even you can¡¯t stop her.¡±

    Electivire frowned and made tight fists, growling at this statement.

    ¡°And I had the chance to save Hitmonchan, June, and more. But I failed because we were all too weak!¡± Gary said strongly, angrily. ¡°We failed horribly when we had the chance to stop this crap for good!¡±

    ¡°Elec...¡± Electivire growled again.

    Gary covered his eyes with one hand and sniffled. ¡°I just miss him so much. Hitmonchan. He was as great as he was, because of you.¡± He lowered his hand, wiping at his eyes on the way down and sniffling again. ¡°Thank you for always pushing me, Electivire. You always, always, have kept me in check. Put me in my place. And I have hated you for it. But today, I am grateful.¡±

    He came to a brief pause. ¡°I¡¯ve not earned a single Badge in this region, but-¡± Stopping himself, he took out his Badge case and stared at the one Badge he had. The Phobia Badge. But, for some reason, I won¡¯t let this damn thing go that that damn witch gave me! Does it have to do with the fact that, she officially gave me this Badge? Or are there special feelings I¡¯m holding... Cas... Oh, Cas. It¡¯s been so long since I¡¯ve seen you, and yet a side of me feels like you¡¯ve always been somewhere deep down within me. On lonely nights, second-guessing myself, and this Badge, convincing me to keep it. It was an official ruling. But the second Badge, the Infiltration Badge... He could still see himself throwing the Badge at Electivire during an argument on Route 218.

    Gary closed the case noisily and put it away as he looked to Electivire. ¡°I can¡¯t save any of you. This fight isn¡¯t about my Pokemon. It¡¯s just a personal fight. This has always been about me, trying to stop things, and getting everyone else caught up and in trouble over it. Well, when do I die? When¡¯s my turn? So my mom can finally get her rest! So she can finally sleep at night!¡± Gary was screaming at Electivire.

    Electivire kept wide eyes on Gary.

    Gary¡¯s legs were quivering. ¡°I can¡¯t keep doing this, Electivire.¡± His head lowered. ¡°I¡¯m done, man. It¡¯s hard to believe how long it¡¯s been already, but months into it all, but look at all we have to offer. Our accomplishments. One freaking Badge.¡± Exhausted, Gary fell to his knees and hands. He then shook his head, his eyes closed. ¡°It¡¯s time to head back to Kanto. We¡¯ve done too much thinking we could pass through to a new region and take over. Ha. H-ha ha ha! I was stupid! This region really is as tough as Rob said.¡± He then eyed Electivire. ¡°But maybe not for you. You can do it, huh? Take on the Gyms. Find a better Trainer. That¡¯s one thing I never understood about you, man. If you hate June so much, even with her gone, why are you still here? Is there something else you have to say to her? To let her know how you feel, in full?¡±

    Electivire was motionless, his hands at his sides. He would rub at a particular spot of his body on occasion, but was still otherwise.

    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you, Electivire, but it¡¯s time for you to go.¡± Gary¡¯s eyes hardened. ¡°Be free if that¡¯s what you want, Electivire. If living with me is too much, and being under June¡¯s ownership is impossible, what keeps you here? Especially with me! Interrupting my matches! I didn¡¯t ask you to jump into my battles! To fight people and their Pokemon! If you¡¯re after power so badly, then just leave me alone! Leave me alone!!¡± No one spoke for a bit as Gary kept putting his thoughts into words he could use. ¡°There¡¯s apparently nothing I can give you to make you stronger. I¡¯m not good enough to use you, or defeat you, or even put up enough of a challenge. It¡¯s just free Experience for you, huh?¡± He let out his breath.

    After a silent moment, Electivire¡¯s body started to ease up, but he didn¡¯t speak.

    At the same time, Gary stood back up, his face stern with determination, and with sturdy fists, he declared, ¡°I can never be a Pokemon Master in this state, and so, I¡¯m going back on my word. I can¡¯t give up. I have to get stronger. I¡¯m obligated to. I can¡¯t take the easy way out. Not after all of this. It¡¯s not fair. I will continue my journey and get my Badges and destroy the Pokemon League. I¡¯ve lost too much all for the pursuit of my dream. I don¡¯t get to just get off scot-free.¡±

    Electivire took in a big, awkward breath through his nostrils in the following silence.

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet up again in the future when I¡¯ve accomplished my goals. And may you reach yours, and let¡¯s fight again when I¡¯m stronger. What do you say to that?¡± He held out his hand.

    Electivire stared at it, shocked. ¡°Vire...¡±

    Gary kept his hand out, not moving.

    Electivire looked up to him.

    Gary stepped closer and stopped. ¡°Better yet, wait until I become a Pokemon Master! I¡¯ll defeat the Champion and let¡¯s meet up then. Let me be the strongest challenge for you. Let me be that. What you seek for so badly. And prove just how strong you are, Electivire. In front of the whole world. A televised event. If I become Champ, I¡¯ll make sure it happens. Just wait for me. And hey, keep this!¡± Gary reached into his pocket and held out what he came up with in both hands.

    A Poke Ball with a sticker of the letter E.

    Electivire stared from the ball, to the Trainer.

    ¡°Keep this, so no one can capture you. I¡¯m not releasing you. Or, perhaps I should keep it, even. That might be safer. I dunno.¡± Gary chuckled as he closed his hands around the ball. ¡°Either way, this isn¡¯t a release. You still belong to June, ha ha. But that¡¯s just so I can be sure you aren¡¯t caught when I¡¯m Champ. And I¡¯ll find you again. And we¡¯ll have that battle. Try to look out for me in the news or something, okay?¡± He surprised Electivire by grabbing his hand and putting the Poke Ball in it. He then closed Electivire¡¯s hand around the ball. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how well June will take this, but, I can¡¯t even promise she¡¯s alive, right? Maybe I¡¯m making a mistake. Maybe I don¡¯t have the right to do this. But, I¡¯m doing it. I might even die before I get another Badge, so, keep the Poke Ball and remember us both by it. And thank you for everything, Electivire.¡± Using all his strength to prevent tears from filling his eyes, Gary used both his hands to shake Electivire¡¯s closed hand and nodded into a short bow before turning away from him.

    After cleaning up the area, he finally grabbed his backpack, and June¡¯s bag, and got them on his shoulders. Giving his back to Electivire, he said, ¡°¡®Til we meet again, eh?¡± And then walked away.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire barked out.

    Gary stopped, but he didn¡¯t look back. Yes? What? Gary thought, but didn¡¯t say out loud.

    ¡°Elect. Vire.¡± Electivire¡¯s feet crunched on the grass as he walked up to Gary. ¡°Vire Vire.¡±

    Gary turned around and saw that Electivire had one hand open. Inside of it wasn¡¯t what he expected.

    In Electivire¡¯s palm was a little purple, circular item with two black, curved lines and purple bubbles. It looked like the face of a person who was sick, their closed eyes. The Infiltration Badge!

    Electivire then moved with blinding speed and grabbed Gary¡¯s hand and placed the Badge in it, closing the boy¡¯s hand into a fist. He stepped back and nodded. ¡°Vire,¡± he grunted.

    Gary opened his hand, not believing what he had just seen. He could no longer see the Badge, as his vision had become clouded in tears that were impossible to hold back. But he knew what he had. Crying silently, he looked up to Electivire. ¡°Why...?¡±

    Electivire raised one huge hand and it landed on Gary¡¯s shoulder, rocking the child, and then tightened on him. ¡°Elect Vire...¡± His hand fell from the boy, but he didn¡¯t turn from him. He just blinked.

    Gary sniffled and gripped the Badge. ¡°Electivire... I don¡¯t know- This doesn¡¯t feel-¡±

    ¡°Elect,¡± Electivire nodded. ¡°Vire. Elec. Electivire.¡± He held out his other hand.

    Gary hesitantly reached out to Electivire.

    Electivire gripped it and gave a strong shake.

    Gary cried out and hit the ground, his arm still raised due to Electivire still holding his hand. ¡°Whoa!!¡± He was yanked up harshly and set on his feet. ¡°A little rough, man,¡± Gary complained after Electivire let him go, and he rubbed his shoulder.

    Electivire just stared at him solemnly.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll think on what to do with this Badge. Thank you.¡± He turned, but was turned right back around before he could even take a step. ¡°Hey!¡± he cried out.

    Electivire was still holding the child¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Electivire...¡± He pointed with his free hand at Gary¡¯s fist that held the Badge.

    Gary stared into the Pokemon¡¯s eyes. ¡°Yo, man. Maybe we¡¯ve been hanging out too much, or maybe it¡¯s that Psychic move you know, but there¡¯s just no way I¡¯m reading this situation right.¡±

    ¡°Elect! Electivire!¡± Electivire insisted.

    ¡°C-c-come on, man,¡± Gary spoke shakily now. ¡°You can¡¯t mean...¡±

    Electivire kept his grip on Gary.

    Gary stared back, wishing Electivire would let him go.

    Wishing he wasn¡¯t thinking what he thought Electivire might be thinking.

    Hoping Electivire wasn¡¯t thinking what he thought he might be.

    Gary closed his eyes and his head fell. Somehow, a smirk also crossed his lips. ¡°So, you want to continue this journey with me,¡± Gary said just above a whisper.

    ¡°Vire,¡± Electivire responded.

    ¡°And you¡¯re actually gonna behave for a change?¡± Gary opened just one eye to the Pokemon.

    Electivire was rolling his eyes and sneering. ¡°Viiiiirre...¡±

    ¡°And battle when I say?¡±

    ¡°Vire Vire,¡± Electivire grumbled, now glaring at the ground.

    ¡°And...¡± Gary raised his hand and opened it, revealing the Infiltration Badge. ¡°You promise?¡±

    Electivire held out one finger and, keeping eye contact with Gary, he touched the Badge. ¡°Elect.¡±

    ¡°You and I. We continue this journey, together, from here on out.¡±

    Electivire stood silent, waiting.

    ¡°With...¡± Gary thought on his words, focusing on the ground. And then he returned to Electivire. ¡°With two Badges.¡±

    Electivire smiled.

    ¡°Time to get the third. In Oreburgh City.¡±

    ¡°Electiviiiiire!¡± Electivire nodded, gripping Gary even harder in his excitement.

    ¡°OW!¡± Gary frowned.

 Say It Loud, Shes Back & Shes Proud

    Gary could have thrown up as he took in the city of Jubilife for what felt like the hundredth time. His stomach was literally churning. Once my Pokemon are fed and healed and everything, I am getting right out of here! he promised. I guess while I¡¯m waiting, I can get a couple of things done, though. He left the Pokemon Center and was now outside in the middle of the hectic city, people of all ages running or walking, screaming or talking, laughing or even a couple of folks crying. He sighed. As soon as my Pokemon are better, he thought as he gazed around and just started to walk, we¡¯re off to Oreburgh, and there will be no reason to ever return here again. Hey, since I am here though, it¡¯d be a pretty great chance to challenge Jupiter again! Prove I can beat her. I¡¯m allowed to rebattle her, it just won¡¯t count as another Badge. Still walking, still thinking on this battle proposition, Gary passed a large building that was mostly red with some yellow parts, the glass areas being blue.

    His eyes ended up being stuck on a young girl.

    She had a tight, bright-pink coat with a hood pulled over her head, with pink jeans and white sneakers with pink laces. A large pink backpack was behind her.

    Beside her sat some kind of long cat Gary felt he recognized, but that wasn''t his focus now. Frozen, his eyes widening, his eyes scanned lower to what he considered a decent bottom in very tight jeans. Swallowing, he went over her entire body, taking in all the pink. No, no, no no no no no! he panicked. Not her! In Sinnoh?? It¡¯s Court-!

    The girl turned suddenly.

    ¡°AAAAAAAHHH!!!¡± Gary screamed in disbelief.

    Her eyes widened, her mouth dropping open. ¡°Gary! Oh my gosh it¡¯s been so long!!¡± Concern came over her face as she approached him. ¡°You butt, how are you?¡±

    Gary ended up frowning. ¡°I see you haven¡¯t changed, Aly.¡±

    She finally smiled, but it was more sympathetic than anything else. ¡°Gary.¡± Nothing more came out of her mouth.

    Gary¡¯s eyes narrowed with confusion. ¡°Huh? What?¡±

    Her lips pressed together, keeping words inside.

    ¡°Aly, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you acting so weird?¡± The answer suddenly hit him and his shoulders slumped.

    ¡°I-¡± She froze up, her mouth open.

    ¡°It¡¯s June. That¡¯s what you¡¯re trying to say. It¡¯s okay.¡±

    Aly¡¯s lips were put together again and she lowered her gaze.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Aly,¡± Gary insisted. ¡°I¡¯m fine to talk about it.¡±

    ¡°Do you know where she is?¡± Aly returned her stare to Gary¡¯s face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where she is, how she is, or anything.¡±

    ¡°Gary, I¡¯m so, so sorry.¡± She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

    Gary wasn¡¯t used to Aly being so sincere and gentle, especially with him. He stared at her hand for a second before nodding at her, his heart¡¯s beat pace picking up. ¡°Thanks. We¡¯re still looking for her. We¡¯re gonna find her. We believe!¡±

    Aly kept eye contact and nodded, worry on her face. ¡°Is it true what I¡¯ve heard? A - Poke Ball? She-¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a Poke Ball. It was something else. Some new... thing altogether.¡± Gary was hating  this conversation, though he did encourage it. But talking about that... object the monster had used on June disturbed Gary to his bones.

    ¡°Of course it wasn¡¯t an actual Poke Ball. They can¡¯t capture humans. But I mean, was she captured? Like a Pokemon?¡±

    Gary closed his eyes, hearing the PONG! Seeing the blinking button stay on black. He swallowed. Just like a Poke Ball, he knew. Like she was a Pokemon... ¡°I know it doesn¡¯t make any sense, but-¡± His breath came out sharply and then he looked at Aly. ¡°-that¡¯s exactly what it was like. Like she was a Pokemon...¡±

    Aly looked at Gary in horror. ¡°So I was right. It¡¯s an alien.¡±

    Gary stayed quiet, listening to his friend.

    ¡°It¡¯s using advanced, extraterrestrial technology. Maybe on its planet, they have humans that are captured instead of Pokemon! Like an alternate universe!¡±

    Gary had no point to use against this perspective. She called it, he remembered as Aly kept talking. Back in Viridian City, after battling the new species, Aly had insisted it was an alien, and without a recognizable gender. And it wasn¡¯t affected by the Dream Mist that Musharna put out, that affected all Pokemon. Except for the Delibird, he added. What was its nickname again? It had Insomnia. Does that argue against the claim the monster is an alien? Couldn¡¯t it be a Pokemon with an Ability, too?

    ¡°It¡¯s like in Alola where they study going to alternate universes and meeting aliens like the Ultra Beasts!¡± Aly continued.

    Gary blinked, returning to what Aly was still going on about.

    ¡°You know, the alien Pokemon? The alien people who live there who look completely human but they¡¯re all aliens and live a different life than us? They have cool technology, too! The Beast Balls and stuff! And they have alien Pokemon, but even those can be caught in normal Poke Balls! It¡¯s just harder! But this monster alien can¡¯t be a Pokemon! She has to be like, what a human here on Earth is, for her planet! All she¡¯s been doing has been on purpose. Pokemon don¡¯t think like that. I mean... there may be some exceptions, but, like... What she''s doing is evil! Pokemon aren¡¯t evil! They may behave defensively at times, but-¡± She looked to one side, and then the other, and then behind her. ¡°Delcatty!!¡±

    The large cat that Gary had seen was now walking around casually, not even by the Trainer, Aly.

    ¡°Delcatty, please already!¡± Aly pleaded, running after it.

    Delcatty turned and arched its back, hissing at Aly.

    Aly stopped and crossed her arms. ¡°Delcatty, we were doing just fine until now! Why this behavior?¡±

    ¡°Is this the Delcatty from the League? In the Indigo League?¡± Gary watched, surprised.

    Aly sighed. A second sigh came out, but it sounded more like she had wanted to say something and decided to pretend she didn¡¯t. ¡°Yeah...¡± she finally answered.

    Gary watched the Pokemon stroll further from them. ¡°So she¡¯s really just disobedient, huh?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s always been this way,¡± Aly said sadly, following behind her Pokemon.

    Gary walked after them through the noisy, excited city.

    ¡°We were checking out the B-Button League to see if we could learn something from their methods of raising Pokemon. But-¡±

    ¡°B-Button League? What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a group of Pokemon Coordinators who take part in Contests and train their unevolved Pokemon to be the best. They want to be Top Coordinator without having a fully evolved Pokemon. Some of their most famous members used a Magikarp and Feebas said to be the strongest ones. They really made a big name for themselves. You should look them up.¡±

    ¡°A strong Magikarp and Feebas, huh? That sounds cool. I¡¯d like to beat them.¡±

    Aly frowned at him and came to a stop. ¡°Well, I¡¯d love to see your defeat.¡±

    Gary, also stopping, was shocked at her response. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s with you? Why would you want me to lose?¡±

    Aly turned from him and continued after Delcatty, Gary following. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to lose, but you don¡¯t get their point. The meaning behind it. It¡¯s beautiful and it truly goes to show how much they love their Pokemon. It¡¯s not about evolving your Pokemon to get stronger. It¡¯s showing respect for the Pokemon as they are and not pressuring them into things they only would do for people like you.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Come on, Pokemon like to evolve!¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s up to the Pokemon! But that¡¯s not always the situation. I want to be like them and prove an individual Pokemon that I¡¯m friends with is just as good as they ever have been and ever will be, just by them being themselves.¡±

    ¡°Well, then, doesn¡¯t that put pressure on the Pokemon to not evolve, too?¡± Gary challenged. ¡°What if they wanted to evolve?¡±

    Aly turned to Gary with a sneer and swallowed. ¡°Just the kind of answer I¡¯d expect out of you. If a Pokemon wanted to evolve, you let it evolve. But when you make a decision with your friends, it¡¯s like - you-¡± Aly went silent and waved her hand back to Gary dismissively. ¡°This is why boys aren¡¯t typically Coordinators. You guys lack the most basic sense of having feelings about things. It''s all about being a bigmouth with you. I¡¯m wasting my breath with you but when I beat you with a, a, a, a Misdreavus or something, maybe when your know-it-all attitude blows up in your face in the worst way possible, you¡¯ll shut up for once in your life.¡±

    ¡°I guess someone lost their sense of humor in Sinnoh. The cold weather turn your heart to ice?¡± Gary said in a low voice he knew Aly could still hear.

    ¡°Oh don¡¯t act like you weren¡¯t always pushing my patience back in Kanto.¡±

    In Kanto, Gary repeated in his head. Back in Kanto, huh?

    ¡°OH!¡± Aly shrieked, covering herself.

    Gary jumped and let out a startled sound. ¡°Huh? What??¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t judge me in all this pink, okay?!! I¡¯m returning it right away. I¡¯m not into this girly color at all! I just - I just needed to see the latest trends going on and see for myself that it¡¯s not for me!! Okay?! That¡¯s all!! I HATE PINK!!¡±

    ¡°Uuuuhhh... Okay,¡± Gary replied. He scanned her over for a moment. She actually looks really... ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal!!¡± Gary said louder than he meant to, breaking his odd thought apart. ¡°I actually was just going shopping myself. Is pink in?¡± Wait, what?! What are you saying?? Gary freaked out in his mind, his eyes widening, his eyebrows narrowing in confusion at his poor choice of words.

    ¡°You know, I think I¡¯d like you more in pink,¡± Aly squinted teasingly with a smirk.

    Gary sneered at her. He was thinking for a moment before, finally, ¡°I¡¯d like you more if-¡±

    ¡°Too late! You had to think! You lose! Again! Against me!¡± She held her left hand up and made an L with her thumb and pointer finger. ¡°Llloserrrr!¡±

    Gary was stuck again and just growled, wanting to just shove her to the ground.

    Aly was laughing in the face of danger. This died down to chuckling, and finally, still smiling, she asked, ¡°Have you only just arrived here?¡±

    Gary relaxed a little, glad she seemed to be done, but taken by surprise, expecting more. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°When did you get here? And why? We were in Sandgem Town before we left. You can¡¯t have only gotten here. Don¡¯t tell me you got into a fight with a horde of Mankey again and were hospitalized.¡±

    ¡°HEY!!¡± Gary burst out angrily.

    Aly smiled so huge she couldn¡¯t even keep her eyes open.

    ¡°If you think you¡¯re such hot stuff, how about we have a Pokemon battle?¡± Gary demanded.

    Aly¡¯s temper started being shown, flaring up on her face. ¡°Oh, you think you¡¯ve got what it takes, huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Well then let¡¯s go!¡±

    ¡°How about a Full Battle, then?¡± Gary pursued.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go!¡±

    ¡°Great!¡±

    There were mutters and cries as people passing came to a stop, hearing that a battle was going to take place. The first crowd to stop caused more people to stick around.

    Gary stepped away a few feet.

    Calling out to her Delcatty, Aly kept getting on her tiptoes repeatedly. ¡°Delcaaaattyyyy! Delcaattyyyyy! It¡¯s time to battle, Delcatty! Pleeeeeease!!¡±

    ¡°Gonna battle with a disobedient Pokemon, huh?¡± Gary taunted. ¡°This¡¯ll be a piece of cake.¡±

    ¡°I beat you without a word at the League!¡± Aly glared at Gary and then looked again for her Pokemon.

    Gary¡¯s heart skipped a painful beat, remembering the match between Aly¡¯s Breloom and his late Hitmonchan. ¡°Enough of the past! If I beat you now, that match meant nothing!¡± Gary replied angrily, ignoring the momentary pain of his heart.

    Aly shot him a dirty look before - walking away from him! Even the group gasped, some stepping aside as Aly went away from her opponent.

    Following after her, Gary suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s meet up later or something and we can actually battle properly!¡±

    Aly glared at Gary. ¡°We¡¯ll battle right now, and I¡¯ll kick your butt once again! Do not move!¡±

    Gary huffed and crossed his arms, tilting his head. As he watched her get lost in the crowd, the crowd itself losing interest and newer people showing up to see what the initial fuss was about to begin with, he had to wonder how in the world he had lost to this girl at the League. Especially with his powerhouse of a Hitmonchan. His entire body shook as he recalled the absolutely brutal battle between Hitmonchan and Breloom, each Pokemon delivering punch after punch in the end. That Breloom, Gary mused, thinking on how Hitmonchan had the upper hand at first, completely overwhelming him. That Breloom was something! He remembered the victory Breloom managed before he took in a deep breath and let it go. Am I trying to just dismiss Aly¡¯s hard work and training? Am I-? I¡¯m surely still bothered with my loss. And, because it was Aly? Would I be this mad if I had lost to Rob?

    There was a scream and Gary flinched out of his thoughts. He looked around to try to find his friend. ¡°Aly?¡±

    Everyone was staring at what was going on with Aly.

    ¡°Aly!¡± Gary reached the crowd but couldn¡¯t see what everyone was muttering about.

    Finally, the crowd made way as the young female got through, breathing hard. She put her hands on her knees, a furious look for her rival. ¡°Six-on-six. Right now! Let¡¯s go, Gary!¡±

    ¡°Six? But, where¡¯s-?¡±

    With a loud, screechy call, Delcatty squeezed through the crowd and sat away from Aly.

    Aly stood tall and stared behind her at Delcatty, a weary look on her face. After turning to Gary, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s just... try this out. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Try? Aly, is Delcatty gonna even-?¡±

    Aly snatched up a Great Ball and gripped it tight. ¡°Umbreon, let¡¯s start now!¡± She threw the ball.

    ¡°Uuuuumbreon!¡± the Pokemon exclaimed, staring at Gary.

    They¡¯re so beautiful, Gary admitted as he scanned the Pokemon, also surprised that Aly had one.

    Umbreon. The Moonlight Pokemon. A Dark type evolution of Eevee. The yellow markings strike fear in opponents, and glow when the Pokemon is excited, or when the moon shines on it.

    A Dark type. Gary backed away from them to make space. Then I¡¯m going with- Trying to think of his team, something horrible came to his brain. You have gotta be kidding me... One hand hovered over his empty belt. No. Way.

    ¡°Come on, Gary! We don¡¯t have all day,¡± Aly snapped.

    My Pokemon are all in the Pokemon Center!! Gary remembered. I was only out to gather some stuff in the meantime!

    ¡°Man, you two gonna battle or what, yo?¡± a voice called out from the crowd.

    Now, other people started complaining and a few were even walking off.

    Aly straightened up, her face softening. ¡°Gary?¡±

    He sighed and his shoulders slumped. ¡°Aly, I just got here, actually. I don¡¯t have any Pokemon to battle. They¡¯re all recovering at the Pokemon Center.¡±

    It seemed like the entire crowd groaned and made complaints and other noises, interrupting Gary¡¯s next sentence.

    He sucked his teeth, leering at them and watching the crowd break apart.

    Aly rolled her eyes and shook her head, smirking. ¡°Figures.¡±

    Gary nodded and looked down in shame. No one to blame but myself here, he knew. I got so excited and forgot I don¡¯t even have one Pokemon on me.

    The city remained crowded, but none of the attention was on Gary and Aly anymore.

    Delcatty yawned loudly and she suddenly glowed red. Swiftly, the red energy vanished, taken inside of a Poke Ball on Aly¡¯s waist.

    Aly frowned. ¡°I hate when she does that.¡±

    ¡°She did that at the League, too,¡± Gary remembered.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Don¡¯t remind me,¡± Aly said grumpily, returning Umbreon and then putting the Great Ball to her waist.

    ¡°What¡¯s the story with you and Delcatty?¡±

    Aly just sneered. ¡°It¡¯s actually nothing.¡±

    Gary stared silently before replying, ¡°Right.¡± Rather than push the issue, something else had come to Gary¡¯s mind and he brought that up instead. ¡°Say, how¡¯s Ivysaur doing?¡±

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡°She¡¯s great! Just like Delcatty!¡± Aly could have been mistaken for sounding angry. That also could have been an accurate interpretation.

    Gary couldn¡¯t tell with the harshness of her voice, her narrowed eyebrows, and, well, Aly just being Aly.

    ¡°So you¡¯re really just walking around, as a Pokemon Trainer, with not one Pokemon? Are you stupid?¡±

    ¡°I was actually just going to get some stuff, like clothes and food and goods. That¡¯s why I¡¯m out here.¡±

    ¡°OH! I was considering doing the same thing. The Gym Leader here, Jupiter, is too cruel of a Trainer. I¡¯ve already reported her to the authorities, and I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be removed as a Gym Leader.¡±

    ¡°You did WHAT???!!¡± Gary blew up in disbelief.

    Aly shrugged, a surprised look on her face at Gary¡¯s reaction. ¡°She¡¯s mean! How is anyone supposed to defeat her?? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve got at least three Badges, and think you can stop anyone in the world, but with my compassion against your blind, raging desires, I was able to defeat you, so I know I can judge whether-WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT??!!!¡±

    Gary was holding out his open Badge case, which held the Infiltration Badge, his face holding the cockiest look.

    ¡°NO WAAAAAYYYY!!!!¡± Aly grabbed the Badge and held it high. ¡°How did you win this??¡± She turned to Gary, and then to the Badge, and then to Gary, and then to the Badge, going back to Gary again.

    Gary hesitated on answering. ¡°We earned it. Me and my Pokemon.¡± There was nothing else he could say. Me and my Pokemon, he repeated in his head.

    Aly kept tight eyes on Gary for a moment. She ended up putting the Badge back in the case. ¡°So you have two Badges?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going for my third in Oreburgh City not far from here. What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m heading to Canalave City to get my fourth Badge. I beat Roark in Oreburgh already. He¡¯s a strong guy, but he¡¯s actually nice, unlike the witch here.¡±

    ¡°I just came back from Canalave, kind of...¡± Gary said. ¡°Byron¡¯s powerful! We lost!¡±

    Aly¡¯s eyes gaped at him. ¡°You beat Jupiter but not Byron?!¡±

    Gary nodded and shrugged uncomfortably, thinking about his ¡°win.¡± Thinking even for a second about his first Badge. ¡°Well, Byron pulled out Mega Evolution on me and I got caught off guard.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, his Mega Scizor,¡± Aly nodded. ¡°I knew about that already. I plan to take that Scizor down immediately before he can Mega Evolve.¡±

    ¡°Wait, you¡¯ve heard about it?¡± Gary was shocked.

    ¡°Duh! You don¡¯t do your research before challenging a Gym?? We have access to the internet at the Pokemon Centers and stuff! We live in the age of information!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to come by is all, when you¡¯re surrounded by trees!¡± Gary argued. ¡°My phone doesn¡¯t work out here!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you have a phone. How¡¯d you get one of those?? Besides, I just said, the Pokemon Centers have places to go online and look stuff up! That has nothing to do with phones. Many Pokemon Trainers tend to not have phones. But, how did you get one?¡±

    ¡°I found it. Anyway, listen-¡± Gary held his tongue. He didn¡¯t know how to change the subject or move on from it.

    ¡°Excuse me, but aren¡¯t you Gary and Alyssa Say from Kanto¡¯s Pallet Town?¡± A woman appeared, holding out a microphone between the two.

    Before either child knew it, another microphone was being held over their heads on a pole. The two kids blinked and stared at two adults that had appeared.

    A red-haired woman was in a blue suit, and a big man in more casual clothing holding up a big camera on his shoulder was behind her.

    ¡°Hey! Wait a second now! How the crap do you know our names?? And where we¡¯re from??¡± Aly cried, taking a step towards the woman.

    ¡°We¡¯re with the Jubilife Sinnoh Today Show. My name is Abb and this is my cameraman, Dave,¡± the woman responded into her mic. ¡°We recognized Gary here, and soon knew you must be Alyssa! We¡¯d love to interview you two. Perhaps even get a battle out of you guys after?¡±

    ¡°Wait, so you only recognized me from first knowing him??¡± Aly looked disgusted.

    ¡°Uuuuh... Well...¡± Abb looked to Dave.

    Dave smiled nervously and shrugged.

    Abb turned back to Aly. ¡°Um, so, Alyssa, uuhhh-¡±

    ¡°My name is Aly!! Got it?!!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry!¡± Abb looked like she was sweating at this point. ¡°It¡¯s just, at the Indigo League, you had your name listed as-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because I didn¡¯t know I could put whatever name I wanted!! Watch this year. It¡¯s ALY!!¡±

    ¡°Oh, no problem, Miss Aly!¡± Abb responded cautiously. ¡°Do you think we could talk to you both here, as we are live on TV?¡±

    ¡°Oh? And what about?¡± Aly had her hands on her hips now, staring at Abb impatiently.

    ¡°Maybe some thoughts on the Indigo League?¡± She turned to Gary. ¡°If perhaps you think things between you two might end differently in Sinnoh? Maybe a heated, old-fashioned rivalry battle?¡±

    ¡°Of course. All about the drama, huh? Huh?¡± Aly snapped. ¡°That¡¯s all it is with you media people. Just like Big Lee and 2Pots. Stoking the fire. You won¡¯t be happy until both of us are dead!¡± Aly was fuming now.

    Aly... Yo, chill, Gary thought.

    The reporter and cameraman were looking at Aly in horror.

    No one in the area was saying a word, everyone stopping to watch.

    A forced smile slapped itself onto Abb¡¯s face and she chuckled nervously. ¡°We certainly would never wish such a thing on anyone, Miss Aly. I apologize if we-¡±

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just beat it and stop being rude! Gary and I were having a conversation and you just butted yourself right in without an ¡®excuse me!¡¯¡±

    ¡°Uh, to be honest... I did say-!¡±

    ¡°WE ARE NOT HOSTING INTERVIEWS TODAY!! BYE!!¡± Aly stomped at them one time.

    The two members of the news jumped. They stared at each other and then looked back to Aly. Abb¡¯s mouth opened and she inhaled only to let her breath out and with a nod, walked off, Dave following behind her.

    Shaking her head, Aly glared at Gary.

    ¡°Geez, what¡¯s wrong, Aly? You really didn¡¯t wanna battle on live TV?¡±

    ¡°And beat you in front of the world twice? For what??¡±

    Damn it. I missed an opportunity to cut her! Gary realized. She snatched that right out from under me. I could¡¯ve had her. Game over.

    ¡°Got nothing to say? The biggest mouth in our group is finally plugged?!¡± Aly taunted. A smirk finally came over her face.

    Almost made me think you actually hate me, Gary thought after seeing her slight smile. He snickered. ¡°Well, I guess we can¡¯t battle this time, but next time, you¡¯re dead.¡±

    ¡°When you lose to me again, will you quit and honor and praise me for the rest of your days? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll never lose to you again, Aly. I promise I¡¯ll settle our score. And it won¡¯t be a three-on-three, either. We¡¯re going all out.¡±

    ¡°I always do, Gary,¡± she winked.

    This was another blow for Gary. And he felt it. She¡¯s still sharp, he admitted.

    ¡°If we can¡¯t battle, then what¡¯s your Pokedex lookin¡¯ like?¡± Aly brought up.

    ¡°Fine! A Pokedex battle!¡± Gary pulled out his device with great flair and drama. ¡°YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!¡±

    Rolling her eyes, Aly slid hers out of her pocket with ease.

    After a moment, they held out the Pokedexes and stared at the results.

    Looking at his numbers alone, Gary knew he had lost. ¡°Altogether I¡¯m at - sixty...¡± he managed to admit. ¡°How many original species do you have?¡± While he asked this, he kept to himself that he had counted duplicate Pokemon for himself.

    Aly rolled her eyes and sneered. ¡°Without duplicates it¡¯s forty Pokemon, but with dupes it¡¯s one hundred and eighteen.¡±

    Gary flinched a little.

    ¡°You¡¯re still way behind the rest of us, aren¡¯t you?¡± Aly asked smugly.

    ¡°Have you seen Rob?¡± Gary ignored her question.

    ¡°No, but I know what he¡¯s got. I knew what you had a little while ago, too, from talking to Kiwi. She¡¯s doing great work in the Lab.¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah. She really is,¡± he muttered bitterly.

    A silence fell upon the duo. Things started feeling uncomfortable again.

    ¡°I miss Kiwi...¡± Aly finally admitted sadly.

    Gary watched Aly and then placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°She¡¯s still with us, Aly. Maybe not in the way she started, but she¡¯s just as close as ever.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know.¡± Aly shifted her shoulder free from him and then swallowed, sniffling afterwards. ¡°I just wish she were out here with us.¡±

    Gary leaned his head back, staring at the gray sky. After a breath, he returned to Aly. ¡°Congratulations, Aly. You still sure know how to catch and raise Pokemon, huh?¡±

    Aly stared at Gary with tear-filled eyes. She closed her eyes and her head shook. Right after, she was smiling, a determined look in her eyes, her eyebrows narrowed. ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s right. I¡¯m the best battler, and the best catcher here. You boys will never do what we girls can. You¡¯ve got a long way to go. I¡¯ll get Byron¡¯s Badge and show you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. You just try to stop getting mad when you lose a Badge and wasting the time of the authorities. They have enough to deal with.¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Aly sneered, rolling her eyes.

    She knows I¡¯m right, Gary knew. Jupiter ain¡¯t losing her job over that. She¡¯s safe. She lost to me. So her job is secure.

    Lost to me, huh? Gary added with a twinge in his heart.

    ¡°Well, you got lucky this time, but next time I want a battle, no matter what,¡± Aly stated.

    ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ll be coming for you next time no matter what. We¡¯ve just been through a bit and needed a bit of time off to gather ourselves.¡±

    ¡°Funny. I remember you criticizing me for going on vacation back in Kanto.¡± Aly now wore an expectant look on her face.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You were on vacation?¡±

    ¡°After my loss to Ozne in Fuschia City? Me and my Pokemon decided to relax and check out the sights and you called us lazy!¡±

    ¡°OH YEAH! Because you were!! We aren¡¯t on vacation! We never stop! We¡¯re just recovering at the Center!¡±

    ¡°Same thing, basically! I¡¯m just surprised you even use proper recovery centers and don¡¯t just battle to the death!¡±

    Both Trainers stared at each other angrily, but their faces eventually softened, starting with Gary¡¯s, Aly¡¯s soon after.

    Death... Gary thought to himself.

    Aly¡¯s eyes lowered, and she swallowed. ¡°I should go. Gotta head to Canalave, and you¡¯ve got things to do.¡±

    ¡°No need to make this weird, Aly. I know you didn¡¯t mean anything by that. It¡¯s like Gary Oak says: my rival should be strong to keep me sharp.¡±

    Aly tightened her eyes on Gary.

    ¡°So don¡¯t start going soft on me now.¡±

    Aly stared at Gary in silence, her eyes wider than ever.

    Gary stared back, a smile sliding across his face.

    Aly didn¡¯t smile back, but her mouth opened a bit.

    Gary smiled just a bit more, wondering what she would say next. If she would be okay. He wanted to console her. To be the one to make her smile. He wanted to see that familiar smile from her. He desired to see her lips. To see them curve into the beautiful shape of happiness to make her face glow.

    ¡°You are such a loser.¡±

    ¡°Huh??¡± Gary shook his head hard before looking at Aly with wide eyes.

    ¡°Talk about a nerd. Quoting Gary Oak. We all always knew you tried too hard to be like him. You¡¯ve got a long route to go, you know. HA! Anyway, I¡¯ll battle you next time.¡± She slapped Gary¡¯s shoulder and then turned. In the next instant, she was skipping away from him.

    So that¡¯s it, huh, Aly? Gary thought, watching her. But something felt wrong. Watching Aly skip away, Gary felt so grateful. Overjoyed. His heart was also beating so hard. He sniffled and then, realizing what was going on, wiped at his wet eyes. But, why? he wondered. Tears? For what? Why do I feel like this, staring at Aly? As if something is wrong?

    As if...

    Something, was, wrong...?

    *

    Kiwi removed her glasses and set them on the table, keeping her hand on them, as a smirk came over her face. ¡°So you don¡¯t know everything, huh?¡± Kiwi taunted Gary through the computer screen in the Pokemon Center.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°You know so much, you read so many things, you can¡¯t wait to exploit that others don¡¯t know what you know, while trying to appear innocent and humble. Yet look at you now, unable to solve such a simple riddle from old Kiwi,¡± Kiwi grinned big now.

    ¡°Is that really how you guys think of me?¡± Gary asked, trying to sound less offended than he actually felt. He reflected back on some things Aly had said earlier. There was some hesitation before Kiwi finally spoke, and Gary¡¯s face reacted to the silence first, tightening his eyes and slanting his mouth.

    ¡°We love you, Gary,¡± she answered.

    Gary raised his middle finger at her through the computer screen.

    Kiwi just smiled sinisterly. ¡°Gary, I left it to you because you were in Sinnoh, and I had nothing I could do with it here. And I didn¡¯t know what I should advise to whoever I gave the book to. But I knew you¡¯d react the most rationally.¡±

    ¡°What? You did?¡±

    ¡°No, stupid. You¡¯re the least ¡®rational¡¯ of us all. I just thought you¡¯d like to hear such a thing. You¡¯re so conceited.¡± Kiwi had a silent smile.

    Gary was fuming now. ¡°KIWI!¡±

    ¡°I regretted giving it to you the minute I handed it over to your friend. I was concerned your passionate behavior, and recent losses in life, would lead you down a bad path. Death, even. But the reason I initially decided I wanted you to have it was because of June.¡±

    ¡°June? What do you mean?¡± Gary responded, surprise coming over his face.

    ¡°Before I gave the book to Scientist Gary, I had a lot of time to think about you three. Aly¡¯s stubbornness, Rob¡¯s more... reckless behavior, and you and your childish determination. You all three have faults, but at least you were the most focused, I¡¯ll give you that.¡±

    ¡°You think I¡¯m the most focused out of the group?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not really that much of a compliment. After all, Aly is kind and thoughtful, and Rob is... well-¡± She looked to the ceiling for a bit and then smiled at Gary. ¡°He¡¯s got the looks out of the boys in the group.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Gary glared.

    ¡°But seriously, if it weren¡¯t for June, I probably would have kept it under lock and key, if not burned it. The information there is too crucial. In the wrong hands, it would be catastrophic.¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯m not only better than you, Aly, and Rob, I stopped a catastrophe you three woulda caused.¡±

    ¡°Do you even listen?! It¡¯s because of June that I gave you the book! You¡¯re a complete bonehead sometimes and prideful as a Piplup!¡± Kiwi ridiculed her friend. ¡°And I¡¯m honestly convinced you¡¯re unaware of it. That, or putting on a too-cool show for everyone. But I could always see through you. But, you being you is also why I gave the book to you. You¡¯re good, but you¡¯re too much sometimes. June really reigns you back to Earth. If she can put up with you, she¡¯s the security I needed to know who to give the book to.¡±

    Gary pouted, frowning, soaking in every word she had told him.

    ¡°But then, June was taken,¡± Kiwi said just as a similar thought hit Gary¡¯s mind. ¡°But I still decided that you should have it. It changed the entire dynamic. You without June is not you before June. I thought it was okay. I regretted it later, knowing I was taking a gamble, but, I trusted you and knew - there was nothing I could do anyway. Scientist Gary was gone. But I did live in a bit of fear of what you might do, and the regrets I would have should particular things happen.¡±

    ¡°What things??¡± Gary was so confused about how Kiwi was admitting she had been thinking about him.

    ¡°That¡¯s just it! I don¡¯t know! You make stupid decisions, but you had the chance to add unpredictability to the mix! All I had in the end to keep me calm was faith.¡±

    ¡°But, why did you give it to Scientist Gary? He read the book and tried to get Jirachi, himself!¡±

    ¡°Because he¡¯s your friend. And I like the guy. He¡¯s really nice. I felt like, even if he did get Jirachi somehow, he''d tell me and you. He¡¯d admit that he stole the information. There¡¯s good qualities to that guy. He¡¯s an interesting guy.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Isn¡¯t it that his methods for raising Stats is finally gaining acceptance, now?¡±

    ¡°Yes. He could be on the road to something altogether groundbreaking that could shift the entire way the Pokemon world is looked at, forever.¡±

    ¡°Can you explain it a bit to me? Is this really okay? This isn¡¯t like, cheating? It isn¡¯t bad for the Pokemon?¡± Gary wanted to know what this whole thing was about. He needed a conclusive answer for what this was all about.

    ¡°Gary, if it were, you wouldn¡¯t have even asked me those questions. You¡¯d have known the answer immediately. A long time ago. A long time ago! He¡¯d have never gotten the book!¡±

    Right, Gary kept to himself. Of course.

    ¡°Scientist Gary¡¯s work is phenomenal, and like all phenomenal things, doesn¡¯t come without its controversy and pushback. Odds are, the future will, maybe, feature his as the supreme style of training Pokemon. Maybe even better than Vitamins.¡±

    ¡°But is that right to do? To the Pokemon? Doesn¡¯t that lower their value as a priceless species? That each of them is so special and that that¡¯s what the point is of caring for Pokemon? Like we people care about each other?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been argued that that perspective changed hundreds of years ago, when man first uncovered a possible connection between Berries and Pokemon Stats.¡±

    Gary was unable to reply to this. He inhaled as if he would say something, but nothing ever came out except his own breath.

    ¡°So how are you holding up with so many Pokemon, including June¡¯s,¡± Kiwi brought up.

    Gary inhaled and then said, ¡°Oh.¡± He was caught off guard by this inquiry, his eyes wide on Kiwi. ¡°We¡¯re fine. Thanks.¡±

    Kiwi nodded. ¡°Just remember, you can send those guys over to me here at the Lab easily. If you ever need a break.¡± Her face then went dead serious. ¡°Preferably without a hole in their heads.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart dropped like a bird shot out of the sky. ¡°Hey, come on, Kiwi. Give me a break already. You don¡¯t think I feel bad enough as it is?¡±

    ¡°I told you I¡¯d never let you live this down, didn¡¯t I?¡± she continued harshly. ¡°Never would I have thought you¡¯d send me back a Pokemon in such poor condition, and entirely your fault.¡±

    ¡°Is Deino doing okay...?¡± At this point, Gary couldn¡¯t even stare at his long-time friend. It was as if she were a stranger to him.

    ¡°He¡¯s ready when you are,¡± Kiwi responded more gently. ¡°Just be careful next time,¡± she then added more gruffly. ¡°It¡¯s beyond me how you¡¯re raising sixteen Pokemon.¡±

    Gary stared up at Kiwi again. ¡°Yeah. Same here. I like June¡¯s guys. It¡¯d feel so weird if I just sent them to you. At least with them, I feel like I¡¯m not alone. It¡¯s a pain worrying about them all, sure, but having June with me was always a pain in itself.¡± Gary smirked a little. ¡°Joking, of course, but I¡¯m okay to keep her Pokemon for now.¡±

    Not smiling, Kiwi asked, ¡°How¡¯s Electivire?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s cool. Lately we¡¯ve been getting along a lot better. It took a while, but I-¡± Gary had intended on the sentence ending in a happy way. He wanted to state that how once they recovered June, she¡¯d be able to join in enjoying the new, friendlier Electivire who didn¡¯t need to fight all the time and attack his Trainer.

    But now, it seemed that this was actually all June¡¯s fault, in ways Gary didn¡¯t know previously.

    In ways June never admitted to.

    Blinking, Gary stared at Kiwi, who was watching him with stern eyes.

    She was waiting.

    ¡°I - I just think we¡¯ve gotten closer lately.¡±

    ¡°Since you got Jupiter¡¯s Badge, isn¡¯t that right? Back then?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Jupiter?¡±

    ¡°You said you had an Electivire battle her. I knew you didn¡¯t have one, Gary. You used one of June¡¯s Pokemon to battle that Gym Leader.¡±

    ¡°Y-y-you... knew? You knew it wasn¡¯t mine?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have that many Pokemon, Gary. It¡¯s easier to keep track of your progress than Rob or Aly.¡±

    Gary nearly fell out of his seat with embarrassment.

    ¡°I¡¯m just surprised someone as stubborn as you would use assistance like that. I¡¯m not condemning you, it¡¯s just not like you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah...¡± Gary wondered if he should tell her exactly what happened.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like he came out on his own, beat her, and you got the Badge, right?¡± Kiwi continued.

    Against his will, regretting it instantly, Gary¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Again,¡± Kiwi smiled sneakily, ¡°that¡¯s just not you, Gary.¡±

    ¡°Kiwi,¡± Gary frowned now. ¡°Just stop.¡±

    ¡°So you did!¡± Kiwi gasped, her smile now wide open. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you! And you accepted it?? Of all people!¡±

    ¡°I just! I... It was crazy! How Electivire did it on his own like that! He was all I had left, to take down all of Jupiter¡¯s Pokemon! I convinced myself it was okay. That Electivire is mine, kind of. I took him with me! But, I hated, above all, that Electivire didn¡¯t listen to what I told him. It really ate me up.¡± He went quiet, but only because he was now thinking about his first Badge, the Phobia Badge, that he had actually lost, but had less issues denying it than anything else!

    ¡°How about now? Does Electivire listen to you now?¡±

    Gary sniffled a little, thinking about his answer. ¡°Yeah...¡±

    ¡°How? Why?¡± Kiwi pressed on so calmly.

    To Gary, it almost seemed like, based on the tone of her voice, she knew the answer already. But that was impossible.

    Right?

    ¡°Honestly, I guess I just...¡± His eyes lowered. I can¡¯t tell her about June. Not yet. Not until I hear June¡¯s side. He stared at Kiwi. ¡°I understood how important the Badge was to him, and that he knew what it meant to me. I accepted it, from him. We¡¯ve never been closer, since.¡± That¡¯s not a lie. I just left out some stuff.

    Kiwi nodded, grinning warmly. ¡°You Trainers have some of the best stories to tell from your journeys.¡±

    Gary opened his mouth to take in a big breath and then say something, but instead, he let the breath back out.

    At a cost, he kept to himself, grinning back.

 Temper Tyrani-trums

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but even with the Pokedex Trainer Discount, you''re a bit short on affording this coat,¡± the cashier told Gary from behind the register after scanning his Pokedex. He held it out to Gary. ¡°See?¡±

    Gary stared at his Pokedex, embarrassed. I can¡¯t believe it! he thought. ¡°Uuh... Yeah...¡± Damn it! If I had battled Aly earlier, I totally would have earned enough money to get this coat!

    ¡°Even if you decided to cash out the amount on your Pokedex into cash, with that discount, you¡¯d still not be able to afford it. I¡¯m really sorry, man.¡±

    Gary lowered his head, knowing there was a big line behind him for a long time. ¡°Okay, um!¡± He suddenly saw a coat next to him, on the counter.

    The price tag was showing.

    He grabbed it and held it out to the lady behind the register. ¡°I can afford this, can¡¯t I?¡±

    The lady took it and scanned it. She smiled at Gary. ¡°Yes! Are you sure?¡±

    Gary eyed the dark-blue coat with the hood. Looks about my size. It¡¯s better than nothing! ¡°Yes!¡± he accepted, smiling.

    *

    How...? How is it possible? Gary stared at his phone, horrified. Five... Five Plusles??? And Harold now has 1.2 million for the one Badge!! And all his other posts are almost as popular, and they just feature photos of wild Pokemon he¡¯s encountered! And they¡¯re all common nothings! And his third Badge post is the most popular one yet!!

    Gary turned off his phone, not wanting to look at his Log-A-Graph ever again. What an embarrassment! A waste of time! I can¡¯t believe people get caught up on this crap! He was going to open the thirty messages Scientist Gary had sent him by now, but after seeing that the guy hadn¡¯t supported his only post with a Plusle, he definitely felt no incentive to be concerned with the guy and his stupid memes. He stared down at the wide open canyon below, his toes hanging off the edge of the cliff.

    Electivire was smiling, holding out open palms that were repeatedly being punched by Primeape.

    In contrast to Electivire¡¯s calm and pleasant disposition, Primeape was slugging with all of his energy at Electivire¡¯s palms, trying to be sneaky and catch the Electric Pokemon in the face or other spots, but Electivire blocked every blow with his huge hands.

    Weepinbell and Charizard were watching the two, looking away briefly to keep training against each other, but it was too clear that they had eyes on Primeape and Electivire.

    Riolu was having a lot of fun being chased by Deino, the Pokemon with small sight but a big bite.

    Deino looked fully recovered following his accident smashing a Poke Ball between his jaws and injuring himself. Not even a single bandage was worn.

    Galvantula had gone off on her own in the woods, and Gary didn¡¯t try to stop her. He knew she¡¯d return, and he was happier without her around.

    Magneton was behaving as abnormal as it normally did, floating side to side underneath the bright sun.

    Raichu and Tyranitar sat by Gary, staring at an amazing view.

    The service Gary¡¯s phone had managed to pick up had been gone for a long time now, but he found himself still looking at the Log-A-Graph information. He shook his head and put the phone away to continue watching Electivire and Primeape proceed with their training. A couple of minutes later, he took out his Pokedex and went through it for a bit. How am I so poor? What have I really been spending my money on? This coat cost me a fortune to be so tight on me! And now I don¡¯t have any more money? Those Great Balls really killed me, too. I need to battle more Trainers and get my earnings up so I don¡¯t go broke. He put away the Pokedex and sighed. Gary¡¯s hands pressed into the rock ground he was sitting on. Managing to get to his feet, he stretched and twisted his sides, reaching out and groaning. With enough movement, this coat will fit me just fine, Gary reassured himself. Don¡¯t worry. He pulled the hood over his head, but this only seemed to make the coat tighter and more uncomfortable, so he settled with it being down and lowered his beanie hat until it was obstructing his vision a little.

    *

    ¡°Mamoswine, Earthquake!!¡± Robert shouted.

    ¡°Weepinbell, go for the back legs with Vine Whip!!¡± Gary was on his knees and one hand, already downed from the Earthquake before the latest one.

    Mamoswine stood on its back legs, raising the front two to slam into the ground again.

    Weepinbell called out and swung a single vine, smacking one leg and then wrapping around the second and pulling hard.

    Mamoswine was on its back easily and remained still.

    Weepinbell¡¯s vine released Mamoswine and then pulled back in.

    ¡°Oh, damn it!¡± Robert complained and recalled Mamoswine. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this!!¡± he barked at the Poke Ball before shrinking it and placing it on his hip. ¡°Last one!¡± He grabbed his final option in a Great Ball and enlarged it. ¡°Mr. Mime, go!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Mime Mime!¡± Mr. Mime appeared and immediately started moving its hands around it as if it were in an invisible box.

    ¡°Weepinbell, come on back! Good work!¡± Gary recalled Weepinbell, abiding by the rules to recall both Pokemon after one was beaten. He then pulled out his Pokedex.

    Mr. Mime. The Barrier Pokemon. A Psychic and Fairy type Pokemon. Kantonian Mr. Mime are an excellent pantomime from birth, as a Mr. Mime or Mime Jr. While it can make others believe solid objects exist that really don¡¯t, it also can create physical objects by solidifying air molecules.

    Gary stood up but then hesitated, watching Mr. Mime continue its movements. Kantonian? There¡¯s another form of it? How come I don¡¯t know this? Was this recently discovered? And, Fairy? He gripped his Poke Ball and enlarged it. Whatever. This one I can handle I¡¯m sure. With this powerhouse. ¡°Tyranitar! GOOOO!¡±

    With a loud blast of noise, Tyranitar appeared! Both of his arms reached up.

    A sandstorm started as his Ability came up out of nowhere!

    ¡°WHOA! A Tyranitar?? SHOOT!¡± Robert looked shocked at first but then smiled, raising a hand to his forehead. ¡°So cool! Yo I got a Pupitar in a trade the other day!¡±

    Gary smirked and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s cool.¡± Squinting through the sand, he held out his Pokedex, confirming Tyranitar¡¯s moves.

    ¡°Mr. Mime, use Magical Leaf!¡± Robert choked out.

    ¡°Mr. Miiiime!¡± Mr. Mime¡¯s hands glowed light green and it held them out, struggling against billows of sand weakening it.

    ¡°Tyranitar, Crunch!¡±

    Tyranitar¡¯s jaws glowed white and he lunged for Mr. Mime.

    Glowing, light-green leaves flew out from Mr. Mime¡¯s hands and stopped Tyranitar, taking him down.

    He groaned as he crashed down and stayed still.

    ¡°Tyranitar!!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe his eyes! ¡°Get up!!¡±

    Tyranitar struggled, climbing back up.

    ¡°Keep it down with Psywave!¡±

    Mr. Mime¡¯s eyes glowed brightly and multicolored waves came out for Tyranitar.

    Tyranitar closed his eyes as he was hit, but his eyes opened soon after as he realized he wasn¡¯t harmed!

    Gary cocked his head, watching the Trainer, confused but feeling he understood the situation.

    ¡°YO! What¡¯s going on??¡± Robert let out.

    ¡°Tyranitar, Earthquake!¡± Gary braced himself, both for the attack, and against the Sand Stream.

    Robert waited silently, also struggling with the blowing sand.

    Tyranitar raised one foot and then it came down.

    Robert and Mr. Mime were dropped down, but Gary, to his surprise, found himself able to keep his footing pretty easily. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Mime, Mimic!¡±

    Mr. Mime called out and choked as it was pummeled by the wild weather and then yelled again, getting up and then jumping! It hit the ground hard and created an earthquake!

    Gary shouted as he and Tyranitar hit the ground. ¡°What??¡± He coughed and choked and spit out sand. ¡°Tyranitar, get your ass up and use-!¡± Gary found himself frozen. What move should I use?? GARY! Snap out of it!!

    ¡°Mr. Mime, Magical Leaf again!¡±

    ¡°Crunch!¡± Gary reacted.

    The same thing as last time happened, Tyranitar attempting to bite into Mr. Mime while Mr. Mime¡¯s super effective move dropped Tyranitar.

    ¡°Tyranitar!!¡± Again?! Gary thought angrily. Mr. Mime is faster.

    Tyranitar got back up, but his breathing was heavy.

    ¡°Mr. Mime, Guard Swap!¡±

    ¡°Tyranitar, use Payback!¡± Gary smiled big.

    ¡°Oh, no!¡± Robert exclaimed.

    Gary smiled even bigger.

    A glowing stream of balls came from one side of Tyranitar to the same side of Mr. Mime, and then, the glowing stream went from the other side of Mr. Mime to the matching side of Tyranitar.

    ¡°Guard Swap...¡± Gary held out his Pokedex.

    Guard Swap allows the user to swap both Defense stat changes, with the opponent¡¯s.

    ¡°OH!¡± Gary was stunned by this information. ¡°But-¡±

    Tyranitar roared and flew headfirst into Mr. Mime, his body outlined in black.

    Mr. Mime cried out and slid along the ground.

    ¡°Now go for Solar Beam and put an end to this!¡± Robert demanded.

    ¡°Hyper Beam!!¡± Gary pointed swiftly.

    Mr. Mime stood quickly and held out its hands at Tyranitar¡¯s body. Its hands glowed a faint yellow as several brighter yellow balls gathered into a yellow orb in between his hands. ¡°Mime. Mr. Mime,¡± Mr. Mime grunted while suffering through the sandstorm.

    Tyranitar roared, his mouth wide, and a white orb appeared in front of his jaws, white sparks coming off of the orb. It then fired out a black and purple beam with an orange ring around it.

    Mr. Mime yelled out helplessly as the blast took it over.

    ¡°MR. MIIIIME!!¡± Robert called out.

    Gary had both arms over his head, squinting against the Sand Stream and the explosive Hyper Beam. When it all ended, he was still squinting.

    Tyranitar was on both of his knees.

    Mr. Mime was down and out.

    Robert recalled Mr. Mime and nodded at Gary with a smile. ¡°You win, man. Good match!¡±

    Gary sighed, staring at Tyranitar.

    Tyranitar stood up and turned to Gary happily. He let out such a pleased noise and started stomping on the ground happily, rocking the area.

    Gary and Robert toppled over. While Robert laughed, Gary was frowning. ¡°HEY CUT IT OUT!!¡± Gary bellowed.

    Tyranitar stopped making a ruckus and stared at Gary, still smiling. He waved his arms around with delight and then approached his Trainer.

    ¡°What even was that out there??¡± Gary scolded.

    Tyranitar stopped again and his eyes widened while his smile vanished.

    ¡°It took you way too long to beat that Mr. Mime!¡±

    Tyranitar was now looking uncomfortable. Sad, even.

    ¡°And am I crazy, or did Mr. Mime Mimic your Earthquake with more power than you delivered?! Mr. Mime aren¡¯t even physical fighters, but you sure are!¡± Gary hesitated for a bit, shaking his head, looking at Tyranitar with disgust. ¡°We¡¯re gonna have a talk about this later! Return!!¡±

    Tyranitar lowered his head with shame and was returned to his Poke Ball.

    ¡°They can be a bit frustrating, Pokemon, huh?¡± Robert snickered, walking over to Gary.

    Gary looked to the ground, his eyes wide, and he shook his head. What just happened? he wondered. That was a bit much, wasn¡¯t it? I mean, we won, right? ¡°Yeah,¡± he mumbled. He shook his head and managed to get a smile on his face before he looked at Robert. ¡°Thanks for the battle, Robin.¡±

    ¡°Ha ha, no problem. And it¡¯s Robert!¡± Robert smiled.

    ¡°Oh, sorry! Right! Robert!¡± He chuckled a bit.

    The two gripped hands.

    *

    ¡°Pick up the pace, Tyranitar!¡± Gary barked. ¡°Your speed outside of battle has nothing to do with your Speed in battle. Just look at Riolu!¡±

    Primeape, Deino, Riolu, Charizard, and a bouncing Weepinbell were all marching in different positions around their jogging Trainer.

    June¡¯s Pokemon were also all out, Electivire, Galvantula, and Raichu stomping forth in a group behind Gary¡¯s.

    Though Raichu was also lagging and looking sluggish, he was still by his group, Magneton floating easily.

    Tyranitar was trailing far behind everyone, out of breath and looking ready to collapse.

    ¡°Look at Weepinbell, even!¡± Gary continued without slowing down. ¡°He doesn¡¯t even have legs!¡±

    All the Pokemon kept their eyes ahead or lowered, uncomfortable during Gary¡¯s constant ridicule of Tyranitar.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t keep up here, you can stay behind for all I care!¡± Gary went on in the middle of the night. ¡°We have a lot to deal with, besides proving our strength in this region, and I¡¯m not being held back anymore by any of you! If you can¡¯t keep up, you just have to go! That goes for everyone, Charizard down to - to - Tyranitar! And June¡¯s Pokemon, that goes for you, too! Buck up! Because at this point-!¡± Gary finally stopped ranting and moving, and he swallowed a bunch of sentences right back down his throat before they could be heard.

    His Pokemon all stopped, some moving out of the way before crashing into him, and the Pokemon behind them also came to a stop.

    The only one who actually hit any of the others was Raichu, running into Galvantula.

    While Gary was finally trying to catch his breath, he knew the things he had come so close to saying, but he couldn¡¯t believe it. At this point? At this point, what? But Gary knew exactly what, and something made him stop before it came out.

    No. Rather, something came over him that made him even think something so horrifying! To think that, ¡°at this point,¡± June really could actually just be dead, and that her Pokemon need to start looking to him as their Trainer, instead. Why would I even-? Was I simply trying too hard to be strong? Motivational? Why did it feel so malicious, and unconcerned?

    Gary looked back darkly at all of the Pokemon.

    They all looked back, some warily, some confused, Magneton blankly.

    Gary swallowed dryly and then crossed his arms, straightening up and puffing out his chest, unsure of what he was feeling, or what he would do next. His mouth hung open for several seconds, and he realized his focus was on Tyranitar. He licked his lips and finally managed, weakly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    *

    As Gary walked along the path, he took in what he could of the night sky above, the stars twinkling where he could see them through the tree branches. He listened to Electivire walking a bit behind him. Two battles in a day is okay, but the Trainers have been coming around a little slowly compared to Kanto, Gary thought. Or perhaps that¡¯s just my perspective. I¡¯m broke and I need battles, so I¡¯m panicking about it. I¡¯ll be fine, just like I¡¯ve always been. There¡¯s always competition out there. I just have to make sure I win it. It¡¯s losing that¡¯s when I lose my dough. His hand tightened around his Pokedex and he looked at how little money was recorded in it. As long as I don¡¯t lose matches, I won¡¯t lose money on this thing, and as long as I win, beat Trainers, earn Badges, I¡¯ll keep seeing an increase recorded. It¡¯s been too long since I¡¯ve gotten a Badge! Sinnoh sure is tough. Rob wasn¡¯t lying.

    Gary looked up. And screamed!

    ¡°HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!¡± A creature fluttered in the night, cawing angrily, eyes glowing red.

    ¡°TIVIRE!!¡± Electivire shouted out.

    Gary flung his arms out wildly, shouting and freaking out. But he soon regained his composure. ¡°Hey, wait! A Hoothoot!¡±

    The Pokemon came to a stop on the ground, standing on one foot. Its eyes were no longer glowing, keeping watch on Gary.

    A brief thought came across Gary¡¯s head. Should I scan it? Considering this is a new Pokedex, would it be better to track the info on it? Wait, doesn¡¯t it already have my data on it? Gary grabbed a Poke Ball and enlarged it. Like Prof. Gary Oak says, catch first, ask questions later. He then threw the ball.

    ¡°Deino!¡± Deino said upon his release.

    ¡°This¡¯ll be fine battle experience! Let¡¯s get focused! Headbutt!¡±

    Deino stomped towards Hoothoot, aiming with his head.

    Hoothoot also flew at Deino using Tackle!

    Both Pokemon collided and both Pokemon tumbled away from each other.

    ¡°Deino! UP! Use that Crunch!¡±

    Hoothoot was on its foot but wavering around, disoriented.

    Deino got up and lunged for Hoothoot, ready to bite!

    And he went right past the Pokemon and crashed into a tree! Deino wailed out in pain, crying!

    Hoothoot shook its head and saw Deino. With a shout, it flew forth and starting Pecking at him continuously.

    Deino cried out and tried snapping at Hoothoot, but missing even the most obvious, easiest grabs.

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    That Hustle Ability is a pain! Gary complained. What better accuracy moves do we have? Damn it!

    Hoothoot¡¯s eyes glowed gold and its beak opened, releasing a multicolored beam with white crescents around it.

    The attack surrounded Deino but did nothing to him. He got up in the midst of the attack, unaffected.

    Hoothoot ended the attack, confused.

    ¡°Seem a little lost, Hoothoot! Don¡¯t worry! Dragon Pulse!¡±

    A multicolored ball of energy formed in front of Deino¡¯s mouth before it launched a multicolored, dragon-shaped beam at Hoothoot.

    ¡°HOOOOOOOOOT!!¡± Hoothoot was hit and bounced along the ground.

    ¡°GOOO!¡± Gary threw a Great Ball.

    It hit Hoothoot and shook, and shook, and shook, until.

    PING!

    Seeing this, hearing this, Gary was only again reminded of June. And when she was ¡°captured.¡± And all the sights and sounds that came with it. His breath came out of his nose. Why did I even bother catching that thing? I have a Hoothoot.

    He had an answer to that question already. But he wasn¡¯t able to stop himself from asking anyway. Maybe because he felt his answer wasn¡¯t good enough.

    The only thing he knew for sure was that he had to keep catching more Pokemon. No matter what.

    *

    ¡°A Timid Nature. Absolute waste!¡± Gary let out angrily. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it! Bad Attack explains that crap Earthquake, and a high Speed on such a naturally slow Pokemon?¡± He looked up and around, seeing that no one was in the Pokemon Center lobby, and he breathed out. Take it easy, Gary, he told himself. No need to stress out over this. Tyranitar is still a great Pokemon. And a friend. It¡¯s like what Ash Ketchum says: ¡®It¡¯s what you teach and what you learn.¡¯ Making friends with your Pokemon is most important. That¡¯s where true strength comes from. The bonds the Trainer forms with the Pokemon. Something Rob does well. I think, anyway. He gets a little crazy sometimes when he gets mad, like at Catherine. Aly really puts her all into making friends with her Pokemon. What am I doing, then?

    ¡°Oh, hello! Is everything alright out here?¡± Nurse Joy had returned and was looking around the room. Her eyes stopped on Gary. ¡°I thought I heard someone calling for something?¡±

    Gary took in the woman¡¯s beauty. She¡¯s a freaking angel, the boy recognized. The hair alone. The innocent face desiring to help someone. He got to his feet. ¡°Nurse Joy!¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± she responded.

    I love you! His mouth hung open, but those words never left them. His face flinched hard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± He finally spoke, raising his hand to his cheek as if to explain his twitch, and rubbed at it. ¡°It was just me. There¡¯s no one here. Everything¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay. Don¡¯t hesitate to let me know if anything¡¯s needed,¡± Nurse Joy winked. Her eyes then widened. ¡°Oh!¡± At once, she went through the doors in the back again.

    Gary rewinded time and let it play at: ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to let me know if anything¡¯s needed.¡± The sultry nurse then winked.

    ¡°Your hand in marriage,¡± he replied helplessly and then sat down abruptly. His hand fell to his lap. Hitmonchan... he kept to himself. You¡¯ve ruined my life, you bastard, he joked, smirking. Or maybe, spared me...

    ¡°The trouble with Electric type Pokemon continues in the news today when a man logged into his Conn Ellison account to pay his electric bill to find a, shocking, surprise,¡± a newswoman was speaking from the TV. ¡°A bill at over half a million, and the cause wasn¡¯t staying up late playing video games, but rather a little Dedenne that had taken up residence in the home without the man¡¯s knowing, and was absorbing the electricity. All for free.¡±

    Gary snickered to himself, but didn¡¯t even bother looking up at the TV. He was suddenly feeling depressed.

    *

    The sun was high but the beams did little to warm Gary up. Is it ever actually hot in this region? he questioned, flinching and twisting in his jacket. I can¡¯t wait ¡®til this thing actually fits me properly. Gotta stretch it out some more and soon, it¡¯ll be good enough.

    He and Electivire were now walking alongside a flowing stream, having jumped across a path in the middle of it made of seperate, occasional rocks. He glanced at his Pokedex, keeping his eyes on the Town Map.

    Raichu had been out earlier, no particular reason, but Gary thought it¡¯d be wiser to not let Raichu do the jumping exercise. He was such a round guy. This thought had made Gary consider that maybe training Raichu more for these types of things would actually be wise. He also considered the fact Raichu wasn¡¯t even his Pokemon. I¡¯ll find June, he had told himself. We¡¯ll get her back. But then what? His eyes had turned to Electivire, but his head didn¡¯t move any.

    Now, Gary had his eyes on the trees to the side of him. Pokemon galore in there, he thought. The path to Oreburgh is close. I¡¯ll be there by night. I can capture me a ton of great Pokemon. He stopped and turned to Electivire.

    Electivire kept walking, looking into the trees. He sniffed a few times, his eyes closed, and then finally stopped. He didn¡¯t turn to Gary.

    ¡°Electivire? You smell something or something?¡±

    ¡°Vire?¡± He looked to Gary. Looking back into the trees, he sniffed again and started walking over.

    ¡°A Pokemon?¡± Gary followed slowly, grasping Tyranitar¡¯s Poke Ball in his hand and tightening his grip.

    There was a rustle, and with a shout, Electivire leaped into the trees.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary ran after him. ¡°Wait up! Don¡¯t get lost!¡± He slipped his Pokedex into his pocket as he ran after the Pokemon. What does he see??

    Electivire tore through tight branches, stomped on grass and leaves, and dodged trees, going after whatever was ahead.

    Gary was desperate to keep up, but it seemed impossible from how far away he was, and how fast he was losing breath trying to move fast enough just to keep June¡¯s Pokemon in his sight. He couldn¡¯t see what Electivire was after, but he knew Electivire was on the trail.

    Grunting, Electivire looked to the side and changed direction quickly.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Electivire! Gary growled in his head, continuing after him.

    Electivire leaped, clawed, even zapped a few times, trying to get ahead, trying to stop his prey.

    Maybe a Pokemon on my team can help us, too, Gary thought. Charizard can fly, even! But Gary was afraid of wasting even a second on the minor energy it would take to grab a different Poke Ball than what he was already gripping so he just kept moving. I can¡¯t stop! he pushed himself. Who knows!

    Gary found himself reflecting back on running through the woods for a strange, flying creature with a pink tail on Route 1 before he had even gotten his Starter, Charmander. The mysterious creature, he never found. But he did end up with a Spearow in his hands and only minor pecks and bruises. Maybe this is something like that! The creature with the pink tail that could fly. A tail that looked like a Rattata¡¯s tail. A Shiny Rattata? A Shiny, flying, Rattata...? No... But...

    There was a shout from a man up ahead.

    Electivire grunted and stopped running.

    Gary gasped, slamming into Electivire before he could stop himself, and collapsed. His eyes were shut tight and his face grimaced. After groaning, he finally opened his eyes, his view landing on Electivire who was still standing and looking down at a man who was sitting up.

    The young man was groaning, his eyes shut tight and his fists in the ground. He was barely any darker in his skin tone than Gary. His hair was dyed blonde and reached down to just above his neck, his green and brown hat sitting on top. He wore green pants and a matching green shirt, a yellow vest over it that ended at his waist. His green boots were the Ukkh brand, recognizable by the furry tops made of shed Lopunny fur. He had a rope and other gadgets at his belt, and on his back was a huge, green camping backpack. Beside him was a metal stick with a pointed end, at his other side a black trash bag. He was now staring at Gary. ¡°Damn little nigga, this your Pokemon? Why¡¯d y¡¯all come crashing into me like that?¡±

    Gary was startled by the choice of words of the man.

    Groaning, the guy slowly stood up. He rubbed his head and frowned at Electivire, looking him up and then down. ¡°You¡¯re built like a brick. Good job, kid.¡± He stared back at Gary.

    Gary got to his knees and nodded. ¡°Thanks.¡± He decided to put Tyranitar¡¯s ball back on his waist and finally stood.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± He stayed silent for just a few seconds, keeping his stare on the boy. ¡°So you gonna explain why y¡¯all charged at me like that? I¡¯m just doing my job cleaning this area, man. I¡¯m a Ranger.¡±

    ¡°A Ranger??¡± Gary¡¯s mind sparked. That girl! he remembered.

    The Ranger choked out, strangling when the monster wrapped one hand around her throat, her long fingers digging in, forcing out blood! She croaked out weakly, unable to fight except for grasping the being¡¯s fingers.

    The monster pulled back her arm and flung the Ranger right off the edge of the mountain!! In the next instant, Gary was choking when the monster grabbed him by his throat and hoisted him over the edge before flinging him over!

    ¡°Yeah. Ranger J,¡± the guy replied.

    Ranger... What was her name? I never told anybody about her. How could I?! he panicked. I didn¡¯t even inform the police in Canalave. I was too terrified about being questioned about the monster, and the gun that was on me to tell them all I knew about Team Solace and the Ranger! But how could I be so selfish?! What if she somehow survived, then died because no one got to her in time?! That could be my fault! Why is this all on me?? I¡¯m just a kid! Damn it!! He could feel himself getting really worked up, ready to start crying.

    ¡°We take care of wild Pokemon, the environment that those Pokemon live in, and much, much more.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Gary mumbled, his mind still on the female Ranger, wondering what he should do. ¡°Do you use a Pokemon Styler, too?¡±

    Ranger J rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not one of those Rangers. Not yet, at least. I¡¯m more on patrol for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Gary was barely paying attention. I could have lied, he realized, his thoughts still on what happened with the female Ranger. I could have told them I got it from Isaac and... jumped out of a helicopter...?

    ¡°Yeah, and we use Pokemon in battle. You wanna fight or something?¡± The Ranger made a reach for his side.

    Gary stared into his eyes, blinking once, taking himself back to the moment happening before him. ¡°That a challenge?¡± He raised a hand over his waist.

    ¡°You ain¡¯t ready for me, kid. I¡¯m experienced!¡± Ranger J first knelt down and picked up his long stick. After shoving the sharp end into the ground to keep it standing, he threw a Poke Ball.

    ¡°Brelooooom!¡± A Breloom appeared, punching out rapidly towards Gary.

    Gary gasped. Breloom! he recognized. No way! His teeth tightened against each other. Battling is a good idea. It¡¯ll give me time to relax my mind, and think about what I should do. But... that girl! What if she¡¯s still-?

    ¡°One-on-one, kid!¡± Ranger J offered.

    Gary shook his head and focused his eyes. ¡°Fair enough! I¡¯m going with my Tyranitar! GO!¡± He threw his Poke Ball.

    Tyranitar appeared with a roar, standing by Electivire.

    ¡°Oh, is this what I¡¯m battling?¡± Ranger J stared up at the great monster.

    Electivire and Tyranitar stared at each other silently.

    Electivire grimaced and tightened his fists, a low growl starting.

    Tyranitar just watched with a blank stare. He then swallowed. A more nervous smile crossed his face as he raised up one hand, waving kindly.

    ¡°Vire?¡± Electivire took a step back, discomfort and confusion on his face.

    ¡°Okay, Electivire. I¡¯d like you to step back and let Tyranitar handle this one, okay?¡± Gary spoke gently but firmly.

    Electivire turned to Gary and then looked at Tyranitar again. ¡°Tivire.¡± Grumbling, the Pokemon walked off, stopping a little past Gary, and crossed his arms, staring at the remaining two Pokemon.

    Gary didn¡¯t want it to show, but he cracked and ended up smiling, shaking one good time as he suppressed laughter. Electivire¡¯s listening! He¡¯s really obeying! He¡¯s listening! He wanted to soak in the moment, but a battle had just started so he turned to his opponent. ¡°Okay Tyranitar, let¡¯s go!¡± It¡¯s Fighting and Grass, Gary reminded himself. So... ¡°Tyranitar, begin with Fire Fang!¡±

    ¡°Breloom, dodge that!¡±

    Tyranitar¡¯s jaws opened wide and were coated in Fire. He lunged after Breloom, who wailed out frantically and moved, but ended up getting chomped and taken down.

    A sparkling, orange powder came off of the top of Breloom¡¯s head and into Tyranitar¡¯s face.

    Tyranitar straightened up suddenly, his eyes closing tight, and he stumbled away from Breloom.

    ¡°Tyranitar, what happened?¡± Gary called out. ¡°What was that?¡± Gary turned to Ranger J.

    ¡°Effect Spore is my Breloom¡¯s Ability,¡± the Ranger smirked easily. ¡°Physical moves might trigger a spore effect. This time you got Stun Spore! Great job, Breloom.¡±

    ¡°Bre-loooom!¡± Breloom got up.

    That was luck, not anything to congratulate over, Gary thought bitterly, sneering. Another Fire Fang or something, and Breloom is out! ¡°Fire Fang!¡±

    ¡°Mach Punch!¡± Ranger J insisted.

    Tyranitar opened his jaws to attack again, but Breloom vanished, reappearing with an uppercut, its fist covered in a white orb. Tyranitar¡¯s jaws slammed shut, getting rid of the Fire.

    Earthquake, no, it¡¯s Grass. Rock Slide, no, it¡¯s Fighting. ¡°Wait!¡± Gary finally located a useful move on the Pokedex. ¡°Facade!¡±

    Tyranitar roared and held out his arms. With a painful groan, he leaned over and fell to one knee as his body sparked.

    ¡°Breloom, hold up!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary watched as Breloom bounced on its feet and threw out some punches, but didn¡¯t attack. ¡°We¡¯re fine! Hit us while you can or you¡¯re done for! Facade!¡±

    ¡°Breloom, Counter NOW!¡± Ranger J ordered.

    As Tyranitar stood again, an orange aura surrounded his body. Now looking like he was in a rage, he stomped forward, charging at Breloom.

    ¡°TYRANITAR!! DESTROY IIIT!!¡± Gary pleaded desperately.

    Breloom held still.

    Tyranitar slammed into Breloom.

    Breloom¡¯s eyes closed upon impact and his body was covered in orange energy.

    Tyranitar was flung back from Breloom and crashed into the ground, raising the earth. He remained still.

    ¡°Ha ha. Sorry lil¡¯ nigga, but this match is mine,¡± Ranger J laughed.

    ¡°WHAAAAAT??! NO WAY!! TYRANITAR!!¡± Gary ran to Tyranitar and his hands touched his body.

    Tyranitar¡¯s eyes opened weakly, fluttering for a moment before staying open. He looked to his Trainer sadly and then closed his eyes, lowering his head.

    ¡°Damn it are you kidding me?? That¡¯s it??¡± Gary snapped. ¡°What was that?? That was pathetic!! I can¡¯t believe this!!¡±

    Tyranitar watched Gary, surprised and hurt at his reaction.

    Gary was lost for words for a moment before finally he yelled, ¡°Just get back!!¡±

    Tyranitar let out a sad sound, his head lowering and eyes closing before he was returned to his Poke Ball.

    ¡°Unbelievable! I coulda sworn they were made of tougher stuff than that!¡± Gary complained.

    ¡°Pokemon battling is so unpredictable, huh?¡± Ranger J laughed as he grabbed the long stick and easily yanked it from the ground before walking over to Gary. ¡°Good game, bro.¡± He held out his free hand.

    Gary sucked his teeth, glaring at Tyranitar¡¯s Poke Ball. Releasing his breath, he started to calm down a bit. ¡°Yeah,¡± he muttered. ¡°Good battle.¡± He shook the Ranger¡¯s hand, but he was upset.

    The powerful Pokemon he thought he owned that had let him down.

    The money he had just lost in that match.

    He wasn¡¯t sure what upset him more.

    He just knew he regretted not using Electivire.

    *

    Zubat¡¯s wings fluttered and it got up shortly after. It seemed to be staring directly at Gary.

    Gary shuddered and took a step back, keeping his eyes on the Flying, Poison type Pokemon.

    Screeching with an annoying voice, the Pokemon eventually flew off deeper into the cave.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t wanna catch it?¡± Ranger J asked Gary.

    ¡°Got one already,¡± Gary muttered, and he kept walking, Electivire following him.

    Deino walked after Gary when the Trainer had gotten past him.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Ranger J responded, his tone evidently showing he was a little taken back by Gary¡¯s tone. He was escorting them through Oreburgh Gate, a cave right before entering Oreburgh City. He would stab at trash on the ground with his metal rod on occasion and toss it into his trash bag.

    It wasn¡¯t long before suddenly, there was the appearance of something Gary recognized. ¡°Geodude!¡± the Pokemon cried out, sitting on the ground with its arms flexed.

    ¡°Ah! Okay! Go Deino! Crunch!¡±

    Deino went in with glowing jaws for Crunch, taking Geodude down.

    ¡°Geo!¡± Geodude recovered and used Rollout, spinning in place before shooting out and slamming into Deino¡¯s face. Geodude then rolled back to its spot and continued spinning in place.

    ¡°Hang on, Deino! I want you to pay attention and get ready!¡± Gary waited.

    Deino waited.

    Ranger J waited.

    Electivire waited.

    Then, Geodude fired out!

    ¡°CRUNCH!¡± Gary ordered.

    Deino got ready to attack and snapped his jaws. But he missed and then wailed out as a more powerful Rollout hit him in the face, dropping him down.

    Geodude returned to its spot, still spinning.

    I know we¡¯re better than this. Deino just missed cause of Hustle Ability! ¡°Dragon Pulse!¡± Gary tried.

    Geodude Rolled for Deino.

    With a shout, Deino formed a multicolored ball in front of his mouth. The ball then fired a dragon-shaped beam of energy at the Rolling Geodude.

    Geodude curved around the Dragon Pulse to take down Deino!

    Deino shivered on the rocky ground.

    ¡°Deino!! DEINO!¡± Gary pleaded. ¡°Get up, man!¡±

    Geodude got back to its place, still spinning.

    Deino coughed out and slowly, shaking, stood again.

    ¡°TAKE IT OUT, DEINO! DRAGON PULSE!¡±

    Deino charged up his move.

    Geodude, faster than ever, moved and collided with Deino.

    Deino tumbled on the ground, and the Dragon Pulse came out without control.

    ¡°GEOOOOOOOOO!!!¡± Geodude was hit! It tumbled through the air before crashing hard, and it didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°GOOOO!¡± Gary threw a Poke Ball.

    The Poke Ball hit Geodude and took it inside, rocking, rocking, rocking, the button blinking red and white.

    PING!

    The Poke Ball then vanished in a bright set of lights.

    Gary¡¯s breath escaped in a release of happy air. ¡°I caught a Geodude! In Sinnoh! Alright!¡± Gary cheered.

    ¡°Congratulations, lil¡¯ man,¡± Ranger J told Gary, smiling.

    Gary smiled back at him. ¡°This is so cool! That might even help me out against the Gym Leader in Oreburgh! I can¡¯t wait!¡± Inspired and motivated, Gary ran ahead.

    Until he was stopped by three Pokemon fluttering and screeching in the dark cave! ¡°WHOA!¡± Gary felt anger surging through him and he made two fists. ¡°Zubat again?!¡±

    Deino ran up in front of Gary and called out to the three Pokemon.

    ¡°Roar!¡±

    A towering creature appeared in the air and crash-landed close to Deino.

    Deino screamed out in terror, stumbling backwards before falling over.

    The monster, a Steelix, Roared at the pair of Zubat, transparent waves coming out of its humongous mouth.

    The pair of Pokemon flew off frantically away from the fight.

    Silence filled the cave.

    Gary and Deino were statues, their wide, horrified eyes on the huge Steelix. Both of their mouths were wide open.

    ¡°You guys alright?¡± Ranger J ran up to the Steelix.

    Gary started to relax, or at least started trying to, when he saw the Ranger petting Steelix. It¡¯s his, he understood.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t want those guys, right? You just told me you had those already.¡± The Ranger rested his hand on Steelix.

    Gary swallowed, but it was hard to do. He was this close to pissing himself.

    *

    PING!

    The Poke Ball vanished soon after catching a Psyduck.

    ¡°You going for the Gym challenge, right?¡± Ranger J asked, smiling at Gary.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gary nodded.

    ¡°Cool. Roark here is the Rock type Gym Leader.¡± Ranger J pointed out of the cave. ¡°A little further through and you¡¯ll be right there. I¡¯ll get you through a bit further.¡±

    Gary shrugged, his lower lip sticking out nonchalantly, and then he nodded, accepting the offer.

    The two, along with Electivire, left the cave, walking the grassy plain that contained huge boulders taller than Gary, just about matching in height with Ranger J and Electivire who were of similar height.

    Electivire was sniffing and looking around, his face in a sneer.

    ¡°And there it is,¡± the Ranger pointed.

    Off the path were trees, bushes, buildings, and towers with white smoke pumping out of them!

    ¡°Oreburgh City!¡± Gary said out loud. ¡°Finally! We¡¯ll get this Badge!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you here.¡± The Ranger stabbed at something on the ground with his stick in one hand, and then held out the other hand, smiling. ¡°Good luck, son.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened a bit. Son, he repeated, thinking of what Prof. Oak would call him on occasion. He understood that what the Ranger meant was more like a friend, but it still hit a discomfort button. After swallowing, he looked to see Electivire was sniffing even harder, definitely seeking something.

    Gary squinted at the Pokemon before lowering his gaze to the ground.

    ¡°Vire!¡± Electivire shouted out in surprise, leaning back and pointing down.

    Gary turned quickly and gasped hard. ¡°HEY!¡± He stumbled away from Ranger J in horror.

    Ranger J raised the body of a Charmander, the tail without a flame, stuck to the spiked end of his pole, and quickly shoved it into his trash bag. This hasty act caused the bag to rip, the spiked end ripping the bag, and Charmander¡¯s body came out and hit the ground. ¡°SHIT!¡± Ranger J and Gary both stared at the motionless body of the Pokemon before, after what seemed like a long moment, the Ranger pulled out another trash bag and was more careful putting the body inside. ¡°Look, don¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°What are you doing??!¡± Gary freaked out, stumbling away.

    ¡°I SAID DON¡¯T FREAK OUT!!¡± Ranger J shouted.

    ¡°YOU JUST KILLED A CHARMANDER!!!¡± He¡¯s gonna kill me next! Gary realized. I need Charizard! NO! WAIT! ¡°ELECTIVIRE!¡± Gary pointed ahead at the man, his mouth wide.

    ¡°I¡¯M A RANGER, KID!! THAT¡¯S MY JOB!!¡±

    Gary held his order for Electivire to attack, confused by the Ranger¡¯s words.

    ¡°I have to clean up the area!! Dead Pokemon are a part of my job! I didn¡¯t kill it!!¡±

    Gary kept breathing hard through his open mouth, his heart a frantically beating mess.

    ¡°It was already dead, nigga. Chill!¡±

    Hearing that controversial word brought a sense of ease to Gary¡¯s mind and body. I guess that word is used in other places after all, Gary noted. Even way out here. ¡°Oh,¡± Gary responded. ¡°It was already dead.¡±

    ¡°Nigga, I¡¯m a Ranger! I¡¯m not gonna kill a Pokemon! Come on, man!¡± Ranger J frowned.

    But Gary recalled the Safari Zone Warden, Dave, back in the Kanto region, who had ended up being a Team Solace member. But he kept this to himself and just nodded. ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t understand what I was seeing.¡±

    Ranger J nodded. ¡°It¡¯s sad to be honest. It¡¯s often Fire type Pokemon. Rangers around the world note they are often the ones abandoned the most over all other types. Especially Fire Starters. They¡¯re perceived as weak, but it¡¯s not that. They can just be hard to train. But they¡¯re the best in my opinion! Either way, no Pokemon should be abandoned just because they don¡¯t meet your expectations.¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Gary agreed.

    The two stared at each other quietly for a moment.

    ¡°I have a Charizard myself.¡±

    Ranger J smiled. ¡°Congrats, bro. I think it might be best to leave from here on, just in case there¡¯s anything more. You never know.¡± He looked around them, checking the ground.

    Gary looked down, too, but he looked back up, knowing he didn¡¯t want to know what might be below. ¡°BYE!¡± Gary said quickly, and ran. ¡°COME ON!!¡±

    Electivire chased after Gary, and together, the two headed to finally reach their destination in Oreburgh City.

    For a battle that would put a lot more than just a Badge on the line.

 No Defense Like A Good Offense

    ¡°TYRANITAR CANNOT BE HARMED BY ANY KINDS OF ATTACKS!!!¡± Gary bellowed at Tyranitar not far from Oreburgh City, surrounded by grass and trees and waving the Pokedex in the air. After arriving at Oreburgh City and healing and feeding all the Pokemon he had, he left the city again, stopping just outside of Oreburgh Gate, deciding to get some things off his chest, his anger aimed at Tyranitar. ¡°YOU HEARD IT YOURSELF, YOU-!!¡± Gary stopped himself. Why should I?? This worthless piece of sh-!!

    ¡°Gary, is that you??¡± a voice called.

    Gary had gritted teeth, not wanting to even face whoever had spoken. He inhaled hard, glaring at his sad Tyranitar.

    Tyranitar¡¯s face went from being ready to cry, to looking up with a mix of sadness and surprise at who had just spoken out.

    Electivire had his arms crossed, watching and listening to the yelling with a frown, but now turned to see who was coming.

    Breathing out, Gary turned to see who was approaching. He couldn¡¯t believe it! ¡°ROB!!¡±

    ¡°HA HA HA HA HA!! It is you!!¡± Robin¡¯s laughter was cut short, his smile lessening. ¡°I¡¯m surprised, though. I mean, yeah, you¡¯re the one with the short temper, but at your Pokemon?¡±

    Gary, now embarrassed, lowered his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m just... dealing with some confusion, I guess.¡±

    ¡°With a Tyranitar, though? How bad could it be? Is it disobedient?¡± Robin let out heavy laughter.

    ¡°Not that, no. Just...¡± He stared at Tyranitar, but the giant refused to look back, staying in a sitting position and looking feeble. ¡°We¡¯re just learning stuff about each other,¡± Gary finished bitterly. While his blazing anger finally began to die down, he could feel himself starting to feel a little dizzy; tired. Confusion began to trickle into his heart and he gave his head a couple of hard shakes. Whoa. Am I sick? I don¡¯t feel too good right now, Gary thought. It wasn¡¯t but a second after thinking that, that he felt just fine. He inhaled hard through his nose and exhaled while Robin kept talking.

    ¡°All Pokemon are different. I don¡¯t have a Tyranitar myself, but I believe they¡¯re supposed to be hard to raise. Like how Gyarados are? Hey, how many Pokemon have you caught so far? I¡¯m up to ninety-nine altogether! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!¡±

    Gary narrowed his eyebrows at Robin. What is so funny? Silently sucking his teeth, he rolled his eyes, smirking, and then lowered them down, thinking about his own captures. Ninety-nine? That¡¯s crazy! What do I have?? He punched buttons on his Pokedex. Breathing sadly out of his nose, he stared sadly at his device. His heart began to beat faster as he stared longer at the number. ¡°Only sixty-f- three total...¡± he said glumly. ¡°Sixty-three.¡±

    ¡°Sixty-three is great, bro! What¡¯s wrong?? Aha ha ha ha ha ha!¡±

    Gary sneered a little, looking down for only a second. ¡°So, well, how many Badges do you have?¡±

    ¡°Only one, man.¡± Robin looked disappointed now, frowning down but looking back up quickly. ¡°June was right. Sinnoh¡¯s League is a lot tougher, I hate to admit. I can¡¯t even beat Roark, but I¡¯m not beaten, yet! Ha ha ha haaa!¡± He was back to smiling again.

    Gary swallowed uncomfortably at the mention of June¡¯s name but pondered on Robin¡¯s words about her. ¡°You lost to Roark?¡±

    Robin nodded. ¡°He gave me a three-on-three, and I did beat two of his Pokemon, but Roark¡¯s prepared. You¡¯ll see.¡±

    ¡°What does he have?¡± Gary insisted.

    ¡°You know, I¡¯m the type to go into a Gym battle without all the facts. I like it that way. I feel like it challenges me better,¡± Robin kept smiling. ¡°I think that¡¯s the best way to go about it, because when we get to the League, we won¡¯t know what our opponent is gonna bring. Even using the League database isn¡¯t gonna promise us the Pokemon we¡¯ll face. So, no better way to prepare for unknown circumstances than to start early, against the Gyms!¡±

    Gary nodded. That does make sense, but...

    ¡°How many Badges do you have?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m up to two so far.¡±

    ¡°Class!¡± Robin exclaimed happily.

    ¡°Yeah... Um, so I¡¯m heading over there now. I saw Aly. She beat Roark.¡±

    Robin laughed awkwardly. ¡°She did the best out of all of us in Kanto after all, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, ha,¡± Gary agreed. ¡°Hey, you wanna have a battle??¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t! Need to get to the Pokemon Center, but after that, maybe by the time you beat Roark, let¡¯s have a go!¡±

    ¡°Deal! And I will get that Badge!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I said it! You¡¯ve got it, bro!¡±

    ¡°Right!¡±

    ¡°And after that, I¡¯ll take on this Tyranitar!¡± Robin smiled at the beast.

    Tyranitar raised his head up and let out a low but light grunt.

    ¡°You wanna fight him?¡± Gary asked, looking surprised.

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Right after, come over to the Pokemon Center and heal up, and we¡¯ll go!¡± He held out one hand and Gary took it, the two shaking challengingly hard.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back quick!¡± Gary promised, and he took off.

    ¡°YEAH!¡± Robin shouted, laughing after Gary.

    *

    Oreburgh City Pokemon Gym Leader: Roark

    The Man Who Loves Offense!

    Past this sign sculpted out of stone were rocky cliffs upon rocky cliffs leading down to the entrance to the Oreburgh Gym. The path leading to it was lined by towering boulders, and smaller rocks up a steel set of stairs stopped at metal doors. They opened mechanically, displaying a blue room with a desk and a computer. There was a glass display case by the desk filled with shelves holding things that looked like rocks. Or maybe even fossils? Plastered on the front of the display was a sign that read: Replicas only!!

    A man stood behind the desk in a black turtleneck. He stepped from around the desk, and it was hard to tell if the guy was in a bodysuit, or his black shirt and black tights were just that indistinguishable. His skin also nearly matched the darkness of his outfit, his feet in plain black shoes. The slim man smiled warmly. ¡°Welcome to the Oreburgh Gym! You must be a challenger!¡± he spoke in a voice Gary didn¡¯t expect. He didn¡¯t sound light, but manly. He didn¡¯t walk with sass, but determinedly.

    Gary had expected a man similar to Vincent of Celadon City¡¯s Gym, a guy who came off flamboyant and feminine. On the contrary, this guy sounded ready for war!

    ¡°Uuuuhhhh! Hi! I¡¯m here to fight Roark?!¡± Gary got out nervously.

    ¡°Right! He just so happens to be here now, and has no other challengers. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be happy to face you.¡±

    *

    Gary and Electivire stood at the room the battle would take place in, full of boulders and a steel ceiling.

    The man in all black who escorted them in, named Wells, was the referee for the match.

    A Rock type Gym, Gary told himself. I¡¯ve got this all with my pal Weepinbell. His eyes went over the bleachers, a white stand that the referee who had greeted him inside of the building stood by, and a bench on either side of the field.

    Electronic doors on the opposite side of the room where Gary stood, opened.

    A man walked in, the doors closing behind him. He was wearing square glasses and a red hard hat with a light in the middle that was still glowing. Under the helmet was dark-red hair that reached down his back. His muscles were bulging inside of a gray, sleeveless shirt. His gray sweatpants had a yellow stripe on the pocket of each leg. His feet stood in gray and black boots. He stopped on the other end of the battlefield, and Gary knew that this must be the Gym Leader. ¡°Hello!¡± the guy called out with a distracted look. Like he had other things to be doing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I hope to make this quick! I¡¯m a little busy at the moment! Perhaps you¡¯ve heard about my issues with keeping the Sinnoh Underground from being demolished!¡± The man was talking quickly, trying to get to the point.

    ¡°I have!¡± Gary nodded with wide eyes.

    ¡°Good! Then perhaps a one-on-one match will suffice!¡± He raised a Poke Ball.

    The metal ceiling split noisily in two, slowly revealing a blue sky.

    Wells raised his arms in the air.

    ¡°Hey, wait! Just a one-on-one?¡± Gary complained.

    ¡°I¡¯d hoped you¡¯d understand with my issues concerning the Sinnoh Underground! They¡¯re planning on demolishing it by next month! Please understand my position!¡±

    ¡°But your position is as a Gym Leader!¡± Gary argued.

    ¡°Well, my job is not solely as the Oreburgh City Gym Leader!¡± Roark barked. ¡°While I take this job as serious as just about anything, I¡¯m also the foreman of the Oreburgh Mine, and the chief of the Ancient Pokemon Expedition Operations! The Sinnoh Underground is as important to me as anything else I have under my care! Third only to my son and wife! Tieing with the love for my own Pokemon! Even my own well being comes after the Sinnoh Underground! I must return to saving it! It¡¯s in my family name to keep it standing, and I won¡¯t let it die! Not due to this! The threats theorized to live there are nothing compared to what the future Pokemon world can learn and grow from them! It outweighs the risks!¡± The determination in the man¡¯s voice was not only heard, but felt strongly from his heart, to Gary¡¯s.

    Wow. That shook my core, Gary admitted. As Roark opened his mouth to speak again, Gary cut in. ¡°Please! I understand how you feel! We can¡¯t let that monster destroy our dreams, Roark! We have to make sure that what we love isn¡¯t put on hold, or destroyed, by the fears of the people fearing her, but-¡± Gary paused for a moment to think. ¡°Sir, that means you can¡¯t stop doing your job over her, either! You have a duty as a Gym Leader! Don¡¯t let her make you battle me as any less than that! Prove to her, and to the people who are afraid of what¡¯s going on, that her appearance changes nothing for you! Uphold your title as a Gym Leader, and defend the Sinnoh Underground! Do both! I didn¡¯t come all the way from Pallet Town, from Kanto, to see that this is how the Sinnoh region works. If I¡¯m that much stronger than you, I¡¯ll even defend the Sinnoh Underground on my own and you can sit it out! I might just have my own business to handle there, actually, so I don¡¯t mind. And it won¡¯t stop my journey, either! I¡¯ll show you!¡± Hey, that wasn¡¯t bad, Gary thought. Good way to finish! But will it work on him?

    Roark¡¯s eyes softened, widened with surprise. He finally smirked at the child. ¡°I¡¯ll give ya a two-on-two, then. Can we settle on that?¡±

    ¡°A three-on-three, Roark!¡± Gary insisted. ¡°Like you gave to my friend Rob! Please! I¡¯ve been through so much. Including running into that monster, and surviving!¡±

    Roark gasped. ¡°What?!¡±

    ¡°You beat my friend Rob recently, and I was wrecked by your father. I want to see the true strength of your family. Byron loved his Gym more than anything else, from what I could see, but you aren¡¯t giving me that same respect. I¡¯m sure he must love you, yet his constant focus was his Gym and his Pokemon. Is it truly not the same for you??¡±

    Roark shut his eyes, narrowing his eyebrows. Soon after that, he chuckled and looked at Gary warmly. ¡°You¡¯re one well-spoken kid, you know that?¡±

    Gary stared at Roark hopefully.

    Roark turned to Wells and nodded.

    Wells arms never went down. He beamed happily at Roark before yelling, ¡°This will be a three-on-three battle between Roark, Oreburgh City¡¯s Rock type Gym Leader, and Gary, from the Kanto region¡¯s Pallet Town! The winner will receive the Coal Badge! There will be no time limit, and only the challenger may switch Pokemon! Let the battle begin!¡± His arms finally came down.

    ¡°You better not let me down after such a motivating set of words, Gary!¡± Roark enlarged his Poke Ball.

    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to be here, Roark! I faced your father and lost harshly! I expect the same kind of treatment from you, but I¡¯m more prepared this time!¡±

    ¡°You sure about that?! I¡¯ve learned plenty from my old man, after all!¡± Roark smiled, his long hair over some of his face.

    Gary smiled back. ¡°Show me what you¡¯ve got, then!¡±

    Roark tossed the ball, sending out his first Pokemon.

    With a huge, explosive roar, a Steelix appeared.

    ¡°Oh, wow!¡± Gary swallowed uncomfortably and reached for his Pokedex.

    ¡°Electivire!!¡± Electivire stepped up beside Gary.

    ¡°NO!¡± Gary grabbed Electivire¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Do not. I¡¯m not using you. Let my Pokemon do this.¡± He narrowed his eyebrows. ¡°Electivire.¡±

    Electivire kept his eyes on Steelix just a bit longer before finally glaring at Gary. He growled, not budging.

    ¡°Come on, man. This isn¡¯t the time. Please.¡±

    Electivire looked again to Steelix. ¡°Vire,¡± he huffed and walked backwards, away from the Pokemon.

    Gary smiled and nodded. ¡°Thank you. Now.¡± He grabbed his Pokedex. ¡°Back to you.¡± Steelix isn¡¯t a Rock type. This might be a lot more different than I thought.

    Steelix. The Iron Snake Pokemon. Onix¡¯s evolved form. It is both Steel and Ground type. It is said that should an Onix live over one hundred years, its composition becomes more and more diamond-like.

    That data was more for an Onix, not Steelix, Gary thought. And... Onix evolves by a Metal Coat. Does this mean that naturally, they can just evolve by themselves if they live for so long? No. How can I listen to the Pokedex? Tyranitar aren¡¯t supposed to be able to take damage at all according to it! But that obviously can¡¯t be true. It must not mean Pokemon attacks. But then what¡¯s the-?

    ¡°Steelix, use Stealth Rock now!¡±

    Multiple glowing Rocks appeared from out of nowhere and rose around Steelix. The Rocks then stopped glowing and flew for Gary!!

    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!¡± Gary ran backwards several feet, stopping and raising his arms to protect himself, knowing it would do nothing. ¡°AAAAAAAHHH!!!¡±

    The Rocks made an explosive noise as they crashed into the side of the field where Gary¡¯s Pokemon was meant to be.

    Gary shut his eyes against the rise of dust and pebbles.

    Before the noise ended, Roark continued, ¡°Now go for your Curse attack!¡±

    Steelix¡¯s body was outlined in purple for a while as it roared to the open skies.

    ¡°Wait! Hold on!¡± Gary grabbed one Poke Ball. ¡°I wasn¡¯t ready!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your fault! You¡¯ve given me two chances to set up! This battle is as good as over!¡± Roark said determinedly.

    Well that¡¯s not very fair! Gary frowned. Whatever. At least we¡¯re battling. I can¡¯t depend on typing at this Gym. I might just have to start off with the one Pokemon I was sure I¡¯d not use. He enlarged the Poke Ball in his hand. ¡°Charizard! SET IT OFF!!¡± He threw the ball hard.

    Charizard came out with a big roar. He landed on one of the stones from Stealth Rock!

    The Rock glowed orange and blew up, downing Charizard!

    ¡°CHARIZARD!! NOOOO!! HOW COULD I FORGET?!!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe that he didn¡¯t consider the Stealth Rock reaction! I just saw it used! he yelled at himself. Already this is going bad!

    Charizard got up shakily, dropping Gary¡¯s heart down further. But his tail flame still looked good. He made tight fists and glared at the tower of a Pokemon.

    ¡°Charizard, use Flamethrower!¡±

    After letting out a roar, Charizard attacked, hitting the middle of Steelix with Fire!

    ¡°We won¡¯t be beaten with something as simple as a type advantage!¡± Roark insisted. ¡°Steelix, set up the Sandstorm!¡±

    Roaring, Steelix caused the field to become a sudden storm of wildly blowing sand!

    Gary raised an arm to shield his face, grunting as he struggled to see.

    Charizard took a step back, grunting as well in the face of the storm.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give in to that! Use Fire Spin next, Charizard!!¡± Gary ordered.

    Charizard attacked with Fire, the flames becoming a spiraling tower that held Steelix captive for a while. In the meantime, the Fire type was annoyed by the constant sand that was hitting him and slowly wearing him down.

    ¡°Steelix, get ready to get out of that one! You better brace yourself, Gary!¡± Roark was smiling big now. ¡°My bet is you¡¯re out by the next hit!¡±

    ¡°What?? I don¡¯t think so, Roark!¡±

    The Fire Spin gave out finally and Steelix was still standing and looking ready for more.

    ¡°Head Smash!!¡±

    Steelix¡¯s body was covered in a whitish-blue aura that made Steelix look black and white, like a colorless panel of a manga. Roaring, Steelix lunged for Charizard and crashed into his stomach.

    Charizard roared painfully and came down easily. While Steelix stood, Charizard remained down.

    That looked bad! Gary thought, watching his Pokemon¡¯s dwindling tail flame. And Steelix looks just fine!

    ¡°Huh?¡± Roark looked to the referee with surprise after a moment of silence.

    Instead of staring at either of the men, Gary smiled with immediate understanding. ¡°Blaze time!!¡±

    The flame on Charizard¡¯s tail suddenly burst brighter than ever! Charizard managed back up, his body outlined in red, and he turned his blazing red eyes on his opponent. He shook his head against constant heavy sands flying everywhere and then roared to the open sky above, his powerful voice echoing.

    ¡°Electivire.¡±

    Electivire¡¯s mumble made Gary glance back for a second, and he smirked a bit at the engaged look on Electivire¡¯s face for Charizard. But we¡¯re not gonna make it in this Sandstorm, he knew, looking back to the match. It¡¯s now or never. DO IT!! ¡°CHARIZARD, FLARE BLITZ!! GOOO!!¡±

    Charizard roared and became consumed in flames as he shot forward at Steelix.

    ¡°Steelix, use Hardeeeen!!¡±

    Steelix straightened up a little and its body glowed light blue.

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Charizard slammed into Steelix!

    Steelix roared, unable to remain standing, and both Pokemon fell, landing next to each other.

    Wells raised both hands high and then held them out to each Trainer. ¡°Both Charizard and Steelix are unable to battle!¡±

    ¡°Ha! Wo-ha-how! I can¡¯t believe this!¡± Roark smiled. ¡°You even got by my Steelix¡¯s Hardened body! Even with a Fire move, that is in no way an easy feat!¡± He recalled Steelix. ¡°That was a well-deserved victory for those two, but we earned something as well, huh? Thank you, old friend.¡± He then got a second Poke Ball out and tossed it hard. ¡°Rampardos, it¡¯s your turn now! Let¡¯s go!¡±

    A monster appeared in the middle of the ongoing sandstorm, looking ugly and ferocious. It gurgled out angrily and challengingly.

    ¡°Electiviiiiiire!!¡± Electivire stepped forward, approaching Rampardos.

    ¡°Electivire!!¡± Gary grabbed both of his shoulders and tugged. The Trainer knew that Electivire could easily shake him off and just fight Rampardos but was allowing himself to be stopped. ¡°Hey, man. Your time will come. It¡¯s just not now! It¡¯s not here! Let me handle this. I don¡¯t even really know what this Pokemon is! Please! Just leave this to me. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m doing too bad, myself. Let me take charge.¡±

    Electivire grumbled and then shut his eyes. He turned from Rampardos and, rubbing his eyes, walked back behind Gary. Once there, he managed to open one eye but kept rubbing at the other.

    Gary smiled at him, sighing and shaking his head before turning back and recalling Charizard. ¡°Charizard, excellent! Thank you. We¡¯ll let another one handle this new Pokemon.¡± He took out his Pokedex. ¡°Soon as I find out what it is...¡± he mumbled.

    Rampardos. The Head Butt Pokemon. The evolved form of Cranidos. This is a Rock type Pokemon. Its skull is harder than steel, and a foot thick. With this kind of cranium, it can topple virtually anything to destruction, including a skyscraper or better.

    No way! Is this the Dex being wrong again?? Gary panicked. Looking to the ground, he found himself thinking about Scientist Gary and how against the Pokedex he was. Sneering, he shook his head. I¡¯m nothing like that guy, that¡¯s for sure. But some of these claims are just... ¡°Whatever,¡± he whispered. He closed his eyes against blowing sands as he thought, So it¡¯s actually a Rock type this time. Perfect. Grabbing a Poke Ball, he smiled and stared ahead. ¡°GOOOO!¡± He threw it.

    ¡°Bell!¡± Weepinbell jumped in place repeatedly. ¡°Bell!¡±

    Rocks near Weepinbell blew up, harming him!

    ¡°Stealth Rock! Oh, damn it!¡± Gary screamed angrily.

    ¡°Ha ha ha ha! Forgot again?¡± Roark laughed. ¡°Well, you¡¯ve got a Grass type this time. Let¡¯s get interesting now, shall we?¡± There was an almost childlike excitement to him now, Gary thinking to himself that the man had a much more youthful face than earlier. ¡°Sunny Day, Rampardos!¡±

    Rampardos called out to the blue sky above.

    Weepinbell was being pummeled in the sandstorm before it came to a quick end.

    The light from the sun took over, filling the sky entirely, hiding the blue completely.

    The temperature in the building also rose drastically, and Gary found himself wanting to remove his coat. Sunny Day? But, why? That move¡¯s... His eyes lit up, but then his eyebrows narrowed in confusion. That move helps out moves like Solar Beam to automatically strike, and also increases the power of Fire moves! There¡¯s no Fire types here. Why is he using Sunny Day? I¡¯m the only one who can benefit from that!

    ¡°Now use Fire Blast!!¡±

    ¡°Fire Blast?!!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe what he¡¯d just heard!

    Rampardos inhaled and then let loose one of the most powerful Fire type moves, looking blindingly bright, overwhelmingly hot, and devastating to the extreme due to the boost.

    ¡°WEEPINBELL!! GET OUT OF THERE!¡±

    Weepinbell had already jumped out of the way, the move just barely catching him. ¡°Beell!¡± he groaned out from the singe as he hit the ground.

    ¡°Weepinbell! Use your Growth!¡± Gary said determinedly.

    Getting up immediately, Weepinbell was outlined in light green. When the glow ended, he appeared a little taller, healthier, fresher! ¡°Bell!¡± Weepinbell glared.

    ¡°There we go!¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t be lucky twice! Fire Blast!¡± Roark repeated.

    ¡°Solar Beam!¡±

    Rampardos inhaled.

    Weepinbell¡¯s mouth opened wide, his body glowing with a faint yellow, and several yellow balls appeared out of nowhere, swirling around a larger ball that had formed in front of the mouth. A big beam fired for Rampardos.

    Rampardos unleashed Fire Blast.

    Both moves would avoid each other, the Solar Beam soaring over Fire Blast, or perhaps Fire Blast going lower than Solar Beam, or even a combination of the two. This time, both moves hit their target!

    Both Pokemon soared back against the power of their opponent¡¯s move. Both Pokemon curled up in pain, unable to get up right away.

    ¡°Weepinbell!!¡± Gary called out as sweat started to roll down each side of his face.

    ¡°Rampardoooos!!¡± Roark shouted, sweat on his forehead.

    Weepinbell flinched, along with Rampardos.

    ¡°Rampardos! Fire Blast again!!¡±

    ¡°SOLAR BEAM!¡±

    Both Pokemon looked up towards each other. Both Pokemon¡¯s heads fell again.

    Oh, no! Another draw! Gary realized.

    With a twitch and a long groan, Weepinbell struggled back up.

    Gary gasped. ¡°Weepinbell! GO!¡±

    Weepinbell¡¯s body glowed a light yellow and several yellow balls appeared, spinning around a larger yellow ball in front of his mouth.

    ¡°STOP THE MATCH!!¡± Wells commanded suddenly, raising both hands high.

    Weepinbell stopped glowing, the balls all disappearing.

    ¡°RAMPARDOS IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! WEEPINBELL IS THE WINNER!!¡±

    ¡°WHOA! NO WAY!!¡± Gary let out in surprise, wiping at the sweat still coming down.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire uttered, his hands raised a little, stunned by the way things ended.

    Weepinbell was breathing hard, looking ready to collapse.

    ¡°Unbelievable! That¡¯s some kind of strength, Gary!¡± Roark smiled at the kid, wiping the sweat off his face. ¡°I¡¯m glad I chose this team for you. I could tell you were experienced!¡± He returned Rampardos and smiled at the Poke Ball. ¡°You did your job, Rampardos! That Weepinbell is high-grade material! It¡¯s gonna take work to beat it, but you put it to the edge! Thank you!¡± Roark then got his last Poke Ball and enlarged it, finally tossing it.

    Gary couldn¡¯t hide his surprise at what he saw.

    The Tyranitar roared! The heat died down quickly enough, bringing instant relief to everyone, and was replaced by another sandstorm! Tyranitar¡¯s Sandstream had begun!

    ¡°No way!¡± Gary held his arm up again against the storm. And Weepinbell¡¯s so weak, too. What should I do? Retreat? I am allowed.

    Tyranitar was growling at Weepinbell.

    That thing sure looks mean, Gary admitted. Nothing like how my Tyranitar acts, but this seems like how a Tyranitar should. ¡°Weepinbell, let¡¯s start off with Sleep Powder!¡±

    Roark didn¡¯t react aside from frowning and baring his teeth.

    Weepinbell spewed out light-green spores into the air.

    The spores were blown around, mixed in the loose sands and wind.

    Tyranitar watched as some of the Sleep Powder still managed to land on it. It kept its nasty, angry face as it swayed in place before crashing down to its face.

    ¡°YYYEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!¡± Gary cheered. He raised happy fists close to his face, looking at the referee expectantly.

    Wells kept his eyes on the match, and eventually did a doubletake to Gary. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary responded. ¡°What? I win, right? It¡¯s Asleep! I win! Oh, wait!¡±

    ¡°For putting it to Sleep?¡± Wells laughed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but it¡¯s not that simple, Gary.¡±

    ¡°No, no! Forget I said anything! I knew that already!¡± The rules in Kanto, during the Indigo League! Of course it¡¯s not the same here! Gary told himself. ¡°I¡¯m just confused! Never mind! I¡¯m so, so sorry!¡± He stared at Roark with embarrassment.

    Both Wells and Roark were smiling at him with sympathy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Gary!¡± Roark assured him.

    ¡°Please forget I said that!¡± Gary pleaded desperately.

    ¡°Will do, Gary! At the moment, you have the time to attack!¡± Roark nodded kindly.

    ¡°Right! Then we should have time for Solar Beam! GO!¡± Gary tried to look serious to get rid of how stupid he felt he had just looked.

    Weepinbell charged up the move, struggling against the blowing Sandstream effects.

    Tyranitar snorted, looking so angry in its Sleep.

    Finally, Solar Beam attacked!

    Tyranitar roared out as it slid backwards on its back but then stayed still and quiet.

    Gary held his breath. Is that it? Did we get it? Three Badges?

    There was a long moment of silence in the Gym until Tyranitar grumbled in its sleep.

    It¡¯s not out, Gary realized, and he opened his mouth to order another move.

    Tyranitar¡¯s eyes suddenly opened wide. It got up easily and finally roared at Weepinbell.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± Gary whispered.

    ¡°And we¡¯re back! I knew you would take that!¡± Roark nodded. ¡°Now go-!¡± Roark¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    ¡°Weepinbell!¡± Gary gasped as his Pokemon fell backwards.

    ¡°Weppinbell is unable to fight! Tyranitar wins!¡± Wells ruled.

    ¡°Weepinbell.¡± Gary held out his Poke Ball and returned him. ¡°That was awesome, man. You did so well out there. The sand was just too much in the end, huh?¡± he smiled. Attaching the Poke Ball to his belt, he stared at Tyranitar with a mix of worry and determination. What can beat it? What evens the playing field? I do have Primeape, and against Dark and Rock, he¡¯s best! And yet... ¡°Hey!¡±

    Electivire stopped beside Gary. He didn¡¯t turn from Tyranitar, but he allowed his eyes to slide over to Gary.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got this, man. Leave it to me.¡±

    ¡°VIRE!¡± Electivire kept walking past Gary, approaching the field.

    ¡°HEY!¡±

    Electivire froze, crossing the line onto the field.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna be the best Pokemon Trainer in the world. Isn¡¯t that what we agreed on? You¡¯d give me that chance?¡±

    Electivire finally turned to Gary.

    ¡°Let me prove what I can do. I have the best Pokemon in the world! Don¡¯t intrude on my journey if you want to face me at my best!¡± Gary insisted.

    Roark watched this all in awe.

    Even Wells¡¯ eyes were wide while watching.

    ¡°Elec.¡± Electivire walked away, stopping behind Gary.

    ¡°Just trust me,¡± Gary muttered, his eyes focusing hard on Tyranitar through the storm. He grabbed a Poke Ball, making a tight fist around it. This one has to prove his worth to stay on my team. He¡¯s messed up enough as it is. I need this Badge, but I need to know who on my team is a total waste of time or not, too. He enlarged the Poke Ball and then threw it.

    Whoa, Gary, he thought, thinking back on his words. What are you saying? If you don''t think he can do it, why use him? That¡¯s like setting him up for failure. And for what?

    Tyranitar appeared, roaring strongly.

    ¡°Whoa! A Tyranitar, too? Awesome!¡± Roark chuckled.

    But, staring at the two, Gary couldn¡¯t help but notice just how powerful and threatening Roark¡¯s looked, and how friendly, soft, and curious his Tyranitar looked by comparison.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s see which one is stronger! Tyranitar, use your Power-Up Punch!¡± Roark ordered.

    ¡°Tyranitar, go for Earthquake!¡±

    Roark¡¯s Tyranitar balled up both fists and they were surrounded by a golden orb. It roared and swung on Gary¡¯s Tyranitar with one of them.

    Gary¡¯s Tyranitar roared, dropping hard.

    Roark¡¯s Tyranitar glowed red as its Attack was boosted.

    ¡°GET UP!!¡± Gary freaked out. I don¡¯t think we even know that move! His mind was going rapidfire as his Pokemon stood and attacked with Earthquake.

    There was plenty of stumbling around, but no one was floored, including Roark¡¯s Tyranitar who ended up bent over, one hand on the ground, and then stood back up.

    Why is his Earthquake so damn weak?! Like against that kid the other day! Gary was getting ticked off now.

    ¡°One more Power-Up Punch!¡± Roark pointed out.

    No time to waste! Gary knew. ¡°Okay! Bulldoze!¡±

    Roark¡¯s Tyranitar socked Gary¡¯s Tyranitar in the face, dropping him quickly.

    You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me!! Gary exploded silently, grabbing his head with both hands. ¡°COME OOON!!¡±

    Gary¡¯s Tyranitar shook his head and looked to his Trainer.

    ¡°DON¡¯T LOOK AT ME!! GET THE HELL UP!!!¡± Gary raged, releasing his head after his fingernails scraped against his head as they became fists.

    Tyranitar looked to the ground sadly but got back up, keeping his head down.

    ¡°Gary-¡± Roark started.

    ¡°NOW DO THE DAMN BULLDOZE LIKE I TOLD YOU!!¡± Gary¡¯s voice cracked with a mix of continued anger and added panic. He stomped forward a couple of steps, stopping himself from continuing forward. But I should, he told himself. What he needs is a swift kick in the ass if he¡¯s having too much trouble continuing the battle!

    Gary¡¯s Tyranitar looked up with narrowed eyes. His body was surrounded by an orange aura and he stomped on the ground with one foot.

    An orange ring of energy expanded along the ground, causing the Gym to shake, and Roark¡¯s Tyranitar was hit by it.

    Roark¡¯s Tyranitar took a couple of steps back but kept standing. It also shuddered a bit.

    Its Speed is lowered, Gary knew. So maybe... ¡°Now Earthquake again dammit!¡±

    His Tyranitar made the Gym tremble with Earthquake.

    Roark¡¯s Tyranitar stumbled before dropping, but everyone else seemed to manage to stay standing.

    ¡°Tyranitar! Get up and use Earthquake to end this!¡± Roark urged.

    ¡°NO! EARTHQUAKE AGAIN!!¡± Gary demanded.

    Roark¡¯s Tyranitar stood tall, but Gary¡¯s was moving a little faster than Roark¡¯s now. Both Pokemon raised a leg, but Gary¡¯s slammed down first.

    Roark¡¯s Pokemon didn¡¯t fall over though, sustaining the damage while still on one foot.

    Rather, Gary toppled over while trying to keep his balance. The fall seemed to wake something up in Gary that he didn¡¯t even know was... off? It was a sudden realization, and he felt himself coming down, like he had been emotionally high, but in a bad way. Like something extremely stressful and enraging was seeping out of him rapidly like a balloon full of air with someone loosely holding the open mouth. In just a couple of more seconds, he instead felt exhaustion, weariness, and confusion. He stared around him and gasped, blinking right after, and his hands swiftly rose to his face.

    Gary¡¯s heart was beating like mad, realizing that, somehow, he had stepped beyond the line and onto the field, still several feet behind his Pokemon. What happened? When did I get here? How? Did I get this into the fight?? And... He wiped at his cheeks, rubbing moistened sand between his fingers. The sand on my face is wet. Why am I crying...? What is-?

    ¡°YOU BETTER MOVE, GARY!! HERE IT COMES!!¡± Roark yelled.

    ¡°Electivire!!¡± Electivire also yelled out.

    ¡°OH!¡± As Gary scrambled to his feet and ran out of the middle of the ongoing sandstorm, remembering he was in the middle of a battle, he called back, ¡°FOCUS BLAST!!¡±

    Gary¡¯s Tyranitar cupped his hands and formed an orange orb as Gary reached his proper place.

    Roark¡¯s Tyranitar stomped the ground with tremendous force!

    With this rumble, Gary, his Tyranitar, Electivire, Wells, and Roark were forced to the ground!

    No... Gary choked out a hard cough. Tyranitar... It¡¯s over. He sighed in defeat but didn¡¯t get up, instead just looking over wearily to his downed Pokemon.

    Gary¡¯s Tyranitar ROARED determinedly from his side, still holding the charging Focus Blast, and tossed it!

    The move soared through the air and spun around wildly, lazily.

    Gary got to his knees, watching with eyes as wide as his open mouth. It¡¯s gonna miss! he knew, but kept a desperate hope he was wrong.

    Wells got up on one knee, one hand still on the ground.

    Roark jumped up to his feet.

    Electivire got to his feet.

    Roark¡¯s Tyranitar watched the move carefully. At the last second. It leaned back!

    Focus Blast flew over its head!

    ¡°NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!¡± Gary erupted.

    The Focus Blast suddenly dropped straight down into Tyranitar¡¯s face!

    As Roark¡¯s Pokemon dropped, the upper part of its body was forced through the Gym floor!

    ¡°TYRANITAAARR!!¡± Roark stepped forward a few steps before stopping.

    The sandstorm finally blew itself out, and there was just a cloud of dirt and filth clouding Roark¡¯s Pokemon.

    Everyone else was on their feet in seconds, waiting to see what would happen next.

    The dust finally did clear.

    The referee cleared his throat, and raised his hand to Gary. ¡°Roark¡¯s Tyranitar is unable to battle!¡±

    Gary inhaled hard through his nose. It worked!

    ¡°Gary¡¯s Tyranitar is the winner!!¡±

    Electivire yelled out joyously, tossing his fists into the air. And then he glared and crossed his arms, looking down and away. ¡°Tivire,¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°This makes Gary, from Pallet Town, the winner of the Coal Badge!¡± Wells finished.

    ¡°Tyranitar!¡± Roark got to the field and stopped by his Pokemon. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this! I was sure-¡± He stopped himself and smiled at Gary¡¯s Tyranitar. ¡°How interesting,¡± he ended up chuckling.

    Gary walked over to his Pokemon.

    Electivire was right behind him. ¡°Vire! Vire!¡± Electivire nodded sternly at Tyranitar.

    Tyranitar stood up shakily but fell to his knees. With a cheerful cry, he grabbed them both and pulled them closer to hug them tightly with his short arms, stealing their breaths.

    ¡°Hey! Hey!¡± Gary rasped out painfully.

    ¡°Elect!¡± Electivire also complained, but broke himself free with his large body.

    Gary was the one who ended up stuck, Tyranitar now squeezing him in both arms! ¡°Tyranitar!¡± He inhaled what could possibly be his last breath, desperate to break free.

    Laughter resulted from the mouths of everyone except Gary, causing Tyranitar to finally release him, and the Trainer to be able to breathe as he fell to his knees.

    Gary gasped at a hand that was held out to him, an object in the palm.

    A Badge! It was circular at the top but the bottom was more squared. It had a silver outline with brown inside. Added with the design in the middle, the Badge strongly resembled a Poke Ball.

    ¡°I got the Coal Badge!¡± Gary managed to let out as he stood up. He cleared his throat before adding, ¡°We did it, guys!¡± Gary then did something he hadn¡¯t done in a long, long time. He sent out all of his Pokemon!

    ¡°Deino? Deino!¡± Deino looked around, his face stopping at Gary. He then looked away and decided to chomp on a rock!

    Charizard stretched out his wings.

    ¡°Bell?¡± Weepinbell focused on Gary.

    ¡°Ri!¡± Riolu smiled at Gary and then looked around.

    ¡°Primeape! Prrrrime!¡± Primeape hopped in place, looking around.

    ¡°Guys! We got it, guys! We¡¯re three Badges in! The Coal Badge! Look!¡± Gary held the Badge high. ¡°We all got this, together. Let¡¯s keep supporting each other and keep climbing higher to get our last five Badges!¡±

    All six Pokemon cheered for their victory and future endeavors.

    ¡°It¡¯s great to see just how much you all care about each other! Thank you for such a motivational battle!¡± Roark said. ¡°I haven¡¯t felt so good from a battle in a while.¡±

    ¡°If I may say so, you haven¡¯t looked so happy in a Gym match in a long time, Roark,¡± Wells chimed in, appearing close by Gary.

    Roark laughed at this. ¡°I¡¯ve been so stressed lately. Ironically, this battle was like the vacation I needed! I feel as good as new!¡±

    Thinking about the battle, Gary¡¯s face suddenly went serious. ¡°Roark, if I may ask, what do you know about the Sinnoh Underground, exactly?¡± Gary questioned.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Roark looked surprised, his smile disappearing.

    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m on a hunt for this monster creature that¡¯s been terrorizing our world. It means way more to me than any Badge to stop her, but getting these Badges is only gonna prepare me more for when I meet her. I need to know where she went, and they¡¯re saying that she may have gone into the Underground through Canalave City. What can you tell me about the possibilities of that?¡±

    Roark stared sternly at Gary. ¡°Gary, the Sinnoh Underground is everything to me. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It¡¯s a place for everyone. The things we¡¯ve discovered, and the freedom of anyone being able to explore it and do their own research can¡¯t be stopped! There¡¯s too much valuable assets down there to just throw it all away!¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t they saying there have been accidents down there?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Roark admitted quickly, ¡°but accidents can happen just crossing the street. Just being a Pokemon Trainer can be a threat!¡±

    Team Solace, Gary thought to himself quickly.

    ¡°We can create laws or something to protect people, have liabilities of some sort, whatever! But we can¡¯t just shut down the Sinnoh Underground! What it stands for means everything to me! I¡¯d leave my position as a Gym Leader if it meant preserving the Underground forever!¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°So you don¡¯t know anything about the monster going there?¡±

    Roark shook his head. ¡°No. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t help you on your quest to get that thing. But I do think it¡¯d be best that you didn¡¯t try. Whatever exactly that thing is, it¡¯s really dangerous.¡±

    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. I¡¯ve met her before. Several times now.¡±

    Roark nodded. ¡°You did say that earlier. So that¡¯s what your business is with the Sinnoh Underground. So you¡¯ve survived multiple encounters with that thing. But you still don¡¯t understand anything about it at all?¡±

    ¡°Not really, no,¡± Gary shook his head. ¡°But I know she¡¯s a threat to humanity. I know she¡¯s... not a Pokemon.¡±

    Roark¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I thought that was still up in the air.¡±

    Gary smirked. ¡°Remember, I can say I¡¯ve met her and survived. I think I can make a better judgment call than others. Not many can claim what I can.¡±

    Roark nodded seriously.

    Gary stared at his Badge, his smile fading. ¡°Thank you, Roark. I¡¯ve gotta head off and figure out where to go next.¡± He turned his back on the man, but didn¡¯t move. ¡°Please, tell your father I said hello. I hope he¡¯s okay.¡± He returned all of the Pokemon except for Electivire, and they both walked away from Roark, heading for the doors.

    ¡°You know, it just hit me all of a sudden who you are!¡± Roark called out.

    Gary stopped walking and held his breath, Electivire stopping afterwards. Great. He must recognize me from the news. Viridian City. Pewter, even. One of my numerous encounters with the law. Saffron City.

    ¡°Your Electivire!¡±

    Gary was so surprised by his words that he looked back.

    ¡°Electivire?¡± Electivire also turned back.

    ¡°That¡¯s the one my father fought, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re the Trainer my father spoke about so enthusiastically!¡±

    Gary smiled and nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Vire...¡± Electivire grumbled.

    ¡°Well I¡¯ll be damned,¡± Roark chuckled. ¡°Also, I might recommend heading to Eterna City from here. You¡¯ll face a pretty powerful lady who uses Grass type Pokemon. Her name is Gardenia.¡±

    ¡°Thanks! I¡¯ll look into that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just north of here. And as a personal recommendation, south of here is Oreburgh Mine.¡± Roark winked.

    Gary laughed lightly. ¡°Thanks again, Roark.¡± Gary and Electivire turned and left. As he exited the building, he thought to himself a number of things that he absolutely had to do, even before leaving Oreburgh City.

    Things that had just popped into his head.

    Things he had put off, trying to figure out how to go about them.

    Things he wished he could just forget had ever happened, but knew he never could.

 Taking Care Of Business

    ¡°Hey, mom,¡± Gary started glumly.

    ¡°Gee, kid. You sound so happy speaking to me,¡± Gary¡¯s mother joked, wearing a cocky grin that was really ticking Gary off.

    ¡°Can you blame me?¡±

    ¡°Then why call me at all?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re my mom,¡± he answered with agitation. He felt a little surprised at the way he was talking to her, but also felt like he was just sick and tired of them fighting, this ironically seeming to lead to yet another one.

    Gary¡¯s mother stared at him, clearly trying to come up with a decent response. It took her a while, which made Gary happy, but he fought the urge to show it. ¡°If you really cared, you¡¯d come home. But all you have is stress to discuss, right?¡±

    ¡°I got my third Badge, and I own so many new Pokemon, now!¡± Gary let out happily. ¡°I¡¯m on my way to Eterna City to get my fourth Badge. I¡¯m nearly halfway done with my journey, mom!¡± He knew she wouldn¡¯t respond as pleasantly, but he had to do his part and try. He didn¡¯t care that his mother didn¡¯t share in his enthusiasm. He was proud of himself, maybe even more so because his mother disapproved of it! He just didn¡¯t care anymore!

    His mother stared at him coldly.

    Gary¡¯s happiness wasn¡¯t diminished in the slightest.

    Her breath came out of her nostrils, her mouth slanting. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re still alive.¡±

    Gary let out his own breath. ¡°Thanks,¡± he accepted, knowing that would be the best he¡¯d get from her. ¡°I love you, mom,¡± Gary told her out of a mix of a kind of appreciation and exhaustion from dealing with her. He breathed in and out strongly.

    ¡°I love you, too, Gary. I just wish you¡¯d stop killing me.¡±

    Gary was the one stuck to find words now, and he looked down.

    ¡°Your grandma and aunt were asking about you. Maybe you should call them instead.¡±

    Gary stared back at his mother, catching her tone of voice.

    They were silent for a while.

    ¡°I guess I will. But I¡¯ll keep calling you if you want.¡±

    ¡°You know what I want, Gary.¡±

    Silence again.

    Gary stared down after a moment. After inhaling, he looked back up. He considered telling her about the failed mission with Jirachi. He didn¡¯t have to think long on it.

    ¡°What happened with that thing you were saying last time? About bringing your sister back to life. Did you stop that nonsense?¡±

    Gary swallowed. ¡°I did, but only because I lost the Pokemon who grants wishes. I ran into the monster again. That weird creature that killed Melissa. I had the Pokemon, the one who can grant wishes, Jirachi, but the monster appeared and-¡± Gary glared at his mother whose eyes were widened. No, Gary! ¡°She appeared and tried to capture the Jirachi. Steal it from me. I fought her off and got away, but I lost Jirachi and I won¡¯t see it again in this lifetime.¡± Good save.

    Gary¡¯s mother breathed out a sigh of relief. ¡°Thank goodness. You shouldn¡¯t have been doing that to begin with! It isn¡¯t your place to bring back the dead! The dead stay dead, and I told you not to do it!¡± She was getting angrier.

    Gary just nodded, keeping his eyes down now.

    ¡°One day, everything I¡¯m saying will make sense. You¡¯ll understand someday.¡±

    ¡°And what if you understand me, instead?¡± Gary questioned.

    His mother shook her head. ¡°Never.¡±

    Gary¡¯s breath came out of him. He¡¯d had enough. ¡°I¡¯ll try to call you later, mom.¡±

    ¡°Assuming you¡¯re still alive. Or I am.¡± She snickered, taunting Gary.

    Gary felt a fury within him. How dare you try to use that as some kind of a sick joke to hurt me. To guilt me, he thought. He wanted to say that to her, but he¡¯d rather just get off the phone with her already. ¡°Bye, mom.¡± He ended the call and then leaned back in his chair. Why do I keep calling her?

    *

    ¡°My faaaaavorite grandsoooon! How are you??¡± Gary¡¯s grandma gushed.

    Gary laughed at the joke, familiar with it just about all of his life from either his grandma or auntie. ¡°Hey Grandma and Auntie.¡±

    ¡°My darling nephew how have you been? Are you okay? Where are you now? Do you have any new Pokemon friends?¡±

    ¡°I have so many, now. I can barely keep track! And I¡¯m in Oreburgh City right now. I¡¯m about to get out of here but wanted to call. I got the Coal Badge from the Rock type Gym Leader, Roark.¡±

    ¡°Congratulations, Gary!¡± the aunt said happily.

    ¡°Oh, wow! How many Badges do you have?¡± the grandmother inquired.

    ¡°This is my third. I¡¯m gonna get my fourth real soon, and I¡¯ll be halfway there!¡±

    The two women spoke at the same time, their responses getting a little jumbled.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m so happy to hear from you, Gary,¡± Gary¡¯s grandma said, her daughter going quiet. ¡°Keep up the hard work. You¡¯re doing so great. How many Pokemon do you have?¡±

    ¡°Sixty or more? I¡¯m really trying hard to fill the ¡®Dex this time.¡±

    His aunt gasped dramatically. ¡°Wwoooooooooow.¡±

    ¡°Oh, my. Sixty is a lot! My Arcanine alone is a handful and here you are with so many different Pokemon!¡± Gary¡¯s grandma praised. ¡°That¡¯s just amazing. I don¡¯t know how you kids do it. It must be all that energy you kids have.¡± She laughed, Gary and his aunt joining in.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty far behind my friends but I¡¯m getting there,¡± Gary kept smiling, embarrassed by their reactions.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about what everyone else is doing. What you are doing is the most important thing for your life!¡± Gary¡¯s grandma insisted, pointing at the screen. ¡°Pay attention to that, okay?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± his aunt chimed in as Gary nodded. ¡°You¡¯re making us here, and your mother, very proud. Trust me.¡±

    My mom... Gary thought. He smiled even wider, not wanting it to fade. ¡°Thanks, guys. I¡¯ll catch even more, and have a ton more Badges! Just wait ¡®til the next time I call!¡±

    ¡°We know you¡¯ll do great. You¡¯re the Champion of this household no matter what.¡± Gary¡¯s grandmother had a smile, but it slipped a little after her words.

    Even Gary¡¯s aunt had an uncomfortable smile.

    And Gary knew why. ¡°I¡¯ll do this for Melissa. I¡¯ll put her name on high and ring bells throughout the world. There¡¯s nothing I¡¯ll do on my journey that will leave out my sister. What I accomplish, she¡¯ll be right beside me!¡±

    His relatives had tears in their eyes as they beamed proudly upon the boy.

    *

    ¡°With Prof. Cynthia still missing, I¡¯ve been keeping in touch with her closest assistant,¡± Kiwi told Gary.

    ¡°Missing? Prof. Cynthia is missing?¡± Gary asked with surprise.

    Kiwi nodded. ¡°Just keep your voice down, okay? It¡¯s clear you don¡¯t follow the news.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve been busy with-¡±

    ¡°At this point, this is definitely under investigation, and while the general public knows a bit about what¡¯s going on, they don¡¯t know the extent of it all, so keep this to yourself, okay? They have the highest levels of authorities on this.¡±

    ¡°Is there any word on what happened to her exactly? Any ideas?¡± Gary kept his voice low.

    ¡°No clues whatsoever. There was a huge gathering including other Pokemon professors and experts a couple of weeks ago that she never arrived to, and she hasn¡¯t been heard from since earlier that day.¡±

    ¡°Whoa, then this is really serious.¡±

    ¡°So as I said, I know how many Pokemon you have due to checking in on the lab in the Sinnoh region.¡±

    ¡°Alright, that explains it, but why are you doing that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s what Prof. Oak would do. You think you¡¯re off the hook on catching Pokemon now?¡± Kiwi answered sternly.

    Gary swallowed uncomfortably. Wow, Kiwi, Gary thought as he swallowed again. Did you really just say I thought I didn¡¯t have to take my journey as serious because Prof. Oak is dead? Or am I taking that the wrong way? What¡¯s happened to you? Has his death changed you? Is the Kiwi I know still inside there somewhere? Yes. Yes, she is. B-

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes. News flash, Mister: you¡¯re not! I¡¯m essentially in charge now with Prof. Sketchit being extremely busy. Trust me, I¡¯m watching the three of you. And,¡± her hardened voice softened, ¡°I¡¯m proud of you all.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, shocked at Kiwi¡¯s confession. And then he smiled.

    Kiwi smiled back. But in another instant, she was frowning again.

    ¡°What??¡± Gary¡¯s eyes widened, his heart pounding, fearing he knew what was coming next.

    She snatched the glasses off of her face before scolding Gary. ¡°Well, proud least of all of you, after the torture you put Deino through!¡±

    ¡°Oh come on Kiwi!!¡± Gary was in tears now. ¡°This is really starting to hurt, now!!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it didn¡¯t hurt as much as what poor baby Deino went throoooooouggh!!!¡±

    Gary was sobbing mournfully now.

    *

    Gary stared at his phone. He had punched in the number for the police, but he couldn¡¯t make the call. She¡¯s dead, he told himself. There¡¯s nothing you can do about it. When you got to Canalave City, that was your best chance to tell someone, but you didn¡¯t. Saying anything now about that poor Ranger is only gonna get you in trouble. You could be in jail. We¡¯ve been there before. That¡¯s not happening again. But that¡¯s not right. Gary could see the monster tossing the poor, eccentric Ranger off the mountain. I haven¡¯t told anyone. Not even that one Ranger I met on my way here. It¡¯s just too late. I make a call, and I¡¯m- Gary was stuck for words for a moment. I don¡¯t even really know where we were. I know the area but... I mean, what am I really gonna tell the police about this? What do I actually know? On the other hand, Scientist Gary said my phone would be harder to trace with the hack he did on it. I could make the call and if I get in trouble, they won¡¯t be able to find me easily. Gary stared at the phone. But...

    ¡°And we¡¯re back with the story on Senator Slowking and his sexist remarks about the use of, well, his very own name.¡±

    Gary turned in the Pokemon Center to see the TV where the news was being given.

    A woman in a red sweater was seen on half of the screen, an image of a Slowking on the other half.

    Underneath the Slowking were the words: The Slow ¡°King¡±.

    ¡°Senator Slowking has come out earlier today speaking against the use of gender-related terminology for certain Pokemon. To be clear, he is arguing that Pokemon with names like ¡®King,¡¯ ¡®Bro,¡¯ such as Nidoking and Nidoqueen, or Slowking and Slowbro, as well as Mr. Mime, Machoke, and even Wailord, among others, to have their names reconsidered and possibly changed.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Gary snickered.

    Everyone was paying attention to the TV now, mumbling things, a few people even shaking their heads.

    ¡°While Senator Slowking¡¯s representatives have tried to alter his words and claim there is a misunderstanding, Senator Slowking stands by them defiantly and is no longer consulting any of his advisors, rather claiming he is speaking for the facts and undeniable truth, of his god.¡±

    The picture of Slowking took over the entire screen, and a video began to play. ¡°The crucial roles, the individual roles, of man and woman, keep our society in balance! In order! The misuse and confusing nature of the name of Kings, Queens, Lords, needs to be rectified!¡± Senator Slowking proceeded shouting in a room crowded with reporters. ¡°This era constantly is confusing what it means to be male and female, allowing all levels of confusion in an otherwise completely well-structured universe! As clear and cut as this planet works, humans encourage and demand confusion, and amongst my fellow Pokemon. I must insist that this be where the line is drawn!¡±

    ¡°Senator Slowking, what about the Pokemon who speak their names naturally?¡± one reporter shouted. ¡°Mr. Mime, for example? Froslass. What about those Pokemon who naturally are their names?¡±

    ¡°I understand the confusion,¡± Senator Slowking now spoke in a more calmer, lower voice. ¡°The solution is not one even I have come up with. But there is a place we can start. For one thing, we know Pokemon can indeed speak human language. It is not impossible to change the learnt tongue of Pokemon to adapt and evolve into what could arguably be considered their original one.¡± Senator Slowking then sighed. ¡°There is much to be discussed here. I am merely asking to be allowed the discussion, regardless the results.¡±

    The video stopped, shrinking to half of the screen again as the female newswoman returned to the other half. ¡°That is all for now on Senator Slowking and his views. Views which may hurt his political advancements in the future. But we will keep you updated as more information comes out. More controversy comes from top-selling rapper Elem... menem... Enemom... Enopee.¡± The lady tried to get right. ¡°Um, the rapper is in the news once again after his latest music video was released today, with the usual controversy following. This is a clip from said video.¡±

    The screen now showed the rapper Elemenemopee, the white rapper with bleach-blonde hair dressed in a gray sweatsuit, standing on top of a towering building while rapping. The entire video was so dramatic, with wind effects and dramatic camera angles.

    ¡°Controversial as ever, the biggest rapper on the planet, Elem...opee, drops his, hardest, and most troubling verses yet! All in support of Team Solace,¡± the woman was heard but not seen.

    Now, the song could be heard as the video kept playing: ¡°Congress telling me on the low with Pokemon gone so will our problems, but publicly they say I¡¯m in trouble with the government? I¡¯m LOVING it! The world can bury its lies, but I¡¯ll be shoveling up CHILD HYSTERIAAAAAA!! All it took was a Sweet Kiss, the CHILD HYSTERIAAAAAAA!! Confused, Eric walked off of a bridge, thank CHILD HYSTERIAAAAAA!! I do this all for Isaac! The rest can go to Hell, but first you can suck-!¡±

    ¡°And that was Elemeeopee¡¯s Child Hysteria video that was released earlier today, from his new album Truth Hurts, releasing tomorrow,¡± the newswoman said, her video taking over the screen, the rapper being silenced. She took in a big, uncomfortable breath, letting it out with clear disturbance before speaking again. ¡°As you can see, the rap star continues his stance supporting Team Solace, and going against a government he claims does nothing but lie to the people. While some close to the rapper say he does not actually support Team Solace but is merely challenging how citizens view the group compared to what he describes as a corrupt government controlling the world, it is becoming more and more difficult to treat the rapper as anything less than a Team Solace supporter with music like this, especially when making outrageous claims with absolutely no evidence.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s trolling at best. The guy isn¡¯t the type to be against Pokemon,¡± someone in the building stated. ¡°It¡¯s all for album sales.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not wrong, anyway. Team Solace is crazy but just think of the corruption with our politicians,¡± someone else spoke up. ¡°Look at what this Slowking idiot is saying. He¡¯s not exactly making a great stance for Pokemon to begin with. I¡¯m not saying I support Team Solace but with Pokemon like this trying to run the country-¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make them any worse than the humans who run it!¡± a woman cried out angrily.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to say!¡± the previous guy said loudly.

    Gary got up. ¡°Come on, guys. Let¡¯s slip out of here,¡± Gary told Raichu, Riolu and Electivire uncomfortably as he grabbed his bag, Electivire taking up June¡¯s. He saw a commercial playing for PokeLand Discount on the television, turning from it as he made his way to the exit.

    *

    Raichu, Riolu, Electivire, and Gary sniffed at a huge tree on Route 207, a sweet aroma wafting from it.

    A golden substance was splashed on it, seemingly intentionally.

    Gary walked from the tree and stopped to stare at something.

    Sections were blocked off by large, orange cones, yellow CAUTION tape, and other blockades and warning signs. This, Gary knew from his Pokedex directions, was where Mt. Coronet had once been.

    Having been destroyed by Team Solace last year, it was a tremendous blow to the legacy and memory of the Sinnoh region. A literal monument for mankind at the least, a holy starting point never to be disturbed at the most, demolished by men misusing Pokemon. There was nothing beyond these signs but blown up rocks, jagged, rocky areas, and otherwise unsafe terrain.

    Gary shook his head. ¡°Crazy, isn¡¯t it, guys? This used to be a whole, standing mountain. A habitat for living creatures. It holds religious sentiment for many, here. Forced to remains by evil men. It¡¯s this kind of evil that we fight against, as well. Not just to get stronger to become strong Trainers and Pokemon, but to protect the world as well.¡± He stopped talking for a while. The silence finally sparked something in his brain. ¡°Huh?¡± Looking back, he called out with surprise, ¡°Hey!¡±

    Electivire, Riolu and Raichu were still at the tree! And there were now several more Pokemon with them! They all seemed fixated on the golden splash, licking at it eagerly.

    Gary shuddered, rubbing at his chest, recognizing that there were some Bug type Pokemon there, such as Combee, Heracross, Wurmple, and other creatures, even just some normal bugs that weren¡¯t actual Pokemon. One of the things licking at the golden content caught Gary¡¯s eye in particular. ¡°No way! One of those! Riolu, use Quick attack on that Munchlax!¡±

    Raichu and Electivire continued licking at the stuff on the tree with the other critters.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Riolu, clinging to the side of the tree trunk, actually moved her eyes to stare at Gary for a second, and then went back to licking the tree!

    WHAAAAT??!! Gary raged in his head, his face showing anger. ¡°RIOLU!!¡± Gary let out, stepping towards them.

    Riolu kicked with her paws to get off the tree and licked at her front paws a couple of times.

    Gary did a double take as something soared through the air. ¡°HEY! NO!!¡±

    It was an Ultra Ball!

    Riolu finally disappeared from her spot to attack, but the Ultra Ball had already hit Munchlax, taking it inside, and she slammed into the Ultra Ball instead!

    While this was happening, Gary was getting his own Great Ball and threw it wildly, trying to beat the Ultra Ball.

    The Great Ball hit a Wurmple.

    Wurmple cried out as it was taken in!

    Through all this commotion, Pokemon flew or scattered off.

    The Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Riolu all dropped together.

    The Great Ball and Ultra Ball shook repeatedly until there was an almost collective PING!

    ¡°NO WAY! Come ooooooooon! Who threw that??!!¡± Gary exclaimed angrily.

    ¡°Just someone who has been here a few hours ahead of you and been waiting for this moment, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!¡± It was none other than Robin who appeared from a group of different trees not far off. ¡°I had placed Honey on that Honey Tree about six hours ago, came back to Oreburgh where I found you, and returned back and waited to see if I could catch anything! Nice coat, by the way! Ha ha ha!¡±

    Gary sighed angrily. ¡°Yeah, thanks,¡± he grumbled quickly. ¡°So that¡¯s why you chose this spot to have our match. You already had something set up over here.¡± He looked back at the tree. ¡°I already have Wurmple, and like three of ¡®em or something! More than I need! And they¡¯re evolved! Why couldn¡¯t I have gotten something cooler?!¡±

    ¡°Sorry, but I did spy all those Pokemon first, ha ha ha ha ha!¡± Robin smiled. ¡°I had to act quick. You still had your back turned and only realized the extra Pokemon when I was already aiming for Munchlax. I couldn¡¯t miss that!¡±

    That¡¯s a little scummy if you ask me, Gary kept to himself, giving Robin a dirty look. But I guess he isn¡¯t in the wrong. He closed his eyes and shook his head. ¡°Whatever. Congrats.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, man. Did you get your Badge?¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes opened and lit up. ¡°Yeah! I beat Roark and his Tyranitar, Rampardos and Steelix!¡±

    Robin let out more laughter. ¡°So you got your prize, I got mine, eh?¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t look amused. He rolled his eyes. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s have that battle. What rules did you want?¡±

    ¡°Well, I just wanna fight that Tyranitar of yours before I go up against Roark again, and I can¡¯t pass up on seeing how Charizard has been! So how¡¯s two-on-two? A Set battle.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you want it like that, huh? Sounds good to me!¡±

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!¡± Electivire flexed his arms proudly, smiling big at Robin.

    Robin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh, this is the one who beat my Catherine last time, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but this is a two-on-two, and we established Tyranitar and Charizard! Riiiight??¡± Gary said, staring right at Electivire.

    ¡°Electi...¡± Electivire lowered his arms and his head fell.

    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t mind a three-on-three!¡± Robin insisted.

    ¡°Elect?!¡± Electivire looked up hopefully at Gary.

    ¡°How can I decline such an-?¡± Robin continued.

    ¡°We can certainly set that up for next time, but right now, we¡¯re doing two-on-two, isn¡¯t that right, Electivire?¡± Gary stared expectantly at him.

    Electivire¡¯s hopes were dashed and he went with it, falling to pieces. ¡°Vire...¡± Looking glum and moody, he walked behind Gary.

    ¡°We¡¯re working on behavior training so things don¡¯t get out of hand with him.¡± June¡¯s gonna be so thrilled when she returns, Gary thought. He thought those words, but he kept them silent as he remembered there still remained a personal issue between Electivire and June that had to be resolved. If it could be. He swallowed. ¡°So let¡¯s go with this. Who do you wanna start with?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s save the best for last and get it jumping with Tyranitar, and I¡¯m gonna use an old friend we¡¯re both familiar with!¡± He held out a Poke Ball. ¡°Reunited and it feels so good! HA HA HA HA HA!!¡±

    The cringe that coated Gary¡¯s entire body vanished once he saw the Pokemon that came out, and he yelled out with delight. ¡°NOSEPASS!!!¡±

    ¡°NOSE! NOOOOSE!!¡± Nosepass moved slowly towards Gary.

    Gary got to him quickly and they hugged. ¡°Nosepass! My old friend! How¡¯ve you been? Have you been behaving?¡± He smiled up at Robin.

    ¡°HA HA HA HA HA! Nosepass has been the man! You raised a supreme battler, Gary! As expected! AHA HA HA HA HA! And this is who I want to use against your Tyranitar! We lost to Roark¡¯s, and you¡¯ve beaten Roark¡¯s. I just want another crack at one. It might not be the same thing, but, I just wanna learn more about the Pokemon! I really wish I had been there to see that battle. What I went through was just unstoppable!¡±

    ¡°It was a bit of a team effort, but my Tyranitar got it down in the end.¡±

    ¡°Your Tyranitar ended it? Now I have to fight it! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!¡±

    ¡°Right then!¡± Gary just wanted Robin to stop laughing already. He turned and walked away several feet. Or, he tried to. He only got a foot before he was glaring. ¡°HEY!! GET AWAY FROM THAT DAMN TREE!!¡±

    Raichu, Riolu, and Electivire were licking the tree again! They turned to each other before zipping over quickly to be by Gary, looking serious and ready to fight.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got yourself some great Pokemon, Gary! The Electivire is June¡¯s, right?¡±

    Electivire crossed his arms and turned his head away, huffing.

    Gary chuckled. ¡°Yes. And so is Raichu, but Riolu is mine at least.¡±

    ¡°Ha ha ha, I remember Raichu! Electivire¡¯s funny. I like it. Ha ha ha ha.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, a riot,¡± Gary muttered, staring at him from the side of his eyes. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s get this started! Tyranitar, GO!¡± He threw the Poke Ball.

    Tyranitar appeared and roared down at Nosepass and Robin. At once, his Sand Stream Ability kicked up a sandstorm.

    ¡°HA HAAAAA! ALRIGHT!!¡± Robin was covering his face for a moment with his arm before he pointed forth. ¡°Let¡¯s win this, Nosepass!¡±

    ¡°Tyranitar, let¡¯s go!¡± Gary started.

    ¡°We should get the first move. You got the Badge already, ha,¡± Robin winked.

    ¡°You stole my Munchlax,¡± Gary smirked.

    Robin laughed lightly. ¡°Fine. One.¡±

    ¡°Okay, two!¡±

    ¡°Three!¡± both kids screamed.

    ¡°Earthquake!¡± Gary shouted.

    Tyranitar attacked, rocking the ground.

    Riolu fell over, but Electivire, Raichu, Gary and Robin stayed up, stumbling around.

    Nosepass toppled over after stumbling for a bit.

    Gary bared his teeth. Not good enough! Not strong enough!

    Robin held out one hand with a quick laugh, squinting through the wildly blowing sands. ¡°I was a little slow to decide on a move there, but that quake was the jump I needed! Check this one out, Gary! Iron Defense!¡±

    ¡°Nose!¡± Nosepass stood, and his body was outlined in light blue. A white shine rose up his body and it was coated in Iron!

    Iron Defense, Gary thought. Wait, is that new?

    ¡°How do ya like that, Gary? It¡¯s a new move we picked up meeting the right people when I was stuck in Kanto waiting on Catherine to get better! Ha ha ha ha! Everything happens for a reason, after all, eh? HA HA HAAA!¡±

    Gary smiled slightly and shook his head. ¡°So physical moves will have trouble breaking through.¡± And it just so happens... If he wants to play that game... ¡°Focus Blast! Ready, aim, fire!¡±

    Tyranitar cupped his claws, charging up an orange ball.

    Robin looked stunned and confused. ¡°Nosepass, hold on! Don¡¯t move yet!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Wait, what is he up to??

    Tyranitar tossed the Focus Blast.

    The move swirled through the air as it came for Nosepass.

    It¡¯s not gonna hit! Gary feared.

    ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!!¡± Nosepass wailed as he was hit and forced backwards hard.

    ¡°WE GOT HIM!!¡± Gary cheered.

    ¡°Now! Thunder Wave!¡±

    Nosepass¡¯ body sparked with electricity and rings of yellow sparks came out for Tyranitar. But the sparks suddenly moved away from and past the targeted Pokemon!

    Gary watched as the Electric move went right for Raichu instead! ¡°Oh, dammit! Raichu!¡± Gary complained.

    Robin was laughing heartily, holding his stomach with both arms while bent over. ¡°That fella must have Lightning Rod Ability! Quality!¡±

    Rolling his eyes, he returned Raichu to his Poke Ball. ¡°Sorry about that!¡±

    ¡°Again!¡± Robin jumped in immediately.

    Nosepass attacked with the same move, this time catching Tyranitar!

    Tyranitar roared, his large body twitching helplessly as Paralysis set in.

    Gary let out a surprised and angry cry, looking in shock at Robin.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that was entirely unfair, considering,¡± Robin winked.

    ¡°That¡¯s the only reason why I didn¡¯t say anything,¡± Gary said through gritted teeth. ¡°Tyranitar! Earthquake!!¡±

    ¡°Earthquake!¡± Robin added.

    Gary gasped.

    Tyranitar didn¡¯t move, fully Paralyzed!

    Nosepass did a pretty decent leap for a creature made of rocks and hit the ground.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary exclaimed.

    Tyranitar dropped down, but everyone else remained standing from this blow.

    Wait... That Earthquake... Gary remembered his Tyranitar¡¯s. They were almost the same! No, Tyranitar¡¯s was definitely more powerful, but am I crazy to say they were almost comparable?!

    ¡°Now use Dynamic Punch!!¡±

    Nosepass stomped for Tyranitar with a raised hand.

    ¡°TYRANITAR! STAAAND!!¡± Gary demanded.

    Tyranitar shook his head and then glared at the oncoming Nosepass.

    ¡°Use your Dark Pulse!!¡±

    Tyranitar got up shakily and then opened his jaws, blasting at Nosepass with the Dark type move.

    ¡°JUUUMP!!¡± Robin commanded.

    Nosepass did what Gary considered the impossible until he had a flashback to his battle with Ish at the Indigo League. When Nosepass leaped over a hole of water to land his Spark attack on Ish¡¯s Diancie and forcing himself through a Moonblast.

    Nosepass jumped higher than Gary recalled him being able to do previously and dodged the Dark Pulse!

    The tip of his raised arm glowed red, orange-red energy pulsating off of it.

    ¡°TYRANITAR!! ICE FANG!!¡± Gary insisted.

    Tyranitar roared, his fangs coated in Ice now. He awaited the approaching Nosepass.

    Nosepass swung his arm, shattering the Ice Fang and socking Tyranitar in the mouth!

    Tyranitar roared in pain as he fell back.

    The tips of both of Nosepass¡¯ arms were now glowing and he delivered one more blow to Tyranitar¡¯s face.

    Tyranitar roared and collapsed heavily, the ground rumbling from the landing.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary nearly fell over, but not from the rumble, rather how frightened he had gotten from how close Tyranitar landed by him.

    The sandstorm finally subsided and Tyranitar sat up but didn¡¯t stand. He swayed a bit, his eyes closed. But when they finally did open, it was revealed that his eyes were now red! Tyranitar was Confused! In the next second, he slugged himself in the face and fell out on his back.

    ¡°NOOOO!! TYRANITAAARRR!!¡± Gary ran up to the collapsed Pokemon and just watched with tightened eyes. To a Nosepass? Are you kidding me right now, Tyranitar?

    Tyranitar¡¯s eyes opened and he looked wearily to his Trainer, no longer Confused. Instantly, he froze up, his eyes wide. Gary held out an arm, causing Tyranitar to flinch and tense up, but the Pokemon then relaxed, realizing Gary was only extending his Poke Ball. He looked down sadly, and soon, he was covered in red and returned.

    ¡°No way! I didn¡¯t think we¡¯d be able to take it down, to be frank,¡± Robin admitted. ¡°I didn¡¯t even really get to set up much of a plan, there. You changed up on me and started using Special Attack moves. I didn¡¯t expect that, hahaha.¡±

    ¡°Well... He is Timid natured. So he has a bad Attack stat. That¡¯s why I changed things up a bit.¡±

    ¡°But he still has a naturally monstrous Attack, regardless of Nature!¡±

    ¡°Well I did try, but you got through my attacks.¡±

    ¡°Right, ha!¡± Robin recalled. ¡°Great job, Nosepass. Return, now!¡± After Nosepass was gone, he got his next Poke Ball up and enlarged it. ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°Always!¡± Gary got his next Poke Ball up.

    Both boys threw their objects with a ¡°GOOOOOOO!!¡±

    Charizard roared powerfully, glaring down at his opponent.

    ¡°BLAAAAAASTOISE!!¡± Catherine shouted back.

    They both leaned into each other¡¯s face, growling, drooling vicious competition.

    ¡°CHARIZARD!!¡± Gary started, getting fired up by the two who looked ready to tear the other apart at the given word of their Trainer.

    ¡°CATHEEERRIIIIIIINE!!!¡± Robin began, smiling wildly, his eyes looking crazed with passion, motivated by Charizard and Catherine¡¯s overflowing desire to begin the fight.

    Riolu had her paws balled at her face in anticipation, Electivire with his fists also raised as he garbled out loudly while his body sparked like mad.

    Suddenly, both Catherine and Charizard were smiling, shaking hands and chatting with each other pleasantly!

    Both Trainers, along with Electivire and Riolu, collapsed in disbelief to the ground! They all got up quickly, all yelling at the two Pokemon.

    ¡°CHARIZARD, CUT IT OUT!! WE CAN SAY HELLO LATER!!¡±

    ¡°CATHERINE! NOW ISN¡¯T THE TIME FOR THIS!! WE HAVE TO FIGHT!!¡±

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE VIRE VIRE VIRE!!¡±

    ¡°Ri! Ri! Ri!¡± Riolu called out with everyone else after watching what they were doing first and then just copying it.

    Charizard and Catherine stared at each other, stunned. In a flash, they were feet apart, snarling and barking at each other.

    Gary rolled his eyes. ¡°Enough! Charizard, begin with Flare Blitz right away!¡±

    ¡°Drench it with Surf attack!¡± Robin countered.

    Charizard flew into the air before being covered in Fire.

    Catherine shouted out, and a stream of Water shot out of each cannon, connecting and becoming one huge wave.

    Charizard flew at the wave! He met with it and hovered in place for a second, but with a powerful roar, forced his way through and slammed into Catherine¡¯s middle, taking her down. The Flying and Fire type got up, flinching as red sparks covered his body from the recoil.

    ¡°Catherine, come on!¡± Robin urged.

    Catherine stood, shaking her head, glaring at Charizard. ¡°BLLLAAAAAAAAST!!¡± she then wailed out as she was engulfed in flames!

    ¡°A Burn!¡± both kids yelled out, the Pokemon behind Gary gasping.

    ¡°I see. So we¡¯re taking it there, huh? Fine! I came to Sinnoh to show we could take the supposed challenge, and I wasn¡¯t joking around, Gary!¡± Robin was now looking more determined, focused, and serious. ¡°We can take whatever you¡¯ve got!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got the type advantage, but this is over! Use Dragon Rage!¡±

    ¡°Catherine, BIDE!!¡±

    Charizard roared, firing a blast of purple energy at Catherine.

    Catherine had been trying to get back up but was forced back down. She stayed still on her back, her eyes closed. The Burn kicked in again, but when it faded, Catherine didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°We¡¯re just fine!¡± Robin winked, holding up the thumb on his right hand.

    That thing has Bide?? Gary was fuming. ¡°Sky Drop, now! Finish her!¡±

    Charizard swooped in and scooped up Catherine by the shell, taking her high up into the air.

    Catherine didn¡¯t so much as struggle, her arms and legs limp, staring down calmly.

    Charizard dove back down, nearly crashing into the ground before flying straight and releasing Catherine.

    Catherine tumbled. Coming to a stop, she pulled her limbs and head into her shell. The entire shell glowed red and a white beam came from the red glow and hit Charizard.

    Charizard roared in pain as he tumbled along the dirt ground and slid to a stop.

    ¡°CHARIZARD!¡± Gary called.

    Charizard¡¯s tail flame was getting low, but he still growled and shakily got up, looking strong.

    No Blaze. But he¡¯s definitely hurting. That puts us in a risky spot. A good enough move will take Charizard out completely and we won¡¯t be able to Blaze and power up. We need to survive what¡¯s next and activate Blaze. Or just go for the kill!

    ¡°Catherine, let¡¯s aim this right! We¡¯re only gonna get one chance! Hydro Cannon!¡±

    Gary had his mouth open, ready to give his order, but after Robin spoke, he pulled out his Pokedex. What??

    Hydro Cannon. Considered to be the most powerful Water type move without enhancements.

    Gary stared in shock at his Pokedex before looking back up.

    Robin winked at him.

    Catherine positioned herself.

    ¡°Sunny Day, then!¡±

    Catherine launched two orbs of Water from her cannons.

    Charizard roared to the sky.

    The sun started beaming stronger than ever, the temperature rising instantly.

    Charizard was hit by the Hydro Cannon attack, sending him soaring backwards with a painful roar before hitting the ground and coming to a stop.

    ¡°Charizard!! GET UP!¡± Gary begged. ¡°Come on!! We can do it!!¡±

    Catherine yelled out as the Burn returned for a couple of seconds.

    ¡°Hang in there, Catherine!¡± Robin comforted her.

    Charizard¡¯s body trembled. After this, his body was outlined in red, and his eyes opened with blazing fire at the same time that his tail flame expanded dangerously.

    ¡°YESS! Blaze!!¡± Gary cheered, jumping for joy. ¡°Now we¡¯ve gotcha!¡±

    Charizard stood, hunched over.

    ¡°That Sunny Day saved you, but that Blaze shows you¡¯re on your last leg! Take your best shot, Gary! You¡¯ve only got but so long before Catherine can attack again!¡± Robin had his arms crossed, smiling.

    ¡°Oh! No way! You took a risk counting on Charizard getting knocked out? Now you can¡¯t attack?¡± Gary looked stunned.

    ¡°The side effects of Hydro Cannon, ha,¡± Robin nodded.

    Gary smirked sinisterly. ¡°Charizard is the wrong one to be placing bets like that on. He doesn¡¯t go down easily. Charizard, let¡¯s end this for good, then!¡± Flare Blitz would be so good but... it¡¯s just too risky! I don¡¯t even wanna risk a possible draw! ¡°Dragon Pulse!¡±

    Charizard sent out a purple blast that looked like a roaring dragon!

    ¡°BLAAAAAAAAAAST!!¡± Catherine wailed as she was hit.

    ¡°Catherine, NOOO!¡± Robin covered his face with one arm against the force of the opposing move that sent wind at him.

    Catherine slid on her front and stayed still. Her body gave a shake.

    ¡°CATHERINE! GOOO!!¡± Robin urged.

    She lifted her head to Charizard.

    ¡°CHARIZARD, FLY!!¡±

    Charizard ascended until his background was the bright sky.

    Catherine was getting to her feet. ¡°BLAAAAAAAA!!¡± The Burn set her on fire, but she shook her head and stood up, glaring at Charizard.

    Charizard roared and went after her!

    ¡°Catherine, we can finish this! Let¡¯s not take any chances! Wash it out with Surf!¡±

    Catherine used Surf again, creating a wide wave to stop Charizard.

    Charizard roared at the wave, continuing his descent.

    ¡°NNNO!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t think! ¡°THIIIIIINK!!! FIRE BLAST IT!!¡± Gary let out.

    Charizard roared again and sent out the oddly-shaped attack. Due to the boost from Sunny Day, the Fire type move was actually larger than the Pokemon that sent it out! Charizard, flying right behind his attack, held out his claws and grabbed his own Fire Blast! He was pushing the move into the Surf! The giant design made of Fire finally cut into the Surf, creating a hole shaped just like it. Charizard, still gripping his flaming attack, went through the large hole safely!

    Gary screamed wildly and laughed, Robin screaming in horror.

    Charizard continued for Catherine.

    Catherine was stuck, not believing her eyes.

    With a grunt, Charizard shoved his Fire Blast ahead of him.

    Catherine screamed out as the move slammed into her.

    In the next second, Charizard finished with Fly, tackling her down.

    Catherine stayed still on her back, rocking in her shell wearily.

    Charizard stood beside her, his side to her but staring at her from the side of his face, looking really moody and cool.

    Gary smiled. ¡°YES! YYYYEEEEESS!! WE WIN!! CHARIZARD THAT WAS CRAZY!!¡±

    ¡°HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!¡± Robin walked over, rubbing the back of his head. ¡°Class! I really thought I had you in the end, but that damn Sunny Day really screwed me up!¡± He laughed, wiping at his forehead. ¡°Phew! Good match!¡±

    They both shook hands.

    ¡°That was something, man. You had me for a sec. But I knew I could count on Charizard! We¡¯re like one in the same! We always come through when it gets tough.¡±

    The two Trainers saw that their Pokemon were now standing, Charizard having helped Catherine up, and were talking happily now.

    The Sunny Day heat was finally fading, and Charizard¡¯s body was back to normal after Blaze.

    ¡°Damn, why didn¡¯t Torrent kick in?¡± Robin complained, frowning.

    ¡°If Fly or Fire Blast had been the only move that hit, you probably would have survived and maybe then it¡¯d have activated,¡± Gary suggested.

    Robin sighed. ¡°Worst luck ever. But just watch out, now. I know what my competition is like, and we¡¯re gonna be greater than ever using that fact! You better work even harder, now! Ha ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Catch up to me and we¡¯ll talk. You¡¯ve got a couple Badges to go.¡±

    ¡°I know I¡¯m looking rough right now, but I¡¯m gonna beat everyone here in Sinnoh! Just you watch! This second Badge is mine this time. OH! That does remind me, Gary. I have something I need you to help me with, and only you can do it!¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Robin removed his dark-green backpack and went through it, pulling up an object.

    It was all silver and shiny and very small.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°With your permission, and feel free to say no, but I wanted to know if you¡¯d be willing to evolve your Nosepass.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened with surprise.

    ¡°HA HA HA!¡± Robin laughed.

 Fighting Vire With Ire

    ¡°HEY KIWIIIIII!!!¡± Robin and Gary screamed happily at the computer.

    Riolu and Raichu also joined in, Riolu on Gary¡¯s shoulder, Raichu on Robin¡¯s.

    Kiwi looked stunned and lowered her glasses. ¡°Gary? Robin? You two are together?¡±

    Robin burst out laughing.

    Gary squinted at him sternly, catching the joke, before turning to Kiwi and rolling his eyes. ¡°We had a good battle,¡± he smirked at her.

    Kiwi fixed her glasses on her face. ¡°Gary won.¡±

    ¡°Aha ha ha-huh?¡± Robin stared at Kiwi in dismay. ¡°What makes you say that?¡±

    ¡°Just judging from the odds, Gary has done a bit more work than you, gotten further. He¡¯s the type to just barrel through his challenges with a trick up his sleeve, whereas you are more calculated. Both of those strategies are fine and all, but Gary has an extra kick of spice that can take a lot to water down. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve experienced enough in Sinnoh to keep up quite yet. No offense. But, I could be wrong. Who won?¡±

    Robin looked hurt and mortified by Kiwi¡¯s words, his very soul sucked out of him.

    Gary had an awkward, nervous smile on his face. ¡°Well, actually-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, I lost,¡± Robin admitted, disappointment on his face and in his voice. ¡°Gary was better. He was the one really thinking. Using his brain, as usual. And I just couldn¡¯t see things the way he was. If anything, maybe I was the one pushing too strongly and he was actually using tactics. Either way, that battle was quality! How about you, Kiwi? Have you been getting out much at all? You seem so different. You been getting any sleep?¡±

    Raichu leaped away from Robin, the building tension and awkwardness driving him away.

    Gary and Riolu stayed quiet, Gary with his eyes lowered, Riolu watching Robin.

    Kiwi looked down thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve been good!¡± she answered, looking back up. ¡°You both seemed to have gained something out of that battle.¡±

    ¡°Uh, yeah,¡± Robin said lowly. ¡°Huh?¡±

    Did she just catch herself? Gary wondered, looking at her. Did she realize how rude she¡¯d just been and just tone it down without saying anything about it? Is she okay? ¡°Does the professor have you working hard?¡± Gary added.

    There was a sudden, possibly and arguably, male scream in the background of Kiwi¡¯s video.

    Gary, Riolu and Robin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What was that?¡± the boys asked.

    ¡°Ri?¡± Riolu added at the same time.

    ¡°Just Prof. Sketchit,¡± Kiwi answered nonchalantly. ¡°I told you he has a lot to deal with. It¡¯s why I¡¯m free to answer the calls. And I have to.¡±

    A loud explosion made Gary and company jump and gasp.

    ¡°Is he alright??¡± Gary called out.

    Kiwi looked behind her calmly. She turned back after a few seconds. ¡°Yeah,¡± was her only answer.

    ¡°Aha ha ha ha...¡± Robin laughed uncertainly.

    ¡°So where are you headed to, Gary?¡±

    Gary opened his mouth, but paused. Is the professor really okay? Man, Kiwi is so weird these days! ¡°Uhh... I¡¯m going to Eterna City. There¡¯s a Grass Gym there. I¡¯m gonna get my fourth Badge and be halfway!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it.¡±

    ¡°Have you heard where Aly is on her Badge count?¡±

    ¡°Three was the last number she gave me.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I think she told me that, too,¡± Gary said.

    ¡°And before you ask, I¡¯ve only got one,¡± Robin leaned in with a snarky smirk. ¡°But I¡¯ll be on my second in no time! In fact, we just got through with a trade to guarantee my win! We traded to evolve the Nosepass he lent me to get a Probopass! I¡¯m sure to get my second Badge, now!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great. I¡¯ll bet he¡¯ll be a big aide,¡± Kiwi nodded confidently.

    ¡°Damn right! I¡¯m gonna take him on tomorrow, though. I wanna practice a bit more and get used to him and his new body and typing and do this right!¡± Robin spoke enthusiastically.

    ¡°Yes, that would be crucial to do, I¡¯d think,¡± Kiwi said. Her eyes moved to Gary. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you guys with your Pokemon. Hello, Riolu.¡± She hadn¡¯t been looking at Gary at all, but his Riolu.

    ¡°Ri! Ri!¡± Riolu waved.

    ¡°Is Raichu okay?¡±

    Raichu got his chubby self back up Robin¡¯s back, Robin complaining, and held himself up between the two boys using only one paw on each shoulder. ¡°Rai Rai Rai!¡± He greeted Kiwi. But he was soon groaning, struggling to keep himself up, and eventually fell back down.

    Kiwi smiled. ¡°Hm. And I don¡¯t see Electivire. How¡¯s he?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s his same stubborn self. Acting too cool to join in on our convo, but he¡¯s good.¡±

    Kiwi actually let out her first, short, laugh. ¡°Good to hear.¡±

    ¡°Did you actually laugh? Ha ha!¡± Robin joked.

    ¡°Yeah, that sounded weird. I don¡¯t remember the last time you actually laughed,¡± Gary teased.

    Kiwi snickered some. ¡°Yeah.¡± She lowered her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s good to hear from you guys.¡±

    Gary and Robin kept gentle smiles as they listened to her.

    ¡°I know so much has changed, but, right now, I kind of feel so reminiscent of the old days. I wish-¡± A beeping sound made her look up. She gasped. ¡°Aly?? BYE LOSERS!!¡±

    The call disconnected.

    Gary, Robin, and even Riolu were stunned.

    ¡°Did she just hang up on us?¡± Robin asked.

    ¡°For Aly?¡± Gary added.

    ¡°Geez! HA HA HA!¡± Robin stood up, his hands on his sides. ¡°She could have at least put us on three-way!¡± And then, ¡°AHA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!¡±

    Gary stared at him, confused. What could possibly be so funny??

    ¡°Well, before that joke gets out of hand, I better be off. Thanks for the help!¡± He held out a hand.

    Joke? Out of hand? What?? Gary shook his hand. ¡°Yeah. Good luck, Rob!¡±

    ¡°You, too!¡±

    *

    ¡°Deino, Crunch attack!¡± Gary ordered.

    ¡°Staravia, use Agility again!¡± a male Trainer with a huge blue and white backpack ordered.

    Deino¡¯s jaws glowed white and he stomped blindly towards Staravia.

    Staravia cawed and flew away from him easily. After that, it was zooming through the air, boosting its Speed.

    ¡°Now Quick Attack! Back to back!¡±

    Staravia was invisible, only seen for split seconds as it relentlessly pummeled Deino.

    Deino snapped at Staravia, trying to catch it, but he wasn¡¯t able to.

    ¡°Deino, just relax and focus on Staravia! Do your best to see, but pay attention to the sounds, too!¡± This is stupid, Gary told himself. I¡¯m sounding like those cheesy kids on the Pokemon anime. This is real life! The gimmicks don¡¯t work the same out here! ¡°Deino.¡± He growled to himself.

    Staravia stopped attacking and settled easily on the ground.

    I don¡¯t have any idea, Gary knew. With that Hustle Ability, and Staravia¡¯s Speed, we¡¯re gonna be done soon.

    ¡°Aerial Ace!¡± Staravia¡¯s Trainer decided.

    That¡¯s too fast! Gary balled his fists. ¡°Pay attention and focus on the attacker!!¡± What does that even mean?? Gary thought desperately.

    Deino cried out as he was taken down by a move even faster than Quick Attack; an unavoidable attack.

    ¡°Now catch it with Dragon Breath!¡±

    Light-blue waves appeared around Deino. He seemed to be staring right at Staravia, pausing for a second, and then he opened his mouth and sent out a light-blue beam of energy.

    Staravia screamed out, hit by the attack.

    ¡°Staravia! Get out of there! What are you doing??¡±

    Staravia stood up but then crouched down as its body sparked.

    ¡°Paralysis!¡± Gary cried happily.

    ¡°Paralysis?¡± the Trainer complained at the same time.

    ¡°Use Slam!¡±

    Deino ran to Staravia and grabbed one wing in his jaws.

    ¡°Staaarrrrr!¡± Staravia sang out in pain.

    ¡°Staravia! Fly!¡± the Trainer begged.

    Deino snapped his neck forcefully to yank Staravia up and straight back down to the ground.

    Dirt and dust rose from the impact, but it settled quickly.

    Staravia was visibly beaten.

    Deino fell forward a little himself, tired out.

    ¡°YES! We won!¡± Gary cheered.

    Gary and the Backpacker Trainer approached each other and ended up shaking hands.

    ¡°Great match, man!¡± the guy accepted. ¡°Thanks!¡±

    ¡°Thank you! There¡¯s a lot of Trainers on this route, huh? You¡¯re the fifth guy so far!¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re headed to Eterna City from here, you¡¯re gonna run into so many people after Route 207. Route 206 has just as many people itching to battle, whether you take the Cycling Road or just walk.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a Cycling Road there?¡±

    The young guy nodded. ¡°You can rent bikes and get straight across. But if you¡¯re interested, there¡¯s a secret spot under Cycling Road, and you might find some Gible there. Other than Victory Road, it¡¯s been the only known spot to find Gible at for like, decades for some reason!¡±

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    ¡°Then I¡¯m heading there!¡± Gary grinned big.

    The guy nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡± He looked around them. ¡°Crazy, huh?¡±

    Gary looked to where the guy was staring, at where all the signs and blockades and warning material to not cross were at.

    ¡°This place was a tourist attraction. A hallmark of the region. This is so terrifying. A lot of tourists still come around to take photos of what was. I have no idea what they¡¯re gonna do with this area now. There¡¯s no going back to what once was.¡±

    Gary wanted to say so much, but he just kept staring in silence for a while, a mix of emotions brewing in all parts of his body.

    *

    ¡°VIIIIIRRRRE!!!¡± Electivire tackled a Claydol to the ground.

    The young boy gasped. ¡°No way! I had the type advantage, and Claydol is supposed to be reeeeally strong! How did we lose?!¡±

    Electivire roared to the sky, his body sparking strong, his arms flexed.

    Gary walked over to the kid and held out his hand. ¡°Good match, man.¡±

    The kid growled and swung his hand out at Gary¡¯s, but he didn¡¯t hit it. ¡°That was bullshit! I¡¯m outta here!¡± After recalling his Pokemon, he stomped away, furious.

    Gary stared after the kid, an awkward smile on his face. ¡°Oh. Ha ha.¡±

    *

    ¡°Riolu, use your Force Palm!¡±

    Riolu ran up to Geodude and put her palm to its body. ¡°Ri!¡±

    A big, light-blue blast came out of her and tossed back the Geodude. It yelled out angrily, tumbling into tall grass and vanishing out of sight. It never came back.

    ¡°Good job, Riolu!¡± Gary smiled.

    ¡°Ri! Ri!¡± Riolu nodded.

    Gary sighed tiredly. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time to take a break and snack on something.¡± He and Riolu stared at each other. ¡°Or what about waiting for dinner? What do you think?¡± He looked to Electivire and Raichu. ¡°What do you guys think?¡±

    Electivire, Riolu and Raichu chattered out to Gary.

    ¡°Alright! Bad idea!¡± Gary said loudly, holding up his hands to silence them. ¡°Enough! I think we should keep training some. And I know you¡¯re itching for another turn, Electivire. So I guess now would be a great opportunity to work up an appetite.¡± He held up a Poke Ball.

    ¡°Electivirrrre!¡± Electivire nodded eagerly and flexed his arms.

    ¡°Can¡¯t have you falling out of shape.¡± Gary was smiling, but his smile faded with Electivire¡¯s, and he wondered if the Pokemon was thinking the same thing he was. About June.

    Can¡¯t be falling out of shape... for when June returns? Gary thought. He frowned at the Poke Ball he had in his hand. Him? Or...? He held a stern look to Electivire. ¡°Riolu!¡± He backed away. ¡°Get behind me!¡±

    ¡°Ri!¡± Riolu got behind her Trainer, grabbing one of his jeans legs and peering around it.

    Raichu followed without needing an invite, peering out from behind Riolu while holding her shoulders.

    ¡°No. Just come back, Raichu,¡± Gary said sternly, returning Raichu to his Poke Ball using his other hand. Focusing on the original Poke Ball he held, he said firmly, ¡°Let¡¯s try this again!¡± He threw the ball hard and it landed in front of Electivire before opening and sending out Tyranitar.

    Tyranitar roared, his Sand Stream starting up!

    Electivire smiled and punched sparking fists together, not bothering by the heavy, blowing sands.

    ¡°Tyranitar, Ice Fang!¡± Gary ordered.

    Tyranitar stomped for Electivire, his teeth coated in Ice, ready to chomp.

    ¡°Electivire, GO!¡± Gary told him.

    ¡°VIRE!!¡± Electivire made fists that burst into flames.

    Fire Punch! Gary saw with widened eyes.

    ¡°VIIIIIRE!!!¡± Electivire leaped at Tyranitar. His attack destroyed the Ice Fang and socked Tyranitar in the mouth.

    Tyranitar fell to the blow.

    But he¡¯s Rock! Gary argued angrily to himself. He made tight fists. ¡°TYRANITAR! FOCUS BLAST!¡±

    Tyranitar got up and cupped his hands, forming an orange ball.

    Electivire did the exact same action, cupping his hand, forming a yellow ball.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. He¡¯s using the same move?!

    Both Pokemon threw their attacks!

    Electivire¡¯s stomach flashed white where he was hit, a Critical Hit, and he tumbled.

    Tyranitar was hit and collapsed, sliding on his back.

    Both Pokemon remained down.

    Electivire then choked out. He coughed. He choked some more. No. It was soon clear that Electivire was laughing! He stood up.

    Tyranitar didn¡¯t budge.

    The Sandstorm slowed down, coming to a stop.

    ¡°THERE¡¯S NO WAY!!¡± Gary stormed and then ran up to Tyranitar.

    The Pokemon didn¡¯t even open his eyes.

    ¡°HOW ARE YOU THIS USELESS?!!¡±

    Tyranitar¡¯s eyes jumped open.

    Raichu and Riolu had gaping mouths and wide eyes.

    Even Electivire let out a surprised, ¡°Vire?¡±

    Gary was breathing hard, his chest heaving, absolutely furious beyond belief.

    Tyranitar sat up, trembling and sad, staring at the ground.

    ¡°You know, if you¡¯re gonna be this useless, what¡¯s the damn point??!¡± Gary ranted. ¡°Man, Weepinbell must hit hard! There is no way you woulda beat Tyranitar on your own! You have one of the worst Natures I could ask for, you can¡¯t take a punch and you¡¯re just comparatively an all-around disappointment! This isn¡¯t how a fully evolved Pokemon is supposed to be!! Put up a damn fight!!¡± In his desperation, with angry tears building up in his eyes, Gary raised his hand and forced his palm against the rocky, sturdy Pokemon¡¯s coarse body.

    Expectantly, Tyranitar didn¡¯t move. He just stared at Gary with pain in his eyes. He let out a sigh and his head fell again.

    Gary was breathing hard now. Knowing he couldn¡¯t physically do any damage to the Rock tower, he felt the freedom to take things to the next level and really take out his anger by using him as a punching bag of sorts. He held that rage back and chose to use words instead. ¡°You know, you might be okay in your own right, as a general Tyranitar.¡± Gary inhaled deeply. ¡°But you know, I¡¯m trying to become a Pokemon Master! I¡¯ve caught you, yay. Big deal. You need to be useful or get off my team! You serve no purpose but ¡®Dex completion!¡±

    Though no other Pokemon made a sound, there was a high level of discomfort that might as well have been audible, as strongly as it was felt.

    ¡°Fix yourself, dammit!¡± He returned Tyranitar swiftly, holding out his Poke Ball angrily. He then turned to focus on Electivire. ¡°You didn¡¯t exert much energy there. It should be fine to try one more Pokemon against you. You game?¡±

    Electivire didn¡¯t respond as quickly as Gary had expected, which caught him off guard.

    But before the kid could react to this, Electivire called out, ¡°VIRE!¡± He nodded and stepped back a bit from Gary.

    What was that? Gary wondered. Nothing, he settled, shaking his head. He walked backwards a number of feet before stopping and then he got another Poke Ball in his hand. A lot more useful, he thought seriously. I¡¯ll-

    Gary breathed out hard through his nose, followed by an inhale.

    June!

    Then another noisy exhale. He then inhaled.

    What¡¯s going on?? he wondered in a panic as he swallowed. Gary. Gary!

    That¡¯s when he saw it.

    The two Pokemon were staring at him. Confused. Concerned.

    Gary put a hand to the side of his head. His right hand. The hand that held his Charizard¡¯s Poke Ball.

    The hand that had previously been injured. The hand that had miraculously been cured when he¡¯d woken up after being thrown off a mountain by the mysterious monster creature.

    He tried to let a lot of these events just go, just to relieve his overburdened mind. But it did him no good. The mysteries were too strong. They needed answers. Hiding them away only strengthened them for an inevitable and worse return to his thoughts. Gary knew that he should be dead, or at the very least, incapable of travel. And yet, here he was, walking just fine, raising Pokemon. He didn¡¯t understand it, but he knew for sure that whatever had caused the phenomenon to happen, he¡¯d use it somehow, someway, to combat that beast and avenge his sister.

    But for now. Gary¡¯s hand tightened around the Poke Ball and then he threw it hard. Focus! Gary! ¡°Charizard, go for it! Flare Blitz!!¡±

    Charizard was sent out and immediately consumed in Fire, soaring for Electivire.

    Electivire waited calmly, a sneaky smile on his face. Until. The Pokemon pulled back a sparking fist and lunged at Charizard with Thunder Punch!

    Gary gasped. No way he can hold back Charizard¡¯s Flare Blitz with just that! Gary was sure of this, but he also watched with wide eyes, unsure of what would happen.

    The moves collided, and Electivire was overwhelmed and taken down to his back.

    Charizard landed on his feet behind Electivire, hunched over, red sparks around his body from the recoil damage.

    ¡°Vire Vire Vire Vire.¡± Electivire was chuckling as he stood up and faced Charizard!

    His back still to Electivire, Charizard looked back at his opponent.

    ¡°We¡¯ll use Flare Blitz again, then!¡± Gary ordered.

    Charizard faced Electivire and repeated his attack!

    Electivire stood perfectly still, watching Charizard with hard eyes. Focusing? He took the Flare Blitz head on!!

    ¡°VIIIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!!¡± Electivire let out, flying backwards.

    Charizard landed, sliding a bit and stopping in front of Electivire as he suffered more recoil.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary shouted in disbelief. ¡°What are you doing?? That¡¯s crazy!¡±

    Electivire got up again, though more shakily. ¡°Vire... Vire...¡± he breathed out, looking down and smirking. His eyes went up as he grinned big. ¡°Vire!¡±

    Charizard gasped, along with Riolu and Gary.

    From a sudden pair of white beams of light, Magneton and Galvantula appeared from June¡¯s bag!

    Gary¡¯s attention settled on Galvantula and he sneered. Ugh, great, he thought, fixing his face to remove the disgust. Why did they come out, though? To see the fight? Did they sense the energy of these two going at it and just had to see it themselves? Gary bared his teeth, turning back to the fight. I can¡¯t believe that guy is still standing after two Flare Blitz! We don¡¯t have many more times we can get away with this, either! I think it¡¯ll only take one more hit to end this, though. There¡¯s no way he can withstand that again! Not a third time! Third... Gary¡¯s eyes widened.

    The balls on Electivire¡¯s antennae sparked.

    A third... Charizard suffers one-third of the delivered damage every time he uses Flare Blitz. That could mean a third blow could drop Charizard, or even both of them! No, wait, is that right? Math never was my best subject! If Charizard does a hundred damage to Electivire, that means he¡¯s taking about, thirty-five damage himself, but it also depends on how much-

    While Gary was trying to do the math, Electivire¡¯s entire body was sparking. The Pokemon¡¯s smile widened before the blast of lightning came out from him.

    Charizard roared as he was hit.

    Oh, no! Gary panicked.

    Charizard dropped once the Thunder ended. Groaning painfully, he stayed down.

    He¡¯s not out, but we can¡¯t risk another Flare Blitz, Gary knew. But he has to get up! ¡°You have to get up, Charizard! Charizard, please! Flamethrower! Fire Blast!!¡±

    Charizard growled, pushing himself up.

    ¡°That¡¯s it, Charizard! I know we can drop him! Wait! If he¡¯s low on HP, then Flare Blitz recoil won¡¯t be so bad on us!¡± Gary realized, speaking out loud. ¡°Or at least, I think... Right??¡± Man, why don¡¯t I know this?!

    Charizard was finally on his feet.

    ¡°Electivire...¡± Electivire nodded at Charizard.

    Charizard growled.

    ¡°W-we can do this!¡± Gary said those words out loud, but he had secretly startled himself. He hadn¡¯t figured out if those words would come out vocally, or just be kept internally. But hearing himself fired up something within, and he took in a huge breath full of renewed life and determination. ¡°CHARIZARD!!¡± Gary let out furiously. ¡°FLARE BLITZ!! DESTROY HIM!!¡±

    Electivire roared at Charizard, snarling, raging, ready for whatever was next.

    Charizard roared and leaped forward. His body became covered in Fire as he flew.

    IT¡¯S ALL OR NOTHING!! Gary decided. ¡°DO IT!!¡±

    Electivire charged towards the blazing-hot opponent Pokemon. His body started sparking.

    Both Pokemon got closer.

    Charizard would obliterate Electivire in the next second!

    Or so Gary thought.

    Electivire¡¯s body was covered in nothing but electricity, and he leaped for Charizard!

    What is that? Gary questioned, squinting at Electivire.

    The battling Pokemon collided and a surrounding orb of bright orange, white, and yellow flashing energy engulfed them both before exploding, the force taking everybody down.

    When the damage was done, Gary sat up slowly, shaking.

    The other Pokemon also managed to get back up, Electivire and Charizard laying still.

    Little Riolu was quaking on her knees, sniffling and crying.

    ¡°What... what... happened...?¡±

    Wild Charge. Taking one-fourth of the damage the opponent took, the user tackles the opponent powerfully while covered in electricity.

    One-fourth?? Gary repeated. Wild Charge? Did he always have that move...? Could it be possible...? Did he... just learn that?!

    ¡°Vire,¡± Electivire coughed out.

    ¡°NOO!¡± Gary shouted angrily.

    Electivire sat up.

    Charizard remained still, his flame on his tail dangerously low.

    ¡°CHARIZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!!¡±

    Charizard breathed out, but that was all.

    Electivire kept his eyes on Charizard. A smile crossed his face.

    Gary dropped to his knees.

    His eyes closed.

    His breath came out in defeat as his shoulders slumped.

    All he could hear was Electivire¡¯s constant, taunting chuckling.

 Warmups & Cooldowns

    ¡°You sure can eat, huh?¡± Gary watched Deino chomping away at his bowl of food.

    Deino looked up at Gary, swallowed, and then inhaled hard. ¡°Deino, Deino,¡± he nodded before shoving his face into his bowl again.

    Gary snickered and took another bite out of his sandwich. He couldn¡¯t help but snicker some more as he looked around.

    All of the Pokemon were eating, only Magneton floating and bobbing under the afternoon sun.

    Tyranitar held his bowl over his head, licking at it all around and then smiling. He looked to Gary.

    Gary stared back, his smirk fading to a blank stare.

    Tyranitar¡¯s smile faded as well and he lowered his bowl, staring to the ground sadly.

    Gary breathed out. Ah, come on. Was I really that harsh? I guess I was, huh...? Of course I was. What¡¯s wrong with me? Why did I get so mad at him? I have to work with my Pokemon, and get them stronger through teamwork and training. Not ridicule them like I did. ¡°Hey, man.¡± Gary stood up and walked over to Tyranitar.

    Tyranitar looked over to him, not moving his head much.

    ¡°Hey, hey. I¡¯m sorry, okay Tyranitar? I got really heated and I just took things way too far.¡±

    Tyranitar¡¯s eyes went down again.

    ¡°Can we try this again? I know we¡¯re kind of new with each other and all. We only met on that mountain. And that was a really bad time.¡± Gary didn¡¯t take his eyes off of Tyranitar.

    Tyranitar kept his eyes down.

    ¡°Did you know her? That Ranger girl?¡±

    Tyranitar kept his gaze away and let out a deep growl of sorts.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Gary nodded. ¡°I knew her, too. But not that well. I can¡¯t even remember her name. But I knew her. She was... funny.¡± Funny. Right, Gary kept to himself. I guess that¡¯s not really a lie, ha. ¡°She was nice. Helpful. A real hero. It seemed like you two knew each other a lot closer, though.¡±

    Tyranitar let out another deep noise and nodded, now looking at Gary.

    Gary stared right back at him as his eyes began to water. ¡°I don¡¯t... know what happened to her, Tyranitar,¡± Gary struggled to admit to the Pokemon.

    Tyranitar¡¯s eyes widened, his mouth opening with shock. Another grunt came out of his mouth, and it had the tone of confusion.

    Gary was certain Tyranitar had said, ¡°Huh?¡± He closed his eyes against his will, preparing his next words. With an inhale, he looked at his Pokemon. ¡°I can¡¯t-¡± He paused. ¡°I don¡¯t-¡± He swallowed and cleared his throat. ¡°She was tossed off that mountain, and killed.¡±

    Tyranitar blinked with teary eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Tyranitar!¡± Gary cried out, and he closed his eyes, lowering his head. Hot tears made their way out of his eyes and he sniffled hard, snorting, baring his teeth. ¡°I - I don¡¯t... I don¡¯t know what to say. I¡¯m just so sorry, Tyranitar. I wish I could have done more. That - that... thing killed her, Tyranitar.¡± He finally forced his head up and stared at the large Pokemon.

    Tyranitar¡¯s eyes were full of tears as even more rolled down his cheeks.

    Gary sniffled a few times, but he narrowed his eyebrows, regaining his composure. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of terrible things going on in this world right now, but she died doing what she wanted. I can¡¯t imagine she would have gone out any other way. She was a great person who provided an excellent contribution to the world through her work, honestly.¡±

    Tyranitar let out a kind of grumble, nodding as more tears fell from his eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill that monster that killed her. Whatever it is. Whatever kind of Hellish beast that thing is, it will die. If not by the police or army, by me!¡±

    Tyranitar was giving Gary his full attention now.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss. And I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t a better friend to you.¡± He touched Tyranitar¡¯s body. ¡°Let¡¯s start again, huh?¡± In the next second, Gary was choking!

    Tyranitar was hugging him so hard, lifting him off the ground and crying, tears running down his cheeks. Hugging might not be the most proper word for it, as Gary was suffocating, but Tyranitar meant well.

    Unfortunately, Gary couldn¡¯t even get out the words to tell his Pokemon to let him go. His constant kicking at Tyranitar¡¯s body wasn¡¯t delivering the message, either. I guess this is the way I go out! Gary panicked in his mind. His eyes looked around in desperation for help.

    Charizard, Weepinbell, and all of June¡¯s Pokemon were watching with apprehension, looking unsure about what they should do.

    Riolu was watching with an awkward, nervous smile, a ball of sweat rolling down the side of her head.

    ¡°PRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!!!¡± Primeape leaped through the air, tears rolling down his face, and he wrapped his whole body around his Trainer¡¯s head.

    Now Gary was really suffocating!

    Primeape growled and yelled at Tyranitar, the Rock type squeezing even tighter and yelling back, crying as well.

    All the Pokemon ran forward at this point, trying to separate the two from accidentally killing Gary.

    All the Pokemon except for Deino, who watched the scene while gnawing on his empty bowl.

    *

    Prof. Oak¡¯s house, huh? Gary stared with hard eyes at the one-story house. Can¡¯t imagine him living so contently here. Maybe that¡¯s why he stayed in Pallet Town. Or, maybe this was the perfect getaway from the mansion for a man like him. But he wasn¡¯t the type to ever take vacations. He was always working. Or perhaps it¡¯d be more accurate to say that his vacations were just working in different places. I can¡¯t imagine him stopping his work for anything. He wasn¡¯t the type. He worked, ate, dreamed, nothing but Pokemon.

    Gary wiped at each eye in turn as a pair of tears slid out. I wonder if I went in there, if it would feel the same as the Lab. If I¡¯d ever get that feeling back, just one more time.

    The two men tumbled all the way down, still trying to get control of the gun.

    THUMP!

    Prof. Oak landed first, right on his back. He choked out in a nasty groan.

    Gary shuddered, remembering the moment Prof. Oak died trying to save everyone at the Indigo League. What were you doing out there that night, sir? Why? What did you think you could do in your old age against a grown man in possibly his prime? You... fool... He closed his eyes with this thought and lowered his head, swallowing hard. He didn¡¯t wipe at continuous tears that leaked freely from his face.

    ¡°Nothing lives forever. That is the rule of life itself. It ends. The creation of, or the destruction of. Remember that, my boy,¡± Gary remembered the words of Prof. Oak from early in his journey.

    *

    ¡°Deino, let¡¯s go!¡± Sitting on his rented bike, Gary sent out his second Pokemon after Riolu had been defeated by an opponent¡¯s Croagunk.

    ¡°Deino!¡± Deino spoke out.

    ¡°Croagunk, Poison Jab again!¡± the young Biker named Oran ordered.

    ¡°Focus Energy! Get ready!¡± Gary spoke.

    Deino¡¯s body glowed white momentarily as Croagunk charged at him with a glowing, purple fist. ¡°Deeeeino!¡± Deino toppled over and stayed on his side. Suddenly, his face flashed purple. He was Poisoned!

    ¡°Deino! Oh, no! Get up! Use-!¡±

    ¡°Poison Jab again! Finish it!¡± Biker Oran continued.

    Another Poison Jab left Deino on his side, not moving.

    Fffffreak! Gary cursed in his head. He returned his Pokemon and looked at the guy. ¡°I should have done better. Chosen stronger Pokemon. I thought I could raise those guys up better but I failed.¡±

    ¡°Excuses, excuses.¡± Biker Oran pulled out his Pokedex and put it away a couple of seconds later. ¡°As long as you pay up.¡± He returned Croagunk.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. You got your money,¡± Gary glared at him. ¡°No excuses. You won. I¡¯m just saying, I¡¯ve got - stronger Pokemon.¡± He held out Deino¡¯s Poke Ball and hesitated. Don¡¯t get into it, Gary. Come on, this isn¡¯t even worth getting so mad over. He¡¯s just a jerk. Calm down! ¡°We did our best. I¡¯m proud of my guys,¡± Gary stated, making sure he was heard by his downed Pokemon. ¡°We just need more training. There¡¯s nothing wrong with that! Thank you, Deino! We¡¯ll battle again real soon!¡±

    ¡°I knew you¡¯d be no match for me.¡± The young man ran his hand through his spiky red hair with yellow streaks.

    I really think I¡¯ve had about enough, Gary decided. He got off his bike, leaving it standing on the kickstand, and walked over to the guy. He was all fired up, two tight fists at his sides.

    Biker Oran noticed this and got off his own bike. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doin¡¯, huh?¡± he called out defensively.

    Gary could sense the tension. He could taste it. He reached out, ready to attack this bigmouth.

    The guy screamed in fright as Gary grabbed his shoulders roughly.

    But Gary just smiled. Calm down, dude. What¡¯s wrong with you? he was thinking to himself, desperate to keep it cool. Why am I so upset lately...? He shook the guy roughly but carefully and then nodded. ¡°Good fight. I hope to see you at the League this year.¡± Leaving the guy in shock, he returned to his bike and continued on the Cycling Road, another battle awaiting him just moments away. Even with only four Pokemon, we can do it! he told himself. We have to!

    *

    While walking, Gary breathed out with disappointment. This isn¡¯t good enough, he was telling himself. I can¡¯t just depend on Charizard to win. I need everybody to keep this team standing! Tyranitar is out after that last fight, but he did get a bunch of wins in before that. Is he doing better, or were those opponents just too weak? I even brought out Electivire in the other fight. I can¡¯t be doing that. I need to stick to my six. Not use the extras! Right? I mean, as long as I¡¯m only using a max of six, it¡¯s fine, isn¡¯t it? UGH! I can¡¯t raise all these Pokemon! This is too much for me! I have to care for all my own guys! This is crazy!

    Is it, though? he argued. My job is literally to master raising and capturing all Pokemon on the planet. And properly raising all of them. That means learning how to rotate them all.

    Gary had gotten through Cycling Road and, after leaving his Pokemon at the Pokemon Center, took some time to explore Eterna City, now stopping in front of a building with a towering statue in front of it. What is this...? he wondered.

    The creation of DIALGA,

    The giver of time...

    In laughter, there is tears...

    And, likewise it is with time.

    The same time flows on.

    For it is the blessing of DIALGA.

    The birth of Palkia.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    The creator of parallel dimensions...

    Alive, yet not alive...

    Everything drifts in space...

    To arrive in the same universe.

    It is the blessing of Palkia.

    Commemorated here, never to be forgotten again, a combination of the two for the ages.

    Gary read the writing of the two metal plates under the statue to himself again. And then he read it again. He read it a couple more times after that before pulling out his Pokedex and went through it until he saw the two Pokemon, Dialga and Palkia. So, this is the two of them? He went back and forth between his Pokedex and the statue. Dialga and Palkia, in one? I... guess I can see it... I mean, it kinda just looks like Dialga, really. Sinnoh has so many Mythicals and Legends. It¡¯s crazy! But these two are prominent in this region. Controller of time, Dialga, and controller of space, Palkia. Not even Mythicals, but actual Legends. Basically confirmed to exist. But the head honcho in this region is Arceus, who supposedly made the entire world, or universe, even. A Pokemon as a god. The ultimate creature. Some say, God¡¯s smaller god. The god modeled after God, by God, to take care of everything. The Pokemon, the god, who answers to no one, and is incomparable to anything, but God! The One who created Arceus to begin with, the egg floating in space before there was space. Just nothingness. Nothingness, but God...

    Gary inhaled through his nostrils and then let it out. Why did they combine the two, though? What do they mean by ¡°never to be forgotten, again?¡±

    *

    ¡°A second history museum? Why?¡± Gary stared at the towering building that had been established decades ago. ¡°There¡¯s gotta be something better to see here.¡± He walked away from the northeast side of the city, continuing to explore.

    *

    ¡°You know, those items you just bought are extremely bitter, and smelly, too!¡± an old lady spoke out to Gary as he tried to leave a little shop he had purchased some medicine from.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary stopped and turned to her.

    ¡°Those medicines you just bought. They may be cheap, but that comes at a price!¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± Gary wasn¡¯t sure what to say. Who is this old woman? Why didn¡¯t she stop me before I bought this stuff? Why now?

    ¡°Your Pokemon won¡¯t be too fond of you using that on them, but they do get the job done. Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh.¡±

    ¡°Ahh... Yeah. I heard they were bitter. But the shops aren¡¯t carrying much medicine these days so I don¡¯t have much of a choice, ha.¡±

    ¡°Bitter? They¡¯re guaranteed to ruin the bond you have with your Pokemon! Aaaahyeh hyeh hyeh hyeh hyeh hyeh!¡± The woman laughed so weirdly.

    He looked back at the cashier.

    The cashier smiled uncomfortably at Gary and shook her head. ¡°Please excuse my mother. Your Pokemon will be fine. Please don¡¯t listen to her.¡±

    She¡¯s probably lying, Gary thought, but he smiled at the cashier anyway and nodded. ¡°Okay. See ya.¡± He walked out of the shop as fast as he could, the old lady laughing even louder.

    *

    ¡°Man, I am in need of a serious haircut right about now...¡± Gary stared at himself in the mirror of the bathroom of his room at the Pokemon Center and breathed out wearily, running his hand through his growing hair. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen it this dark before.¡± He grabbed it and gave it a good, rough shake. As much as he wanted to smile, he just couldn¡¯t, too much on his mind.

    *

    ¡°So this is the Eterna Gym,¡± Gary spoke out loud. He, Electivire, Deino, Charizard, Primeape, Weepinbell, Sabrina, and Tyranitar stood outside the building.

    It was tall, but even more so, wide. Outside of the building was a field of flowers that seemed to surround the place, but the blue and white building itself was covered in moss and plant life, looking almost kind of rundown.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how many Pokemon are gonna be allowed, but I¡¯m counting on you, Deino.¡± Gary stared down at his little Pokemon.

    ¡°Deino.¡± The Pokemon looked back up at him and nodded.

    ¡°This is why I brought back one of you other guys.¡± He looked at Sabrina. ¡°But I have plans for some other swaps, maybe. I¡¯m not sure, yet.¡± He now had his eyes on the grass underneath him. ¡°Grass types are often said to be weak, but I¡¯ve the experience to know all Pokemon are kickass.¡± He nodded at Weepinbell who then stood taller and spoke with pride. ¡°So we¡¯ll return here tomorrow and get our fourth Badge! I don¡¯t want to depend on my powerhouses unless I have to.¡± He looked towards Charizard. ¡°So, I¡¯m not intending on using you, pal.¡±

    Charizard just grunted with a nod.

    ¡°I need to do better with rotating all my Pokemon. But it isn¡¯t gonna be easy.¡± He looked at Electivire. ¡°And you¡¯ll behave, of course, right?¡±

    ¡°Virrrrre...¡± Electivire growled.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have us another battle later tonight. I just need to get my ideas together for how I¡¯m gonna defeat Gardenia. And you¡¯re one key element, Deino. Being Dragon, you can do so many things and resist so many moves. I know we¡¯ll get this Badge! I can¡¯t wait.¡± Gary made a pair of tight fists as he looked up at the night sky, a bunch of stars twinkling above.

    *

    ¡°Man, there¡¯s no Gible in here at all!¡± Gary complained angrily inside of Wayward Cave, which was reachable after a long, grassy path underneath the Cycling Road. Him, Deino, and Electivire walked past a defeated Zubat. ¡°I¡¯m so sick of Zubat. Why are they everywhere?¡± Gary huffed out impatiently. ¡°We¡¯ve been in here for-¡± He pulled out his phone to check the time. ¡°Two hours?!¡± He wanted to rant some more, but instead, he let out a sigh. ¡°Well, I guess if nothing else, we spent a lot of time in this cave training.¡± Gary took a moment to think about his tired team of Pokemon. ¡°Okay.¡± He looked to Electivire. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s only right we give June¡¯s Pokemon some time to stretch out and keep in shape, too. I¡¯ll take the bag from here on.¡±

    The exchange of June¡¯s bag from Electivire to Gary was smooth. Soon after, Gary had one of June¡¯s Poke Balls in his hand, walking alongside Electivire.

    With a sudden, huge, thunderous roar, something tall appeared, toppling over rocks, raising dust, and terrifying the boy, Electivire standing his ground as he made fists and his body started sparking.

    Gary bared his teeth, frowning with determination, trying to think of what he should do against the new foe.

    An Onix.

    No time to look for the other balls, and I can¡¯t decide who to choose or remember! Gary panicked. ¡°AAAAAAAHHHH! MAGNETON, GOOOO!¡±

    *

    ¡°Tyranitar, use Rock Slide!! Galvantula, Signal Beam!¡± Gary shouted.

    White sparkles appeared over Tyranitar¡¯s head as a light-blue ball formed in front of Galvantula¡¯s head. The sparkles over Tyranitar turned into Rocks with white outlines and he hurled his hands outward, making the Rocks fly for the Bug type.

    At the same time, the orb over Galvantula sent out a multicolored beam that hit Tyranitar first. Galvantula was able to evade the attack headed for her. She stood watching Tyranitar after he had fallen and eventually, the dust he raised settled, but she also suffered in his sandstorm.

    It was maybe five seconds that passed, not a word spoken, before the sandstorm finally gave out.

    He lost again, Gary recognized. To a Bug type...

    It was a couple of minutes of more silence.

    Primeape and Weepinbell had been fighting together, but stopped to see the end of the match.

    Riolu and Electivire were also training. Electivire didn¡¯t do much but allow Riolu to attack while he held off the moves using only his humongous palms, rarely striking back, and only with minimal effort. But they both had stopped to look at Galvantula and Tyranitar near the end.

    Deino and Charizard traded blows, Charizard going easy, but Gary instructed Charizard to also try to take him out ¡°gently,¡± wanting to push Deino¡¯s endurance. They both ended up stopping to see how the fight between Galvantula and Tyranitar would end.

    Magneton and Raichu were having the most fun, chasing each other with their Electric moves in what looked like a game of Tag more than anything. But even they stopped their game to watch the results of the battle.

    Gary held out his Poke Ball, returning his defeated Tyranitar, and leered at the ball, gripping it tighter. I can¡¯t believe this. They both had a type advantage. Rock beats Bug, and Bug beats Dark. But... Tyranitar is a... Tyranitar! Furious, and also embarrassed, Gary didn¡¯t even want to look at his other Pokemon. His hand opened, releasing Tyranitar¡¯s Poke Ball.

    The ball rolled on the grassy ground just a couple of inches.

    Gary was pressing buttons on his Pokedex soon after. He froze for a moment and swallowed a big lump in his throat before pressing at buttons again.

    The Poke Ball on the ground glowed brightly and vanished, and seconds later, another Poke Ball appeared.

    Gary picked it up and tossed the ball, releasing the Pokemon inside.

    He took a pleasant pose, looking around curiously. ¡°Kirlia?¡± He saw all the Pokemon and smiled. ¡°Kirlia!¡± Finally, he saw Gary. It took a few seconds, but his smile finally faded slowly. ¡°Kirl?¡± His horns began glowing light blue.

    With strong eyes on the Pokemon¡¯s glowing horns, Gary breathed out uncomfortably before taking in a deep breath. ¡°Alright! Break¡¯s over! Back to work!! Kirlia!¡± He pointed at Galvantula. ¡°Get going! I wanna see some real fighting spirit!¡±

    Kirlia¡¯s eyes widened as he cried out, the glow from his horns vanishing, and he narrowed his eyebrows before running for Galvantula.

    All the other Pokemon also went on fighting.

    Charizard grunted out as Deino lunged blindly and Slammed into his stomach. He took a couple of steps back, but then stomped one foot to maintain his intimidation and dominance. He then slugged Deino with Rock Smash.

    Riolu used Quick Attack, hitting Electivire in one knee.

    Electivire¡¯s leg just barely twitched from the impact. Afterwards, he Swept out his foot and tripped up little Riolu. He cackled lightly as Riolu stayed down, shuddering.

    Magneton and Raichu were actually battling now, Raichu leaping for Magneton with Quick Attack, Magneton taking the blow and forcing him back with pure effort to then Tackle him back further.

    A punch from Primeape was blocked by a Vine from Weepinbell. Weepinbell then Wrapped around Primeape¡¯s body and squeezed.

    Primeape Screeched, making Gary, as well as every Pokemon around, collapse and wail out.

    This included a bunch of new Pokemon from the trees! A bunch of Starly! Several of them got up and flew off noisily into the night sky immediately. Others took longer to recover and fly away, also squawking.

    A final Starly remained. It closed its eyes and its feathers fluffed as it shivered.

    Gary intently watched the Pokemon in silence.

    Starly looked around, its head turning as it hopped about, taking in the surrounding Pokemon and Trainer.

    Gary didn¡¯t move, softening his stare. Just waiting on the Pokemon to leave.

    And finally, it did, flying away with a call.

    A weakling, Gary told himself. The last to leave. What¡¯s the point?

    *

    The ball sat on the ground, the top half blue-gray, the bottom half a pale green. The middle of it had a white button. The ball shook on the ground slowly but repeatedly. Finally, it opened with a loud BAAAP!!

    A black beam came out from inside of the object. The beam twisted and shivered in shape on the ground before giving way to a human body.

    It was June. She curled up and shivering, wearing so little she could have been naked, any signs of underwear nearly impossible to make out, the remaining clothing torn, stained, and unsanitary. Blood was everywhere on her. She was motionless.

    Step by step, I got closer to her, my dirtied feet stepping along the rocky ground.

    Along with occasional, minor quivers, June¡¯s body would give an especially hard jump every several seconds before going still again.

    My entire, powerful body filled with anticipation, and as I stopped walking, my feet right beside her, my toes¡¯ hooked nails tapped along the ground. They tightened and I bent down, my thick tongue slipping around the entirety of my mouth, inside and out, still able to taste June¡¯s blood on them. I swallowed.

    Only her face was illuminated by the glow behind me, the rest of her in shadows.

    A large chunk of saliva dripped onto June¡¯s head, and soon after, she let out a weakened wail, but was too weak to move more than turning onto her other side and continue trembling uncontrollably.

    The taste of her blood was a disappointment. A constant... Disappointment!! Rasping, Gary started to lunge, to attack June, but suddenly he froze. His eyes widened. His head remained still, but his eyes moved from one side to the other, looking at the cave he was in.

    There was a voice behind him.

    He stood up straight and turned with a frightened jump.

    Gary shrieked at the top of his lungs and dropped. Kicking and flailing his arms like a madman, he looked around the cave of - his room??

    Riolu stood in the room of the Pokemon Center, looking ready to cry. She had her arms held out, her body shaking. Her breathing was noisy and also shaking hard.

    Kirlia looked sadly at Gary, his horns glowing light blue. ¡°Kirl...¡±

    Gary watched them uncertainly and then swallowed, tasting blood, and he spit out immediately, repeatedly. Blood! June¡¯s! Quickly, he wiped at his mouth and hit a sore spot. ¡°Ouch!¡± He raised his hand and saw a slight spot of blood. I¡¯m bleeding? he questioned. He stared at the floor of the room. I¡¯m on my knees. My face... It hurts, Gary started understanding, putting the pieces together. Because I just fell out of bed and hit my face, of all places... I got hurt.

    His eyes returned to his two Pokemon. Them again...Why?

    What kind of a dream was that?? He swallowed again, pressing his hands into the floor, which only made him realize how much he was trembling. He inhaled shakily and let it out swiftly. It makes sense I¡¯d be having nightmares, b-but why do they feel so...? It was like I was right there! And I felt so strange! Not like myself at all. He held up his hands, staring at them quivering. His breathing intensified, his eyes getting a little bigger. I just need to see them. See my hands. See that they¡¯re... my hands! And not - something else!

    Gary, take it easy. He took deep breaths to try to calm himself down. It was just a dream. A constant dream you have. It makes sense that you¡¯d be having nightmares. You have them often these days.

    But Gary just shook his head. He stared at Riolu and Kirlia. ¡°Why? Why are you two out of your Poke Balls? It¡¯s always you, Riolu. And now you, Kirlia.¡± Emotion Pokemon. Pokemon who can read Aura and emotions and stuff, Gary recalled. Are they just out because I¡¯m going through nightmares? Because I¡¯m in a stressful state?

    That made plenty of sense to Gary. And he needed it to.

    He needed something in his life to be something he could actually understand.

    Anything at all.

 Conversion Therapy

    I hope I¡¯m not making a mistake... I just have to rotate my Pokemon more, Gary thought. It¡¯s my job! If Rob and Aly can, I can; and better! I can¡¯t fall behind. I can¡¯t depend on the same six. And who I do depend on, have to be dependable. Right.

    He stared at the Gym building that was, while very tall, was even wider of a structure, the moss and vines and other kinds of plant life on it giving it a worn down look.

    Electivire by his side, Gary crossed the astoundingly beautiful garden to get to the twin glass doors that slid open into glass walls, and the two stared in awe at the inside.

    Cement lined the ends of the floor, tall grass and flowers taking up the rest of the ground! Some small patches had more explicitly beautiful flowers planted than the other areas. There were also towering trees everywhere, along with a couple of far smaller trees. The only thing visible in the garden that wasn¡¯t a plant was a white block off to the side that had a Poke Ball design on it, the top colored in red, the bottom uncolored. The drawing looked sloppy, the red out of the lines, as if it had been done by children.

    Even a cactus stood amongst the plants! Oddly, atop the cactus was some kind of old, yellow, rocky crown.

    All of these plants got sunlight from the open ceiling, but today was a more dreary day that looked like it could rain.

    Gary and Electivire stepped inside, the doors smoothly sliding shut after them, and were greeted by a young, short woman with very smooth-looking skin that practically glowed. Gary wasn¡¯t sure if she was Black or Hispanic, but he knew beauty when he saw it.

    ¡°Hi! I¡¯m Bane. Are you here for a battle against Gardenia at Eterna Gym?¡± she asked in a peppy voice.

    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m Gary. I¡¯ve come from Pallet Town, in the Kanto region, to challenge Gardenia for her Badge!¡± Gary spoke enthusiastically.

    Bane nodded, her eyes closing and head tilting cutely. She pointed. ¡°Then please take your place there. Gardenia is just tending to the garden and will be with you in a moment!¡± She cupped her hands around her mouth as she walked away. ¡°GARDENIAAAAAAAAAA!!!¡±

    Gary and Electivire walked along the cement ground and Gary spotted a big square area of cement that was hidden by the towering blades of grass and flowers. It looked like it was for him to go to, and he assumed Gardenia had her own place opposite him, so he and Electivire went to it.

    Little creatures were hiding amongst the grass and flowers, peeking out at them.

    A Chikorita, Gary recognized, and smiled at it.

    The Pokemon cried out and pulled its head back down, out of sight.

    Other Pokemon scurried and slid away, including a bunch of eggs Gary knew was Exeggcute.

    In the trees, a Weepinbell hung next to a Victreebel, both on their vine, staring right at him.

    Gary smiled a little bigger. Nature is so beautiful, he acknowledged. Staring up into the sky, he saw birds flying, Pokemon or otherwise, he wasn¡¯t sure. His vision lowered as a person was seen walking through the field, and his eyes widened.

    ¡°Hey there! You must be the Gary and Electivire I was told about!¡± The woman had white hair with a pale-yellow coloring underneath it. Her hair was long, reaching far down her back. She looked very basic in the face to Gary, but a little pretty. She wore a green crop top, her flat stomach revealed. Her brown sweatpants had a black stripe on each side, and her feet were bare. She stopped at a particular spot.

    Is this Gardenia? She¡¯s like a hippie, Gary told himself. He stared at her stomach. A hot hippie. Or... He now stared at her face. She¡¯s just cute. Suddenly, his eyes widened. ¡°HI!¡± Gary let out, realizing he hadn¡¯t responded to her. ¡°I¡¯m Gary!¡± He swallowed. She knew that already, he reminded himself.

    ¡°And all the way from Kanto, too? It¡¯s always a pleasure to meet people from faraway locations! Welcome to the Eterna Gym! I¡¯m Gardenia!¡± The woman had a kind of husky voice, but still pretty light and feminine.

    Gary nodded. ¡°Thank you! I¡¯m ready to get my next Badge!¡±

    ¡°And how many Badges do you have so far?¡± Gardenia asked.

    Good question, Gary kept to himself. What am I up to again? Cas¡¯, uh... Jupiter... Not Byron... Roark... ¡°Three Badges! You¡¯ll be my fourth!¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯m the halfway point, huh?¡± Gardenia chuckled.

    She is cute, but she also looks kind of dirty, Gary thought. Like she might smell a little. Like a hippie. Hey! Wake up! Gary shouted in his head.

    ¡°Gary?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary shook his head and stared at Gardenia with wide eyes.

    ¡°You feelin¡¯ okay?¡± Gardenia asked in such a strong yet light voice.

    ¡°Yes! Please, let¡¯s begin the battle!¡± He stared at her exposed stomach for a second longer before staring into her eyes.

    ¡°Uh, okaaaaay...?¡± Gardenia said in confusion, smiling at him oddly and looking off to the side briefly. ¡°Is three Pokemon okay to use for us both?¡±

    ¡°Of course! I¡¯m ready when you are!¡±

    Gardenia nodded at Gary and then looked away and nodded again.

    The lady, Bane, was standing on the little platform with the Poke Ball drawing. She held both arms out and held a determined look on her face. ¡°This will be a three-on-three battle between Eterna City¡¯s Gym Leader, Gardenia, and Gary from the Kanto region¡¯s Pallet Town! Oh, hello there!¡±

    A tiny little creature was flying up to Bane.

    Bane looked visibly uncomfortable and was backing away as the bug flew around her head. ¡°Please... I have a job to do. You can watch but give me some space?¡± Her smile was as fake as could be. She wasn¡¯t happy with the bug by her.

    A Bug Pokemon? Gary pulled out his Pokedex.

    Ribombee. The Bee Fly Pokemon, and Cutiefly¡¯s evolved form. A Bug and Fairy type Pokemon. Ribombee are not fond of the rain, as it makes them dirty and dampens collected pollen on their bodies.

    Cutiefly. That¡¯s the Pokemon I have, Gary remembered. Melissa¡¯s Pokemon...

    ¡°Booomb!¡± Ribombee cried out. It floated about, side to side.

    Bane kept cautious eyes on the Pokemon and chuckled nervously.

    ¡°Excuse my girlfriend. She isn¡¯t the most comfortable with Bug type Pokemon,¡± Gardenia laughed. ¡°She¡¯s so cute!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes popped wide. Huh?? ¡°Oh!¡± Gary said quickly, trying to cover up his surprise at the choice of word Gardenia used. Girlfriend? They¡¯re...?  He looked to Bane and back to Gardenia. If that¡¯s true, that is a pretty hippie thing, too, Gary kept to himself, holding back a smirk. ¡°No big deal! I h-¡± Don¡¯t say hate. Too strong! Gary stopped himself. ¡°-hhaaaave issues with Bug types myself! I¡¯m working hard on it, though! I own a few!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! We do welcome all Pokemon in this garden, but a small variety actually stay. It¡¯s mostly Grass types, obviously. And naturally Bug types, too!¡± Gardenia explained. ¡°I never knew she was afraid of Bug types when I first hired her, but it became pretty clear over time!¡±

    Frowning, Bane looked down, embarrassed. ¡°Gardeniaaaa...¡± she growled.

    So she hired her... Gary thought. I can¡¯t tell if they¡¯re in a relationship or not. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s all good!¡± But now, Gary was looking around nervously. If these Bugs are just flying around freely, what if one pops up near me?! I should get Charizard out just as a warning to scare off the Bugs!

    ¡°So, let¡¯s get this battle started, shall we?¡± Gardenia smiled.

    ¡°Right!¡± Bane spoke strongly, holding out one hand. ¡°Like I said, this will be a three-on-three battle between the Eterna City Gym Leader, Gardenia, and Gary from the Kanto region¡¯s Pallet Town! No time limit! Only Gary is allowed to substitute his Pokemon! The Badge at stake is the Forest Badge! Let this battle begin!¡± Her hand came down strongly.

    Ribombee shouted out with delight, frightening Bane and making her shriek and almost fall off her platform.

    ¡°So you think I¡¯m your fourth Badge, huh?¡± Gardenia smiled challengingly.

    ¡°After this, I¡¯m only halfway done!¡± Gary grabbed a Poke Ball. ¡°I¡¯m gonna get through you and everyone else in this region!¡± He held out his Poke Ball. ¡°I¡¯m starting off with Deino!¡± He threw the ball, revealing his Pokemon.

    Gardenia nodded. ¡°How cool! A Deino! I see you¡¯re not here to play games! You¡¯re playing it smart bringing in a Dragon type! But let¡¯s see what it can do! Cacturne, I¡¯m counting on YOU!¡± The woman didn¡¯t throw a single Poke Ball, standing completely still, keeping her smile.

    Instead, it was the cactus with the crown that had started moving!! Gary gasped as the plant walked across the field and stopped in the middle of it, facing Deino.

    ¡°Deinnnn!¡± Deino growled.

    ¡°Cactuurrrrne!¡± Cacturne returned.

    Cacturne. The Scarecrow Pokemon. The evolved form of Cacnea. A Grass and Dark type Pokemon. It rarely is seen moving around in the day in the wild. At night is when it pursues prey in a scary pack, posing as cacti in deserts, waiting for victims to become too tired to fight back before striking.

    But wait, where¡¯s the crown? Gary noticed. The Cacturne in my ¡®Dex doesn¡¯t have-

    King¡¯s Rock. This item is used to either evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed, or Slowpoke into Slowking, and can also be held by Pokemon to make an opponent Flinch.

    Whoa! So that¡¯s a King¡¯s Rock on that Pokemon¡¯s head? Gardenia is prepared! Gary admitted. ¡°YEAH!¡± he spoke energetically, smiling and making fists, inspired by the different circumstance and ready to face it head-on. ¡°That¡¯s what I like to see! Let¡¯s get ¡®em, Deino! Let¡¯s start with Dragon Pulse!¡±

    A multicolored, dragon-shaped beam came from Deino¡¯s mouth.

    Cacturne ducked and the beam went right over its head, slamming into the building.

    Damn, dumb luck, Gary sneered. ¡°Focus Energy!¡± he continued.

    Deino barked at Cacturne and his body was outlined in white for a moment.

    ¡°Now use that Dragon Pulse again!¡± Wait, what¡¯s Gardenia up to? Gary tightened his eyes on the Gym Leader. That¡¯s our third move.

    Deino attacked once more.

    ¡°Cacturne, use Pin Missile!¡± Gardenia finally ordered.

    From the spikes on its body, Cacturne launched white streams of pins at Deino¡¯s Dragon Pulse.

    The moves collided, exploding on impact.

    Keeping her smile, Gardenia¡¯s mouth opened and her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Hey! That¡¯s not bad! You¡¯re keeping up with a pretty experienced Pokemon! I got him from a really good friend several years ago!¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t slack on my team! We¡¯ve been training since I got him!¡± Gary smiled at her challengingly. ¡°We live for these kinds of challenges! Deino, use Dragon Breath!¡± We can bet on Paralysis to help pull up a win! Gary told himself.

    ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to test what you can really do, then! Sandstorm!¡± Gardenia decided.

    A Sandstorm started up swiftly, and Cacturne disappeared in the midst of it!

    After light-blue waves appeared around Deino, he fired out a light-blue beam of energy. The attack went forth, but Cacturne was nowhere to be seen!

    Cacturne suddenly appeared, but nowhere near where the Dragon Breath had gone!

    ¡°Right there, Deino! Dragon Breath!!¡± Gary pointed.

    Cacturne was gone again, and Deino was attacking once more. The opponent appeared beside Deino this time!

    Deino yelled out in shock, leaping into the air.

    ¡°Now Pin Missile!¡±

    Cacturne blasted several blows at Deino from close range, sending him flying.

    Pin Missile. A Bug type move that strikes multiple times.

    She has Bug type moves??! Gary panicked.

    Deino hit the ground and struggled back up.

    ¡°Crap!¡± Don¡¯t let that show, Gary! Focus! Come on! He bared his teeth. ¡°Okay, we¡¯re just fine! Deino! Use Slam! Focus your attention on-! Deino!¡±

    Deino was standing, but was now Flinching!

    ¡°With a sandstorm happening, Cacturne¡¯s Sand Veil Ability makes him harder to hit, which leaves you in a tough spot with that Deino¡¯s Hustle Ability which makes it difficult to land a physical move,¡± Gardenia explained. ¡°Add King¡¯s Rock leaving you Flinching, and this battle is over!¡±

    So that¡¯s what¡¯s going on, Gary understood. Right. Then there isn¡¯t much we can do, is there?! Determination surged through his body. ¡°Then we have no other choice but to WIN!! SLAM!!¡±

    Deino ran through the Sandstorm, suffering constant damage, and lunged for Cacturne.

    Cacturne was gone in an instant.

    Deino crashed into the ground, leaping up again quickly.

    ¡°SLAM UNTIL YOU HIT IT!!¡± Gary ordered. ¡°I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT, DEINO!! THIS IS ALL WE CAN DO!!¡±

    Deino attacked again, but Cacturne was gone before Gary had even finished speaking, Deino going for the last spot the Pokemon was in.

    ¡°Your strategy is to just base your hits on luck?¡± Gardenia laughed. ¡°That¡¯s really not gonna get you through my strategy, Gary. You¡¯ll never get anywhere trying to bliiiindly force your way through a match. Especially not against a Gym Leader. Let¡¯s use Drain Punch, Cacturne!¡±

    Yellow spirals surrounded Cacturne¡¯s arm as his arm glowed green before he swung at Deino.

    Yes! ¡°CRUNCH!!¡± Gary demanded.

    Deino went for Crunch, his open jaws glowing. He was socked in the mouth, but he Crunched on the fist, grunting out against the blow!

    Cacturne was wailing out in surprise, shaking his fist, giving up on his attack, but Deino kept a tight grip.

    We can¡¯t let it go, Gary knew. We¡¯ve got a hold of it. There¡¯s no escape! ¡°KEEP A TIGHT GRIP, DEINO! CRUUUUUUUUUUUUNCH!!!¡±

    Deino¡¯s jaws flashed and Crunched harder!

    Cacturne was flailing, trying to break out of the attack.

    ¡°Cacturne, use Pin Missile right now!¡± Gardenia insisted.

    ¡°NO! SLAM IT!!¡±

    Cacturne¡¯s spikes glowed, but Deino flipped his own entire body! Jumping into the air while still gripping Cacturne, Deino flipped, lifting Cacturne into the air and over and around him before finally Slamming him into the ground!

    Cacturne¡¯s spikes fired the attack.

    Deino, still in the air, finally fell, just in time to actually dodge the attack.

    ¡°Now use Dragon Pulse!¡±

    Deino attacked with the move his Trainer instructed.

    Cacturne was already gone!

    You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me! Gary flipped in his head.

    ¡°Not bad, Gary! That was a couple of good tricks! Happy to know you¡¯re not just betting on simple tactics like luck!¡± Gardenia told him.

    But what else can I actually do? Gary wondered. I won¡¯t lose to this thing. Deino can do it!

    ¡°Cacturne, Sucker Punch!¡±

    ¡°Deino, Headbutt!¡±

    Deino stomped towards Cacturne, but Cacturne was already in front of him in the blink of an eye, delivering a punch directly to his face!

    Deino stumbled backwards, his head lowered.

    ¡°GOOOO!!¡± Gary pushed.

    Deino stopped in the sand and then leapt at Cacturne, landing the blow.

    Cacturne¡¯s belly flashed white where he was hit. A Critical Hit! After sliding on the ground, Cacturne was now left Flinching!

    This caused Gardenia to shout out in shock!

    ¡°No escape now! Use Dragon Breath!¡± Gary pointed.

    Deino attacked, causing Cacturne to scream out painfully while leaning backwards.

    ¡°Spiky Shield!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Dragon Pulse!¡±

    Cacturne got down and pulled his knees into his chest, lowering his head.

    Deino used Dragon Pulse.

    The spikes on Cacturne extended, and a round, green shield surrounded him. More green spikes came from the shield and protected Cacturne from the Dragon Pulse.

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll do it again! No time to waste! Dragon Pulse!¡±

    ¡°Spiky Shield again!¡±

    Deino repeated his move.

    Cacturne stayed balled up. But nothing happened! He looked up at Deino and gasped.

    Gardenia gasped at the same time.

    Cacturne was hit by the attack. He tumbled on the ground and stayed still.

    Deino was breathing hard, but so was Cacturne. It was anyone¡¯s match.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let up! Use your Slam and end this already!¡±

    ¡°Cacturne, please use your Sucker Punch!¡±

    Cacturne¡¯s body sparked with yellow as he struggled just to get to his knees.

    Gardenia gasped. ¡°Paralysis!¡±

    ¡°FROM DRAGON BREATH!!¡± Gary remembered, his mouth wide with happiness.

    Deino Slammed right into Cacturne¡¯s chest, toppling the Pokemon over. He stumbled a little past Cacturne and looked back, shaking his head against the storm right as it finally let up.

    Cacturne was laid out, his King¡¯s Rock off of his head.

    Bane¡¯s hand reached out to Gary. ¡°Cacturne is unable to battle!! This match goes to Deino!¡±

    ¡°YEEEES!! DEINO!! That was incredible!! Great job!¡± Gary cheered.

    ¡°VIRE VIRE VIRE!!¡± Electivire pumped his fists into the air repeatedly, thrilled by the win.

    ¡°Booooooooooooooomb!¡± Ribombee wailed out sadly, dipping in the air.

    Bane screamed out in disgust and fright, moving away from the Bug.

    ¡°Oh, Bane, my love,¡± Gardenia giggled.

    Gary was confused and scratched his head, smirking a little, watching Gardenia gush over her ¡°friend.¡± He didn¡¯t have long to dwell on this.

    There was an outcry from a number of creatures in the area, but the amount of voices heard didn¡¯t match the number of Pokemon seen. Suddenly, a couple of Pokemon came from the trees and grass. One was a Tangrowth, but Gary didn¡¯t recognize the second one.

    Serperior. The Regal Pokemon. The final stage of the Unova Starter, Snivy. A Grass type Pokemon. With its glare alone, it ends most any battles or threats. If this is not enough, however, it will use its full strength.

    The big snake and the Tangrowth looked down upon the beaten Cacturne. Serperior then slipped the King¡¯s Rock on its head and left.

    Tangrowth used its many vines to lift Cacturne and followed Serperior.

    ¡°We all take care of each other in this Gym,¡± Gardenia told Gary.

    ¡°That¡¯s really cool, Gardenia.¡±

    She nodded. ¡°Yeah. That Paralysis ended up being my downfall. Great strategy!¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I guess I got a little lucky, though,¡± Gary admitted.

    ¡°Some might think of it that way, but I don¡¯t. Any moves I do with status effects, and any you do, volatile or non-volatile, are all fair game! As a Grass type Gym Leader, I¡¯m very experienced with non-volatile status effects in particular. But enough talk! Next up, I¡¯m going with Victreebel!¡±

    Shrieking so loud, Gary jumped and screamed in fright, a dangerous-looking Pokemon appeared from the trees! It landed in front of Deino and shrieked again.

    Victreebel. The Flycatcher Pokemon. A Grass and Poison type Pokemon, and the evolved form of Weepinbell. It is said that they keep Leaf Stones to evolve their previous forms during secret rituals at night.

    A fully evolved Pokemon. Should I retreat? Maybe even bring out Weepinbell? Maybe... Well, in the meantime... ¡°Deino, let¡¯s get focused! Dragon Pulse!¡±

    Deino attacked right away, hitting Victreebel.

    The Pokemon screeched like crazy and was forced back.

    Man, that voice is annoying! Gary thought. Why does it scream like that?

    ¡°Oh, even enough to move my Victreebel, eh? Really not bad!¡± Gardenia said, impressed.

    ¡°What are you testing me before you make your move even though you¡¯re faster?¡± Gary frowned at her.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to bring out the best in you and see if you deserve my Badge. That¡¯s what Gym Leaders do! But now it¡¯s definitely my turn! Stockpile!¡±

    Victreebel screamed again as its mouth widened and its body glowed purple.

    She¡¯s raising Defenses, Gary recognized. ¡°Use Crunch this time!¡±

    Deino ran for Victreebel.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Gardenia ordered.

    Deino lunged at Cacturne with glowing jaws and... missed! He went right past Victreebel and crashed into the grass!

    ¡°Stockpile again!¡±

    Victreebel repeated the action.

    ¡°We can¡¯t let them do this! Deino, I need you to give this your all! Before that thing¡¯s Defenses are too much!¡± Think, Gary. STRIKE! ¡°CRUNCH!¡±

    Deino leaped at Victreebel and bit into the Pokemon!

    Victreebel was taken down by a Critical Hit!

    ¡°YYYEEEEEEESS!! CRUNCH AGAIN!!¡± A Crit ignores Defense boosts! But we won¡¯t stay so lucky.

    ¡°Stockpile!¡±

    Victreebel was way faster, boosting its Defenses one last time.

    Deino jumped strongly and bit into Victreebel again, keeping a tight grip.

    ¡°Now use Sleep Powder!¡±

    Victreebel caught Deino with ease from how close they were, spraying sparkling blue powder all over him.

    Deino let go of the opponent and stumbled around, looking into the air in a daze.

    ¡°GET OUT OF THERE, DEINO!!¡±

    Deino used Dragon Breath, just trying to clear the air. But he soon moved a lot slower, wearily, and finally fell to his face with exhaustion. Or rather, Sleep.

    ¡°DEINOOOOO!!¡±

    ¡°Now Poison Powder on top of that!¡±

    Victreebel now sent out a sparkling purple powder with green sparkles over Deino.

    This left Deino twitching in pain, his face flushed a dark purple.

    ¡°Now use your Growth!¡± Gardenia continued without missing a beat.

    Light-green energy surrounded Victreebel, and the Pokemon began to look stronger, healthier, and even a little taller.

    ¡°Now Vine Whip it!¡±

    ¡°DEINO WAKE UUUUUP!!¡± Gary pleaded.

    Deino remained Sleeping and was Whipped. He screamed out, waking up!

    ¡°Deino! There you go! Time to fight back!¡±

    ¡°Wrap attack!¡± Gardenia jumped in.

    In the next instant, Deino was Wrapped up, struggling against Victreebel¡¯s vine.

    ¡°Deino!! Use Dragon Pulse!! FIGHT!!¡± Gary insisted.

    Deino blasted out Dragon Pulse, hitting Victreebel!

    But Victreebel maintained its grip, squeezing all it could out of Deino.

    ¡°Deeeinooooooooo!!¡± Suddenly, Deino¡¯s body went limp.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Victreebel¡¯s Wrap let go.

    Deino was dropped and didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Deino is unable to battle! Victreebel wins!¡± the referee ruled, holding out her hand to Gardenia.

    Ribombee, and the entire Gym, cheered out.

    Bane looked around as more Pokemon than normal appeared, and Gary recognized some, like a Butterfree, Pinsir, Paras, Parasect, some Cutiefly, and a pair of Beedrill.

    Beedrill... Gary thought. Beedrill... My old Beedrill...

    In the moment, Gary recalled the awkward trade he had made with the young girl back in Native Village, where his aunt and grandmother lived. The plan was to trade and then trade right back, but after finishing the trade, Team Solace had let loose a suffering Charizard to attack the village, destroying the trade machine, and the girl ran off in fear, leaving him with her Kingdra for his Beedrill.

    The wild Charizard terrorizing Native Village let out a ferocious roar.

    The new Trainer, Drock, standing behind the Charizard, let out a terrified scream and turned to Gary. ¡°JUST KEEP HER!! PLEASE!!¡± Her head shook frantically as she stumbled backwards. ¡°TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER!! I LOVE HER!! PLEASE!! I¡¯M SO SORRY!!¡± She ran away as fast as she could.

    ¡°Electivire.¡±

    Gary shook his head, returning back to the match, and then he turned to Electivire who was staring back. He inhaled shakily and stared back out at the field, spotting the two Beedrill.

    Gary had raised his old Beedrill since he caught it in Viridian Forest as just a Weedle. His third Pokemon ever. The second he had caught himself.

    Gary shook his head. This isn¡¯t the time, he told himself, exhaling. ¡°RETURN!¡± He recalled Deino. ¡°Thank you, man. This isn¡¯t over, though. Keep watch!¡± Let¡¯s see... A Poison and Grass type. Yeah, Charizard has this handled... In fact, I bet even my Weepinbell could take on this and it¡¯d be great for his morale! But my new guys... We can still do this! I need to raise everyone, right? He got his Poke Ball in his hand. ¡°You¡¯re next!¡± He threw the ball.

    ¡°Kirlia!¡± Kirlia spun in place and then stopped in a ballerina pose.

    ¡°Ah, a Psychic type now, huh? Interesting choice! Just remember, you¡¯re half Fairy, too!¡± Gardenia winked.

    ¡°You just keep the Psychic part in mind, Gardenia! PSYCHIC ATTACK!!¡± Gary demanded.

    ¡°Use Sleep Powder!¡± Gardenia countered.

    Victreebel screeched out, spewing out the Sleep Powder.

    Kirlia used Psychic, deflecting the move away and continued straight for Victreebel, harming it and sending it back.

    ¡°Victreebel, use your Razor Leaf, then!¡±

    ¡°Teleport!¡±

    Victrebeel waved its leaves, releasing razor-sharp leaves at Kirlia.

    Kirlia¡¯s Teleport got him around all of them and he remained safe.

    Victreebel¡¯s vine ascended, glowing light green, and the vine swept out for Kirlia.

    ¡°Psychic attack!¡± Gary decided.

    Victreebel¡¯s vine was far quicker and hit Kirlia.

    Kirlia slid on his back. Grunting out, he sat up and his eyes glowed purple.

    Victreebel was surrounded in the same color and held in it as it slowly ascended.

    Kirlia groaned with the effort to keep the opponent up.

    Victreebel yelled out annoyingly, squirming in the attack.

    What seemed like a while passed, Kirlia keeping Victreebel captive.

    Gardenia watching with hard eyes.

    Gary with the look of determination.

    Finally, Kirlia let out his breath with weariness and released Victreebel.

    Victreebel collapsed in a heap. And then got back up! It screamed shrilly with power.

    Man, that voice is annoying... Gary thought with irritation. I have to get rid of this thing, and hope her final Pokemon won¡¯t be so damn loud. ¡°One more Psychic should end this! GO!¡± Gary pointed.

    ¡°Swallow!¡± Gardenia said.

    Victreebell took a big GULP! and sparkling energy rose up its body. Afterwards, it was hit by the Psychic. It slid along the grass from the blow but got up easily.

    ¡°After three Stockpiles, a Swallow fully recovers the health of the user,¡± Gardenia grinned. ¡°So you know what¡¯s next! Stockpile again!¡±

    Victreebel repeated the move, boosting its Defenses once more.

    Gary¡¯s shoulders slumped. This is worse than before with Cacturne, he accepted. If I don¡¯t start thinking, I¡¯m done! But what can I do? Gary racked his brain, trying to make a decision. His eyes widened. Of course! ¡°HYPNOSIS!!¡±

    ¡°Victreebel, Leaf Blade!¡±

    Victreebel¡¯s attack shot out swiftly, taking down Kirlia.

    Gary¡¯s teeth tightened. Please no! he pleaded silently.

    Kirlia was on his back, shivering in pain, his eyes closed and his face scrunched up. He breathed out, raising his head. His eyes opened, glowing blue, and several illusions of his eyes came out for Victreebel.

    ¡°Victreebel!¡± Gardenia cried.

    Hypnosis hit, and Victreebel swayed around in a daze before collapsing, fast Asleep!

    ¡°Kirlia! I¡¯m counting on you right now!¡± Gary¡¯s heart was thumping harder than the police trying to kick down the door to the home of a criminal; louder than gunshots in a gang war! He trembled with the urge to WIN! ¡°You can do this!! Dream Eater!¡±

    ¡°Kirliaaaaaaa!!¡± Kirlia held out his arms. His eyes glowed red, and a shadow-like version of himself came out from his body and hit the Sleeping Victreebel.

    Victreebel jumped, collapsing right after. It was still Asleep!

    ¡°Victreebel! Please! Oh, no! Wake up!¡± Gardenia begged.

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe it! They had practiced it back in Kanto and failed, but it finally worked out when needed! ¡°Take full advantage and use it again, Kirlia!¡±

    Kirlia was looking a lot healthier and he used the move again, further recovering his energy by draining health from the Sleeping Victreebel!

    Victreebel was still Asleep, meaning he was still able to fight.

    ¡°Victreebel!!¡± Gardenia called.

    ¡°KIRLIAAAA!!¡± Gary pointed.

    Kirlia struck yet again.

    Victreebel¡¯s eyes popped open and it shrieked out as it stood up. And finally dropped.

    ¡°Victreebel is unable to battle! Kirlia is the winner of this round!¡± Bane determined, holding out her hand to Gary¡¯s side.

    Gary was cheering, making tight fists in a challenge to stop them from shaking from excitement. They were clenched so hard it hurt, but he refused to relax them. In fact, he didn¡¯t think he could! The pain was only pumping him up even more, and filling his brain and body with the determined, insistent feeling to get the Badge!

    Electivire was grinning big with his huge arms crossed, nodding with approval. ¡°Vire! Vire!¡±

    Ribombee was freaking out Bane with disappointed wails, the other Pokemon of the Gym also showing their sorrow.

    Now, it was Tangrowth again returning to the field, this time accompanied by a different Pokemon.

    It was a beautiful, walking flower of a Pokemon. While Tangrowth carried the body of the fallen Pokemon, the flower wasn¡¯t doing much of a thing to help, only holding up the long, drooping vine which was so long, it still was dragging.

    Lilligant. The Flowering Pokemon. The evolved form of Petilil. A Grass type Pokemon. The effort of care required for a Lilligant¡¯s flower atop their head is extremely difficult and wild ones are said to be unmatched by trained ones, despite even celebrity-level efforts. The aroma the flower emits is said to have relaxing effects on those nearby.

    Lilligant and Tangrowth were soon gone, taking away Victreebel.

    ¡°I gotta say, you put up quite the effort to make it this far! But believe me, Gary. This last one is gonna give you a run for your money!¡± She didn¡¯t say anything further, simply pointing.

    At once, the ground began to quake.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on??¡± Gary yelled out, trying to keep his balance.

    Birds flew off from the tops of a pair of very small trees. Critters ran off the ground that was by those very trees.

    All while those two small trees themselves ascended from the ground! That section of the ground itself was rising, shaking the entire Gym! Soon, a face could be seen, along with four stumps like legs under the rising ground. And after all that, the separated ground was stomping towards Kirlia!

    Kirlia looked stunned, not believing what he was seeing.

    Please, please, please be a Pokemon, Gary pleaded, pointing his Pokedex at the monster.

    Torterra. The Continent Pokemon. The final stage of the Sinnoh Starter, Turtwig. A Grass and Ground type Pokemon. Commensalism is common on the back of this Pokemon, providing stable and secure housing for other creatures to live atop. The ancients believed that beneath the Earth, giant Torterra resided, and their sudden movements caused natural disasters like earthquakes.

    Oh, thank goodness, Gary breathed out in relief, though still stunned at the moving earth. Grass and Ground, did it say? Gardenia¡¯s making sure I earn this damn Badge! But we can do it for sure! ¡°Hypnosis, once more! Let¡¯s finish this!¡±

    ¡°Torterra, Iron Head!¡±

    Torterra moved frighteningly fast, stomping for Kirlia after its forehead was covered in a bright, jagged, shiny pattern!

    Kirlia was using Hypnosis, the several images of his eyes hitting Torterra.

    ¡°TERRRAAAAAAAA!!!¡± Torterra continued charging, ignoring the Hypnosis!

    ¡°Kirlia!! Get out of the way!!¡± Gary shouted, shocked.

    ¡°Kirliaaaaaaaaa!!¡± Kirlia yelled out helplessly.

    ¡°RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!¡± Torterra crashed into Kirlia, sending him flying.

    Kirlia tumbled and ended up flat on his back. ¡°Kirrrlll...¡±

    ¡°Kirlia!! You¡¯re okay! GET UP!!¡± Gary commanded.

    ¡°Kirl...¡± He choked out, sitting up.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°LOOK!¡±

    Gardenia gasped, the referee staring in shock.

    Torterra landed its hit, but now, it was fast Asleep! Hypnosis had gotten through after all!

    ¡°Kirlia! This is it!! Dream Eater right now!!¡±

    Kirlia¡¯s attack got no reaction out of Torterra, who continued snoozing.

    ¡°Torterra, can you hear me? It¡¯s time to get up and strike back!¡± Gardenia called.

    ¡°Not before we attack again! Kirlia, once more!¡±

    Kirlia¡¯s eyes glowed red, a shadow version of himself going for the Grass type.

    ¡°Frenzy Plant!¡± Gardenia exclaimed.

    Torterra¡¯s eyes popped open. They glowed light green, its body glowing green. It ROOOOOOAAARRRRED!!!

    The entire Gym shook powerfully, Gary forced to one knee, one hand also on the ground as he watched.

    Giant roots burst out of the ground like a horror movie. They were all covered in huge spikes and shot out towards Kirlia.

    ¡°KIRLIA TELEPORT!!¡± Gary shouted.

    It was too late. The roots smacked into Kirlia from every angle.

    ¡°Kiiiiiiiiiiirliaaaaaaaaa!!¡± Kirlia flipped through the air violently, crashing to the ground and laying still.

    ¡°Kirlia is unable to battle! Torterra is the winner!¡± Bane nodded, her hand out to Gardenia.

    Gardenia giggled at Bane, her face glowing now as the Pokemon of the Gym celebrated.

    Bane looked back with adoration for the Gym Leader. This ended swiftly as Ribombee floated backwards in front of her face and made her swat outward and then scream out as she fell from her platform.

    ¡°Bane!¡± Gardenia called out, an awkward smile on her face as Bane lifted her head a bit.

    Electivire was grumbling, shaking his lowered head.

    ¡°Kirlia, that was really great work! Take a rest now! Just watch when we win this Badge!¡± Gary said seriously, returning him. Charizard would mow this thing down, but I¡¯m trying to raise my newer guys, he thought as Bane got back to her spot. Who do I have left? Sabrina... Umm...

    If I just go with Weepinbell, I know we¡¯ve got the win. But there¡¯s also one more guy who can fight, who I don¡¯t want to fall out of practice with, and I know this one is one I need to control better than any other Pokemon I own. But is it really wise to bring it out now though? During a Gym match? It¡¯s as unpredictable as they come. Do I need him now? Can I risk it? Can I risk not? He grabbed the Poke Ball. This only benefits us all choosing it. I need everyone to understand how important this journey is for us all. Not just me, but all of us together need to grow. I can¡¯t keep depending on the same guys! Gary pulled his arm back, and while throwing the ball forward, he screamed in his head, We all have to get STRONGERRRR!!

    The ball burst open in the air and sent out his final choice.

    Its separated head spun over its body, and a powerful, deafening screech erupted throughout the building and into the sky.

    Fluttering birds and their accompanying caws passed by in the skies overhead.

    Gardenia, Bane, Gary, Electivire, and all the other Pokemon in the Gym screamed, covered their ears or scrambled about in a frenzy!

    Electivire was sending out zaps of electricity while freaking out and infuriated.

    By the time Porygon-Z went quiet, the entire place was in a daze.

    Gary was groaning on his back, his hands over his ears. ¡°Why do I put myself through this all the time...?¡± he moaned. His eyes moved over the area around him and finally stopped when he saw Porygon-Z. Right in front of his face! Gary screamed, and Porygon-Z screeched again in response to this reaction!

    Everyone was made completely helpless to this shrill, ear-shredding noise.

    I¡¯m not bringing this brat to a battle again! Gary promised. We are done!

    This time, the screeching seemed to be a lot shorter and less stressful.

    Gary was breathing hard but steadily. I¡¯m okay, he knew. I can fight through this. But why does it do this?? I should¡¯ve just stuck with-

    ¡°Gary, what is that?!¡± a voice called out.

    With his sore ears and dizzy head, Gary wasn¡¯t able to tell who was speaking at first. He managed to his knees and looked out wearily, and his eyes landed on Gardenia.

    The Gym Leader was just getting to her feet, still holding the sides of her head. Her eyes were squinted, looking out to Gary. ¡°Is this an actual Screech attack or are you cheating right now?¡±

    ¡°We are not cheating!¡± Gary insisted, getting to his own feet. ¡°Porygon-Z! Enough of the crap already! It¡¯s time to battle!¡±

    Porygon-Z was floating throughout the Gym, greeting a variety of Pokemon! It even went over to the Ribombee that was bothering Bane. But once it noticed Gary was glaring at it, Porygon-Z seemed to focus, no longer having its face in front of a Gloom, and returned to the battle, now staring at the opponent Torterra.

    This is it, Gary repeated. No more after this, Porygon-Z. This warmup thing of yours is too much!

    ¡°Electivirrre!!!¡± Electivire let out shrilly, walking past Gary. His voice might have even cracked, actually, with how high it went. He looked ready to jump into the match and replace Torterra to take on Porygon-Z himself!

    Gary grabbed his arm. ¡°Hey! Come on, man! Please!¡±

    Electivire kept stomping forward, dragging Gary who clung to his arm for his life!

    ¡°This is for my Gym match! Don¡¯t!¡± the boy begged, and Electivire actually stopped. Gary got his footing back. ¡°I need him!¡± Gary was holding back Electivire, taking him backwards one slow step at a time, but he knew the huge brute was able to toss him with a simple flick and was allowing Gary to pull him back, putting up a struggle Gary knew wasn¡¯t even an ounce of his true power. With constant growls from the Pokemon, Gary got them both out of the battlefield. Unable to move the Pokemon back any further, Gary still held on, unsure if he should let go. Scared. ¡°Just let me get this Badge, man. We¡¯re so close.¡±

    ¡°Vire!¡± Electivire gave a sharp shake of his arm, freeing himself. Gary was sure the Pokemon was going to charge into the match, but instead, Electivire took him by surprise, keeping his eyes on the field but walking away, backwards.

    Gary sighed out, watching as Electivire stopped and then crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°I¡¯m gonna fix this, okay? Just trust me.¡± His eyebrows narrowed and he turned to the battle. This may be it for me and Porygon-Z after today, though. He took his spot. ¡°Porygon-Z! The games are over! Win this match! Start with Zap Cannon!!¡±

    Porygon-Z¡¯s body shivered and sparked with yellow electricity before a black and yellow sparking ball appeared in front of it. With a shrill yell, it shot the ball at Torterra.

    It was a perfect hit, landing right in Torterra¡¯s face! But the move did nothing!

    Staring closer now, Gary noticed there were a bunch of Pokemon on the back of Torterra! A Spearow flapped its wings but maintained its position while cawing out sharply, a couple of Ledyba flew off the Pokemon¡¯s back and into the other trees on the field, and other things scampered along its back.

    ¡°Well that was a waste of a move, Gary. You have a whole free turn to weaken us but forgot that Torterra is part Ground. Electric moves do nothing to him!¡± Gardenia informed Gary.

    ¡°Crap!¡± Gary let out. ¡°I did forget!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! And that¡¯s gonna cost you! It¡¯s our turn now! Earthquake!¡±

    Torterra stood on his hind legs and then slammed to the ground.

    As the ground quaked, causing several in the Gym to scream and fall, Gary wondered how this move would hit his floating Pokemon as he himself was taken down to his knees. It doesn¡¯t have any Ability or active move to keep it up, but it¡¯s still in the air, he watched curiously. Did she make a mis-? ¡°HEY!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing!

    Though Porygon-Z was indeed in the air, it looked about itself in confusion and started rocking and tumbling and crying out! It then lowered to the ground and became victim to the Earthquake! Wailing out, it tumbled along the ground.

    ¡°Porygon-Z! What happened??¡±

    ¡°Well, you know, that¡¯s the most interesting thing!¡± Gardenia said cheerfully, her hands on her waist, having kept her balance. ¡°Flying types, Pokemon with the Levitate Ability, and naturally floating Pokemon like Porygon-Z, all have such an interesting relationship with Ground moves! Of the three, the natural floaters are the most susceptible to taking the damage, but can usually avoid it just fine. But in reality, all three just need to be on the ground to take a Ground move like Earthquake! And then there¡¯s the floaters who can fly to get away from Ground moves, but aren¡¯t the Flying type, like Beedrill! Funny, isn¡¯t it?¡± She let out some laughter.

    Getting back to his feet, Gary laughed weakly for only a second, his mind going back to his Beedrill again.

    Bane was laughing now, too. That is until Ribombee started laughing and floating closer to her face, and the woman shivered from her head to her toes, leaning back while squeaking out fright.

    Gary shook his head lightly, but then his eyebrows narrowed. The match! He turned to the battle.

    Porygon-Z was only just getting up from the attack, Torterra watching patiently, not moving.

    ¡°Well it hit. That¡¯s what matters. Porygon-Z, get back up! Let¡¯s do this!¡±

    ¡°Only if you¡¯re quick enough! A Frenzy Plant should end this!¡± Gardenia jumped in.

    ¡°Conversion 2!¡±

    Porygon-Z glowed brightly. Its glowing body separated into separate blocks before coming back together, the glow going away. Now, the Pokemon had a beautiful, very light shade of purple color coating its body!

    Torterra¡¯s Frenzy Plant started, vines bursting through the ground and smacking into Porygon-Z.

    Porygon-Z was taken down but floated back up after a moment, shivering for a couple of seconds.

    ¡°Oh, no! It¡¯s changed type! Is that Poison?? No. It¡¯s Flying, isn¡¯t it?¡± Gardenia looked frustrated.

    Awesome! Gary smiled, amazed. So it became Flying. This move is so cool! Even an experienced Trainer like Gardenia is gonna have difficulty battling such a rare Pokemon with such a rare move. This is exactly why I needed Porygon-Z! This is the experience I need, as its owner! To be a true Pokemon Master! And on that note! ¡°Conversion 2 again!¡±

    Porygon-Z used the move again, and when it was rebuilt it was now wearing a green coating!

    Gardenia gasped, her hands to her cheeks. After letting out a shrill scream while seeming to float in the air like a fairy, her face glowing with a delighted smile and her happy fists by her twinkling eyes, she squealed out, ¡°And now it¡¯s a Grass type!¡±

    Gary was racking his brain, trying to think of what his next move should be. His eyes widened while he was thinking.

    Porygon-Z floated as patiently as ever.

    Torterra looked back to his Trainer!

    She¡¯s stuck, just like me! Gary realized. Screw it! Just attack!! ¡°Use Tri Attack!!¡±

    There were three dots that appeared, making the ends of a triangle. One was red, another yellow, and the last one blue. They appeared around Porygon-Z¡¯s head. A transparent, white triangle appeared, connected by the dots. Porygon-Z shouted, and the attack flew for Torterra.

    ¡°Torterra!!¡± Gardenia called out as her Pokemon was hit.

    Torterra roared out, sliding backwards and settling down weakly.

    Doesn¡¯t look like any Status effects occurred, Gary noted. And as a Grass type, there was no STAB, either. So what¡¯s next? Um... Conversion does... Screw it, Conversion 2 changes based on... Uh... Shit! I can¡¯t remember!

    ¡°Torterra, use Crunch!!¡±

    ¡°TORTERRRAAAAAA!!¡± Torterra¡¯s jaws glowed as he stomped for Porygon-Z.

    ¡°Conversion 2!¡± Gary blurted out. I hope it does what I need it to. I can¡¯t remember right now!

    Porygon-Z now went a much lighter shade of green. It then wailed out as Torterra¡¯s Crunch landed. It was released and hit the ground weakly.

    What is it now? Gary wondered. It¡¯s a much lighter color, but that¡¯s green, right?

    ¡°So Porygon-Z has gone yellow-green...¡± Gardenia was squinting with interest. ¡°It has to be the Bug type, now! Boy, this sure is a mind workout, huh, kid?¡± She laughed.

    It sure is, Gary kept to himself, his face flinching back and forth, in and out of a sneer at his Pokemon. This is downright annoying! I have no idea what I¡¯m doing, really! He pulled out his Pokedex. ¡°Porygon-Z, Recover!¡± I need more time to think!

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll just use Crunch again!¡±

    Conversion. This Normal type move changes the user¡¯s type to the type of one of the user¡¯s specific moves, unless the user¡¯s type is the same as the selected move.

    That¡¯s right! Gary remembered now.

    Porygon-Z glowed bright gold as it recovered health. But it screamed out again as it was Crunched on by Torterra. Now weakened again on the ground, Porygon-Z started crying! Like a complete baby, its appendages flapped around, smacking at the ground, and its head even collapsed as it whined, wailed, and made absolutely maddening noises!

    Gary was so embarrassed and infuriated beyond rage, and wanted to just cry himself! Why now?! Not during my Gym battle!! His eyes teared up. He blinked. No. ¡°NO!¡± Gary ordered. If I lose it, my Pokemon won¡¯t be able to fare any better! ¡°We do this together, Porygon-Z!¡± his voice cracked. Get yourself together, Gary! he scolded himself. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid!¡± he spoke strongly. ¡°I know it¡¯s a little scary, but don¡¯t let the changes get to you! Let¡¯s figure this out together and pull off this win! Porygon-Z, GET UP!!¡±

    Porygon-Z¡¯s crying lessened significantly.

    ¡°This is truly the most cutest thing!¡± Gardenia gushed. ¡°I hate to make this any worse, but I won¡¯t lose to cuteness! Go for Crunch again!¡±

    Oh, no! Gary watched as Torterra went for his Pokemon with glowing jaws. Tri Attack? We¡¯re not Normal! It¡¯s not as useful! Gary shouted internally. But-!

    Torterra was getting closer!

    ¡°Porygon-Z! Conversion 2! QUICK!¡± Gary knew in his heart and mind that he was going for a desperation move, but he also knew that he was throwing off the Gym Leader! Or so he hoped!

    Porygon-Z was off the ground in an instant and was transforming, changing its type. Now, it was a very light-pink color!

    Torterra¡¯s Dark type Crunch did little to Porygon-Z.

    Gary¡¯s Pokemon just floated above, looking down at Torterra, twitching and maneuvering oddly.

    Gardenia let out an aggravated grunt, baring her teeth.

    This made Gary smile big, watching her.

    ¡°Fairy? Fine! Iron Head, now!!¡± Gardenia responded to the change.

    Torterra¡¯s forehead glowed brightly with a jagged, bright, shiny shape in front of it.

    Gary¡¯s smile vanished and he focused again on the match. ¡°Use Agility, Porygon-Z!¡±

    With a whine, Gary¡¯s Pokemon moved around the field, letting out a happy yell as if it were on a ride at an amusement park.

    Torterra¡¯s Iron Head missed by a mere second!

    Gardenia laughed so cutely, delighted. ¡°It¡¯s having fun!!¡± she pointed at Porygon-Z.

    Gary rolled his eyes, his body trembling. ¡°Way too close, Gary,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Recover again!¡±

    Porygon-Z stopped and used Recover, healing itself some more.

    ¡°That will only get you but so far! Iron Head, Torterra!¡±

    They¡¯re not letting up! We need to end this, now! Gary knew. I tried my best, but with all my practicing and studying, I still didn¡¯t prepare enough! This could cost us! ¡°Keep moving!¡± I need to create space and take our best shot.

    Porygon-Z was avoiding move after move from Torterra, originally outspeeding him naturally, but now overwhelmingly too quick.

    ¡°Recover!¡± Gary repeated.

    His Pokemon glowed as it circled around and came to a stop behind the large Pokemon.

    ¡°Easy... Easy...¡± Gardenia spoke gently.

    Torterra stopped moving as he faced Porygon-Z.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Porygon-Z look out!¡±

    Porygon-Z¡¯s glow went away as it got closer to Torterra¡¯s face.

    ¡°Now CRUNCH!!¡± Gardenia pointed.

    This startled all Pokemon and people in the Gym, Torterra lunging forward and gripping Porygon-Z with Crunch! He then released his victim.

    Porygon-Z cried out and tumbled on the ground. Its light-pink body now flashed blue for a moment.

    ¡°That¡¯s it! Lowered Defense! Just what I was hoping for!¡± Gardenia sounded excited. ¡°End this match here! Iron Head!!¡±

    ¡°Porygon-Z!¡± Gary held out his Pokedex. His eyes focused on what he was seeing.

    Torterra leaped to deliver the attack, coming down upon Porygon-Z.

    Porygon-Z cried out helplessly.

    ¡°TAKE THE HIT PORYGON-Z!!¡±

    Electivire jumped, startled by the order.

    Gardenia gasped, squinting at the boy. ¡°What??¡±

    ¡°Aim a Shadow Ball at his stomach!!¡±

    A black and purple ball surrounded by black static formed in front of Porygon-Z right when Torterra connected using Iron Head.

    Torterra roared out and slid backwards on his feet as he was hit, too. His body then glowed blue!

    No way! We got the drop! Gary smiled. The Special Defense drop! ¡°Porygon-Z! PLEASE!!¡± Signal Beam is Bug, but doesn¡¯t Ground resist that? I can¡¯t remember!

    Torterra shook his head.

    Porygon-Z remained down.

    ¡°NO!! SH-SIGNAL BEAM!!¡±

    Porygon-Z stirred.

    ¡°It¡¯s still able to fight!¡± Gardenia gasped, turning to Bane for a second.

    A light-blue ball appeared in front of Porygon-Z''s head. Still on the ground, Porygon-Z tilted its head towards Torterra and let loose a rainbow-colored beam.

    ¡°TERRRRRR!¡± Torterra slid back some more but remained standing, rising up the dirt he slid through. He then stumbled and fell over.

    Porygon-Z floated up into the air, twisting, leaning, and turning around, keeping its gaze on Torterra.

    ¡°It can¡¯t take this! Especially not with a lowered Defense! Wood Hammer! Bring it down!¡± Gardenia reached out desperately.

    Wood Hammer... Gary thought.

    Torterra¡¯s body was outlined in a light-green aura and, almost magically, a huge stump appeared over the Pokemon, about half the size of Torterra himself, and also outlined in light-green. The stump came down for Porygon-Z!

    So many Grass moves... Gary smiled and took in a deep breath, betting everything on his next words. ¡°Add Conversion, too!¡±

    Porygon-Z started to glow, and then it was hit, a cloud of dust rising as the Pokemon was smashed into the ground.

    Everyone watched in awe and discomfort.

    ¡°Electivire...¡± Electivire looked at Gary suspiciously, one eye more open than the other, an invisible eyebrow raised.

    ¡°Gary! Did you get confused by how Conversion 2 works?¡± Gardenia called out. ¡°You were faster! You did the move before we hit you. You took a Steel type move last! So... Wait - I think I¡¯m getting confused myself!¡± she now was chuckling with her eyes cutely closed, her face getting red with embarrassment. ¡°I mean, either way, you couldn¡¯t possibly survive a physical move that powerful with a lowered De-¡± Gardenia stopped talking, her face showing she couldn¡¯t believe her eyes.

    It was a rather incredible sight to see!

    Porygon-Z, now Bug-green again, was forcing itself against the Wood Hammer that had forced it down!

    ¡°THERE¡¯S NO WAY!!¡± Gardenia looked back and forth between Gary and the two Pokemon battling. ¡°HOW??¡±

    ¡°I never said Conversion 2, Gardenia. I said Conversion, also,¡± the boy winked.

    Gardenia looked confused for a moment, but a smile finally crossed her face. She let out a single, weak laugh. ¡°You have got to be kidding me.¡±

    ¡°Signal Beam again!¡±

    Porygon-Z launched the move once more.

    Torterra fell back and dropped. His eyes were closed tight.

    ¡°Then use Crunch!¡± Gardenia was starting to look desperate.

    ¡°Signal Beam, Porygon-Z!¡±

    Torterra¡¯s eyes opened. They were glowing red. Torterra was Confused!

    Porygon-Z launched its Signal Beam, forcing Torterra back so far, Gardenia was able to reach out and she touched his back.

    ¡°Torterra! Oh, no! You¡¯re Confused!¡± She pulled her hand back quickly.

    ¡°TOOOOOOOOORRRRR!¡± Torterra raged, standing and waving his head wildly. He then charged forth, heading for Porygon-Z.

    Gary froze, along with Porygon-Z. Now what??

    ¡°Electivire!!¡± Electivire shouted.

    Torterra made a turn out of nowhere. ¡°TERRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!¡± He slammed right into a tree! Groaning, he stumbled backwards, his eyes tight. ¡°Terra... Toooorrr...¡±

    ¡°Signal Beam!¡± Gary jumped at the chance as Torterra had just hurt himself in his Confusion.

    Porygon-Z yelled out and blasted at Torterra again.

    ¡°TERRAAAAAAAAAA!!!¡± Torterra fell hard, ending up on his side. He then fell flat on his stomach.

    ¡°Torterra is unable to battle!¡± Bane pointed out to Gary and Porygon-Z. ¡°Porygon-Z is the winner!¡±

    Gardenia turned to her, her mouth hanging open.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Bane winked, ¡°but Gary is the winner!!¡± She turned to Gary with a huge smile.

    ¡°YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!¡± Gary let out at the top of his lungs, matching with the mournful wailing of the Pokemon of the Gym, and he ran onto the field, leaping towards his Pokemon as it flew into him. Landing on his feet, he kept Porygon-Z in his arms. ¡°I... I can¡¯t...¡± Gary was crying. He could hardly speak!

    ¡°That¡¯s some bond you¡¯ve got with that Pokemon, kid.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary looked up to see that Gardenia had walked onto the field.

    She smiled at him. ¡°You said, Conversion, too. Sure. But your Pokemon knew what you were trying to say. Rather than using Conversion 2,¡± she held up two fingers, ¡°it did Conversion.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for it to be so confusing. It honestly was just an accident! I shouldn¡¯t have said, ¡®too.¡¯ That could have been a total failure and a loss. I was betting on a lot during that match. I was learning, and-¡± Gary stopped talking.

    ¡°You were testing me, too,¡± Gardenia spoke. She walked over and stopped right in front of him. ¡°You took a huge chance and tested an actual Gym Leader, and I failed. I should have known better. I thank you, Gary. You surpassed me in a few ways that I never saw coming.¡±

    ¡°No! I just got lucky, Gardenia!¡± Gary insisted, shocked by her words. ¡°I hardly knew what I was doing if I¡¯m honest right now.¡±

    ¡°And yet,¡± Gardenia held out an object she kept in her hand.

    It looked like three diamond-shaped, green objects connected to each other. The biggest of the three shapes was in between the other two that matched in size. Each shape was outlined in silver, with a spear of silver coming up from the underside and stopping in the middle of the green.

    ¡°The Forest Badge is more than deserved by you and your beautiful team of friends,¡± Gardenia spoke. ¡°You earned this, Gary. You two have the best connection between a Pokemon and their Trainer that I¡¯ve seen in a long time!¡±

    ¡°But you and your entire Gym have a connection unheard of, Gardenia!¡± Gary insisted, not sure how he felt about taking this Badge. He knew he earned it, but he couldn¡¯t downplay how lucky he had gotten by pulling a bunch of tricks he barely understood, himself.

    ¡°And that¡¯s why I said you two have a great connection. Two.¡± She raised two fingers on the hand still holding the Badge. ¡°Not, also.¡± She gave a wink and giggled.

    Gary felt like rolling his eyes. I think this joke has gone far enough. He ended up laughing in the moment. Then, he took the Badge from her and smiled as it sat upon his palm. ¡°Yeah. Me and all of my friends!¡± He grabbed his Poke Balls from his waist, sending out his Pokemon.

    Charizard roared, extending his wings and shooting fire into the air.

    Kirlia appeared, taking a ballerina-like pose.

    Weepinbell bounced in place and seemed to happily take in the forest.

    Deino appeared but sat down quickly after, still tired.

    Sabrina cawed out strongly and then came down to stand.

    Gary held the new Badge high in the air. ¡°Our fourth Badge, everyone! The Forest Badge! WE DID IT!!¡±

    All of Gary¡¯s Pokemon cheered.

    Even Electivire was nodding while mumbling to himself with his eyes closed, his large arms crossed over his chest.

    A Pokemon appeared from the trees, along with a Tangrowth. This new Pokemon was maybe a foot shorter than Tangrowth. They both helped Torterra up and escorted him off, away from the field and into the trees.

    ¡°Oh, Meganium!¡± Gardenia laughed.

    Gary wasn¡¯t sure why she was laughing, but he pulled out his Pokedex to scan the Pokemon that was new to him. But he wasn¡¯t listening to what it was saying.

    Rather, he was thinking about what Gardenia had told him earlier.

    Questioning just how close he and Porygon-Z really were.

    And the true answer to that affecting exactly what happened during Conversion 2.

    Versus Conversion, too.

 Negative Feedback

    ¡°Hey mom,¡± Gary spoke quickly, smiling.

    After letting out a little sigh, his mother nodded. ¡°Hey.¡± She looked very tired, but also fairly pleasant compared to how she usually was.

    Gary wondered how long this calm would last. ¡°I just got my fourth Badge, I own new Pokemon, and I¡¯m headed out as soon as I figure out the fifth Gym. And I just wanted you to know I¡¯m fine and have been staying out of trouble.¡± Sort of, Gary kept to himself. Right? I haven¡¯t done anything wild and crazy. Not like, since Isaac...

    His mother breathed impatiently out of her nose. ¡°Great. Glad to hear you¡¯re alive. Clearly, so am I.¡± She snickered lightly.

    Gary nodded. She looks so stressed, Gary saw. Tired. I really am driving her crazy. Killing... her... ¡°No news on June, yet.¡± He swallowed.

    His mother nodded. ¡°Okay,¡± she replied simply.

    It¡¯s like she doesn¡¯t even care... Truly, why do I keep contacting her? We have nothing to say to each other.

    ¡°Your grandmother hasn¡¯t been doing too well, lately,¡± Gary¡¯s mom spoke.

    Gary gasped loudly in the Pokemon Center. ¡°What do you mean??¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s been having issues with her knees, that¡¯s all. Your aunt took her to the hospital a couple of days ago.¡±

    ¡°Is she okay?¡±

    She nodded. ¡°She may need surgery at a later time, but she was released and your aunt will stay with her at her place for a bit to make sure she¡¯s alright.¡±

    ¡°Okay, good.¡± Gary let out a breath, grateful it wasn¡¯t anything more serious.

    The silence returned for them.

    Well, I guess that¡¯s it, Gary thought. What else is there to say, now? Still, he waited a moment longer.

    His mother also remained silent. Until, ¡°How many of those things do you own now, anyway?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary didn¡¯t understand what had been asked. She can¡¯t be talking about my Pokemon, right?

    ¡°Your Pokemon. How many have you caught now? A thousand, yet? Are there more?¡±

    Gary couldn¡¯t keep in the laugh that jumped out. ¡°You care?¡± He laughed some more.

    ¡°No, but it is your life now, right? I really hate it, but there¡¯s nothing else to talk about. I might as well ask.¡± She was smirking at him.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m far from a thousand, but I definitely did promise I¡¯d catch ¡®em all, right? All one thousand. Or more, even! Whatever is out there! I promised you that, mom.¡±

    ¡°I wish you¡¯d made a different promise to me instead, Gary.¡± Her smirk was now gone, her face serious. ¡°You can catch all the Pokemon, get all the Badges, and beat all the Trainers in the world, and I won¡¯t be happy until it¡¯s all over, for good. But you just won¡¯t let it stop.¡± She inhaled shakily.

    Gary inhaled as well, his eyes watering.

    His mother sniffled and wiped at her eyes. Sniffling again, she asked, ¡°Are you happy?¡±

    Gary blinked as air left his body. He nodded while thinking about his journey. In other words, he nodded before he had settled on an answer. He nodded, but he had other thoughts about how he should answer that question. And he knew that the fact that he even had to dwell on it bothered him more than anything, so he just nodded some more, quickly. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m happy that I¡¯m alive. That I¡¯m here. That I can help others, and carry on the legacy of my sister. I can help discover the mysteries this world is hiding. I can make it a better place. Did you hear, by the way? Team Solace? They¡¯re dead! It¡¯s all over. The leader is done. All their evil and spreading terror is done!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mom nodded, closing her eyes. ¡°I am glad.¡±

    ¡°I knew it! I knew you didn¡¯t really support those creeps!¡± Gary let out happily.

    Opening her eyes, she responded, ¡°I¡¯m just glad your life won¡¯t be in danger of them trying to clean up the world.¡±

    ¡°What??¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe what she had just said.

    She shook her head. ¡°They were just trying to help. And their methods went too far sometimes, putting people¡¯s lives at risk. But I personally believe that they were good people. But, at least with them gone, they won¡¯t cause as much chaos. But, that only leaves the Pokemon to reign again. It just will never end.¡±

    Gary swallowed and then shook his head as he opened his mouth to speak. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re still like this. The words never came out. It¡¯s like Kiwi said after all, he thought. Isaac being dead hasn¡¯t killed the ideology off at all. And with that monster still around, it only confuses things further on what side to choose. For some people, anyway...

    Gary¡¯s mom sighed again. ¡°So.¡± She stared at her son tiredly. ¡°How many Pokemon do you have?¡±

    *

    ¡°In the Sinnoh region you¡¯ve captured twenty Pokemon so far. Altogether, you...¡± Kiwi paused, her eyes lowering from behind her blue-tinted glasses as she focused on something. ¡°You¡¯ve captured sixty-seven Pokemon in total since you began.¡± Her lowered eyes rose up to Gary again.

    Gary¡¯s own eyes lowered and then he closed them and nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Gary.¡±

    Gary looked up quickly and he squinted at her. ¡°For what? It¡¯s not a big deal, you know? Just tell me what I¡¯ve captured. It¡¯s fine. Losing a Pokemon doesn¡¯t take away the fact that you once owned it. Right?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kiwi responded.

    ¡°If anything, I was lying to myself all this time. Counting her out as if I never caught her. Mentally removing a number off from my total count. But, no more. It¡¯s a dishonor to her service on my team. And why she was there. Absol protected me. She died saving my life. It was wrong of me to-¡± He inhaled shakily, his heart beating rapidly. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have kept that hidden. I was lying to myself. I wasn¡¯t ready to handle remembering her. But I have to. In total, I¡¯ve captured sixty-seven Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°And Aly has one hundred and thirty and Rob has one hundred and five,¡± Kiwi brought up.

    Gary¡¯s body was stiff, and then wavered weakly, his face fallen.

    ¡°As usual, you¡¯re behind.¡±

    Gary was usually strong, especially around his friends. But now, he would have fallen to his face if he weren¡¯t in his chair. Instead, his head collapsed onto the keyboard. Several pings and chimes from his collision jolted him back up with a start, but seeing Kiwi, he felt sad again. He lowered his head in shame. ¡°You¡¯re doing a great job as a fill-in for Prof. Oak...¡± Gary grumbled.

    ¡°You¡¯re trying hard. Get a Poke Radar from my Aide when you reach seventy original Pokemon species.¡±

    ¡°What??¡± Gary looked up sharply.

    ¡°Work harder and capture seventy original Pokemon species. Afterwards, one of my Aides in Sinnoh will find you and give you something that might help make capturing even easier.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? How?¡±

    ¡°I have a couple of Aides in the Sinnoh region doing research for me. You have sixty-one original Pokemon right now. If you can just get to nine more, I¡¯ll let you have the Poke Radar. It¡¯s a device that will help you find rarer Pokemon. I¡¯m sure it will come in handy for you.¡±

    For ¡°me?¡± Gary thought sadly. ¡°Do Aly and Rob have one...?¡± he asked hesitantly.

    ¡°I only have one to give. If not, I wouldn¡¯t treat you any differently,¡± Kiwi answered without hesitating, staring hard at Gary.

    ¡°Yeah. Like Prof. Oak¡¯s book, right?¡± Gary said moodily.

    Kiwi breathed out, cocking her head and tilting her mouth. ¡°Gary.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m just a little mad right now. All these Pokemon I now own, and have to raise. I didn¡¯t even catch them all myself. Melissa got me maybe half of them.¡± Gary stopped talking, slowly shaking his head as he stared down at the keyboard. ¡°What have I really been doing that I¡¯ve fallen so far behind my friends...?¡±

    ¡°Aly is still on her third Badge. She¡¯s having trouble with the Steel Gym Leader, Byron, in Canalave City,¡± Kiwi brought up.

    ¡°No way,¡± Gary muttered.

    ¡°And Rob got his second Badge from Byron¡¯s son, Roark, in Oreburgh City. You¡¯re in the lead, Gary. How can you possibly be behind? You''re doing just fine.¡±

    ¡°But-!¡±

    ¡°Not everyone¡¯s goal, or even talent, is to capture a ton of Pokemon. And it makes the responsibility as a Trainer to raise them all, that much harder. You could possibly be the strongest in the team.¡±

    ¡°But I lost to Aly in the Indigo League!¡±

    ¡°I never said you were unstoppable. What I¡¯m saying is, don¡¯t let one thing hold you back from acknowledging your other achievements. Don¡¯t chase those behind you in one field, when you¡¯re leading in another. You¡¯re you. Do this your way and figure out how to learn from others. But don¡¯t let the urge to be the best at everything become an obsession and lead you into last place in all categories.¡±

    Gary nodded, narrowing his eyebrows. ¡°Right! I won¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Kiwi said. ¡°Now stop moping and get back in the game!¡±

    ¡°I never left! I¡¯m here!¡± Gary smiled determinedly.

    ¡°I¡¯m really glad Porygon-Z was a help for you,¡± Kiwi added. ¡°I miss it a lot. He was really fun to have around the Lab.¡±

    ¡°Really? Doesn¡¯t it scream and act crazy?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s funny. Prof. Sketchit and Prof. Oak actually did seem to have some issues with it at first,¡± Kiwi admitted. ¡°It would do wild, crazy things, jump into the computers and play pranks like scaring people from other regions who were friends with Prof. Oak, and destroy very important files; but not longer after I got back to Pallet Town and stayed with Prof. Oak and Prof. Sketchit, we really took to each other, and had a great relationship! When you took it away I was kinda sad. He was a great help in some ways. He behaved and everything.¡±

    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s pretty cool! It¡¯s been kind of a nuisance for me! Ha ha ha!¡±

    Kiwi smiled, nodding. ¡°I mean, work for Prof. Sketchit got a lot easier, at least. Maybe you¡¯ll see him around for a change.¡±

    ¡°Ha. Say, has there been any word on Prof. Cynthia?¡±

    Kiwi looked sadly at Gary and then shook her head. ¡°No. At this point it¡¯s becoming a true concern, now. Everyone is aware of the situation, except you, as usual.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I¡¯ve been working so hard on-!¡± Gary tried to argue.

    ¡°Rumors are spreading so, since you live under a rock, try not to believe too much about what you hear online. Honestly...¡± Her eyes lowered. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to think about this, either. This isn¡¯t like Prof. Cynthia. Not at all. I¡¯m... really concerned. A lot of people are. But, she was the Champion. She¡¯s powerful. Many think she must be okay. It¡¯s even going around that she may have even been kidnapped.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s terrifying. But no one has made a ransom?¡±

    Kiwi shook her head. She looked up at Gary and said, ¡°Just keep your focus on your journey. Like I said, don¡¯t fall off. Rob got his second Badge from Roark, and he told me he¡¯s coming to Eterna to get his next Badge. He¡¯s catching up. You can¡¯t get distracted.¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t. I¡¯m headed to...¡± Gary thought for a second. ¡°Um... I can¡¯t remember. There¡¯s been a lot of changes to this region, but especially geographically since Team Solace destroyed Mt. Coronet.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I would have said Hearthome City was the closest Gym from Eterna, but the beauty, Fantina, retired to become a Top Coordinator instead.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Gary nodded. ¡°I was going to go for Snowpoint City, but apparently it¡¯s a whole snow terrain that¡¯s very difficult to travel through and I¡¯m really trying to strengthen some of my newer guys up before making such a journey.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s considerate of you.¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah. It looks like Sunyshore City is the furthest Gym, so I¡¯ll head there last, I guess. Save Snowpoint for my seventh or something. But that also depends on where the Sinnoh League will take place.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kiwi nodded. ¡°Isn¡¯t Daint City near you? The Fairy type Gym?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s where I was going to!¡± Gary now remembered. ¡°Daint City! The Fairies! Yeah. It¡¯s said to be in a hard to reach location in the woods. Might be a great time to change over some Pokemon, actually... Say, how¡¯s Hoothoot been??¡±

    ¡°Hey! Kid! Team Solace is on the news! Check it out!¡± a voice called out.

    ¡°Huh??¡± Gary jumped and turned back to see a man in a black suit waving at him! He squinted in confusion, not recognizing the guy. ¡°OH!¡± Gary¡¯s shoulder was hit!

    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± another man in a gray suit yelled, looking back at Gary briefly and reaching the first man.

    ¡°Come on, Kid! They just got on!¡± The man was speaking to a guy who must have been named Kid!

    When the first man¡¯s initial words finally sunk in, Gary shook his head and leaped to his feet! Team Solace?! Wait! It can¡¯t be! They¡¯re back?!

    A crowd was already gathering in the lobby as more calls and yells rang through the building, out the doors, and through the city.

    Gary focused on the hanging flat-screen TV as more people piled in, his eyes and mouth huge with horror.

    On the screen was a shaky, low-quality image of a man.

    Gary squinted, a ringing of familiarity going off in his head.

    The man adjusted the black tie on his all-white suit, standing in clean, shiny white shoes. His chest was strong and protruding, his hair looking freshly cut. He was a really good-looking man. But the situation was anything but. He opened his arms with a smile. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen! Please. I kindly ask you to refer to me as Ray. I can all but hear the shouts and yells of you all trying to alert your friends and call your families to turn on their televisions and radios. Yes. But time is of the essence, whatever that means. Am I right?¡± He laughed, leaning his head back.

    ¡°Oh, my!¡± Nurse Joy had gasped, her hands clasped together at her chest.

    She had a Blissey at her side with the same frightened position.

    Ray adjusted his tie again.

    Ray... Gary kept to himself, struggling to jog his memory about the man. Who is he...?

    ¡°Fear not, supporters of Team Solace. Our organization is now under my control after the passing of our great leader, Isaac. But it has fallen into my care, at the insistence, of Issac! I say, it was Isaac¡¯s wish, that I continue the intended goals of Team Solace, as if he were still in command. And that I shall do! And should my demise come, many, many more are lined up to continue our, Team Solace¡¯s, ultimate war! The attacks shall continue, and that demon Pokemon who still runs free, aided now by Legendary Pokemon, as we all saw in Canalave City, will be beheaded! Nothing has changed. Isaac died, for the truth you all have witnessed! There was once confusion as to what this monster is, but NOW! NOW we see that Pokemon are our enemies, and the Legendary and Mythical Legendaries have come to announce who they side with. Humans are helpless against such forces, but Team Solace is here to stop this opposition no matter what, for the future of human life prospering!¡± He stopped, smiling even more sinisterly. ¡°And if you¡¯re listening, child... If my young friend out there happens to get this message... Don¡¯t forget. My offer stands. I know you¡¯re still out there. Join us, my boy. Team Solace still stands.¡±

    The view went completely gray with static before giving out to a newsroom. Two news reporters, the man in a black suit, the woman in a white dress, were looking out from the screen in complete shock, silent as worms. They looked to each other before turning back right before the screen went blank. The black words PLEASE STAND BY were now all that was on the white screen.

    The entire building was quiet, but there were cries and noises from outside.

    ¡°I told you,¡± someone muttered. ¡°I told you,¡± the man now spoke a little louder, a southern accent getting more recognizable the more he spoke, his voice also getting more frantic. It was an old black male with balding, gray hair. ¡°I told you all that Pokemon were evil. And Team Solace has proved it. They won¡¯t stop, because these damned evil monsters won¡¯t, neither! They are Monsters. Pocket Monsters. Better yet, it fits better that they¡¯re Pocket Demons if ya ask me! That evil woman Pokemon is the ruler of them all! The Devil is a woman, I tells ya!¡±

    This caused more talks throughout the building, and some people started looking around. Some eyes even stopped on Gary, which resulted in more eyes on the child.

    ¡°It sounds like you need to get out of there, Gary,¡± Kiwi told him. ¡°Maybe call me on that cell phone you¡¯ve got. If you get out of this alive.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch. Stand by for a couple of transfers.¡±

    ¡°As long as Deino isn¡¯t gonna be sent back to me with a hole in his mouth,¡± Kiwi shot at him, leering coldy.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Gary cried, hurt by her words before the call disconnected, Kiwi hanging up on him. With a growl, he slammed the receiver down. ¡°Come on, Kiwi... Not now,¡± Gary grumbled irritably and turned, focusing on a lot of adults glaring at him now. He sneered right back at them, silently daring them to make the wrong move.

    Suddenly, he froze, his face full of shock, and he let out a loud gasp as he remembered exactly who Ray was.

    *

    Things are only getting worse, Gary thought. Far worse... Team Solace is back after all, and ran by none other than Ray. That creep I met in Celadon City when I was arrested and taken in for suspicion of kidnapping June back in Kanto. He had been in custody for some kind of Pokemon murder accusation and we happened to end up in the same cell. So. Who was he speaking to? A boy, he had said. A boy that he made an offer to. Someone he hoped was listening. He couldn¡¯t possibly have meant... me? There¡¯s no way.

    Gary had managed to make his way out of the crowded Pokemon Center and leave Eterna City, now walking through the woods, trying to make his way through Route 211.

    His Pokedex promised this would get him to Daint City, where the Fairy Gym was. The problem was, the Pokedex kept changing direction, saying to go one way, and changing up and saying it was a different way Gary had just passed, the locator then popping up in a different spot!

    This must be why no one finds this place! Gary complained to himself. What¡¯s wrong with this thing? He shook the Pokedex angrily.

    ¡°Electivire! Vire!¡± Electivire sent out a blast of lightning at something ahead.

    ¡°Hoooooooot!¡± Hoothoot cried out, flapping his wings in a panic, smacking Gary several times in the head.

    Gary yelled out and swung his arms out wildly in return before falling to the ground.

    The new creature Electivire attacked landed on the ground in front of them.

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Gary leaped up and stared down at a Pokemon. He grabbed up a Great Ball and threw it. ¡°A Machop!¡±

    The Great Ball took in the Machop and after a few shakes, stopped, the Pokemon caught, and it was sent off to Prof. Sketchit.

    Gary let out a happy breath. ¡°Just eight more to go, eh, Kiwi?¡± he said to himself, smiling slightly. Then, he turned to Electivire and frowned. ¡°I guess you¡¯re itching to battle, huh? Attacking on your own.¡±

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Electivire¡¯s eyes widened and he smiled big.

    ¡°Hoooothooooooooot!¡± Hoothoot called out, resting on Gary¡¯s right shoulder. ¡°Hooooot!¡±

    The Owl flapped his wings and Gary was rocked by the weight but kept himself standing. ¡°I¡¯ve got it, I¡¯ve got it,¡± he smiled at him. Just looking at his old friend made him feel so nostalgic. Like he was back in Kanto with him again. What a waste to have two Hoothoot, though, Gary kept to himself. Nothing can compare to my old friend, here.

    Hoothoot settled down some, going quiet.

    ¡°Okay, then how about we test out our newest guy, Onix! GO!¡± Gary sent out the towering Rock and Ground type Pokemon.

    Onix roared powerfully.

    Electivire looked up at the intimidating Pokemon without the slightest sign of nervousness.

    He¡¯s at a pretty great level, and his Nature is enough, I guess. Honestly all the Stats on Onix except for Defense are pretty bad. But Lax is fine. He and Magneton had a great fight. ¡°Onix, let¡¯s start with Earthquake!¡±

    With a roar, Onix¡¯s tail rose and collided with the ground.

    ¡°VIRE!¡± Electivire stumbled backwards but then bent his knees, grinning with his eyes on the Onix.

    Gary was down to one knee by now. He¡¯s not fazed at all, Gary sneered. ¡°Onix, Wrap!¡±

    Onix slid along the ground to Electivire and wrapped his body around him, squeezing hard.

    ¡°Electiviiiiire,¡± Electivire grunted.

    Got him. Thinking this, Gary kept a stern face, expecting the worst.

    The worst arrived in the form of Electivire glowing white and with a shout, breaking out of Onix¡¯s grip! He then grabbed Onix by the tail and started to spin!

    It started off with Onix being dragged in big, slow circles. But eventually, Onix was spinning in the air in a complete circle, helpless to the power of Electivire! He roared out desperately.

    ¡°ONIX!¡± Gary called out.

    Electivire released Onix, and then his eyes glowed blue!

    Onix, already flying away, was outlined in blue, and then shot out at lightning speed into a tree before hitting the ground!

    ¡°ONIX! Use your Rock Slide!¡± Gary tried.

    Onix groaned as he managed to get back up. He roared at Electivire.

    Electivire grinned wider and nodded. ¡°Vire.¡±

    White orbs appeared around Onix¡¯s body.

    Electivire ran forward.

    What¡¯s he doing now? Gary panicked.

    The orbs turned into gray Rocks outlined in white, and then shot at Electivire.

    Electivire, still glowing white, swung at the Rocks with his fists! One by one, he punched away Rock after Rock after Rock! Yelling out, he then leaped at Onix once the Rocks were all gone.

    ¡°ONIX RETURN!!¡± Gary recalled his Pokemon.

    Electivire landed on the ground and looked back at Gary, confused. ¡°Electivire!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really something else, Electivire. Believe it or not, I really just wanted to warm up Onix. I wasn¡¯t looking for a full battle like that. You really are a bit too much for him.¡± He let out light laughter. ¡°I¡¯m not one to retreat, but I can¡¯t put my new friend through that just yet. I just wanted to get him some Experience. After that, he could probably evolve!¡± He snickered.

    Electivire crossed his arms, glaring, grumbling and growling at Gary.

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m sorry to use you like that, but it¡¯s really hard training against you. You should be everything I want in a training partner, but if you beat up my newest guys, they can¡¯t grow. I¡¯m lucky to have you, but I can¡¯t just send out anyone against you. As a soon-to-be Pokemon Master, I need to learn these kinds of differences. These distinctions. Please bear with me.¡±

    Electivire rolled his eyes and kept on grumbling and complaining.

    Gary smiled. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know how long we¡¯ll be out here, so I don¡¯t want to waste my medicine battling you, win or lose, but once we get to Daint City, how about we-?¡±

    ¡°HEY! TRAINER!! We battlin¡¯ or what??¡±

    Gary and Electivire turned to the loud man approaching.

    He was almost Gary¡¯s height, only slightly taller. He had on a red, sleeveless shirt and blue jean shorts, his feet in brown sandals. His hands were in his pockets. His brown complexion matched Gary¡¯s, his smile enormous. ¡°Whaddaya say??¡±

    ¡°Electivire!¡±

    Gary looked to Electivire.

    Electivire was looking at Gary with such pleading eyes and a hopeful smile.

    Why¡¯s he so eager to fight this guy? Oh, fine. He must truly be bursting with energy. Electric types are like this. Gary turned to the man. I just hate that I need to raise June¡¯s Pokemon, and mine! He counted something in his head for a second. ¡°A four on four okay? Shift Battle?¡±

    *

    ¡°Yano, Electivire, I asked for a four-on-four Shift Battle because I wanted June¡¯s other Pokemon to battle, but you just had to taunt the poor guy and take out all of his Pokemon by yourself.¡± Gary took a bite of a sandwich he had bought in Eterna City. ¡°Damn this is good!¡± he exclaimed. He inhaled, not able to get enough of that sweet, tangy, and spicy scent of Pignite and Combusken meat, and Miltank-jacked cheese. The sandwich was to die for!

    Both Gary¡¯s and June¡¯s Pokemon were munching away in their separate bowls.

    Electivire was chomping hard, ignoring Gary. He suddenly stood up and punched his fists together. ¡°VIRE!¡±

    ¡°Digest your food and maybe we¡¯ll fight later.¡± Gary rolled his eyes. ¡°We can have one last battle before bed.¡± He stood up. ¡°Like I said earlier, I¡¯m really proud of all of you tonight. The matches we all had were great. You Electric guys I know need extra energy, and so do my Pokemon, so I wanna see some real spunk to tire you all out before bed, okay??¡±

    Every single Pokemon cheered.

    Gary grinned big in response, already tired from his own personal basic workout routine he¡¯d been trying to stick to lately.

    *

    Gary stared up at the starry sky, listening to Electivire, Raichu, and Hoothoot snoring. His head was full of so many thoughts from his adventures today.

    He turned to the phone in his hand, seeing the notifications that he had unread messages on his Log-A-Graph. He¡¯d been far too busy to see what he knew had to be posts from Scientist Gary. But honestly, he didn¡¯t understand the hype of the app. The last time he had checked it, his post about his one Badge had only just reached nine Plusles, and he got a new Supporter. In his frustration, he decided he would post his four Badges he had gotten! Surely I¡¯ll do better with this, Gary was sure. There wasn¡¯t any reliable service at the moment where he was at, so he just turned off the phone and his hand fell, his eyes turning back to the dark sky.

    This team of mine is a mess, Gary confessed to himself. And it¡¯s all my fault. I need to work better with Tyranitar, not ignore him. And I need to rotate more. It¡¯s impossible for me to raise everyone equally, but I need to work on having all types of Pokemon readily available at any given moment. At least one of each. Do I own every type? These are the things I need to know. I need to know who I have to battle with. And it¡¯s more than just that. Different, individual Pokemon of the same species can have different Abilities, skills. If I¡¯m gonna be a Pokemon Master, I need to know all this! Gary sat up in his sleeping bag.

    ¡°Rai!¡± Raichu jumped up, startled awake, his cheeks sparking for a second.

    Hoothoot called out and fluttered his wings as he also awoke, his feathers puffed out as he turned his head in a nearly full circle before slowly returning back, his feathers finally settling.

    Electivire kept on snoring.

    Gary stared at Raichu and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m gonna become a Pokemon Master, Raichu!¡± He got to his feet, amped up. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to sleep right now. Not with the way I feel, now! I have to battle to burn all of this sudden energy off! What do you say to a late-night Pokemon battle?¡± The eager boy had an idea of who he wanted to fight Raichu with, and started to turn to Hoothoot. But then...

    ¡°Vire?¡± Electivire was sitting up, staring at Gary with wide eyes. ¡°Electivire??¡±

    Gary smiled and pointed at Electivire. ¡°Electivire! Let¡¯s battle! Raichu and you! This can¡¯t just be about me anymore. I have my own journey, but I also have you guys accompanying me on it. I need to power up my own Pokemon, but I want June¡¯s to be in perfect shape for when she returns! We¡¯re gonna kick that monster¡¯s ass the next time we see her and save June!!¡±

    ¡°RAI RAI!!¡± Raichu leaped in the air excitedly.

    But Electivire was silent.

    Gary¡¯s smile faded, and he walked over to Electivire. ¡°Hey. We¡¯re gonna sort out this issue between you two, too. Okay?¡± Gary started to reach out to the Pokemon.

    Electivire frowned and his body was suddenly surrounded by sparks! He then growled low.

    Gary pulled his arm back and let it fall. With a sigh, he whispered, ¡°Electivire...¡±

    For the rest of the night, Gary decided to burn off his energy by himself. Rather than having the Pokemon battle, he decided he needed to seriously commit to the training of his own body!

    He started by running through the woods, back and forth, to and from the Pokemon until he was out of breath.

    Not having a clue what he was doing, he later moved on to shadowboxing, occasionally purposely snapping thin branches he was sure would break easily with minimal pain to himself, until one branch survived the blow and he ended up with a couple of injured knuckles.

    If my Pokemon are gonna get stronger, I, too, have to get stronger, Gary told himself while doing push-ups until his arms ached.

    I want to get so strong, when I meet that monster, I¡¯ll be able to punch her right through a wall, Gary pushed himself while doing sit-ups until his stomach burned.

    It was after an improvised kickboxing against a tree trunk that seemed motivated by rage and exhaustion, that Gary finally stopped, collapsing to his knees, completely exhausted.

    When he finally got back to his sleeping bag, he was still heaving and trying to get his quaking body to relax. That helped, he told himself. This issue with Electivire and June is a lot bigger than me, and honestly, I don¡¯t know how to go about it when we finally get June back.

    Should we ever... he added regrettably, but knew it was a possibility. And this is why I took that run and worked out, Gary continued. Because it¡¯s this crap that I didn¡¯t want to have to think about...

    And he finally fell asleep.

    Electivire sparking, his back towards Gary.

    Raichu secretly watching, his own cheeks sparking in reaction to Electivire.

    Hoothoot keeping as silent as possible, but also wide awake.

 Kai Ai Ai

    Hoothoot was flying ahead of Gary, but not losing his Trainer. As the sun continued lowering, his eyes were letting off bright red light through the darkening woods as a precaution, his Foresight making sure everything was as it should be.

    Gary knew that finding this Fairy Gym might involve tricks and illusions, and didn¡¯t want a repeat of his journey to Obsidian City in the Kanto region when trying to get his very first Badge, where he had been stuck in a forest full of monsters and terrors that ended up being illusions from Ghost type Pokemon.

    Electivire and Charizard were following behind Gary.

    The environment was actually kind of hostile.

    Charizard was grumbling and growling.

    Electivire was vocally snapping and chuckling. He might have even been taunting Charizard.

    If so, Charizard wasn¡¯t taking it well, his breathing resulting in fire coming out in more and more of his breaths.

    Electivire wasn¡¯t intimidated in the slightest, grinning and showing his teeth.

    Gary had told them over and over to relax, but he didn¡¯t expect things to be easy. In fact, he had purposely sent them out to see if he could get them to get along, or at least not attack each other unless he ordered it. So far, the two hadn¡¯t fought, but just how much longer that would last was uncertain, and it had Gary on edge. If he could trust that they would only fight on his command, he¡¯d be fine. But not knowing if they¡¯d snap, especially with the hot-headed Charizard having Electivire pushing him on purpose, was giving the child anxiety.

    Things were getting louder between the two.

    Electivire¡¯s body was sparking, his fur ruffled and on edge, looking more irritated and ready to fight.

    Charizard was heaving hard. He wasn¡¯t exhausted or anything, but he was so worked up, and had no release after all of the agitation. He was dying to let loose.

    There was a sudden noise.

    Gary froze, along with the two Pokemon behind him and Hoothoot ahead. Something new? Gary wondered. A Pokemon?

    The sound continued, and soon, a rock was shown tumbling, finally stopping.

    Gary breathed out. ¡°Just a rock. But maybe there¡¯s something out there that kicked it, though. A Trainer?¡± He walked over to the rock and stared through the trees, trying to see anything.

    With a cry, a little creature tumbled out of the trees from a higher landing. It landed on its back, breathing hard.

    Gary gasped, everyone staring at the animal in disbelief.

    The little creature had blood all over its body from severe cuts and injuries. It looked as if the thing might even die right in front of them!

    ¡°Hoooot!¡± Hoothoot determinedly flew over to the injured creature and shined his light on it.

    It cried out but barely moved, its head giving weak twitches.

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary ran over, shooing away Hoothoot. ¡°Cut it out!¡±

    Hoothoot¡¯s red beams turned off as he cawed out shrilly and ascended, flapping to stay in the air.

    ¡°It¡¯s real!¡± Gary insisted as he knelt down by the little green thing that whined some more. It¡¯s speaking the same word, Gary realized. It¡¯s saying its name! This has to be a Pokemon. What should I do?

    He grabbed a Poke Ball and froze, remembering back in Kanto when he and June had found an injured Barboach on a beach with the late Prof. Cozmo. Back then, I was scolded for sending an injured Pokemon back to the Lab. But - it did save Barboach. Besides, there¡¯s nothing else I can do! Shakily, hesitantly, he tried to find a clear spot on the Pokemon¡¯s body. When he finally accepted that there was none, he tapped it gently on its bloody shoulder, pulling the creature in with a red beam.

    PING!

    The Poke Ball vanished with bright flashing.

    Gary¡¯s hand fell and he breathed out shakily. ¡°No way. But I did it.¡± He turned to his Pokemon.

    Hoothoot, Charizard and Electivire stared right back, stunned looks on their faces.

    ¡°Hoooot!¡± Hoothoot settled on the ground next to Gary and called out lightly, looking up at him sadly.

    Larvitar. The Rock Skin Pokemon. A Rock and Ground type Pokemon. This Pokemon is buried deep underground and only comes up after consuming all the dirt in its way. Its skin becomes hardened due to this process. After a mountain¡¯s worth of dirt is eaten, it will fall asleep and evolve into Pupitar.

    ¡°Pupitar... So that¡¯s the first stage of my Tyranitar.¡± So I have the first stage, now. And I could even... Gary stopped his thoughts. What¡¯s wrong with you? You just possibly saved that thing¡¯s life! And you¡¯re here worrying about the Pokedex? He sighed, ashamed of himself.

    He closed his eyes and thought, Even more so, that whole line is a mental burden. It¡¯s nothing but a reminder of that poor Ranger who died from that monster, where the Pupitar and Tyranitar lived. I didn¡¯t even tell the police. Even if she had survived that fall, she¡¯s dead by now. She can¡¯t even rest in peace. All because I had to save my own skin. Where¡¯s my morality? My human decency? I try to pretend like I¡¯m so moral and always ready to do the right thing, but look at me.

    The Trainer stood up and looked around. But more importantly right now, what exactly happened to that Larvitar?

    There was nothing to see, and nothing abnormal to hear.

    Gary stared at the spot where the Larvitar had come from. He remembered how strange it had looked when the Pokemon had appeared. It had tumbled downward, as if from a higher spot. Curious now, Gary took a closer look, stepping into the grass and pushing his way through the trees. It didn¡¯t take long before Gary stopped.

    For one thing, he saw a smooth rock. It was strange, at least to Gary, because it looked out of place somehow. Also, it looked like it had been severely damaged. It was mostly rounded except for a spot at the back that was more jagged. As if something had taken a bite out of it, even.

    But there was more. Something gleamed. In fact, multiple things did. The fading sunlight had landed right on them as it continued to sink.

    Gary lowered himself down and grabbed a chunk of what he soon knew was glass. Glass? This is all glass. That¡¯s man-made! Maybe wherever this came from... Gary looked to the rock, ...did that! A machine, for sure. A machine with glass? Maybe? I dunno, but something happened here and - well, that¡¯s it.

    Still, Gary walked further, pushing only a few feet deeper before he was forced to stop again, and he inhaled sharply. His breath was taken away and he was unable to speak, only mouthing out, ¡°What happened here??¡±

    Gary had run into yellow police tape that extended beyond his eyesight on both sides. On the other side of the tape was nothing less than an utter catastrophic event. The ground itself looked entirely displaced, as if a completed puzzle had sections lifted and then dropped back down on the rest of the set. Entire pieces of ground were risen, shattered, trees toppled, toppled rocks on top of toppled rocks. It was a complete war zone.

    ¡°Tyranitar... Oh, I mean, Larvitar. Larvitar must have barely survived this!¡± Gary realized. ¡°Man, after Deino, Kiwi¡¯s really gonna kill me! Not to mention Barboach!¡± Taking out his phone revealed no service was available, so he couldn¡¯t reach Kiwi like he planned. ¡°I guess that puts the number to seven at least.¡± He instantly regretted having said that. Sighing, he put his phone back and kept walking along the path, desperate to get out and find help.

    Hoothoot flew ahead to keep track of the area with his glowing red eyes.

    Electivire and Charizard were completely calm and silent now, following behind Gary.

    But after a while, when the sun had fully sunk, Hoothoot¡¯s red eyes and some stars being the only light, Gary and his company were forced to a stop yet again.

    ¡°Is this a joke?? We just went past this area, didn¡¯t we?¡± Gary exclaimed.

    His Pokedex was telling him to keep going straight ahead, but there was a stretch of yellow tape keeping them away! Beyond the tape was more absolute destruction.

    In the midst of that destruction stood a lady. Her dark-blonde hair was underneath a brown ushanka. She wore a big brown and red coat with a fur-lined hood pulled down. In her arms she held something that seemed to be wrapped in green leaves, her hands in thick, black gloves. A rope was wrapped around her brown belt and a brown bag hung from her shoulder, another large white hiking bag on her back. Her feet stood in long black boots with black fur at the tops reaching up past her ankles.

    Gary squinted, familiarity ringing like a bell in his head. Who¡¯s that girl? And why¡¯s she beyond the tape? That¡¯s dangerous. But, I guess it¡¯s also none of my business. He turned from her and stared down at his Pokedex. ¡°Where am I gonna go, now?¡± He asked this out loud, muttering, certain the girl would turn around, and he could finally get a glimpse of her face through his peripheral.

    Sure enough, she did.

    And, after looking up in complete disbelief, Gary screamed!

    ¡°HOOOOOOOOOT!!¡± Hoothoot reacted to Gary¡¯s outburst, flapping frantically in place.

    ¡°Vire!¡± Electivire also responded to the boy.

    Charizard grunted out, taking a step back out of confusion of what was going on.

    The woman squinted at Gary. ¡°Hey, kid!¡± She made a swift movement.

    A blinding light forced Gary to cover his face and scream.

    The green thing in her arms called out with a grumpy face.

    ¡°Who are you why are you where are you what are you and when?¡± she demanded, ducking under the tape and stomping over to Gary, keeping her flashlight in his face.

    ¡°C-C-CUT IT OUT! COME ON!! I CAN¡¯T SEEEE!!¡± Gary barked, getting angrier by the second.

    ¡°HOOOOOW?!¡± she wailed, leaning over the boy, several inches taller than him. ¡°And why were you trying to walk on the clearly taped off part of the mountain? Well?! Were ya?!¡± the Ranger demanded.

    ¡°NO!! I WAS JUST TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE TO GO FROM HERE!! WHY IS IT BLOCKED OFF! WHAT HAPPENED OUT HERE??!¡±

    ¡°It was an earthquake, caused by a Tyranitar owned by a guy who works in a Pokemon shelter, I think,¡± the Ranger responded with sudden calmness, lowering her flashlight.

    It can¡¯t be, Gary thought while listening to her. It can¡¯t be her! The same Ranger who- The boy quickly squinted but slammed his eyes shut again. He squinted again a moment later, his eyes still adjusting after being hit by the woman¡¯s blinding light. He was blinking repeatedly, desperate to be able to see without the remaining bright spots in his eyes.

    ¡°There are a few of them out here. And it¡¯s not uncommon for their Earthquakes to completely destroy areas. This looks like one of their bad ones. This whole route will have to be rewritten on the maps forever.¡±

    Gary was listening while still blinking his vision back. ¡°It¡¯s that bad? I¡¯ve never heard of something so disastrous. At least not from a Pokemon...¡± At this point, Gary was at least able to stop blinking and just squinted at the woman.

    ¡°Have you not seen this?!¡± The Ranger held one arm up, keeping the green creature in the other, and she made a complete circle.

    Now that Gary could verify this woman visually, even if he was still squinting, he changed the topic immediately. ¡°Wait, excuse me! Forget all this! You¡¯re alive?!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± The Ranger looked at Gary with widened eyes.

    ¡°Miss, I saw you tossed off a mountain by-!¡±

    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t I know you, kid?!¡± the Ranger interrupted.

    ¡°YES! We met in Kanto! You got me safely through to Celadon City, and then out here in Sinnoh you found Jirachi and that monster threw you-!¡±

    ¡°ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!!¡± the Ranger exploded with a gigantic smile that almost ate up her entire face. ¡°IT¡¯S YOU, BOY!! WAIT! WAIT!! WAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAITWAIT!! BUTTERFREE BOY!!¡±

    ¡°I AM NOT A BUTTERFREE BOY!!!¡± Gary burst out. ¡°I raise many Pokemon! My name is GARY!!¡±

    ¡°Oh. Anyway, Gary, where is your Butterfree??!¡±

    Gary opened his mouth to answer her.

    ¡°But. Ter. Free. Butterfree,¡± the Ranger spoke out, staring blankly ahead, looking at nothing, as if she were possessed. ¡°Bu. Tter. Free. Butterfree. Butt. Er. Free. Butterfree.¡±

    Gary cringed hard, his body physically tightening. ¡°Butterfree isn¡¯t with me. She¡¯s at... the Lab.¡±

    ¡°I knew you should have given Butterfree to me!¡± she focused on Gary again, pointing at him accusingly. ¡°Do you own any other Bug-?¡±

    ¡°HOLD IT!¡± Gary held out his hand to her chest. ¡°Miss! Well, first of all, what¡¯s your name?¡±

    Both Gary and the woman let their individual hand drop away from each other.

    ¡°I¡¯m Pokemon Ranger Kai, at your service! But just call me Kai!¡± she bowed.

    Gary cringed again, visibly. ¡°Kai! Okay, so that¡¯s your name. Totally don¡¯t remember that, but Kai. Okay. Now, um, how did you survive being flung off that mountain by that monster??! Your throat was - like, injured! Bad! Blood!!¡±

    Ranger Kai straightened up. Her expression had gone dark, all signs of joy removed from it.

    Her green animal held a matching, serious face, although this face seemed to be the same one it had the entire time.

    ¡°Oh. That.¡± She leered down at him.

    Gary didn¡¯t step away, but he did lean back, his body trembling. She must be reliving a traumatic experience, he realized. A horrible tale of survival and a test of her instincts in the wild, all alone and frightened, making her way with what little she had to make it with, day by day, night by night, eating off the land. That all must have hardened her into becoming a completely different person, all in the name of survival. All for the desire to see tomorrow. And here she is now, remembering every heartracing moment of those experiences, ready to unleash her stress, pain, struggle, and devastating losses upon my very being.

    Ranger Kai then smiled widely and let out a long, happy cry, her green pet in her arms maintaining a grumpy gaze while letting out a noise with her.

    Gary wailed out in fright, ready for mayhem, horror, and a lot of yelling and tears. ¡°Huh?¡± he reacted, realizing she was smiling.

    Ranger Kai gripped her Swadloon in a tight hug and gushed, ¡°We surviiiiiiiived!! Me and Swadloon actually made it!!! We used our trusty Escape Rope,¡± she grabbed at it, ¡°and used it to escape death! There really isn¡¯t much to explain, honestly, Gary. I mean, I was in bad shape at one point, but Sewaddle wrapped up my wounds with String Shot and, crying, she evolved! And suddenly my neck was all better! But it¡¯s not a real surprise! I¡¯m an experienced Pokemon Ranger, and with my trusty Pokemon and convenient equipment, we can do anything!¡±

    Gary could have just fallen to his face right there and then. All this time, I was worried about her, hating myself for what I did, or, didn¡¯t do... and she survived?? Gary¡¯s eyes then widened big.

    ¡°Hey... Hey! HEEEEEEEYYYY!!¡± The Ranger choked out, strangling as the monster wrapped one hand around her throat, her long fingernails digging into Ranger Kai¡¯s throat and forcing out blood!

    The monster¡¯s tongue swirled around her big mouth while shouting at the woman she held, and more blood squirted out!

    Finally, the monster pulled back her arm and flung the Ranger right off the edge of the mountain!!

    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    You know what? Gary smiled. Actually, I¡¯m just so happy she¡¯s fine! I don¡¯t really understand it at all, but her neck is seemingly fine somehow! She¡¯s alive! But... He glared outward, looking at nothing in particular. So is that monster!

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Ranger Kai suddenly asked.

    Gary was jolted out of his mindstate. ¡°Huh? I¡¯m-¡±

    ¡°I asked, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I was about to answer. I¡¯m just-¡±

    ¡°Then why did you ask, ¡®huh?¡¯¡±

    ¡°KAI!¡± Gary burst out, getting mad. ¡°I¡¯m-!¡±

    ¡°Why are you yelling at me?¡±

    Gary grit his teeth, ready to yell again, but, somehow, forced himself not to. ¡°Kai-¡± He stopped. ¡°What did you even ask me originally?¡± At this point, he had no idea what was even going on anymore!

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Ranger Kai answered.

    ¡°Kai, I need to get to Daint City, and my Pokedex-¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re unlikely to be able to get there on foot. If you have a Pokemon who can fly you over, like that big Charizard there, then you¡¯ll probably be fine. Daint City is safe and accepting Gym matches, but right now, the closest place from here is Hearthome City.¡±

    ¡°Hearthome City? But they don¡¯t have a Gym.¡±

    ¡°I know, that¡¯s why you need to get there first, in order to make it to the closest, and safest, Gym at the moment, which is Veilstone City.¡±

    ¡°Veilstone?¡± Gary pulled out his Pokedex and checked out the Town Map. ¡°Man, traveling this region sure is a damn maze, huh?¡± he muttered. ¡°Bad enough what happened after Mt. Coronet came down. Now this Earthquake?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got that right! Mt. Coronet was like, the foundation, or something, of the entire Sinnoh region!¡± Ranger Kai chimed in. ¡°I don¡¯t know what can be done about it, but it goes to show the flexibility and determination; the refusal to give up in spite of seemingly impossible forces, that these great people of the Sinnoh region were able to-¡±

    Gary was screaming out in a rage, interrupting Ranger Kai. ¡°Veilstone City??? And...¡± Gary punched more buttons on his Pokedex for a moment. ¡°After I get to Hearthome?? That makes no sense!! This will take me forever! The route to-!¡±

    ¡°I told you, Tyranitar Earthquakes can redo routes forever. Trust me. I was sent out here to see how things were after the whole ordeal, after the police and other rangers did their initial investigation and checkup. This path is over, kid. For the time being, you need to get to Hearthome City, and then you can get to Veilstone. After that, the path should be fairly easy. That map you have now is out of date.¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped. ¡°But... I was...¡± His head fell. I can¡¯t believe this. ¡°Wait!¡± He looked up again. ¡°How come I didn¡¯t feel this Earthquake! Something this catastrophic, I should have noticed some quaking!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you were on the right path to Daint City,¡± Ranger Kai stated.

    ¡°Because I was on the right path?¡± Gary didn¡¯t understand, and with Ranger Kai, he wasn¡¯t surprised he didn¡¯t get what she was saying.

    ¡°Yes. You were on the right path to Daint City, but Daint City is a hard Gym to reach because it¡¯s a Fairy Gym, and a fairy city, with fairies!¡± Ranger Kai beamed joyfully.

    ¡°Okay? I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re getting at exactly,¡± Gary replied, even though he actually felt he might be seeing where she was headed with this.

    ¡°Fairy types are so cool! They¡¯re like, the next best thing to Ghost and Bug types!¡± Ranger Kai gushed, gripping her Swadloon tightly.

    ¡°Swaaaaad! Swaaad!¡± Swadloon choked, her eyes bulging. She kept struggling to breathe for another minute.

    Gary just watched at first, but he finally gave in to genuine concern. ¡°Hey, Kai...?¡± he decided to try.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Ranger Kai loosened her grip on Swadloon, who gasped out, breathing in air desperately.

    ¡°Swadloon? You okay?¡± the Ranger asked her Pokemon.

    ¡°What was your point, Kai?¡± Gary now asked impatiently. ¡°I¡¯m on the path to the Fairy Gym. So what?¡±

    ¡°Oh! You didn¡¯t let me finish!¡± Ranger Kai¡¯s body glowed with excitement.

    You weren¡¯t even talking! Gary silently fumed.

    ¡°Fairy type Pokemon are known for gimmicks and games, so trying to locate a fairy city is bound to lead to tricks and traps and magic and glitter, so, you likely weren¡¯t aware of the Earthquake because the fairies did their magic thing! They probably don¡¯t like you and decided to keep you away!¡± Ranger Kai¡¯s teeth were gleaming in a huge smile she had for Gary.

    ¡°HOW IS THAT HELPFUL FOR A GYM LEADER, THEN?!!¡± Gary blew up. ¡°I¡¯m supposed to be finding and fighting this person!! What use is a Gym Leader who can¡¯t be found??!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the nature of fairies!¡± Ranger Kai shrugged, still smiling.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make a single lick of sense!!¡± Gary argued. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this idiocy! That¡¯s dangerous, too! People could get hurt if these Fairies are really pulling crap like that! Missing people! Lives lost! I can¡¯t-!!¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t discount us rangers! This is what we¡¯re trained for!¡± Ranger Kai told Gary easily. ¡°This is our job! Don¡¯t you worry, Gary! This is why they put me out here. I¡¯ll escort you to Hearthome City, and then Veilstone City. This is my civic duty!¡±

    She¡¯s gonna accompany me to two different cities this time?? Gary freaked out in his head. NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

    ¡°Come on, Gary! And we can discuss what Bug and Ghost Pokemon you¡¯ve captured along the way!¡± Ranger Kai marched ahead, chattering along the way.

    ¡°BUT I HAVE CHARIZARD!!¡± Gary smiled like a lunatic. ¡°HE CAN CARRY ME!! I DON¡¯T NEED YOUUU!!¡±

    Ranger Kai stopped walking and looked back. ¡°Oh. In that case-¡± A sound went off and she pulled a small, flat device out of her pocket. ¡°Actually, no can do, kid,¡± she said while staring at it. ¡°Daint City is closed for business.¡±

    ¡°WWWWHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?¡± Gary bellowed.

    ¡°Just got word from HQ. That¡¯s headquarters in case you didn¡¯t know. From here, we need to get to Hearthome City. You¡¯re coming with me.¡± She walked off, continuing to talk, but about what, Gary had no clue. Soon, she was gone from sight.

    Gary stared at his Pokedex again, and then looked up at where Ranger Kai had disappeared from. I don¡¯t have a choice, do I? If I lose her, I¡¯m screwed out here after this earthquake. The map won¡¯t help me. He could have cried in that moment, his lips actually quivering, but instead, he inhaled big and put on a determined face. ¡°Screw it, then! EVERYONE! LET¡¯S GO!!¡± Gary ran, and his Pokemon went after him, catching up with Ranger Kai.

    *

    ¡°Butterfree, Paras, Scizor, Silcoon, Dustox, Illumise, Kricketot, Kricketune, two Jellicent, and Cutiefly...¡± Gary read off wearily.

    ¡°Better than I expected, but faaaaaaaaaaar worse than it should be,¡± Ranger Kai responded.

    And Beedrill, Gary kept to himself. My lost friend...

    ¡°How can you have so many Pokemon, and yet not like, fifty percent of them are Ghost, and fifty percent of them are Bugs?¡± Ranger Kai questioned.

    Gary groaned openly, fed up with this woman. But nothing he did seemed to pass off as a sign to her to shut up!

    ¡°For having so few Ghost and Bug types, you are hereby judged!¡± Ranger Kai decided.

    ¡°And what does that even mean??¡± Gary demanded, losing his cool.

    ¡°It means you are judged,¡± Ranger Kai repeated.

    ¡°Aaand??¡± Gary insisted.

    ¡°JUUUUUUUUUUUDGED!!¡± Ranger Kai raised one finger into the sky, and then brought it down swiftly.

    An idiot. As always, Gary kept to himself. How is this, a Ranger??

    ¡°By the way, have you seen Burgh¡¯s butt? I¡¯ve been hearing rumors about it lately.¡±

    ¡°Butt??¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Burgh¡¯s butt!¡± Ranger Kai smiled, her eyes gleaming with insanity.

    ¡°Burgh? Who¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know Burgh¡¯s butt?!!¡± Ranger Kai¡¯s voice echoed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know Burgh!¡± Gary shrugged desperately.

    ¡°Burgh is a Gym Leader of the Unova region, where I¡¯m from! He raises Bug types!¡±

    When I go there, I might keep in mind to avoid that spot, Gary kept to himself. In fact, maybe I should avoid the whole region if that¡¯s where she¡¯s from.

    ¡°I heard from a friend or two that his butt isn¡¯t that bad, but, I bet it can¡¯t compare to Emmet¡¯s. Or Grimsley¡¯s. They both are too kawaii. Maybe Burgh is better than Ingo, but I¡¯d have to see that to believe it. Butt conteeeest!!¡±

    This loon is not taking me to two different places, Gary swore. I¡¯ll sooner go back home and return to school!

    ¡°You know, you won¡¯t believe the things we as Rangers see out here. You¡¯re in for a real eye-opening experience for the next few weeks.¡±

    Weeks??? Gary nearly slipped out. ¡°Uh... I don''t think it should take that long to get to Hearthome City and then Veilstone...¡± Gary said with a fake smile.

    ¡°Well, you never know. Veilstone City, Solaceon Town, and Celestic Town were hit by the Mt. Coronet attack severely. Veilstone came out okay, but with this new incident, things have surely changed for them, too.¡±

    Things have surely changed, Gary repeated in his head. You got one thing right, Kai. Things have surely changed... His feet practically dragging now, he added, And it only seems to be changing for the worse.

    *

    ¡°You know why I love Ghost types so much, though, Gary?¡± Ranger Kai asked.

    ¡°Kai, you already told me why, in ten different ways!¡± Gary complained.

    ¡°Yeah, but do ya wanna know the biggest reason of them all??¡±

    ¡°Honestly, no.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because of Psychic Pokemon thinking they know every damn thing. With their big brains and telekinetic powers and having unlocked the secrets of the mind and using it to affect our physical and mental reality. Who do they think they are, huh??¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t know how to reply to this kind of a statement, his mouth just hanging open.

    Previously, the duo had stopped to feed all of their Pokemon.

    Ranger Kai had mostly Bugs with her: Swadloon, Dunsparce, Galvantula, Ariados, Kricketune, and a Caterpie. She was especially excited about her new Caterpie, reminding Gary that she was jealous of him having a Butterfree when they first met, and she was sure to get one any day now as ¡°Bugs are so easy to raise! That¡¯s why they¡¯re the best!¡± She was also very disappointed that Gary had not one Ghost or Bug on his team, regardless of the fact that he did own Bugs and Ghosts.

    Gary didn¡¯t want to, but he gave his Pokemon less than normal to eat, and he himself ate very little. He just wanted to get this trip with this crazy woman over with and never run into her again!

    His Pokemon were staring in confusion between their bowls and their Trainer.

    Sorry, guys, Gary thought, recalling all of them but Hoothoot and Electivire, and then waited on Ranger Kai¡¯s Pokemon to finish.

    Ranger Kai herself was eating granola bars or something similar. Since then, Ranger Kai had been blabbing on about... anything and everything she could possibly think of, it seemed. From men¡¯s butts, to Bugs, to bugs, to ghosts, to Ghosts, to even politics, like the ever-controversial Senator Slowking. ¡°Like, Psychics are such know-it-alls, right? That''s why Ghosts are so much better. And smarter. Because they¡¯re already dead. They know it all! They exist on a whole different plane of existence and know the things the living do not!¡±

    Ghost types aren¡¯t actually de- Gary started in his head.

    ¡°And, Bugs are better than Psychics, and that¡¯s why Psychic types fear Bugs! They¡¯re so smart, right? Smart enough to know that Bugs are superior to them and to stay away!¡±

    That¡¯s not how- Gary started up again in his head.

    ¡°I mean, this is why I support the Phantump administration more than the Abomasnow administration. I¡¯m not racist or anything!¡± Ranger Kai held out her hands frantically. ¡°I mean, I totally don¡¯t support the Phantump administration¡¯s policies, but, like, Ghost types are so kawaiiiii!! And, this is back to my point, Pokemon like Senator Slowking are an absolute problem for this world, but I also am not a fan of Congressmon Oranguru, either! I just want the Phantump administration to take over and get rid of Slowking and Oranguru. I think that might solve some issues, but at the same time, I know the Phantump administration is horrible, too, but, it¡¯s the lesser evil, you know?? Like, Slowking has to be stopped, first and foremost, then Oranguru, and the Phantump administration is next! Believe me!¡± Ranger Kai had a desperate look on her face, and for as little as Gary knew about or was interested in politics, even he knew why.

    The Phantump administration seemed to have a constant, violent connection with white supremacy, despite continuous denial of it. But every political party seemed to come with some extremist group to be associated with when certain things were brought to light.

    Gary tuned the woman out as she continued to defend her views. Man, I will never vote or get into politics, Gary promised. I don¡¯t care! Look at what it does to people! I mean, it¡¯s bad enough Ranger Kai is how she is, but getting herself into politics is just crazy! This person is allowed to vote??

    Still chattering endlessly, her Pokemon even done eating by now, the woman was now cleaning up the bowls and mess and after returning all her Pokemon aside from Swadloon, carrying her in her arms, the five continued on.

    Gary¡¯s Hoothoot led the way, keeping his shining light from Foresight ahead.

    ¡°Women deserve the right to abortions,¡± Ranger Kai was saying.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, his attention grabbed again.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter the reason, but Senator Slowking is trying to argue against that. That¡¯s not right! Your body, your choice, right??¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth fell open. But it¡¯s... Gary stayed quiet, even though he didn¡¯t want to. Your body? But - that¡¯s the body of the baby. That has nothing- His thoughts were interrupted seeing what was up ahead. He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.

    ¡°Elect.¡± Electivire stopped walking.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ranger Kai had also stopped. ¡°OOOOOOOOOH!!¡±

    Swadloon stared ahead in awe. ¡°Swadlooooon...¡±

    Hoothoot flew forth, using Foresight on what was ahead.

    When the object didn¡¯t change or disappear, Gary was even more amazed. ¡°What...?¡±

    Hoothoot was scanning an egg much larger than any egg possibly imaginable! It¡¯s not that the egg was unimaginably large, but for an egg, it was unimaginable!

    Did a whale lay that?? Gary wondered.

    The egg was almost Ranger Kai¡¯s height. Its colors were a mix of dark blue-green and a cream color.

    Ranger Kai approached the egg and touched it. ¡°It¡¯s a Pokemon Egg! How beautiful! You don¡¯t just find these lying around! I bet a Trainer ditched it, unable to care for it. It figures. Humans can be so irresponsible. Was probably a man.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s it gotta be a man?¡± Gary frowned at her.

    ¡°Because a woman¡¯s motherly instincts would never allow her to leave behind a baby,¡± Ranger Kai answered, keeping her back to him.

    ¡°Women do that, too! Babies get dumped when they¡¯re not wanted! That¡¯s many abortions! What are you-?!¡±

    Ranger Kai whipped around sharply to argue back at him, fury on her face.

    But Gary was ready to fight right back.

    But both of them were silenced.

    The huge Egg trembled several times before stopping!

    Everyone was frozen, watching.

    ¡°Is there something alive inside that thing??¡± Gary questioned.

    ¡°Of course! Gary, shame on you! That there¡¯s a Snorlax Egg!¡± Ranger Kai explained.

    ¡°SNORLAX??!!¡± Gary blew up.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Ranger Kai turned from Gary and touched the rounded object again, rubbing it slowly.

    ¡°So, it¡¯s the Baby form? I forget the name. Why is it so big, though?¡±

    ¡°Munchlax is the Baby, but this isn¡¯t a Munchlax Egg, Gary. This is a Snorlax Egg!¡± Ranger Kai stated.

    Gary stared at her with mass confusion. ¡°What do you mean??¡±

    Hoothoot stared back at his Trainer before returning to the Egg and scanning it again with even more energy than before, desperate to find something.

    ¡°You see, when a pair of Snorlax make an Egg, they produce a Snorlax Egg. But only when with the item Full Incense, they breed the Baby, Munchlax. This, is definitely a Snorlax Egg. There is no doubt about it.¡±

    ¡°Wwhhhooooooaa.¡± Gary was impressed with the Ranger¡¯s knowledge. ¡°This is an incredible experience! But, what do we do now?¡±

    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t possibly care for this. If I were alone, I¡¯d take it to HQ to find a home, but considering you¡¯re here, why don¡¯t you care for it?!¡±

    ¡°WHAT??!!¡± Gary was in shock! ¡°I can¡¯t! Look at the size of it! How can I travel with that?!¡±

    ¡°Oh, come on, Gary! It¡¯s shaking hard! It won¡¯t be long before it hatches. Before we even hit Hearthome City, it¡¯ll be out and you¡¯ll have it in a Poke Ball instead!¡±

    ¡°The Snorlax...? But, how can a Snorlax even fit in that!¡± Gary responded. ¡°Snorlax are huge!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still a baby! Just not a Baby! You know?!¡± Ranger Kai answered. ¡°And the Egg doesn¡¯t represent the size of the Pokemon inside, anyway! You¡¯ll soon see. In the meantime, walk with the Egg, keep it warm, and it¡¯ll hatch in no time!¡±

    I mean, I don¡¯t wanna pass on the opportunity to own a Snorlax! Gary kept to himself. And Rob took my Munchlax, so this will be my chance! Snorlax are awesome! He finally approached the Egg and stopped in front of it. He held out one hand slowly. ¡°OH!¡±

    The Egg startled Gary as it started shaking again!

    ¡°Yup! That baby¡¯s gonna hatch any day now!¡± Ranger Kai said proudly, her hands on her hips.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Gary smiled. He tried again, slower than the last time, to touch the Egg. He ended up with his hand on it. After a moment, his other hand found its way on it.

    ¡°Get used to it, Gary.¡±

    Gary smiled at the woman who was smiling back at him.

    The woman kept her smile. ¡°You know, I should catch this Snorlax, and I could trade it for a really cool Bug type, I bet. Snorlax are actually pretty valuable. I¡¯ll take it off your hands.¡±

    ¡°NNOOOOO!!!¡± Gary grabbed the Egg in both hands and hoisted it over his head, motivated now more than ever before. ¡°This Egg weighs nothing! And it¡¯s mine!¡± Gary¡¯s energy was cut short as he held it high. Oh, crap, this thing weighs more than I would have wished!

    ¡°Oh! Look at you! You really can handle it! Okay! You win, Gary! The Snorlax is yours!¡±

    Gary smiled bravely, but his body¡¯s limitation was saying otherwise as he struggled with all his might to keep his legs from quivering. He rested the Egg on his back, between his shoulder blades. ¡°Yeah! I¡¯ve got this!¡± He stood taller than he ever had, letting out a powerful roar of victory. It was heavy, but it wasn¡¯t beyond carrying. In fact, after accepting the weight of it, it wasn¡¯t all that heavy. Especially compared to what was supposed to be inside. I can totally do this, Gary believed. I¡¯ll hatch this baby, and I¡¯ll have a whole, brand new Snorlax to raise! This is g-

    The Egg started to shake again.

    Oh, please no. Gary¡¯s eyes widened as they raised to the Egg over his head, his legs quivering under the movement. Don¡¯t hatch now, of all times! The Egg shook harder, and Gary wailed out helplessly, falling to his face. This is how I¡¯m gonna die. Under a whole Snorlax!

    The Egg rocked again.

 All In A Days Work

    Huffing, puffing, and breathing hard, his breath blowing out visibly in front of his face in the cold, Gary ran with his Egg between his shoulder blades, keeping it between his hands. His knees rose high in turn, his feet slamming down in stomps. It was really hard to run like this, made even more uncomfortable by his tighter coat, but he also hoped this might help stretch it out.

    Behind him, Electivire, Charizard, Sabrina, and Deino were also keeping in shape, the Bird Pokemon flying close by the others who were jogging.

    Stantler kept beside Gary.

    Gary had to tell the other Pokemon to keep their distance as the shy Stantler wasn¡¯t comfortable with the others, including Ranger Kai.

    Ranger Kai was matching Gary¡¯s workout routine and had improved upon it, teaching Gary, his willing Pokemon, and even Electivire, how to fix their posture and effort to get the most out of it.

    Porygon-Z was floating next to Ranger Kai, swaying side to side, matching the woman¡¯s rhythm while listening to her talk about what Gary had decided to refer to as the Three Bs: Bugs, Butts, & Boos.

    ¡°You know, for a Normal type, you¡¯re pretty fun! And a great listener!¡± Ranger Kai exclaimed.

    Porygon-Z cried out with presumable joy and flew a bit into the air, and then swooped back down to continue swaying and listening.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve ever heard of Wallace? Or Juan? They both are talented Trainers in the Hoenn region, but more importantly, they both have some fantastic butts!¡±

    Gary sucked his teeth. He was maybe another couple of hours, or perhaps seconds, away from telling Ranger Kai to just leave him alone already. His politeness was preventing it as much as it could, but his wall of patience was cracking from constant swings with a sledgehammer.

    ¡°You know, Gary, if you keep this up, you might end up with a butt like Emmett, or Grimsley,¡± Ranger Kai told him teasingly, smirking at him.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened and he stared back at her, his face getting hot, and he swallowed hard.

    Ranger Kai¡¯s smirk vanished and her eyes widened as she straightened up. ¡°Wait, how old are you again??¡±

    Gary tripped and fell to his face, holding his Egg up out of instinct to keep it from smashing. That really hurt... He groaned and then breathed out, and dirt got into his face, blinding him. ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Gary complained. He set the Egg down and then stood up to rub at his eyes.

    ¡°Gary look out!!¡± Ranger Kai screamed.

    Gary squinted helplessly, his eyes burning and tearing. ¡°Huh?¡± He blinked rapidly, forcing himself to see the frightening sight of birds attacking each other! Staravia! Gary realized.

    There were a bunch of Staravia just attacking each other! Pecking, swinging wings, sending up clouds of dirt and blows of wind at each other!

    ¡°Swadloon, use Bug Buzz!¡± Ranger Kai ordered.

    From the trees, Swadloon leaped out with a cry. Red waves came out from her body.

    Everyone screamed, including Gary¡¯s Pokemon.

    Gary held his ears, wailing out in pain.

    ¡°COME ON!¡±

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Gary was being yanked by the arm by Ranger Kai!

    ¡°Dunsparce!¡±

    There was a quaking of the ground and then a BOOOOOOM!! went off as a huge hole appeared underneath the bunch of Staravia.

    Screaming and cawing, they all flew off into two separate groups, into the sky.

    Ranger Kai, Gary, and the rest of the Pokemon made their way into the safety of some brushes.

    ¡°What happened? What wa-?¡± Gary cut himself short as a slug made its way through the grass, stopping in front of him and chittering gently. ¡°Dunsparce!¡± He breathed a sigh of relief, realizing the Ranger¡¯s Dunsparce had made the hole to scare off the Staravia. Turning to Ranger Kai, he asked, ¡°What was all of that about?¡±

    ¡°That was nothing. Just two Staravia flocks ran into each other,¡± Ranger Kai answered. ¡°Just another day for me. Get used to it, considering you¡¯ll be escorted by yours truly.¡±

    Gary kept his eyes on the flocks, even after they had disappeared into the blue afternoon sky.

    *

    Stantler walked beside Gary, the Trainer tugging gently on his antlers.

    ¡°These things are so cool,¡± Gary said, smiling at the Pokemon. His other hand was balancing the Snorlax Egg that was on his shoulder blades.

    Stantler let out a deep, joyous sound, pulling back playfully against his Trainer.

    Gary thought to himself about Cas in this moment. I had run into the Stantler that had put me and Electivire and Raichu into an illusion. Cas had saved us with her Sableye, and I ended up catching a Stantler. Right? Why am I not remembering that part? No. It¡¯s because that isn¡¯t what occurred, Gary remembered, stopping.

    Stantler cried out in surprise as he was forced to stop, Gary still gripping his antlers.

    It was because this Pokemon tricked me and my Pokemon in Jubilife City, making me think I was with Cas in the woods, Gary recalled, his eyes focused on Stantler¡¯s. I caught him when I chased after him with Primeape and beat him up. Sadness came over Gary as he let go of the Big Horn Pokemon.

    Stantler looked away uncomfortably.

    ¡°Gary, are you okay?¡± Ranger Kai asked.

    Gary noticed his breathing had gotten heavier, his chest hurting. He made fists as he realized he was shaking.

    ¡°Gary!¡± Ranger Kai moved swiftly over to him.

    ¡°Vire?¡± Electivire watched the boy.

    Stantler grunted and turned away from everyone, trotting away several feet. When he stopped, he faced everyone silently.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± Gary closed his eyes and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m sorry. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Ranger Kai set a hand on his shoulder. ¡°You don¡¯t look great. What happened?¡±

    Gary stared at the taller woman and shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just...¡± He inhaled and then released his breath. After taking in another breath, he said, ¡°A lot has happened on my journey. Sometimes, moments bring up things out of nowhere. I¡¯m sorry about that.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense. Nothing to be sorry about. Pretty common thing for Pokemon Trainers, but it¡¯s not talked about enough in the mainstream. The facts of mental stress of PTSD, depression, and all other reaches of mental abuse and strain on children is traded off for the glory of becoming a Pokemon Master, instead. The politics behind promoting the Pokemon journey experience, compared to the actual journey, is so disgusting. But what brings in the money? Sending little kids out to master powerful creatures with the power to bring the world to its knees if they weren¡¯t so kind-hearted.¡±

    Gary nodded, looking down. She¡¯s right - but I don¡¯t want her to be. I mean, this just reminds me too much of what Team Solace would say and then flip into some nonsense about why all Pokemon have to die. He breathed out in exhaustion. Closing his eyes, he grabbed his Egg in both hands and set it down on the ground and then sat down next to it, letting out his breath tiredly.

    ¡°Gary.¡± Ranger Kai knelt down beside him. ¡°Gary, you need water.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had water,¡± he told her as she went through her bag that hung from her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m just exhausted from this journey, like you said. I¡¯m just stressed out. A lot is hitting me right now. And lugging around this randomly twitching Egg isn¡¯t helping.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯ll make you stronger, for sure! With more energy from water, you¡¯ll work harder and tire out less, and physically, you¡¯ll be a lot more impressive and gain some muscles on that little frame.¡±

    ¡°Hey, I work out all the time with my Pokemon!¡± Gary snapped at her.

    ¡°Then you need to eat more meat and bread.¡± Ranger Kai smacked Gary right on the chest.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Gary choked out, surprised at this. He then turned at the sound of snickering and glared at Electivire, who had his head lowered while smiling big, trembling with delight.

    ¡°Your chest! Where is it, even? If it weren¡¯t so weird to do, I¡¯d lift your shirt right now, but from what I just hit, I could break your chest with one good punch!¡±

    Gary returned to Ranger Kai with a glare. ¡°No way! You tryna fight or something, Kai?¡± Getting even angrier, he stood up.

    ¡°As if trying to see your chest could get any weirder. I¡¯m not fighting a child.¡± Ranger Kai crossed her arms, looking up at Gary.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t talk like you can!¡±

    ¡°What? You think ¡®cause I¡¯m a girl I can¡¯t kick your butt, huh?¡± Ranger Kai stood up. ¡°You may work out with your Pokemon, but what do you think a Ranger does?¡± She leaned her face closer to Gary¡¯s. ¡°You really think you¡¯re as fit as me, little boy?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Gary shot back at her, but he took a few seconds before saying so.

    ¡°Impossible!!¡± Ranger Kai shouted. ¡°You have no clue what I go through every single day and have only survived due to my physical state!¡±

    Gary went silent. Like being thrown off a mountain and using an Escape Rope and some String Shots to survive, he thought, his eyes on her neck. But I can fight! And I am strong! But I may be going too far thinking I can take her on. Why do I even want to? I don¡¯t! I just let my pride get in the way.

    Gary was always insecure about his chest. His other male friends always seemed to have more protruding chests, or at least with some weight on them. Gary¡¯s was completely flat, his stomach even coming out more. It was embarrassing to deal with in situations like playing basketball or rare swimming occasions. He¡¯d usually keep on a T-shirt, even if it didn¡¯t make any sense.

    ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t think so. Now do some push-ups and get back to carrying that Egg and work out that body, little boy!¡± Ranger Kai spoke sternly, but suddenly, she was smiling.

    He looked down at first and breathed out, relaxing. When he looked back at her, he gave her a smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kai. I know I¡¯m-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine! It¡¯s nice to see that you¡¯ve got some fight in you, but you do need to learn some respect for your elders. Especially those who can whoop your butt. Not that I¡¯m looking at it. You¡¯re a child, after all.¡±

    Gary frowned, starting to feel uncomfortable with her mentioning his butt and chest so much. Or perhaps self-conscious. He couldn¡¯t tell if there was even a difference. Now he was looking her over, considering some things about her body, and recalled when they first met that she had on black short shorts and a very fitting black shirt. Yeah, she did look good in that outfit, Gary told himself, but I¡¯ve never really considered her... pretty. She¡¯s not ugly, but, I don¡¯t find myself wishing she were my- Wait! What am I even thinking about right now?! He shut his eyes and turned from her. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s keep moving, okay?¡±

    ¡°Ssshh!¡± Ranger Kai held a finger to her mouth and pointed with the finger on her other hand. ¡°The Bunnelby,¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary stared ahead to see a rabbit at a far distance.

    The little creature was mostly gray, its neck surrounded by brown fur, a few brown spots on its legs, along with brown toes. Its long, long ears were digging at the ground, the tips also brown.

    Bunnelby. The Digging Pokemon. A Normal type Pokemon. This Pokemon can be found digging holes for burrows at all hours of the night.

    ¡°Oh, cool!¡± Gary smiled.

    ¡°Bun?¡± Bunnelby stared at the group and then dug even faster before leaping into the hole. More dirt was tossed out of the hole as Bunnelby continued to dig away to its escape.

    ¡°That¡¯s so kawaii!¡± Ranger Kai gushed.

    ¡°Ka... Huh?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°Kawaii!¡± Ranger Kai repeated.

    ¡°Oh... Right,¡± Gary conceded. Her accent threw me.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    *

    Gary¡¯s back was straightened as he stomped through the grass, carrying his Egg between his shoulder blades. This time, he had taken his coat off. He couldn¡¯t get used to the discomfort and restriction it was handing him and just took on the cold with a strict, determined attitude, for his Pokemon behind him, and Stantler ahead of him.

    The weight of the Snorlax Egg was getting to him, but he kept right on, determined not to let Stantler get too far ahead.

    Behind Stantler, but in front of Gary, was Electivire running.

    Behind Gary was Deino, Riolu, and Charizard, all running as well, Sabrina soaring beside them.

    Gary needed to keep an eye on Charizard and Electivire¡¯s rivalry. All of this responsibility made him feel like a real man, running in the brisk, cold air. In fact, he wasn¡¯t cold at all! He was truly showing everyone how it gets done. That¡¯s how he perceived it all in his mind, anyway.

    Ranger Kai was running off to the side, Swadloon in her arms.

    Ranger Kai¡¯s Galvantula and Ariados were with June¡¯s Galvantula, but Gary didn¡¯t know where, having last seen them high up in the trees.

    Gary did keep hearing the leaves above shake and branches snap. This creeped him out badly and he kept shuddering in disgust.

    Dunsparce was out, digging through the ground, disappearing underneath it and then popping back up. She was far behind everyone else.

    Ranger Kai didn¡¯t seem to be paying attention, chatting away to Porygon-Z.

    Gary had to keep shouting at it to keep it floating by him, but it wouldn¡¯t be long before it was back with the Ranger.

    Trying to do as Ranger Kai had instructed, Gary did his best to focus on pacing his breathing and maintaining good form as he kept moving.

    ¡°Say, you guys don¡¯t celebrate any holidays, do you?¡± Ranger Kai suddenly asked loudly. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be Christmas soon.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that still some time away? Is it really December already??¡± Gary breathed out.

    ¡°It is, but-¡±

    Gary lost his balance and landed on his face in the dirt.

    The Egg had trembled hard, taking Gary down.

    He groaned. ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± he mumbled unclearly.

    ¡°Gary!¡± Ranger Kai and the others moved over to him.

    The kid raised his head, keeping his grip on the Egg on his back. He spit out and then gasped.

    Porygon-Z lowered itself down in front of him, whining lightly.

    ¡°Porygon-Z. Please. Just please!¡± Gary begged. ¡°Whatever you¡¯re thinking of doing, whatever it is! Just don¡¯t and stay still!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a nice thing to say to your Pokemon,¡± Ranger Kai frowned.

    Gary ignored her. Just shut up, he thought. Don¡¯t say a word. Don¡¯t screech. Or zap me. Or-

    Porygon-Z made a move, jabbing its beak right into Gary¡¯s eye!

    Gary released his Egg, exploding in pain, his voice echoing through the woods.

    *

    Gary now had his Egg in front of him, holding it in his arms and leaning back to get the best hold while walking. This was easy at first, but soon he was wondering if on his back wasn¡¯t the best way.

    ¡°When you¡¯re ready, this is what you can become if you choose.¡± Ranger Kai held up her Caterpie to Gary¡¯s Butterfree.

    Butterfree floated by the Ranger, her wings flapping.

    Porygon-Z floated over everyone¡¯s head, dipping lower and later ascending whenever it felt like it.

    Gary¡¯s Paras was on the woman¡¯s back.

    Ranger Kai¡¯s Kricketune was rubbing his arms together and letting out a rather haunting and yet beautiful melody while walking beside his Trainer.

    ¡°Magikarp! Magikarp! Karp!¡± Gary¡¯s special Magikarp flopped along after his Trainer.

    Gary had seen this type of treatment used as a means of Training for the sturdy Pokemon, with few detractors these days. He still felt a little bad, but stuck with it.

    Electivire was trailing behind everyone, staring at Magikarp blankly. He actually seemed worn out, his arms hanging loosely at his sides.

    Having been urged by Ranger Kai with the persistence to run a Torkoal out of its shell, Gary used his Pokedex to transfer over a few Pokemon for a brief time.

    In all honesty, he was really glad to see Butterfree again, but he was scolded by Ranger Kai for still being uncomfortable around the Pokemon. After Butterfree fluttered her wings, excited to see her Trainer, Gary yelled out and stumbled backwards, tripping and landing in a sitting position. Seeing Ranger Kai¡¯s judgemental eyes, he attempted to redeem himself by petting Butterfree but instead ended up awkwardly bowing before her. Seeing the continued disapproving look on Ranger Kai¡¯s face, Gary hung his head in shame and defeat.

    After this, Ranger Kai took over and kept Butterfree by her, which upset Gary. It felt like a punishment. He loved his Pokemon. All of them! It wasn¡¯t fair or his fault that he had a phobia of bugs and Bug type Pokemon.

    ¡°You know, I got this friend at a village during a Kricketune contest,¡± Ranger Kai explained to the Pokemon. ¡°This one was the winner and I traded my Genesect for him.¡±

    ¡°Genesect?¡± Gary mumbled the name, thinking it sounded familiar.

    ¡°Oh my gosh is that A Dell and A-Mac?¡± Ranger Kai gushed out, pointing ahead.

    Kricketune stopped playing his music and everyone came to a stop altogether, except for Gary.

    He didn¡¯t understand what was going on, but then he saw them and also stopped.

    Off to the side was a man smoking on a pipe, swaying his body while smacking his hands on a pair of large congas.

    Beside him was a Jynx whose body was moving with a lot of emotion and gyrations, a lot of effort conveying what could be seen as some kind of statement.

    It actually made Gary feel a little uncomfortable and embarrassed watching the Pokemon.

    Along with the dancing, Jynx was mumbling words that weren¡¯t English. The language was unrecognizable, but sounded suspiciously human for something a Pokemon would be saying.

    There were phones set up against trees, filming the duo using the front cameras.

    What¡¯s going on here? Gary wondered.

    The duo stopped at once and turned angrily to Ranger Kai and her companions. ¡°Come on, y¡¯all! Y¡¯all broke mah concentration!¡± the man complained, speaking in a gravelly, chill voice, but sounding aggravated. His face was covered by his long, wavy brown hair. He wore a yellow shirt that almost reached his feet, which were in the very popular Croconaw brand shoes; big, rounded shoes topped with fake spikes designed after the spikes on the back of the Pokemon Croconaw¡¯s body, and real Croconaw teeth.

    Gary found the brand to have arguably the ugliest shoes he¡¯d ever seen in his life.

    The legs of the man¡¯s white pants were just barely visible under the shirt. ¡°You can¡¯t see us tryna cool out here and make slide?¡± the man went on.

    Slide? Gary questioned and looked to Ranger Kai.

    ¡°Were you in the middle of a music video?¡± she asked as the guy walked to one phone and took it from between some low-reaching branches he had positioned it on.

    ¡°What¡¯s it look like, fools?¡± he snapped. ¡°Man, move on! Come on! This is a private shoot!¡±

    Gary looked around. There¡¯s no tape or anything indicating this is private... Who even is this guy?

    ¡°I¡¯m such a huge fan of you and A Dell. I¡¯ve followed you both since your underground albums Pineapples on Pie and One Two Three! Jynx! A Mac, can I see your butt? I just wanna see something,¡± Ranger Kai pleaded.

    ¡°Excuse me?!¡± A Mac responded, sounding reasonably shocked.

    ¡°Your butt. You can keep your pants on. I don¡¯t mind either way actually.¡±

    Gary gasped, looking back and forth between the two in shock. Is she insane??

    A Mac looked infuriated and pointed at the group. ¡°A Dell! BLIZZARD ATTACK!!¡±

    ¡°Jynx JYYYYYYYNNX!!!¡± A Dell sent out a furious flurry of wind, snow and Ice to blow away the entire group!!

    *

    ¡°Mewtwo, use your Shadow Ball! Right now!¡± Gary ordered his Pokemon.

    ¡°Darkrai! Dodge it and use Dark Void!¡± The owner of Darkrai, none other than Tobias, the mysterious man who was the current Champion of the Sinnoh region and owner of the Mythical Pokemon Darkrai, commanded his Pokemon.

    Gary¡¯s Mewtwo charged up a black and purple ball with black static sparking around it between his hands.

    Darkrai formed a purple and black ball between its hands and threw the attack to Mewtwo!

    ¡°Mewtwo, dodge!¡± Gary demanded.

    ¡°Darkrai, GET OUT OF THERE!¡± Tobias ordered, one arm waving out, making the black cloak that covered his entire body swing open. What was revealed was nothing but darkness.

    The crowd roared with excitement from the bleachers as the two Pokemon attacked and avoided the other¡¯s move.

    ¡°Darkrai!! End this with Dark Pulse NOW!¡± Tobias pressed on.

    ¡°Mewtwo!¡± Gary was stuck, struggling to think up a good counter to this.

    Darkrai formed a ball of black and purple circles between its hands. After a sharp spin, it held out one hand, holding the orb, and fired a beam of black and purple circles out at Mewtwo.

    ¡°Mewtwo, charge up Shadow Ball but don¡¯t fire it! Just stand still!!¡± Gary thought up. Ghost is strong against Dark... So... No, wait! Dark is-!

    Mewtwo charged the move and held out both hands, keeping Shadow Ball in his hold.

    Darkrai¡¯s Dark Pulse came for Mewtwo, but was stopped! The attack hit Mewtwo¡¯s Shadow Ball, but the move was being absorbed!

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped wide open, the entire audience at the Sinnoh League gasping in surprise.

    The Shadow Ball was growing bigger by the second!

    ¡°It would appear that due to Mewtwo being the most powerful Pokemon in the world, despite Dark type moves like Dark Pulse technically being stronger than a Ghost type move like Shadow Ball, Mewtwo¡¯s Shadow Ball is overpowering the Dark Pulse!!¡±

    With a furious roar from Mewtwo, his Shadow Ball flew forward, bigger than a yoga ball, and took Darkrai down.

    Darkrai didn¡¯t stand back up.

    Tobias watched his Pokemon, his grayish-blue hair covering one eye, his revealed eye wide in disbelief.

    ¡°Darkrai is unable to battle! Mewtwo is the winner!!¡± The referee raised the red flag to Gary.

    The crowd exploded in celebration.

    ¡°The winner of this match, and the new, official Sinnoh region Pokemon Champion, is GARYYYY from the Kanto region¡¯s own PALLET TOOOOOOOWWWNN!!!¡± the referee concluded.

    Gary ran up to Mewtwo and they gave each other a high five. ¡°That was great, Mewtwo! We really showed Sinnoh what Kanto can do!¡±

    Mewtwo smiled and nodded back silently.

    ¡°Congratulations, young Gary.¡± Tobias was now in front of them, clapping gently, his Darkrai behind him. ¡°You¡¯ve proved your worth for all to behold.¡± He waved to the sky where helicopters were hovering, news reporters covering the battle. ¡°You are now a Pokemon Master! Do you have any words for the world?¡±

    The crowd quieted down for the young Trainer to speak.

    He stared around at everyone, and suddenly Tobias was holding a microphone out to the boy¡¯s face.

    ¡°Uh.¡± His voice was, obviously, a lot louder and echoed. ¡°I... I did it?¡±

    The crowd cheered like mad at these simple words, Tobias applauding and laughing.

    ¡°But, how?¡± Gary questioned. ¡°That didn¡¯t even make any sense! That¡¯s not how Shadow Ball works! Is it?¡±

    This made everyone laugh!

    Tobias clapped the boy on his back hard. ¡°Just goes to show, no matter how experienced you are as a Pokemon Trainer, there is always something more to learn! A ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!¡±

    Still confused, Gary scratched his head. I guess so... he accepted. ¡°HEY!¡± Gary was being yanked!

    ¡°End of this nonsense!¡± It was none other than Ranger Kai! ¡°We both know full well that no one deserves the Champion title in any region other than Wallace! Lest a better butt make itself known on a more skilled Trainer.¡±

    ¡°Kai, what¡¯s going on?? What are you doing??¡± Gary complained. And then, ¡°Actually, where are we??¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the first thing you should have been wondering, Gary. We¡¯re in Mismagius territory, and they love them some tricks and illusions.¡±

    ¡°Mismagius??¡± Gary cried.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. They¡¯re awesome, super kawaii Ghost type Pokemon who just get enjoyment out of making people happy!¡±

    ¡°Happy?¡±

    Gary was being yanked towards the stadium exit. He looked back at Tobias, his hero, Tobias¡¯ Mythical Darkrai, and Mewtwo, his favorite Pokemon of all time, all looking at him sadly. The boy felt a mournful pain in his chest, but this soon turned into anger. ¡°So none of this is even-?!¡± He breathed out as he was taken through the exit and everything got blindingly bright. He was breathing hard now, looking around the wooded area he was in and realizing he was in a sitting position.

    Around him stood Ranger Kai and Swadloon, her other Pokemon, Electivire, and the rest of Gary¡¯s Pokemon.

    Gary placed his hand on his heart. It was like waking from a nightmare. Before completing his circle of vision, he spotted a Nurse Joy! ¡°NO WAY!!¡± He was on his feet in an instant, running for Nurse Joy. While smiling, tears were also running down his face, his body juggling a mix of emotions. ¡°Nurse Joy!! Boy, am I glad to see you after-ooof!¡± He collapsed on his face.

    Everyone gasped.

    Well, almost everyone.

    Gary raised his head covered in leaves and dirt and he got to one knee. He placed one hand to the side of one cheek and sighed, a couple of tears falling out of his eyes.

    ¡°Oh, no! Did you trip? Are you alright?¡± Nurse Joy got down on both knees in front of him.

    Gary couldn¡¯t help but notice her smooth legs, knees, and a bit of thighs as the dress rose over them. He also didn¡¯t really care at the moment.

    ¡°Gary, what was that?¡± Ranger Kai was approaching.

    Gary looked back.

    The Ranger stopped walking. ¡°Gary. Are you crying? Did you hurt yourself?¡±

    Gary wasn¡¯t staring at Ranger Kai, looking past her to Electivire.

    Electivire was staring back in silence. Upon their eyes meeting, he turned his back on the child.

    Gary rubbed his cheek, remembering the haunting sting he would have received from Hitmonchan if things had been different.

    *

    Having left the Pokemon Center in the middle of the woods and continuing on through the night, the group walked a rocky path alongside a river.

    Gary had his Egg on his back.

    Electivire was beside him.

    Ranger Kai had Swadloon in her arms, Gary¡¯s Butterfree on her shoulder, Gary¡¯s Paras on her other shoulder, and Porygon-Z resting on top of the woman¡¯s huge bag.

    Dunsparce was nowhere to be seen, but Ranger Kai had definitely let her go ahead on her own.

    Gary couldn¡¯t help thinking about his day with the Ranger. This whole day has been... eventful, fun, and a little shocking at times, but nothing more than another day in the life of a Pokemon Ranger, he told himself. Though he hated to admit it, a big level of respect was growing for her.

    ¡°Vire?¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡± Gary stopped at the sound of Electivire and saw that the big guy was looking behind them at something. He made fists, sniffing the air, and then started growling, looking around from side to side.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, now?¡± Gary narrowed his eyebrows and set his Egg down before he took a step closer to Electivire.

    ¡°Oh, no!¡± Ranger Kai said. ¡°Gary, get back!!¡±

    Gary stopped and turned to her. ¡°Huh?¡±

    Ranger Kai wasn¡¯t even looking at Gary. She was facing a towering threat.

    A familiar threat!

    Ranger Kai looked away, her eyes shut hard. ¡°GARY! DON¡¯T LOOK!!¡±

    ¡°CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARBOOOOKKAAAA!!¡± an Arbok raged.

    Now, Gary was frozen. He tried to shut his eyes, but he was stuck, witnessing the frightening face. Suddenly, his breath was cut short. He couldn¡¯t make a single noise.

    Arbok had its entire body around the child, strangling him!

    Gary stared the Cobra right in the face, Arbok leering back, its tongue flickering rapidly. It¡¯s you, isn¡¯t it, Gary knew. The same Arbok. You¡¯re the one I¡¯ve been seeing since I got to this region. Who¡¯s been following me. There¡¯s no way, but... Why?

    Gary couldn¡¯t think anymore. He couldn¡¯t breathe. This was it for him, and he knew it.

    As his body went limp.

    And his vision darkened.

 Bugs,

    There was electricity bouncing around Electivire¡¯s body as he prepared to blast Arbok.

    ¡°I¡¯VE GOT THIS!!¡± Ranger Kai ran in front of Electivire as Swadloon leaped from her arms, Paras jumped from her back, Butterfree flapped her wings to stay in the air, and Porygon-Z hovered by Butterfree. The woman was facing Arbok, her arm held out behind her to Electivire¡¯s chest, but she didn¡¯t touch him. ¡°Arbok! STOP!¡± Ranger Kai then dug into her little brown bag hanging from her shoulder. She got a huge towel out of it and whipped it open. ¡°HEY!! I said let him go!!¡± she barked at the Pokemon.

    ¡°CHAAAAAAAAAA!!¡± Arbok hissed nastily, now facing her. Its grip tightened in reaction to Ranger Kai, and Gary was unable to even choke anymore, feeling his body give in as his vision got blurry and dark.

    Ranger Kai pointed with her hand that held the blanket. ¡°Psybeam!¡±

    Butterfree flew past Ranger Kai and her eyes glowed blue.

    A streaky blue beam with pink circles inside of it came out of the eyes and hit Arbok.

    Gary gasped, inhaling so hard it hurt, as he was released and he landed on his back. He quickly got to his knees, desperate to get air into his lungs as he watched the Ranger continue.

    ¡°Stun Spore!¡±

    Arbok was at the trunk of a tree it had been forced against by the Psybeam.

    Some fruit was laid around it, knocked down after Arbok hit the tree.

    Butterfree flew towards Arbok.

    Moving swiftly, faster than Gary was comfortable seeing, Arbok scooped up a piece of fruit in its mouth, swallowing the fruit whole.

    Butterfree was over Arbok, sprinkling down sparkling orange powder.

    Arbok stood tall amongst the falling orange attack, but then bent down, twitching from Paralysis. However, it got back up sharply, frightening Butterfree, and let out a ¡°CHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!¡±

    Purple rings of energy came out of its mouth at Butterfree, followed by a wave of purple energy.

    Butterfree dodged that attack!

    ¡°She dodged Belch!¡± Ranger Kai cheered. She threw her blanket in the air. ¡°Gary, move! Butterfree, catch!¡±

    Gary scrambled on his hands and knees to her, screaming as he heard Arbok yell behind him.

    Catching the blanket in her hands, Butterfree flew towards the Arbok! She dropped it once she was over the foe.

    Arbok screamed as the blanket covered it and it collapsed, writhing and struggling underneath.

    While all this was happening, Ranger Kai had yanked Gary to his feet. ¡°And we¡¯re outta here!¡± She ran, still gripping his hand, Paras, Butterfree, Swadloon and Porygon-Z following. ¡°Dunsparce! Do what you do best!¡±

    Gary was stumbling, desperate not to slow either of them down, but his body was still quaking in fear from the ordeal he only barely survived. The ground was quaking continuously, Gary understanding why as he tried to focus his weakened body to keep running.

    The path changed from stone to grass as everyone kept moving, an explosion going off behind them.

    Eventually, Gary finally fell in the grass, out of breath and unable to keep up with Ranger Kai¡¯s stamina.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll be fine, here. Rest, Gary.¡±

    Swadloon, Paras and Butterfree settled around the two humans, Porygon-Z ascending into the sky while upside down and whining out.

    Electivire suddenly strolled into the scene casually, looking displeased.

    The Ranger got down and took off her large bag, taking out a bottle of water. ¡°Have some of this,¡± she said to Gary.

    Gary got to his knees and shook his head. ¡°What is that thing?¡± He tried to elaborate further, but he ended up choking on his dry throat.

    Ranger Kai held the water bottle to Gary, and the kid took it and immediately unscrewed it and drank while she spoke. ¡°That was an Arbok, Gary. A Cobra category of Pokemon. I left it paralyzed, and what¡¯s more, under a blanket. A classic and safe way to get away from a snake. And Dunsparce left it in a hole. That was the explosion.¡± She winked.

    Gary pulled the bottle away from his lips and let out his breath noisily. After inhaling, he shouted, ¡°NO! Not that! I¡¯m talking about why is that Arbok chasing me??¡±

    She tightened her eyes on Gary.

    ¡°That has to be the same Arbok that¡¯s been following me around for a very long time! Or I¡¯m running into several Arbok out in this region!¡±

    Ranger Kai shook her head immediately. ¡°It¡¯s no coincidence, Gary. There¡¯s no way you keep running into new Arbok. The fact of the matter is, Arbok do tend to follow prey, no matter how long or far. There¡¯s quite a number of Pokemon like that, like Primeape, Cacturne-¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯m right! But that means... That one Arbok from way back that was attacking those Pidgeotto... There¡¯s no way! Really? But, why? I¡¯m prey?!¡±

    ¡°Well, perhaps not. But perhaps so. Who knows!¡± Ranger Kai smiled.

    Gary frowned at her.

    ¡°Anyway, you saved Pidgeotto from that Arbok?¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah, I-¡±

    ¡°Amazing! Maybe I have been judging you a little too hard.¡±

    ¡°Judging me? On what? What¡¯ve I even done?? Who are you to even judge me??¡±

    ¡°I am the judger of butts. If I can do that as well as I do, surely I can judge pathetic Pokemon Trainers who don¡¯t even like Bug types.¡±

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary was glaring at Ranger Kai, but then he looked over to his Bug types.

    Paras lowered himself further to the ground, looking down nervously.

    ¡°Freeee,¡± Butterfree said lowly and looked aside.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± Gary growled at Ranger Kai, gritting his teeth. ¡°Don¡¯t make things weird. Especially with my Paras! We haven¡¯t even really met and talked about my phobia, and you¡¯re-¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s what makes it worse! You don¡¯t even rotate your Pokemon properly! And you wanna become a Pokemon Master Trainer?¡±

    Gary was feeling bad now, knowing she had a point, however unfair he felt she was being about it.

    A rumbling occured, and then a large section of the ground gave way before a Dunsparce appeared, chittering at Ranger Kai.

    ¡°Good work, Dunsparce!¡± Ranger Kai smiled at her Pokemon. She then looked at Gary moodily. ¡°Forget something, Father?¡± She pointed.

    Gary looked down the hole Dunsparce had made and saw his Egg! ¡°OH! My Egg!¡± He looked at Ranger Kai, his mouth hanging open.

    ¡°Really sad. I think maybe I oughta keep that thing.¡±

    ¡°You dragged me away!!¡± Gary argued.

    ¡°True, true,¡± Ranger Kai admitted, nodding, ¡°but you totally forgot all about the Egg, aaaand you never said anything while we were running. Admit it!¡± She crossed her arms and then stood up.

    Gary grit his teeth and glared at her, not wanting to say anything, knowing she was right again.

    This silence made Ranger Kai smile huge and she pointed at him. ¡°HA! I knew it! You men are undependable!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you how undependable I am! How about a Pokemon battle?¡± His strength returning, he got to his feet. ¡°Come on! A whole six-on-six! And a Shift Battle! What do you say?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t do much battling, Gary.¡±

    ¡°Why? Come-!¡±

    ¡°Reasons.¡±

    ¡°Reasons?¡±

    ¡°Reasons.¡±

    ¡°What reasons? Your Pokemon are all fine and so are mine. Let¡¯s go! This is an official challenge!¡±

    ¡°And I officially decline, you little child. I¡¯m the elder here, and authority. Law! You have to do what I say! And I¡¯m taking the Egg into my care.¡±

    ¡°So you talk about how high and mighty you are, but really you¡¯re just in a higher place in life. You¡¯re not mighty. You can¡¯t beat me! I¡¯ve got eight Badges from Kanto and competed in the Indigo League, and I have four Badges here and will take over this League here!¡±

    Ranger Kai put her hands on her hips and walked up close to Gary.

    His eyes wide, Gary swallowed against his will, hoping the woman didn¡¯t see.

    It took her a moment to start talking, but she finally got it going. ¡°I see you need to be taught some manners, Mister. Fine. I¡¯ll use the six Pokemon I have on me right now, and you can use yours.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Gary was ready to prove his worth to her. Maybe she¡¯ll take it easy on me after I win, Gary told himself. Or, knowing her, it won¡¯t do a thing to make me look better and she¡¯ll just continue ridiculing me and being a nutcase. This is gonna be a waste of my time, isn¡¯t it? He walked backwards, checking his back for trees as Ranger Kai also walked backwards with her huge bag in her arms.

    ¡°OH!¡± Ranger Kai cried, hitting a tree, and she laughed a single ¡°HAA!¡± closing her eyes and sticking out her tongue.

    Gary just shook his head. Complete idiot, he told himself. But somehow, a reliable Ranger?

    Along with Swadloon, Gary¡¯s Paras had crawled quickly to Ranger Kai. While Swadloon stopped beside her Trainer, Paras hid behind Ranger Kai¡¯s legs, just barely peeking over to look to his Trainer.

    ¡°Huh? Hey...¡± Gary stared at his Pokemon sadly. Watching this made the left side of his chest hurt.

    The woman scooped up Paras easily and walked over to Gary. ¡°It¡¯s okay, sweet one.¡± She set him down at Gary¡¯s feet and stood back up. ¡°But on one condition.¡± She held up her hand, and Gary¡¯s Butterfree flew to her and settled on it.

    Gary stepped back several feet, disturbed by all the Bugs around him now.

    Ranger Kai then held her hand up and waved it slightly, letting Butterfree go. ¡°You have to battle me using only your Bug type Pokemon.¡±

    ¡°WHAT??!!¡±

    ¡°Do that and you can have the Egg. Those are the rules. Well?¡±

    Gary was infuriated, but he also knew this was a great opportunity for him. He calmed down but kept hard eyes on the woman. ¡°That¡¯s a deal! Just give me a moment to swap out.¡± He pulled out his Pokedex and took some time to figure it all out, but he finally got his new team together.

    They both moved away from each other again.

    Gary pointed ahead. ¡°Let¡¯s start it off, Butterfree!¡±

    ¡°FRRREEEEEE!¡± Butterfree shot forward.

    YEAH! Gary beamed. We can do this, me and these guys. This is the chance to work not only with my Bug types, but with Pokemon I haven¡¯t had the chance to use too much! Ever, in Paras¡¯ case.

    ¡°Bug and Flying is great, but there isn¡¯t much you can do against a Pokemon that¡¯s underground! Dunsparce!¡± Ranger Kai pointed.

    Making chittering, chattering, bug-like noises, Dunsparce dug away using the drill at the end of her tail, going underground swiftly, making the ground tremble a bit.

    I see. Dunsparce stays underground, so that will limit our moves, I guess, Gary recognized. No problem! ¡°No problem!¡± He made sure his opponent heard as he smiled at her challengingly.

    Ranger Kai remained focused, glaring at Butterfree.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take this chance to protect ourselves until Dunsparce wants to return. Harden!¡±

    Butterfree glowed white momentarily, raising her Defense.

    ¡°I see. Then let¡¯s get back up!¡± Ranger Kai ordered.

    The ground shook and before Gary knew it, Dunsparce was back.

    ¡°Air Slash!¡± Ranger Kai continued.

    Dunsparce¡¯s wings flapped some, and the Pokemon actually levitated, rising into the air!

    Several light-blue glowing, saw disc-like energies came out of her wings and hit Butterfree!

    ¡°Air Slash?! A Flying move?!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe it! But that¡¯s just a Normal type! I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s even hovering!

    Air Slash. A strong Flying type move that might cause the opponent to Flinch if hit.

    Butterfree was slowly descending, indeed Flinching!

    ¡°Butterfree! Gust!¡±

    Butterfree couldn¡¯t attack while Flinching.

    ¡°Butterfree! Pay attention!¡±

    ¡°Another Air Slash, now!¡±

    Dunsparce repeated the move and Butterfree was taken down, tumbling before laying out flat on her front.

    ¡°Butterfree, come on! Psybeam attack!¡±

    Butterfree was Flinching again, turning away from Dunsparce with her eyes shut, as if fearing more hits.

    ¡°Air Slash, Dunsparce! Go!¡± Ranger Kai persisted.

    Dunsparce obeyed, hitting Butterfree with the super-effective attacks.

    Butterfree was a crumpled heat, but she wasn¡¯t out yet. However, she was still Flinching!

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this!!¡± Gary was mad now. ¡°What is with this??¡±

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t you yell at your Butterfree like that! It¡¯s not her fault!¡± Ranger Kai shouted at the boy.

    ¡°I know! I know! It¡¯s an effect. But yo, how are the odds this bad??¡± Gary argued.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to say. This Dunsparce¡¯s Ability is Serene Grace. Effects have double the chance of happening if the move comes with one.¡±

    Gary¡¯s shoulders slumped. ¡°Crap,¡± he whispered. ¡°Now I get it. But...¡±

    ¡°Air Slash! We¡¯ll have to end this battle! Sorry, Butterfreeee!!¡± Ranger Kai called out sadly, reaching out emotionally to her.

    Dunsparce attacked.

    ¡°BUTTERFREEEE!!¡± Gary shouted out helplessly.

    Butterfree looked up and yelled out. She tumbled through the air, screaming even louder, and ended up sliding on her back.

    ¡°Butterfree!¡± Ranger Kai ran towards the beaten Pokemon and got on her knees beside her. ¡°Can you forgive us? I¡¯m so, so sorry your Trainer is so inadequate and blamed you for this. It wasn¡¯t your fault, baby.¡±

    ¡°GET AWAY FROM MY POKEMON!!¡± His hands in tight fists, Gary stomped over to them and knelt down. ¡°Butterfree. I¡¯m so sorry. I was in a bad spot and had no idea what was going on. It was really all my fault. I¡¯m sorry I got mad, but I¡¯m not mad. Not at all. Just got a little frustrated.¡±

    Ranger Kai coughed. ¡°Bullshit,¡± she muttered quickly before coughing some more.

    ¡°You did just fine,¡± Gary told his Pokemon while glaring at Ranger Kai. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for screwing that up.¡± He returned his Pokemon and then got back to his spot, not taking his eyes off the woman.

    Staring back angrily at Gary, the woman also walked away backwards to her place.

    Dunsparce had settled on the ground during this time and had to slide out of the way as she almost got stepped on.

    ¡°Alright, one down,¡± Gary noted out loud. ¡°And we didn¡¯t even hit that thing with one move. What a total waste,¡± he muttered to himself. He grabbed a second Poke Ball. ¡°Wait,¡± he mumbled and then clipped the ball back on his waist. ¡°Maybe not him, yet. Depends on how strong her Pokemon are, though. Dunsparce has to be good if it beat my Butterfree. Right?¡± He grabbed a different Poke Ball this time. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, go!¡± He threw it.

    ¡°Dustoooox!¡± Dustox flapped in the air.

    Gary shuttered. Uuuugh. So creepy how bugs fly.

    ¡°You okay, there? You¡¯re not looking so good with all these Bugs around you,¡± Ranger Kai sneered.

    ¡°Duus?¡± Dustox looked back at Gary.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to throw off my Pokemon with your boring mind games! I¡¯m just fine and we¡¯re gonna win! Ready, Dustox?¡± Gary stared at his Pokemon determinedly, resisting the urge to scratch at the skin crawling on his shoulder. He rolled his shoulders and made fists as he tightened the muscles in his arms.

    ¡°Dustox!¡± Dustox nodded and faced Dunsparce.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    He took this chance to scratch at his arms and shoulders. Ranger Kai never took her cold, accusing eyes off Gary, and he knew she knew what he had just done.

    She finally looked away, her gaze softening on the flying Bugs. ¡°This one definitely has Shield Dust, so Flinching isn¡¯t gonna happen, but that doesn¡¯t mean we won¡¯t leave a mark!¡± Ranger Kai stated.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. She knows Dustox¡¯s Ability just by looking? Well, the only other Ability is a rare one, so, really, she-

    ¡°Air Slash again!¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Gary focused on the match. ¡°Start off with Toxic!¡±

    A stream of purple came out from Dustox¡¯s mouth and hit Dunsparce in the face.

    She screamed out in a low yet sharp, creepy voice as her face went a deep purple.

    ¡°Venoshock, now!¡±

    Dustox followed up with another spray of purple liquid on the Poisoned Pokemon, severely damaging her.

    That was too easy! Gary smiled. Once Poisoned, Venoshock¡¯s damage doubles! This is a great way to test out just how strong Dunsparce is.

    Dunsparce shook her head, looked unwell and swaying in place.

    ¡°Dunsparce! Are you okay?¡± Ranger Kai glared at Gary.

    Dunsparce flinched, suffering from the Poison, and she dropped.

    Gary gasped, smiling big. No way! he almost said out loud, surprised by what had just happened.

    ¡°Oh, Dunsparce! No!¡± Ranger Kai moved, along with her Swadloon, and they stopped at Dunsparce, the Ranger scooping her up. ¡°What a foul way to battle, huh?¡± She and her Swadloon turned their hard eyes onto Gary.

    ¡°Swadloon!¡± Swadloon added, nodding.

    ¡°Me?? Foul?! You had my Butterfree-!¡±

    ¡°Rest here, my sweet Pokemon.¡± Ranger Kai ignored Gary and walked over to a tree, Swadloon following. She laid Dunsparce down and then dug into her little bag, pulled out a rounded, pink fruit, and Dunsparce ate it.

    Dunsparce gave a few shakes and soon looked a lot better.

    Ranger Kai smiled and pulled out another Berry and laid it down beside her Pokemon who ate it hurriedly. She looked to Gary and nodded. ¡°You got one, but let¡¯s see how you do against my next Bug!¡± She and Swadloon returned to their spot. ¡°Ariados, you¡¯re next!¡±

    Descending from an invisible string in the treetops, Ariados lowered itself to the ground. ¡°Aria!¡±

    Gary swallowed. Bug for sure, but Poison too, right? She¡¯s countering me using typing like I countered her earlier with Shield Dust. She really isn¡¯t as brain-dead as I thought. This is why she¡¯s a Ranger. She¡¯s got to be smart to have this position. ¡°Hey, wait!¡± Something suddenly came to the Trainer¡¯s mind, and he couldn¡¯t help but ask about it now. ¡°You have so many Bug types! Why do you own a Dunsparce?¡±

    ¡°Dunsparce and me go way back, but after saving my life, what really made me keep her was the fact, she¡¯s actually a lot like a Bug, and is considered one in some places in the Johto region.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why Dunsparce is my closest friend.¡±

    Saving your life wasn¡¯t the deciding factor? Gary joked to himself.

    ¡°Now, back to the match! Swords Dance, Ariados!¡±

    Several blue, glowing Swords appeared around Ariados. Red and orange energy shot upwards in front of it, and then balls of the same colors appeared in front of it before disappearing, Ariados glowing red briefly, its Attack now sharply raised.

    ¡°Dustox, Quiver Dance!¡±

    Dustox did a wild dance, flapping his wings and bouncing in the air as he glowed white and boosted his stats.

    ¡°Swords Dance!¡±

    ¡°Quiver Dance, again!¡±

    Both Pokemon strengthened themselves again.

    ¡°Gary, you can¡¯t keep up. I¡¯m just warning you. Swords Dance boosts the Attack by two stages, but Quiver Dance-¡±

    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing, Kai!¡± Gary interrupted her angrily.

    ¡°Oh, yeah? Swords Dance one last time!¡±

    ¡°Quiver Dance, now!¡±

    Ariados¡¯ Attack was at the maximum level after that.

    Dustox had a significant boost in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.

    ¡°Sucker Punch!¡± Ranger Kai pointed.

    ¡°Whirlwind!¡±

    ¡°Huh??¡± Ranger Kai cried.

    Ariados stumbled forward, tripping to its face.

    Dustox flapped his wings strongly, and Ariados glowed red as it was returned to its Poke Ball!

    A white beam came out from a different Poke Ball on Ranger Kai¡¯s belt and Kricketune was sent out!

    Kricketune looked around, possibly startled.

    ¡°Now use Gust!¡±

    Dustox used Gust, blowing Kricketune through the air and he ended up tumbling on the ground.

    Wait, Gary realized. ¡°Whirlwind again!¡±

    ¡°Kricketune!¡± Ranger Kai called out, but then looked at Gary as if he were crazy.

    This hesitation to make a decision gave Dustox the time needed to blow away Kricketune and what was sent out instead was Caterpie!

    Gary, wait, Gary told himself. No. This is the time. He held out his Poke Ball and recalled Dustox. Then, he threw a different Poke Ball.

    ¡°Silcoon!¡± the Pokemon said.

    ¡°A Silcoon. Caterpie! Use your Tackle against it!¡±

    ¡°Silcoon, use Harden!¡±

    Caterpie charged and slammed into Silcoon.

    Silcoon tumbled but after he straightened up, his body shined bright.

    ¡°Harden!¡± Gary continued.

    ¡°Tackle!¡± Ranger Kai repeated.

    The attacks repeated.

    This time, Caterpie¡¯s Tackle resulted in the little user flying away!

    Silcoon also tilted, but that was all. He seemed just fine after the hit and used his Harden.

    Yes! Gary noted. Now we¡¯ve got it. He¡¯s slower than Caterpie, but he¡¯s building up his Defense. ¡°Harden!¡±

    ¡°Tackle once more!¡±

    Everything repeated itself.

    Silcoon remained okay, Caterpie seeming just fine but getting worn out slamming into the Hardening Silcoon.

    Gary smiled at Ranger Kai, but she was also smiling. Against his will, Gary¡¯s smile changed into a sneer. ¡°Harden!¡±

    ¡°Aaaaalright! It¡¯s time for Bug Bite!¡±

    Caterpie opened its mouth and there was a white glow from within. It leaped at Silcoon and started chomping across his body!

    When this move was done, Silcoon used Harden.

    ¡°Bug Bite again! End it!¡±

    ¡°Poison Sting while it¡¯s up close, then!¡± Gary decided.

    Caterpie attacked, and while biting, Silcoon¡¯s spikes on his body glowed purple and finally blasted Caterpie off of him with purple darts.

    Caterpie cried out and tumbled. Its face was purple and it flinched as it suffered a Poisoning. It then moaned out and fell over.

    ¡°Caterpie!¡± Ranger Kai got to her Pokemon and picked it up. She took out another Berry which was green and round, and she fed her Pokemon, slowly and carefully walking over to where Dunsparce sat.

    Soon, Caterpie was just fine, the purple gone from its face by the time its Trainer set it down.

    The ranger then laid a pink Berry in front of it before facing Gary and walked back to where Swadloon had remained. She looked down to the green Pokemon and nodded, a serious look on her face.

    ¡°Swadloooon!!¡± Swadloon said with energy. She charged forward and stopped, looking ready to go.

    ¡°Silcoon, continue to use Harden!¡±

    Ranger Kai started laughing, cutting it short to command, ¡°Swadloon, use Solar Beam!¡±

    ¡°OH!¡± Gary gasped.

    The top part of the leafy coat around Swadloon¡¯s body glowed a faint yellow color.

    Silcoon used Harden again.

    Damn it. Solar Beam¡¯s a Special Attack. Boosted Defense won¡¯t mean a thing, Gary knew. We have to strike before it¡¯s too late! ¡°Silcoon!¡± We have no choice. ¡°Bug Bite!¡±

    Silcoon was the slowest thing possible, swiveling over to Swadloon.

    Swadloon was still charging up the Solar Beam.

    Silcoon continued making his way to Swadloon.

    Swadloon kept charging.

    Finally, Silcoon leaped and landed on Swadloon! A white string came out of a spike on Silcoon and stuck to Swadloon.

    Swadloon moved against the string, trying to break free, but it seemed that this was Bug Bite, and it was damaging her!

    ¡°No worries! Just focus while it¡¯s up close!¡± Ranger Kai urged.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop, Silcoon! Go all the way!¡± Gary shouted.

    A circle of yellow balls floated above Swadloon¡¯s head as a larger ball floated over those. With a bright flash that combined the balls, a large beam finally came out and hit Silcoon.

    Silcoon cried out as he flew backwards and ended up tumbling before coming to a stop.

    ¡°Poor thing!¡± Ranger Kai ran up to Silcoon and picked him up. ¡°Are you okay? Please, forgive me. I¡¯m so sorry for that. I went too far.¡±

    ¡°Hands off of my Pokemon!¡± Gary demanded and recalled Silcoon right out of Ranger Kai¡¯s hands.

    ¡°HEY!¡± she shouted at him.

    ¡°Thanks, Silcoon. You did a lot of work and I couldn¡¯t be more grateful,¡± Gary smiled at his Poke Ball before replacing it on his hip and looking coldly at his opponent. Swadloon. Bug and Grass. Hmmm. He smiled again, looking down at the one Bug he still had out. That¡¯s great!

    Paras looked up at him. ¡°Paaaaarrrr?¡± he spoke curiously.

    ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s do it, Paras! GO!¡± Gary pointed.

    ¡°Paras. Paaarrrras.¡± Paras crawled forth to Swadloon.

    This will be awesome! ¡°Paras, let¡¯s begin with Growth!¡±

    Paras¡¯ body glowed light green and he seemed a lot healthier and stronger.

    ¡°And we¡¯ll use Electroweb!¡±

    Sparking yellow electricity formed in front of Swadloon¡¯s mouth. This spark flew into the air and then opened into a web, coming down for Paras.

    I haven¡¯t had the chance to raise Paras since catching him way back at the Indigo League. I don¡¯t really know what to do. ¡°Paras! Go for Slash!¡±

    Paras moved, but Electroweb caught him before he got far, damaging the Pokemon as he struggled against the Electric webbing.

    ¡°Now go and use Bug Bite, Swadloon.¡±

    Swadloon moved, going right for Paras.

    Gary watched, trying to come up with a plan. But there wasn''t one. ¡°Slash!¡±

    Swadloon bit into Paras.

    While chomping on Paras, Paras Slashed at Swadloon with a glowing white claw.

    ¡°LOOOOOON!!¡± Swadloon flashed white where she was hit, a Critical Hit being taken, making her tumble and then end up on her side.

    ¡°Swadloon, please get up!¡± Ranger Kai begged.

    At her words, Swadloon stirred and rolled over onto her legs.

    ¡°Another Electroweb! Slow that thing down!¡±

    We¡¯ll never catch up, now, Gary sneered as Paras was caught again. He took his Pokedex out to scan Paras¡¯ moves, unable to think in the heat of the moment with such an unfamiliar Pokemon.

    ¡°Now use Bug Bite!¡± Ranger Kai continued.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so!¡± Gary looked up. ¡°Paras, use Slash attack!¡±

    Swadloon was far faster than Paras and bit into him.

    Paras Slashed Swadloon, but it wasn¡¯t a Critical Hit.

    Swadloon was still forced off of Paras.

    ¡°After it with Leech Life! Now!¡± Paras moved in a motion that creeped Gary out, but he flexed his arms up and forced them down to play off how disturbed he had become. ¡°GOOOOOO!!¡±

    ¡°Swadloon, strike back with Bug Buzz!¡±

    ¡°Oh, no!¡± This might be it, Gary considered. ¡°Then dive right into it!¡±

    Paras jumped, his entire mouth glowing green.

    Swadloon screamed out shrilly, red waves coming off her body.

    Gary screamed, covering his ears, one eye shut. He had to struggle to keep the other one open to focus on the battle.

    Wailing out shrilly, Paras closed his eyes and continued into the opposing move, reaching Swadloon and biting into him!

    The Bug Buzz ended as Swadloon fell back, Paras still clinging to her. With a few cries and a grunt, Swadloon finally fell.

    Paras released Swadloon and backed up.

    ¡°My Swadloon! NOOO!¡± Ranger Kai ran to her Pokemon and scooped her up in her arms. Muttering to her, she walked over to Caterpie and Dunsparce and put Swadloon down, leaving behind one Berry.

    This Berry was mostly pink, the tops yellow. It resembled a batch of miniature bananas.

    ¡°I have to admit, you¡¯re doing so much better than I¡¯d have expected,¡± Ranger Kai confessed, looking mildly impressed as she returned to her spot. ¡°But we¡¯re gonna call this match right here, right now! Galvantula, it¡¯s your turn!¡±

    Crawling down a tree by Gary was a gigantic spider.

    Gary shrieked at the top of his lungs and ran backwards several steps before stopping. He glared at Ranger Kai. ¡°How long has that been there??!!¡±

    She just rolled her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t lose to someone like you. And using Bug types, at that? No way!¡±

    Galvantula took his place and waved his two pedipalps outward.

    Gary reluctantly returned to his spot, moving his arms to rub his armpits, and he glared at the spider. ¡°Paras! Slash!¡±

    ¡°Galvantula, use Sucker Punch!¡±

    Galvantula moved too swiftly, socking Paras.

    Paras fell and slid, stopping.

    ¡°Oh, Paras! No!¡± Ranger Kai ran over to Paras and knelt down, petting his side.

    Gary closed his eyes and his head fell. Shoot, he thought. ¡°Paras, you really proved yourself! Thank you! Return!¡±

    Ranger Kai got up and walked back to her place when Paras was taken back.

    ¡°Alright, then next up...¡± Gary spoke before knowing what he would do next. Now, there was just silence as he had to think. Finally, he grabbed a ball and threw it. ¡°Come on!¡±

    ¡°Dustox!¡± Dustox spoke, his wings flapping as he hovered in the air.

    Galvantula... Gary thought to himself. ¡°Let¡¯s do this again! Toxic!¡±

    ¡°Out of the way, Galvantula! You¡¯re much faster!¡±

    Indeed, Galvantula did dodge the spray of Poison.

    Gary opened his mouth.

    ¡°Now go and use your Sucker Punch!¡± Ranger Kai spoke up, watching Gary.

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open. His lips then formed a smile. Fall back, Gary.

    Ranger Kai¡¯s mouth dropped open in shock.

    Galvantula ran and tripped, his move failing.

    ¡°Now use Psychic against every tree possible!¡± Gary finally spoke.

    Dustox¡¯s eyes glowed light blue and Galvantula was covered in the same color as he rose in the air. Like a pinball game, Galvantula was flung throughout the forest, hitting tree after tree after tree after tree.

    Ranger Kai called out for her Pokemon, but there was nothing she could do.

    When Galvantula was finally returned and freed from Psychic, his whole body was quivering and rocking as he stood back up.

    ¡°Keep it down! Gust!¡± Gary decided.

    ¡°Dustoooooooox!¡± Dustox flapped his wings hard and blew the Bug away, right into a tree again.

    ¡°Gaaaaall...¡± Galvantula croaked weakly, laying still.

    ¡°No way! Galvantula!¡± Ranger Kai got beside her Pokemon and then looked at Gary bitterly. She carried her Pokemon over to Swadloon and set him down, leaving a Berry beside him before coming back to the battle. This time, she grabbed a Poke Ball and hurled it, revealing her Pokemon.

    ¡°Kricketune, use Sing!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Gary, think! ¡°Toxic!¡±

    Kricketune began to strum a melody with his arms, his body glowing white as golden music notes soared around Dustox.

    Dustox spewed out some Poison.

    Gary slapped his face several times, struggling to stay awake. He was fine when Sing had ended, and his eyes now widened.

    Kricketune was Badly Poisoned from Toxic, but Dustox was fast Asleep!

    Ranger Kai was smiling wildly. ¡°Infestation!!¡±

    A portion of the grass startled to tremble and shake, and Gary let out a frightful cry. Things were crawling through the grass and soon, black bugs were all over the Sleeping Dustox!

    ¡°Go for Aerial Ace now!¡± Ranger Kai went on.

    White streaks came off of Kricketune as he soared for the Sleeping Dustox and slammed into him. Continuing to move at a blinding speed, Kricketune attacked with Aerial Ace again.

    Dustox tumbled but didn¡¯t wake.

    ¡°COME ON, DUSTOX!! GET UP!! WAKE UP!!¡± Gary let out desperately. He swallowed hard. Damn it!

    ¡°Another Aerial-! Oh!¡± Ranger Kai raised a hand to her mouth.

    Dustox had just taken more damage from the bugs of Infestation, and now, his body was splayed out on the ground. He was knocked out.

    ¡°Oh, no...¡± Ranger Kai started to run forward.

    ¡°STAY BACK!¡± Gary returned his Pokemon and glared at the Poke Ball. ¡°That was a difficult opponent, but thank you for trying. We¡¯ll win this one. Just you watch.¡± He then leered at Ranger Kai.

    The woman stood still, leering right back.

    Aerial Ace. Let¡¯s just see. Gary got his next Poke Ball and sent out his choice.

    ¡°Illuuu!¡± Illumise exclaimed happily, soaring through the air.

    Ranger Kai gushed out excitedly, her hands clasped together at her face. ¡°Kawaiiiii!¡±

    ¡°Start off with Aerial Ace!¡±

    ¡°Aerial Ace!¡± Ranger Kai reacted, shocked by Gary¡¯s quick order.

    Both Pokemon flew into each other at startling speeds. Eventually they kept back, breathing hard. Kricketune glared up at the floating Illumise from the ground, Illumise glaring right back.

    ¡°Use Aerial Ace again!¡±

    ¡°Acrobatics!¡± Gary ordered. As he expected, Kricketune was the one to land the hit first. He grit his teeth tight, worried as Illumise came down, ready to collide to the ground.

    But she straightened up and her body glowed light-blue before she soared right into Kricketune!

    Kricketune rolled in the grass and then sprawled out.

    ¡°My Kricketune! No way!¡± Ranger Kai ran up to her Pokemon and cuddled him sadly.

    Gary felt uncomfortable as he saw the tears in Ranger Kai¡¯s angry eyes when she turned to him.

    Ranger Kai stood and placed Kricketune with Caterpie, Dunsparce, Galvantula, and Swadloon, leaving him with a Berry. ¡°I hate to admit it, but you¡¯ve handled working with Bug types so much better than I would have expected you to.¡± She walked back to her usual place. ¡°You have two Pokemon left, but I expect this one to take you on just fine!¡± She released her last choice.

    ¡°Aria!¡± Ariados hissed out.

    After this, this is all over, Gary told himself. And I¡¯ve got extra Pokemon if Illumise doesn¡¯t make it. One more. ¡°Use Acrobatics!¡±

    ¡°Ariados, Night Shade!¡± Ranger Kai chose.

    Illumise dove into Ariados, forcing it back.

    Ariados focused itself and its horn glowed black and a black beam with red streaks came out to hit Illumise.

    Illumise wailed out in pain as she flew backwards through the air.

    ¡°Electroweb!¡±

    Electricity sparked in front of Ariados¡¯ white mandibles in front of its face. The move then flew into the air, stopping over Illumise. It opened into a huge, sparking web and came down, wrapping up Illumise and lowering her Speed.

    Gary¡¯s eyes tightened as he tried thinking about June¡¯s Galvantula and how well she always got along with Ranger Kai¡¯s. They were both different genders, but was that why they were always so close? They definitely behaved differently with Ariados, whether together or individually, but they were always friendly. There was nothing Gary could think of to make him determine what Ariados¡¯ gender was, and he narrowed his eyebrows. Then this is all a chance, he knew, and bared his teeth, preparing to make his decision.

    Ranger Kai spotted his peculiar behavior and her eyes popped open wide. ¡°Sucker Punch, now, Ariados!¡±

    Gary broke into a huge smile at this opportunity and burst out, ¡°Attract!¡±

    Ranger Kai screamed out in disbelief.

    Ariados ran but stumbled, the move failing again.

    Illumise winked at Ariados and several hearts flew from her body, hitting Ariados.

    Love was clear in Ariados¡¯ eyes.

    ¡°Ariados, use Bug Bite! Finish her!¡±

    Ariados completely ignored his Trainer, swooning over Illumise.

    A white beam came from out of June¡¯s bag, and Galvantula was out from her ball!

    Gary stared at Galvantula with wide eyes, confused. ¡°What the hell?¡±

    Galvantula was just staring at the lockstruck Ariados, but didn¡¯t make any sounds or movements.

    ¡°GALVANTULAAAAAAA YOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡± Ranger Kai waved her arms excitedly, raising up a leg.

    Galvantula paid the woman no mind, all attention on Ariados.

    Grunting irritably, Gary shook his head and looked back to the battle. Whatever, he thought, and took out his Pokedex and scanned Illumise to make sure he wasn¡¯t missing any crucial moves before deciding, ¡°Acrobatics!¡±

    Illumise pummeled Ariados over and over again, Ranger Kai desperately trying to order her Pokemon. ¡°Signal Beam!¡±

    A light-blue ball of energy appeared in front of Ariados¡¯s head.

    ¡°Oh, no!¡± Gary uttered.

    A rainbow-colored beam came out of the ball and hit Illumise.

    ¡°Air Cutter!¡±

    Illumise hovered above Ariados and flapped her wings hard, repeatedly.

    From the tip of her wings came out light-blue, X-shaped blades that slammed into Ariados.

    Ariados slid backwards and then rolled. ¡°Ariaaaa...¡± He finally stopped on his side.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this!!¡± Ranger Kai ran to her fallen Pokemon as Gary screamed and jumped with excitement.

    ¡°I WON! I WON! HA! I BEAT YOU, KAI!!¡± Gary cheered. He looked over to June¡¯s Galvantula, but she was nowhere in sight. Huh? After looking around briefly and then giving up, he faced Ranger Kai again.

    Ranger Kai scowled from down on her knees, her hands on her spider. ¡°You may have beaten me in battle, and proved you can actually win, and shown you can actually control Bug type Pokemon, and displayed impressive skill and a level head under pressure, but at the end of the day, can you do so little as pet any one of your Bug type Pokemon? Go ahead. Touch your winning Bug, Illumise.¡±

    Illumise turned to Gary happily and flew towards him.

    Gary jumped back, raising his hands up with fright and staring at her with apprehension.

    ¡°Illu? Ill?¡± Illumise stopped and tilted her head.

    Shaking her head, Ranger Kai¡¯s lips carried a nasty smirk. ¡°Yeah, you got ¡®cher money and all that for winning, but I was just testing you out, anyway. Why do you think I had Caterpie keep using Tackle instead of just going straight to the far stronger Bug Bite when fighting Silcoon? I could have won the match a long time ago, but I kept giving you opportunities to see if you could do it. I sacrificed my own Pokemon for the sake of your Bugs.¡±

    Gary kept silent, trying to come up with a response to shoot back at her. He ended up swallowing and gave up. ¡°So you think you¡¯re better than me just because you¡¯re normal.¡± Normal?? Gary thought. Poor choice of words.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ranger Kai stood, lifting up Ariados with a grunt.

    ¡°You think just because you love certain Pokemon in ways I have to work harder at, that you¡¯re better than me? As a person? Do you-?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Yes. Yes, I do,¡± Ranger Kai answered easily.

    ¡°Wait, what??¡± Gary shook his head hard in disbelief. He wasn¡¯t expecting that answer at all, and so bluntly!

    ¡°I love all Pokemon, and while I may have preferences, you have - you have... dis- You have - Pokemon you don¡¯t like! Therefore I am the superior being ¡®kay bye!¡± She stomped off proudly, her head held high, stopping by her other Pokemon who were looking a lot healthier and more energetic than earlier. ¡°You guys all did amazing. Great work. Let¡¯s call it a night and keep moving in the morning.¡± She didn¡¯t look at Gary or speak very loudly, giving off the impression she was only speaking for her Pokemon. In the next moments, she had gotten into her sleeping bag, laying on her stomach with her head in her hands and her elbows in the ground, smiling and talking about things to her Pokemon.

    Swadloon had curled up in her Trainer¡¯s sleeping bag and closed her eyes.

    Dunsparce was on the ground by the Ranger, also curled up to sleep.

    Caterpie was on a branch in a tree, eating leaves.

    Galvantula was making a web in the trees, Ariados in a tree right next to him, making his own web to lay in.

    Kricketune was standing by Ranger Kai, staring at her, seeming to be waiting for something.

    ¡°And that¡¯s why I love butts. Goodnight!¡± Ranger Kai rested her head on her arms and closed her eyes.

    Kricketune started to use his Sing attack, playing a lovely song with his arms and his body glowed white as golden music notes came out and swirled around the area.

    ¡°Ah, crap...¡± Gary grumbled tiredly, feeling out of it already.

    Ranger Kai was snoring loudly.

    Illumise stumbled about, shaking her head and trying to keep awake.

    That was the last thing Gary saw before he blacked out.

 Butts,

    June¡¯s mouth was wide open, held by a pair of demonic, blackened hands. Her revealed body was engulfed in a glowing light.

    A finger from a different, deformed hand that looked like the pair holding June¡¯s mouth open, had an especially long, but still human-looking nail inside the girl¡¯s mouth. It scraped against June¡¯s tongue and then rose, showing that the nail held some scraped skin, as well as a little blood, and then the monstrous hand moved out of sight.

    A slurping noise was then heard.

    June was released and fell, remaining motionless, her eyes closed, seemingly unconscious. Her underwear was all she was in, and they were barely in one piece and unsanitary. The girl herself was filthy, her skin damaged and covered in bumps, blisters, and crying for just one good washing. Her eyes were black and swollen, emphasized in the light she was basked in.

    Something unclear was heard.

    A terrible finger returned and poked its way into June¡¯s left ear.

    Another grotesque hand picked at June¡¯s bra before letting go.

    More sounds were heard.

    ¡°Why?¡± came a question in echoes.

    ¡°Her modesty,¡± was the whispered, echoed reply.

    Something more was urgently said, followed by more talk, but nothing was coherent anymore.

    The sickening hand that touched June¡¯s bra then made a swipe at her, tearing the strap of her bra and leaving her shoulder bloodied.

    There was what sounded like a sharp hissing as the nasty finger in June¡¯s ear continued slowly digging in.

    With an angry rasp, the disgusting finger was yanked out by another horrible hand.

    June stirred and, while screaming, instinctively moved away. Her eyes remained shut, so badly bruised that she couldn¡¯t even open them.

    The long nail on the finger that had been in June¡¯s ear was now stained with blood.

    ¡°Not the ears!! Fool!!¡± was a fiery shout that crackled like lightning in a mix of differing levels of voices.

    June blindly scrambled for her life in the dark cave, blood running out of her left ear. She fell onto her right side and held the left side of her head, bawling, shrieking.

    The vision of June was gone as the eyes looked away from her and to the ground, but the sound of scrambling and movements could be heard as June continued screaming. She¡¯s useless. She has to die. Suddenly, a powerful energy of burning, raging fire took over. She¡¯s a risk alive, the thoughts continued. ¡°I¡¯ll kill her myself!¡± The flames consumed-

    ¡°NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! DON¡¯T!!! NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!¡± Gary sat up and leaped to his feet, ready to charge at- ¡°Kai,¡± he breathed out in a frightened whisper. ¡°Kai?¡± he asked louder, confused.

    Ranger Kai was sat up, staring at Gary in horror, her fists raised as if ready to fight.

    In front of her was Gary¡¯s Snorlax Egg.

    Swadloon was on the ground beside Dunsparce, staring frightfully at the boy, Dunsparce presumably doing the same, though it was impossible to tell with Dunsparce¡¯s blank face.

    From a string attached to a web in a tree, Ranger Kai¡¯s Galvantula was hanging, Ariados doing the same from his own web from his separate tree.

    Kricketune was on his feet, staring at Gary in surprise.

    Illumise was in the air, looking down at Gary in shock.

    Riolu was staring at her Trainer apprehensively, her little mouth open in disbelief, her little paws held out as if to keep him away.

    Even Electivire was staring at Gary with big eyes, sitting up with his large hands gripping at the grass growing in the ground.

    It was dark as could be out in the middle of the woods.

    ¡°Gary, what in the world just happened??¡± Ranger Kai asked him breathlessly. ¡°What kind of a nightmare was that?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary breathed out tiredly.

    Ranger Kai didn¡¯t say anything for a moment. Finally, she just shook her head. ¡°Is that normal for you? Do you usually have nightmares like that? Where you become possessed by the Devil?¡±

    ¡°The Devil?¡±

    ¡°You were like, going out of control crazy-like and speaking in tongues and raising the dead for all I know!¡±

    Gary looked away from her. This isn¡¯t normal, he kept to himself. These dreams are insane. But they¡¯re just dreams! I¡¯m just stressed out! But- Gary kept his mind silent, but knew what it was trying to say. His eyebrows narrowed as impatience started to grip his chest. It feels too real... he finally admitted. It doesn¡¯t just feel like a bad dream sometimes. Gary was now shaking his head, clenching tight fists. Sometimes it¡¯s more like a- Gary stood up, glaring at Ranger Kai now.

    Surprise came over her face. ¡°Gary?¡±

    He didn¡¯t speak, just glaring at the woman as he breathed in and out hard from his open mouth. ¡°I need a walk! Just watch the Pokemon!¡± he finally let out at her. He stared at his Bug type, and then at Electivire, and finally at the Egg he was sure shouldn¡¯t have been anywhere near Ranger Kai. With a swift motion, he recalled Riolu into her Poke Ball, the Pokemon still looking petrified. ¡°Just stay here!¡± And Gary took off into the woods, leaving behind a shocked Ranger.

    He stomped on branches and grass and more, animals scurrying away at his presence. Tears were running down his eyes long before he finally stopped, falling to his knees. By this time, the anger was gone, replaced with desperation and depression. Gary held out the Poke Ball still in his hand.

    When the white light faded, Riolu stared at Gary, her face still frightened. ¡°Ri?¡± she cried out once more as Gary threw himself at the Pokemon, crying hard now.

    ¡°Riolu, if there¡¯s anything you can do to help me! If you have any moves or Abilities or anything, please!¡± He held his little Pokemon in his arms, his face against her body, sobbing like mad. ¡°I need help, Riolu!¡±

    Riolu held Gary as best as she could with her little arms and rested her head against his.

    Snorting hard, he continued, ¡°I heard you can read emotions and feelings and stuff, and if that¡¯s true, I need your help! I think I¡¯m going crazy! I don¡¯t know what else to do!¡± Snot was running down his nose as he kept crying, a complete mess.

    ¡°Ri,¡± Riolu responded, and she nodded.

    Gary felt this nod against his head, and it comforted him a bit. He lifted his head and held Riolu¡¯s tiny shoulders. ¡°Please, Riolu!¡± he begged and then sniffled, but something was in his nose, and the sniffle caused a sharp but small pain. He knew he looked gross, and after snorting, his nose ran even faster, confusing him. He wracked his mind, desperate to say more, but he didn¡¯t know what more to say. His shoulders slumped as he breathed out tiredly, and his head fell in front of him. This made his nose drip even more.

    Riolu put her head to his again, which only made Gary tighten his grip around his little Pokemon. Both Trainer and Pokemon were crying against each other.

    *

    ¡°I¡¯ve almost got it!¡± Ranger Kai leaped and swiped at the Murkrow that she, Gary, and their Pokemon had been chasing for about ten minutes now after it stole her badge. Not a Gym Badge or anything as important as that, but something that Ranger Kai held of close importance to her that also happened to glimmer.

    There were several other Murkrow flying with the thieving one, cawing out and trying to Peck at the two Trainers and their Pokemon, but Ranger Kai¡¯s goal was to reach the specific Murkrow that stole from her.

    The Trainers had recalled most of their Pokemon before running, their remaining Pokemon forced to keep up.

    Gary was holding his Egg in his arms, his Charizard above him and Raichu in the back. He was running awkwardly due to the task of being careful with the Egg. It felt especially uncomfortable as he couldn¡¯t get his tight coat to fit him any looser.

    Caterpie and Dunsparce were nowhere to be seen, the slow Pokemon left behind.

    Ranger Kai swiped for the bird again, and the other Murkrow got closer to the specific one she was going for, making it harder to find the right one. ¡°You can¡¯t fool me!¡± Ranger Kai smiled, swatting away the other Murkrow and then leaping in the air for the one she needed.

    The Murkrow all made a turn through tight trees.

    Ranger Kai stumbled as she missed but landed on her feet and charged right after them.

    ¡°Kai, wait!¡± Gary stopped, heaving and ready to stop the chase. After all, this didn¡¯t concern him, and he finally had lost Ranger Kai! We¡¯re running through trees in the very early morning, he added. The sky isn¡¯t even lit yet. We could easily get lost out here! We¡¯re gonna be waking up a lot of angry Pokemon. Possibly even a bunch of Beedrill! He shuddered at the thought of a swarm of Beedrill, or even a pack of Primeape, chasing them. But I can¡¯t leave her alone to face that, right...? But I also can¡¯t jeopardize my Egg!

    At that thought, the Egg shook hard for several seconds.

    If only it¡¯d just hatch, I could catch it and go help Kai! Gary thought desperately. But I can¡¯t risk the Egg like this! Not just as a Trainer; as a human being with a soul and heart!

    Ranger Kai¡¯s scream rang out through the forest.

    ¡°Kai!¡± Gary called out. What do I do?? What do I do?? he panicked. He looked to his Pokemon that stood behind him. ¡°WATCH MY EGG!!¡±

    Charizard and Raichu nodded with determination.

    He set the Egg down and the Pokemon immediately surrounded it closely.

    Gary smiled and nodded, and then, yelling out in rage, leaped into the thicket of trees. ¡°KAAAAI! I¡¯M COMIIIIIIING!!¡± He moved through the trees, getting cut by branches in the face and prodded in the arms and legs. He had no idea where she was, but he had to find her. Had to save her! Who have I got with me to help? Charizard and Raichu are with the Egg. Uummm... Who is with me? Right now! Riolu? Uhh...

    There was yet another scream, but it wasn¡¯t from in front of him.

    Was that even Kai? Gary wondered. It has to be. It¡¯s all I have to go on! He turned, hoping this new direction wasn¡¯t taking him away from finding the woman. ¡°KAAAAAAAAII!!¡± So many thoughts were flowing through his head that he was forgetting previous ones. Where is she? Was leaving my Pokemon behind the right decision? Who¡¯s still on my team? How can Kai be so reckless as a Ranger? Where is she?? Why did she just run off like this over a badge if she¡¯s supposed to be my escort? She knew I had an Egg! I don¡¯t even have to follow her, but she sounds like she¡¯s in danger! I just need to capture these Murkrow, if anything. Kai, where are you?? I¡¯m going to save her. I have to! Where were Kai¡¯s Pokemon? Did they lose her? Am I gonna find myself surrounded by her Bugs? If something happens to her, what would happen to her Pokemon?

    Gary leaped over rocks and other stuff that was blurry in his sprint, unable to recognize or distinguish them from anything else, all kinds of questions, both relevant and not, flooding his mind. He swallowed, completely nauseous and starting to fear he would throw up. Focus, Gary. You¡¯ll be just fine. Just focus on finding Kai.

    The boy was startled when he actually ended up bursting right out from the trees and into a huge, open plain of grass. And not far after was the mouth of a cave. He looked around, seeing not one sign of life. If she¡¯s not out here, could she be in that cave?

    As if deliberately answering his question, the scream of a woman was heard, echoing out from the cave!

    ¡°Kai!¡± Gary took off for the inside. She¡¯s here! Once he was in, he slowed his running, but never stopped moving. It was dark inside, but he could see his way. But he finally did stop upon seeing that there were so many different paths in front of him! I¡¯ll never be able to find her at this rate! But, can I really abandon her a second time? Bad enough I never got her help after falling off the mountain... I can¡¯t give up! I couldn¡¯t live with myself if I did this again! He inhaled deeply to call out, but stopped, realizing that even if Ranger Kai did hear him and respond, he wouldn¡¯t know where to go. It was then that his eyes widened on something on the ground that sat in front of one of the openings.

    A clump of white substance.

    Gary walked over to it and lowered himself down. What is this? It looks like- A cry up ahead made him look up. He stood and walked into the opening and stopped where more of the white stuff sat. After kneeling down again, he poked it this time. ¡°Whoa,¡± he muttered, trying to free himself from the stuff. It remained stuck to the ground and stretched, also sticking to his finger. When he grabbed it with his other hand, both hands were stuck in the stuff! It¡¯s almost like... A web? String Shot, even? After a struggle to stand, he finally broke free and shook his hands, sticky remains still on them.

    Another sound up ahead made Gary freeze. Crap. He hovered his hand over his Poke Balls, unsure of which one to grab. What¡¯s coming? he wondered. A Pokemon? Human? What should I grab? Who can stop whatever this is?

    The noise cried out again in a shrill, high-pitched voice.

    Gary scooped up a Poke Ball and tossed it.

    Or, he tried to. The Poke Ball ended up stuck to his hand, flying out but returning back due to the sticky gunk! Nonetheless, it sent out the Pokemon within.

    ¡°Magikarp! Magikarp! Magikarp! Magikarp!¡± Magikarp flopped pathetically.

    Screaming out, the little attacker leaped forward from the darkness in front of them! A very little attacker. It was even shorter than Magikarp.

    ¡°Caterpie??¡± Gary realized.

    Caterpie ran up to Magikarp and greeted him happily before scurrying past and stopping close to Gary¡¯s feet, looking up at him desperately. It whined and then ran off, past Magikarp, and then stopped, looking back at Gary.

    String Shot, Gary realized. That¡¯s this stuff! He looked at his Poke Ball still stuck to his hand. ¡°You¡¯re Kai¡¯s Caterpie, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Caterpie cried out, nodding. It then turned and scurried off.

    ¡°Wait! HEY!¡± Gary returned Magikarp and ran after Caterpie down the dark unknown. He went past glob after glob of String Shots that Caterpie had trailed down and before long, he was outside again! ¡°Whoa! Where are we??¡±

    Below them stood an entire, gigantic, maze! And more! It looked like a purposely designed, stone arena. Even where Gary stood was a part of the design, other high-reaching areas also around him. There were huge boulders taller than grown adults, the walls of the maze just as high. Even higher platforms were the size of whole buildings! Some structures even had plantlife and trees atop them! The area extended out beyond Gary¡¯s view.

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Gary cleared his throat. What is all this? It looks like a ruin! He walked through a large patch of grass, getting a better look at what was below.

    Short, stone pillars, more trees, and even-

    Gary gasped, turning to feel something on his leg.

    Caterpie was crawling up it!

    Gary¡¯s gasp got louder and harder and turned into a squeal as he leaned away from his own limb!

    Caterpie ended up on Gary¡¯s shoulder, taking in the view.

    The boy from Pallet Town shivered, disgusted, grossed out, and yet, it wasn¡¯t exactly the worst experience of his life. He groaned out a little bit, but he held in the urge to fling the Pokemon off of him and withstood the moment. It¡¯s not that bad. It¡¯s not that bad, he chanted. Caterpie, compared to other Bug Pokemon, aren¡¯t that bad! But he felt like his shoulder was beginning to grow a mind of his own, and it was taking all he could with every fiber of his being to keep his shoulder from shaking Caterpie off. Then the skin on the back of his neck started crawling, but he couldn¡¯t move to itch it. Soon, his arms were begging to be scratched. Followed by his legs. I can¡¯t. Can¡¯t. Do. This. Gonna. Freak! Help! I¡¯m trembling so hard right now, I¡¯m gonna fall right off this ledge and-! Gary turned at the sight of something.

    Caterpie cried out, turning at the same thing.

    Wait! I¡¯m not trembling! Gary saw. The ground is quaking from those-!

    GOLEM! A whole pack of Golem were tumbling in their ball shape, rolling along one of the maze paths below!

    Gary and Caterpie watched them together. ¡°Wow! Wild Golem in a place like this! I mean, I guess it makes sense.¡±

    Caterpie agreed, nodding.

    When the Golem were gone, Gary looked around for someplace else to move to. ¡°How do we even get out of here? And where¡¯s Kai?¡±

    Caterpie leaped off of Gary¡¯s shoulder and walked away.

    Glad that the Bug was off of him, Gary gave a grateful shudder. He was about to finally relieve his body¡¯s discomfort with scratches until he remembered the Poke Ball still stuck to his hand, and realized he would be stuck with his hands to his body if he scratched his itches. Grumbling, he could only shake himself and then followed Caterpie. However, he stopped at a new, equally powerful rumbling. ¡°Again?¡±

    Caterpie had stopped at the same time and looked.

    Now, it was an Onix that was tearing through the maze, following where the Golem had moved through!

    Is it chasing the Golem? Gary wondered. What kind of place is this? Is it like some kind of ancient ruin where people used to live, or worship or something? Some kind of pyramid, maybe? When Onix was gone, Gary continued following Caterpie.

    There were still more balls of String Shot leading them somewhere. They ended up entering a new cave before Gary yelled, ¡°HA!¡± He had gotten his hand free from the Poke Ball, holding it by just the tips of the fingers of his other hand! Smiling, he looked to Caterpie, who stared at him momentarily and then continued forward.

    The exit of this cave was lit by slowly brightening light from the sky, the morning showing itself bit by bit.

    By the time the two stepped outside, now on a lower level of the maze, Gary had managed to free one hand of all the sticky and ball it up, using that to get the rest off his other hand. He looked up at walls that were well over his head, reaching out and stopping just short of touching the aged, damaged walls of a time long past. I guess I wouldn¡¯t want to stick this to these seemingly ancient walls, right? That¡¯d be a disrespect if they really are ruins. And, I mean, they have to be! Right? How did we get here? Is Kai okay? Wasn¡¯t it her I heard screaming? Was she taken somewhere? Maybe by an ancient, hidden civilization of cannibals? Gary just shook his head at this wild thought. Couldn¡¯t be. Right?

    Still following more String Shots, Caterpie was now leading Gary down a set of stone steps. Continuing on, its pace started to pick up as it made a right, and then scurried forward before making a left.

    Gary stopped to place his hand on the stone ground and after a short effort, freed it from the sticky ball, leaving it on the ground. After all, Caterpie already violated the floor leaving these nasty things behind, Gary reasoned before he jogged after the Bug. He also kept a Poke Ball in his hand. ¡°Caterpie?¡± he called gently. Should I stay quiet? Are we about to be in danger? Gary turned the corner, but Caterpie was gone! There was a trail of String Shots leading the way ahead, so he moved, running now. Kai, hang on. I¡¯m here.

    He stopped at a crossroad going to his left and right, but there was no trail of String Shots to follow! I can¡¯t stop, now! Gary knew, and chose to go left. The path curved right, and Gary nearly ran right into a wall! ¡°A dead end!¡± He backed away from the wall and turned, running back where he came from. At least it wasn¡¯t the wrong choice and kept going! Gary thought gratefully. But where¡¯s Caterpie? Where¡¯s its Strings? Why¡¯d they stop? He went straight ahead, ignoring the turn, and taking the following turn going right. He slowed down, out of breath as he saw something halfway down the long path. ¡°Kai!¡±

    It was Ranger Kai, Caterpie, and someone else.

    Ranger Kai was bouncing on her feet, her hands clasped in front of her overjoyed face.

    The third party was a tall male, wearing an all-brown outfit of slacks, a T-shirt, and worn out shoes with a big hole in each one, no socks visible. His clothing looked old, filthy, and smelly.

    ¡°Kai?¡± As Gary got closer, he got a better look at the man, keeping his wary eyes on him.

    The man¡¯s face held a huge beard, his mouth almost entirely hidden under it. His long, brown hair almost covered his eyes entirely, reaching down past his face. He looked unhealthy and like he was in need of a bath, a home, and a job. He had to be a bum.

    ¡°I love you sooooo much! Hold on, no one is gonna believe I actually met you! Where have you been all this time?? You¡¯ve been gone from the Castelia City Gym for nearly seven years! Hold on, I have a camera. Cam. Ra. Camera. Let me just-¡± She took off her big bag and set it on the ground, getting to her knees to go through it.

    Who is this guy? And why is Kai all over him? Did she say something about him working in a Gym? Like, a Gym Leader??

    The man looked at Gary, Gary staring right back.

    ¡°Oh, Gary. Great timing!¡± Ranger Kai exclaimed, finally noticing him. ¡°I lost the Murkrow, but look what I got instead! Burgh, one of the greatest users of Bug type Pokemon, ever!¡± She stood up and ran to Gary, holding out a shiny black camera.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Not knowing what was going on, he just took it.

    Ranger Kai walked over to the man named Burgh and leaned forward, poking out her butt towards him. ¡°Now take a photo of our butts!¡± she smiled. She looked to Burgh. ¡°Just lean a little like this for me, okay?¡±

    Burgh looked to the strange woman, and then swiftly swung out his hand at her, slamming something against her head!

    Ranger Kai cried out in pain as she collapsed to the hard ground and didn¡¯t move.

    Caterpie gasped along with Gary. The Bug crawled off as quickly as it could away from them and stopped behind Gary.

    Gary now saw that Burgh had a silver gun in his hand!

    Breathing hard, Burgh kept his gaze on the woman.

    The Ranger groaned and stirred. Slowly, she started to sit up. ¡°Burgh...?¡± She looked up at him weakly and then lowered herself, nearly hitting the floor. One hand rose to her head and she held it as she looked back up at the man. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    With an angry shout, Burgh kicked her in the stomach and forced his foot against her to keep her down.

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary started to move forward, but Burgh held the gun out at him, stopping him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± the man growled. ¡°I¡¯ve come too far to have my work stopped by the likes of you two.¡±

    Ranger Kai was on her stomach, breathing hard but not struggling against Burgh¡¯s foot on her back. She did strain to look back at the man, though.

    ¡°Who are you?! Why are you doing this?? Why are you here?¡± Gary pleaded. ¡°We don¡¯t mean you any harm! We just got lost!¡±

    ¡°Oh, a likely story. You¡¯ve been following me. They¡¯ll put anyone up to the job these days, huh? Even training a child and a woman to hunt me down. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re nothing more than son and mother, right?¡± Burgh rolled his eyes. ¡°HA!¡± He then leaned over and pat Ranger Kai¡¯s body down continuously with his free hand. ¡°Unarmed? No way.¡± He looked to Gary. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t give only the child the weapon... Would they?¡± He pointed the gun at Ranger Kai. ¡°Drop your weapon or I¡¯ll kill her!!¡±

    Gary raised his arms. ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t own a weapon!¡± My gun! Gary remembered. I¡¯m not supposed to own a weapon, but I do! His mouth dropped open, but he couldn¡¯t find any more words to speak.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it!!¡± Burgh threatened, shaking the gun hard. ¡°You tell your backup that the moment they show up, they¡¯ve got two dead agents on their hands!!¡±

    ¡°Mister, sir! Please! I¡¯m not a damn agent! My name is Gary, and I¡¯m from the Kanto region, in Pallet Town! I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re after but me and that Ranger are innocent! We got lost chasing a bunch of-!¡±

    ¡°Bullshit!¡±

    BANG!

    Gary screamed and stumbled backwards, tripping over Caterpie and falling quickly. He shut his eyes hard. KAI!! He started to tear up quickly, and soon was crying, hot tears rolling down his eyes. Kai! He sobbed openly. ¡°Kai! What have you done?? Why?!¡± I¡¯m dead, next, Gary knew, too frightened to open his eyes. Too afraid to see the gun that would end his life next. ¡°Why did you have to kill her?¡±

    ¡°That was nothing but a warning shot.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary was still unable to open his eyes.

    ¡°I shot at the ground, but next time, your partner will be headless!¡±

    Taking in a shaky breath, Gary squinted. He saw Ranger Kai and shut his eyes again quickly, afraid he¡¯d witness a bloody mess.

    ¡°Gary,¡± Ranger Kai groaned. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary now opened his eyes and saw that Ranger Kai was okay!

    Caterpie was also looking over at its Trainer, shivering.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Don¡¯t worry.¡± She smiled at him, but the side of her head was running in blood. Her smile faded just a bit as she turned to Burgh. ¡°Burgh, what is it that you think we want from you? I¡¯m nothing but a huge fan of yours.¡± With an exhausted sigh from keeping her head up, she rested one side on the ground.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to take it from me,¡± he spoke with tight aggression and insistence. ¡°What I¡¯ve gone through, what I survived, is not up for sale and I will die before I let you take this from me. That aside, me dying is not an option.¡± He stopped, sneering down at Ranger Kai and then turning to Gary. ¡°If I let you two live, especially you, boy, I have a longer chance of surviving to get my work done. It won¡¯t be like if I actually kill you. It¡¯d be over for me, then. They¡¯d know exactly where to find me and would get me in an instant. But if I let you two live... It¡¯s the same thing, isn¡¯t it...? There¡¯s no way out of this. I have to get out of this and escape. I have to save the world.¡±

    ¡°Save the world? How do you mean?¡± Ranger Kai questioned. ¡°Ow...¡± she then moaned, closing her eyes.

    ¡°The same way you guys want to. We both think we¡¯re doing what¡¯s best, but you¡¯re deluded and I¡¯m the sane one! The actual genius! It¡¯s why you want my research, but you can¡¯t have it. I¡¯ll be the one to bring mankind to the next stage of evolution, and you won¡¯t take credit and dispose of me!¡±

    ¡°Burgh, I love you!¡± she insisted, love and adoration heavy on her smiling face as she looked outward, but not directly at the crazy man. ¡°Even with you holding a gun to me, I wouldn¡¯t let anyone hurt you and-¡±

    ¡°A likely story of seduction, you spy!¡± Burgh snarled. ¡°You must be new to this job. Why else would they send a temptress unarmed? Unless you¡¯re more of a threat than I assumed. Talking me down so you can set up your assassin technique on me.¡± Burgh shook his gun threateningly at her.

    Ranger Kai lifted her head up and, still smiling, looked to the man standing on her. ¡°Burgh, I won¡¯t do anything to you. Kill me if you must. It¡¯s been an honor to meet you. An honor to die by your gun.¡± Keeping her smile, she rested her head again and closed her eyes, letting out her breath.

    With a shrill cry, Caterpie crawled over to where Burgh was, a determined look on its face.

    ¡°Caterpie, don¡¯t!¡± Gary insisted.

    Burgh¡¯s face went from enraged at the sound of Caterpie, and swiftly turned to a more sorrowful look as he seemed to realize what was coming towards him.

    Caterpie got closer.

    Ranger Kai gasped. ¡°Caterpie!¡± She looked at Burgh, her eyes widening.

    Caterpie stopped at Burgh¡¯s feet, crying out to him.

    Burgh bared his teeth, watching the Bug seeming to plead before him. The gun fell from Burgh¡¯s hand.

    And Ranger Kai and Gary both gasped when Burgh fell to his knees and broke down in tears!!

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. He was still shaken up over thinking Ranger Kai had been killed, but now things had taken a whole new turn!

    Ranger Kai was gaping at the sight, but she started to smile and carefully got to her knees. She rubbed at the blood running down her face before wiping at her eyes with her clean hand.

    Within seconds, Burgh was hugging Caterpie, weeping against the Pokemon.

    ¡°Now that¡¯s the Burgh I know and love,¡± Ranger Kai nodded, getting to her feet.

    What¡¯s going on? Gary was too afraid to ask out loud.

    ¡°Do you trust us, now? Or at least me?¡± Ranger Kai got closer to the man.

    The man nodded, sniffling against Caterpie.

    The Bug type¡¯s feelings towards this moment were hard to read, but it wasn¡¯t resisting. It may have even been comfortable with the Bug Trainer.

    ¡°And I have all of these guys, too!¡± Ranger Kai sent out every Pokemon she had on her.

    ¡°Swwwadlooooon!!¡±

    ¡°Galvantula!¡±

    ¡°Ari!¡±

    Kricketune joined in, appearing from his Poke Ball as Dunsparce just happened to burst up from the ground, everyone greeting Burgh.

    ¡°Oh there you are Dunsparce,¡± Ranger Kai said simply, smiling gently at her before looking back to Burgh.

    ¡°I could never distrust a Bug type Pokemon, the most purest and innocent of all the types of Pokemon!¡± Burgh cried, and all of Ranger Kai¡¯s Pokemon moved in to get closer, somehow seeming to be drawn in by the man.

    The very scene of Bugs crawling and moving to Burgh made Gary¡¯s skin crawl, but he found that he couldn¡¯t look away, watching in awe.

    ¡°Ghost types ain¡¯t so bad, either!¡± Ranger Kai beamed happily. ¡°I really need to get me a few.¡±

    ¡°Can you two ever forgive me for what I¡¯ve done?¡± Burgh begged. ¡°I¡¯d do anything. Almost.¡±

    ¡°Anythiiiiing...?¡± Ranger Kai had a crazy look on her face as she beamed down at the man like a lunatic.

    ¡°Almost,¡± Burgh repeated nervously, looking up at Ranger Kai while clutching her Caterpie for dear life.

    The Bug in his arms was choking out for air.

    *

    Gary covered his ears while in a sitting position as the ground rumbled. ¡°WHEN IS THIS GONNA STOOOOP???!!¡± he bellowed angrily.

    Ranger Kai was also sat on her back end, covering her ears but smiling. ¡°JUST LET HER LET IT OUT!! SHE¡¯S NOTHING BUT-!!¡± The ground had stopped quaking and a pleased look came over her face. ¡°Huh? Oh! See? She¡¯s stopped!¡±

    Riolu was on her knees in front of the big Snorlax who was sitting.

    The Snorlax had been crying and screaming and slamming her hands and feet into the ground, quaking the land, scaring off wild animals, and flooring both of the humans. But now, she had gone quiet listening to Riolu.

    ¡°This is a little dangerous...¡± Gary mumbled at Ranger Kai as he cautiously lowered his arms. ¡°Though, not as dangerous as what you did earlier today.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ranger Kai lowered her hands from her ears, turning to Gary with confusion. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°KAI!¡± Gary yelled angrily. ¡°You let a criminal who threatened to kill us, go, in exchange for his phone number!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t be expected to break the trusted promise of the Bug type Pokemon!¡± she answered joyfully as she stood.

    ¡°He¡¯s probably an actual murderer! You¡¯re the law, basically! This isn¡¯t about the oath of Bugs or whatever, Kai! You two can¡¯t even really carry on a relationship!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll make it work. To think, I¡¯m now in a committed relationship, let alone with one of the hottest butts there is, and a master of Bug type Pokemon!¡± Ranger Kai gushed. ¡°A man so dedicated and committed to them, that he trusted in my Bug types that I was an honest-to-goodness woman, made just for him, and I¡¯d never do him wrong!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it. Your Pokemon told him that, and you honor Bug types, yet you sold him out to the authorities. Which is what you should have done, but you¡¯re acting like you didn¡¯t.¡±

    Ranger Kai looked down at Gary, disapproval of what he had said on her face. ¡°No. I didn¡¯t do that. I told him I¡¯d forgive him, and offered him my eternal love. I still have a job to do, though. There¡¯s a difference. The police have already apprehended him.¡± She looked ahead. ¡°App. Re. Hended. Apprehended.¡±

    The two had gotten out of the stone maze a while ago and retrieved Gary¡¯s Pokemon and Egg where he had left them, which Ranger Kai scolded him for doing, Gary arguing he couldn¡¯t take the huge Egg and put it in danger, also throwing in that he was trying to save her! Arguing all the way until they had reached a Pokemon Center in the middle of those same woods, Ranger Kai then alerted the authorities of what had happened with Burgh, and after the two had gotten their Pokemon back from the Nurse Joy, they had left, continuing on to Hearthome City.

    They now stood in the middle of a light rain, a few of their Pokemon outside of their Poke Balls. No one was bothered by the weather.

    Gary inhaled deeply, proudly, a comforting feeling holding him thanks to the falling water. He looked behind him. Letting out his breath, he smiled at the Pokemon in his group.

    Electivire grunted at him calmly.

    Snorlax scratched at her stomach, smiling down at Riolu.

    Gary looked down, grinning at his little Pokemon. Looking back up at Snorlax, he thought to himself, six more to go, Kiwi.

    Riolu cried out at him happily and nodded.

    Gary nodded back. ¡°Alright, everyone!¡± He pointed ahead. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the next place already!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not far, now!¡± Ranger Kai chimed in and she leaped for joy, Swadloon also cheering in her arms.

    Dunsparce and Caterpie jumped together in celebration, but Dunsparce remained in the air as Caterpie landed.

    Kricketune had also called out happily.

    Gary breathed out, smiling at them. He rubbed at his cheek as he felt some discomfort around these Bugs. But he also didn¡¯t feel as bad as he would have expected to.

    His eyes ended up focusing on Ranger Kai, and they tightened. He took in an annoyed breath. But this woman, on the other hand, he thought bitterly. She just... I could just... One of these days, I¡¯m gonna-!!

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, Gary?¡± Ranger Kai asked, her eyes wide and worried.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Instantly, Gary felt a calm take over his body. ¡°Whoa...¡± he whispered. He raised his hands a little and stared at them. He could feel his face relaxing, and he knew he had just been frowning! Frowning? he questioned. At what? Why?

    ¡°Why were you giving me such an evil look?¡± Ranger Kai frowned at him. ¡°Like you had a problem with me or something? Like you wanted to kill me out here in the middle of the woods and hide my body where no one would find it and steal all of my Pokemon or something like that?¡±

    Ranger Kai kept on talking suspiciously about him, but Gary ignored the rest. I was mad at her? Just the sight of her just now made me so furious, but why? As nuts as she is, and as much as I want to get rid of her already, I don¡¯t hate her! Not like that! What came over me just now...? I¡¯ve gotta be out of my mind! I didn¡¯t even realize I was that angry until she called out to me? Am I going crazy??

    ¡°I¡¯m talking to you, here! He-llllooooooo!¡± Ranger Kai waved her arms before dropping them again and squinting into the air. ¡°Tal. King. Talking. Talk. Ing. Talking.¡±

 & Boos

    Gary screamed in the middle of the woods, cowering on his knees.

    Ranger Kai was also yelling out wildly while using her body to cover her Swadloon.

    The newly evolved Metapod was sitting behind his Trainer, just using Harden over and over.

    Electivire was snarling angrily, swinging punches and trying to grab any one of the several attackers.

    Around the group, a pack of Monferno were screeching and bouncing around the forest, swinging from branches and kicking and rebounding off of the group uncontrollably.

    Dunsparce had fled, going underground without Ranger Kai even noticing.

    Gary had tried battling the leader, who had the biggest flame on its tail and the brightest pattern on its face, but the pack was unruly and didn¡¯t play fair at all. They attacked not only Gary¡¯s Snorlax, but also Gary himself, the Ranger, and her Pokemon that were there.

    Snorlax had fallen on its rear end and was crying, swatting out in frustration before being mercilessly punched and knocked out, Gary retreating her after that.

    Caterpie, desperate to fight back and defend his Trainer, ended up evolving but couldn¡¯t move very well in his new form.

    Electivire tried zapping at the flying monkeys but they were gone the moment your eyes actually spotted one.

    ¡°I¡¯m certainly glad that¡¯s over!¡±

    Gary looked over cautiously, squinting, and saw that Ranger Kai was standing, her Metapod in her arms, Swadloon and Dunsparce at her feet! ¡°Huh?!¡± He tried to relax his body but was still trembling. Looking around, he tried to see the crazed Monferno pack. He could still hear them, but they were all gone!

    They had taken off, screaming to the max with excitement.

    Gary sighed. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I messed that up.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you think you had the skill to succeed!¡± Ranger Kai retorted.

    Gary glared at her. ¡°Are we at Hearthome, yet?¡± he snapped.

    ¡°We should be there by tomorrow! It¡¯ll be dark soon, so we should call it a night, soon.¡±

    Gary nodded and looked down. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s keep moving.¡±

    Electivire was growling while turning in circles, mad the Monferno had gotten away.

    They all continued through the evening chill surrounding the woods.

    ¡°You can almost hear the ghosts out here, can¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t hear anything. Except, maybe the wind?¡± Gary said, hearing something for sure, but it had to be the wind. His throat dry, he tried to swallow. I don¡¯t need to swallow, anyway, he convinced himself. Everything is just fine.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t hear that? It¡¯s like a song!¡± Ranger Kai continued. ¡°It¡¯s totally gotta be ghosts.¡±

    Gary sucked his teeth, sneering ahead. ¡°Ghost Pokemon, maybe. If that.¡±

    Ranger Kai shrugged. ¡°Ghosts are ghosts! I¡¯ll take whatever!¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t hear anything so, it¡¯s all in your head.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, you¡¯re gonna be a bigger buzzkill than Agent Dully in the Excadrill Files, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I love that show, but I¡¯m just being logical about this. There¡¯s a faint sound of wind through trees that you¡¯re-¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± both of them cried out as they saw something glowing up ahead that made them stop.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Gary questioned.

    ¡°The ghosts!¡± Ranger Kai started moving quickly to see what the bright, yellow glow was being cast from.

    Dunsparce and Swadloon followed after her.

    ¡°Kai!¡± Gary whispered anxiously. ¡°This isn¡¯t a game! Stop! Wait! Something¡¯s really there!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, the ghosts! I told you!¡± Ranger Kai cried happily.

    ¡°Kai, be quiet! Get back!¡± Gary insisted in his frantic whisper. Watching her keep going ahead, he knew he had to follow her. There could be danger up ahead! Like poachers, even.

    There were a bunch of voices, and the light went out.

    ¡°Kai!¡± He moved quickly, Electivire following. After clearing some trees, he stopped abruptly, his eyes widening. ¡°Whoa! Hey!¡±

    Ranger Kai was already watching in awe.

    In front of her was a boy, sat on the ground, staring at the two in shock.

    In front of them all was a Pokemon Gary recognized, floating in the air. A Pumpkaboo! It was a little bigger than the one Gary had faced at the Indigo League.

    ¡°We have to get out of here!¡± The kid with filthy, messy, dirty-blonde hair got up and grabbed Ranger Kai and Gary by their hand, forcing them to run with him.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ranger Kai cried.

    ¡°Yo!¡± Gary called out in surprise.

    The three moved with the new guy, their Pokemon following.

    Gary and Ranger Kai looked back to see the Pumpkaboo was also after them!

    ¡°If we don¡¯t keep moving, it¡¯ll kill us all!!¡± the boy insisted, terror in his voice. ¡°Like they did my parents!!¡±

    Gary was startled by this boy¡¯s words.

    ¡°Oh, no,¡± Ranger Kai whispered. ¡°Not again.¡±

    ¡°Again??¡± Gary was even more taken back by Ranger Kai¡¯s reaction to this information.

    ¡°Now that I understand the situation a bit better,¡± Ranger Kai made a couple of swift motions, resulting in her recalling Metapod back one second, and ended up with the boys¡¯ wrists in her grasp the next second, ¡°I¡¯ll lead the way to safety! Do your thing, Dunsparce!¡±

    There was a chattering behind them, and then a disturbed cry.

    Gary looked back, seeing that Pumpkaboo had flown backwards, seemingly hit by Dunsparce who was falling from the air. He, or she, just attacked Pumpkaboo, Gary understood. That¡¯ll buy us time! Escaping a Ghost isn¡¯t gonna be easy, but that¡¯ll help! He turned back as the shouts of more fighting continued.

    *

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll be just fine. Can you tell us your name? My name is Ranger Kai and this is Gary.¡± Ranger Kai was sitting on her knees in front of the quivering boy.

    He was sitting in the dirt, looking like he could pass out, or throw up, or just explode into tears at any second. His light-blue eyes were wide, as if staring directly at something terrifying, reliving a traumatic memory. He was wearing blue slacks and white sneakers with a white sweater. All of his clothes were covered in dirt.

    Once Ranger Kai was sure they had gotten away from Pumpkaboo, she had to struggle to convince the boy of the same thing and somehow got him to sit, but he was still a wreck. She asked how long he¡¯d been out there, why, his age, all sorts of things, but he didn¡¯t respond. He couldn¡¯t!

    ¡°He¡¯s been in these woods for some time, I bet. He looks skinny, but he could just be skinny. I mean, look at you.¡± Ranger Kai turned to Gary.

    ¡°Is this really the time for that?¡± Gary shot back before turning to the boy. ¡°He said his parents were killed by that Pumpkaboo...¡± He looked to the Ranger again. ¡°And you said ¡®not again.¡¯ Why? What do you know about this?¡±

    Ranger Kai just shook her head. ¡°He said ¡®they¡¯ killed them... It may not have been just this Pumpkaboo. It could even have been a Gourgeist involved in this.¡±

    ¡°Gourgeist?¡±

    Ranger Kai stared at Gary. ¡°Gourgeist is the evolved form of Pumpkaboo. They¡¯re very dangerous, just like Pumpkaboo in the wild can be. Basically, they indiscriminately deliver people to the afterlife. Gourgeist tend to just swoop you away, but Pumpkaboo, depending on their size, will float around carrying souls until satisfied and then take them to the afterlife.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying it was his parents¡¯ time to go?¡± Gary asked.

    Ranger Kai looked over to the new boy hesitantly. ¡°Not necessarily...¡±

    The boy was already staring at her. ¡°It wasn¡¯t... We were cursed. We¡¯re all cursed already! We heard the song of the Gourgeist, and we were marked for death from then on!¡± He spoke with such panic in his voice, looking like he was cracking with each sentence. ¡°First, it came to our house. We had moved here only a few months ago! It was terrible. We had almost no money. I hated the neighbors. Nothing had gone as planned, but we were finally setting up our lives and everything was coming together! My parents had finally found good work and I¡¯d be able to call all my old friends back in Gringey City, in the Kanto region.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes lit up and he stirred a little bit.

    Still trembling, the boy went on. ¡°There was a mysterious sound one night. A song being whistled, or, more like, howled, through the house. But it wasn¡¯t a loud howl. It was like a whistling howl. I¡¯d never heard anything like it in my life. That¡¯s the song of Gourgeist. Once you hear it, you¡¯re cursed for life!¡±

    Ranger Kai and Gary looked to each other briefly.

    The scared boy never looked away from Ranger Kai. ¡°Then, there was a knock on the door, and my dad went to answer it. I watched his entire body be wrapped by a green arm thing and then it all vanished! He was taken to his death! And after that, a Pumpkaboo came in and hypnotized my mom with a bright light before taking her soul right in front of me! I watched her body drop in front of me!¡±

    Slowly, Ranger Kai reached out and placed a hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder.

    As if having a slow reaction to her touch, he looked down to the hand and then SCREAMED! He swiftly crawled backwards away from her and shook his head. ¡°D-d-d-d-don¡¯t! Don¡¯t touch me! Please!¡±

    Ranger Kai had her arms up already, nodding. ¡°I understand. I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have done that.¡±

    ¡°I ran for my life and ended up here. I¡¯ve been out here forever, trying to survive.¡± He swallowed hard, looking like the simple action was a major effort for him. ¡°I don¡¯t know what else to do.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m a Pokemon Ranger. I am here to help you. This is my friend, Gary. And our Pokemon, Electivire, and Swadloon, and Dunsparce will be back soon. They¡¯re just making sure the area is safe from those Ghost type Pokemon, okay? Do you have a name?¡±

    The kid trembled on the spot for a moment.

    ¡°Take your time, okay? We just want to know who you are. We mean you no harm. Nothing¡¯s going to happen to you, now.¡±

    ¡°F-F-F-Fred,¡± he finally let out. ¡°My name is Fred.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a nice name, Fred. I¡¯m glad to meet you. Everything is gonna be okay, okay?¡± Ranger Kai smiled, her eyes big and wide.

    Fred looked down, shaking his head. ¡°No it won¡¯t...¡± he whispered. ¡°My family is dead. I have nothing...¡±

    Ranger Kai looked mournfully at the kid and inhaled. ¡°How old are you?¡±

    ¡°Now I¡¯m fourteen.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re a big boy, aren¡¯t you? So big and brave, all on your own out here!¡± Ranger Kai praised.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me like I¡¯m a child, okay?!¡± Fred barked at her. ¡°I¡¯m not! And I¡¯ve lost my parents! Just cut the shit, will you?¡±

    Ranger Kai looked stunned and her lips shut immediately. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just don¡¯t know what to say in this kind of a situation. I¡¯m so embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s all just try to calm down and figure out a way out of this forest,¡± Gary said, looking to them both with his hands held out. ¡°We¡¯re close to Hearthome City, aren¡¯t we? Once we get there, we-¡±

    ¡°Hearthome is where I¡¯m from!¡± Fred burst out. ¡°Or, where we moved to! We never should have left Kanto. We never had issues like this, there. The Ghosts are from the Lost Tower burial ground, near Hearthome City. The previous Gym there was run by a Ghost Trainer! It¡¯s all a bad omen!¡±

    ¡°The beauty known as Fantina... The retired Gym Leader,¡± Ranger Kai said. She nodded. ¡°Yeah. There was a controversy around her. She often speaks with a French tongue, but where she¡¯s actually from isn¡¯t even Kalos, but Unova. She came under scrutiny and was canceled for what many labeled as cultural appropriation of the French. The overall silliness of it all threw her over the edge and she left her Gym Leader position for what she claimed was a far less judgemental and, by her own words, ¡®smarter,¡¯ community. She was a Top Coordinator before becoming a Gym Leader, but after the controversy, she returned to her roots. She hasn¡¯t used the accent since the controversy and hasn¡¯t had an actual battle since.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, whatever. That bitch abandoned a city she had the power to save when she left the Gym and then moved out. Once she was gone, th-¡±

    ¡°She was being harassed by cancel culture! She had no choice but-!¡± Ranger Kai argued.

    ¡°My parents weren¡¯t the only ones to die, you know! I had neighbors I never even met, and others that went missing before I arrived, gone to these Ghosts!¡±

    ¡°Okay, well, let¡¯s not get mad at Ghost type-¡± Ranger Kai tried.

    ¡°Oh, come on. It¡¯s...¡± Easy, Gary, Gary told himself. Don¡¯t say the wrong thing. ¡°I just think, the anger he¡¯s feeling could be justified. I¡¯ve had bad run-ins with Ghosts, myself. I nearly lost my life. You may have heard about the Saffron City attack with Haunter and the reanimated Sabrina. I was there and-¡± Gary ran out of words, not knowing how to continue, nor wanting to. He just swallowed as memories started to resurface and closed his eyes, shaking his head hard, trying to keep the thoughts away.

    But he couldn¡¯t keep away the memory of Kiwi¡¯s Poke Ball that contained her Pidgeotto, being turned to dust.

    ¡°Hmph!¡±

    Gary looked up to see Ranger Kai glaring at him. He frowned back at her. ¡°Oh, cut it out, will ya? Your bias isn¡¯t gonna help anyone!¡±

    ¡°And neither is yours! Any type of Pokemon is just as bad as any other, and you stigmatizing Ghosts does more harm to all Pokemon than you think! Once all the blame is on Ghosts, who¡¯s next? The Bugs? Then what? Dark types? Fire types? Soon,¡± Ranger Kai paused for a second, ¡°well, soon, we¡¯re all just Team Solace, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    Silence filled the area.

    Gary swallowed, glaring at the woman. He hated what she had just said.

    How dare she, even! Gary thought viciously. How dare she compare what we¡¯re saying, to Team Solace! Bitch! It would be nothing to just- Gary could see it all too clearly in his mind. Punching this woman in the face - no. Ripping the skin right off her face with his own teeth!

    Grabbing a blunt object, a brick, and pummeling her skull until her brains and her head were the same texture!

    ¡°Any Pokemon can cause a killing, but these Ghosts specifically have it in their nature to do these acts,¡± Fred spoke up.

    Gary blinked, and his eyes widened.

    Ranger Kai was leering at him with confusion.

    Kai? he thought. What just happened? He could feel his body settling, his furrowed eyebrows relaxing. No... Not again. What were those horrible thoughts?

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t care if it was just carrying on the cycle of life, but we had just moved there! Gourgeist cursed us to death! Once we heard that song, it was over for us! And I¡¯m the last one,¡± Fred kept talking.

    Gary and Ranger Kai didn¡¯t take their eyes off each other.

    Gary¡¯s heart was beating hard with fear. I was mad, he knew. The last thing she said - about Team Solace... Is that what made me so mad? But I was too mad! Why-?

    ¡°Pumpkaboo is coming for me next. If I can¡¯t be mad at Ghosts, I can be mad at the nature of Ghosts,¡± Fred kept going.

    Ranger Kai finally turned from Gary and to Fred, and she swallowed uncomfortably, a pleading look coming over her face. ¡°But-!¡±

    ¡°Miss Ranger? Please,¡± Fred insisted. ¡°I¡¯m the one grieving, and fearing my own life being taken away. Not you. I¡¯m a dead man walking.¡±

    Ranger Kai stood up. ¡°NO! I refuse to stand down!¡± she said determinedly, now wearing a serious look. ¡°Ghost types are just misunderstood! They¡¯re good Pokemon and without them, this world would be nothing! We need them more than anything else! Bug types make the world itself go round, yet people hate and fear them!¡± She leered right at Gary, who frowned and sucked his teeth, more important things on his mind than Ranger Kai¡¯s mind games. ¡°And without Ghosts, what is the afterlife! Nothing! Everything happens for a reason! Everything dies!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, including me,¡± Fred muttered, looking down.

    Ranger Kai softened her face, sympathy taking over her mind.

    Was she incorrect? Gary kept to himself. Is hating one type just the catalyst to hating them all? Isn¡¯t that what happened to Isaac, basically...? Hating one Pokemon that took away his daughter, and then-? Gary stopped his thoughts with a strong shake of his head. ¡°Ranger Kai, how do we get out of here? I think we need to get to Hearthome City and see what¡¯s going on there.¡± He looked at Fred.

    Fred was already looking his way, his eyes full of terror. ¡°We have to go anywhere but there! They¡¯re looking for me! The Ghosts! I¡¯m cursed! You¡¯re better off just leaving me here alone by myself. Just save yourselves!¡±

    ¡°Well, I may not like your attitude towards understanding Ghost type Pokemon, but we¡¯re certainly not doing that!¡± Ranger Kai crossed her arms and stared hard at Fred. ¡°You¡¯re coming with us, and we¡¯re gonna protect you the entire way and beyond! You¡¯ll never be without safety, I promise you! I¡¯ll stay by you myself if it means keeping you safe!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s something I¡¯d like, considering your blind stance on Ghosts. I¡¯d be in worse danger than before,¡± Fred said moodily.

    ¡°Oh, REALLY?!¡± Ranger Kai exploded.

    ¡°Guys, all this arguing isn¡¯t going to get us anywhere. We just have no choice. We need to get to Hearthome City if it¡¯s the closest city from here!¡± Gary urged. ¡°If there¡¯s a problem over there, we have to see if we can help!¡±

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Ssshh!!¡± Ranger Kai held out her arms, turning. She pointed. ¡°There!¡±

    Something yellow tumbled out of the trees and sprawled out on its back.

    ¡°Dunsparce!¡± Ranger Kai ran to her Pokemon and got down to one knee. ¡°But that means-!¡± She looked up.

    Pumpkaboo appeared through the trees!

    Fred and Gary screamed, Ranger Kai gasping hard.

    Something small, green and orange followed, coming through the grass. Ranger Kai¡¯s Swadloon! She leaped at her Trainer and clung desperately to her coat, wailing out in fright, Ranger Kai screaming out in surprise and wrapping her in her arms.

    Pumpkaboo¡¯s eyes glowed brightly, blinding the area!

    Gary found himself frozen. Okay, he decided, and nodded. The boy stood up and approached Pumpkaboo. He had no choice. He wanted to. He needed to! He reached out for the Pokemon, knowing this was his destiny.

    There was a song that sang out in the woods.

    The bright light moved away.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    The song continued.

    Gary closed his eyes and shook his head. What¡¯s going on? Is that music? A song? Gary¡¯s eyes shot open. ¡°What?¡±

    Ranger Kai stood in front of a different Pumpkaboo with glowing eyes shining on her. She looked like a zombie, stepping lazily over to the Ghost.

    This Pumpkaboo in front of her was almost the same size as the one in front of Gary, but just a tiny bit smaller.

    In front of Fred was a different Pokemon, and Gary knew this had to be the evolution due to how similar they looked. Gourgeist. Taller than either Pumpkaboo, it reached out for Fred who was sitting and staring up helplessly at the approaching enemy, unable to even move or scream for help.

    There were screams coming out from an untraceable place, a haunting howl of horror and pain and desperation.

    Fred¡¯s eyes were wide, watching as Gourgeist got closer, not even resisting as his shoulders were finally grabbed.

    But the singing was coming from elsewhere.

    Then, Gary spotted a flock of purple birds! They all sang together, doing a strange dance that, while Gary didn¡¯t recognize it, it somehow reminded him of... home? He shook his head, not understanding what was going on, what the singing birds were, or why he was right in front of a Pumpkaboo. What he did know was that he was drawn to the Pumpkaboo in front of him out of his own control, and the pull only stopped once that light was off!

    The Ghost Pokemon were now focusing on the birds and writhing while in the air, as if something were happening to them.

    It also looked to Gary as if wisps of dark smoke were swirling around them, but the swirls vanished so fast, it was impossible to know if they had really ever been there to begin with. Plus, it was too dark out to really tell.

    The birds rubbed their wings together and then held them out, firing out a purple blast lined with black energy, two of the four aiming for a different Pumpkaboo, the last two birds aiming at the only Gourgeist.

    The three Pokemon all shouted out as they were blown back by the attack.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Fred rolled away, holding out his right arm to shield himself.

    Ranger Kai gasped as she was pulled out of her hypnosis and hit the ground, confused and shocked.

    Gasping, Fred got to his knees and pointed at the birds. ¡°You guys, we got a break! Check out these Pokemon!¡± Fred exclaimed happily.

    Still a little lost and confused, Gary decided he should take out his Pokedex and understand all that he could.

    Pumpkaboo. The Pumpkin Pokemon. A Ghost and Grass type Pokemon. They come in a variety of four sizes, each one said to hold a different amount of souls, as well as different kinds of souls, the Small Size going for children, while the Super Size prefer adults.

    Gourgeist. The Pumpkin Pokemon and Pumpkaboo¡¯s evolved form. A Ghost and Grass type Pokemon. Like its previous form, the size of the Pokemon depends on what it tends to prefer going after, children versus adults. Also like Pumpkaboo, they are said to hold the souls of their victims in their body until ready to deliver them to the afterlife.

    Oricorio. The Dancing Pokemon. Sensu Style. A Ghost and Flying type. It loves to dance, making sure that all of its moves reflect its style of dance. Because of this, this Pokemon is hard to read, and is popular in Pokemon Contests.

    ¡°Oricorio? So that¡¯s what they¡¯re called!¡± Fred was smiling so hard. ¡°I never knew their names, but, finally! They saved me once before and left before I could thank them! I never thought they¡¯d return!¡±

    ¡°I almost lost my life! We almost died!¡± Ranger Kai looked mortified. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it!¡±

    Gary watched the Ranger. Maybe she¡¯ll think a little more reasonably about the threat that we¡¯re in due to these Ghost types, Gary thought. Maybe she gets it, now.

    ¡°Oh, why did I have to wake up out of that??! I could have been closer to these kawaii Ghosts than anyone else! Everyone would be so jealoooooous!!¡± Ranger Kai complained.

    Gary could have crashed through the ground at this statement. She¡¯ll really never learn, will she?

    ¡°Oh my gosh where''s Swadloon??¡± Ranger Kai realized. She was looking around frantically. ¡°Dunsparce??¡±

    ¡°Whoa! And Electivire!¡± Gary then realized. ¡°Where is he?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine! You returned them when under their hypnosis,¡± Fred explained to them. ¡°They were trying to interfere with Gourgeist and Pumpkaboo and they made you recall them back.¡±

    ¡°How clever!¡± Ranger Kai gushed.

    ¡°KAI! Will you stop it already??¡± Gary yelled at her, infuriated! ¡°Just what the fffuck is wrong wi-?!!¡±

    Ranger Kai¡¯s face had already changed to shock as Gary was about to blow up at her before several shouts were heard, making her, Gary, and Fred look up.

    Gourgeist and the two Pumpkaboo, and the four Oricorio were all running for each other, ready to fight!

    ¡°STOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!¡± Ranger Kai leaped up and ran towards them but stopped short of getting in the middle of the fight, fear and concern on her face.

    ¡°DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!¡± Fred screamed at the top of his lungs.

    Gary looked at him with wide but confused eyes.

    While singing their song, the Oricorio danced again, and the frightening howling of earlier returned.

    The Gourgeist and Pumpkaboo were trembling in the air in anguish, but it was unclear why. The same dark swirls were spinning around them before vanishing, Gary now certain he was seeing it, but still not knowing what it was.

    The Oricorio used the same move as before, blasting at the Pumpkaboo and Gourgeist with purple energy.

    That sound. What is that? Gary wondered, trying to spot the source. It sounds like...

    The two Pumpkaboo and the Gourgeist got back up from the hit and together they extended their bodies and loomed high over everyone. Their faces then became that of nightmares and disgust and collectively, they let out a screech that echoed through the woods.

    Everyone covered their ears and cowered, Gary himself actually taking off several feet before stopping himself and using what little bravery he had left within himself to face the pack of Ghosts.

    One of the four Oricorio remained down after the attacks had ended. It wasn¡¯t beaten, but was Flinching!

    The Grass-Ghosts were all laughing now at the one Oricorio, the other three Oricorio glaring at the opponents.

    One of the Oricorio moved over to comfort the Flinching Oricorio until it calmed down.

    Now, all seven of the Pokemon were facing each other angrily, ready to strike again.

    ¡°DAD! WAIT! DOOOOON¡¯T!!¡± Fred ran ahead without fear, stopping right in front of Gourgeist!

    ¡°Fred!¡± Ranger Kai gasped and she ran to him.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Gary called, staring at them.

    ¡°My father is in there!! I saw his spirit!! Let him go! Take me! Please!¡± Fred was crying in front of Gourgeist and fell to his knees.

    Ranger Kai was behind the boy now, bent over and holding his shoulders as she stared sadly at Gourgeist.

    ¡°Please! He worked too hard for us all to just die like that! Let him go! Bring him back! Stop his pain! I love my dad! Spare him and allow him to live! My mom, too! Whichever of you has her! Just don¡¯t let all their hard work and sacrifice go to waste!¡± Breaking from the Ranger, the young kid got down to his face, crying for all it was worth.

    The single Gourgeist turned to one Pumpkaboo, which turned back to it.

    The last one didn¡¯t and just watched Fred. It floated forward just a bit and then stopped. ¡°Pumpkaboo.¡±

    Fred looked up and turned to Pumpkaboo with a sniffle, wiping at his face.

    ¡°Pumpka Pumpk Pumpkaboooo.¡± Pumpkaboo spoke for a few seconds and then went silent.

    After a short moment where nothing happened, Ranger Kai took in a deep breath. ¡°There is no way, is there?¡± She had her eyes on the Pumpkaboo that spoke. ¡°Once dead, that¡¯s it. Fred, I¡¯m truly sorry.¡± She focused on the Pumpkaboo and took a step towards it. ¡°But, please. Leave the kid alone. Show what good hearts you have. You don¡¯t have to take him, too. He¡¯s in good hands with us. Please. Let¡¯s show the world the true side of Ghost types.¡±

    The Oricorio were speaking in low tones, watching all of what was happening. Suddenly, they started to dance.

    Gary found this so pleasing. It relaxed his very heart. But hearing the creepy wailing that seemed to accompany the dance every time, he was taken away from his happier feelings.

    The two Pumpkaboo started to move, their lights flashing, one going for Ranger Kai, the other for Gary. They moved, but at a struggled pace, dark swirls surrounding them before vanishing, and then the twin Ghosts flew ahead at their normal speed.

    Gourgeist had also been affected similarly but stayed in place.

    It¡¯s that move the Oricorio are using, Gary was sure. It¡¯s doing something to those Gourgeist and Pumpkaboo. Does it hurt them?

    The Ranger and Gary turned their backs against the light and closed their eyes, not wanting to get hypnotized.

    But even doing that, the light was almost as bright as anything, and Gary could feel the urge, against his will, to look at it! His eyes opened. Gary, no! he instructed himself while his body kept turning to take in the light. Why?! He saw the dancing Oricorio as he continued turning, feeling himself losing who he was. Losing his purpose. Nothing meant more to him than reaching the Pumpkaboo that had chosen him.

    His eyes moved away from one dancing Oricorio, to the next one. Gary... he heard a voice in his head. Kanto... He saw the third dancing Oricorio as he kept turning to see his beloved Pumpkaboo savior. Home! the voice called louder. Mom... Rob... Kiwi... He saw the last Oricorio that was dancing. Aly... Gary froze, watching the last Oricorio dance. June... Gary blinked. Wait.  Melissa... Wait! He shook his head hard. ¡°WAIT!¡± He turned and gasped in surprise. ¡°Ranger Kai!! What are you doing??¡±

    Ranger Kai was wrestling with Fred, trying to take him over to the other Pumpkaboo!

    Fred was crying and screaming, his eyes shut tight, afraid to open them.

    Kai¡¯s hypnotized! Gary realized. He was about to run to her when something else started happening by Gourgeist.

    A thin, purple line appeared in the air behind Gourgeist and the Pokemon slid backwards, disappearing right into it! The portal disappeared right after.

    The Oricorio launched their attacks, but two were aimed at Gourgeist, who was already gone.

    The final two went for the Pumpkaboo, but they cut off their lights and dodged the blasts as well.

    There were big eruptions as the attacks hit trees and dirt and caused animals to scamper.

    Fred crawled away, Ranger Kai shaking her head in confusion in the middle of it all. ¡°Hey! What¡¯s going on? Wait! Did it happen again? Was I-?¡± Ranger Kai was saying.

    The purple portal reappeared near the four Oricorio, Gourgeist bursting from it with a scream, and it slammed into the birds in turn.

    The Oricorio collapsed, one by one, but they all struggled to get back up to keep fighting.

    This is really insane, Gary thought, taking in the whole scene. Why are we even fighting? Because Ghosts wanna kill us? So we need the power of other Ghosts to stop them? Why do we need to fight for our lives? We didn¡¯t do anything wrong to begin with!

    The Oricorio were facing Gourgeist.

    The two Pumpkaboo were together, staring at Fred.

    Fred was staring back with fear.

    Ranger Kai raised her hands high. ¡°Please. Guys. We don¡¯t have to fight!¡± She looked to the Oricorio and Gourgeist, her hands falling. ¡°Let¡¯s stop all of this. You¡¯re better than this!¡±

    ¡°But they¡¯re not.¡± Fred stood up, facing the Pumpkaboo. ¡°I just want my mom and dad back. And I¡¯m even willing to be taken in their place, but even if that were possible, it doesn¡¯t solve anything, does it? They¡¯d only miss me...¡± He lowered his head. ¡°And you Ghosts don¡¯t care.¡± He sniffled and wiped at his eyes with the back of one hand before glaring at the Ghosts in the area, including the Oricorio. ¡°None of you care!¡±

    ¡°Fred. Please, I know this is painful for you, but we n-¡± Ranger Kai spoke.

    ¡°YOU SHUT UP! YOU DON¡¯T KNOW ANYTHING! These,¡± he swallowed, ¡°Ghosts took my entire family away. You want to end this peacefully but you haven¡¯t suffered, or you have nothing worth losing. But I did, and I lost them! Where do I go after this? What is my future without them?! What is their future without me?!¡±

    Silence filled the woods, only crickets and songs from other little critters being heard.

    How does this end, then? Gary wondered. We have to save Fred, but then what happens to the rest of his life?

    ¡°I can¡¯t keep running for the rest of my life.¡± Fred¡¯s face was consumed with darkness. Not only was it dark outside, but his white face actually seemed to hold odd, dark shades to it, as if shadows darker than the night were being cast over him. Even his eyes seemed entirely black. ¡°And if I have to die,¡± his mouth became a sneer, his teeth tight and bared, ¡°let it be on my own two feet!¡± Roaring for his life, he scooped something big and dark off the ground and charged at Gourgeist, who stared back with a gaping mouth.

    A big stick? Gary questioned, staring as Fred pulled the object behind his back to attack.

    But the stick was bending; moving!

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Wait! Wait!

    Before Gary could shout out to the kid, the Seviper in Fred¡¯s hands hissed at him, its jaws wide open.

    Ranger Kai, Gary, and loudest of all, Fred, screamed at the top of their lungs at the sudden appearance of the Pokemon.

    The snake lunged forward and sank its top fangs into Fred¡¯s chest.

    Blood spurted out as his scream tore through the trees like actual wind, rattling leaves and moving the air itself.

    ¡°FRED!!¡± both Ranger Kai and Gary let out and ran forward. Gary stopped short, but Ranger Kai moved ahead, not afraid of the Pokemon. Gary reached for a Poke Ball, Ranger Kai going into her bag, but it was the new screams that were heard that made them both freeze and look.

    The human-like shouts were coming from a place not clear.

    The Oricorio, who had been singing and dancing, called out and their other strange, haunting song of sorts, returned.

    The Gourgeist and Pumpkaboo struggled against the attack as black, smokey wisps covered them briefly, and-

    ¡°DAAAAAD!! MOM!!¡± Fred suddenly burst out.

    ¡°What?¡± Gary gasped as he watched.

    Fred was on his back, his sweater drenched in his own blood, reaching into the sky and gasping for air. Above him was nothing but black smoke. While some of the smoke had left the Gourgeist and two Pumpkaboo, it seemed some had gathered over the boy.

    The Oricorio finally launched their attack, accompanied by wild howling like that of an angry wind.

    Seviper, Gourgeist, and the two Pumpkaboo were blasted back and tossed off into the woods.

    ¡°Fred!¡± Ranger Kai cried, grabbing Gary¡¯s attention, and the two ran to the kid.

    The smoke over Fred was gone.

    ¡°Fred, are you alright?¡± Gary asked him sadly.

    ¡°I saw them.¡± Smiling, tears rolled down Fred¡¯s cheeks. ¡°I saw Dad. Mom. They¡¯re okay... They¡¯re so happy to see me again. I¡¯m...¡± His breathing was getting heavier, his speaking more strained. ¡°I¡¯ll see them. We¡¯ll be,¡± he swallowed hard, ¡°together. I¡¯m not afraid; anymore.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s losing it. The poison!¡± Ranger Kai went through her larger bag and started taking stuff out of it.

    Trembling, Gary desperately wanted to look away, but he just couldn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t believe what was taking place. He was disgusted and stunned by it. He can¡¯t die, Gary thought. ¡°FRED! FIGHT IT!! STAY WITH US!!¡±

    Fred shook his head, his smile fading. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t,¡± he struggled to get out. ¡°I just...¡± His eyes closed.

    ¡°FRED!!¡± Gary grabbed his hand in both of his and held it tight. ¡°WAKE UP!! FIGHT!! WAKE UP!!¡±

    ¡°Damn it hang on I know it¡¯s in here!¡± Ranger Kai whined frantically, tossing stuff out of her bag. ¡°IT¡¯S RIGHT HERE!!¡± She took out a huge syringe and a small bottle. She looked to Fred and then at Gary. ¡°KEEP HIM ALERT!!!¡± Ranger Kai raged.

    Gary looked at the boy.

    Fred was silent and motionless.

    ¡°HEY!!¡± Gary shook him hard, yanking his arm. ¡°GET UP!!¡±

    Fred coughed.

    ¡°Fred, man! Come on, Freddy!¡± Gary pleaded. ¡°Wake up!¡±

    Fred¡¯s eyes squinted a bit. ¡°...June?¡±

    Gary gasped, tightening his grip on his hands. ¡°What?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Is that you? Am I in Heaven?¡± Fred smiled and chuckled lightly.

    ¡°Fred, what¡¯s going on? Talk to me. Who¡¯s June?¡± Gary insisted, shaking his arm again. ¡°Hey! You¡¯re from Gringey City! You know June? That¡¯s my friend! Do you know her??¡±

    Fred¡¯s eyes closed, but his smile remained and he nodded. ¡°I was going to marry her.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart stopped.

    ¡°If she¡¯d have me, that is.¡±

    Against his will, before he even realized it, Gary had breathed out. For what reason was another topic he wasn¡¯t thinking about.

    ¡°She was my best friend in the entire world. My...¡± Fred took a moment to breathe noisily, harshly. ¡°My secret... crush...¡±

    ¡°Okay, Fred. Just take it easy, now. Everything¡¯s gonna be okay!¡± Ranger Kai jammed the needle into his arm. ¡°This¡¯ll only be a pinch.¡± She injected the clear liquid into the boy.

    He never even flinched.

    Gary waited.

    Ranger Kai waited.

    Fred remained still.

    Gary swallowed nervously. ¡°How long does it take to work?¡±

    Ranger Kai didn¡¯t reply, her stern eyes on Fred.

    ¡°When will he wake up?¡± Gary demanded.

    Ranger Kai didn¡¯t reply, nervousness and panic slipping onto her face.

    ¡°KAI! ANSWER ME!!¡± Gary let go of Fred¡¯s hand and gripped the boy¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Fred. Fred! Fred, wake up! Get up!¡± his voice cracked. ¡°Tell me more about June! She¡¯s my friend, too! Tell me what you know about her! Let¡¯s talk about her together!!¡± Tears rolled down Gary¡¯s cheeks nonstop, and he was suddenly gripped from behind and pulled away.

    ¡°Gary, please,¡± Ranger Kai whispered in his ear. ¡°Don¡¯t fight me.¡±

    ¡°NOOOOO!!¡± Gary reached out to the kid on the ground. ¡°FREEEED!! You gave him the medicine! Why isn¡¯t it working?! Give him some more time!¡±

    A Gourgeist floated over to Fred.

    Gary lost it completely and raged, trying to fight his way out of Ranger Kai¡¯s grip.

    ¡°WHOOOA!! GARY!!¡± While caught off guard initially, Ranger Kai slammed Gary into the dirt and held his arms behind his back. ¡°Please don¡¯t do this, Gary! It¡¯s too late! Let nature take its course!¡±

    ¡°YOU¡¯RE KILLING HIIIIIIM!!¡± Gary used all of his strength to fight, but ended up screaming in pain from how Ranger Kai was restraining him. ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! GET OFF OF MEEEEEEEEEEEE-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!!¡±

    Openly crying, outright bawling out, Ranger Kai refused to let go as she watched Gourgeist.

    Gary tried to watch, but Ranger Kai forced his head into the ground. After spitting out dirt, crying heavily, and struggling to raise his face to yell out, he realized what he was trying so hard to see.

    The hair atop the creature reached out and connected with Melissa¡¯s face.

    Melissa screamed at the top of her lungs as her body was lit by the blue lightning, and then she hit the ground, remaining motionless.

    Gary¡¯s eyes tightened. Not again, he conceded. I can¡¯t... He¡¯s gone already. His body relaxed. He stayed in pain, not budging, letting Ranger Kai keep him down.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Gary,¡± Ranger Kai whispered. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have let that happen if it wasn¡¯t already too late. Gourgeist is just collecting what¡¯s... gone...¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t need Ranger Kai to explain anything to him. He understood more than he wished, his mind sinking deeply in the phrase ¡°ignorance is bliss¡± while tears forced their way from between his eyelids.

    *

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty cool, huh? The Oricorio dance reminds you of home,¡± Ranger Kai smiled, walking through the woods with Gary.

    ¡°It helped me out. It brought focus to me during the hypnotism of the Pumpkaboo.¡± Gary put away his Pokedex after using it a few times to research Oricorio, Pumpkaboo, and Gourgeist. ¡°I just wonder where Gourgeist took Fred¡¯s body...¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll find it. I put out an APB. You know, this reminds me of the Ghyst Brothers in Ghyst Town.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t answer, knowing this was going somewhere stupid.

    ¡°Have you heard of them?¡± Before Gary could respond, if he had any plans to, Ranger Kai was right back to talking. ¡°They¡¯re one of the six Ghost type Gym Leaders of the Unova region, where I¡¯m from, in Ghyst Town. They saved the town from a ton of Ghost and Fire type Pokemon called Litwick who drain life energy to survive. The brothers were homeless for a while, but upon stopping the Litwick, and without having to harm them, but by actually working with them, they were able to save the town and the Pokemon, and were given the Gym Leader position.¡±

    What is she even talking about right now? Gary kept to himself, feeling himself getting impatient, and soon, angry. His eyes closed as he formed fists, and he rolled his neck as his eyebrows started to furrow.

    ¡°Though, I have heard that people started moving out in a hurry, so I don¡¯t know what the current situation is with them, now.¡±

    I could reach right in her throat and come back out gripping her tongue and vertebrae and it would mean nothing to me. His eyes suddenly shot open and he noisily released tension through his nostrils, his new anger leaving with it. ¡°Kai?¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Ranger Kai responded.

    What just happened? Gary thought, his heart beating hard in confusion. He looked to her wide-eyed face that was awaiting what he had to say. ¡°Um...¡± He took a moment, trying to calm himself and think clearly. Finally, ¡°Are we cursed, like Fred?¡± I feel a lot better all of a sudden, he noted. By that, he meant he wasn¡¯t feeling suddenly enraged and far beyond patience with Ranger Kai, but he still felt uncomfortable that he had felt that out of control at all. Is she really that annoying? he asked himself.

    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±

    Gary just stared at her. There¡¯s no reason I should have felt that way. That was insane! He swallowed, returning back to the conversation. ¡°Well - didn¡¯t he say the Gourgeist had cursed his family with their song? And I know I heard singing in those woods, too. Before the Oricorio appeared with their song and dance.¡±

    Ranger Kai cleared her throat. ¡°But we¡¯re fine, Gary. See? You can¡¯t listen to everything in that stupid Pokedex. It¡¯s biased against Ghosts and Bugs. Gourgeist left us alone. And nothing else is following us.¡± She smiled at him reassuringly.

    Gary nodded. ¡°I guess not. He said his family was killed shortly after.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Ranger Kai nodded. ¡°I mean, didn¡¯t we go through enough as it is for a curse? We beat it!¡±

    She sounded so optimistic and upbeat, but it didn¡¯t change Gary¡¯s negative mood and he just kept quiet.

    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t let this scare you,¡± she spoke gently. ¡°This is just all in a day¡¯s work for me, you know.¡±

    Gary looked at the Ranger with tight eyes and nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a night, shall we? I could use a little walk alone and then I¡¯m gonna go to sleep.¡±

    Ranger Kai stopped, but Gary didn¡¯t, continuing to walk. ¡°O-okay,¡± she replied lightly.

    *

    Gary sat alone in the dark night, sniffling. Crying. His head down. Staring. All of this that I¡¯ve been through, and how much has actually been at the hands of Team Solace, he considered. It¡¯s been more than enough, but, it¡¯s this that¡¯s the stuff I can¡¯t tell my mom about. And if I can¡¯t tell her what I¡¯ve been through, it¡¯s because it would only give her reason to keep supporting Team Solace, because I have no defense for the things like what those Ghosts were trying... Did, do! And I can¡¯t hate Ghosts only, and still call myself a Pokemon Trainer. I have to take the good with the bad, and support Pokemon. No matter what. I could never side with Team Solace, but... Why is the line like this? Why can¡¯t I say there are bad Pokemon out there, but hate Team Solace? Why can¡¯t some species, no, each individual Pokemon, be held accountable for their own actions? Why does there have to be a label on them all?

    And, if these Pokemon aren¡¯t doing anything but trying to survive, why does that make them bad? Because it harms us people? What about the harm we do to them for food? We¡¯re not punishing bad Pokemon and making them food. We breed them, and sometimes hunt them not even for food! Just sport! Poaching! What makes us so much better than them?

    Nothing. Gary blinked and inhaled at this thought. Nothing... he repeated. Then that means... Gary didn¡¯t finish the thought, knowing where it was going, and just let his breath out.

    Oh, June... he processed. What are the odds? I can¡¯t believe this. I¡¯m so sorry I couldn¡¯t save him.

    Gary¡¯s eyes teared up, and the tears dripped out.

    Landing on the gun he had in his lap that he hadn¡¯t stopped staring at.

 A Day In The Life

    The area was darkening as night began to settle.

    Gary, Ranger Kai, and their selected Pokemon jogged through the woods, headed for Hearthome City, in order to get to Veilstone City, to get Gary¡¯s fifth Badge.

    ¡°So have you heard of the Poke Tour Meteor Shower?¡± Ranger Kai asked out of nowhere.

    Gary had originally been enjoying the lack of conversation, the only sound being everyone¡¯s heavy breathing while moving at a steady pace. But now, he knew it was time for stupidity again. ¡°What?¡± he grumbled irritably at her, wanting her to catch his tone, before rubbing at the side of his neck with discomfort.

    Ranger Kai either didn¡¯t catch it, or didn¡¯t care. ¡°The Poke Tour Meteor Shower! It¡¯s a gorgeous meteor shower that takes place only once every 200 years. I think we¡¯ll be able to see it by Christmas! Chris. Mas. Chris-¡±

    ¡°How much further is Hearthome, again?¡± Gary interrupted loudly.

    ¡°Actually, we¡¯ll probably be there by the end of the day at this rate!¡±

    The two were moving side by side, Gary trying to get ahead of her the entire time, but the more physically fit woman kept up with no struggle. It also didn¡¯t help that, no matter what he did, he couldn¡¯t stretch out his coat enough to fit him by now.

    On Ranger Kai¡¯s team was Swadloon in one arm, Metapod in her other.

    Dunsparce was out of sight, but not put away, digging underground as usual.

    Gary¡¯s group had Charizard and Fashioned flying over the trees, the both of them out of sight, spinning circles around each other with impressive maneuvers as they tried to show off and outpace the other.

    Porygon-Z was sat on Ranger Kai¡¯s huge backpack, whining out with joy over the ride.

    Butterfree was leading the way, and Riolu and Snorlax were as energetic as they could be, competing with each other.

    To Gary¡¯s surprise, Snorlax was a lot more active than he expected, not only for a newborn, but also for a Snorlax! Once let out, she was roaring and carrying on, stomping the ground so hard, Gary feared she¡¯d cause another destruction of an area! This was only half a joke in Gary¡¯s head. He genuinely was having concerns about the baby¡¯s power! But, that was also a good thing, in Gary¡¯s mind.

    She only seemed to settle once Riolu was talking with her, Ranger Kai suggesting that while Snorlax wasn¡¯t a ¡°Baby¡± Pokemon, she was still newly born and maybe the technicalities of that didn¡¯t matter and Snorlax felt more comfortable with another Pokemon like herself.

    Gary wasn¡¯t entirely sure this made sense, but he kept to himself that there might be something to that. Either way, he was grateful having Snorlax under control, and also that Riolu had convinced Snorlax to work out with them!

    Gary did miss the exercise of carrying around her Egg. At least somewhat. It didn¡¯t weigh that much, which made no sense to Gary considering the weight of the Pokemon that came out, but it was still a good effort balancing carrying the size of it, and being careful not to break it! On top of that, the size of Snorlax didn¡¯t add up to the Egg¡¯s, either! Sure, the Egg was pretty huge, but it was nowhere near what came out of it. And to top it off, he was upset he missed the actual, magic moment!

    Ranger Kai told Gary that Pokemon don¡¯t always hatch out, but it sometimes was more like a transformation of the Egg, which is what she was sure had happened while she and Gary had been dealing with Burgh.

    While Snorlax was a little sloppy on her feet, she picked up walking pretty quickly, and after only a couple of hours, was moving at a fine pace, Riolu sticking beside her in case she slipped.

    When that did happen, Riolu cleared herself to avoid being squashed, but ran back to help with a nervous smile.

    The two ended up being a lot further behind than everyone else, nobody taking notice in an intentional effort to work harder and get stronger, and this worked to motivate the two ¡°babies¡± to work that much harder to not get left behind.

    Raichu was also running today alongside Electivire, who both were ahead of Gary but behind Butterfree.

    Ranger Kai¡¯s Galvantula was swinging and jumping through the trees, using webs to get from spot to spot.

    Ariados was close to Ranger Kai¡¯s Galvantula and doing the same thing.

    June¡¯s Galvantula was also swinging, but was on the other side of the path and keeping far behind the other spiders.

    Ranger Kai had let her Ariados out for some exercise and to enjoy time with both of the Galvantula, but June¡¯s Galvantula now had an attitude with Ariados and even used Bug Bite when he got near her!

    The Ranger¡¯s quick deduction was that June¡¯s Galvantula got jealous during the battle she and Gary had a few days ago, where Illumise used Attract on Ariados. Whether Galvantula knew it was true love or not didn¡¯t seem to matter too much.

    This suspicion stunned Ranger Kai¡¯s Ariados and he tried to get close to June¡¯s Galvantula, perhaps to make peace, but June¡¯s Galvantula attacked him with Electro Ball.

    In the end, the two boys, Galvantula and Ariados, decided to stay away from the girl Bug.

    ¡°You can really tell from the quality of the grass here that Swadloon live out here,¡± Ranger Kai commented. ¡°This is almost Unova-quality grass out here. Almost.¡±

    Gary inhaled through his nose as something caught his attention.

    Ranger Kai came to a stop and knelt down, reaching out to the grass with a smile. ¡°You don¡¯t find this kind of fresh-¡± she suddenly froze, her smile fading.

    ¡°Say, I¡¯m-¡± Gary started.

    ¡°SMOKE!!¡± Ranger Kai stood quickly, a determined look on her face. She sniffed hard and deeply.

    Gary also stopped. ¡°So it wasn¡¯t just me.¡±

    Ranger Kai sniffed again. ¡°That¡¯s definitely not you farting. That¡¯s smoke.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant!!¡± Gary barked.

    ¡°We have to find the source. Dunsparce, stay low just in case! Metapod, return! Galvantula and Ariados!¡± Using superb balancing skills considering she had two Pokemon in her arms, she held out three Poke Balls, recalling Metapod first.

    ¡°Galvantula!¡±

    ¡°Ari!¡±

    Both Pokemon leaped from the trees, making Gary scream in fright. They glowed red, returning to their Poke Balls.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Gary breathed out in relief.

    ¡°RETURN YOUR POKEMON!!¡± Ranger Kai ordered Gary while returning Swadloon as well.

    ¡°OH! Right!¡± Gary turned, grabbing up Poke Balls.

    Snorlax, Riolu, Butterfree, and Porygon-Z were returned.

    Raichu was next, along with Galvantula when she slid down on a string of webbing.

    Electivire was left, Charizard and Fashioned still high up.

    ¡°CHARIZARD! FASHIONED!¡± Wait, Gary told himself. Maybe you don¡¯t need to-

    ¡°Don¡¯t call them down! Keep them above! Maybe we can learn something!¡± Ranger Kai interrupted the boy¡¯s thoughts. ¡°In fact, as a Fire type, Charizard is safe to come down here and carry me back up into the sky to see what¡¯s going on! CHARIZARD! WE NEED YOU DOWN HERE! FASHIONED, PLEASE STAY ABOVE WHERE IT¡¯S SAFER!!¡±

    Charizard appeared quickly and landed on his feet.

    Ranger Kai ran up to Charizard and swiftly got on his back.

    ¡°Hey! Wait!¡± Gary reached out.

    ¡°Stay here, Gary! Don¡¯t move! Let¡¯s go, Charizard!¡± Ranger Kai pointed above.

    Charizard stared at Gary and grunted. Before his Trainer could say a word, he looked back up.

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open as his own Pokemon obeyed the Ranger and soared past the trees and into the sky above. He couldn¡¯t see the two from where they were. Did Charizard... and Fashioned, just listen to this woman... over me?! He looked to Electivire, the Pokemon staring back. ¡°Don¡¯t you go listening to that lunatic, you understand?!¡± Gary shouted, mad now.

    Electivire crossed his arms and snickered at him.

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary yelled. I¡¯ve had about enough of this shit! ¡°That stupid woman!¡± Gary said out loud, glaring upward. ¡°I¡¯m done with her! I¡¯m done with talking!¡± Gary paused, feeling his arms shaking as he made tight fists, and his voice became more of a nasty snarl. ¡°Once that bitch gets back I¡¯ll rip the-!!¡± With a furious shout, he swung out and punched a tree right in the trunk. It hurt a little, but something about that only made Gary¡¯s heart pump faster, a little thrill from what pain he could feel. And he wanted more! Aggression was pumping in his veins, his entire body tense. He turned and sneered in a mix of rage and delight, seeing that Ranger Kai had returned with Charizard and the Scizor nicknamed Fashioned. Gary tightened the fist he hadn¡¯t punched with.

    ¡°It¡¯s in a contained area, but it could get a lot worse if we don¡¯t get there soon,¡± Ranger Kai informed Gary. ¡°Do you have any Water, Ground, or Rock type Pokemon or Pokemon with those types of moves?¡±

    The fire... Gary remembered, and his eyes widened, his fists releasing into widened palms, and his entire body relaxed. I can¡¯t be feuding with Kai right now... His body gave a little shake, the anger rising out of his body and into the sky above. No. Why was I even so worked up over that? He raised his hands and turned them around, staring at the one that was now scuffed up with a little blood on the knuckles. What drove me to do-?

    ¡°HEY!¡± Ranger Kai belted out, snapping Gary out of his thoughts. ¡°WATER! GROUND! ROCK! Pokemon moves! Do you have them??¡±

    ¡°Uuuuuuuuuuhhhhh...¡± Gary tried to remember, hiding his hands behind his back. ¡°Yeah... I think I¡¯ve-¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need them. I can do this! Let¡¯s go, Charizard!¡± Ranger Kai pointed up again, and Charizard roared, taking off back into the sky. ¡°PUT FASHIONED AWAAAAAAY!!¡± she called before disappearing from sight, screaming out other words Gary couldn¡¯t hear.

    ¡°STOP ORDERING AROUND MY POKEMOOOON!!¡± Gary screamed back. ¡°Grrrrr!! Where are they even going??¡± He looked at Fashioned.

    ¡°Scizor!¡± Fashioned pointed ahead.

    ¡°OH! You know, don¡¯t you? Lead the way! We can help her!¡±

    Fashioned flew, Gary and Electivire chasing after her.

    The boy easily ignored a couple of familiar wild Pokemon, like Rattata and Budew, but he screamed, ducked, and swatted at the pair of Zubat that came afterwards. Glaring, he pressed on, a pair of other Pokemon he didn¡¯t recognize moving out of his way. He inhaled, the smell of smoke getting stronger. This is no good, Gary knew. He grabbed his Pokedex. I need to get Kingdra or somebody back here to help! Dugtrio! The old gang! Man, do I miss them! Before he could even open the Pokedex, he heard the crackling flames, and then he actually could see the fire. He froze, his eyes widening.

    The trees, the grass; all were burning! Pokemon were scurrying away while Charmander and Mankey continued to fight!

    ¡°Stop, you two!¡± Gary had begged back on Route 1, when his journey had only just begun back in Kanto over a year ago.

    The two Pokemon continued attacking nonstop, neither side giving in.

    Gary shook his head. No! Focus! We can put this out! ¡°Return, Fashioned!¡±

    But the Pokemon had already flown ahead, flying over the flames and going deeper into the danger!

    ¡°FASHIONED!¡± Gary ran after him, making his way carefully around the fire, the heat from it absolutely unnerving.

    Ranger Kai, further ahead, had a stunned look on her face, staring at Fashioned and then to her Trainer. ¡°GARY! I told you to put away Fashioned! Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°We had to help!¡± Gary insisted.

    ¡°Fool, this is my job! I know what I¡¯m doing! You¡¯re in my way! You¡¯re only gonna get hurt! Look!¡±

    Gary turned to see Dunsparce was sitting in the middle of the surrounding flames.

    Large boulders and rocks were also sitting in the area, looking completely out of place.

    Dunsparce let out her chittery noise and her wings flapped hard. She hovered just slightly and a white ring surrounded her body. The ring turned into ovals that then turned into pointy, gray Rocks which flew out, slamming into some of the flaming grass and trees.

    With a shout, heavy wind and Sand started to blow everywhere!

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Ranger Kai called out and she turned, Gary also seeing the same thing.

    It was Fashioned! She was walking through blowing, wild sands and stopped in the middle of it all, right by Dunsparce.

    ¡°It¡¯s Sandstorm!¡± both Gary and Ranger Kai cried out happily.

    Before long, there was Sand everywhere, and the fire was all gone.

    ¡°No way!¡± Ranger Kai held out her hands, her palms upward, and looked up.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe it, staring at the dark sky. ¡°Really??¡±

    It had started to rain!

    Just like... Gary remembered. Back then... The young kid recalled that after he and his Mankey had been beaten unconscious on Route 1 by a wild pack of Mankey, abandoned by his Charmander, he had awoken to it raining. He couldn¡¯t help but smirk, but this vanished quickly and he just shook his head. Does this mean something? He kept his eyes on the sky, but there was nothing to see. This is a joke, he told himself.

    ¡°Oh, no! Numel!¡± Ranger Kai ran off into the trees.

    ¡°Huh?¡± What did she say? Gary walked after her.

    Something came out of the trees, Ranger Kai appearing soon after it.

    ¡°Oh! What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°The cause of our little fire, I¡¯m sure,¡± Ranger Kai said with a smile, her hands on her hips as she stayed behind the creature.

    Gary held out his Pokedex.

    Numel. The Numb Pokemon. A Fire and Ground type Pokemon. A Pokemon with the wit comparable to a Slowpoke, it doesn¡¯t know when it is hit. Hunger is the only discomfort it will notice immediately. When caught in rain, the magma coursing throughout its body hardens, and it slows down.

    ¡°Hey, Gary. I had a question or two to ask you, actually.¡± Numel was moving at the slowest speed possible, and Ranger Kai kept with the pace, her eyes staying on Numel. ¡°Why is it that you have so many Pokemon, but you only kept five Pokemon with you once you had Snorlax¡¯s Egg? You have a professor, so how do you carry more than six Pokemon?¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Well, my six Pokemon are with me, but the others, including Electivire, belong to my-¡± Gary was stuck.

    ¡°Vire,¡± Electivire let out in a low voice, staring at Gary.

    Gary lowered his eyes instead of facing the Electric type, but he then glared at Ranger Kai. ¡°I have a missing friend that I¡¯m looking for while on my journey, and I¡¯m raising her Pokemon in the meantime. It¡¯s that simple.¡±

    Ranger Kai¡¯s mouth fell open a little. She shut it and then nodded determinedly. ¡°As a Pokemon Ranger, it¡¯s not just my duty to help Pokemon, but people, too. You should have told me this earlier. I¡¯d like a description of her when we get to the next city.¡±

    Gary nodded.

    ¡°In that case, please capture this Numel and send it to your professor for treatment. You¡¯ll be saving this little one¡¯s life, quite possibly. They don¡¯t belong out here in the forests in the first place.¡±

    Now Gary was confused. ¡°Then what¡¯s one doing out here?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s due to the displacement of so many Pokemon after the acts of Team Solace,¡± Ranger Kai explained strictly. ¡°The destruction of Mt. Coronet has done terrible things to the environment, leaving Pokemon without homes. I¡¯m sure what Tyranitar caused with its Earthquake only made things worse, but the attack on Mt. Coronet is the true issue. That was unheard of and will forever change the Sinnoh region, and I imagine things will only get worse as time goes on. With poor Pokemon like this Numel, who totally don¡¯t belong out here, and so many other species displaced into inappropriate environments, the world is in its gravest state it¡¯s ever been in. It¡¯s a wonder anyone can agree with Team Solace, but they just refuse to admit the crisis to the planet that that group has brought. They¡¯re too afraid and don¡¯t understand. But they need to wake up already!¡±

    Gary nodded. He put his Pokedex away and grabbed a Great Ball, staring at the Numel. ¡°I¡¯ll help. Of course.¡± He enlarged the ball and muttered, ¡°Number five, Kiwi.¡±

    *

    This is crazy, Gary knew as he stayed on his knees beside Ranger Kai, the both of them behind bushes. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m getting caught up in this, and yet, this isn¡¯t that crazy at all! I¡¯ve done this before, but what¡¯s so crazy is how this is just another day for the Ranger! I have to respect her after all this time I¡¯ve been with her, however loony she is. The woman is a Pokemon expert! I pale compared to her talent. And now, here we are, on an actual case? Tracking down Pokemon poachers?? Gary couldn¡¯t help but think of the time he failed to stop some poachers who were after Finneon and Lumineon back in the Kanto region. This time, I¡¯ve got the law with me. No excuses! Kai already knows what she¡¯s doing. She knows who she¡¯s after.

    Electivire was put away at Ranger Kai¡¯s insistence as a precaution. His bright colors would make them easier to spot, and if the poachers had the right equipment, they could track his powerful electricity.

    The case was that a pair of displaced Gabite were captured in a net. The two Pokemon got more impatient and furious by the second, and the more they struggled, the more the net would wrap around them and even choke them up!

    But Gary and the Ranger had to wait before making their move to see who would come out, so they were forced to just watch.

    The only thing keeping Gary from leaping out and saving the two was Ranger Kai¡¯s reassurance that everything would be alright. ¡°I know this is hard, but this is my job,¡± Ranger Kai whispered. ¡°We¡¯ll be able to save them, but leaping out now would only get all of us-¡± She paused. ¡°Just be patient.¡±

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Gary nodded without saying a word.

    ¡°Truer words have never been spoken,¡± came the next whisper.

    Neither Ranger Kai, nor Gary, moved. They both were telling themselves to remain calm, trying to recognize the voice. But as each second ticked by, it became clearer and clearer.

    Somebody else was behind them.

    At the same time, the two turned.

    A very tall man was standing over them, pointing a very big gun at them. ¡°I know a Ranger when I see one,¡± he smiled at her, keeping the gun focused on the boy. ¡°You certainly don¡¯t want to go down this route, nor does the Trainer boy. So let¡¯s all play by the rules and no one has to die but those Gabite.¡± The guy boasted a strong, large build. He had a huge, graying beard and spoke with a deep, Irish accent. He wore big, green boots, black jeans and a black coat. On his head was a black, knit hat. His smile showed broad, thick teeth. Kneeling down, keeping the gun on Gary, he kept his eyes on Ranger Kai. ¡°And quite the cute Ranger we have here, eh? Why don¡¯t you move nice and slow and come a little closer so I can get a better look at cha?¡±

    ¡°Okay, Mr. Captain,¡± Ranger Kai nodded quickly, referring to him by the name the man was known by. ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll do whatever you say. But why the Gabite? If you kill us all, can the Gabite go??¡±

    Gary had kept his eyes on the man¡¯s gun the entire time, his body trembling, but now he turned to Ranger Kai with a horrified face. ¡°Huuuuuh??¡±

    Mr. Captain then laughed big and loud, tossing his head back. When he looked back at her, the laughter was over all of a sudden, the man¡¯s smile removed from his face. ¡°Gabite¡¯s scales are said to cure even the most incurable diseases. I have a wife who has been suffering in the hospital for the past five years, and only this past year, five of our six kids came down with the same illness, passed on from the mother. The doctors couldn¡¯t tell until it was too late. They lived great lives until now, becoming successful adults in their own rights, just to have it taken away from them for no reason. Our insurance isn¡¯t covering the costs any further, and we can¡¯t do it out of pocket. I, as the man of this household, have no other choice but to provide. And if it means killing a few measly Pokemon to do it, I¡¯ll damn well do it. And tell me, who are you to stop me?¡±

    Ranger Kai was silent.

    Gary didn¡¯t speak.

    The two of them just watched the tears roll down his cheeks.

    Who am I? Gary wondered. Who am to tell this man he¡¯s wrong? What makes him wrong? Why can¡¯t I find an argument to stop him from saving his-? I can¡¯t even finish my thought? His eyes were watering. He didn¡¯t look to Ranger Kai, but he didn¡¯t have to. Her silence said it all. And she can¡¯t, either, Gary knew. That¡¯s why she¡¯s-

    ¡°No!¡± Ranger Kai finally spoke up. She actually stood up now and took a brave step towards the man.

    The man also stood, keeping his gun on Gary, keeping a stern look on his face.

    ¡°I hope your story is true, or else you truly are the Devil. However, you still are a devil, and devils come with tricks; but you won¡¯t fool me. You gave yourself away by calling those Gabite nothing more than measly Pokemon. You don¡¯t even know if sacrificing them will save your family. In other words, you¡¯re ruthless. Heartless. You have no compassion for others. I don¡¯t know if you have a family to save, but it doesn¡¯t matter to me if your conscience is so minimal. There¡¯s a way to talk down a man in a desperate situation. But someone like you? There is no help.¡±

    Mr. Captain didn¡¯t respond, staring solemnly at Ranger Kai. He hand fell, the gun no longer aimed at Gary.

    Gary was still too afraid to budge, but a memory did come to his mind in that brief moment.

    ¡°ALY, STOP!!¡± Gary had demanded, diving at the man in the Radio Tower back in Kanto who was about to shoot Aly. He was weightless as he soared through the air. He was...

    Behind the man?

    BOOM!

    Mr. Captain nodded at Ranger Kai. ¡°You¡¯re right. Now c¡¯mere,¡± he said in a gruff voice and yanked her by the arm, pulling her close to him.

    Gary gasped and swallowed hard, watching as Mr. Captain yanked the hat off Ranger Kai¡¯s head.

    Her dark-blonde hair was a mess, coming down to her shoulders, and Mr. Captain leaned in and inhaled hard through his big, round nose. ¡°Uuuuuugh,¡± Ranger Kai moved her head from his as far as she could, unable to get out of his grip.

    I can¡¯t, Gary told himself, still trembling so hard. I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t save her.

    The rustling of grass made Gary, Ranger Kai, and Mr. Captain look over.

    Gary shouted out as most of his body was wrapped up with a strong green vine! His shoulders were scrunched up in the attack and he couldn¡¯t turn his head very far, but he could make out a short, green creature behind him!

    There was also a mostly purple monster with a yellow stomach and face that appeared with two men. The purple thing was shorter than the men but had two long tails behind it that reached just higher than itself, and at the end of each tail was what looked like a hand! Each hand was yellow with three fingers, the ends of the fingers colored red. The hands looked like plastic gloves filled with air. The monster didn¡¯t have proper hands itself, rather having handless arms at its sides.

    Gary had never seen such a creature! It looks like an Aipom, but... more! An evolution? Does it evolve?

    ¡°Good!¡± Mr. Captain shoved Ranger Kai away from him, cackling.

    Ranger Kai let out a cry as she stumbled towards the purple Pokemon, and the being grabbed her in its two huge hands and held her in the air!

    The Ranger screamed and kicked out but couldn¡¯t get free.

    ¡°Now we can get to work!¡± Mr. Captain laughed.

    The two men stopped by the group.

    One of them was the tallest of the three as well as the strongest looking, his arms as thick as a human head and hairy. He wore a black T-shirt and jeans, as well as brown boots, a smaller gun in one hand.

    The other guy was the shortest and thinnest, having basically no muscles at all, at least compared to his companions. He wore a black, long-sleeved T-shirt and black shorts that stopped below his knees. His feet were in black and white sneakers. He was the only one with dark skin, even darker than Gary.

    All this time, the Gabite were crying out for help, choking, desperately swiping at the strong net to break free, but the material would only further entangle around them and restrict movement.

    They¡¯re going to die in that thing! Gary knew. What can we do? Damn it we could have really used Electivire or something right now! What was Kai¡¯s plan to apprehend these guys?? Where¡¯s-?

    The other muscular man raised his gun and aimed it at the Ranger. ¡°A Ranger.¡± He looked over to Gary and then back to Ranger Kai. ¡°What were you doing with her? Why are they still alive?¡± He didn¡¯t have an accent like the bearded man.

    The leader rolled his eyes. ¡°Now there ya go makin¡¯ threats! Now we have to kill ¡®em both! I¡¯ve told you before to leave the talking to me, didn¡¯t I??¡±

    The second man shook his head. ¡°We have the law on us with the Ranger here, anyway. We had no choice.¡±

    ¡°You made a threat to the law. That worsens the situation!¡±

    ¡°We already attacked the law! We¡¯re done for either way if we get caught!¡±

    ¡°Assault and death threats are two different things!¡±

    ¡°Oh, when did you pass the bar?¡±

    ¡°Gwan, guys! Enough!¡± the last member of the group said loudly, carrying a Jamaican accent. ¡°Bombaclot! Let¡¯s get what we came ¡®ere for!¡± He stared at the leader angrily.

    Mr. Captain stared back and nodded shortly before turning his back and approaching the weakened Gabite.

    They had tried chewing their way out but now, the material had their jaws wrapped shut. They were just breathing as hard as they could through their flaring nostrils.

    ¡°I won¡¯t lie to you all,¡± Mr. Captain began as he dug into his jeans waistband and came up with a huge blade. ¡°To the right buyer, I could just sell these guys and make enough money to cover the hospital bills. But what I need is a cure! I¡¯m sick of seeing my family suffering like this. Keeping them alive in a hospital is torture. They deserve to just be healthy and feel good again! Don¡¯t they?!¡±

    There were a pair of cries and soon, Gary stumbled! ¡°Hey!¡± He had been released from the hold of the Pokemon by him, and in the surprise of the release, stumbled away.

    ¡°Ow! About time!¡± Ranger Kai had fallen, released from the Pokemon that had her.

    The darker man groaned before falling over.

    ¡°Aaaah...¡± the second guy with the gun growled and then fell, dropping his weapon.

    ¡°Grotle. Ambipom,¡± Ranger Kai said, staring at the two in turn. ¡°You poor creatures getting caught up in this nonsense. It¡¯ll be alright.¡±

    ¡°Shit...¡± Mr. Captain whispered, and his blade and gun fell from his hand! After it hit the ground, the man himself collapsed!

    There was a familiar chittering noise and Ranger Kai leaped up quickly. ¡°Dunsparce! Great timing!¡± She ran and Gary finally saw her Dunsparce crawling slowly on the ground. The Ranger scooped up her Pokemon and hugged her.

    ¡°Ranger Kai!¡±

    Ranger Kai looked upward, her mouth open in a huge smile.

    ¡°Glad to see you¡¯re alive!¡± Someone leaped from the tree branches above and landed in front of the woman.

    ¡°No thanks to you, I¡¯d say! All praise to Dunsparce, huh?¡± Ranger Kai smirked.

    The man stood in brown slacks and a black coat, his feet in green boots. On his belt were a few Poke Balls, some rope, and a little beige fanny pack. ¡°All praise to the Pokemon, as usual. But surely you didn¡¯t think we¡¯d send you out on a mission like that and not arrive in time.¡±

    ¡°Well that¡¯s why I made sure Dunsparce left us behind and found you guys when the time was right, because I didn¡¯t trust you all to get here in time,¡± Ranger Kai said smugly.

    Laughing, the male Ranger held out his hand, and Ranger Kai grasped it, her eyes twinkling at the man.

    Startling Gary, more Rangers came out of the woods, many of them carrying thin, long tranquilizer guns!

    The only ones who seemed to be carrying guns with bullets were a pack of Officer Jennys! They were also the only ones running to the poachers, arresting their sleeping bodies.

    ¡°My little nigga! What brings you out here?!¡±

    ¡°Ish?¡± Gary turned at the voice. ¡°OH! RANGER!!¡± That guy! Gary remembered. What was his name?

    The only Ranger not wearing a hat got closer, his hair dyed blonde and cut very short, perhaps even very recently. He had on green pants and a green shirt with a yellow vest over it that stopped at his waist. The green Ukkh brand of boots with the furry tops were on his feet. A green camping bag on his back, his belt holding a variety of gadgets, the man stopped in front of Gary. ¡°You stayin¡¯ in trouble, young G?¡±

    Gary laughed awkwardly. ¡°I guess?¡± The Ranger reached out, Gary grabbing his hand, and to Gary¡¯s surprise, they ended up doing a similar shake to the one he¡¯d done with Ish! He might be from Unova, then, Gary considered, almost asking the Ranger if this was the case, but he decided not to.

    ¡°Ranger J, I heard about your promotion to Student Ranger!¡± Ranger Kai smiled. ¡°Congrats! Con. Grats. Congrats!¡±

    Ranger J nodded easily, smirking. ¡°Yeah, once I get more practice in with the Capture Styler, I can start using it in the wild and all that.¡±

    ¡°Is it hard to use?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out just fine when you get there.¡±

    ¡°But when will that beeeeeeeeeeeeee??¡± Ranger Kai wailed out, mournful exasperation on her face.

    The Gabite were being freed by some Rangers, the poachers carried out of the woods by some officers, and the remaining Rangers and police all happily talked about the success.

    *

    ¡°Gary, stay back. This can really get dangerous,¡± Ranger Kai warned.

    ¡°I¡¯m a Pokemon Trainer. I¡¯ll be just fine,¡± Gary responded. ¡°Ready, Butterfree?¡±

    ¡°Freeeee!¡± Butterfree responded.

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Those Pokemon shouldn¡¯t even be out here. This isn¡¯t their territory at all! They can¡¯t survive in these temperatures! They¡¯re normally found in colder areas higher up Mt. Coronet! The destruction of the mountain is really gonna have some terrible repercussions on a global scale!¡±

    ¡°Empoleon!¡± Empoleon raised its arms over its head and a huge Whirlpool appeared, which it then tossed at Butterfree.

    ¡°Dodge that!¡± Gary commanded.

    Butterfree got around it.

    The pack of Empoleon behind the battling Empoleon grumbled with disapproval, shaking their heads.

    One Empoleon in the pack had the largest horns of the group; the leader and therefore strongest.

    None of Butterfree¡¯s moves are gonna be strong against a Steel type, but I¡¯ll prove my worth and work my way through the whole pack if I have to to capture that Empoleon! Gary promised. The leader! ¡°Butterfree, use Bug Buzz!¡±

    Butterfree¡¯s wings flapped and red waves came off of them, hitting Empoleon.

    Empoleon stumbled backwards and shoved one sharp fin into the ground to stop itself.

    ¡°Now use Solar Beam!¡±

    Butterfree¡¯s wings and antennae glowed brightly as she absorbed sunlight.

    ¡°Keep going, Butterfree!¡± Gary encouraged his Pokemon.

    ¡°You can do it, Butterfree!¡± Ranger Kai added.

    Metapod cried out his support along with Swadloon and Dunsparce.

    Electivire was silent but watching.

    Empoleon¡¯s crown and beak glowed gold and it spun like a drill, going for Butterfree as white streaks surrounded its body.

    Butterfree was hit, but while flying backwards, sent out a huge, bright beam that also tossed Empoleon back.

    Butterfree crashed into a tree, Empoleon tumbling on the grass and sliding on its back.

    ¡°Butterfree! You okay?¡± Gary ran to her and knelt down, considering touching her. But the thought alone... He shuddered and then scratched uncomfortably at his stomach. When Butterfree started moving to get up, he jumped back a bit but forced a smile. ¡°Butterfree. You okay?¡±

    Butterfree looked up at him and nodded, smiling back. ¡°Freee!¡± She flew into the air, making her Trainer scream and fall over, his skin crawling with fear.

    The boy shot a quick look over to Ranger Kai, who had her arms crossed and eyebrows narrowed.

    He then looked to Butterfree, who was looking right at him, her antennae down, looking sad. This was what hurt him. He opened his mouth, but what could he say?

    ¡°Gary!¡± Ranger Kai called out.

    Butterfree and Gary turned to see that multiple, light-blue Swords were circling Empoleon. The Swords stopped and the ends leaned to Empoleon before disappearing. A red aura burst out of the ground, Empoleon glowing a lighter shade of red, its Attack boosted sharply.

    ¡°That was Swords Dance! Its Attack-!¡±

    ¡°Roost!¡± Gary interrupted Ranger Kai.

    Butterfree settled on the ground and her body glowed brightly as she recovered some health.

    ¡°Now take control! Infestation!¡±

    Butterfree flapped her wings hard, staying down on the ground, and called out.

    Little bugs were moving through the ground, hard to see and creeping Gary out.

    Before long, Empoleon was swatting at invisible creatures, wiping itself off and crying out.

    ¡°Sleep Powder!¡±

    Butterfree could finally fly and soared over Empoleon, sprinkling down sparkling indigo powder.

    Empoleon relaxed, swaying in place before dropping.

    ¡°You got it, Gary!¡± Ranger Kai acknowledged.

    ¡°Now, I want you!¡± Gary ignored the fallen Empoleon and focused on the leader.

    The leader stared at Gary but didn¡¯t react.

    ¡°Butterfree-!¡± Gary started.

    But the leader moved right before the child even started speaking, soaring at Butterfree as its body was completely covered in water.

    Gary jumped, his heart also jumping right into his throat.

    Butterfree was dropped with ease and didn¡¯t get back up.

    ¡°That was Aqua Jet,¡± Ranger Kai stated. ¡°It goes first no matter what. Usually. U. Shu. Wa. Lly.¡±

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary cut into her habit, stunned as the leading Empoleon turned and walked away!

    The other Empoleon followed.

    The Sleeping Empoleon was the only one to remain, its body twitching from Infestation.

    ¡°HEY! I¡¯M NOT DONE HERE!!¡± Gary ran past the Sleeping Pokemon.

    One of the Empoleon turned and fired Bubble Beam at Gary!

    The child screamed as the Bubbles hit his legs and he was knocked right off his feet, landing on his front painfully. Groaning, he sat up, holding himself up with one arm. ¡°Wait!¡± he called out a lot weaker. ¡°That was just one of my Pokemon. And she was already weakened!¡± He inhaled, gathering more strength and energy. ¡°Give me a chance! WAIT!¡± Tears started filling up his eyes as his pride was now taking a destructive blow. ¡°I HAVE BETTER POKEMOOOOOOOON!!¡± His voice echoed in the woods.

    ¡°Gary!¡± Ranger Kai was heard.

    But Gary ignored her. ¡°I THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO USE MY WHOLE TEAM! I WAS JUST TESTING YOU GUYS OUT!! I CAN-!!¡±

    SLAP!!

    ¡°OW!!¡± Gary¡¯s head stung as it was hit, and he looked to see the back of Ranger Kai¡¯s hand beside her own head.

    She had just slapped Gary very hard. ¡°First of all, the nerve you have to call yourself a Pokemon Trainer when you would speak and use your Pokemon so selfishly, is an utter disgrace!! And of course, you would choose to disgrace the Bug type! It¡¯s no wonder that even Empoleon has rejected you. You aren¡¯t worthy to battle, and you aren¡¯t a worthy Trainer, period!¡±

    ¡°Is that why they left...?¡± Gary asked, his body filling with shame.

    ¡°Empoleon just thinks you¡¯re weak. But if your unworthiness due to how you treated your Bug type isn¡¯t also the reason, I¡¯m personally adding it on.¡±

    Gary fell over at this answer, but he sat up quickly. ¡°Wait. Butterfree.¡±

    Butterfree was curled up on the ground.

    ¡°Butterfree.¡± Gary crawled through the dirt to his Pokemon. ¡°Butterfree. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Narrowing his eyes, he reached out his hand. When he stopped this time, it wasn¡¯t because of his own fears, but because Butterfree actually scurried away, crawling ahead. ¡°Huh? Butterfree?¡± Butterfree spread her wings, which startled Gary a bit, but it wasn¡¯t his usual phobia. He was just genuinely unsure of what was going on.

    ¡°You¡¯ve done it, now. Butterfree is now the one uncomfortable around you.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart stopped, stunned by her words, but it was the satisfied tone of those words that snapped Gary out of it. He looked back and frowned, seeing the happiness on Ranger Kai¡¯s face. ¡°No. I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    ¡°No one cares what you think, Gary. You screwed up one too many times. You and Butterfree-¡±

    ¡°Will be just fine.¡± Gary inhaled. ¡°You¡¯ll never understand our bond, but she will. We will.¡±

    In the middle of the Gringey City Gym, after defeating June for his Badge, Gary reached out slowly. Very slowly. Forcing his hand closer to his Beedrill. And patted him gently on his gross, hairy head.

    In the middle of the woods, Gary reached out slowly. Very slowly. Forcing his hand closer to his Butterfree.

    ¡°Ow!¡± Something smacked the side of Gary¡¯s head! ¡°What the...?¡±

    A green object sat on the floor.

    Gary picked up the hard object and then scanned the crowd watching in the bleachers of June¡¯s Gym, leering hard. ¡°Who threw-?¡± he started angrily.

    A bright light near the floor interrupted him.

    Metapod was evolving! She had a bright light coming out from a hole in her body! The white light pushed out of the Metapod shell and antennae became clear to Gary¡¯s view. Enormous wings spread wide. Metapod had evolved into a Butterfree!

    Gary stared at Butterfree for a very long time, and she stared back. He sighed. Why did I have to capture these Bugs? he thought, his skin starting to crawl.

    To fulfill a promise to my mom, he answered himself. His arm extended to the Butterfly.

    Gary ran his hands along one of the huge wings of the Pokemon. The touch was scaly and hard, not smooth at all, and it felt fragile, as if pieces were coming off on his hand. He scrunched his face slightly, trying to work on being okay with this. His face then went serious. I can do this, he convinced himself. I can.

    Right? he second-guessed himself.

    Butterfree turned to him.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Come on! He smiled gently.

    Butterfree¡¯s eyes twinkled in awe.

    ¡°Hm?¡± Ranger Kai uttered.

    ¡°Em?¡±

    This new noise made everyone look.

    It was none other than Empoleon! It had finally awakened. It didn¡¯t take even five seconds of looking around before Empoleon¡¯s face became a lot more somber.

    ¡°Oh, Empoleon...¡± Ranger Kai said gently as she approached the Water and Steel type. She sat down beside it.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Gary asked. ¡°Wait. Oh...¡± Gary realized sadly.

    Ranger Kai¡¯s head lowered. ¡°It¡¯s not uncommon, especially with such prideful packs, but it seems that Empoleon has been abandoned. It¡¯s likely this was the weakest member of the pack, and that¡¯s why they had it fight you. The final test. Meaning those other Empoleon, especially the leader, were far stronger than-¡±

    ¡°Empoleon!¡± Empoleon got to its feet and had one fin pulled back as if to strike Ranger Kai, a deadly look on its face for the woman.

    The Ranger stared at the Pokemon with wide, frightened eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± she squeaked out. ¡°Please, I just meant, it isn¡¯t fair what they¡¯ve done to you! Surviving in a pack, when considered the weakest, leads to bullying and unfair judgment, and I¡¯m sure you were and still are plenty strong! We¡¯ll prove them wrong about you!¡±

    ¡°Em?¡± Empoleon said, its face easing and its eyes wide.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary said.

    ¡°Elect?¡± Electivire joined in.

    Metapod, Dunsparce, and Swadloon also uttered surprise.

    ¡°I know you wanted the strongest one, but, Gary, how can you, as a Pokemon Trainer, leave this one behind? Look at him.¡± Ranger Kai¡¯s face was so mournful, pleading with Gary.

    Empoleon was looking at the ground.

    ¡°Just look. It doesn¡¯t even know what to do with itself. We can¡¯t leave it behind. I¡¯ll take it with me myself back to headquarters if I have to.¡±

    ¡°I did want the boss Empoleon,¡± Gary admitted.

    Empoleon looked back sharply at him, keeping its fin above, still looking able to swing and cut down Ranger Kai at any moment.

    Gary walked over to Empoleon. ¡°But I guess I never proved I could even beat you to begin with, did I?¡±

    Empoleon growled at him, its face twitching with fury.

    ¡°I put you to Sleep, but then your boss dropped my Butterfree with one more hit. You may have been that close, too. You could say that we both have a ways to go.¡± He sighed. ¡°Besides, if they didn¡¯t even wait for the fight to actually end, that group is afraid of you if you ask me. You might have been able to win. Who knows?! They ran away before finding out. That¡¯s right; they ran away from you.¡±

    Empoleon looked right at Gary, the anger gone, replaced with what seemed to possibly be intrigue.

    ¡°If they gave up on you that fast, who needs ¡®em?¡± Gary grabbed a Great Ball from his pocket and held it out. ¡°What do ya say? Let¡¯s show ¡®em, or better yet, the world, just how strong you really are!¡±

    ¡°Do it, Empoleon! I might even say I recommend him! He ain¡¯t so bad, and you¡¯re not a Bug type, so I have no issues here!¡±

    Gary had hard eyes for Ranger Kai, Empoleon just looking confused, but he returned to face the Pokemon. ¡°Come on, Empoleon. Let¡¯s prove to each other who¡¯s the strongest, fair and square. Let¡¯s grow together.¡±

    Empoleon sighed, lowering its head and closing its eyes. When it decided to look Gary in the eyes again, it nodded.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, not believing this.

    Empoleon then slapped the Great Ball, removing it from Gary¡¯s hand.

    A red beam came out of the Great Ball and took Empoleon in. It hit the ground and trembled a few times before the PING! It then vanished in a flash of light a moment later.

    Gary reached out for the Great Ball, but it was already gone. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. I caught an Empoleon! Ha! No way!¡±

    Ranger Kai smiled at him. ¡°Just watch your mouth around it. They are very prideful. And that makes them very dangerous. You can lose your head mouthing off to it the way you did to Butterfree.¡±

    Oh, no. Gary turned to Butterfree.

    Butterfree was looking at him already.

    ¡°Butterfree.¡± He smiled. ¡°We did it, didn¡¯t we?¡±

    Butterfree smiled back at him.

    Gary held out his hand, and Butterfree came for it immediately. He inhaled deeply, keeping his smile, gritting his teeth, tightening his arm, and as the Bug got too close, he shut his eyes and waited for the feel of Butterfree to embrace him with her wings. He felt the enclosure, and exhaled shakily.

    ¡°Thank you, everyone, for all of your support and extreme patience with me,¡± Gary had said back at June¡¯s Gym to all of his Pokemon, including Beedrill and Butterfree. ¡°You¡¯ve been more than tolerable of me after all this time. And I¡¯m still not there yet, but you guys have helped me get to where I am now. Which is much further than when we first met. We¡¯ve all become so much stronger in so many different ways. Thank you, everyone.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Butterfree,¡± Gary breathed out, and looked up into the big, red eyes of his smiling friend.

 Take Me To Church

    Gary sat by the window watching the pouring rain from the inside of the Pokemon Center. There was so much on his mind. Maybe I need to see a therapist or something, he considered. I hate those people, but lately, with my raging temper and attitude, I just haven¡¯t been feeling like myself anymore. And I know I can get pretty hot headed, but this isn¡¯t the same thing. I¡¯ve been feeling completely out of myself lately! Like... someone else has been coming out of me. Maybe this is how psychopaths feel. Am I turning into a serial killer? Will I wake up in a psych ward tomorrow with no recollection of how I got there? Will-?

    ¡°Hey, Gary! You ready to go?¡± Ranger Kai asked from behind him. ¡°I still have to escort you to Veilstone City to make sure you get there safely, as I promised. And I still need to ask you about your missing friend. I want a full description.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t turn to face her, though he considered that maybe he should and try to be more polite. He was feeling bad about the way he had been acting around her. That said, he frowned even harder than he already was and stayed still. ¡°I can get to Veilstone on my own!¡± he snapped. ¡°Just get away from me!¡± This slipped out beyond his control as he finally whipped around to her and stood up threateningly.

    Ranger Kai frowned at him, but confusion was in her eyes and she crossed her arms. ¡°Gary, I¡¯m fulfilling my obligation to you.¡± She lowered her eyes, staring at one thing, and then another, back and forth.

    When his brain finally registered that his body was trembling, he looked down to see tight fists. But, why? Gary questioned. He extended his fingers as far as possible, his entire body quaking as if helpless in an earthquake. Gary... What is going on? He grit his teeth and made fists again, this time on purpose, this time tightening his body and struggling to stop shaking, this time trying to fight back the tears that were suddenly clouding his vision. He was looking completely crazy. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for your help! I never did!¡± he let out in a cry. ¡°You could have left me to die for all I care! You don¡¯t owe me anything, and I just want to be left alone already! What don¡¯t you get about that?!¡±

    His top lip sneered, twitching. He could feel his heartbeat racing now as he glared at Ranger Kai, and the tears fell back in his head.

    Ranger Kai took a couple of steps towards him.

    Back up!! he was ready to threaten the woman.

    Gary, wait! he fought. Why would you even want to-?

    If she takes one more step, I¡¯ll-! Gary promised.

    It was the snicker that caught Gary¡¯s ear. As if taken from out of a trance, he blinked and then shut his eyes as he shook his head hard. His eyes went to look beyond the grown woman.

    The Pokemon Center was beautiful, filled with all kinds of festive decorations for the upcoming Christmas holiday, including a decorated Christmas tree. There were lights, tinsel, and specific Pokemon decorations all over the building that fit the season, like Stantler and Jynx, and Pokemon like Chimchar and Charmander in a dancing pose while wearing a Santa hat. There were several people inside, including a Nurse Joy and her Chansey, the two dressed very special, Nurse Joy in a red and white dress and a Santa hat with a white cross on it, Chansey in a matching hat. One other man wore a plain Santa hat, everyone else dressed entirely regular.

    It was amazing to see that all of Hearthome City looked filled with the spirit of Christmas, especially after coming out of the woods after so long. You truly lose touch with civilization and forget about society, so it was a shock for Gary to return to such a drastic reminder of humanity and tradition.

    But, all of the lights and decor couldn¡¯t hide the change of energy when Gary and Ranger Kai had first walked inside of the Pokemon Center. The stares everyone had given them back then matched almost exactly with the faces they were still getting right now. As if their faces were masks. There was a lot of blatant anger, others wearing smirks and shaking their heads. Even Nurse Joy and Chansey were frowning!

    Ranger Kai¡¯s Swadloon was snacking on something while sitting on the counter where Nurse Joy was standing in front of, Chansey behind the counter.

    Gary was feeling extremely self-conscious. Taking deep breaths, he relaxed his anger. He looked down to his balled fists and slowly, shakily, opened them. His mind went back to just a moment ago. Exactly what was I arguing in my mind...? I was fighting with myself against hurting the Ranger?

    He looked around him again, feeling uncomfortable in this crowd. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t have felt concerned about the onlookers. At least, not concerned like this. Something about the crowd made Gary feel aware of himself. Something about the crowd made Gary feel like it wasn¡¯t about him and Ranger Kai arguing, but about him, personally. He felt certain that only he was the one getting the stares, but he ignored that, since it was entirely likely that was just in his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kai!¡± Gary said loudly. He held out a quaking hand and tried to smile. Something¡¯s wrong, he knew. I need to relax. Maybe I need a hospital. But before he could dwell on his feelings any longer, ¡°WHOA!¡±

    Gary¡¯s hand was grabbed by Ranger Kai and shaken wildly as she smiled, her mouth wide open, her eyes closed tightly, delighted. ¡°That¡¯s so great to hear from you, Gary! Sometimes you¡¯re so kind, and other times you¡¯re a pain in my ass! But moments like this, really show me what a great human being you are! Whenever you¡¯re ready, you can find me outside so we can go! I¡¯ll be outside trying to save worms in this weather.¡± At that, Ranger Kai let go of the child and moved to the counter to retrieve her Swadloon now that she was done snacking, and put her atop her ushanka. In the next instant, she fled the building swiftly.

    Gary snickered, shaking his head while reflecting on his school days when he himself used to get worms from the street on rainy days and throw them back into the dirt. When he looked back to the room was when he jumped a little. What the...?

    Everyone in the building was looking at him! Still!

    He swallowed. What the...? He looked towards the phone booths and then grabbed up June¡¯s bag along with his own before he started moving. When he sat in a booth and set the bags on the floor, he glanced around, seeing that everyone was still looking at him!

    One tall guy even sneered right at him and shook his head. His lips mouthed something as he walked off. There were also a couple of other grumbles heard from other people.

    His body still shaking, but relaxing noticeably compared to earlier, Gary looked back to the phone and grabbed the receiver from the computer. Before long, he was listening to the ringing. While the ringing continued on, he looked back at the small crowd.

    They were always, deliberately, staring right at him!

    Gary¡¯s eyes shot back down before returning up to the same scene over and over. This isn¡¯t okay, he knew. Why are they leering at me like that? Even Chansey?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this line is currently busy. Please hold or try again later,¡± a mechanical female voice spoke.

    Gary looked to see the blank, black screen with a Wobbuffet on it.

    ¡°Wooobb... Wooobb... Wooobb...¡± the sound went off.

    Oh, crap. Is Kiwi really that busy today? Neither her or Prof. Sketchit came to answer? I guess I can just call home. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready for my ear to be ringing when Kiwi blasts me for the Larvitar I sent there all injured. He hung up the call and tried to phone home, but this led to an answering machine. The screen went black as Gary ended the call and he stood up, looking immediately at the crowd that still had eyes on him. Yo, what is with them?? the Trainer now frowned. It¡¯s probably best I get out of here and get to Veilstone, after all. Before I get into a fight or something. I didn¡¯t even do anything to anybody! As he got the bags and walked away, he remembered when he had left his Pokemon at the counter with Nurse Joy, and how differently she treated him compared to Ranger Kai.

    The woman had been fine to take the Ranger¡¯s Pokemon, but looked with disgust at Gary and rudely told him to just drop his Poke Balls on the counter and she¡¯d get them later. The attitude was unprovoked and was like nothing he had ever seen from a Nurse Joy. Even when he had later asked about how his Pokemon were, Nurse Joy snapped at him to wait, but when Ranger Kai went up only a minute after him, the nurse smiled and returned all the Pokemon to her, including Gary¡¯s! Doing so, she shot a dirty look at the boy!

    She definitely doesn¡¯t like me, but it also seems no one here does! Gary didn¡¯t want to think this way, but he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was because he was Black, whereas Ranger Kai was seemingly a White woman. Or maybe she just hates kids? Gary considered. That didn¡¯t make as much sense to him as his previous thought, but he hated to just jump to such a conclusion irrationally.

    ¡°Hey. Boy!¡±

    Gary stopped walking and looked back. Huh?

    A tall man with a light stubble growing in and chewing on a stem of wheat smirked directly at Gary. He was the one guy with a Santa hat on.

    A blonde woman right beside him stared at Gary, a kind of sadness in her eyes, and she looked away. Her lips were thick and luscious and heavily coated in red lipstick.

    The man rubbed at his chin and snickered. ¡°You alright?¡±

    Gary swallowed nervously and nodded. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m just leaving.¡±

    The man nodded and looked to the blonde lady, and the two started whispering.

    The others in the building snickered and smiled and spoke amongst themselves, watching what was going on.

    Why is this place so weird? Gary wondered as he walked to the front doors. Fred moved out here with his family. Did he see this kind of behavior? He was White, but did he see this kind of stuff when he moved out here? I can¡¯t recall what he said about the city. I know he didn¡¯t like it here. Was this why? The double doors slid open when Gary stopped in front of them, and he went outside. He walked through the wet grass, the rain barely coming down anymore, and looked around, scanning the city.

    Every building was celebrating the Christmas day that was soon to come with happy, cheerful, joyous decor involving Santa Claus with other humans and Pokemon having fun in snow.

    After taking it all in, Gary turned to the towering Pokemon Center building.

    It was a tremendous four stories tall, with large balconies on the sides and front. It was bigger than most houses! The decorations on the outside had huge displays of Pokemon and Santa Claus and Nurse Joy. A prop had Chansey, Blissey, Nurse Joy, and many more holding hands around a Christmas tree, the lights not on yet because it was the afternoon.

    This place is nice, Gary thought. But I don¡¯t know about the people that live here. His eyes landed on a big building that had intrigued him since he and Ranger Kai first stepped foot in the city.

    It was a tremendous structure, entirely white, and for some reason, looking upon it brought him an inner peace he didn¡¯t quite understand. Turrets sat atop the building, one at each end. The top of the building had a dome-shaped design with several blue circles around it getting smaller as they went higher. On the ground, at each side of the building, were green bushes in matching concrete pots.

    Now, Gary was in front of the building, not even realizing he had walked over. When it finally hit him where he was, he blinked repeatedly and stumbled backwards. ¡°Whoa!¡±

    There was a sharp cry.

    Gary whipped around quickly to see that he had backed right into a woman.

    She was in a black dress, a cloche atop her head.

    Gary stared at her in shock. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!¡± he told her.

    The woman looked at him mournfully and shook her head. ¡°Darling, are we all not on the same road, after all. Surely, our moments are fleeting in more than one way. But without meaning, why are we still called to live?¡± As Gary¡¯s eyes widened, her eyes teared up and she walked away, entering the building.

    His eyes still wide, he stared inside.

    The doors were tall and stayed open. The several people inside stood or sat in pews.

    Gary swallowed nervously and slowly approached, something pulling him in. A desire. An urge. Something was there for him. There was a sought after peace that he knew was home to this place. He stepped inside cautiously, looking throughout the building. Taking in the sights of a place he knew he¡¯d never been, but somehow still felt some kind of distant familiarity with. Have I seen this place on TV? What¡¯s the appeal to me? It¡¯s nice, but why am I so drawn to it? What¡¯s in here?

    The floor had a brown carpeting with lighter shades of brown diamond patterns all over. The middle of the carpet had a purple line leading up all the way to the end wall at the front of the building, widening a little at the end. Two lines of orange trailed close to each other inside of the purple, following it all the way down and curving where the purple had widened. The concrete walls were gray, the lower section with fancy patterns. On the three walls in front of Gary were stained glass. A stone pillar each sat at the two corners at the back of the building to Gary¡¯s sides, and in each of the two corners at the front was a matching stone statue of a creature.

    Of all the people inside, about half of them were sitting, some with their heads in their hands, a couple others with their hands together in front of their lowered heads. There was sniffling and mumbling heard throughout the otherwise silent building.

    Humans were sitting inside the Hope House, some speaking lowly. More humans now.

    Gary blinked hard twice and then took two steps back. He looked around, confused, his breathing now harder, his stomach churning with nausea, and he dropped to his knees, his hands resting on the floor. He inhaled and exhaled repeatedly, his gaze on the floor. What is that...? I¡¯ve felt that before, he knew, but couldn¡¯t remember exactly when. I really am sick. I¡¯m... I need to... He took in a big breath through his nostrils and held it. I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯m fine, he told himself, breathing out harsh as he felt like he might choke. I won¡¯t puke. In fact, I feel better already! He licked his lips and then raised one hand to wipe at his mouth, seeing that he had dripped drool onto the carpet. That¡¯s not normal, he knew, swallowing. He frowned and ignored this, looking up. And then he froze. Huh?

    Everyone inside was looking right at him, frowning and mumbling.

    One old man was actually walking towards him. He walked with a cane and moved very slowly.

    By the time he reached Gary, the boy was on his unsteady legs and had managed to get his balance back.

    ¡°Are you alright, young one?¡± he asked very quietly in a typical old man¡¯s voice.

    Gary swallowed again and then nodded. ¡°Yes. Thank you.¡± He looked to the people scowling at him, most of them looking away.

    ¡°You¡¯ve come here for a reason, haven¡¯t you? We don¡¯t get many like you around this city. This must have been an important journey.¡±

    ¡°Like me? I¡¯m a Pokemon Trainer. Do you mean since Fantina retired and moved? Because there¡¯s no Gym here anymore?¡±

    The man stared at him silently for a moment before nodding. ¡°Yes. Something like that. Well, take care and good luck on your journey, my friend. There¡¯s no Gyms here so there¡¯s no reason for you to stay long.¡±

    Gary watched the man walk off. He seemed very friendly and polite, but something about what he said felt like it had more meaning to it, and in a bad way.

    The guy stopped at the front of the building, in front of the huge, beautiful artwork depicted on the stained glass sat in the middle of the wall.

    It was hard to tell what it was exactly, but it looked like it depicted a mountain. Over it was a tremendous ring of light encircling a gigantic, bright star.

    The man stopped at the glass and lowered his head. His body shook repeatedly.

    Is he crying? He is, Gary realized. In a place like this, everyone must be praying or mourning or something, right? Perhaps I should leave. Or... Is this - exactly where I oughta be? Why do I feel like this place has something for me? There¡¯s something about here that¡¯s... What is it? He took a step, stumbling in the process as he hadn¡¯t fully decided if he¡¯d go further inside or not, but he caught himself and was now walking with intent, heading for the front of the building.

    One of the many noteworthy things about this building was that there were no fancy lights or boisterous decor, even for the holiday season. It was as simple as could be, and devoid of anything extravagant.

    Acknowledging this, Gary actually considered this a good idea, and appreciated it. He stopped a fair amount of space behind the old man and looked about, staring at the two statues. Statues of Pokemon? Or...? He couldn¡¯t tell what they were. His eyes returned to the stained glass in front of him, and he took in the mountain. It¡¯s nice, he thought. But what does it mean? What is it for? I¡¯m sure it has a purposeful message.

    He inhaled some bravery to replace his nervousness and walked up to a pew that only had two people in it. Gary sat June¡¯s bag on the ground gently before straightening up slowly. Feeling eyes on him, he looked to his right, to the only two people who were in the pew with him.

    There was an old man and old lady sitting next to each other. Both of them were glaring at him.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened and he smiled a little, nodding politely. ¡°Sorry,¡± he whispered, though he wasn¡¯t sure why. I didn¡¯t do anything, he told himself. Or, I don¡¯t think I did, anyway. Maybe I made some noise I¡¯m not aware of.

    The couple had an open book in each of their hands. They closed them and stood, the lady grabbing her pocketbook, the man patting down his pants. They looked at the seat to check that they hadn¡¯t left anything behind and moved to a pew in another area.

    Gary looked down. Whoa, soooorry. He closed his eyes, not wanting to admit he felt a little hurt by that, because he had no proof it was him that made them move. He didn¡¯t know what their story was. Maybe they would have moved if anyone had sat in the pew, regardless how far away from the couple they were. Or they might just be having a bad day.

    Shooting a look over to them again, he saw that the pew they were in actually had another three people in them, and the closest person to them was far closer than Gary had been with the couple.

    Gary also noticed that people from other pews were now looking at him again, a couple of people shaking their heads, others just scowling, everyone eventually looking away.

    It¡¯s nothing, Gary. You must have made some noise. You made the old people leave, and that caused a disturbance and it¡¯s all your fault. Just relax. Maybe just... He closed his eyes. Maybe you ought to... He surrounded himself by the silence of the building, almost nothing else audible. It brought some self consciousness to himself, but it also gave him focus. He noticed his body wasn¡¯t trembling anymore, and this allowed relief to flow throughout him easier. Maybe I oughta do this more often... Gary thought. Take time to really put my thoughts together. Really concentrate on where I am, and what it took to get me here. I should meditate more. Electivire does that sometimes. Maybe we could do that together more when I get out of this place. I really need to get out of this city. There¡¯s no Gym, and I don¡¯t feel exactly... liked here. And... I¡¯m pretty sure everybody I¡¯ve seen in this city is White... He almost opened an eye to see the people in the building, but instead, he shook his head hard and narrowed his eyebrows, shutting his eyes even harder. No. Stop that. That doesn¡¯t matter or prove anything. You can¡¯t confirm that. Don¡¯t think like that. Relax. Let¡¯s focus on something else. While we¡¯re here. In all my life, never have I stepped place - here.

    Gary sat motionless, absorbing the silence. Basking in it. Recalling everything rapidly and in a jumbled mix. One moment he was helping June to her feet to help them escape from the police of Gringey City, the next he was at Prof. Oak¡¯s funeral. Next, he was watching Gym Leader Tera drop dead, and after that, he was battling random Trainers with names he couldn¡¯t remember. He thought of battling Rog at the Indigo Plateau, and soon after that he was fighting off Beedrill on Route 1 to protect his Charmander. Ranger Kai was being tossed off a mountain, Arbok was lunging for Gary, Rael was fuming at Gary over something, Prof. Cynthia was giving Gary, Aly, and Robin their Pokedexes, Robin¡¯s Catherine, as a Squirtle, was refusing to battle Gary, Aly was about to get shot by-

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Gary¡¯s eyes popped open. But I saved her... It makes no sense, but, factually, I saved her. Somehow... And yet. Yet, I didn¡¯t think I had saved someone. I thought Isaac killed someone. And even Isaac noticed something about it. But he¡¯s dead now. With him gone, how will I ever know what we were thinking? How could Isaac have any idea? I should be nothing but happy that he¡¯s gone, but there¡¯s a part of me that wishes, if only I could get the answer to that question... If only... Then, maybe... Maybe... what? What would it do? I misremembered something, and it just confused Isaac. Maybe, but that doesn¡¯t explain...

    Gary tightened his right hand. My right hand, he continued thinking. It was hurt. It was busted. It was out of shape. And once I was tossed off that cliff by the monster, I woke up in Team Solace¡¯s helicopter and everything was just fine. That¡¯s just plain impossible. Is there a connection? How? What? The monster, Team Solace, that weird memory. What does it all mean? What if it means nothing? What if my hand is just fine?? And that¡¯s it! It just was never that injured to begin with!

    How does any of this help me find June?? I¡¯ve run into that monster, and I haven¡¯t seen June at all. How can I get her back at this rate? I can¡¯t even fight that thing off, and neither can my Pokemon right now. Tears were rolling down Gary¡¯s cheeks, and he shut his eyes tightly, pressing his palms into them. He didn¡¯t cry out loud, but he wanted to. Nothing was making sense, and for all that he was suffering through, he wasn¡¯t even strong enough to save his friend.

    That thing is a monster, Gary told himself. June was put into a... thing! Some evil contraption that resembles a Poke Ball, and must be dead by now. That monster kills! There¡¯s no reason to have kept her alive. And I¡¯m just haunted by these... damn nightmares all the time!

    The child could have burst out in a loud rage in that quiet building, and it took all he had within him not to. June... Please be okay. I know I never showed it, but I should have. I should have told you how much I cared and cherished your friendship. To have someone who puts up with me. You could have left at any time, but you didn¡¯t. Why? Why were you also so impressed by me and wanting to be my friend? Why not stay home, in Gringey City? Fred... Fred... Are - are you two together, now...? Gary¡¯s shoulders slumped and even more tears slid through his eyelids. Damn it... June... There was nothing I could even do when you were taken. I just stood there like a stunned coward. No. Just a coward. No excuses about being stunned. I did nothing. I let you die right in front of my eyes and watched.

    His body shook repeatedly from sniffles and whimpers starting to slip out against his will, accepting the death of his friend. So that¡¯s it, huh? This is... the cost of being a Pokemon Trainer... If you don¡¯t lose your own life, you lose the lives of your Pokemon, or your friends, even... His mind went over to his Hitmonchan, and then his sister¡¯s Absol, finally leading to Melissa herself... This is just the kind of ammo Team Solace needs. And yet... Hitmonchan... That was at the hands of Team Solace! Absol was a Pokemon attack, but Melissa herself was killed by that monster that isn¡¯t even really a Pokemon! And then June, too. He breathed out tiredly, and his hands fell from his face. His arms on his legs, he just let his hands hang and he blinked out another pair of tears. This isn¡¯t helping me at all, Gary thought.

    Suddenly, Gary¡¯s tears and sadness seemed to vanish in an instant. He just sat there like a dummy, not moving, not crying, not doing a thing. Waiting, maybe? No, he told himself. But, what is that? Footsteps walked into the building, and at the same time, a shiver ran down Gary¡¯s back, making him straighten up and flinch. He looked back to see someone enter. He hadn¡¯t even realized it yet, but he was already standing.

    The body that entered was wrapped in a black cloak, a hood over the head, nothing seen of them except for their bright white feet, which look absolutely terrible. Gary kept his eyes on the individual and they stopped and looked around the room. The body jolted for a moment, and then seemed to look about more frantically.

    Who¡¯s this? A bum? Gary wondered. Maybe seeking offerings or something. He wanted to look away and ignore whoever this was, but he couldn¡¯t get over those feet.

    The toenails were absolutely disgusting, cracked, and long enough that they were curved and touching the ground!

    Gross! Gary kept to himself. He finally was able to look away, but he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what had just been branded into his mental eye. That was like- Gary tried to think up something comparable but ended up giving up -nothing I¡¯ve ever seen. He shook his head. Or, have I...? Wait, Gary finally saw. I¡¯m standing? When did I get up? Against his will, or, maybe there was a fifty percent influence of his own, he looked back to the person again, staring down to their feet. But his eyes went back up immediately, the face of the person now revealed due to the hood being lowered.

    Gary didn¡¯t hear the cries that turned into screams. He didn¡¯t hear the footsteps stomping the floor as people ran. He didn¡¯t see the people shoving each other out of the way and trampling over one another to escape.

    Gary wasn¡¯t aware of what was going on around him as he stared into the face of the monster!

    The being, the new species, the evil creature, that evil entity that had kidnapped June, that Gary had run into so many times already, stood past the entrance to the building. The tall monster¡¯s skin was bright white, like snow, practically glowing. The hair all over her body was white-blonde except for the long black hair on her head. The diamond patterns all over her body were dark red. In an instant, her skin changed to pitch black as she looked around, walking forward one step at a time as the building emptied out behind her. The hair on her body now matched the black hair of her head, and the red diamond designs weren¡¯t dark, lightening to a more neutral shade.

    ¡°You,¡± Gary managed, struggling to stay standing on his now quaky legs. Do I have time to grab a Pokemon? he wondered.

    As if in a response to his thoughts, a beam of light came out of June¡¯s bag, and Electivire appeared!!

    At the same time, another beam of light came out from Gary¡¯s belt, and Charizard arrived!

    Gary gasped.

    The monster looked at the two Pokemon with surprise and then narrowed her eyes. Her skin turned white instantly. ¡°Please. Not here!¡± The monster spoke with a voice that gurgled and floated through the air, kind of as if she were speaking from underneath water. Her voice came out in several differing volumes and tones. She looked behind her and then looked back in. ¡°Out. Side. Anywhere but here. Please. Understand.¡±

    Gary swallowed hard. She wants to go outside? But, why? ¡°Guys, don¡¯t attack! Not here!¡±

    Gary and the monster locked eyes briefly, but she then focused back on the two Pokemon as she moved slowly, walking backwards, heading for the doors.

    Gary, Electivire, and Charizard watched her but didn¡¯t move, the two Pokemon growling and flexing their fingers.

    Why does she want to go outside? I may not want to fight inside of here, but what does it matter to her? We probably shouldn¡¯t follow her at all, then. That means we¡¯re safer here, right?

    Suddenly, the monster stopped walking, right at the entrance, still facing them.

    Charizard roared while Electivire snarled.

    Say, where¡¯s the Infinity Energy? Gary remembered. Where¡¯s the Legendary Pokemon? The Regis!

    The monster then smiled, making Gary gasp for no real reason. Her teeth were a mix of pointed sharpness and broken discoloredness. Her smile went away as her disgusting eyes went over to Gary, and they seemed to focus on him, the spaced skin around them tightening in a dark leer. ¡°I see you have defiled this place.¡± Her voice now sounded clearer and more normal, but it still echoed.

    Gary¡¯s mouth fell open. Can I speak to her? Gary! Say something!

    The monster then looked more gently to the Pokemon. This time, her voice returned to the underwater sound with several voices. ¡°Please. I am here for your own clarity. Your freedom. Oh.¡± She looked behind her, and then back again to the two Pokemon. Her eyes were widened with a kind of innocence. ¡°You don¡¯t understand, yet... No?¡±

    ¡°THIS IS THE HEARTHOME CITY POLICE!!! WE WILL BE ENTERING!! WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE MONSTER IS SAID TO UNDERSTAND HUMAN SPEECH!!!¡± a voice outside shouted over a megaphone. ¡°THEREFORE, WE WILL BE TREATING THIS SITUATION AS SUCH!! ANY REMAINING HUMAN PERSONNEL, ON MY COUNT, GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!!!! TO THE MONSTER INSIDE, REMAIN STANDING AND WITH YOUR HANDS UP!!! DO THIS BY THE TIME WE COUNT TO FIVE!!! FAILURE TO COOPERATE WILL RESULT IN US FIRING OUR WEAPONS!!!¡±

    The people still left inside with Gary were staring towards the doors, crying, whimpering, unsure of whether to just run out or get down.

    There were numerous armed officers outside pointing their weapons inside.

    There were also a ton of civilians outside, watching from a far distance behind the cops.

    They¡¯re gonna shoot us all dead, Gary was sure. I¡¯m dead. My Pokemon.

    ¡°ONE!!!¡±

    Did he say the count of five, or three? Gary panicked as the people in the building screamed out and spoke in horrified tones.

    ¡°TWO!!!¡±

    It doesn¡¯t matter now!! Gary freaked out, the other people either falling to the floor and covering their heads, or running to the wall and begging for help.

    The monster made a motion, still staring at the two Pokemon in the building.

    Electivire and Charizard stirred, ready for whatever the monster would do.

    Gary wasn¡¯t even able to tell his Pokemon to calm down or get down, panic and terror in his throat almost stopping his breathing entirely! What do I do?? This isn¡¯t-!!

    ¡°THREE!!!¡±

    Don¡¯t panic don¡¯t panic don¡¯t panic!! Gary told himself amongst all the constant screaming from everyone else. They should be able to see you! They know you and your Pokemon are innocent! He swallowed. Just wait. Nothing¡¯s happened yet.

    ¡°FOUR!!!¡±

    OH MY GOSH!! Gary¡¯s mind was gonna EXPLODE!!

    The monster smiled. ¡°I won¡¯t let them defile this place. I will return for you, my friends.¡± She turned and, casually, strolled out of the building!!

    ¡°FREEZE OR WE WILL SHOO-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!¡±

    There was a blinding flash of light that blinded everyone, and soon the air was filled with screams from officers, as well as the regular civilians both inside and outside of the building, including Gary.

    He wailed out helplessly as what felt like lightning had come from the sky to electrocute him continuously, but he just wouldn¡¯t die.

    The next thing he knew, the pain was gone, and there was just the sound of sirens in his ears. He just laid still, his eyes closed, feeling worn out and sore, breathing hard, awaiting the coming help. ¡°Wait,¡± he whispered weakly, suddenly remembering something really, really bad, and his eyes opened.

    *

    Gary¡¯s time with the police officers here took a lot longer than he was used to. By the time he was released, the sun was rising.

    The cops at the precinct just refused to stop questioning him, asking the same things over and over, and then switching officers who would proceed to repeat the same things as the previous cops!

    ¡°Do you know where the monster is?!¡±

    ¡°Are you working with the monster somehow?!¡±

    ¡°Do you know the origins of the monster?!¡±

    ¡°Is this monster your personally owned Pokemon?!¡±

    ¡°So the monster is a Pokemon?!¡±

    ¡°What were you after in the Foreign Building?!¡±

    ¡°Where is the monster at right now?!¡±

    ¡°Are you meeting with the monster should we release you?!¡±

    ¡°Do you have something against Christmas?! Why do this at this time of year?! Are we to believe this is just a coincidence??!¡±

    ¡°Are you plotting another attack here or elsewhere?!¡±

    ¡°Are you a crisis actor?! Is all of this planned attacks?! Why do you keep appearing in so many of these tragedies??!¡±

    It was as if they just wanted Gary to confess to something he didn¡¯t even do!

    The child was down to tears, no matter how hard he had tried to keep them away. When he finally was let go, he was still crying, but he was also frowning. He ended up at the Pokemon Center to pick something up that had been left for him.

    She had all of Gary¡¯s and June¡¯s Pokemon, since they had been confiscated from him during all the interrogating, and gave them to Nurse Joy.

    After dealing with Nurse Joy¡¯s attitude, Gary got everything back and left, now walking through the city. I can¡¯t believe those cops just put me through all that. Sniffling, he then wiped at his nose and then eyes. A crisis actor? Seriously?? That¡¯s how you treat someone who¡¯s come face to face with death on numerous occasions? As the criminal? The orchestrator? The compliant- The compliant... No, the participant! Yeah, that¡¯s the word. I just wanna go to bed.

    Overwhelmed with a growing feeling of rage, Gary ran. He left the city of Hearthome and charged into a bunch of trees and grass, getting away from the busy, bustling city, lights, Christmas emphasis, and buildings, replacing it with nothing but nature. Thanks, Ranger Kai, Gary thanked his friend. She must have left by now. I¡¯m done with her. Thank goodness. I just need some sleep! I¡¯m just gonna sleep, and as soon as I wake up, I¡¯ll get out of here and head for Veilstone. I¡¯m done. But, first.

    Gary went through trees, grass, vines, and a few flowers before he tripped, falling to his knees in the middle of a clearing. He wasn¡¯t bothered by the fall. He removed June¡¯s bag from his shoulder and then got his backpack off of him, digging into it. After yanking out several items, he got what he wanted, pulling out his golden .50-calibur Desert Eagle pistol with a sigh of relief. It¡¯s still here. As crazy as she is, I¡¯m sure glad I¡¯m friends with Ranger Kai, Gary admitted. She appeared at just the right time, and I convinced her to take the bags from me just in time without explaining the gun. The police may have patted me down, but they wouldn¡¯t pat a White- No. Gary shook his head. They didn¡¯t pat down a fellow worker of the law. That¡¯s what it was. They assumed the bags were hers and left her alone. She left the bags with Nurse Joy at the Pokemon Center, and luckily no one got nosy or suspicious, because of her occupation.

    He looked around him, wanting to be sure he was far enough from the city and had a better chance of not being heard well. Off of built-up desperation, and far too many other emotions, Gary pushed down on the safety, cocked the weapon back, and held out the weapon, inhaling with fury. And he froze.

    Off to the side, Gary saw two people!

    Underneath the bright moonlight in this particular spot was a tall guy and a short lady. The guy was looking right at Gary with wide eyes, while the woman had her legs wrapped around one of the man¡¯s legs, grinding against it and grunting repeatedly.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, not believing what he was seeing, nor fully understanding it.

    BANG!

    ¡°AAAAAHHH!!!¡± Gary screamed in horror and stumbled backwards.

    Both the guy and female also screamed, the little lady collapsing and scrambling, the male falling away.

    Gary finally fell, his hands still gripping the gun but flying up over his head from the recoil. He hit the ground, groaning.

    BANG!

    Gary screamed and tried freeing his hands from the gun that went off again. He collapsed on his back, his hands in the grass over his head while still holding the gun. He was afraid of letting off another round and blowing his own head off! His body just froze. ¡°Ouch...¡± he groaned lightly. My hands hurt. This thing is a weapon!

    ¡°Whoa!¡± the male voice called out.

    ¡°What was that??¡± the female cried. ¡°Was that a gun??¡±

    Gary was afraid to look to even see those who had spoken.

    ¡°No way! That you, son?¡±

    Son? Gary¡¯s body jerked and he looked around as best as he could while trying not to move too much.

    ¡°It¡¯s way too dark. There¡¯s no way. It¡¯s you!¡±

    Dad? Gary wanted to ask. No. Stop it. That¡¯s not his voice. Right? He finally slipped his fingers out of the gun and slowly sat up. Quickly, he turned to stare at the gun. Seeing that it was sitting alone in the grass, he turned to get a better look at the two people and his eyes widened, recognizing the guy!

    ¡°My nigga!!¡± Standing tall as a mountain was none other than, Ish! ¡°Dude, what are you doing out here in Sinnoh??¡± He ran up to Gary and held out a hand to help him to his feet.

    Gary¡¯s ears were still ringing from the gun, and he was still terrified that it might go off, but he was also so grateful to be seeing Ish!

    Even in the dark, the kid¡¯s face looked swollen and bruised, just as usual from his exploits working with various Pokemon.

    For Gary, it was a familiar sign of the heart Ish had, in contrast to his abrasive choice of words. ¡°ISH! What¡¯s going on, here?! What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Nigga, I told you I work out here. You¡¯re right by Drive Hill. By my PokeLand Discounts.¡±

    ¡°Oh my gosh is that you?? Gary!!¡± The short lady ran up to Gary, beaming under the moonlight.

    She¡¯s really cute, Gary thought. Wait. His eyes bulged. ¡°Psychic Tiny?!¡±

    Indeed, it was Psychic Tiny!

    Ish was in tight, dark-blue jeans with a black button-up shirt and a lightweight, dark-blue jacket. His boots were black and white, like his humongous backpack, and he had a white beanie on his head.

    Psychic Tiny had on light-blue jeans that maybe were even too small for her miniscule frame, and a snug black coat, the fur-lined hood down, and standing in white sneakers. She was only about half the height of Ish. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯ve run into you again!¡±

    ¡°I know! But, I¡¯m going for Badges! What has you out here, Tiny?¡±

    There was heavy rustling and bright lights shining through the woods that made everyone turn.

    ¡°Shit.¡± Ish moved swiftly and went for the ground.

    Something burst into view! ¡°OH!¡±

    ¡°Ranger Kai!!¡± Gary pointed.

    ¡°That¡¯s me, but who are you??¡± A bright light shined, blinding everyone and causing them to turn away. ¡°I can¡¯t see who you are! Can you please look directly at the bright light, please?¡±

    ¡°KAI!!¡± Gary yelled agitatingly. ¡°We can¡¯t! Lower it or something!¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± she replied, lowering her flashlight.

    Gary wiped at his eyes and he shook his head as he adjusted his vision. He squinted, looking at the Ranger, and then past her, seeing that there was something more coming through the trees.

    ¡°I heard gunfire and ran down here with-¡± Ranger Kai started explaining.

    ¡°NOBODY MOVE!!¡±

    The sources of stomping footsteps and more beams of light were revealed to be the police! Several of them swarmed the area with guns drawn!

    ¡°WAIT! PLEASE!¡± Ranger Kai held out her hands and waved them desperately, her flashlight blinding a number of officers. ¡°IT¡¯S OKAY!¡±

    BANG!

    BANG!

    BANG! BANG!

    Gary and his friends all hit the ground together, covering their heads and screaming.

    The shots came to an echoing stop, and Gary stayed down, trembling with terror.

    ¡°YO, what the FUCK??!!¡± Ish was heard raging.

    ¡°WHY DID YOU SHOOT??¡± Ranger Kai looked mortified.

    Psychic Tiny was whimpering.

    ¡°You blinded me with that flashlight, woman!!¡± an officer shouted.

    ¡°And that means you shoot at innocent children??¡± Ranger Kai cried in disbelief.

    ¡°Hey, I heard a shot, so I shot back,¡± a different officer said nonchalantly.

    This guy¡¯s tone was so calm, it made Gary, his whole body quaking, manage to look up.

    The officer was staring right back at him. He pointed at Gary! ¡°I thought he had a gun or something!¡± He then casually shrugged.

    My gun?! Gary didn¡¯t move his head, but his eyes went around the area for a couple of seconds before returning to the cop. No! Don¡¯t look for it! Did he see my gun? Is that why we got shot at??

    ¡°After all, we are here for those shots we all heard together, so,¡± another cop shrugged.

    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t make this into something it¡¯s not,¡± yet another officer sneered.

    Ranger Kai stood up and dusted herself off. ¡°Look, I know Gary and his friends. They¡¯re all good as gold! They don¡¯t carry weapons. I was just with them all not long before I ran into you guys. They were having a Pokemon battle and I guess things just got out of hand. Just leave them alone.¡± Ranger Kai was frowning and put her hands on her hips.

    Whoa. She¡¯s lying for us? But she doesn¡¯t even know Tiny and Ish. They could have been the shooters. She¡¯s sticking out her neck for people she¡¯s never met.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Fine.¡± An officer that was looking suspiciously at Ranger Kai approached her. ¡°Boys, I¡¯ll see you back at the precinct. I just have a couple more questions for this group.¡± He stopped in front of Ranger Kai and smirked. ¡°If ya know what I mean.¡± He adjusted his pants and then crossed his arms in front of his chest.

    Ranger Kai rolled her eyes. ¡°Ugh...¡± she groaned.

    The other officers snickered and mumbled, some shaking their heads while smiling before leaving. ¡°We¡¯ll see ya at the precinct if you¡¯re gonna take too long just getting rejected!¡± one officer called back and laughed.

    The officer in front of Ranger Kai waved him off without looking back and then gave Ranger Kai a sinister smile. ¡°So, how about we continue on with our conversation before we were interrupted by these brats and their Pokemon battle?¡±

    ¡°I already told you I¡¯m taken, and not interested. Leave me alone.¡± Ranger Kai turned and took a step towards Gary, but she ended up gasping as her arm was grabbed and she was yanked back.

    ¡°Now, now, pretty lady,¡± the cop had leaned forward, getting into Ranger Kai¡¯s face with a hard look. ¡°Kai, wasn¡¯t it? Are you half Asian or somethin¡¯?¡±

    Ranger Kai groaned again, looking disgusted by the man.

    He laughed heartily, leaning back a little. ¡°That¡¯s a joke! Yano, ¡®cause we¡¯re in Japan?¡± Seeing his joke wasn¡¯t working, he laughed again shortly. ¡°Listen, I just wanna know more about cha. But,¡± he let go of the woman and she stumbled backwards, tripping and hitting the ground, ¡°if you¡¯re not interested, I can just use that time with your little pals here instead and question them on the gunshots we all heard loud and clear. The shots we also heard from them towards us, leading us to fire back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what happ-!¡± Ish was on his feet, infuriated.

    But Ranger Kai held out a hand to him. ¡°STOP!¡± She shook her head, her eyes staying with the officer. She inhaled deeply through her mouth and then let it go. ¡°It¡¯s fine, kids. It¡¯s no big deal.¡±

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m kind of a big deal!¡± the officer laughed. ¡°I¡¯m not a bad guy. I think we,¡± he looked past the Ranger, ¡°and we, just got off on the wrong foot, yano?¡±

    Gary and Psychic Tiny remained on the ground, watching what was going on, Ish glaring at the officer furiously.

    They¡¯d just been shot at for no reason, and now Ranger Kai was being forced into an uncomfortable position via blackmail.

    But everyone knew there was no other way out of this situation.

 Home Is Where The Heartless Live

    ¡°AND NOW THEY¡¯RE TRYING TO RECRUIT YOU??!!¡± Gary¡¯s mother exploded.

    I knew I shouldn¡¯t have told her that... Gary regretted. Why in the world-?

    ¡°Or maybe you should join them!!¡± Gary¡¯s mom said wildly.

    Gary couldn¡¯t tell if this was serious or sarcastic. Not only based on her tone, but just knowing his mom.

    ¡°At least they could offer you protection. They would keep in contact with me, your mother, and tell me if anything happened to you. I didn¡¯t know a thing about where your sister was for over a year! At least with Team Solace watching over you, I can be told something!¡±

    ¡°And how do you know what they offer, mom?!¡± Gary demanded.

    ¡°Because I watch the news and I see them when they hack the news reports to get out their messages! They want to help parents live at peace! That¡¯s all I want, Gary! Peace of mind! It¡¯s what their name is all about! Solace! It means peace! Why do these monsters mean more to you than me? Or yourself? Your friends, even!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth hung open as he tried to speak. He shook his head at his mother from the other side of the computer screen in the Pokemon Center. ¡°Pokemon are my friends. They are my family! Why can¡¯t you just accept that?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re all I have left, due to Pokemon.¡±

    Gary had no response to this.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of them that I have nothing else left.¡±

    Gary shook his head. ¡°Team Solace is taking advantage of that. They¡¯re manipulating you. Parents like you. It¡¯s wrong!¡±

    ¡°My daughter and husband are dead. You¡¯re only lucky to still be alive.¡±

    ¡°That Ray guy is a lunatic. A maniac. I¡¯ve met him before in Celadon City. I know him. At least, somewhat. He¡¯s bad, mom.¡±

    ¡°Then don¡¯t join with Team Solace. Just come home!¡±

    ¡°You know I won¡¯t do that!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mother shook her head, her eyes watering. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you call. Do you enjoy seeing me cry?¡± She sniffled and as tears rolled out of her eyes, she wiped at them.

    Gary closed his eyes, not wanting his mother to see him beginning to cry. He lowered his head and shook his head. ¡°I love you, mom. But I know what¡¯s wrong, and what¡¯s right. Team Solace is evil and they have to be stopped. I can take a stand against them.¡±

    ¡°Is this stand worth making me suffer over? Is it worth dying for, Gary?¡± Gary¡¯s mom asked. ¡°If you die, ¡®accidentally,¡¯ at the hands of Pokemon, will that have been worth it?¡±

    There was heavy silence between them both.

    ¡°This will never end, will it? We¡¯ll just keep having this conversation until the day that we don¡¯t because one of us is dead.¡±

    Gary stared at his mother without a word, desperate not to cry.

    ¡°It¡¯s just circles between us. Over and over again. For what? You¡¯ll never understand.¡±

    An answer in his mouth, Gary chose not to let it out. It really does feel like it¡¯s just the same conversation over and over again, he told himself. What¡¯s the point in all of this? ¡°I¡¯m halfway through my journey in Sinnoh. I have four Badges, with four more to go,¡± he responded blandly, with no life or energy with him at this point. ¡°I think that might just be the exact same space I was in the last time we spoke. I can¡¯t exactly recall. I¡¯ve been through a lot, I guess, ha ha,¡± Gary smiled loosely.

    His mother breathed out tiredly, closing her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll bet.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll speak to you soon, Mom.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± was his mother¡¯s response.

    *

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you would send an injured Pokemon like this over here!! How could you do this?!! AGAIN??!!¡± Kiwi raged.

    ¡°Kiwi, I was trying to save it! I found that Larvitar injured!¡±

    ¡°This is the third time you¡¯ve sent an injured Pokemon here! Have you not seen my text messages and phone calls and voice messages I¡¯ve left you?!!¡±

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t really been on my phone. I only just got out of the woods. I¡¯ve really been through a lot recently, you know! I didn¡¯t get to check the phone when I got here at Hearthome City! I told you about everything that¡¯s happened, Kiwi!¡±

    ¡°Gary, if I didn¡¯t know you, you¡¯d be in jail right now! I swear it!¡±

    ¡°Kiwi, you know I wouldn¡¯t be sending you injured Pokemon for fuuuun!¡±

    ¡°I already said that¡¯s the only reason I haven¡¯t sent the cops after you,¡± Kiwi snapped.

    Gary sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯m really glad you¡¯re okay, Gary,¡± she breathed out, lowering her head. ¡°I¡¯m so grateful. You surviving yet another encounter with that monster is miraculous. I wonder if it means anything.¡±

    ¡°Means something? Like what?¡±

    Kiwi raised her head, but her eyes remained down. ¡°I don¡¯t know. You¡¯re both...¡± She shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I need more time to think. I¡¯m so busy, I¡¯m not even thinking straight.¡± Her eyes raised as they lit up with sudden excitement and she smiled. ¡°Oh! And, thanks for sending Porygon-Z back! Work is so much easier with it around!!¡± Kiwi suddenly gushed.

    At once, Porygon-Z appeared! It nuzzled up against Kiwi¡¯s cheek, Kiwi nuzzling it right back. ¡°Que cute!¡±

    Gary smiled at this. ¡°Glad he¡¯s still not causing issues!¡±

    Porygon-Z turned to Gary and moved from Kiwi. It let out a gentle, happy cry so close to the screen. Suddenly, it vanished!

    ¡°Whoa! Where¡¯d it go?!¡± Gary stared with surprise. ¡°GAAAAAAAAAAHH!!¡±

    Porygon-Z¡¯s head poked out through Gary¡¯s screen! It cried out happily and then went back into the screen. It was back beside Kiwi!

    Kiwi couldn¡¯t have looked happier with the Pokemon back again.

    Gary breathed out. ¡°Really, man...?¡± he muttered tiredly. ¡°Oh! Hey, Kiwi. I actually wanted to ask you something about June¡¯s Pokemon. Do you know anything about how they¡¯re recovering?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping very close tabs about that, actually. They¡¯re doing a lot better. I might even say you could have them sent over to you if you¡¯re up to the job.¡±

    Gary smiled meekly. ¡°Ha... I didn¡¯t say all that,¡± he replied, thinking about all that he had to take care of already.

    ¡°Is a woman¡¯s job too much for you to handle?¡± Kiwi teased. ¡°June, Nurse Joys, they can do the work just fine.¡±

    ¡°I can handle it! I¡¯m already raising ten Pokemon, which is what she had!¡±

    ¡°Still nothing compared to what the Nurse Joys you love so much have to handle.¡±

    Gary¡¯s face started burning with embarrassment. ¡°June likes to raise her Pokemon on her own! She doesn¡¯t like leaving them with others! When she¡¯s back, she can take care of them!¡± Gary went quiet, his face going more solemn as his mind drifted. It wasn¡¯t but yesterday that you had accepted June was dead, Gary, he told himself. He swallowed, and a second swallow followed.

    Kiwi herself was quiet, staring sadly at her friend.

    ¡°While we¡¯re on the subject, how¡¯s my pal Barboach been these days?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s just great, too,¡± Kiwi spoke softly. ¡°Still not anything I¡¯d say is battle ready, but she¡¯s in otherwise sturdy enough shape. No need to be concerned about her.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great. I just wish she were fully fine. Battling or not. And Deino¡¯s been good, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s quite the active one. A little bit troublesome, even, hee hee. He¡¯s adorable.¡±

    ¡°Oh, no! Is he causing problems?¡±

    ¡°He gets into a lot of fights, if I¡¯m honest, but he¡¯s just energetic. He¡¯s no problem, Gary.¡±

    ¡°Okay, then. Maybe I¡¯ll bring him back here for a bit.¡±

    ¡°All up to you. I also noticed that you¡¯re only four Pokemon away from getting that Poke Radar.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! I¡¯m almost there, Kiwi!¡± he smiled proudly.

    She nodded, keeping a calm smile. ¡°Oh, and before I forget, your Tyranitar has been really down. I suspect he misses you.¡±

    ¡°Tyranitar?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m sure you remember him.¡±

    ¡°Duh. I just don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re saying he misses me.¡±

    ¡°Because he¡¯s very lacking in energy. And he eats well enough, but he should be eating more for his size. I expect you to do what¡¯s right.¡±

    Gary lowered his eyes, narrowing his eyebrows. Finally, he looked back at Kiwi. ¡°Of course,¡± he nodded.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Kiwi wasn¡¯t looking back at Gary, but was looking behind her as someone was speaking. ¡°Oh, okay. I¡¯ll take it now.¡± She returned to Gary. ¡°I have work to do.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fi-!¡±

    Kiwi had already ended the call.

    ¡°Now is that really necessary??¡± Gary barked, hanging up on his end.

    ¡°You pipe down over there!¡± Nurse Joy yelled from behind the counter.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± Gary called back nervously.

    She muttered under her breath, looking away.

    Gary looked down uncomfortably. It¡¯s about time to leave already. Like, yesterday ago. But I can¡¯t leave yet... I promised to meet up with Ish and Tiny one last time. And also, and most importantly, I need to find out what happened to Kai. Especially after all she did to help me.

    *

    Gary and Electivire walked through the tremendous city of Hearthome. At the same time that he was trying to take his time exploring and hopefully find clues on where Ranger Kai was, he was also taking time out to get his mind together and get all the information he could from a friend about something else. He looked up from his phone to see what used to be the Gym of the Ghost type Gym Leader, Fantina.

    It was a huge, four-story house with a big balloon on top of it. According to what Gary looked up, the balloon was designed after the Blimp Pokemon Drifblim, a Ghost and Flying type Pokemon that evolves from Drifloon. The building was left intact with the belief it would scare off Ghosts that were said to haunt the city from time to time, which Gary knew couldn¡¯t be working out too well thanks to his encounter with Fred.

    Now, the building was maintained by a friend of Fantina, named Johanna, who also was the mother of Top Coordinator, Dawn, of Twinleaf Town. Johanna, herself a retired Top Coordinator, was even offered the Gym Leader position, but declined. The woman seemed to be keeping up with the building, the Drifblim balloon wearing a giant Santa hat and decorated in big colors and seasonal drapings, the rest of the building surrounded with a bunch of big, plastic and inflatable dolls of Pokemon like Oranguru, Glaceon, Snorlax, Misdreavus, Empoleon, and Jellicent. Snowflake stickers, tinsel, and posters of various other Pokemon playing in the snow wearing seasonal clothing were in as many places as they could be fit. It wasn¡¯t a sloppy job, either, everything looking very purposely and expertly set up. With the sun high in the sky, the decorated building came off extra bright and beautiful.

    Gary stared at his phone. He was back on Pokebay, talking in the private messages with his friend OrangeIChamp, someone he hadn¡¯t spoken to in a long time. Since he was in Canalave City, in fact. They finally were catching up.

    GaryReppinKanto: I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s still out destroying Gyms. Is there any motive? Has she spoken to people?

    While waiting for a response, he kept walking. He had fed his Pokemon earlier, not wanting to rely on Nurse Joy anymore, or anyone in this city. He didn¡¯t try stocking up on supplies, and didn¡¯t even want to ask if anyone had seen Ranger Kai. Something not clear to Gary was off about this place, warning the boy that he was better off sticking to himself out here.

    Ish and Psychic Tiny promised to pick Gary up after Ish got off work, so until then, he was on his own. Gary didn¡¯t really want to hang out with anyone, but he also felt like he needed to vent to someone in real life. Some true friends he felt comfortable with. And he felt really cool and comfortable around Ish. It was kind of like he was his older brother or something. Melissa vibes of some sort? he wondered in the moment. That older, wiser, overbearing feeling? He wasn¡¯t sure, but he did know that he couldn¡¯t wait to see his friend again.

    There was a store with Christmas decorations in the windows, Gary noting that at the top of the front of the building was a display of a little barn, hay all over the floor of it. Arceus was floating in the middle, looking down at a Piplup, Chimchar, and Turtwig sleeping cuddled together.

    Gary was familiar with this image, and it often varied, sometimes including a different trio of Pokemon in front of Arceus, more Pokemon, or even people. But Arceus was always there.

    He refreshed the page on his phone and saw a new message from his online friend.

    OrangeIChamp: She doesn¡¯t hasn¡¯t spoken, no. But Gym Leaders are starting to leave their positions. Before you, you imgit not have any ppl left to challenge. Their might not even me a league left.

    So you really dont agree with my theory i told you? What the monster is?

    Gary hesitated, wondering what to say. Finally:

    GaryReppinKanto: Ive thought a lot about it, tryna pout it all together, but what your saying doesnt add up, man. I can¡¯t go off of mythology. I need something more concrete than that. Even if she were some kind of ancient, Pokemon humanoid hybrid thing from way back, or some kind of Pokemon anomaly. If, as you¡¯re claiming, Pokemon used to be human, human were Pokemon, they were the same, what does that even mean? I want to know all I can about her, but I need a lot more than rumors. I need science for this. I can¡¯t depend on ancient texts to stop this, man.

    Gary kept walking after sending his message. He stopped in front of the yellow police tape blocking off the Amity Square.

    The front of the big building had a display with a bunch of silly Pokemon on the front, entertaining for any baby or child.

    Still shut down from the Regigigas attack, Gary remembered. The attack... Or was it just an appearance? Now, Gary couldn¡¯t remember the news report he had heard. I know it ran out here and then vanished underground, Gary continued thinking, narrowing his eyebrows as his thoughts kept moving. Now he was reflecting on the first time he saw Regigigas in person. Why was that monster with a Regigigas? A Legendary Pokemon. And the other three Regis, too?

    Gary had just done the insane, leaping out of Team Solace¡¯s helicopter with a furious roar to go after the flying monster! Tackling her into the waters below!

    Once underwater, the skin on the monster¡¯s neck split in eight places, four slits on each side, greatly resembling gills!

    Gary¡¯s arms shot out as if he weren¡¯t obstructed by the water, moving freely and with complete control. His mouth opened bravely and he tightened his fists on the monster¡¯s face. He let out a roar, trying to rip her face apart right there and then!

    The monster¡¯s drenched hair started wrapping around her head, clinging to it strongly rather than flowing in the water. It covered her head entirely, leaving only her eyeballs visible, forming perfectly around them, even covering the gaping space between her eyes and the skin of her face. Bubbles appeared around her head, most of them sticking on her, but some also rising to the surface.

    The monster moved as swiftly underwater as she did out of it, and one large claw ripped through the water like a piping-hot knife through a block of butter.

    Gary¡¯s hand shot out and caught her wrist, squeezing and somehow holding it back! With his other hand on her face, he dug a thumb into her eye.

    The monster didn¡¯t react to this at all, rather staring at her hand being stopped by Gary.

    I can do this! I can beat her! Gary urged himself on. And then, he choked suddenly, inhaling without realizing it, and his body flailed out in a panic! It was as if he only just realized he was underwater!

    What happened there? Gary found himself thinking, and realized it was a question he had just been trying to avoid facing. What happened to me underwater? I have a bad fear of swimming. I can¡¯t swim! So why did I...? What even was I doing? I was able to move so freely and-

    Gary¡¯s hand shot out and gripped the monster¡¯s wrist, squeezing and holding it back.

    How? That¡¯s just impossible, Gary knew. Maybe she¡¯s the one who can¡¯t move right in the water! Maybe that¡¯s why? Perhaps underwater, or even when wet, she has a weakness? But does that prove she really is a Pokemon?? And, back to the point, what about me? I fought her, underwater! It was as if- Gary paused.

    As if what? he questioned himself. Why were you so able-bodied? You held off the monster, even if for just a couple of seconds. Even if she isn¡¯t strong in the water, neither are you! And what about the Infinity Energy Regigigas had? Why do they have it? What¡¯s the big idea, here?

    He refreshed the page on his phone, but he didn¡¯t have a reply from his friend so he continued walking by street lights that were off and past tents and crowds of people looking ready for a Christmas event to take place; a whole festival. He ignored the tents calling out to him and moved along before stopping in front of a tall building with a pink dome top, the design of a white ribbon on the front. For the Pokemon Super Contest Hall, Gary knew. Whatever. He had zero interest in Contests.

    He turned from the building and walked further, past houses and other buildings, stopping at the sight of one house that had a front lawn with a life-size Arceus standing in fake snow on the left side, the right of the yard having a life-size Slowking and Phantump together. The Pokemon all wore festive clothes, but Gary couldn¡¯t help but remember about Senator Slowking and Congressmon Oranguru, along with the Phantump Administration. He breathed out, wondering if this display was intentional or not. He didn¡¯t dwell on it long and kept walking.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Leaving the festival behind him, Gary went past a hotel, a building labeled as a Pokemon Fan Club, and plenty of other stuff before he settled for just being beside the Pokemon Center and sighed, checking his phone again.

    OrangeIChamp: I hear you bro. I¡¯m not saying its true, but I also dont know what else to say she is. If she sint a hybrid of human and Pokemon, then this might be something beyond that. I do believe in the origins of mankind and humans being the same, but after the two broke apart, what if something else came? Some thing more. What is it¡¯s not human, and not Pokemon at all?

    Gary stared at his phone for a while and then hit the home button, returning to the home screen. He didn¡¯t even want to answer that question. There was no answer, and he didn¡¯t even want to say that much.

    Even though he was talking to his friend about the monster, he hadn¡¯t told him about being in Team Solace¡¯s helicopter and leaping out of it to fight the monster underwater. He couldn¡¯t tell anybody about that! It was too much to even process, let alone tell others about and expect them to believe it. Even if someone would believe it, Gary just wasn¡¯t able to talk about it right now. He didn¡¯t understand it, and he needed time to digest it first.

    His eyes closed as something else came to his mind. The Hope House, he recalled. When inside of the Foreign Building, he had the strangest sensation. He was looking around the building at all the people, and called the building the Hope House. And he even thought there were more people in it than usual. Those weren¡¯t the exact words, but he understood the meaning behind them. Except, why?? he pondered. Why would I be thinking that? I¡¯ve never even been there before! Why did I call it the ¡°Hope House¡±? What¡¯s a Hope House?

    Worst of all was one last thing. He didn¡¯t know how to explain it, but those thoughts he had in his head didn¡¯t really feel like his own. Gary was trying to find the right words to explain what it felt like, but he couldn¡¯t. What he did know, was that it felt exactly like what happened to him inside of Cas¡¯ Gym during their battle. Father Odd, the judge who was disguised as the monster due to the illusions during the battle, had turned to stare at Gary. Gary noted this, but it didn¡¯t feel like he had noted it himself! It was almost like...

    Gary¡¯s brain stopped processing, and he shut his eyes and shook his head hard. He was breathing hard as his hands reached up and grabbed at his head hard, feeling his growing hair. I can¡¯t, he told himself. I¡¯m losing it! Calm down, Gary. Come on, man. Just... He was struggling to find the words to keep his head in tact, and it felt like more and more cracks were coming through with each passing couple of seconds. You¡¯re overthinking. You¡¯re not even making any sense. Easy.

    He focused more on the feel of his fluffier-than-usual hair. I need a haircut, he thought. Thinking about this seemed to be bringing him back to Earth. He was feeling more relaxed and in control. He breathed out and looked over to see Electivire staring at him. This got his mental feet back on solid ground, and he nodded. ¡°I¡¯m good. Just a headache.¡±

    Electivire just kept his eyes on Gary, staying silent.

    Gary swallowed uncomfortably. Hey, I still haven¡¯t spoken to Scientist Gary, Gary considered. Yeah. That¡¯s it. I don¡¯t want to be unappreciative of him after what he did for my phone. He opened up Log-A-Graph and went into his private messages, seeing the sixty-six messages he now had from Scientist Gary alone.

    The latest one was a meme: When your son hits you up thinking his gf may be going through depression so you try to be a good dad and text his gf

    Dad: You doing ok lately? I was just chicken, per my son.

    Sons gf: Sir, are you placing an order? You have the wrong number

    Gary stared at the message for a while. Longer than he wished he had. Chicken... Oh... Checking... Checking, per my son... Chicken Parmesan...? Seriously, Gary...? This is what you¡¯re sending me? He scrolled up to an earlier meme:

    What I see when a woman calls herself a bad bitch: There was an image of a woman with a section of her face resembling a Mightyena. While cringing and finding Scientist Gary to be beyond annoying at this point, he found himself thinking, staring at this picture for a moment before scrolling up to one more meme.

    This one showed the otherwise scary-looking Pokemon Scyther, Kabutops, Bisharp and Golbat, each Pokemon licking a person¡¯s hand.

    Gary shuddered. I don¡¯t get it. Am I supposed to be laughing or something? Is this funny?

    Gary4Mewtwo: haaaaahahaha! Yo, sorry, but I¡¯ve been so busy! Let¡¯s catch up, man! Im going for my fifth badge!!

    Cringing, Gary then returned to the home page of his phone. There. I did my obligatory response as a friend. Now that he knows I have a life, I¡¯m not obligated to respond ever again. I¡¯m done with this app. I¡¯m deleting it.

    It wasn¡¯t even ten seconds before his face started twitching. He was struggling angrily with the urge to open the app again to check just one more thing... Don¡¯t do it, he pleaded with himself. Who cares? Don¡¯t! His body tightening, he ended up opening the app. While trying to fight off the urge to continue, he went to his post on his one Badge and could have screamed, settling for a silent one while gritting his teeth. He could have crushed his phone right in his hand. He just couldn¡¯t believe it! It¡¯s still only five Plusles!! WHYYYYY??!!! Gary didn¡¯t even bother checking on Harold¡¯s page at this point.

    Instead, he closed his eyes and tilted his head back while taking in a deep breath, his body and mind relaxing as he exhaled. After repeating this a few more times, he found himself thinking about the meme Scientist Gary had sent him with the woman¡¯s face mixed with a Mightyena¡¯s. A hybrid... Some weird mix. Or, even, something else entirely. But I¡¯ve proven it¡¯s not a Pokemon, trying to capture it, yet, we know it¡¯s not human... Then, that¡¯s it. It¡¯s just a monster... Monsters really exist. Maybe there¡¯s different kinds of monsters out there. Monsters, and Pokemon monsters. Does that make any sense? He had been staring blankly at his phone, but he blinked himself back to the real world and noticed something. And what¡¯s this? Gary was looking at a notification that alerted him that he had a voicemail. He played the audio and raised the phone to his ear.

    ¡°Hey Nephew! It¡¯s me! Your Uncle Jeff! Your mother gave me your number. Hit me up sometime so we can ketchup, Nephew!¡±

    Gary lowered the phone, frowning. ¡°What?? This has to be one of those prank calls or scams for money. ¡®Ketchup.¡¯ What a cornball. ¡±

    ¡°My nigga! Sorry for keeping you waiting, bro. Work was wild.¡±

    Gary locked his phone and smiled, looking up. ¡°Yo! Ish! Tiny!¡±

    Walking together were Ish and Psychic Tiny.

    Ish was wearing a puffy black coat that fit him tight, with a gray beanie on his head. He had on dark-blue jeans with matching boots. His face looked beat up and bruised, his left cheek blackened.

    Psychic Tiny wore a light-blue coat with a fur hood and black jeans that couldn''t have been tighter if they were a glove on a hand.

    ¡°You ready to party?¡± Ish asked.

    ¡°Party?¡± Gary¡¯s eyes widened.

    *

    ¡°Ish, do you seriously not even know whose party this is?¡± Gary asked right before he cried out as he was yanked through the open door of the house by Ish.

    The music was loud. The people were young, but older than Gary. Everything was looking fun. There were Christmas decorations everywhere, and almost everyone was dressed as Santa to some degree, most people just wearing a Santa hat or a lot of red, many young ladies dressing as a Mrs. Claus who was having a really sexy girls¡¯ night out with other Mrs. Claus¡¯.

    Gary felt nervous and uncomfortable, but also enticed.

    ¡°Just relax, my nigga. This gonna be one hell of a night for you.¡±

    ¡°But, I¡¯m only eleven! I can¡¯t drink!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t hear you over this music, and this mah jam! AAAAAYYYYY!!!¡± Ish wasn¡¯t dressed for the occasion, but he was in the party mood and started pumping his fist and soon, he disappeared in the crowd.

    ¡°ISH!¡± Gary called out.

    ¡°Ish!¡± Psychic Tiny also called. She smiled at Gary and shook her head, a Santa hat atop her head, and wearing a tight red and white shirt and fit, white jeans. ¡°Just try to enjoy yourself. It¡¯s fun! Stick with me, okay?¡±

    Gary nodded eagerly. But it wasn¡¯t long after they began moving through the crowd, Psychic Tiny mingling with certain guys, that Gary found himself surrounded by unfamiliar bodies.

    ¡°Hey, dude. You crash the place?¡± Gary turned to see a pale guy with a white T-shirt and blue jeans, his feet in dirty white sneakers. His hair was extremely curly and brown. He looked friendly but, to Gary, also looked very typical of a partygoer. Likely a college student.

    ¡°Huh? Uh, well...¡± Gary was stuck. ¡°Yeah...?¡± he admitted hesitantly, hoping he hadn¡¯t ratted out his friends.

    ¡°Holla, brooo,¡± the guy chuckled, holding out his hand. ¡°That¡¯s what¡¯s up!¡±

    The two exchanged a sloppy handshake, Gary grateful he got it down, sort of. It was the same one Ish used, but drunken.

    ¡°Have a drink, bro!¡± The guy waved Gary to follow after him and he walked out of the main part of the room and into the kitchen.

    I am not following after that guy, Gary decided. I need to get my Pokemon out of the Center and get back on my journey. I can¡¯t find Kai, so I have no reason to stay. I¡¯m sorry, Ish, but this just isn¡¯t my crowd!

    The entire situation looked strange to Gary. Most people were hardly dancing, just grouped up in the middle of the living room, talking and moving loosely. Some people were dancing hard, like young women in small, sexy clothing writhing their bodies.

    Gary wanted to join in with the pretty ones, his eyes glued to their exposed abdomen and revealed cleavage, but there was no way he could do that. He was a kid in a room of adults. That said... Gary considered, if I just keep that part quiet, maybe I could even have a girl for the night! Sure, it¡¯d be wrong to lie, but if no one really found out, it¡¯d just be my little secret and I¡¯d get to kiss a girl! What if I even get to touch one?? The child licked his lips, unable to stop himself imagining sneaking his hands under a woman¡¯s chest and getting to touch the prize of the bra underneath. And what lied underneath the bra! And no one would know my age! So no one would get in trouble!

    I can¡¯t do that! Gary panicked.

    Suddenly, it hit Gary how open in the middle of the room he was, panicking about imaginary scenarios. He realized how wide his eyes were and tried to relax his face. Maybe nobody was paying him any mind. Maybe just a few people were. But to Gary, he felt like he was standing out now and he decided he had to move, so he ended up in the kitchen after all. He jumped at the little glass that appeared in front of his face.

    ¡°I was wondering where you were, bro.¡± It was the white guy with curly brown hair again.

    Gary took the glass hesitantly and grinned. ¡°Yeah,¡± was all he said.

    The kid had his own shot glass, and he held it up. They both clincked them together and at the same time, tossed back the shot.

    Not even one second had passed before, ¡°Gaaaaaahhh!¡±

    The guy shook his head and let out a nasty sound with Gary.

    ¡°It¡¯s like drinking... rubbing alcohol!¡± Gary managed to get out of his mouth, breathing out harshly. He couldn¡¯t believe he had managed to swallow that!

    The guy agreed, nodding with a strained face but also a slight smirk. ¡°I know, man. Horrible, right?¡±

    ¡°What is that??¡±

    The guy held up a bottle in his other hand. ¡°Grey Yungoose.¡±

    Gary shut his eyes, not even focusing on the bottle. And he kept them shut tight.

    *

    ¡°These are so delicious!¡± Psychic Tiny held up a tiny piece of Crawdaunt meat.

    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Gary opened his mouth, thinking she was aiming it for his face to be devoured.

    Psychic Tiny¡¯s eyes widened, hesitating, but she went forth with it towards Gary¡¯s mouth.

    Gary panicked at her pause, as it seemed she hadn¡¯t intended to give it to him in this manner. Have I had too much to drink? Am I misinterpreting things properly? To make up for this, he tried to grab at her hand to take the meat, but Psychic Tiny had put the pizza snack in his mouth already. It sure was delicious! He nodded at her, smiling with wide, nervous eyes, and the little woman nodded back, matching his face.

    Swiftly, she was yanked up by the arm!

    It was Ish who was pulling her away from the sofa she and Gary, along with many others, were sharing. Gary didn¡¯t understand what was going on, but Ish didn¡¯t seem too pleased right now.

    With Ish taking Psychic Tiny elsewhere, Gary wondered what that was about and was now feeling self-conscious. He looked around awkwardly and saw a short girl close to him.

    She looked Black, which made Gary realize he didn¡¯t recall seeing many, or maybe any, non-White people at this party. She was looking right at him and snickered, motioning with her head at where Ish and Psychic Tiny had last been seen.

    Gary simply shrugged innocently, smiling shyly.

    The girl giggled.

    She¡¯s cute, Gary kept in his head, and he looked away nervously. He then finally spotted Ish and Psychic Tiny heading off somewhere and jumped up. But the girl, Gary told himself. She might be into you. You might get lucky. But... my friends. Gary decided to go after them.

    ¡°Hey! Hey, there! How you doin¡¯?¡± There was a tall guy who was clearly full of alcohol.

    Gary finally reached his friends. ¡°Hey! Guys! What¡¯s-?¡±

    ¡°Oh! I don¡¯t think your boyfriend likes me! HA!¡± the previous guy was now yelling. Looking right at Ish and Psychic Tiny! ¡°I don¡¯t think your boyfriend likes me!!¡± He burst out laughing, along with a few other guys.

    ¡°Wait, is he talking about you guys?¡± Gary asked Ish and Psychic Tiny. He felt fired up immediately. Who does that guy think he is? Getting angrier, Gary took a step away from his friends and towards the tall guy who seemed to be with a few other tall, young men. But his arm was grabbed and he was yanked back.

    ¡°Nah, nah. Let it go. They drunk,¡± Ish insisted and pushed Gary from the back. ¡°Besides, we ain¡¯t even a couple. Come on, dude.¡±

    In the next instant, Gary was in a kitchen. Not the same one as last time, Gary realized. We¡¯ve been just crashing party after party, house after house. When did we get here again? Oh, yeah, he remembered, seeing himself enter the house. Or was that a different house? They all look the same. He smiled to himself, but it showed outwardly.

    ¡°Yo, you good?¡± Ish asked him.

    Gary straightened up and nodded, removing his smile and widening his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m cool!¡±

    ¡°Great. Then let¡¯s all have a jello shot!¡± Ish gave Gary and Psychic Tiny a plastic shot cup, each one with red gelatin. They tapped them together and took the shot.

    Nice! Gary thought. That was awesome! ¡°Yum!¡±

    They all smiled at each other, nodding with satisfaction.

    But, Gary added, feeling like he was losing himself in the mix of all he had to drink, things starting to waver in front of him. I think I might die at any minute, now. June... Electivire... Things in his mind were getting mixed. Those old couple who had the Legendary Pokemon... Prof. Cozmo... Trick Master... He swallowed, feeling sick. Gary. Focus! Hey!

    There was a loud voice in the background of Gary¡¯s mind.

    What is that? Gary wondered. Someone shouting? He stared at his two friends.

    Ish and Psychic Tiny looked as relaxed as anyone could, chatting casually, but they were moving unnaturally, their bodies waving and swirling just a bit. Ish then held out another jello shot to Gary and Psychic Tiny. ¡°To the night!¡±

    Gary took it from him, but he didn¡¯t swallow it, watching the two take it instead. He was in a complete daze, trying to will away dizziness, refusing to throw up, and fighting to remain on his own two feet. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll be just fine, he repeated to himself. He started raising his cup to his lips.

    That loud noise persisted, though. It was someone yelling and laughing crazily.

    That is so annoying. Who is that drunk? Blinking hard and then widening his eyes, doing his best to keep his vision steady, Gary looked around the kitchen. There was an open door at the back, and after swallowing to keep anything from coming up, he leaned over to see what was going on.

    Outside was a guy in the backyard sitting in a lawn chair laughing and carrying on. The guy¡¯s back was to Gary. ¡°I need someone to drive me home!! Somebody drive me home!! HA HA HA!!¡±

    Gary snickered, shaking his head as he watched the guy. ¡°He is drunk as fuck,¡± he mumbled. Then he squinted as he realized something. Say, that¡¯s the same guy who was talking to Tiny earlier! Gary recognized. About her ¡°boyfriend¡± not liking him.

    ¡°Somebody!! Drive me home! I need someone to drive me home!!¡± He kept on laughing and looking around, finally looking behind him and spotting Gary. ¡°NOT YOU, NIGGERRRR!!! HA HA HA!! NOT YOU, NIGGER!!¡± He turned away, laughing heavily.

    Gary froze, still watching the guy. He looked to his friends, who still didn¡¯t seem to have heard anything. Gary¡¯s world was spinning. He let go of his jello shot, unsure of what to do.

    Ish and Psychic Tiny didn¡¯t even notice he had dropped his shot, the woman extremely close to Ish now, her body literally on the guy who looked back at her nonchalantly.

    Nothing was making sense to Gary. But he did know one thing. He had to take matters into his own hands. He frowned and left, going straight for the guy.

    He was still in the chair, laughing it up and shouting wildly.

    Gary tapped his shoulder.

    The young guy stopped laughing and looked up at Gary. ¡°Huh?¡± he kept smiling.

    Gary bared his teeth and gripped the guy by the front of his shirt.

    ¡°Huh??¡± the guy was now startled.

    ¡°Lemme talk to you for a second!!¡± Gary growled.

    ¡°Whoa! HEY!¡± the guy cried out frightfully.

    ¡°Let me ask you something real quick.¡± Though the guy was a lot taller than him, Gary¡¯s anger was unmatched, and he was ready to have a fight. He dragged the guy over to the house and slammed him against the wall. ¡°What the fuck did you just say over there a moment ago?¡± He looked vicious, like a well-trained dog just waiting for the word to strike.

    ¡°Huh?? What??¡± The taller guy was freaking out, panicking, confused, and practically crying.

    ¡°Did you just call me a nigger??!¡± Gary bared his teeth like a Houndoom ready to sink its fangs into someone who had just gotten it really pissed off.

    ¡°What?!! No way!!¡± the kid begged. ¡°I would never say that, man! I¡¯m not like that at all! I¡¯m not racist!¡±

    Like magic, Gary suddenly noticed a group of other young White men on either side of the guy he had gripped up. Shit. I¡¯m in trouble, now. Fuck it! Gary gave up all concerns, ready to take them all down, or at least focus on one at a time while the rest would pummel him. He didn¡¯t care what went down tonight! He tightened his grip on the front of the man¡¯s shirt.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Hold on, what happened?!¡±

    ¡°Hey! Calm down!!¡±

    ¡°Whoa whoa whoa!!¡±

    ¡°Hey!! Wait!! What¡¯s going on?!¡±

    ¡°Dude, what happened?!¡±

    ¡°THIS MOTHERFUCKER JUST CALLED ME A NIGGER EARLIER!!¡± Gary snarled at the new guys.

    ¡°NAAAAH!!¡±

    ¡°No way, dude!!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not like that!¡±

    ¡°I swear I didn¡¯t say that!!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not like that, man! None of us are!¡±

    While the White boys urged Gary to calm down, let go of their friend, and persistently but politely refuted the accusations being made, Gary started to wonder if maybe, in his drunken state, he in fact did hear wrong! He shook his head, releasing the guy. No way. I know what I heard, he was sure. ¡°NO!¡± he argued aggressively. His eyes then shot to the door to the kitchen, where Ish and Psychic Tiny were. He then looked back to the boys. ¡°In fact, fuck me! Fuck what you did to me!¡± He leered at the guy he had let go of. ¡°You,¡± he pointed, making the guy flinch. ¡°Go take a look in there and then come back out.¡±

    The kid looked to his friends fearfully and then nodded at Gary and walked inside. He came out a couple of seconds later, an exhausted look on his face. As if he knew where this was going.

    ¡°You saw who was inside there?¡± Gary demanded.

    The guy nodded, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°You recognize them?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he nodded again, the desperation worsening on his face.

    ¡°Remember how you spoke about them earlier tonight? That ¡®your boyfriend doesn¡¯t like me¡¯ shit?¡±

    The kid nodded, looking like he was living the worst moment of his life.

    Gary nodded back. ¡°Yeah. Now you go in there and apologize for what you said.¡±

    The kid went in quickly, and a couple of moments later, he scurried out. ¡°I said it.¡± The kid actually had tears rolling down his cheeks now.

    ¡°Good. Now if I-¡± Gary swayed in place. ¡°Next time, if you guys, if I hear you say something like that again about me; if I even think, or even imagine, that you said something like that ever again, I will come back and fuck each and every one of you up!! Got it??!¡±

    The entire group nodded in terror.

    ¡°Now all of you GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE!!!¡± Gary drunkenly swung his pointed finger outward.

    The entire group of White youths took off through the lawn and vanished around the house.

    Gary nodded, smiling, fully satisfied, and he leaned up against the wall of the house. Nice. I wonder what Ish and Tiny are gonna say. He could only imagine the praise he¡¯d get.

    Seconds later, his two friends came out, walking to him quickly. ¡°Yo! Gary! Nigga, what did you do??¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Gary asked Ish, feigning innocence.

    ¡°Dude, there was a guy in here crying and apologizing saying you were gonna kill him!¡± Ish burst out.

    Gary rolled his eyes, smiling. ¡°I never said that. I just told him to apologize or... I¡¯d beat him up.¡±

    ¡°Dude, you really can¡¯t do that out here, man! Your Black ass threatening these White kids. Their parents are all lawyers and cops and shit. You could get into real big trouble.¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± Gary realized the situation he could have just created, but he couldn¡¯t help keeping his smirk. ¡°But you¡¯re happy I did that, aren¡¯t cha?¡± He smiled bigger as a smirk also crossed Ish¡¯s face, Ish trying to hide it as he shook his head. ¡°Aaaaaaah! Ha ha haaaaaa!¡± Gary laughed.

    Ish didn¡¯t face Gary, but his smile was undeniable.

    Psychic Tiny was watching Ish with her own small smile.

    *

    ¡°I¡¯m begging you to loosen up these garments, babe!¡± the drunk Psychic Tiny was singing, her body whipping like a lasso, really getting into the seductive song.

    Gary couldn¡¯t keep his eyes off of her, her outfit clinging so tight on her body, driving one or two thoughts into the kid¡¯s mind.

    Ish was quick to move and pull her away from a crowd that included mostly boys gawking at the woman.

    Gary and the Black girl he had been talking to earlier looked away from them and stared at each other with wide eyes and smiled. ¡°Aaaanywaaaay...¡± the lady chuckled. ¡°Like I was saying, you can¡¯t let things people say get to you like that.¡± Gary had told her what had happened when they bumped into each other again and they were now sitting back on the same sofa. ¡°People like that, are always gonna start some kind of drama with people like us.¡±

    Gary nodded with wide eyes, listening intently, staring at the cute girl while sipping on his fifth glass of water and starting to feel a little better, though still woozy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let them get the better of you and pull you out of character. We have to-¡±

    There was a sudden commotion at the front of the house as a group of people walked in. The police! ¡°Is it this guy?¡± One officer grabbed a kid with very dark skin by the arm and yanked upward.

    The guy yelled out angrily. ¡°Ay yo what the fuck?!!¡± he screamed.

    ¡°No, him over there!¡± In front of the officers was the tall guy that Gary had nearly beaten up, and he was pointing right at him!

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened and he froze.

    The officer shoved the kid he had by the arm aside, the guy hitting the floor, and all of the cops approached Gary at once.

    Gary wanted to stand up, but he was shaking now and his body wasn¡¯t responding to his mind¡¯s urges.

    ¡°You¡¯re coming with us, you little smart-ass!¡±

    ¡°Wait, but-!¡± Gary was stuck for words, afraid of what was about to happen next. Damn it! That guy called the poli-! ¡°AAHH!¡± Gary was hit with a blow by the officer and his head exploded with pain. The room was spinning, and he felt himself getting pummeled by the cops!

    ¡°Ain¡¯t so tough now, are ya, boy?¡±

    ¡°What are you guys doing?? He ain¡¯t do nothin¡¯ wrong!!¡±

    ¡°Stoooop! Somebody do something!!¡±

    ¡°Keep him down!! Don¡¯t move!!¡±

    ¡°That cop¡¯s going for his gun!!¡±

    There were so many shouts and orders, cries and calls. It was hard to distinguish who was saying what, but it was easy to get the gist.

    Gary screamed as his arms were forced behind his back far rougher than was necessary.

    ¡°Fight back now, nigger!!¡±

    ¡°Stop resisting arrest!!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not!!¡± Gary insisted, crying now. He wailed out in agony as the handcuffs were slapped on his wrists, cutting into them. Grunting and glaring, tears rolling down his cheeks, Gary was yanked up to his feet and then forced through the crowd.

    One officer slapped away a teen¡¯s phone from his hand, but nearly everyone was recording the incident.

    After being shoved into the back of the police car, his wrists begging for relief from the unrelenting pain of the handcuffs, he laid perfectly still as he was driven to the precinct, sniffling and crying all the way. This isn¡¯t right, Gary knew. This isn¡¯t like the last time when I was arrested in Celadon City. These officers; this... town, maybe?

    No. Enough denial. This entire town has to be racist!

    Then, what does that mean for me, now?

    Where will I be taken?

    Will I be safe?

 Perpetual Events

    Shaking in disgust with his eyes closed, they opened again at the object in hand. The white button was pressed, enlarging the ball in size. His arm extended, holding out the ball. No point in her being alive, then. She can die here. He gazed at June¡¯s naked body that was on the ground of the dark cave. His entire body suddenly flinched hard and his eyes widened. June?! Wait! What?? Gary freaked out, seeing June¡¯s nude form on her side.

    The eyes blinked and a step was taken back. The strange ball that was blue-gray at the top half, the bottom half pale green, fell from the hand and rolled over to June.

    ¡°Use Hydro Cannon!¡±

    Robin¡¯s Blastoise, Catherine, sent out an orb of water from each cannon and they hit Gary, one in the face, the other in the stomach. He wanted to groan out in pain, but he could do nothing but gurgle continuously as he drowned in the sudden pool of water he was in that got higher with each second until there was nothing but water filling a mysterious room.

    Gary flailed frantically, twisting and choking and struggling to breathe!

    ¡°Wake up, boy!!¡± a voice yelled.

    Gary wound up on his knees, blowing his nose hard and coughing out water. Swallowing, breathing, all hurt right now. He looked up in shock at a couple of police officers who were standing outside of his cell, one of them holding a dripping hose. It didn¡¯t take long for him to realize that it had just been used on him!

    ¡°Screamin¡¯ like a bat outta Hell! Fuck is wrong witchu?¡± the Black cop snapped next to his White partner. ¡°Get up! The judge¡¯ll see ya!¡±

    *

    Gary stood in the huge room with multiple benches behind him, but no one was in them.

    In front of the child was the judge, sat high above everything else behind a tall table. The guy was bald on top, black hair at the sides. He stared down at Gary solemnly.

    At each side of the tall table stood two bailiffs, but in the back were another six.

    The judge rolled his eyes after hearing Gary explain the situation that had occurred at the party last night.

    What day was it? When had the party occurred? Gary wasn¡¯t sure, having been incarcerated at least an entire day. He shifted his hands uncomfortably, his wrists in cuffs that were cutting into previous cuts that hadn¡¯t healed yet.

    ¡°Mister... Gary. Hm.¡± The judge frowned at the paperwork in front of him. ¡°A smudge on the last name there. Anyway, you are facing charges including aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and underage drinking,¡± the judge stated. ¡°The years you¡¯re facing right now will not be given gently.¡±

    Gary gasped sharply. Years?? For a fight??

    ¡°There is no easy way out of this for you, here.¡± The judge went silent, staring at him.

    Is this real?? Am I really facing years, for a fight I had?? I didn¡¯t even fight! They ran!

    ¡°Mr. Gary, may I ask you? What brought you here to Hearthome City?¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. After thinking for a while, he shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t remember anymore, Your Honor.¡±

    The judge nodded and snickered. ¡°I¡¯m sure it can be like that for many young Pokemon Trainers. But of all days, to be here before me so close to Christmas.¡±

    Gary looked down remorsefully. I forgot it was Christmas. But, is that going to be used against me? That¡¯s not my fault it¡¯s Christmas season!

    ¡°It is in the Christmas spirit that I will be letting you go, without jail time.¡±

    There were stirs and mumbles in the building, Gary the only one to gasp and smile. The boy¡¯s hands shifted slightly, and he regretted even that simple motion which caused his wrists to hurt even more.

    The bailiffs glared at the judge in surprise.

    ¡°But you won¡¯t be set free!¡± The judge raised one hand. ¡°Rather, you¡¯ll be sentenced to one week of community service, housing provided.¡±

    Gary tried not to, but he was powerless to let his true feelings show and he smiled even bigger. No problem!! Community service?? Picking up shit beats jail time!!

    ¡°Furthermore, your Pokemon will not be released to you until your service is completed!¡±

    This wiped Gary¡¯s smile away, but he nodded with a strong face. Fine. That makes sense.

    ¡°They shall be taken care of for the time being!¡± The judge raised his gavel, but he didn¡¯t bring it down, keeping warm eyes on the boy. The friendliest face Gary had seen since getting arrested. ¡°You can also thank the influence of your friend.¡±

    ¡°My friend?¡± Gary had no idea who he was talking about. Wait. His eyes widened.

    The judge winked, smiling slightly. ¡°A special friend of the law you have.¡±

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open with his ever-widening eyes. Kai??

    The judge raised a finger, silencing Gary, and then let it drop. ¡°Ranger Kai, on the other hand, has been apprehended due to...¡±

    So it was Ranger Kai??

    ¡°Let¡¯s say her passion of breaking you out of here caused more complicat-¡±

    ¡°She tried to break me out?? What is wrong with her?!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe what he¡¯d just heard! He also couldn¡¯t believe that he¡¯d just let that out in the middle of his trial!

    ¡°As I said, a very passionate woman, indeed.¡± The judge, surprisingly, didn¡¯t even look angry at Gary. He seemed more sympathetic than anyone else. ¡°She is a friend of mine, actually. I¡¯m a fan of hers. Anyway, she seemed to be having a bit of trouble with an- Ah, I¡¯m talking too much again. I promised my therapist to work on that. We¡¯ll end this matter here. Assuming you fulfill the agreement, I won¡¯t have to see you again.¡± He then slammed the gavel.

    Gary¡¯s face was frozen like stone, taking in all that he had heard, trying to make it fit in his brain and make sense.

    ¡°These motherfuckers get away with murder, I tell ya. Come here!¡±

    Gary cried out painfully as he was tugged mercilessly by his handcuffs out of the courtroom.

    The bailiffs closest to the judge were arguing with him while the ones in the back glared at Gary and grumbled, shaking their heads while he was taken through a pair of wooden doors.

    My Pokemon... This is gonna suck so bad! Just please be in good care, guys. He looked around the room he was in.

    It was full of officers, two cells in the back. One had a bunch of guys who looked fairly casual yet shady, the other one held two women.

    One older guy in the cell was talking to the ladies. ¡°You know why I¡¯m here? DWB.¡±

    There was silence.

    ¡°You know what that is?¡± he pressed on them.

    ¡°No, what¡¯s that?¡± one lady bit.

    ¡°Driving While Black. A ha ha ha ha ha haaa! You heard that one before? DWB. I was driving while Black.¡±

    There was mild laughter from the woman. And no one else.

    Gary rolled his eyes, sneering. Oh, please... He let out his breath and suddenly found himself thinking of Ranger Kai. Man, what happened with Kai? She wanted to break me out of the joint? I wonder how things went with that creep cop who was hitting on her. She actually got me a good deal with the judge?! I can¡¯t believe it! Thank you, Kai! You saved my life! Like, for the hundredth time already!

    But what about my gun?? Gary wondered. It¡¯s gone, now, but... is it really still out there in the woods? How did the cops never find it? Did they really not look? Lucky me... If they had found it, I¡¯d be in jail for life!

    One officer suddenly approached Gary and yanked him over, making the child yell out in pain. ¡°Alright, kid. Time for your first day at work,¡± the cop sneered.

    ¡°Leave the kid alone!¡± someone in the male cell yelled, and this caused more shouts and chaos.

    A cop ran up to the male cell and started banging on it with his baton, ordering silence.

    ¡°Work? Where at?¡± Gary asked, not really expecting an answer.

    *

    Day One:

    ¡°Daaaaaarkness!¡± Ish clapped Gary¡¯s back. ¡°Of all the people. I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s really you!¡± He grabbed both of Gary¡¯s shoulders and shook him. ¡°Nigga what the fuck you been up to?? You killed someone?!¡±

    ¡°Ish! Stop it!¡± Tiny laughed.

    Tiny and Ish were in matching clothing: black polo shirts with matching pants. Clipped to their shirts was a yellow tag with their name on it. Ish¡¯s read Yishmael, while Tiny¡¯s had Tatiana, the name PokeLand Discounts over their names.

    ¡°I just can¡¯t believe, of all the remaining PokeLand locations, you¡¯re here! This is awesome! We got you, bro!¡± Ish said enthusiastically.

    ¡°Remaining?¡± Gary asked.

    Tiny and Ish nodded together. ¡°Yeah. This company is in a bad place, financially,¡± Tiny admitted.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be aight. We need this place. The Pokemon need this place!¡± Ish insisted.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you worked here, though, Tiny!¡± Gary called her out.

    ¡°I never said I didn¡¯t! I have a kid! I have to make life work for me!¡± She put her fists to her sides and stood proudly.

    This little thing has children?? Or, even one child? Gary was stunned, but kept silent.

    ¡°You live with your parents. You¡¯re good,¡± Ish rolled his eyes.

    Tiny glared at him. ¡°So do you!¡±

    ¡°Excuse me, do you guys sell crickets?¡±

    The friends turned to a guy who was wearing a smile. They then turned to each other.

    ¡°Tiny, you got this?¡± Ish nudged his head at the man.

    ¡°Sorry to interrupt,¡± the guy kept smiling.

    ¡°No! No! You¡¯re fine! Come with me!¡± The tiny lady led the guy to the back of the store.

    ¡°Alright, I guess I have to fill you in on how to deal with customers. First off, you gonna need a looooot of patience. This shit ain¡¯t easy.¡±

    ¡°I can handle that! I can do anything! Whatever it takes to avoid jail!¡±

    Ish busted out laughing. ¡°I hear that. ¡®Cuz in there, you really will be doing anything!¡± Ish was laughing again, Gary watching him uncomfortably. ¡°But, anyway, come on. Catching crickets and feeders are gonna be a top priority. Dealing with the live animals is next.¡±

    ¡°Now, when you say crickets, do you mean the insects? Or... like the Pokemon?¡± Gary asked, knowing he wouldn¡¯t like the answer either way.

    *

    Gary held his jeans up and sniffed them to make sure of what he was smelling. Oh, GROOOOSS!

    He groaned out loud and had a sudden memory of himself at the parties he was hopping through. He saw himself at a toilet, trying to piss, but when he looked in the toilet, about to flush, the water was clear! He recalled wondering where his piss had gone, and then feeling himself, but he was sure he was dry and just flushed and went on his way. But now, feeling his wet jeans and smelling the scent, he knew he had somehow pissed himself!

    He was in the bathroom of PokeLand Discount, changing into the work outfit. This is the worst day of my life, Gary knew, but he was grateful, and sure it wasn¡¯t going to get any worse from here. It couldn¡¯t possibly, he told himself, looking down at his throbbing, aching, bruised wrists that held some dried blood. As he looked back up into the mirror at himself, he couldn¡¯t help but think, Damn, my hair sure has grown. It hasn¡¯t looked this thick and dark in forever! It¡¯s curling, too.

    *

    Gary was frozen, holding a small plastic bag, staring into a huge container full of paper towel roll tubes, cardboard egg cartons, and large crickets!! He had to collect only ten of them, and had managed to get three in the plastic bag so far. The things looked like roaches, one of Gary¡¯s worst fears, and he couldn¡¯t build himself up to scoop up more!

    ¡°Gary, I¡¯ve got you. It¡¯s okay.¡± Tiny took the bag from him and held it up, counting the crickets inside. She then grabbed, with her bare hands, several more of the insects and tossed them inside! She snatched the top of the bag skillfully, keeping it filled with air, and used a rubber band to tie up the top, sealing it, and then handed it to the guy who was waiting outside of the room in the back.

    ¡°So that¡¯s how you do it?¡± the guy asked. ¡°How do they breathe in here with no air?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s air in there,¡± Tiny assured the guy. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s full. If it were deflated, there¡¯s no air.¡±

    ¡°Hmmmmm. I see.¡± He took the bag and held it up, staring at it curiously as he headed for the register at the front of the store.

    Tiny turned to Gary with a bright smile. ¡°That¡¯s basically what the gist of this work is here. It¡¯s not hard at all, and in time, you¡¯ll learn where all the stuff is kept in the aisles. Don¡¯t stress it. Besides, you¡¯re only here for a week.¡± She picked up a binder she had put down earlier. ¡°Come on, I can show you how to use the planogram.¡± She walked down an aisle and stopped, getting to her knees.

    ¡°The what?¡± Gary followed.

    The aisles¡¯ shelves were all lined with tinsel, colorful scraps of shredded paper, and other Christmas stuff. There were also some cheap-looking holiday sale signs. It honestly didn¡¯t look all that impressive in the store, especially compared to the rest of the city¡¯s clear enthusiasm for the season, and even someone like Gary noticed, not that he cared.

    Tiny was pulling bags of food off the shelves.

    Gary got closer, seeing that it was various brands of dog food for Pokemon, like Pokegree, Blue Bouffalant, Goodness, Royal Arcanin, Meowth Mix, and a couple of others.

    ¡°The planogram. When the bosses decide to change around the store to better improve sales, we have to be the ones who change it.¡±

    ¡°Or you mean, when Tim and ¡®em decide to make our lives harder for no reason. Don¡¯t downplay the hell we have to go through, here.¡±

    Gary turned and his eyes widened.

    In front of him stood a towering behemoth of a man. A powerful, wide man that was a perfect mixture of muscle and girth. His face was covered in a hefty black beard. His hair was long and flowing. His appearance was like that of a god from mythology! He resembled the ideal, true man¡¯s man. He wore the same outfit as Ish and Tiny, filling out a black polo with a yellow tag that read: Adonis. ¡°Don¡¯t think Hoopa helped us set up these crappy-assed Christmas decorations, either. How could he when he¡¯s never here? Where is Hoopa at? Gone again? Obviously.¡±

    ¡°Had to pick up his kids or something,¡± Tiny shrugged, hardly glancing at Adonis as she focused on her work.

    Adonis rolled his eyes. Then, he held out his hand to Gary. ¡°I¡¯m Adonis.¡±

    A-doh-nis, Gary kept in his head, realizing he was pronouncing the guy¡¯s name wrong in his head.

    ¡°Everyone says A-dah-nis but it¡¯s actually pronounced A-doh-nis. Don¡¯t worry about it. Just call me A-dah-nis.¡±

    I didn¡¯t know it was pronounced like that! Gary was frozen, staring at the guy. He then blinked and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m Gary!¡± He held out his hand and shook with Adonis, gritting his teeth as his sore wrist throbbed even worse. Damn it! he kept to himself.

    ¡°He¡¯s a jerk. Don¡¯t fall for his act.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the best person you¡¯re gonna find here,¡± Adonis said strongly and then let go of Gary.

    Tiny shook her head and rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Trust me,¡± Adonis told Gary. ¡°Sure, Tiny works too hard. I¡¯ll give her that. Ish is cool. But the boss, Marcy, is never around. We just call him Hoopa.¡±

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°Hoopa?¡± Gary questioned.

    ¡°It¡¯s a Mythical Pokemon from Kalos said to just hop through magical hoops into different places, including alternate dimensions and universes and all that. So, we call Marcy, Hoopa, because he¡¯s here one minute, gone the next. Good luck if you ever meet him, even.¡±

    ¡°Well, I just need to clear a week of service here, and this is day one. That¡¯s all I care about.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be fine, just try to-¡±

    Someone walked by, staring around at everything. It was an Asian man. He looked at Gary and Adonis, and then down at Tiny. His eyes were wide, and he looked out of place. As if he didn¡¯t belong there. He stared at the young lady in awe for a long moment before he moved on and disappeared down another aisle.

    ¡°Anyway, just try to not get too caught up in the customers and their bullshit,¡± Adonis continued. ¡°These people are the hardest to deal with with all their demands and stuff. You only have to get through seven days here. Don¡¯t lose your life over these people. It¡¯s just not worth it.¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Right. I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Adonis told him in a low voice. ¡°Also, it¡¯s not like it¡¯s only customers. There¡¯s other workers here, too.¡±

    ¡°Are they mean?¡± Gary asked cautiously, and instantly regretted it. He felt that he sounded like a complete bitch just now!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, kid. No one here is gonna be mean. But some people might be a little tough to work with. You¡¯ll understand. But, also, you only have a week with us. Just tough it out, okay?¡±

    Gary nodded quickly. ¡°Right!¡±

    *

    ¡°I¡¯m not even allowed to make phone calls?¡± Gary bemoaned.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t they explain all of this to you?¡± Ish questioned.

    ¡°I mean, I guess, but...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t do any kind of favors for you. I¡¯ma get in trouble. I ain¡¯t wit¡¯ it.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Gary shook his head. ¡°I understand.¡± He ended by nodding. ¡°I just hope the judge is really gonna give me my stuff back! My Pokemon, my bag and phone...¡± Gary went quiet. And my gun... Where is it now? I can¡¯t believe I lost it. The police clearly never found it or I¡¯d be locked up, not in a pet store! I guess I got away with it, then. Right? Or... will I end up in jail if the gun is ever found and my fingerprints are found on it!

    ¡°You seem to be in good with the judge through your cop friend, so I wouldn¡¯t worry about it,¡± Ish reassured him. ¡°Under any other circumstances, you can¡¯t trust a cop, but when you¡¯ve got a cop friend, things work out.¡±

    Ranger Kai isn¡¯t a cop, but, whatever. Gary just nodded.

    ¡°You gonna eat? This is your break.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re new to this. By tomorrow, or the day after, you¡¯ll be dying to eat. Trust me nigga.¡±

    ¡°What are you two making out back here?¡± Adonis poked his head in the room Ish and Gary were talking in.

    There were two metal racks back there in the filthy room, and each one held two huge housing spaces, each of the four spaces housing different creatures. In one cage was a large number of rats. Tirtouga, the Water and Rock type Fossil Pokemon, was swimming in another tank beneath them. A ton of actual mice ran around in a cage across from the Tirtouga, and above that was a tank with a Helioptile in it, a set of special lights shining down heat and energy from above for it, feeding its specific needs.

    Other than that, the room was filled with the extra supplies of food and items to be sold, as well as a fridge, a bathroom, a lot of filth, and other things to help maintain the store.

    ¡°Fuck you, nigga,¡± Ish joked with Adonis, and the two left the room, Ish laughing while the door slammed shut behind them.

    Gary smiled, watching them leave, but his smile then faded. Man, this sucks. This situation is better than it could¡¯ve been, but it still sucks. At least it¡¯s just a few more hours. Three left, after my break. And then what?

    The door to the back opened, and a girl walked in.

    Upon visually taking her in, Gary actually jumped, startled.

    The girl in a big white coat also stopped, caught off guard by Gary, but then she smiled. ¡°Oh! You must be the new guy! Hi! I¡¯m Sierra! Perpetually, everyone just ended up calling me Sea, though. Like the water.¡± It was a young girl with curly brown hair and blue eyes. Her lips were a light red, and her body overall was chubby and curvy.

    Gary was stuck on her and didn¡¯t even realize he didn¡¯t reply to her greeting.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Did I startle you?¡± She spoke with a Southern accent, staring at him with some concern behind big, rounded glasses.

    Huh? Gary thought, and suddenly, his mouth shut, making him realize it had been open this entire time. He even swallowed, making him notice he was almost drooling! Now embarrassed, he wiped at his mouth and then smiled a little, feeling like a total, awkward idiot. ¡°Um,¡± Gary finally got out. ¡°Hi! No!¡± Too loud. Lower! Gary told himself. ¡°I¡¯m fine, ha.¡± He swallowed, his throat stinging sharply from dryness, and he cleared his throat only to end up coughing. ¡°Hmm,¡± he growled. ¡°Thirsty all of a sudden, heh.¡±

    ¡°Do you need some water? I can run out and get you a bottle.¡±

    ¡°No! No! I¡¯ll be just fine! Thank you, though!¡±

    ¡°You sure? It¡¯s no trouble!¡±

    ¡°No! Honestly! Thanks!¡± He smiled big. Why is she so nice? She¡¯s... stealing my heart away right now, Gary thought happily. Oh, man. Is this one of my co-workers? Am I working with a total babe like her?? This won¡¯t be so bad at all!!

    Sierra walked up to him and held out her hand. ¡°I¡¯m Sierra. Or just Sea. You¡¯re Gary, right?¡±

    Gary took her hand and they shook gently. He ignored the throbbing of his wrist. He wasn¡¯t going to let a little pain stop him from shaking the girl¡¯s hand. She speaks so pleasant. I could listen to her read the dictionary all day. He suddenly froze, something familiar ringing in his head.

    ¡°It¡¯s really nice to meet you.¡±

    Gary snapped out of his thoughts. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, too,¡± Gary insisted. She¡¯s really beautiful. Just look at her hair. I wish I could touch it. Her eyes are so light and pure, like water. They¡¯re like pools I could fall right into and drown under if I stare too long. It¡¯s already hard to breathe. He ended up sighing out happily, and this made him realize - he¡¯d been holding onto her hand this entire time! Even more, they¡¯d been holding onto each other!

    Sierra¡¯s eyes widened and a slight, discomforted smile crossed her face as it went red. ¡°Ha...¡± she let out nervously.

    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry! I wasn¡¯t-! I¡¯m sorry!¡± Gary panicked, releasing her hand.

    Sierra laughed and waved at him. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Her hands clasped together in front of her and she swayed with awkwardness.

    The embarrassing moment only served to make the girl look so cute to Gary. More than just cute, even. She is just... so... Gary struggled to define her in his mind. Her beauty was in her simplicity! It wasn¡¯t overbearing, but it was undeniable. It was remarkable. This girl was unique. ¡°How old are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m eleven. I¡¯m the youngest one here. Ish is a little older than me, but we¡¯re both the kids here, technically, though Ish is a teen. I can¡¯t recall his exact age. You¡¯re eleven, too, right?¡±

    Gary nodded, smiling broader than he wished he were. But he couldn¡¯t help but be excited. She¡¯s my age. We¡¯re the same age. I just might be able to... Maybe I could build up the courage and...

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ma get changed and get ready.¡±

    Gary stared at Sierra¡¯s white backpack designed with images of flowers of several colors as she walked to the bathroom.

    ¡°Right! I¡¯ll see you later! Bye!¡± Embarrassed, refusing to even let his thoughts go where they had tried, Gary zoomed out of the back room and crashed right into someone! ¡°Whoa!¡±

    ¡°OOOOOOHH!!¡± a woman let out.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!!¡± Gary stared at the person he collided into.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no problem! It¡¯s okay, sweetie!¡± a little lady that was just an inch shorter than Gary laughed. ¡°You work here, right?¡±

    Gary nodded eagerly. Oh, crap. Here it comes. Here I go. This is it. I¡¯m gonna be asked something I don¡¯t possibly know! I hope I¡¯m prepared! Just be polite! The customer is always right!!

    ¡°So, I wanted to buy a cute little mouse for my daughter. I already have me a cute little Patchrat thing. The Pokemon? But I was told you shouldn¡¯t mix them with other animals, yet I see your cages have multiples of Ratatats, and I see a Ziggyzaggygoon in there. Is there a reason why?¡±

    Gary looked over with the lady to see a big cage with a Rattata tumbling around with a Zigzagoon, a few other Rattata just curled up and snoozing.

    ¡°Oh. Well...¡± Crap, what do I say? Gary panicked. No one explained this to me! There was silence between the two, now. This made Gary even more nervous.

    ¡°Excuse me, but do you sell any crickets?¡±

    Gary turned to a tall man who had a warm, patient smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got this, Gary. You get the crickets.¡± Adonis had appeared and was waving to the man who wanted bugs. He then turned to the older woman with a warm smile. ¡°So, about that. You see, the reason we have so many rodents in the same tank is because we receive so many from the warehouse, and also donations from people, so we end up forced to use methods that allow a better chance for them to get along. And this is one that, clearly, luckily, worked out.¡± He then laughed big and full of love.

    The lady laughed with him.

    Wow, Gary thought as Adonis continued hamming it up with her. He¡¯s really good.

    Someone cleared their throat. ¡°I¡¯ll need thirty-five of your large crickets, please.¡±

    Gary turned to the guy and then smiled. ¡°Oh! Right! Of course, sir!¡± Gary ran into the back room and grabbed a small, clear, plastic bag before kneeling down in front of the big, white container of crickets.

    The large crickets were in the biggest container, while the small crickets were in a tiny container attached to the larger one.

    Gary held the bag down into the bin, but his other hand hesitated, not wanting to touch the cardboard tube to scoop up the bugs. He had to stay out of jail. He couldn¡¯t lose this job. And yet, his arm wouldn¡¯t move! Damn it. I can¡¯t do it. Bugs! I can¡¯t-! No. I have to! Gary¡¯s arm lowered, and he quickly grasped at the top one of a few cardboard tubes with the tips of his fingers and pulled it out from the hundreds of crickets crawling and hopping over each other. He was touched by several of them and screamed before he reached his bag, dropping everything into the bin.

    The crickets covered everything in seconds.

    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay.¡±

    Gary jumped, yelling out in surprise.

    Sierra was there! She was startled by his reaction but relaxed right after. ¡°Sorry. I noticed you were having issues with the bugs. I can take care of it for you.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know you ca-¡± Gary¡¯s words got stuck in his throat, and he shook his head hard, his eyes then widening in horror. She¡¯s dressed! Gary realized, looking her over. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry! I forgot you were in here changing!¡±

    Sierra¡¯s face reddened and she smiled shyly. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Gary,¡± she let out with a nervous chuckle, looking away.

    Gary shook his head again and stared at her determinedly. ¡°Please. Show me how to do this. I can¡¯t be an inconvenience while working here. I need a good report back for the judge. Help me. Please.¡±

    Sierra turned to him and nodded kindly. ¡°Of course. You¡¯ll get the hang of this, perpetually.¡±

    *

    Gary was doing sit-ups in his room at the Pokemon Center. He couldn¡¯t manage push-ups in his condition, considering his wrists. While sitting up, he exhaled, thinking back on Nurse Joy¡¯s comment about him.

    ¡°Now Pokemon Centers are housing criminals! Just my luck!¡±

    Gary inhaled while laying back down, glaring at the ceiling. I can¡¯t believe the mess I¡¯m in. But at least day one is over. And tomorrow... Maybe... Maybe I even get to work with Sierra... He pursed his lips together, determination coming over his face and a smile crossing his lips as he thought about her face, her body, her accent, and her all-around pleasantness, and he continued to work out.

    *

    Day Two:

    ¡°How are you today, sir?¡± The old man named Lou looked at Gary with a blank yet pleasant look.

    ¡°Hey, Lou,¡± Gary replied, placing a cage of Nidoran¡á back on the shelf and sighing out.

    ¡°Getting used to the job? I know it¡¯s only your first day, but how is it going so far?¡±

    ¡°Not bad! And, actually, this is my second day, but I like it! Getting to be around so many Pokemon.¡± He pointed at the several Pokemon in cages, and then swung his arm around the store. ¡°I don¡¯t own a majority of what we keep in here. It¡¯s cool to learn about the care of these guys in captivity. I¡¯m just used to being a Pokemon Trainer, but a store like this is for those who aren¡¯t Trainers, but still want Pokemon as just pets.¡±

    ¡°Quite the... mind-blowing experience, huh?¡± Lou spoke in a very gravelly voice, like he had phlegm living in his throat along with a constant sore throat.

    Gary nodded, smiling. ¡°It¡¯s really interesting.¡±

    ¡°That it is. That it is...¡± Lou nodded and lowered his bald head.

    ¡°Say, um, who else works today?¡± Gary asked casually.

    ¡°Well... let¡¯s seeeee... ummmm.¡± He inhaled. ¡°It¡¯s me, Adonis, and Old Man Hoopa is who-knows-where. Ummm...¡±

    ¡°Old Man Hoopa?¡±

    Lou laughed. ¡°That¡¯s what we call Marcy, the manager. No one knows where he is, taking care of his kids, his wife, he¡¯s all over. I respect him struggling to keep his household together, but you can never find him when you need him, ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Oh, right. I did hear about that,¡± Gary muttered. The kid hadn¡¯t even seen him when he came in this morning, only seeing Adonis and Tiny, Lou coming in late.

    ¡°So how are you doing today, sir?¡± Lou asked.

    ¡°Uuuh...¡± Didn¡¯t he just ask me this? Gary pondered. ¡°I¡¯m good! I¡¯m good! How are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty well, myself. I have my son with his aunt right now. That was my late wife¡¯s sister. Can¡¯t wait to see him. That¡¯s pretty much what I have waiting for me at home.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes were wide. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry for your loss.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, I appreciate that young brotha.¡± Lou nodded his head. ¡°It was hard at first, but time heals everything, as they say. I still do miss her, but you can maneuver through life a lot easier the more the decades crawl by. And looking at me, you can tell plenty of decades have crawled along for me, a ha ha ha.¡±

    Gary smiled politely and nodded. Wow. What a strong man. I can¡¯t imagine losing my wife. What he must be going through on the inside...

    ¡°But, uummmmm, back to your question earlier, we should be having young Sierra coming through soon,¡± Lou continued.

    Gary¡¯s eyes lit up. Sierra!

    ¡°As well as my man Adam, the A.M. here. That¡¯s a special guy right there. Watch out for him. Ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Gary asked cautiously.

    ¡°Oh, Adam¡¯s my man! I love Adam! He¡¯s just a little... ummmm... different than the rest of us. But he¡¯s cool! Don¡¯t worry.¡± Chuckling, Lou walked away, leaning over likely due to bad posture in his youth.

    Great. Who is this Adam guy? Gary wondered.

    ¡°Excuse me. Have you seen Sky?¡±

    Gary turned to an older Hispanic lady with a cane and a shopping basket full of items. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Sky?¡± The woman had her back to Gary, looking at a group of children who had been standing by him, watching him clean out cages.

    After the kids had begged him earlier to hold the animals, Gary explaining that he couldn¡¯t, a tactic his co-workers had given him to best avoid these kinds of situations, the kids stood, oohing and aahing at the animals brought out. They really lost it when Gary set the Pokemon on the ground and put the cage top over them to keep them in place while washing out the cages of the creatures¡¯ waste.

    The old lady turned to Gary. ¡°I sorry.¡± She laughed, shaking her head. ¡°I looking for my niece. Sky. Can you help me with food?¡± In her basket were a bunch of little containers of wet dog food, and two bags of a different brand of dry food. ¡°Es special?¡± She held up an envelope.

    Gary immediately knew what she was asking and smiled. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s the Constant Buyers¡¯ Program,¡± Gary explained slowly for the lady. ¡°The CBP. If you buy ten of the same thing, you get one free.¡±

    ¡°Is buy one, get one, free?¡± the old lady asked.

    Gary breathed out but kept his smile. ¡°No, not buy one, get one. It¡¯s that if you buy ten,¡± Gary held up both hands to show her the number ten, ¡°you get one. Constant Buyers¡¯.¡± You know, constant, Gary kept in his head. Easy, he then told himself. It¡¯s a little old Hispanic lady. Show a little respect. And patience. You¡¯ll never make it if this breaks you.

    ¡°Can I have fresh bag with the sale?¡± she pointed at one of the bags in her basket.

    Gary took a closer look at what she was pointing at.

    There was a sticker on one bag stating that that bag was one dollar off. The woman then showed the date of the bag to Gary. It¡¯d be expiring by the end of next month.

    But, that¡¯s why it¡¯s on sale! Gary kept to himself. ¡°That¡¯s only for that bag,¡± Gary kept his smile, pointing at the bag.

    The lady nodded. ¡°One dollar.¡± She pointed at the second bag in her basket.

    Gary had a feeling the expiration date was a lot fresher than the first one. Keeping it together, he repeated, ¡°Only this one.¡± He gently poked the sale sticker on the original bag.

    ¡°No this one too?¡± the lady asked, holding up the other bag. ¡°Same thing.¡±

    Gary¡¯s breath came out of his nose, his patience thinning. She knows what she¡¯s doing. She¡¯s not stupid or innocent. He just shook his head. ¡°No. I¡¯m sorry. Just this one.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s see.¡± Gary took the two bags from the woman and saw the expiration date was indeed much closer to being reached on the sale bag, than on the other one, and he explained this to the woman.

    ¡°Oooohh...¡± she nodded. She took the sale bag and then looked to the front of the store. ¡°I see Marcy. He give me dollar.¡± She took the newer bag from Gary, leaving him with the sale bag. ¡°Thank you.¡± She then walked away.

    Gary sighed, shaking his head. So Marcy¡¯s back? He stayed in the back but walked to the fish aisle where he could see the cash register, which was also set up with decorations like Pokemon figures, bright, colorful streams of Christmas lights, and some sale signs.

    Indeed, the boss was back. A short, Puerto Rican guy with salt-and-pepper hair. He seemed very friendly, and everyone so far had told him he was a good guy, just never around. While speaking with the old woman, he looked over and did a double take at Gary. He pointed at him and laughed, nodding before returning to the old woman, and he shrugged his shoulders.

    They¡¯re speaking about me? I can¡¯t tell. They¡¯re talking Spanish. He looked at me and laughed, though. I hope that¡¯s a good thing. Doesn¡¯t feel like it is.

    Marcy nodded and pointed at the bag, and his head tilted side to side before he rang up the woman for her stuff.

    ¡°Gracias. Gracis,¡± the woman thanked him.

    Marcy just nodded and spoke back a few words.

    I guess he did give it to her, but he doesn¡¯t look happy about it. He¡¯s not smiling anymore. Gary turned to the fish tanks, seeing a variety of Pokemon and also regular fish.

    There were three big tanks full of feeder goldfish, and one last tank with minnow feeder fish. They were sold to feed customers¡¯ bigger fish in most cases, though occasionally someone may want one as a pet, though it wasn¡¯t likely it¡¯d survive. In other tanks were Pokemon like Goldeen, Basculin, Finneon, Stunfisk, Shellder, Qwilfish, Tentacool, Staryu and Starmie, Alomamola, Wooper, and Barboach.

    There was even a Relicanth, which had the highest price of any fish in the store! It also had its own giant tank.

    There were very few Pokemon in each tank. Almost none shared one with other species to avoid fights, but another reason for the separation was in case of an unexpected evolution. Should something like Tentacool evolve, a Tentacruel would be a complete disaster in the store, and so the two Tentacool had the biggest tank. Even something like Wooper evolving could be a headache.

    From down the aisle, Gary witnessed what he saw as an angel. Sierra! He smiled so big, he shocked himself and lessened it instantly to something more casual.

    But it was in fact Sierra who smiled back just as big as his original smile! But she then caught herself and lessened her own smile, perhaps seeing Gary cool his down.

    But this made Gary want to smile big again like he had at first, seeing how Sierra had smiled at first! Oh, this is stupid. Take it easy, Gary! He smiled just a little bit bigger and waved shyly.

    Sierra did the same back and then went up to the cash register to clock in on the computer before heading down the aisle where Gary stood. Her walking speed was increasing.

    Gary noticed Marcy watching them intently, even forgetting he had a customer until the guy said something, grabbing Marcy¡¯s attention back to his work.

    ¡°Hey, Gary!¡± Sierra stopped in front of him. ¡°How¡¯s your day been?¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Gary lowered his voice, talking more cooly. ¡°I mean, not bad. No complaints. It¡¯s cool.¡±

    ¡°Guess you¡¯re only here for a little longer, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah...¡±

    ¡°That sucks. I won¡¯t see you until Monday. I¡¯m off tomorrow, and it¡¯s a night shift. I know you only do mornings. I only work closing. And I¡¯m not even here that often because I¡¯m part-time.¡±

    ¡°Oh, no...¡± Wait, why is she sad about that? Keep up the conversation! Add more sincerity! ¡°That really does suck,¡± was all he could come up with.

    Sierra nodded.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice seeing you when I can. It sucks this is only a week, though.¡±

    ¡°I know! Might have been nice to... I dunno, hang out?¡±

    She wants to hang out with me?? Gary couldn¡¯t believe his ears, but he hoped he was keeping his expressions together and not revealing anything on his face.

    ¡°We hang out a lot at this job. I¡¯m really shy so I never used to, but I got used to everyone, perpetually.¡±

    Oh. Hanging out with everyone is what she meant... I¡¯m crazy thinking this beauty would like me. What is wrong with me?

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve gotta get changed. I¡¯ll see you!¡±

    ¡°Bye! See you!¡± Gary watched as Sierra went into the back room, his eyes lowering to her jeans. He licked his lips and then ended up biting his bottom lip. She¡¯s really changing back there... GARY! Gary shook his head and turned around determinedly. And jumped!

    Marcy! The manager was watching him, still behind the register. He raised his eyebrows a couple of times and nodded, a huge smile on his face.

    Gary now wore an embarrassed smile and just shook his head, denying any insinuations.

    This only made Marcy laugh harder and then rub his chin curiously, staring with interest at Gary before the phone rang.

    Gary took this chance to get away, and he checked the feeder tanks for any dead fish, as was pretty common in the overcrowded tank. He got lost in the work, thinking about Sierra, and before long, he jumped at the sound of his name.

    ¡°You got a phone call!¡±

    Gary turned to see that Tiny was standing right by him, holding out the phone to him. ¡°A phone call? For me?¡±

    She nodded eagerly, but then her face went serious. ¡°It¡¯s pretty serious, too. It¡¯s from Prof. Oak¡¯s Lab.¡±

    Gary gasped and took the phone from her. They¡¯re calling me?? Oh, no! They must have found out! They¡¯re gonna think I did something terrible! He looked up to the cash register, but Marcy was gone already!

    Adonis was now there ringing up customers.

    Gary walked away to a huge room enclosed in glass which held a variety of bird Pokemon in different sized cages.

    A couple of Spearow in one cage, several Pidgey in another, and others like Farfetch¡¯d, Togetic, and a private room with no cage holding only a Toucannon.

    Standing outside of the room, Gary held the phone to his ear. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Gary! Are you okay? I can¡¯t believe you!¡±

    ¡°Kiwi, it¡¯s not what you think! I didn¡¯t do any of that-!¡±

    ¡°I know that, Gary! I just can¡¯t believe you let yourself get caught up in whatever happened! I know you¡¯re innocent! All of Pallet knows that! Including your mom, just so you know.¡±

    ¡°Oh, great!¡± Gary cried gratefully. ¡°Tell her I¡¯m okay!¡±

    ¡°I will, I will, but I called only because I had to inform you of something important that occurred after the last time we spoke. I got a very important phone call from a friend of yours.¡±

    ¡°A friend?¡± He tried to think of who this friend could be, thinking of Scientist Gary pretty quickly, and then Rael. ¡°Who? Was it Scientist Gary?¡±

    ¡°No, it was a young girl. She¡¯s from the U.K.¡±

    ¡°The U.K.? I don¡¯t know any-¡± Gary found himself remembering the old couple who were friends with Prof. Cozmo when they all got drunk after Gary¡¯s sister had been killed. ¡°A girl? That I know?¡±

    ¡°Yes. By the name of Drock.¡±

    ¡°Drock...?¡± Gary frowned in confusion. ¡°Who-?¡± His heart was beating faster now as bells started ringing as he started to recognize the name.

    ¡°She¡¯s someone who says she traded you her Seadra for your Beedrill, and during an incident, she was forced to flee. She¡¯s been trying to get in contact with you for a very long time. She¡¯s hoping it may be possible for her to return the trade and give you your Beedrill back, for her Seadra, or Kingdra, as she claims it should be.¡±

    The phone hit the ground with a crash!! and became a few separate pieces, the battery, the back, and the rest of the phone clattering and tumbling away from each other.

    Gary¡¯s hand remained by his ear but fell to his side seconds later. His mouth was hanging open in disbelief as he trembled on the spot.

    Beedrill, was his first thought.

    As his eyes began to water, he gained a second thought.

    Kingdra.

 Perpetual Frustrations

    Day Three:

    Gary was brushing his teeth on the morning of day three of his sentence, having showered already, and was staring at himself in the mirror. His wrists were still hurting badly from the handcuffs he had worn days ago, but his eyes were on his growing, thickening, darkening hair while his mind was on the previous day. So once this crap is over, Drock and I will exchange Pokemon... My Beedrill, that she owns, for her Kingdra that I own...

    The newbie Pokemon Trainer Drock, standing behind a rampant Charizard in Native Village, let out a terrified scream and turned to Gary, who was in front of the Pokemon alongside his grandmother, aunt, and a guy from Team Solace. ¡°JUST KEEP HER!! PLEASE!!¡± Her head shook frantically as she stumbled backwards. ¡°TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER!! I LOVE HER!! PLEASE!! I¡¯M SO SORRY!!¡± She ran away as fast as she could.

    She just comes back, outta nowhere, after all this time, to just... Gary thought bitterly, brushing his teeth harder now.

    ¡°We¡¯re friends, Kingdra,¡± Gary had told Kingdra on the beach, surrounded by his other Pokemon, his eyes overflowing with tears. ¡°We don¡¯t leave each other behind. But, Kingdra¡­¡± He moved closer to her and kneeled down to her level. ¡°Don¡¯t hold anything against Drock. It wasn¡¯t her fault.¡±

    Charmeleon hugged Gary and Kingdra from one side.

    Primeape doing the same from the other side.

    Hoothoot hopping over and resting against them.

    Dugtrio digging through the sand and resting on Gary.

    Butterfree landing on Gary¡¯s shoulder and placing her large wings around them all.

    ¡°We¡¯ll never leave you, Kingdra.¡±

    All that we¡¯ve been through... She just thinks she can just come back and... Tears ran down Gary¡¯s cheeks as he aggressively cleaned his teeth. He sniffled hard, and then spit out his toothpaste angrily. His head hung over the sink as he cried, tears falling fast. It¡¯s not fair. She tried to figure this out sooner, with Prof. Oak, but the old man just forgot a couple of times to bring it up to me, so I never knew about it. But it¡¯s not fair that... this is the time that I finally get hit with this news. Not after all we''ve been through. All we¡¯ve accomplished.

    Kingdra... doesn¡¯t deserve this...

    *

    ¡°Let go!¡± Gary grunted, struggling with his net full of feeders against the tank that had a pair of Tentacool in it.

    ¡°I told you this would be crazy. You got this, man!¡± Ish urged him on.

    ¡°Go Gary! Go, Gary!¡± Tiny cheered. ¡°Puuuuull!!¡±

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Gary was nearly tugged into the tank, but he held his stance on the step ladder and fought back. Finally, he yelled out and flew off of it backwards and hit a tank behind him, dropping to the floor.

    Ish and Tiny ran over to him.

    ¡°Gary!¡± Tiny cried.

    ¡°You good, nigga?¡± Ish asked.

    Gary groaned, but he managed a smile and let out a short laugh. He held up the net, which was snapped in half!

    Everyone looked to the tank to see that the two Tentacool were splashing water, trying to eat the feeder goldfish still inside the other half of the net!

    ¡°We can always get that out later,¡± Ish said hesitantly.

    ¡°Yyyeeeaaaah... Yous two can deal with that,¡± Tiny said hesitantly.

    ¡°Can anyone help me with any crickets?¡±

    The three turned to a guy who had come in.

    ¡°Sure! Right this way!¡± Tiny walked to the man.

    ¡°Oh, great. How are you doing, sweetheart?¡± The guy looked elated to be assisted by the cute woman.

    Gary snickered and looked to Ish, who merely rolled his eyes and shook his head.

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m looking for a good toy in the cat aisle?¡±

    Gary and Ish turned to a towering woman who was at least seven feet tall.

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open unwillingly.

    While she wasn¡¯t the most beautiful woman in the world, she was her own brand of stunning, at least to Gary. She wore a blue trench coat as well as a winning smile, also carrying a basket of items.

    ¡°Right here!!¡± Gary burst out, cutting off Ish, and led the way to the proper section. ¡°Right here we have some of our finest brands, not too expensive. The SkittyKat brand in particular hosts a load of differing products.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I think this right here is all I¡¯m looking for.¡± The woman picked up a simple variety pack of tiny stuffed toys from the Type7 brand and dropped it in her basket. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± The towering woman grinned warmly at Gary, Gary giving his best smile back before she headed to the register.

    I have to ring her up, Gary knew, and he took off through the aisles. Luckily, no one was there, and he had the tower of a woman all to himself. He scanned her items, which included a bag of dry cat food by Purrina, gave her the price, and started bagging it up. Once the transaction was done, he smiled at her with so much love in his eyes, they were practically heart shaped.

    The woman gave a kind smile back, and Gary felt in his heart that maybe, just maybe, she knew how he felt. And then she left.

    Gary sighed out happily, staring at the closing door. What a woman, Gary swooned.

    ¡°Hello.¡±

    Gary turned with a start to see the man who had requested crickets earlier. ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry! Right!¡± He rang him up as the man laughed. Gary didn¡¯t want to know what the man found so funny, even if he felt he knew exactly what it was. He made things quick and got the customer on his way.

    A woman walked in as the guy left, a monkey with a low-burning flame on its butt hanging on her neck with its arms. She stopped at the register. ¡°Hello! How are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, thank you. How are you doing today?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m great! Thank you so much. I just wanted to know if you know why my Chimchar¡¯s tail is burning so low lately.¡±

    Gary stared at the flame. He wasn''t experienced enough to know what was wrong with the tail, but even he knew the flame wasn¡¯t as bright as it should have been. Definitely not like how a Charmander¡¯s would be, he thought. ¡°Oh! That does look bad, but, honestly, I¡¯m not sure why! That might have to be looked at by someone at a Pokemon Center.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± the woman replied sadly. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I thought this was the same thing as-¡±

    ¡°That Chimchar is definitely ill; no question,¡± Ish interjected. ¡°You definitely need to see a Pokemon Center. We just sell pets. We¡¯re not here to help aid Pokemon in serious cases like this. But I do know that that low flame is bad.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡± The woman bowed and left.

    ¡°Man. I hate to see Pokemon in such a bad condition.¡± Ish stood at Gary¡¯s side, shaking his head. ¡°But her reason for coming here rather than a Pokemon Center was just excuses. I bet she isn¡¯t going to a Pokemon Center at all.¡±

    ¡°But, why? Aren¡¯t they free?¡±

    ¡°They are, but the political shift might be changing that. You seen the Senator Slowking and Congressmon Oranguru debates? Senator Slowking might just ruin that altogether, but it¡¯s not a bad thing if you think about it. I mean, honestly, Pokemon are optional. You don¡¯t have to own one. It¡¯s not a right. You aren¡¯t forced to have them. So some costs may come to having one. But it will ease up the economy and lower taxes for the poor, and, it will stop the poor who are unable to afford proper care for Pokemon, to stop getting Pokemon, which helps all Pokemon! But Congressmon Oranguru¡¯s goals will allow the Pokemon Centers to remain as is, and cost the citizens, owning Pokemon or not, even more money! It¡¯s so stressful no matter how you view it, and it affects taxes and the people just don¡¯t know how to cope or agree! Man, don¡¯t get into politics. I think I told you this before.¡±

    Gary¡¯s head lowered and his eyes closed as he pondered on what else could be coming for him in his final days working in this store; also wondering where the world itself was headed.

    *

    ¡°AHA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!¡± the man bursted out laughing, leaning over the register, literally three or less feet from Gary¡¯s face. He smelled horrible! His jokes were not funny! He was the worst kind of person to be forced to be around. And worst of all, Gary realized that Ish and Tiny had abandoned him!

    They all had been there just fine and dandy until the man referred to as Watson appeared. And then magically, everyone was gone!

    Next time, watch. I¡¯m out! Gary promised bitterly.

    ¡°These sandals I have are very popular for comfort. I¡¯m telling you. I get all the ladies with these!¡±

    Gary gave a smile, but only an idiot would take it as genuine. ¡°Nice.¡±

    The man known as Watson had a skin complexion just below Gary¡¯s. He was laughing again.

    Gary backed up without hesitation, disgusted by the man¡¯s invasion of his space, but also his odor!

    The smell wasn¡¯t that of a bum, but it was still an indescribable, unwelcome scent.

    *

    ¡°Welcome to Pokeland Discount! Do you need any help finding anything?¡± Gary greeted a man, woman, and child.

    ¡°Oh, well, we don¡¯t know, actually! Can you help us figure out what we want?¡±

    Huh? Gary kept his smile, but his eyes were widened in surprise. ¡°Oh! So, you¡¯d like a pet but don¡¯t know what kind! I can-!¡±

    ¡°Well, we don¡¯t even know if we want a pet for our child!¡± the woman spoke. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what we expect, but we just hope whatever we want, is found here.¡±

    What does that even mean? Gary maintained a smile. ¡°Well, we have reptiles, and fish, rodent pets, and a variety-¡±

    ¡°Like you have rats?? Like Rattata??¡± the woman squealed, shock on her face.

    The child cried out shrilly, though it wasn¡¯t clear if she was disgusted, scared, angry, or otherwise.

    ¡°Well, they¡¯re great Pokemon actually, and we actually have others like Dedenne. And-¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t Fire type Pokemon dangerous to have at home?¡±

    ¡°Well, I mean, any Pokemon can be dangerous, but De-¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re selling dangerous Pokemon? To children?¡±

    Gary was stuck for a moment. ¡°Um. Our Pokemon are safe, but certain care needs to be maintained, of course. I can show you what we have and give you information. We have little booklets.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if we want rodents. We might like little fishes.¡±

    ¡°Oh, we have a lot of fish,¡± Gary nodded. He emphasized the word ¡°fish¡± as a subtle way to state the word is singular and plural, but this was something Gary had only just learned less than an hour ago himself.

    ¡°Yeah, but I don¡¯t know that we want to do all of the work involved in that.¡±

    ¡°Well, reptiles can be pretty easy, kind of...¡±

    ¡°Oh? But, do we really waaaant reptiles?¡±

    How do I know you crazy-??! Gary raged in his mind.

    *

    ¡°But will a bird really fly off if I train it properly?¡± a man asked.

    ¡°Well, I think it¡¯s safest not to test the bird.¡± Gary was speaking to a customer in front of the Toucannon cage, trying to make a HUGE sale! ¡°Most people usually have a leash on the leg of the bird to make sure-¡±

    ¡°Because a boy of mine takes his out all the time with no leash. It¡¯s one of those crazy Legendaries. Yveltal, actually. That evil Kalos bird thing. And he never leashes it.¡±

    ¡°A... Legendary bird?¡± Gary doubted this incredible claim.

    But the guy nodded insistently. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it. It just sits on his shoulder. Peaceful as anything. Lets people pet it, too. No issues. But I also don¡¯t wanna spend the money and lose the Pokemon. I don¡¯t get a refund for that, right?¡±

    ¡°No, if you lose it, you-¡±

    ¡°So I don¡¯t wanna lose out on money. You know? How long does it take to raise one of these things? If my guy can tame an Yveltal, then surely this can¡¯t be much trouble.¡±

    ¡°Well - I don¡¯t know much about a supposed Yveltal, but... with a Toucannon, it-¡±

    ¡°Can I get any discount on it? Like something big? This doesn¡¯t sound like a good investment.¡±

    ¡°I mean, I can only-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna buy a bird that you know is gonna just fly off. What kind of guarantee can I get on it?¡±

    ¡°Well, the company only has a warranty-¡±

    ¡°Does it bite?¡±

    ¡°The general rule of thumb is that any-¡±

    ¡°What level is it?¡±

    Gary was fuming by now, though he kept it on the inside, irritated that he couldn¡¯t get much words in.

    *

    ¡°If I ruled the world, I¡¯d kill off Mexicans because they all ugly, and all White people,¡± Ish spoke easily.

    Gary¡¯s jaw was dropped open. But... Sierra? Isn¡¯t she White? Tiny? I think? They could be Spanish... Sierra does have curly hair... But why would he-?

    Ish just shrugged, staring at Gary. ¡°That¡¯s how I feel.¡±

    ¡°But...¡± Gary swallowed. ¡°You just - can¡¯t!¡± Is Ish really a racist?! This is insane! Crazy! I can¡¯t-!

    ¡°Like, I only mean White people who are from overseas. Those Americans, where I¡¯m from. They¡¯re the worst. Fuck ¡®em all. Even if some of them are fine as fuck. But White people from other countries, I don¡¯t hate them. That ain¡¯t White to me.¡±

    Now, Gary was completely lost, but he found something amusing about how ludicrous Ish sounded. It was completely unreal!

    Ish was hard to understand, but the road to getting his full story out was entertaining to put it mildly. The guy made no sense, but he was so sure of himself that it felt like, if he only had better verbal skills, he might be a strong topic debater.

    The problem was, he wasn¡¯t.

    ¡°Hi! I was wondering if you sell any Sudowoodo here?¡±

    From behind the cash register, Ish and Gary turned to a beauty with tanned skin. She wore a dress covered in actual flowers, though real or fake was harder to determine. The woman had long brown hair that touched her back. She stood swaying in place, moving so naturally.

    ¡°Nah, we don¡¯t get those, but I do own one myself.¡± Ish was quick but cool to send out his Sudowoodo.

    ¡°Suuudowoodooo!¡± Sudowoodo stood at attention, one arm bent to his forehead.

    The lady screamed wildly, gushing and praising the Pokemon with joy. ¡°Us girls from Alola sure do love Sudowoodo. They¡¯re really popular out there!¡±

    ¡°Ooooh. So you¡¯re from Alola,¡± Ish responded.

    ¡°Oh, absolutely! From Iki Town! I¡¯m so happy you own a Sudowoodo. Just seeing the Pokemon brings me so much joy and love to my heart!¡±

    Ish started to laugh his heavy laughter, and Gary started to cringe. Take it easy, Ish You¡¯re gonna scare her away. But Gary still smiled.

    ¡°I found him as an Egg, a Baby Bonsly, and then he evolved.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so kind and caring of a person. Could I have your name? I¡¯m Mew.¡±

    ¡°Mew? Like the Pokemon?¡±

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°Actually, like a cat! Ha ha! My parents were both obsessed with cats and never even heard of Mew until I told them about it as a child one day after school!¡±

    Ish exploded into laughter, and Mew laughed right along with him.

    Gary started to feel out of place and decided he''d slowly slip away. Ha, look at Ish go, Gary thought as a sad smile designed his face. It was so nice to see this cute moment happening, but it also kind of brought Gary down some. Is this how you get a girlfriend? Should I even really be worrying about this at my young age? Why do I feel so alone watching these two? He turned away from them and-

    ¡°ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAARR!!!!¡±

    Gary screamed in fright as a huge monster appeared in front of him.

    A Gyarados?

    An Ursaring?

    No. It was Adonis! He laughed at Gary, who was frowning and swallowing down some of his fright.

    Gary got himself together and managed to smile. ¡°What was that for?¡±

    Adonis shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s funny.¡± He slapped Gary¡¯s shoulder, rocking his entire body. ¡°See ya around, Sugar Lumps.¡±

    Gary froze up, his body twitching in reaction to Adonis¡¯ words.

    Adonis walked over to the counter to clock in. As he walked past Ish and Mew talking, he abruptly said, ¡°I traded him that Sudowoodo. He doesn¡¯t even like working here,¡± and kept walking.

    Ish busted out laughing. ¡°Shut up, Adonis! He¡¯s lying!¡± Ish was laughing harder.

    Mew was laughing with him, but there was clear hesitation as she looked back and forth from Ish to Adonis, considering what had been said.

    That was mean, Gary thought. He was smiling about it, but he didn¡¯t find it that funny. Adonis plays rough, Gary understood. He¡¯s a real man¡¯s man. I mean, that¡¯s the kind of guy any woman would want, right?

    As Adonis got closer to the back room, he started to pull at his long, flowing hair, tugging and tying it into a bun with a band.

    He¡¯s like a god of sorts, really. I mean, look at him. Huge build, overbearing and king of the jungle, but gentle as a Skitty. He¡¯s said he¡¯s all about peace and nonviolent, yet who would even want a problem with him to begin with? A pacifist with power. Strength. He¡¯s everything I could wish I could be. Wow.

    A man walked by, and Gary recognized him from his first day at the store. It was the Asian man, and he stared right at Gary as he walked past, his eyes wide the entire time, looking completely out of place and awkward before disappearing from sight down the aisle.

    ¡°Save money! Come on in, get your coupons and save save saaaave!¡±

    Everyone looked outside to see the other part-timer, a nineteen-year-old named Stephanie, outside shouting and handing out flyers to encourage customers to come inside.

    It had been a last-minute request by the higher-ups to try to increase sales by offering discounts, and no one was thrilled with being forced to stand out in the cold embarrassing themselves, but Stephanie eventually took up the challenge, swallowing her pride, and was out there giving it her all.

    ¡°I saved five dollars!¡± one man said, holding up a dog crate that must have cost him easily over one hundred dollars. He was making fun of the supposed ¡°discounts.¡±

    But Stephanie was quick on her feet. ¡°HE SAVED FIVE DOLLARS!!¡± she pointed at the man, smiling and winking at him. ¡°And you can too! Don''t be scared because I''m a girl!¡± She turned and pointed angrily. ¡°Don¡¯t throw out that flyer, that''s killing trees!¡± she barked at someone out of sight.

    ¡°Can anyone help me?¡±

    Everyone turned to see a short, Hispanic guy with short hair. His eyes hit Gary¡¯s and he chose to speak to him. ¡°You guys got any mouses left?¡±

    Gary¡¯s face fell, but he picked it right back up and headed to the back. ¡°So you need a mouse, or some mice?¡± he said loudly, shaking his head.

    *

    Day Four:

    ¡°So she was kidnapped, and while the kidnapper was sleeping, she shot him dead. But she could have just escaped,¡± Gary retold what he understood.

    ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s murder, but you got these celebs like Brihanna tryna say she¡¯s innocent and was defending herself,¡± Ish went on. ¡°It¡¯s not defense if you can just get away.¡±

    ¡°Hmmm. I never heard this story. Yeah, you¡¯re right, I guess,¡± Gary said, thinking on it. Sure, the kidnapper was wrong, but if she could have gotten away without shedding blood, that¡¯s the better, and especially legal, option. Right? Gary felt like doubt and confliction were playing a four-player game of ping-pong with his heart and brain.

    The boy was shivering in the cold, stretching in his jacket, still trying to get it to fit him properly. He and Ish were unloading pallets of store supplies onto hand trucks to bring into the store. It was hard for Gary, but not wanting to be an inconvenience, and wanting to have a good report for the judge, he ignored his sore wrists and worked, worked, worked! Grunting, he maneuvered his loaded hand truck backwards, getting ready to push forward.

    ¡°BEEEP! BEEEEP! BEEEEP!¡± the tall, fat, doofy Adam cried out, watching the two work. The store¡¯s Assistant Manager had a big face with stubble and wore small glasses. He wore the same clothes as everyone else, except his name tag was white and also read Assistant Manager. In his hands were flyers for the sale that was still going on. He chuckled, watching Gary move backwards.

    Gary smiled at him weakly. Adam had been doing the same joke every time Gary backed up, and he was over it after the first time.

    Adam then turned and waved around the yellow papers, yelling out in a fake accent. ¡°SALE! GET CHA SALE HERE!¡±

    Lou was stepping out of the store, hunched over a bit and smiling towards Adam while munching on something in a little MacDonphan¡¯s bag. He wasn¡¯t scheduled to work for another hour and had just dropped in early.

    Adam held one flyer out to a man who took the paper. ¡°TWO DOLLARS HERE! TWO DOLLARS THERE! GET CHA SALE HERE!¡±

    This made Lou burst out laughing. ¡°That¡¯s my nigga right there! You heard that one?¡± Lou asked, following Gary inside.

    Gritting his teeth, Gary managed a, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Lou was actually pretty annoying. He talked a lot about a whole lot of nothing, and tended to follow you around rather than actually getting much work done. ¡°And how are you doing today, sir?¡±

    ¡°Not bad, Lou. Not bad...¡± Gary replied. ¡°How are you?¡± He didn¡¯t really care, but he maintained politeness.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, sir. Thank you very much for asking,¡± was Lou¡¯s reply. ¡°You know-¡±

    He¡¯s a nice guy, really, Gary thought to himself. Very polite. But...

    ¡°That¡¯s that shit to me, ha ha ha ha!¡±

    ¡°Ha!¡± Gary smiled back, not having heard what he said, nor caring.

    Lou smiled kindly at him. ¡°You heard that?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°You heard what I said?¡±

    ¡°Ha... I mean, I did, yeah. I¡¯m just a little distracted, too. Sorry. I heard you I just have a lot on my mind. The case and all.¡± Good excuse, Gary thought.

    ¡°I was talking about Adam and how he was out there yelling about savings! My nigga was like, two dollars here! Two dollars there! Ha ha haaaa! I love that shit!¡±

    Gary forced laughter. ¡°Yeah...¡± he mumbled. I was literally right there when it happened! he fumed in his mind before resting the hand truck down and starting to unload it.

    ¡°So how are you doing today?¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened wildly with madness as he kept them on the store merchandise, refusing to look back at the old man.

    *

    ¡°Alright, here ya go.¡± Gary handed a bag with a few feeder goldfish in it to two very young girls, possibly half Gary¡¯s age.

    One of them took the bag and smirked, her eyes shooting over to her friend and then back to Gary. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°No problem. Have a good day,¡± Gary smiled back.

    The second girl seemed to be watching Gary intently, her eyes wide. ¡°I love you sir.¡± The two girls caught a whole giggle fit.

    Gary¡¯s mouth dropped open in surprise; shocked. He then lowered his head, smiling with explosive levels of embarrassment as the girls ran out.

    A short distance off, Sierra and Stephanie were watching Gary, struggling not to laugh, but failing. In the next instant, they were practically holding each other up, laughing out tears.

    ¡°That is the cutest thing I think I¡¯ve ever seen in my entire life!¡± Sierra gushed.

    ¡°You¡¯re looking awfully red there, sir!¡± Stephanie joked, winking at him.

    Gary¡¯s face was blazing now. Why would that happen to me? He feigned anger and stormed off of the register, desperately trying to hide a clear, big smirk. ¡°I¡¯m going home now!!¡±

    This only made the two girls laugh even harder.

    ¡°Aaaaawwwwww!! He¡¯s getting embarraaaaaassed!!¡± Stephanie called.

    ¡°Perpetually!¡± Sierra chimed in.

    *

    ¡°Okay just lift it a little bit higher,¡± Gary grunted.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it, just get the underside,¡± Stephanie insisted.

    ¡°Just shake it a bit!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s gonna fall!¡±

    Stephanie and Gary were wrestling with a heavy box that was overfilled with products for the store. They struggled to find a way not to drop anything, their hands flying everywhere.

    I can¡¯t let go, but my wrists are really killing me right now, and my arms and body are sore from all the working out I¡¯ve been doing at the Pokemon Center! I¡¯ve been really pushing myself! But we¡¯ll drop everything if I-

    The next thing Gary knew - he was touching Stephanie¡¯s left breast! Stephanie had moved one way with the box, and Gary, desperate to help her, ended up with his hand resting on the underside of the older girl¡¯s breast! He froze up, his eyes wide, but as the two got the box in a good position, Gary¡¯s hand finally moved from her body and they set the box down.

    Stephanie didn¡¯t seem freaked out, let alone giving any reaction at all. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s dump half in this basket now and get this over with.¡± She pushed several things into a shopping basket on the ground and then nodded at him with pleasure in her face and joy in her eyes, taking the basket and walking out of the back room.

    Gary stayed still, watching the slender yet curvy girl leave, her hips swaying, her clothing fit to show off all she had, and then he held his shaking hand up. She must not be making it into a big deal, he told himself. She knows that was an accident. But I just touched an older woman¡¯s boob! He inhaled a little harder than normal, as if he would smell any evidence that that had just happened, and then lowered his hand, smirking to himself. She really is a cutie, Gary acknowledged. Especially those eyes. But... His thoughts turned to Sierra. Once I¡¯m out of here, I have to follow up with her. No more being a coward. I have to ask her to... But he couldn¡¯t even finish the thought. But then, how would he ever be able to say it out loud to her face? Wondering this, he rubbed at his sore wrists, applying pressure to them on purpose to help ease the pain.

    *

    ¡°There¡¯s no price sticker on this. That means it¡¯s free, right?¡± The customer burst out laughing.

    Gary laughed as well, faking it, of course.

    Sierra didn¡¯t even bother, looking over at Gary with exhaustion.

    Gary just shrugged at her and kept his smile.

    While ringing up the next customer, Sierra told Gary, ¡°You¡¯re lucky you¡¯re only here a week. You¡¯re able to laugh.¡± She then smiled at him. ¡°It gets worse the longer you stay here. Perpetually.¡±

    While Sierra was ringing up customers, Gary was bagging the products beside her. He never felt so happy and carefree in his life, working next to such an embodiment of perfection. He kept grabbing peeks at her when he could. From her hair, to her eyes, to her lips, to her shape, Gary even relishing in her accent.

    But there was something that was off, and Gary¡¯s eyes went to them every so often.

    A few lines of scars on each of Sierra¡¯s arms.

    *

    ¡°I don¡¯t need a receipt. I¡¯m not bringing it back. Ha!¡± the guy told Sierra and then walked off.

    ¡°Okaaaaaay have a nice daaaaay!!¡± Stephanie held open the door for the man, exaggerating her friendliness and making it clear she did not like the way the guy spoke to her co-worker.

    The man looked at her weird, giving her a onceover, and then left, shaking his head and muttering something.

    Sierra was already with her next customer, ringing her up as Gary bagged the stuff.

    Gary¡¯s heart was bouncing all over the place after the previous incident. It wasn¡¯t that serious, but it was a little scary for him to witness.

    ¡°Wait, I don¡¯t need a bag!¡± the lady insisted.

    ¡°Oh! Sorry!¡± Why didn¡¯t you say that earlier? Gary kept to himself, taking a lot of stuff out.

    Despite the amount of things she had bought, the lady managed to get it all in her arms and left with ease.

    The next customer only had one small container of cat probiotics, and after being rung up, she waited, staring expectantly at the boy and girl.

    ¡°Oh, anything else, ma¡¯am?¡± Sierra questioned.

    ¡°Yes, I need a bag! And who are you calling ma¡¯am? I look old to you?¡±

    ¡°No! I didn¡¯t mean that, Miss!¡± Sierra tried, and she sighed out. Regret came over her face.

    The woman huffed right back at her. ¡°What?¡±

    Sierra lowered her head meekly. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything, m-¡± She went silent.

    Oh, shoot, don¡¯t tell me she almost- Gary realized, his eyes wide now.

    ¡°Oh, because I thought you did. I don¡¯t need anything from this store if that¡¯s the case.¡±

    ¡°We appreciate your business. I apologize for any confusion,¡± Sierra gave up.

    The woman seemed to accept this and nodded, a sickeningly smug look on her face, and then she looked at Gary impatiently. ¡°Well?¡±

    Gary squinted at her, ready to snap. Who does she think she¡¯s talking to??

    Gary- another voice said in his head. You can¡¯t.

    No! I can¡¯t let her get away with this, Gary fought. I know there¡¯s customer service, but she can¡¯t just talk to- Gary inhaled sharply and looked at Sierra with a start.

    Staring at him, Sierra was holding his hand! In fact, she was squeezing it, her eyes pleading with him. No one could see what was going on, their hands hidden behind the register, but Sierra had Gary¡¯s in a grasp!

    He stared at her hand, but also noticed the scars along her arms, mostly by her wrists. Gary squinted but grabbed her hand back, and he looked up and nodded at her.

    ¡°I needs! To go! Now! What is up here with you two?!¡± the lady barked.

    Gary inhaled and turned to the woman. ¡°Sorry, ma-aaaaay I ask if you need anything else?¡± Gary quickly swerved, almost calling her ¡°ma¡¯am¡± by mistake.

    ¡°Obviously not! I¡¯m trying to go!¡±

    Gary nodded and got her item in a bag, handing it to her with a smile. ¡°Thank you and please come again.¡±

    ¡°You take care now, ya hear Miss? Come again real soon to PokeLand Discount, for the best care for your Pokemon!¡± Stephanie insisted as hyperactive and falsely pleasant as she could as she held the door open for the woman.

    The woman paid her no mind, her nose literally in the air, her eyes closed, and she left.

    ¡°Bitch,¡± Stephanie said after the door closed. ¡°I can¡¯t fucking stand bitches like her.¡±

    ¡°Steph, there¡¯s still customers inside shopping,¡± Sierra whispered, smiling. She finally let go of Gary.

    Gary just froze in the moment, not even wanting to look at her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t give a fuck right now! Talking to my girl Sea like that! She is so lucky we at work, that¡¯s my word, yo!¡±

    Sea, Gary repeated in his head. He squinted down at the countertop. Sea? Why does that sound like... something to me? The sea? He shook his head slowly before looking up at Stephanie. She really does have nice skin, Gary noted. She must be Spanish. Such a smooth, caramel tone, and not a flaw to be seen. He looked away as Stephanie turned to him. But she¡¯s too old. As young as she is, I¡¯m way younger. She¡¯d never... Plus, she¡¯s a bit much.

    Stephanie continued cursing up a storm, ranting about the woman, even as a customer came up to buy something.

    Sierra is perfect for me. She even... Gary gripped his hand tightly, remembering how it felt to hold her¡¯s. But- He breathed out. What about her wrists? Her arms? Why-?

    A man was walking creepily for the exit. It was the Asian guy. He looked around, staring at the workers with abnormally wide, cautious eyes as he slowly made his way to the front door to leave. Stephanie held the door open for him, and the man nodded briefly at her, looking around one more time before leaving.

    ¡°That Chinese guy is so weird,¡± Stephanie said as the door closed.

    ¡°Does he always do that? Just enter and look around and leave?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°Yep,¡± Sierra and Stephanie said at the same time.

    *

    ¡°You mah nigga for real! Four Badges! You doin¡¯ it, bro!¡±

    ¡°You sure you won¡¯t compete in the Sinnoh League and surprise me again like in Kanto?¡± Gary laughed.

    Ish let out hearty laughter. ¡°Naaaah, aha ha ha! I can¡¯t this time. Going to Kanto to join the League was like a vacation. Besides, Kanto¡¯s League rules differ so much from other places. The school curriculum to earn the equivalent that matches the qualifying Badges is a lot stricter and longer here. And I just don¡¯t have time to commit to that. I¡¯ve got big things to do with my life to help the world.¡±

    ¡°Sudowoodo!¡± Sudowoodo held his branch arm to his forehead happily.

    Mew gushed with delight, love in her eyes as she clung to the Pokemon.

    They¡¯re a cute couple, Gary thought of Ish and Mew. Though, the more you get to know Ish, I wonder how much she can stand of his... brutal honesty. Or perhaps it¡¯s just his - um - his... unfortunate way of not saying precisely what he means...?

    In particular, Gary couldn¡¯t get over his comments about certain races. Did he really think that? There was no way. Ish would joke, laugh, and smile with all the customers, regardless of their skin color. And he didn¡¯t speak badly about customers after they left, either. Was all his crazy talk just part of an act? Was he just being funny? Is that just his sick, crazy sense of humor?

    There was the time Ish had said: ¡°I saw a Farfetch¡¯d with a huge stick. No homo.¡±

    And that was in front of a customer, a black guy with blue highlights in his hair. The guy gave him an awkward look before leaving. It was a guy everyone, including Ish, was used to and got along with great. Everyone also knew he was gay.

    When Tiny called him out on it after the customer left, Ish merely shrugged, showing a lack of concern about how his words could have been taken.

    But he¡¯s not really that bad, Gary knew. He loves Pokemon in ways I¡¯ve never seen in my entire life! He puts his life on the line for them. I¡¯ve never heard him speak badly about Pokem- Gary suddenly remembered when Ish made fun of his Clefairy, calling him gay after June corrected him on the gender of Clefairy. While Clefairy did seem mad at first, he was quick to hug Ish lovingly afterwards. It¡¯s just his sense of humor, Gary decided. He says whatever he wants, perhaps trying to look cool or something. But his heart deep down is a lot different. Right?

    ¡°Man, another post for my girl Cynthia. RIP.¡± Ish was staring at his phone and shaking his head. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe it.¡± He turned to Mew. ¡°Before you, that was my wife.¡± Ish started laughing.

    Gary¡¯s eyes should have popped right in front of everyone. His brain should have!

    ¡°You just made things worse, as you tend to do when you speak, Ish,¡± Stephanie threw in.

    From beside Gary, Sierra added, ¡°Perpetually.¡±

    Mew laughed with him, still holding onto Sudowoodo. ¡°Fuck you, you jerk.¡±

    ¡°You know I love-¡±

    ¡°WAIT A MINUTE!!!¡± Gary exploded.

    Sierra and Stephanie were in shock at the outburst, Sierra being right next to Gary. Sierra had stuck pretty closely to him since their shift had ended, and Gary had loved it.

    Mew had come by with some bottles of beer when Ish¡¯s shift was over, and the five of them were in the back room, Sierra and Gary the only ones not drinking.

    Lou had left a short time ago, eager to get home to be with his kid.

    Everyone had been nice and relaxed until Gary¡¯s outburst just now.

    Gary¡¯s wrists were aching as he made tight but trembling fists, but he ignored the pain, heaving hard as he eyed Ish. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Ish opened his mouth.

    ¡°About Prof. Cynthia,¡± Gary cut in, making sure he was understood.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard? She¡¯d been missing for a while,¡± Ish explained. ¡°Like, several weeks, bro.¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°Yeah, I know about that. What happened?¡± Gary was trying to keep his cool, but he could feel himself ready to lose it. He could barely stop himself from approaching Ish.

    ¡°Gary, where have you been, nigga? She was found dead like, two weeks ago.¡±

    Gary trembled in place, his body begging to fall, but he couldn¡¯t. Doing so meant he would accept, believe, what Ish had just told him. He couldn¡¯t even say a word at this point.

    ¡°They found her body mangled up,¡± Ish continued.

    Mangled? Gary repeated in his head.

    ¡°There were early reports of how she was found that contradicts what the official reports are saying now. Supposedly, the government is trying to cover up the truth, but-¡± Ish paused. ¡°I saw the original reports on the news that they¡¯re now denying ever existed. I saw them myself.¡±

    ¡°What original reports, Ish? What¡¯s being said? Talk!¡± Gary was going to lose it!

    ¡°Now they¡¯re saying how that she was found dead while researching a newly discovered ruin, but due to the destruction of Mt. Coronet and all the displacement of Pokemon and the route changes, she got lost and never found her way back and ended up attacked by Pokemon and eaten. But that¡¯s ridiculous. A powerful and experienced person like her? No way! And that¡¯s not what the first reports were. The first reports showed censored versions of something far worse. Something that got leaked, uncensored, and you can only find now on the dark web.¡±

    ¡°What is it, Ish??¡± Gary walked up to him and stopped. ¡°What did you see, Ish? Are you sure it was real?¡±

    ¡°In this day and age, it¡¯s hard to say what¡¯s a hundred percent real, but what I saw isn¡¯t the official news report going around now. What I saw would make you throw up.¡±

    Gary lunged at Ish.

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Ish dropped his bottle, the beer spilling on the floor, and held Gary by his shoulders.

    Gary had already grabbed Ish by his shirt and shoved him into a wall. ¡°WHAT DID YOU SEE ALREADY, ISH?!! IS SHE REALLY DEAD??!!¡±

    ¡°HEY HEY HEY!!¡±

    ¡°HOLD ON!!¡±

    ¡°GARY STOP!¡±

    ¡°NOOO!!¡±

    ¡°YOU GUYS!!¡±

    ¡°Keep it down keep it down! They¡¯ll hear us out there!¡±

    ¡°SUDOWOODO!!¡±

    Everyone was shouting and pleading, begging for Gary to take it easy.

    Gary was glaring at Ish, ready for the worst. Even if it meant going back to jail and serving his sentence. ¡°What happened to Prof. Cynthia? Really!¡±

    Ish stared back with relative calm, holding Gary¡¯s arms. ¡°I can¡¯t say what actually happened.¡±

    ¡°And why not??¡± Gary tightened his grip, ready to let go of his shirt and instead just choke Ish.

    ¡°Because I don¡¯t know if what I saw was real. Because I¡¯ve never seen something like that in my life. Something so disgusting, horrible, unimaginable.¡±

    ¡°What did you see, fucking Ish?!!¡± Gary could have flung the guy over his shoulder at that very moment.

    ¡°Cynthia looked like ground beef.¡± Ish swallowed hard, a sick look coming over his face. ¡°She was found by a random Trainer in the woods, after he opened a Poke Ball he found. A Poke Ball no one recognizes. A new type of Poke Ball. One that they say... They say this type of Poke Ball doesn¡¯t capture Pokemon. It catches humans.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t know when he had let go of Ish. At some point, he just realized Ish was standing several feet away from him, Mew holding onto him and staring at Gary in fright.

    And all Gary could think about.

    All Gary could remember while repeating the words Ish had told him.

    Over and over and over again.

    Was June.

 Perpetual Love

    Day Five:

    ¡°Is that a cockatiel?¡±

    Gary stared at the man blankly, his mind somewhere else entirely. After blinking a few times, he muttered, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± the Hispanic male questioned, smiling the entire time.

    This seemed to snap Gary back to reality, and he stared at the guy in confusion. ¡°Huh?¡±

    *

    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t have fed it peanut butter, it never woulda gotten sick!!¡± the woman barked at her husband.

    ¡°The kids fed the damn thing!! NOT ME!!¡± the man argued back.

    ¡°WHY WEREN¡¯T YOU WATCHING THE DAMN CHILDREN??!¡± the woman fought back.

    ¡°Listen, guys. Please, stop this. You¡¯re holding up the line, and I¡¯ve already explained the situation to you both,¡± Adonis said, holding up his powerful arms and gigantic hands.

    Staring at Adonis, Gary couldn¡¯t help but feel completely overwhelmed and useless, as a human being in general, in front of this prime example of man, named Adonis.

    Even just Adonis¡¯ lips that he spoke from were prime to allure anyone attracted to the very idea of a man. They were thick and sturdy, but not too protruding, either.

    Gary couldn¡¯t help but note down in his mind every last thing about Adonis that made him feel like a complete, incomplete loser who would never live up to what Adonis physically portrayed, and would be inferior, single, and die crying in a lonely bed.

    ¡°Togekiss isn¡¯t sick from the food it ate. They get very unwell around negative energy, as you two are displaying right now, ha ha,¡± Adonis tried to get through.

    The couple kept arguing, their three kids watching with sadness, Togekiss on the counter looking exhausted and unwell.

    *

    ¡°Can I mix that Basculin with my Corphish? My tank is a hundred gallons,¡± a customer asked.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not recommended or safe,¡± Gary answered lazily, having heard this question in several variations by the same person, for the past thirty minutes.

    ¡°Okay. If I put a divider in the tank, will that work?¡± the man continued.

    ¡°No. Pokemon are very powerful. While we sell dividers, for things like this, it is not suggested,¡± Gary droned on, not caring how tired and careless his tone of voice was.

    ¡°Alright, I see. Do you think over time, they¡¯ll get along?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no guarantee of it, and it isn¡¯t recommended, sir.¡±

    ¡°What if I put Basculin in a separate tank? I have a ten gallon. I could leave it there next to the tank with Corphish until they get along, right?¡±

    ¡°Sir, I do not recommend that. That may stress out and kill them. Or at least one of them.¡±

    ¡°If I let them fight it out and separate them day by day, maybe they¡¯ll get used to each other.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t respond at all now, just staring at the man tiredly.

    *

    ¡°Gary can you take care of him, please?¡± Stephanie pointed at an extremely tall and sturdy White guy with blonde hair staring at fish with two kids in front of him. ¡°We call him Neo.¡± She added in a whisper, ¡°He¡¯s a really good tipper,¡± and then went to help someone with the rodent Pokemon.

    Gary walked up to the guy. ¡°Hello, sir. Can I help you with anything?¡± Gary gave his best smile.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure yet. Kids, you see anything?¡±

    Two blonde children, one a boy, the other a girl, looked back at the man. The boy pointed, the girl staying quiet.

    They all stared at the gigantic Relicanth tank.

    It was second in size only to the Tentacool tank. The Pokemon swam alone, looking just fine, but ugly. At least to Gary.

    ¡°You sure this is the one you want?¡± the man asked the children.

    The kids both nodded, pleading looks in their eyes.

    ¡°Bag that one up, then!¡± the man insisted.

    Gary¡¯s eyes bulged. ¡°No problem, sir, but, just so there¡¯s no confusion, the price of that fish Pokemon is going to come out to over a hundred thousand, especially after taxes...¡± Gary was sure the man didn¡¯t know any of this and would encourage the children to choose something far, far cheaper.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Bag that one up,¡± the man told Gary, looking right into his eyes.

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe his ears!

    *

    ¡°Thing is, kid, Republicans are assholes,¡± spoke a young man with a buzz cut hairstyle and a man bun. ¡°And Democrats are a bunch of pussies. Both parties mean nothing, really. It¡¯s just a bunch of loud voices, and the actual numbers don¡¯t mean a thing. Conservatives will give you the chair for stealing a candy bar when you were five if you¡¯re Black, and Democrats want ¡®justice¡¯ to everyone including rapists and confessed murderers who had turned to ¡®God¡¯ all of a sudden. You¡¯re too young to be worried about this stuff, though.¡±

    Gary just stared back at the man, not having expected any of this conversation. He was simply ringing the guy at the cash register and asked what pet he had at home, since he was buying some kind of cream to rub on a Pokemon to relieve mental stress commonly found in Psychic types.

    The guy had responded that he had a Slowpoke, and this led to talk about Senator Slowking, and things went wild from there.

    *

    Sierra burst into the back room in tears, Gary behind her cradling a Minccino in his arms that was struggling to breath, his eyes almost closed. She came back from the fridge with a bottle of red liquid and immediately grabbed a drinking bottle used for animal cages and poured a little into the bottle, filling the rest with water at the slop sink before running back over and putting the metal spout to Minccino¡¯s mouth.

    Some of the liquid got on Minncino¡¯s mouth, and he licked at it.

    Sierra kept nudging the spout, forcing Mincinno to drink.

    ¡°What is that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Feraligatrade. It helps with the electrolytes this one may be lacking. But...¡± Her voice trembled, tears rolling down her cheeks.

    It might be too late, Gary kept to himself.

    When starting to clean out the cage just a moment ago, Gary found Minccino breathing sharp, quick breaths and looking ill. After shouting for Sierra, she and Gary rushed Minccino to the back and Sierra did all she knew how to do.

    Minccino¡¯s eyes were now closed, and he wasn¡¯t licking at his lips anymore.

    ¡°No,¡± Gary whispered, swallowing. ¡°Here. Come on.¡± Using his pinky, he nudged the mouth open, and Sierra put the spout in.

    Gary tapped at a tiny metal ball that kept the liquid from flowing out of the spout, trying to urge a little more to come out quicker.

    Minccino¡¯s snout moved, his eyes opening weakly at Gary, shimmering wetly.

    Gary¡¯s eyes were watering at this. ¡°Please, Mincinno. Please! You can do it! You can make it! What happened to you? You were just fine yesterday!¡±

    Minccino kept the liquid in his mouth, not swallowing.

    Gary tilted his little body over, the liquid slipping out and into his fur.

    Sierra let out a startled sound.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, friend,¡± Gary whispered to the small creature.

    ¡°Is he-?¡± Sierra had one hand to her face, her other hand still holding the bottle.

    Gary shook his head. ¡°No. He¡¯s alive.¡± Gary carefully closed the Pokemon¡¯s eyes and walked over to an empty cage that had bedding in it. He placed Minccino inside and ruffled up some of the bedding to form a little pillow before making sure Minncino was resting on it comfortably.

    ¡°Oh, Gary,¡± Sierra whimpered. ¡°You¡¯re so gentle.¡±

    Gary stood up and smiled sadly at her. ¡°He deserves a nice rest in his final moments.¡± Sierra cried out emotionally and clung to Gary, the boy holding her back as tears rolled down his own cheeks.

    *

    Gary walked down the aisle, trying to find Sierra, or Stephanie. Adonis, even. He stared at the big fish tank with the two Tentacool in it as he was about to walk past it but stopped for a moment.

    And suddenly, a tentacle wrapped around his arm and Tentacool screamed, yanking him into the bottom tank!

    I didn¡¯t know we had a third one in the bottom tank! Gary panicked and grabbed the top of the lower tank. He looked down to his attacker, struggling to free his arm and not be taken under.

    Adonis was there, smiling in a crouched position, having pulled Gary¡¯s arm into the water! ¡°Hey Sugar Lumps.¡±

    ¡°Hoooooor!¡±

    ¡°HEEYY!!!¡± Gary let out furiously as one of the Horsea that were in the bottom tank put its head out of the water and squirted ink in his face.

    This made Adonis bust out laughing. ¡°My nigga I¡¯m so sorry!!¡± But the guy wouldn¡¯t stop laughing at what he had caused. ¡°Man, that¡¯s fucked up. I¡¯m sorry, bro. I ain¡¯t mean to do that. Don¡¯t worry, Sugar Lumps. I¡¯ll help you clean up. Just keep your eyes closed and I¡¯ll lead the way.¡±

    ¡°I told you not to call me that,¡± Gary grumbled, being led by the hand by him.

    ¡°I hear ya, Sugar,¡± Adonis continued.

    After getting cleaned up, which took a good couple of hours, Gary¡¯s shirt stained permanently, he glared at Adonis. ¡°Do you have a marker so I can make a sale sign?¡± Gary asked Adonis. ¡°That¡¯s all I wanted this entire time.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah. Why didn¡¯t you just ask from the beginning?¡± Before Gary could snap back, the man pulled out a marker and held it up. ¡°Jiiiiiiggalyyyypuuuuuuff.¡± He gave Gary the object.

    Once the joke sunk in, Gary actually laughed at the reference, forgetting his anger for a moment.

    *

    ¡°Can I ask you a question Titi?¡±

    Sighing, the old woman told the noisy children beside her to wait, keeping her eyes on Stephanie. ¡°But he help me with free food. He tell me food free,¡± the old Hispanic woman from Gary¡¯s first day on the job, complained, motioning at Gary.

    ¡°No I didn¡¯t, ma¡¯am,¡± Gary defended himself politely. Oh, what¡¯s the point? She barely knows English. Defending myself won¡¯t do any good. She doesn¡¯t even understand what the situation was, so she¡¯ll just keep complaining. At least, I hope she doesn¡¯t understand and isn¡¯t just trying to get her way...

    ¡°Titi I have a questiooooon!¡± the child urged again impatiently, her friends making noises and complaints.

    ¡°Wait, Sky!¡± the woman said sternly.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m sorry that this was explained improperly to you,¡± Stephanie started.

    Gary shut his eyes and breathed out quietly but angrily. Really??

    ¡°But it does say right on the envelope that sale bags don¡¯t count. You got one on sale, so I can¡¯t do it. And I can¡¯t reach the manager so there¡¯s really nothing I can do, okay?¡± Stephanie¡¯s tone was getting shorter and shorter, more impatient by the moment. But she was trying to keep it together.

    The lady sighed and gave a clearly fake smile, nodding. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Titi can I have this fish? It will die in a month but I wanna see it. Can I buy it and keep it alive?¡± One girl was shoving a bag with water and a feeder goldfish in it to the old woman.

    The woman took the bag and turned to the cashiers. ¡°This only live one month?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a feeder fish, not a real pet. There¡¯s no warranty or anything if it dies as soon as you get home, even. A month would be surprising. It¡¯s just to feed big fish.¡±

    ¡°Ooooooh. Okay.¡± She put the bag on the table and nodded. ¡°I buy. Why not? If it dies, can fry it. Free fish!¡± She laughed.

    Stephanie and Gary turned to each other with weak, confused smiles.

    *

    ¡°Uuuuuh, fish frakes,¡± an Asian lady spoke simply.

    ¡°Fish frakes, okay.¡± Gary turned, his back to the woman, and his eyes widened at the same time. Shit!! He grabbed a container of fish food and set it on the table. ¡°Fish flakes! Here you go!¡±

    After Gary rang her up, the line now gone, the Assistant Manager Adam busted out laughing. ¡°Now thaaaat¡¯s racist, hah hah hah hah hah haaah!¡±

    Gary laughed with him, Adonis also there laughing. ¡°I swear that wasn¡¯t on purpose,¡± Gary insisted.

    Adam¡¯s laugh abruptly got lower and more awkward, his eyes behind his small glasses going from Gary, to Adonis, and back to Gary before he went silent.

    The awkward Chinese guy appeared, walking to the front door to leave, giving Adam and Adonis, and lastly Gary, a short, uncomfortable glance with his wide eyes before walking out.

    ¡°Does he ever even buy anything?¡± Gary asked. ¡°He¡¯s so weird.¡±

    ¡°Naaah that guy doesn¡¯t buy anything from us. We don¡¯t sell cats.¡± Adam laughed lightly and creepily.

    Gary chuckled a little at the joke, his eyes shooting around nervously. Brave joke, Gary kept to himself.

    ¡°See, I¡¯m racist, too! We¡¯re all racist! Heh heh heh heh heh. Haaaaaaah,¡± he breathed out. ¡°Nah I¡¯m just joking. I love Asians. That¡¯s why I work in this country. Chinese. Korean. Japanese. I don¡¯t even care or know what the difference is, heh heh heh heh.¡±

    ¡°I gotta use the bathroom,¡± Gary lied and left to the back room. He could take a joke just fine, but he couldn¡¯t say that about everyone, and he didn¡¯t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when the wrong customer might appear and hear Adam and have a problem with what he was saying. Gary was just trying to finish his final few days and be free, and he wasn¡¯t going to risk that by getting in any kind of trouble, especially not over bad jokes. Besides that, Adam was just plain weird. Even his laughing is so... dead, Gary told himself. What a weirdo.

    *

    Gary stared at the pouring rain from behind the cash register. This is the longest day ever, Gary thought. Maybe I¡¯m just getting too used to the job, or working with this idiot is dragging things.

    ¡°At least it¡¯s not bad out,¡± Adam stated, standing at the front doors. ¡°At least it¡¯s not bad out. Boom! Ha ha. Like, suddenly a flash flood. At least it''s not bad out. Plaooosh! Ha ha ha.¡±

    Not laughing back, Gary just stared at Adam tiredly. Is this really worth avoiding jail time? Gary considered, jokingly, but not finding anything about what he was thinking funny.

    *

    ¡°So the only reason you¡¯re here is because of me? Sort of?¡± Ish questioned, exploding into laughter.

    Mew laughed alongside him, though in a far more reasonable volume. ¡°That is pretty funny.¡±

    Sierra was beside Gary, smiling quietly while looking at him.

    ¡°Well, apparently so!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe his ears. His shift was over and he was walking back to the Pokemon Center, about a half-hour distance.

    Ish and Mew dropped by the store and, knowing that Gary was leaving, Ish decided to escort him back.

    Sierra was more than happy to join, as well, Adonis staying to work a double shift.

    After Gary detailed his adventures before arriving in Hearthome, Ish revealed that he had been in the same area almost two weeks ago and found an Egg that he put in a capsule. Then he met the mother, a Tyranitar, who became enraged and in the attack, destroyed the capsule using Earthquake. During the battle and successful capture of Tyranitar, Larvitar hatched and ran away in fright, injuring itself on the glass shards of the capsule, and in the chaos and destroyed route from Tyranitar¡¯s Earthquake, Ish lost the baby, informing police and rangers later. ¡°So you should just give me the Larvitar, since I have the mom,¡± Ish shrugged, pulling out his phone.

    Gary laughed. ¡°Yeah. Sure. Ha ha ha!¡±

    Sierra and Mew also laughed. ¡°Sneaky, Ish,¡± Mew added.

    Ish just shrugged again. ¡°Okay.¡± He typed away on his phone.

    Gary was startled, staring at Ish curiously. Wait, was he serious?

    ¡°Yo, my nigga, I know you live under a rock but check this shit out.¡± Ish handed Gary his phone. ¡°Just press play.¡±

    Gary did, and he then watched a video of a short, dark creature fighting a grown man. The creature was likely some kind of Pokemon, and the tall man with bulging muscles was showing little difficulty against the tiny opponent who was also holding its own, their attacks matching perfectly.

    Around them, a crowd was cheering them on.

    ¡°Nah! Come on, man!¡± Gary let out angrily at Ish, holding the phone back out to him. ¡°I can¡¯t watch stuff like this with people beating up Pokemon.¡±

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that! Truuust me my nigga, watch,¡± Ish insisted, pushing the phone back to Gary.

    Gary sighed angrily and watched as the little creature matched every movement the man had, blow for blow, as if it had been rehearsed. But after a while, the man¡¯s attacks were not only being matched, but entirely reflected, and some hits were even going through the little Pokemon! Eventually, the guy fell over as the thing continued pummeling him!

    The crowd started yelling out and got closer to break it up, but beams of white light came from the Poke Balls on their waists, their Pokemon being released, and the Pokemon grabbed their own Trainers and started beating them to the ground, too!

    The video stopped.

    Gary turned to Ish with a face full of shock, completely stunned. ¡°What-?¡±

    ¡°That little Pokemon was a Marshadow. It¡¯s a Mythical Pokemon that can hide in your shadow and learn anything about you and mimic your fighting style, only stronger.¡±

    Gary gasped. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of that!¡±

    ¡°And, it can control any Pokemon to do what it wants them to, so that¡¯s why all the Pokemon came out and fucked up their Trainers. And if you noticed, their eyes were glowing blue. It was an ongoing case throughout Kanto, but some nigga came around. Some kid, too. Probably your age. He actually defeated Marshadow but let it go rather than catching it. Fucking idiot.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯d he let it go?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s light skinned. Something against catching Legends and Mythicals because they belong to nature or some shit like that. He saved the day there, but what a bitch.¡±

    Light skinned? Gary thought.

    ¡°I definitely woulda captured it and raised it so it could be tamed and not be doing bad things like that.¡±

    ¡°Why was it doing that stuff?¡±

    ¡°The story goes that it was looking to get even stronger and stronger, by any means. Even at the risk of harming others. But who knows who it could have killed? There¡¯s people seriously hospitalized right now over that thing, Pokemon and humans. It¡¯s crazy how some child came from out of nowhere and was able to stop it, rather than an experienced adult.¡±

    ¡°Whoa. So he beat it, and they just let it go?¡±

    Ish nodded. ¡°Not much they can do. Better to hope it doesn¡¯t do it again than to keep a Pokemon that lives in the shadows, in jail, or wherever they¡¯d put it. Don¡¯t wanna make that thing mad. Though, if it does it again, it could really get ugly for it, or those trying to get it. It¡¯s crazy, bro.¡±

    Gary just nodded. ¡°Good thing that kid came through. I wonder how he stopped it. He must be strong.¡±

    ¡°Kids are doing big things, man. Just like the adults. With Pokemon, anything is possible. They even had that one incident with Team Solace. They were out there-¡±

    ¡°Team Solace??¡± Gary let out.

    ¡°-using a Drampa they manipulated to attack a children¡¯s hospital,¡± Ish continued without stopping. ¡°It had to be put down, but not before a lot of staff was killed, and even a child in the mayhem, which only got Drampa madder, and it went crazy in there. This why it¡¯s hard to support them. They started the attack, but they make an example of the threats of Pokemon.¡±

    Everyone went quiet, staring at the ground. Even Ish.

    So Ish still feels that way, Gary understood. Despite the good works he does, and how much he cares for Pokemon, he can still find Pokemon a threat, and justify Team Solace¡¯s actions. To a degree. He snuck a glance over at Mew.

    She was rubbing her arm, not looking up, awkwardness on her face.

    ¡°But what I¡¯m most worried about is that monster thing that¡¯s ruining the Sinnoh League,¡± Ish added.

    ¡°Ruining the Sinnoh League? What do you mean?¡± Gary asked him.

    Ish looked at Gary with a stern face, as if the kid had asked something incredibly stupid. ¡°My nigga, first off, you need to start picking up a newspaper or something. That monster Pokemon thing is going to stop the League challenge soon if it¡¯s not stopped!¡±

    ¡°What is sh- it doing?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°Gyms are being destroyed out here by her, and Gym Leaders are starting to quit! It¡¯s getting really bad.¡±

    This rang a bell in Gary¡¯s head. Did OrangeIChamp tell me about this? Is it really still happening? ¡°Isn¡¯t anyone doing something about it?¡±

    ¡°They can¡¯t. She¡¯s too powerful.¡±

    Gary clenched his teeth tight. It¡¯s bad enough that Pokemon, humans, guns, or anything else do little to stop this thing, and now she¡¯s ruining my chances of getting Badges?

    ¡°Tomorrow is Christmas. It¡¯s a half-day. We still hangin¡¯ after work for the Poke Tour Meteor Shower?¡±

    ¡°Yes, please!¡± Mew agreed first.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Sierra smiled slightly, and then looked back down.

    ¡°The Poke Tour Meteor Shower... I heard of that. We¡¯ll be able to see it?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°Yeah, man, and you and Sea can finally have a date finally.¡±

    Both Sierra and Gary exploded in unintelligible shock, horror, and just raw noise.

    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t pull all that,¡± Ish said as Mew laughed. ¡°Everyone knows how you both feel. Why do you think Marcy called you in for some extra mornings?¡±

    Sierra¡¯s face was a fiery red, burning with embarrassment and rage. ¡°That¡¯s why I was called in today?!!¡±

    Ish now exploded with laughter.

    ¡°You both do make a cute couple,¡± Mew said to them gently.

    Sierra and Gary couldn¡¯t help but smile, but at the same time, they held out their hands against Mew and Ish, shaking their heads in denial.

    *

    Things became immensely awkward for the rest of that day as Sierra and Gary were both officially a couple since the title was forced upon them, although the two were far from unhappy about it. No matter what a customer wanted, or what job had to be fulfilled, the two couldn¡¯t stop giggling and blushing if they had to pass each other.

    ¡°Do you sell dog Pokemon flea medicine?¡± a lady had asked, coincidentally catching Gary and Sierra at the same time.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Sierra and Gary spoke in unison. They then stared shyly at each other and looked away, smirking.

    ¡°Uuuuuugh,¡± Tiny groaned, walking away from the register.

    ¡°Oh, get a damn room, you two,¡± Ish complained, and stomped behind the register, grabbing up something. ¡°No, really. Go away. Go make out in the back or something.¡±

    ¡°ISH!¡± Sierra shouted in shock.

    ¡°We carry ZoGarde here,¡± Ish told the waiting customer, holding up the product.

    Gary and Sierra left from behind the register, embarrassed. They started pretending to check the aisle and the products in them for dust and expiration.

    *

    ¡°How much will you give me for this Kabuto and Carvanha?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to speak to the manager, but he¡¯s off today,¡± Gary told the short guy, his wide eyes on the angry-looking Pokemon who was swiping at them with its claws, and the other one that was snapping at them with sharp jaws, both of them sitting in a big cardboard box.

    ¡°Listen, man. I need a break. I¡¯m not cut out for this life. Just take it, okay? It¡¯s a Fossil and a crazy Pokemon. They¡¯re free. If you won¡¯t buy ¡®em, just take it. I can¡¯t handle this shit anymore!¡± And with that said, the man walked away!

    ¡°Wait! Wait!!¡± Gary moved after the man, but he ran, leaving the store. Gary left a moment after him and looked around, but the fat guy was nowhere in sight. He did see a car driving off loudly, but he couldn¡¯t tell who was inside. With a sigh, he went back inside to hear screaming. Gary ran and soon after stopped beside Adam, seeing a woman cornered by a Kabuto that was swiping at her.

    ¡°HELP MEEEEEEEEE!!!¡± the large woman begged of the guys.

    *

    ¡°Have a wonderful day!¡± Gary gushed after the very tall woman he knew he never stood a chance of being with.

    She left the store, the woman of Gary¡¯s hidden desires.

    ¡°Really? Her?¡± Ish questioned. ¡°I can¡¯t stand tall chicks. That¡¯s like kissing a nigga to me.¡±

    ¡°I love taller girls,¡± Gary swooned. ¡°I liked her since I first saw her, I think my second day.¡±

    ¡°Gaaaarryyyy,¡± Tiny started. ¡°You have Sea, now,¡± she then whispered.

    ¡°I know!¡± Gary burst out. Sea. The sea. Gary started trying to remember something. What is it? He inhaled deeply as he was hit with the memory of falling into the sea after crazily leaping out of Team Solace¡¯s helicopter to attack the monster that was flying by. No... That¡¯s not it, Gary knew, on to something now. It¡¯s... But Gary didn¡¯t have time to dwell on this further. ¡°Huh?¡± He froze, his eyes widening. After first swallowing, he smiled. ¡°Sierra!¡±

    ¡°HMPH!¡± The furious-looking girl had her arms crossed and turned, storming to the back of the store.

    ¡°Toooold yaaa!¡± Tiny smirked at him with expectant eyes.

    ¡°Sierra, wait! You don¡¯t understand! I wasn¡¯t even-!¡± He just stopped talking and ran after her. ¡°Hey! Come on! I¡¯m sorry, Sierra! You know I wouldn¡¯t-!¡± He caught up to her and grabbed her shoulder gently.

    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m ugly! You shouldn¡¯t have agreed to be with me then!¡± Sierra cried. She broke free of his grasp and ran into the back room.

    Gary ignored the customers in the store and went after her. ¡°Sierra! Please! Don¡¯t say such stupid things about yourself! I love-!¡± With a sharp, sudden intake of breath, he stopped talking. Gary, don¡¯t do that! he warned himself. But- ¡°Sierra, you¡¯re beautiful!¡±

    Sierra was sitting on a huge bag of bedding, rubbing her arms as tears streamed down her cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m fat, ugly, and I know it. You don¡¯t have to be nice to me just because you feel bad for me. I feel bad enough for myself.¡±

    Gary knelt down beside her. ¡°Sierra.¡± He stopped talking, noticing her rubbing her arms, sniffling, crying, and trembling. Gary put his arms around her shoulders and held her close. Whoa, Gary. Easy. You don¡¯t have a real clue of what you¡¯re doing. Don¡¯t try being too cool or something like on the TV shows and movies. But- Gary inhaled strongly and made a risky decision. ¡°Sierra, I don¡¯t want to scare you away - but I think I love you to be honest.¡± He couldn¡¯t breathe or swallow, his heart punching at his chest aggressively.

    Sierra gasped and closed her eyes, gripping her arms.

    No going back now, Gary, he knew. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about how that looked earlier but I love you. You.¡± His hands slipped lower around her arms to pull her in closer.

    Sierra gasped and resisted him, realizing what Gary was doing.

    Gary let her pull away from him, but he kept his eyes on her delicate face. ¡°Where are these from, Sierra?¡±

    Sierra swallowed, digging her fingers hard into the scars on her arms. ¡°It¡¯s... Sometimes, I punish myself for stuff. If I upset Momma, or if I just feel like I did something stupid, I take-¡±

    Gary grabbed her shoulders, making Sierra jump and pull back, but after taking in some air for courage, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead and then rested his forehead where he kissed her.

    Sierra had gasped again.

    ¡°Promise me you won¡¯t do it ever again from now on,¡± he told her gently. ¡°And if you do, at least tell me. We can talk through it, but you can¡¯t do that to yourself. Not anymore. Do you trust me?¡±

    They pulled back from each other and looked lovingly into each other¡¯s eyes, the boy still holding the young girl.

    ¡°Like no one else I¡¯ve ever known,¡± Sierra admitted as slow tears came out of her eyes before she looked away.

    ¡°Please look at me, Sierra,¡± Gary insisted.

    ¡°Wh-wh-why?¡± Sierra stuttered.

    ¡°Because your eyes are so beautiful. I¡¯ve never seen anything like them.¡± Gary¡¯s chest must have been made of steel considering his heart wasn¡¯t out of his chest with how hard it was attacking it. He wanted to do something real suave and manly, like grab her chin and softly make her stare at him, but there was no way he¡¯d ever do that. Way too far, Gary! he warned himself. ¡°They¡¯re more beautiful every time I see them. Perpetually.¡±

    This made Sierra look up at him, her mouth agape.

    Yes! You¡¯re doing great, Gary! Even he was impressed with himself. Keep going, man! ¡°I love you, Sierra,¡± he managed out.

    ¡°I love you, too.¡± Her head fell into his chest, crying hard, her hands to her chest, and Gary just held onto her back.

    *

    ¡°I HATE YOU!!¡±

    Gary smiled with embarrassment.

    ¡°And I¡¯m also so sorry for hitting on you!¡± Rael bowed in front of Sierra. ¡°I had no idea.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s exactly why it¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Gary insisted with an awkward smile. ¡°Really.¡±

    ¡°You just get everything, don¡¯t you!¡± Rael frowned at him. ¡°Badges, Pokemon, and now a hot girlfriend?! I don¡¯t need anything from here! I¡¯m leaving!¡± At that, he left his Pokemon food supplies and other items on the register and went for the door. ¡°It costs more here, anyway!!¡± he added. And with that, he was out of the building.

    Gary and Sierra stared at each other with shocked smiles.

    *

    ¡°So this is your girl, Gary??¡± Robin asked Gary.

    Gary rubbed the back of his head, but he couldn¡¯t find the words to speak.

    ¡°You dog,¡± Robin nudged Gary in the ribs before turning to Sierra behind the register. ¡°This is my man right here. True blue!¡± He nudged his thumb at Gary. ¡°Quality! And class!¡± After paying for his stuff, he winked at Gary and leaned towards him. ¡°You¡¯re in!¡± he whispered so loudly, only an idiot would have missed it! He then laughed the entire way out of the store.

    Sierra had a raised eyebrow at Gary, smirking.

    ¡°Uuuuuh, I don¡¯t know that guy...?¡± Gary joked.

    *

    ¡°I need five live mices,¡± a customer asked casually.

    ¡°Right. Five mice...¡± Gary said clearly, rolling his eyes in front of him before going to the back room, hoping he would embarrass this guy for his choice of words.

    *

    Later that night, back in his room at the Pokemon Center, despite his wrists hurting him, Gary was working out. He was dwelling back on his thoughts he had at the store about the word ¡°sea.¡± He had been on to something before the interruption with Sierra, and he was now trying desperately to bring that train of thought back. But it wasn¡¯t working. After standing up from his push-ups and rotating his arms, he jogged around his small room, lifting his knees high, breathing hard.

    ¡°Be careful with...¡± Cas had her head turned and eyes closed. ¡°Sea.¡±

    Gary stopped and tripped, falling to his hands and knees. ¡°Wait a minute... Sea...¡±

    Gary had inhaled as deeply as he could before, ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!¡±

    Several shouts and cries and gasps came out from the inside of Team Solace¡¯s helicopter as Gary leaped out of it with a tremendous, enraged, roar!!

    Screaming the entire time, Gary reached her and grabbed her by the face, digging his nails in! Her skin is so clumsy, like filthy dirt! he thought. He pulled back a fist and slugged her in the face. He punched her again. And Again. Pulled back and forced his fist into her face as hard as he could!

    The creature didn¡¯t respond much at all to any of this and wrapped one claw around his neck.

    His breath was taken away immediately. Ffffuck... Gary grunted. Shit! No!

    SSSSPPPPPPPLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

    The sea... Gary thought, breathing hard. Cas said she was psychic... She knows things. Cas was warning me about my encounter with that monster, in a helicopter, over the sea?! Gary sat in silence, catching his breath. Then, he narrowed his eyebrows. Well, a lot of good that did! That didn¡¯t help me at all! I could have died! What kind of a warning was that?

    But... why did I jump to begin with? Is there more to this? Something else she was trying to-? He inhaled big and stood up. Keeping a determined face, he decided not to think on it anymore, getting more impatient and angry, and he clasped his hands in front of him and began doing squats.

    *

    Day Six:

    ¡°Maybe your dreams are somehow really telling you where June is,¡± Ish offered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really believe in that kind of stuff,¡± Gary mumbled.

    ¡°I do.¡±

    You believe in a lot, Gary kept to himself.

    ¡°I think maybe it¡¯s a sign, from God, to direct you. You said they were somewhere underground, right? Like a cave? I¡¯m thinking that if the monster really is in the Sinnoh Underground as they¡¯re theorizing, that¡¯s probably what you¡¯ve been seeing, and she¡¯s torturing her there. Maybe she¡¯s even experimenting on her.¡±

    Gary looked up at him. Like an alien, he thought. Because she¡¯s... Because she really is one!

    ¡°Look on the bright side: if you¡¯re really getting messages from God about June, that means she¡¯s still alive, right? You haven¡¯t seen her die, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen... a lot, Ish...¡± Gary said lowly, looking down at the floor.

    ¡°Well, the bad news is, the Underground has been closed and plans to demolish it are being set up. It¡¯s gonna be blown up and covered and there won¡¯t be anything living in there.¡±

    ¡°Those have been the talks for a while. They¡¯re finally-?¡± Gary stopped talking, his eyes still on Ish.

    Together, they both turned.

    The odd Chinese man was there, walking by the aisle. He stopped, seeing them, and then looked away, heading to the front of the store to leave, his eyes as wide and weird as ever.

    ¡°That guy again. He-¡± Gary turned, feeling a stare at the back of his neck.

    A man stood a distance from Gary with his head already lowered.

    Gary had the feeling this guy hadn¡¯t been in that position the entire time. He lowered his head before I turned, he thought.

    The man wore a brown fedora and a matching suit with a light-gray tie. Around his suit was a brown trench coat. His black hair went down to his neck. Most of his face was hidden behind the tilted fedora.

    ¡°Do you need any help, sir?¡± Gary called to him suspiciously.

    The man smiled and shook his head softly. ¡°Oh, no. Not today. Thank you, kind boy.¡± He spoke in a gentle, but strong voice. Not deep, far from delicate, fully confident. He walked past the two and left the store.

    ¡°Another weirdo?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°Probably a thief. He probably had something or was going to take something,¡± Ish replied.

    *

    Walking through the open field, Gary and Sierra were holding hands. She had asked if she had been hurting him several times, but Gary insisted his wrists were just fine by now, even though they weren¡¯t. They were getting better, though. Either way, he wouldn¡¯t have passed up this chance to be holding his girlfriend¡¯s hand if it meant saving the entire world!

    Ish and Mew were doing the same, Sudowoodo close to Mew, and Elekid strolling behind them listening to music through his Unown headphones, holding Ish¡¯s Pineapple phone.

    Adonis was with a very short White girl, and Tiny had her five-year-old named Tyler, Gastly also floating by them.

    Around them all were a number of people sitting in the grass, but it wasn¡¯t crowded. Above everyone, meteors were occasionally flying about through the night sky like a bunch of little miracles.

    Sierra¡¯s hand tightened around Gary¡¯s. ¡°This only happens once every two hundred years,¡± Sierra said just above a whisper. ¡°We¡¯re so lucky.¡± The two faced each other, Sierra¡¯s eyes watering. ¡°And to think, it happened on Christmas this year, and when we met.¡±

    ¡°It is beautiful,¡± Gary spoke back carefully.

    ¡°Perpetually so.¡± Sierra¡¯s eyes twinkled.

    Gary felt like he was staring into a bright, beautiful light coming from her eyes, and he felt inspired by them. Don¡¯t do it, Gary. Don¡¯t! he begged in his spinning, heated head. ¡°I think the only gift I could have ever asked for was to have found you, Sierra.¡±

    Sierra¡¯s eyes twinkled with delight at his words, and she blinked out a pair of tears. ¡°Oh,¡± she sniffled, and wiped at her eyes and cheeks.

    There was a lurching sound, and Gary and Sierra turned to see Adonis pretending to puke.

    ¡°That was lame as fuck, nigga,¡± Ish added, dissapointment in his voice while shaking his head.

    Mew giggled, the girl with Adonis rolling her eyes with a small smile.

    ¡°Fuck you,¡± Gary frowned playfully.

    This made Tiny laugh and point at Gary. ¡°We finally got him to cuuuurse!¡±

    Everyone was laughing now.

    ¡°That happens to be one of my favorite attacks,¡± Gastly chimed in.

    It took a while for everyone to get it, but slowly, person by person, the laughter filled the area.

    ¡°Oh, Gastly,¡± Tiny rolled her eyes.

    ¡°That was good,¡± Ish said.

    Finally near the top of a hill, everyone sat down, staring up at the sky.

    Gary¡¯s head kept spinning.

    ¡°Yo, Gary got the tip from Neo, right? So we eatin¡¯ on his dollar, right?¡± Ish called out.

    ¡°Ooooooh! Gary got the Neo tip? What fish did he buy?¡± Adonis asked.

    ¡°RELICANTH!¡± Ish let out.

    ¡°NO WAY!! Naaaah, nigga you gotta hook it up with a burger and fries at least. Come on, spread the wealth.¡±

    ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Gary smiled a little. He really didn¡¯t want to give up the big tip Neo gave him, but he didn¡¯t wanna seem cheap. I guess this is how it works here, Gary settled. ¡°Oh, fine,¡± he gave in amongst the protest from everyone but Sierra, who was laughing in the middle of everything. He rolled his eyes with a slanted mouth. ¡°Whoa...¡± His head kept spinning, surrounded in a very warm cloud, and he wavered in place.

    ¡°You good, son?¡± Ish said to him.

    Gary fell, landing sitting on his knees. ¡°I dunno...¡± Gary moaned.

    ¡°That drink you gave him fucked him up, ha ha ha!¡± Adonis laughed.

    ¡°Gary! Are you okay?¡± Sierra knelt down and held his hand. ¡°What did you guys do?? This is why I don¡¯t drink! Now he¡¯s drunk! Getting him back to the Pokemon Center late will be bad enough at this hour, but drunk?! Damn it!¡±

    ¡°Hey will you just shut up?!!¡± Gary barked at her, snatching his hand away. ¡°I¡¯m FIIIINE!!¡±

    This got everyone quiet.

    Even other people who were in the area watching the show in the sky seemed to get more silent and turn to the group.

    ¡°Oooookay, time for some water. Let¡¯s head out and sober up Gary.¡± Adonis stood.

    ¡°No! I¡¯m fine!!¡± Gary insisted, embarrassed now. He turned to Sierra. ¡°Just calm down! It¡¯s all fine! Don¡¯t get so worked up!!¡± he said to her loudly, not quite shouting, but far louder than was needed.

    Tears formed in Sierra¡¯s eyes. She uttered a strange breath. ¡°I just... I hate being around drunk people. Don¡¯t drink again, ever. Okay? Bad things always happen when people start drinking. It¡¯s why...¡± She looked down and rubbed her arms, and Gary immediately knew what she was doing.

    He stared at her self-inflicted wounds and then glared at his girlfriend. ¡°Sierra, you can¡¯t make me promise that! You chose to do that to yourself! And you promised to never do it again!¡± Gary¡¯s temper was flaring, and a small voice in the far, far regions of his mind didn¡¯t know why and was begging him to calm down. But he believed his attitude was justified. ¡°You can¡¯t hold your stupid choices against me for what I choose to do with my life!¡±

    With pained disbelief on her face, tears rapidly slid down Sierra¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Are you stupid or something?!¡± Gary ranted on.

    ¡°Gary! Stop!¡± Adonis approached Gary.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna really try to manipulate me?¡± Gary snapped at Sierra. ¡°Do you know who I am?! Who you are?? You promised me! You don¡¯t get to change the rule-!¡± Gary¡¯s mouth was clapped over by a huge hand.

    ¡°I said stop it right now, Gary!¡± Adonis demanded, speaking right into Gary¡¯s ear.

    Gary struggled with all of his might. Now, he was pissed. He believed he was in the right. He knew he was! And he had a point to make. He was convinced everyone was just making things worse by assuming he was only behaving this way because he was drunk! ¡°I¡¯m not drunk!! I¡¯m not overreacting!! JUST LET ME SPEAK!! GIVE ME A CHANCE!!¡± His words were muffled by Adonis¡¯ giant hand and he was held still, no match for Adonis.

    ¡°Stop it!! Are you fucking kidding me, Gary?? Don¡¯t move! Just stop!!¡±

    Ish was running up to Gary, Mew staying behind with Sudowoodo and Elekid.

    Elekid had removed his headphones, paying attention to what was going on now.

    Tiny was focusing on her child, distracting him from the situation and walking down the hill, away from the drama.

    Gastly stayed behind to watch, disbelief on his face for Gary.

    Sierra got to her feet, tears streaming nonstop down her face. Shaking her head, she stumbled away backwards. ¡°We¡¯re done, Gary!¡± she cried. ¡°I never want to see you again!¡±

    Gary let out a pained gasp as his heart exploded on the spot.

    Sierra looked to Adonis and then Ish. ¡°Normally, I¡¯d give better notice, but I can¡¯t come in tomorrow. In fact, I¡¯m sorry, but I quit!¡± Just as easily as she said those words, she turned and took off, sobbing heavily.

    ¡°SIERRAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!¡± Gary raged in desperation, giving his all just to free his mouth.

    ¡°No, Gary. You caused this,¡± Adonis told him, keeping his hold. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to be able to fix it like this. You fucked up.¡±

    ¡°WHOA!¡± Gary was actually released, and he fell to his face painfully.

    ¡°You caused that drastic reaction out of her. How dare you ridicule her for her scars like that. She trusted you.¡±

    Gary was still on the ground. He didn¡¯t want to look back at Adonis. The guy¡¯s voice was scary enough. He didn¡¯t need to see the matching rage on his face. Regret was filling his drunken mind and taking over his body, replacing his previous rage, and his eyes were filling with tears.

    ¡°There was no excuse to say that about her. Why would you say something so disgusting, knowing she¡¯s attempted suicide?!¡±

    Gary finally looked back at Adonis and Ish, tears rolling out of his eyes.

    ¡°Damn, nigga,¡± was all Ish would say, unable to even look his friend in the face. He walked away towards Mew.

    ¡°I must say, this is quite unbecoming of you, Gary,¡± Gastly was heard, looking down at the boy before looking away.

    Not wanting to see how the girls were looking at him, Gary closed his eyes. After a moment, he got to his feet and then took off after Sierra. ¡°SIERRAAAAAAAAAA!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIT!!!¡± He tore through the grass, past several people, a few of them even cheering and shouting out to him. But Gary knew that she was gone, not a sign of her either visually or audibly. He ended up slowing down, but not before his shoulder crashed into a tree painfully. He cried out, and just plain giving up on life, collapsed and stayed down in a heap.

    What the fuck have I done?? Sierra...

    Sierraaaaa!!

    Gary slowly felt himself suffocating.

    Withering.

    Dying.

 Perpetual Madness

    Day Seven:

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why women have to tear each other down,¡± Ish said, shaking his head.

    An incredible female body had just left wearing a dark romper, her back end shaped like a pair of giant fruit and moving like nobody¡¯s business. She had been in line buying dog food and while waiting, several women behind her were glaring for any number of reasons.

    Every guy in the store, working there or not, couldn¡¯t take their eyes off, and Tiny ended up rolling her eyes when she got a glimpse at the scene and went back to working on the planogram.

    ¡°Like, men don¡¯t act like that around each other,¡± Ish went on.

    ¡°Mm. Yeah,¡± Gary mumbled quickly, nodding slightly while doing price changes in the fish accessories aisle.

    ¡°If I see a guy who¡¯s like, muscular or something, I just wanna work out more. But I don¡¯t hate on him or anything. And I definitely don¡¯t hate on myself.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t say anything, continuing his work.

    ¡°Women just cause their own problems and then blame men. Being single is the wave. Get a girl and don¡¯t be so committed. Look at me. Me and Mew was about to get married. Now look at me; single again. It¡¯s all good, though. Watch. This is only gonna make me stronger. Hard On Thots is back, baby!!¡±

    Gary smiled slightly, struggling to see properly behind tears.

    ¡°Whooooooooa!!¡± Lou was heard laughing. ¡°Aaaaah, ya son of a bitch! You¡¯ll never get me!!¡±

    While Adam was ringing up customers, even he turned, along with the line of people, along with Ish and Gary, to see what was going on.

    Gary just shook his head.

    Lou was trying to feed Gary¡¯s Carvanha, the net full of feeders inside the tank, but the old man was looking like he was losing the fight and would also be inside at any second!

    Gary finally moved towards him, and not a moment too soon, as Lou was tugged in over the top!

    *

    ¡°Hey, Angie! How are yous two?¡±

    A young lady stood at the register with green hair stopping right at her shoulders. Her eyes were almost glowing in amber. She wore a blue apron in front of her outfit.

    Beside her was a taller man, clearly older. His hair was purple, ending at his shoulders. His beige apron covered his clothing.

    ¡°Hey, Psychic Tiny! How¡¯ve you been?¡± the lady named Angie asked in a gravelly voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine! How¡¯s the Day Care holding up?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re still trying to get back to a sense of normalcy, but we¡¯ve become the backbone of Solaceon Town with all we had to go through thanks to Team Solace and the collapse of Mt. Coronet,¡± Angie sighed with a weary smile.

    ¡°Us and the Pokemon Center,¡± the man jumped in. ¡°The welfare of Pokemon always came first, but we¡¯ve really needed to pull together more than ever since the Mt. Coronet attack.¡±

    The two smiled warmly at each other, the guy wrapping an arm around Angie.

    ¡°Oh, yous two are so cute!¡± Tiny gushed.

    They both went red in the face.

    Angie then turned to Gary. ¡°So, who¡¯s the new guy?¡± She walked up to Gary and placed her hands on her hips. ¡°My name is Angie. I run the Pokemon Day Care in Solaceon Town, with my husband, Reggie.¡±

    The man walked up and he extended his hand. ¡°And that¡¯d be me, Reggie! I¡¯m a Pokemon Breeder!¡±

    Gary shook his hand. ¡°I¡¯m Gary. Nice to meet you,¡± Gary forced out. He wasn¡¯t in the mood to be talking to people.

    ¡°This is his last day, actually,¡± Tiny threw out there.

    ¡°Whoa! Really? But we just met!¡± Angie was shocked.

    ¡°Yeah... I¡¯ll tell ya about it later,¡± Tiny smiled awkwardly.

    Gary smirked and looked down, ignoring them.

    Once Angie and Reggie got their several humongous bags of various kinds of Pokemon food and had left, Gary kept his eyes on them loading their truck before pulling off. He walked up to the counter and rested his side and arm against it.

    ¡°You okay, Gary?¡± Tiny asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gary nodded. He went over his thoughts for a few seconds before finally getting it right. ¡°How old is that girl?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not really sure.¡±

    ¡°She looks so young. Like, almost a kid! But that guy is definitely way older. I woulda thought they were siblings, how close they are. But that¡¯s her husband?¡±

    ¡°Well, she must be older than a child, then, ha ha!¡± Tiny laughed.

    *

    ¡°Someone must have dropped it,¡± Ish said, holding up a badge of some kind. ¡°It looks like a face. Like the head of a White nigga.¡±

    It was a golden object. The top was a bunch of yellow, the sides streaming down more yellow, even to the back of the object. It was like a pile of messy hair atop a golden head that had no face.

    What an ugly... ¡°Hey!¡± Something rang familiar to Gary, and he slapped at his sides. ¡°Oh, damn it. I don¡¯t have it on me. I know I have that same item! My friend gave it to me.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Gary recalled one of the several times he was in Jubilife City when Robin had tossed him an object he had found. He was sure it was the same item Ish now had. ¡°We didn¡¯t know what it was. It means nothing.¡±

    ¡°Then here.¡± Ish tossed it, and Gary caught it merely out of reflex, not actually wanting it.

    ¡°Why?¡± Gary considered just dropping it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you do with it. I just don¡¯t want it.¡± Ish shrugged and walked away.

    Gary frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t want this garbage.¡± He let it fall, not even watching it land.

    *

    ¡°He was here just a second ago, getting all mad and raging about you getting rid of the thing,¡± Adam spoke about the manager, Marcy. He chuckled a little.

    Before Adam and Gary was the Kabuto Gary was meant to take with him after he left today. It had once again gotten free of the tank and was looking anxious and ready to strike at a customer, but also aware of the two workers behind it. But due to the biological structure of the Pokemon, it was hard for it to look back and forth between the workers behind it, and the customer at the front.

    ¡°YO GET THIS THING ALREADY!! DON¡¯T YOU GUYS USE POKEMON?? THEY¡¯RE ALL OVER THE STORE!!¡± the buff man barked, cornered by Kabuto.

    ¡°These Pokemon aren¡¯t for battle, sir,¡± Gary explained.

    ¡°I DON¡¯T GIVE SHIT!! GET ME OUTTA HERE!!¡±

    ¡°It boogied,¡± Lou chimed in. ¡°You see that? You see it?¡±

    Gary growled lowly, annoyed by Lou.

    ¡°Oh my gosh is that alive??¡±

    Gary squinted at the woman who asked such a stupid question before looking back to the scene.

    Adam was holding a huge net in his hands by the plastic handle. Swiftly, he swung it over Kabuto and pulled it back, giving the man time to run away.

    ¡°MAN FUCK THIS PLACE!! I¡¯M GOING TO POKESMART!!¡± He left the building.

    Moments later, Kabuto back in its tank, Gary and Adam exhausted after struggling with it, Adam looked to Gary. ¡°You¡¯ve gotta get rid of that thing, ha ha ha.¡± His laughter was soft, yet creepy.

    It disturbed Gary. He just nodded and muttered, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    *

    ¡°Yeah. So, my Growlithe already got his shot. But do I need to bring a muzzle there for the next shot or do they already have them there?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d say to bring it if you think he needs it, even just as a precaution,¡± Gary said with a kind, patient smile.

    ¡°But he doesn¡¯t bite,¡± the lady insisted.

    Gary¡¯s face fell against his will. Then why are you asking me if you¡¯ve made up your mind about this?! Gary fumed silently.

    *

    ¡°My Kirlia doesn¡¯t look as good as my neighbor¡¯s and I need to know why that is,¡± a tall man with a pompous face and matching attitude demanded.

    It doesn¡¯t even look as nice as my Kirlia, Gary kept to himself from a distance, watching Lou handle the customer.

    This Kirlia looked like any other for the most part, but seemed to lack in color, vibrance, and energy. Even its hair looked a strange bit of a mess, like it needed straightening or something.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s commonly said a Kirlia won¡¯t truly shine in all of its potential beauty unless they are with a happy Trainer.¡± He then laughed a raspy laugh. ¡°You know, I once knew a man who had a Ralts. Little cutie, right? And-¡±

    Gary rolled his eyes and walked over to a bunch of gathered customers in the back. He didn¡¯t need to hear another long, drawn-out story from Lou. ¡°Anyone need any help?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Please!¡± one guy approached Gary immediately. ¡°Do you have one live mice?¡±

    Gary stared at him blankly. ¡°One live mouse?¡± Gary stated bluntly, not caring how rude he sounded. ¡°No problem, sir.¡± And he left to get the mouse from the back without caring how the customer took his attitude.

    *

    ¡°I hate when people talk about their lives. I don¡¯t give a shit about that,¡± a grumpy man was telling Gary, his purchased items in a bag already, waiting to be taken home. But the man didn¡¯t leave! ¡°I got my own problems. Guy just got hit by a bike. Ain¡¯t my problem. Ain¡¯t my issue. Leave me alone. Aight I see you busy. I¡¯ll see you later.¡± And just like that, the man left!

    Gary hadn¡¯t said a single word the entire time. He stood silent and still, his eyes wide, staring at the door as it closed.

    *

    ¡°If you commit suicide, you a bitch. Straight up,¡± Ish stated easily in the empty store while at the register, rearranging items on the shelf.

    Gary kept quiet but continued listening while rearranging an aisle according to the ever-changing planogram. He wasn¡¯t in the mood for deep conversation with Ish, which was usually an intriguing topic to challenge Ish on and learn more about the man by.

    ¡°That¡¯s the most selfish thing you can do. I respect Sea, but I don¡¯t respect suicide.¡±

    ¡°What if life is really just that bad. It¡¯s not about others, but the pain you have.¡± Gary wasn¡¯t going to give his opinion, but he gave in for some reason.

    ¡°Fuck that. You have to be strong. Others around you don¡¯t deserve to suffer. You could be everything to someone out there.¡±

    ¡°But how do you know that?¡± Gary finally looked at Ish, stopping his work. ¡°How do you know you mean anything to anyone? That you aren¡¯t just shit to the world. It¡¯s probably how those people feel. Like they¡¯re nothing.¡±

    ¡°They get told they mean the world to so many people, but they still do it for attention and to be selfish.¡±

    ¡°No, Ish! That¡¯s not everyone who commits suicide!¡± Gary said loudly. He could feel himself getting worked up, his heart beating so hard it hurt, and his body starting to quiver. ¡°They do it because they¡¯re suffering internally from self-hatred! I told you, it¡¯s not always about thinking everyone else hates them! Sometimes, it¡¯s just hating yourself! And what about those suffering medical conditions? You really think they don¡¯t have a reason to want to die? Imagine suffering from an illness! Having no limbs! All the shit you take for granted! And fuck that! What about those just having a hard life? Everyone is built different and some people just need more! I just think that, sometimes, I might just get it! I might just understand it!¡±

    Ish was quiet at this, staring calmly at Gary.

    ¡°Life is hard, man. Maybe you¡¯re just built different. Or, maybe you just haven¡¯t had the life others have suffered. But you can¡¯t judge everyone, Ish. And I don¡¯t think you mean the shit you say, either. You have said a lot of mean, cold-hearted, racist, and hateful things about the way you see the world, but I know your heart, and you act a lot different than your words. You¡¯re a good guy, Ish. And I love you like a brother. I don¡¯t know why you act so nonchalant about shit, but you don¡¯t mean it and I know it. I¡¯ve listened to you for a while, since back in Kanto, and I know you¡¯re a better man than you speak. I hope you are, at least.¡±

    ¡°Yo, bro, I just speak the truth,¡± Ish responded swiftly with a shrug. ¡°I don¡¯t act fake for no one.¡±

    Gary nodded. ¡°And I love you for that, too. No matter what.¡±

    Ish looked around the store and then went back to Gary. ¡°Yo, come with me.¡± He then walked to the back.

    Gary followed quickly, and the two ended up in the back room.

    Ish pulled out his backpack and opened it. From inside, he pulled out a big, golden gun!

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°My-!¡±

    ¡°I picked this up in the woods before the police came.¡±

    ¡°You-!¡±

    ¡°I held onto it to see your intentions for it. To see if you¡¯d ask for it, and to understand why you of all people would have something like this. You¡¯re a good guy. I can learn a lot from you. You a real nigga.¡± He put the gun back in his bag. ¡°I¡¯ll give this back to you before you leave. Don¡¯t worry. For now, just leave it with me.¡±

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Gary nodded.

    ¡°You really know how to use that thing?¡± Ish asked.

    ¡°Pretty much. I have to kill that monster that took June from me.¡±

    Ish nodded. ¡°I hear you. I knew you had a reason. You a real one.¡±

    Gary twitched his nose, but said no more.

    ¡°You know, Sea was unreasonable in leaving you,¡± Ish added.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened again.

    ¡°She shouldn¡¯t have left you. Everyone thought y¡¯all was cute as fuck together. We rooted for y¡¯all. That chick was unstable. But maybe there¡¯s a chance for y¡¯all.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary gasped.

    Ish now pulled out a white envelope. ¡°She ain¡¯t coming back for this, but maybe this pay stub can help you.¡±

    Gary took it, looking down on it, and then he looked at Ish. ¡°Ish...¡± he said shakily, his eyes watering.

    *

    Adam hoisted up packages with his hand truck and stopped to look at the sky. ¡°Aaaahh... look. The sun¡¯s coming out a little bit. Juuuust like my penis. Aha ha ha...¡± He then moved his stuff into the building.

    Gary had stood up straight and looked at Adam with a stern look. What did that even mean?? I have got to get out of here! As he carried his materials inside, he saw that Lou was apparently done with his work and doing nothing but standing around. He continued past Lou, but wasn¡¯t freed from him.

    ¡°How, how, how, how are you, you, you?¡± Lou chanted to the beat of an old song that was familiar to Gary.

    Gary, sick of being polite and hiding his impatience, loudly sucked his teeth and stopped where he needed to unload his stuff. ¡°Great!¡± he answered loudly and started pulling products out of a box.

    ¡°Very good,¡± Lou responded, completely oblivious to Gary¡¯s attitude.

    *

    ¡°I need two female crickets, and one male,¡± a lady customer was explaining to Lou, who was trying to explain that they don¡¯t do that kind of stuff. ¡°It¡¯s so easy! All you have to do is take one and-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d had pizza and dried papaya,¡± Adam told Gary.

    Gary was in the back, holding his bag of food as he tried to take his lunch break.

    ¡°When it came out, it looked like Thousand Island dressing, but with raisins in it. But this banana diet is working out great! Just drops right out! Easy clean up, too! Yeah I usually go once in the morning or just wait ¡®til I get here. I¡¯ve gone twice already. Just came out like swoosh, swoosh.¡±

    Gary was glaring at his meal of McDonphan¡¯s that he had been dying to eat. His appetite seemed to have disappeared, and his patience was going right with it as he shot Adam a dirty look.

    *

    ¡°As long as my attitude has nothing to do with it, I¡¯m good,¡± Lou insisted to Gary while mopping up some piss from a dog on the floor. ¡°Long story short, they¡¯re mad that I¡¯m right and they can¡¯t do anything about it. Customers be like: I¡¯m rude. But I probably go home and knit sweaters for puppies. Go home and play with some kittens or some faggot shit.¡± He cackled in his old voice.

    Gary laughed back while also checking around the store. Really, Lou? Just say something like that out loud without checking around you first? Gary thought. When is this day over??

    Lou stopped mopping. ¡°Alright, then. Done.¡±

    ¡°Do you need a sign for the wet floor?¡± Gary asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hang the sign up on the ceiling,¡± Lou answered. ¡°When customers walk in, they¡¯ll slip and land on their backs and see the sign like: wet floor!¡± He laughed hard.

    Gary laughed lightly. What??

    *

    ¡°OW! He bit me!¡± Adam cried out as he was trying to get a Guinea Pig out for a family of a husband, wife, and their three kids. ¡°I¡¯ll bite your dick! Ha ha ha!¡±

    The family stared at him, mortified, including the kids.

    *

    ¡°I told my mailman, don''t call me Frank anymore. Just call me Bill, ¡®cuz that''s all you bring,¡± an older White guy told Gary while being rung up at the register.

    ¡°Ha, yeah, ha ha,¡± Gary said weakly. Get me out of here! he groaned in his head.

    ¡°Just call me Bill, because that''s all I get,¡± the guy repeated.

    Gary stayed quiet, his head down as he rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Hey, listen to this one,¡± the guy added.

    Oh, gosh! Gary thought in mental anguish.

    ¡°Then I told him, you can call me anything you want. Just don''t call me late to dinner.¡±

    Gary swallowed uncomfortably, not saying a word. Did he really just...?

    ¡°Did you hear that? I said, you can call me anything you want. Just don¡¯t call me late to dinner,¡± the man repeated.

    ¡°Ha... Yeah... Ha.¡± Gary smiled weakly, unable to face the man. Did he just repeat the joke???

    ¡°Ha ha. You can call me anything you want-¡± the man went on again!

    Gary screamed internally, going insane.

    *

    Gary, pretending to check the shelves, bored on his final day, stopped as he spotted the infamous Chinese man.

    The awkward guy stopped, his eyes as wide as they could be, and he nodded. ¡°How are you?¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes got wider than the man¡¯s, his mouth dropping in shock! ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m great!¡± Gary responded quickly, shocked.

    The man nodded and then left.

    No way! Gary couldn¡¯t believe it! Of all days, on my last day, he decides to talk?! Gary smiled and let out a little chuckle.

    *

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the change in your work. And I don¡¯t think it¡¯s because this is your last day. You don¡¯t strike me as that type of person.¡± Gary finally stared back at Lou who had kept his eyes on the kid while speaking. ¡°I know your breakup has you fucked up in the head. I know it¡¯s not the same thing but hear me out.¡±

    Gary, entirely fed up and ready to explode, dropped the four bags he had in his arms and then sighed loudly, staring at Lou impatiently.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fuck up a good thing because it¡¯s getting a little old. Don¡¯t fuck up a good thing just because you¡¯re getting used to it. That goes for anything. A marriage, whatever. Shit, this may not apply to you for years and years. But trust me.¡± He then started coughing hard. ¡°Just trust me. Don¡¯t fuck up a good thing.¡±

    Gary looked at the old man with more patience and care, and he nodded. Something resonated with him. It didn¡¯t apply, but something was there.

    Lou walked away, actually working for a change.

    Gary watched him and nodded again.

    ¡°Go get her, Gary.¡±

    Gary jumped and turned to see Ish behind him.

    Ish put his hand on Gary¡¯s shoulder and gripped it.

    Behind Ish stood Tiny. She smiled cutely at him, showing evident support.

    Gary tightened his eyes at them and narrowed his eyebrows before giving a strong nod. His lips tightened against each other. ¡°I¡¯ll get her back, then.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯ve got you covered. You were here all day,¡± Ish promised.

    ¡°And there¡¯s more! We all chipped in to get you some gifts for her!¡± Tiny gushed.

    *

    Gary stood in front of a tall building. He had rang Sierra¡¯s apartment buzzer earlier. She responded, and so now he stood waiting for her. At either side of him, sitting on the stoop of Sierra¡¯s apartment building, was a stack of flowers, a hill of chocolates, and a teddy bear taller than him. In the flowers was Sierra¡¯s pay stub. His heart was dancing in his throat, and he knew he could never truly be ready to go through with this, but he also knew he had to, no matter the outcome.

    Sierra... Gary thought sadly. Sierra. Sea... Gary was suddenly stuck, thinking about Sierra¡¯s nickname. Something was in his head, now. Sea. The sea... Why is this still driving me so mad? Sierra. Sea. It¡¯s just a coincidental nickname. Or, is it...? His eyes widened. Was Cas warning me about this? About what I did to Sierra yesterday? To be careful with her? Or... Gary looked down, thinking harder. Was it a warning about toda-? The sound of approaching footsteps yanked him out of his thoughts and he looked up and put on a big smile.

    The inside door opened, and then the front door. There, in all her beauty, stood Sierra. She looked ready to speak, but instead was stunned by the sight before her, completely speechless.

    Seeing her so stunned, his fears were gone. I can do this, he believed. ¡°Sierra. I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Gary started. ¡°You¡¯re everything to me. I love you. Give me another chance to show the kind of guy I truly am. I cherish you. I¡¯m so sorry for how I was, but it was the alcohol!¡± He was going to continue saying he would never drink again, but for some reason, he just went silent. Shaking his head, he finally went on, ¡°I know what love is because of you. I finally understand it. Or some aspect of it. I¡¯d never say such disgusting things to you, Sierra. You know I didn¡¯t mean to behave that way with you. I¡¯d never do that.¡± His next statement was full of desperation and pleading: ¡°I love you!¡±

    Sierra said not one word, listening to Gary with a face that looked ready to start crying at any second.

    Then, Gary fell hard to his knees, holding out his arms. ¡°Let me worship you! Let me treat you as I always should have. I¡¯m begging you, on my knees, to grant me your forgiveness. Remember that Cubone that had the fractured skull?¡±

    Sierra¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°You were the only one who said we couldn¡¯t take it to a hospital first,¡± Gary continued.

    ¡°I knew they would put it to sleep with the condition it was in. The Cubone was suicidal after the loss of its mom... It had injured itself so badly its head was swollen and stuck inside the Marowak skull.¡±

    ¡°You believed it could be saved. And in the end, it was, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    Sierra nodded. ¡°The actual skull of Cubone was fractured, and taking the Marowak skull off could have killed it, but I knew releasing that pressure was the only way to save it before going to a hospital. But... But, I- I could have kill-¡±

    ¡°You believed Cubone could make it,¡± Gary cut her off. ¡°You believed in Cubone. And that belief saved it. I knew you were right.¡±

    ¡°You were the only one who trusted in me...¡± Sierra¡¯s eyes watered.

    Gary smiled at this.

    ¡°And you were the only one to mock my scars,¡± Sierra whispered, closing her eyes, making a pair of tears roll down her cheeks.

    Gary¡¯s smile faded immediately, his arms finally falling.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you were drunk. You said painful things to attack my character,¡± Sierra whimpered. ¡°It¡¯s not about that what you said can¡¯t be forgiven. It¡¯s about the fact you said them, and that I¡¯m supposed to forget!¡± Sierra shook her head. ¡°Forgive and forget is more modern than people think it is. I can¡¯t possibly abide by it. I can¡¯t look at you and excuse what you said!¡± she shouted now. ¡°Or forget the look in your eyes when you said it. Call me sensitive, or whatever, but don¡¯t you ever come back around here again, or I will call the police on you next time!¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart dropped out of his ass, through the stoop, and into the middle of the Earth to burn.

    Another pair of tears fell out of Sierra¡¯s eyes just before she turned and slammed the door shut behind her.

    Gary was left stuck, staring at the closed door. He stood and walked up to the door on weak, trembling legs. His face and hands slammed against the locked door. ¡°But... But I... love you...¡± he managed weakly, tears falling from his eyes, and he collapsed to the ground in a heap.

    *

    Gary stared at the two Great Balls in his hands.

    One had a Carvanha in it, the other containing Kabuto.

    As it turned out, Carvanha had tooth come out, something that Gary learned is a hold item called a Deep Sea Tooth. This item could be used to raise the Special Attack of Clamperl, or evolve them into Huntail. Out of the two evolutions of Clamperl, either Huntail or Gorebyss, Huntail was Gary¡¯s favorite, so he was elated to have the very object.

    But this only reminded him of another trade he had done. Drock¡¯s Seadra for his Beedrill, to evolve Seadra into Kingdra, and then trade them back. But he never got Beedrill back.

    Thinking about Drock, and her request to fulfill the trade agreement of her Kingdra, which Gary had raised since, in exchange for Beedrill, Gary continued to eye the two Great Balls.

    ¡°We¡¯re friends, Kingdra,¡± Gary had told Kingdra. ¡°We don¡¯t leave each other behind. But, Kingdra¡­ Don¡¯t hold anything against Drock. It wasn¡¯t her fault.¡±

    Gary¡¯s grip tightened.

    ¡°We¡¯ll never leave you, Kingdra.¡±

    *

    Gary reached out very slowly, forcing his hand closer to his Beedrill after he had earned his first Badge from June back in Kanto. He patted Beedrill gently on his hairy head.

    I have to see Beedrill again, but... at what cost? Gary wondered. Will I lose Kingdra in the trade back? Wasn¡¯t that the deal? I was never meant to-

    ¡°Marcy got you these Poke Balls. Even wasted money on Great Balls for you. Just to make sure you get these guys outta here,¡± Ish told Gary.

    ¡°Great guy. Be nice if he showed up more often. Like, at all. Wasn¡¯t he there earlier??¡±

    Ish just nodded and shrugged.

    Gary smiled at him weakly. Not because of anything Ish said or did, but just because he was over this experience and ready to leave.

    ¡°Just be careful, my nigga,¡± Ish nodded at him.

    Gary stared at him sternly, nodding back. He shifted his backpack, keeping in mind that he now had his gun back. He knew exactly what Ish meant. The sun was setting behind him as he gazed at Ish and Psychic Tiny. He had said his goodbyes earlier to everyone at work except Marcy, who suddenly couldn¡¯t be found.

    Psychic Tiny and Ish were with him, standing just outside of Hearthome City, seeing him off.

    Ish¡¯s Elekid and Psychic Tiny¡¯s Gastly were also there.

    ¡°It was a truly amazing experience. I can¡¯t say enough about how grateful I am right now for this,¡± Gary said, smiling bravely but feeling ready to cry. ¡°And you still owe me that battle, nigga. Don¡¯t think I forgot.¡± His smile broadened.

    This made Ish smile back, and he nodded. ¡°You remembered that, huh? Well, I ain¡¯t forget either, my nigga. I¡¯m always traveling. You know me. Next time.¡±

    ¡°Next time, bro.¡±

    The two exchanged their familiar handshake.

    Gary and Psychic Tiny shared a big, long hug.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna miss yous,¡± she spoke.

    ¡°That¡¯s not even a word,¡± Gary stated, smiling.

    ¡°Oh, you!¡± Psychic Tiny broke the hug and hit Gary¡¯s chest, a mix of a frown and a smile on her face.

    Behind Gary stood his Deino, Charizard, Snorlax, and Riolu.

    Around them were June¡¯s Electivire who had June¡¯s bag, Magneton, Raichu, Galvantula, Pikachu, Manectric, Eevee, Blitzle, Ampharos, and Rotom.

    With a nod, Gary turned, and he walked past all of the Pokemon.

    The crowd of them followed right behind him with their own separate grunts and cries.

    *

    Walking through a thickly wooded area in the middle of the afternoon of the next day, Gary never felt more comfortable, in the safety of all of these Pokemon. June¡¯ll be happy to see this, Gary thought. Or... she would have been... I can¡¯t think so negative, and yet... He cleared his throat and a moment later, cleared it again.

    His hands were deep in his tight coat pockets. At least I have my gun back. Next time I see that bitch; that monster... His breath was let out through his nostrils as he kept walking. He cleared his throat and then coughed. I¡¯m probably catching a cold or something, he realized. He coughed again, harder this time, and suddenly a sharp pain gripped his skull, applied pressure to his brain, and forced tears into his now shut eyes. Groaning, he stopped walking and raised one hand against his head gently. ¡°Ow...¡± Gary uttered. ¡°Shit.¡± His other hand rose and he placed it carefully to the other side of his head. ¡°What the-? Oooo!¡± His eyes practically popped out as he fell backwards from a tree he had walked into. Crashing down, his head only ached more. His vision was blurry from the tears and he wiped at his eyes. It hurts so bad! But even while thinking that, he could feel the pain receding, and after another minute where he was back on his feet and dusting himself off, his four Pokemon close to him and seeing if he was okay, the headache was already gone. ¡°Just a headache,¡± he mumbled, frowning a little and rubbing his head with one hand.

    He turned to the path ahead and started walking. ¡°No big-¡± He squinted at an object on the ground ahead. A ball? Hey. A Poke Ball? Gary considered. Yeah. Some kind of... Great Ba- Stopping his thoughts, he also came to a stop, focusing on the object. That¡¯s no Great Ball, he knew. That-

    The object sat on the ground, completely motionless, and so familiar.

    Gary was as still as the object he was staring at, the several Pokemon behind him also statues now. Several noises behind Gary ripped through the air, but Gary, recognizing the sounds, didn¡¯t look back.

    The sniffing didn¡¯t stop.

    Something big and yellow with black marks went past Gary and then stopped.

    Electivire, Gary saw.

    Electivire¡¯s body started sparking, his mouth letting out growls.

    June¡¯s other Pokemon went by Gary, some even brushing by him without any concern. They all approached the object and stopped around it.

    Electivire bared his teeth and snarled out, his body still sparking.

    ¡°HEY! STOOOP!!¡± Gary ran, his own Pokemon following, and moved through June¡¯s group before stopping at the object. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped as he took in what he was seeing.

    It resembled a Poke Ball. The top half of it was blue-gray, the bottom half was pale green, and the middle of it had a white button.

    Gary¡¯s brain could have split in half, and then each half melt away into nothingness at what he was seeing.

    Her fat tongue sliding along her broken teeth, one of the monster¡¯s claws rose, the fingers disgustingly long, the nails broken and sharp. Her other hand behind her then reached out, and the ball flew from it and through the air, spinning swiftly for June.

    June¡¯s eyes widened as she gasped and then took a step back.

    The ball hit her and hovered in the air before opening, and an orange beam came out, hitting June and making her glow orange.

    She screamed as she was turned completely into a shapeless, orange energy and pulled inside of the ball!

    The ball hit the ground and rocked back and forth a few times, the middle button going from white to black repeatedly. Finally, the black remained still with a PONG!

    It¡¯s the same Poke Ball... Gary knew, staring at the object. The same thing that had captured June. The same one Ish had shown me that Prof. Cynthia had been found dead inside of, looking like chopped meat.

    Gary knelt down in front of the ball, getting a better look. Hesitantly, his entire arm shaking, he reached out for it. June... June... was all he could think. Please... Don¡¯t... Don¡¯t... June... Please...

    His trembling finger poked at the white button, and a purple beam came out.

    The beam took the shape of a lump, and once the glow went away, it was revealed to be a human.

    A girl!

    Completely naked, curled up, the girl wasn¡¯t moving, her red hair over her face. Her body was sliced, cut, bleeding, and looking numerous levels of beaten.

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe his eyes, and he couldn¡¯t even say the name of who he saw. But he knew exactly who it was. There could be no doubt. Knowing this, he reached out, but stopped short of touching her. He couldn¡¯t do it, a memory coming to mind from almost a year ago. The memory of touching his dead sister¡¯s body, and that feeling of lifelessness. That something was missing...

    No, he told himself. Gary. No... He swallowed a hard, thick lump, staring at her until he finally got the nerve to grab her shoulder and rock her.

    It was upon touching her that he could finally speak, feeling her lifeless body.

    Confirming the worst.

    He finally screamed at the top of his lungs. ¡°JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE!!!!!!!!!!¡±

 The More You Know

    ¡°Pokemon Trainer Gary, last name unclear at this time, is undergoing heavy interrogation by police after reportedly being apprehended while in possession of the Poke Ball that is supposedly able to capture human beings!¡± a news reporter stated from the live VU-Tube video playing on Gary¡¯s phone. ¡°This is the same object said to have held captive the body of the late, previous Pokemon Champion of the Sinnoh region, Prof. Cynthia, who, after famously losing her title to reigning champion Tobias, honorably ended up as the region¡¯s Pokemon professor following the passing of Professor Rowan.¡±

    Gary was sitting in the grass outside of Emeragrove Town, leaning against a tree while watching the news on his phone.

    Previously, Gary had all the Pokemon stay in the woods with June¡¯s body and went to the nearby Emeragrove Town and got the police, but not before wisely hiding his gun in a separate area. After retrieving the police, who got June to a hospital, he was arrested and questioned extensively, as expected, on how he had come across the girl¡¯s body, and if he had any ties with Team Solace, among other things. A couple of the officers explained that a recent video that had come out from Team Solace asked for Gary by name, and that he may be in danger. The boy was finally released some time late that night. There was a large group of journalists and news crews outside of the police station when Gary left, and he had to be escorted away by officers while questions and statements were being yelled out at him. Gary left the town to get his hidden gun and, completely exhausted, ended up sleeping where he was now watching the news.

    The woman reporting was wearing a tight, sleeveless blue top while sitting behind a big, white desk. ¡°Pokemon Trainer Gary is notable for making it to the top sixteen of the last Pokemon League competition in the Kanto region. The victim is none other than June, a 14-year-old girl from the Kanto region¡¯s Gringey City, and their Electric-type Gym Leader. This is not Gary¡¯s first incident with the Gym Leader, as only last year, June was also seen running away with Gary, originally reported as against her will, though this was later clarified to be a willing act by June herself, and rumors of grooming started spreading.¡±

    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Gary exploded at his phone. He recalled when he had been arrested in Celadon City after it was believed he had kidnapped June. Still glaring at the phone as the news kept going, he shook his head. I¡¯m not leaving this town no matter what, he thought. I¡¯m here to stay until June is better. I have to be there for her. But with all this controversy, it¡¯ll be impossible for me to go anywhere without people trying to find me and question me. This is ridiculous! I need to be there for June!

    The woman let out a breath and her lips tightened. ¡°When we return, we¡¯ll be replaying the video by Team Solace recruiting one Gary into their ranks-¡±

    ¡°This is it!!¡± Gary shouted out. What I¡¯ve been waiting for!

    ¡°-day, experiments of the so-called ¡®Pokemon Generating System¡¯ on Bouffalant, the ¡®unstoppable¡¯ Pokemon, the-¡±

    ¡°Pokemon Generating System? The PGS?! Scientist Gary!¡± Gary exclaimed.

    ¡°-a man who has only fake memories of himself after his real memories were erased by a Beeheyem, and, a man who found the dead body of his wife in the bubble of his Araquanid due to jealousy from the Pokemon, after this.¡±

    A commercial started playing, a light-brown dog with another coat of shaggy, dark-blue fur on top covered in mud and leaves running through a backyard on a rainy day. It ended up inside of a big house where it was greeted by a smiling, laughing woman who was kneeling and it began licking her face like crazy while dirtying her in seconds.

    ¡°Caring for Pokemon is hard-enough work, whether you¡¯re a Trainer or not,¡± the blonde said to the screen while still chuckling. ¡°Just giving a proper bath can be a headache.¡± She stood up and the dog got on its hind legs, putting its front paws on the woman¡¯s stomach and sliding down, smearing her white shirt and blue jeans. ¡°Herdier!¡± she laughed at it and rubbed its head. ¡°That¡¯s why I get all my grooming needs done at PokeSmart.¡± She looked down at the Pokemon excitedly. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go!¡± Together, they ran out the house to where a silver minivan sat outside a closed garage and they got in, the Pokemon sitting on a white towel already laid on the back seat, and the lady drove off.

    Now, they were inside a giant store with pet products like food and toys and Herdier was running to the arms of another kneeling pretty lady with black hair and a heartwarming smile. ¡°Only at PokeSmart can you get even the rough hair of a Herdier groomed, which most stores do not offer,¡± the new woman spoke wearing an orange, collared shirt with a light-blue PokeSmart tag on it, her name shown to be Monica.

    Gary removed himself from the video to think about what else he¡¯d heard on the news. ¡°So his work is finding more acceptance? Scientist Gary is making a point? Or will this all prove to be a failure?¡±

    Moving from that thought, he went back to something else far more important. Team Solace. This is what I¡¯ve been waiting for. What could this mean?? They¡¯re openly calling to recruit me? Why me? Why specifically me?? Could it have to do with Isaac and what happened on that helicopter and in Canalave City? Fuck! What does this all mean? I¡¯m in danger? Gary¡¯s eyes shed a pair of frightened tears. They¡¯re specifically targeting me now. He ran his fingers through his growing hair repeatedly, the feeling of it becoming kind of soothing for him.

    Trying to relax his mind, he started thinking about June. June, he thought. What in the world...?

    The ball hit June, pulling her inside of it with an orange beam of energy.

    The ball hit the ground and rocked back and forth a few times before the middle button remained black and motionless with a PONG!

    She was captured, but left behind. Somehow. How? Why? Prof. Cynthia was found looking like she came out of a slaughterhouse. Worse than that!

    Gary closed his eyes and had to swallow down a wave of nausea remembering how earlier, he had actually dared to look up the images Ish had told him about. It took a while to find, as most images were blurred, but he eventually found what he wanted, and instantly regretted it, throwing up.

    The woman wasn¡¯t even recognizable as a human being. The remains from a massacre involving lions, tigers and Beartic. Raw, bloody ground beef was the only true comparison. It was a mix of skin, innards, blood, and other grotesque things. It was as if the woman had been put into a blender. Only thanks to DNA testing was her identity confirmed. It was the most disgusting thing Gary had ever seen. So disturbing he couldn¡¯t be sure it was real, but he was convinced enough to not need a second look. Not even the death of his sister in front of his own eyes had been as horrifying.

    But that only made him all the more confused as to how and why June had survived. She looked beaten half to death, but she wasn¡¯t discombobulated like Prof. Cynthia. Thinking back on his nightmares, he remembered the horrors of seeing June being tortured, but he just shook his head. Those dreams didn¡¯t mean anything. But - let¡¯s just say they did. How do they help me here? He looked down at his phone and his eyes lit up. Huh? A Pokemon battle?

    Inside of an extremely elaborate and fancy but also mostly dark building was a match between two Trainers. One guy had a Gardevoir, while the other guy had a Milotic. Both young guys were dressed in flamboyant outfits, like it was some kind of ball, white ruffles around their necks and wrists. The Milotic Trainer even had white feathers on his shoulders. The four were in the middle of the building, the only spot where the floor was white and lights shined upon them.

    Noticeably, there was a literal dark cloud above only the battlers, inside the building and raining on the field! That has to be Rain Dance! Gary knew. But what is this battle for? This isn¡¯t a normal battle at all.

    In the darkness outside of the battlefield was the roaring audience that packed the seats that surrounded the battlers, the people and Pokemon there hard to see. Between the bleachers and the battlers sat three people behind their own individual, large rectangular stand. Their stands had a blank, dark screen on the front and a smaller one at the top. Gary only recognized Nurse Joy amongst them. A woman Gary didn¡¯t recognize stood near them holding a microphone and wearing a smile as big and bright as her yellow-and-golden dress.

    ¡°Milotic! Recover!!¡± the boy with the feathers ordered, his arms spreading above him.

    ¡°Energy Ball! DO IT!¡± the other kid shouted angrily, punching out one fist.

    Milotic cried out to the skies and its body glowed gold, healing itself.

    Gary smiled, mesmerized by how beautiful Milotic looked. It was absolutely the most beautiful Pokemon in the world to Gary. Even without the glow of Recover, he always found Milotic to be one of the most stunning creatures ever.

    Gardevoir was forming a Ball of light-green energy between its hands. When Milotic¡¯s Recover was over, Gardevoir tossed the Ball at Milotic and landed the hit.

    Milotic screamed out and slid along the ground under the falling rain. It remained still, and the rain stopped.

    Hanging high above everything, an electronic board had changed what had previously been on it, now showing a mix of white and pink on the background with the word WINNER in big, thick black letters and the image of a dark-blue ribbon on the bottom left. The winning Trainer and Pokemon were displayed in the middle.

    ¡°And Celeste of Hoenn¡¯s Littleroot Town wins this Contest, earning his third Ribbon! Congratulations to Celeste and Gardevoir!¡± a woman was heard from the video as Celeste and Gardevoir were shown waving to the cheering crowd.

    The video on Gary¡¯s phone now changed to show a standing woman with blue hair in a red dress smiling with lips in dark-red lipstick. ¡°You¡¯ve been watching a rebroadcast of the Pokemon Contest in Solaceon Town¡¯s Solaceon Contest Hall last week,¡± she said.

    Oh, it was just a Contest, Gary understood. I need to hear the news, and then I need to get back to Pokebay so I can contact my contact and tell him what I found. He looked from his phone and stared at the ground, ignoring whatever else was being said. But there¡¯s more to do, too. Beedrill... Kingdra... I need to call Kiwi and-

    ¡°Now, we¡¯ll be replaying the footage from yesterday morning from Team Solace and their recent attempts at reaching out to Gary for recruitment,¡± the blonde newswoman was back and speaking.

    A new video then took over the screen. Ray was in it, sitting in a brown chair at a matching brown table, the room black with dim lighting. The man blended in well in a black suit, only the white tie standing out. He also wore a smug, cocky grin. His shoulders raised up in a shrug, his hands rising with them before it all came back down, his hands slapping the table lightly. ¡°Well, well, well. Welcome back to the Team Solace show, with your host Ray! I dedicate this special episode to the memory of Isaac, our leader; our ruler!¡± Ray began to cackle. He cut it short and sneezed, turning from the screen and then sniffling as he turned back, keeping an easy smile. ¡°Excuse me! Phew! Anyway, allow me to continue. It hasn¡¯t been easy reaching the young boy known as Gary, and his last name is a mystery even to Team Solace, but we¡¯ll obtain it soon enough, aha ha ha ha! But that¡¯s not what¡¯s important, or we¡¯d have had it from the jump.¡± The video split in half, shared only with an image of none other than Gary!

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, horrified at the picture of himself being displayed. At first, it was just the surprise of seeing himself there that was enough to make his heart stop, but after a minute, seeing how ugly he looked was bothering him. It was the image used at the Indigo League. He was smiling his crooked smile, his face looking uneven and disproportioned. At least, that was how Gary perceived himself.

    ¡°Just so there is no confusion, this is the boy we are looking for. Mister Gary, as it were, of Pallet Town, of the Kanto region,¡± Ray spoke, and the image of Gary was gone, Ray¡¯s video returning back to normal size. ¡°Mister Top Sixteen at the Indigo League. Let me make this clear for everyone; Mister Gary is currently no friend of Team Solace. And Mister Gary, you may indeed be against us at this time, and consider yourself an enemy of Team Solace, but that is what makes you all the more important to us. Join us, as a testament of the idol Trainer who can see our side in things. You, who have lost your sister, Melissa, to this monster who terrorizes our planet.¡±

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    Gary¡¯s heart was gripped by an icy grasp at hearing his sister¡¯s name, and he grabbed at his chest with one hand without even thinking.

    ¡°You, who have encountered this beast before, and luckily survived. We can put our forces together to stop her, Mister Gary. You know better than anyone else of the technology that Team Solace has at hand to handle this monster. Joined with you, this Pokemon can be destroyed and put to rest and revealed for exactly what she is. Be the guiding light, the prime example that once a Pokemon lover, does not mean you always are. Children, men, women, know that the doors at Hotel La Solace, are always open. Mister Gary, we will be reaching out. And if I don¡¯t get to say this in time, have a Happy New Year, everyone.¡±

    The video stopped and the blonde news reporter returned, looking sternly at the screen. ¡°You heard it for yourselves, folks. Gary is a target to run Team Solace at this time.¡±

    ¡°HEY!!¡± Gary roared out. ¡°THAT¡¯S NOT WHAT HE SAID AT ALL!!¡±

    ¡°At this time, Gary is said to not be suspected of any wrongdoing by authorities, but Team Solace seems ready to make good on their promise to have the child be the new ruler of Team Solace.¡±

    ¡°THAT¡¯S NOT EVEN-!!¡± Gary let out, enraged. ¡°This is ridiculous! What kind of news station is this?!¡± He breathed in and out several times, trying to calm down and think straight.

    ¡°Here¡¯s something to ponder: what if you were married to the woman of your dreams, had five kids who are all grown up and finished college and moved out, own a Dalmatian and a Labrador Retriever, paid off your house, and are enjoying the retirement life as a 79-year-old on a yacht, only to find out none of that is real and it¡¯s just a big, fake memory implanted in your brain against your will? Sounds like the plot to some kind of sci-fi film? Well, it¡¯s what actually happened to 28-year-old Peter Senova. The man was found at Windy Station, a train station in the Unova region. Apparently he¡¯d been there for-¡±

    More concerned about his own situation than the new news, Gary turned from the phone and started thinking. This is really bad. Really, really bad. I need to figure something out. I can¡¯t leave, but I can¡¯t find peace in this town right now. They know June is in the hospital and know I¡¯m here waiting for her to recover, so they¡¯ll never leave.

    Letting out his breath in a big sigh, he rested the back of his head against the tree trunk. Fucking Team Solace really are some fucking manipulators, he thought angrily, dwelling on Ray mentioning his sister by name. Piece of shit. I really can¡¯t trust a word they say. Everything is lies or truths used against you. Hypocrites.

    ¡°-Pokemon experts putting to the test just how ¡®unstoppable¡¯ a Bouffalant is!¡± the news was going on. ¡°Or supposedly, at least, thanks to the latest by Scientist Gary and his Pokemon Generating System, or PGS for short.¡±

    Gary¡¯s full attention was on the playing video again.

    In the middle of a huge, grassy field was a large group of people in white lab coats surrounding a huge buffalo-like creature. One of the men was petting it with a huge, open-mouthed smile, the Pokemon showing pleasure on its face with its own smile and closed eyes.

    Amongst the group was Scientist Gary, also in a lab coat! The camera focused on his nervous face before changing to a video of Bouffalant all alone, charging through the plain.

    ¡°An unstoppable force once it charges, the latest experiments using the PGS are attempting to determine if this Pokemon¡¯s previous stats can in fact be improved upon.¡±

    The Bouffalant ended up slamming into a huge, brown setup that looked like a mattress standing against a wall. At the top of the setup was a small machine that had a black screen. Once Bouffalant hit the setup, the screen of the machine turned on, showing the number 10,000.

    ¡°This Bouffalant is said to have a Bold Nature, giving it good Defenses but a poor Attack stat, which Bouffalant excel in normally. A Bouffalant¡¯s maximum Attack level is 110, but with a Bold Nature, it should never be able to reach that high. Scientist Gary is claiming to be able to surpass this limitation.¡±

    The video now showed Scientist Gary alone, talking to the camera. He looked extremely uncomfortable. ¡°Yeah, um, you know, I-I just want to make things easier for Pokemon Trainers everywhere. We have things like Vitamins that cost, like, an arm and a leg, and there¡¯s Berries and things that affect stats, but it gets so confusing and there¡¯s so many Pokemon with potential that get-¡± Scientist Gary paused on his words, looking to the sky for a bit. ¡°Eeeeeeh... It¡¯s just that some Pokemon... I just feel like all Pokemon are great, just as they are, but like, if you make, like, a mistake or something and raise the wrong stat and don¡¯t know how to like, you know,¡± he breathed in and out, ¡°fix it... You¡¯re kind of... you know? You kind of get a chance with my work to resolve that issue. Not an issue, but like, you can make your Pokemon super stronger now, easier, and for a fair price. You know?¡±

    He¡¯s trying to watch his words, Gary realized. He¡¯s nervous, but he¡¯s also trying to make his invention more welcoming to everyone, like people who would take his words as a bad thing that he¡¯s doing to Pokemon. Like how I saw him. Do I still feel that way? Do I still disagree with him?

    Now Bouffalant was shown slamming into the side of a building that looked to be made of steel and leaving a tremendous dent in it.

    The video returned to the blonde news reporter. ¡°Scientist Gary was later asked about a rumor that his work may actually be changing the Natures of Pokemon to accomplish this feat, or if he is truly surpassing a Pokemon¡¯s Nature limitations to make stats reach their maximum level. He was also asked if there were any side effects to what he is doing. It¡¯s being reported that he seemed hesitant in answering that no side effects have ever been found in his work so far, and that everything is closely being monitored with the Pokemon involved. In response to the Nature-changing question, the Scientist said he had no comment at this time.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. No comment? Scientist Gary wouldn¡¯t say that... he thought. He¡¯s a good, honest guy. Right? Changing Natures? That¡¯s just crazy talk! But so is this entire PGS thing in general. I don¡¯t feel good about any of this anymore. But what can I really do if this becomes something on the market? Just not use it?

    Shaking his head, he stood up. I don¡¯t need this on my mind right now. I need to take care of a lot of things right now. I need to tell my friend everything I¡¯ve seen so far with this beast. These Poke Ball things. I need to call Kiwi back. Shit, my very name right now is being associated with crap I¡¯m not a part of! Damn Team Solace! Especially with bitches like this on the news confusing the public! Why would she even say that?! Man, the media really is full of bullshit!

    ¡°And the third Gary of the day, Prof. Gary Oak, was seen with his girlfriend, Top Coordinator Zoey, apparently on vacation on a cruise encircling Castelia City in the Unova region.¡±

    The video now showed none other than Prof. Gary Oak and a woman on a sailing ship. Prof. Gary Oak had on sunglasses and was frowning, holding out his hand, his mouth moving but the words unclear. He was wearing a purple shirt with yellow flowers all over it.

    The woman with him had red-orange hair down to her neck and smaller sunglasses than her boyfriend. She wore a small, brown bikini top with yellow dots and a black necklace around her neck with a shiny gray crystal attached to it. She turned away, also holding out her hands.

    Gary caught himself smiling while watching the video.

    The blonde newswoman was back again. ¡°Wedding rumors have been swirling around these two who have been dating for eight years, on record, although the rumors have been circling for at least ten. After constant denial, they finally, although reluctantly, came clean. But now the word is they may have gotten hitched!¡±

    Gary rolled his eyes and shook his head, still smiling. Geez, let the two have their privacy. This is so like Gary. He and Zoey go together perfectly. They¡¯re like siblings, which is kind of weird actually... But they¡¯re just so much alike. Similar styles and everything. I¡¯m so happy for Gary. My idol.

    Gary could feel his eyes watering up suddenly. Sighing, he thought, I hope I can find someone special like that for me. I dunno if I can ever convince someone of my worth, if I even have an ounce of it. But I¡¯m a good-enough guy, right? I just wish I could find that one girl who-

    He thought back on his kiss with Cas, and then holding hands with Sierra...

    Sighing out again, he blinked, and a pair of tears came out of his eyes. Fuck...

    After cleaning more tears from his cheeks and eyes, he stared at a commercial with a delighted woman dressed in a white, long-sleeved shirt, white pants, and barefoot, twirling in a field of flowers with her arms wide. He didn¡¯t know what the commercial was about and decided to go on Log-A-Graph. I should make a new post. Maybe one of those BS things that only last the day. Or maybe I should make a real post. His eyes widened. 201 messages?? From who?? Gary only rolled his eyes, instantly figuring out exactly who had to be the main culprit. Checking the messages section, he snickered. Of course, he knew.

    Scientist Gary had sent him 199 messages!!

    When he went back to see what the extra two alerts were, he was furious! His post on his one Badge had only gotten one extra Plusle! At first growling, Gary burst into a huge, echoing roar in the middle of the woods. ¡°FFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!¡± Breathing out hard for a couple of minutes, Gary got sad. Shit. Here I go again, worrying about stupid shit. I need to think about the important things!

    Yeah... Like, I need to post my four Badges and get more Plusles that way! Gary realized. Yeah! But wait, what was...? Gary remembered one notification was unaccounted for and sought it out.

    Lebaron88: Yo, god job man! You can do this! I¡¯m stil working on getting to the Victory Road to get my Garchomp LOL

    Scientist Gary had not only been the new Plusle on his post and the 199 messages, but was also the final notification, a message on his Badge post.

    So, he finally replied to it, Gary thought. So, I¡¯m to blame. My impatience led to this. He replied when he was able to. He¡¯s a scientist, after all. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s busy. Like working on that crazy PGS thing.

    And yet, he¡¯s sending me crap on Log-A-Graph all the damn time and never saw my Badge post after all this time?

    He let out his breath, shaking his head. I¡¯m taking this internet crap too serious. This social media thing is warping my brain. I never should have downloaded this damn, dumb app. He went on to click on the posts Scientist Gary had sent him. Gary knew he had to talk to the guy. After all, he had just seen him on the news. Starting from the newest messages, Gary was reading backwards what was sent as he scrolled up to the older stuff.

    Lebaron88: My nigga all i can think of tis that you¡¯ve seen her so many times and have been survived after all of this? Arey ou okay????

    Lebaron88: I cant believe what im finally hearing back from you bro. She really was at the Foreign buiding!

    Lebaron88: My nigga are you alive???? Yo no lie I¡¯m legit worried about you right now!! Hit me up when y ouget the chance!

    Lebaron88: I see you¡¯re ok but damn bro wtf happened out hrte??????

    Lebaron88: Bro I saw you on the news!!

    Gary had gone through message after message, smiling at the genuine concern Scientist Gary was showing for him, but once the memes started, Gary¡¯s eyes began rolling, and his mouth was sneering:

    Me with my Italian best friend named Ziti after finding out his twin brother has gone missing after breaking his curfew two days ago.

    A Black kid in the meme was rubbing his chin while squinting suspiciously at a White kid with wavy hair, the Italian smiling nervously.

    The two kids were in a kitchen where a woman was smiling sinisterly next to a flaming oven.

    After this was a meme of a humanoid version of the Pokemon Rattata, Weepinbell, Swanna, and another mean-looking monster Gary didn¡¯t recognize, holding a struggling man down.

    A humanoid Pikachu loomed over them all.

    Planet of the Pokemon was the title of this fake film.

    Four Squirtle were the main attraction of the next meme, all of them wearing a dirty, black bandana with eye holes. The main Squirtle was holding a sword in each hand, his eyes blue. The remaining Squirtle were behind him, one with orange eyes holding nunchucks, another with purple eyes holding a boa, and the last one with red eyes holding a pair of scythes.

    In the background was a humanoid creature with tiny dark shades on that resembled some kind of boar, next to a humanoid Rhydon, both wearing human clothing and each one on either side of a Bisharp, the three of them transparent against a grungy city.

    The Teenage Mutant Ninja Squirtles! A massively popular franchise.

    Gary4Mewtwo: Bro, I¡¯m so sorry for making you worry bro. I¡¯m goo! I¡¯m not only alvie, but im well!

    Gary4Mewtwo: you wouldnt believe all the shit I¡¯ve been through. I can hardly process it myself. I¡¯m still trying to work unt out.

    While typing his next message, Gary saw that Scientist Gary was typing, so he stopped and waited for his friend with anxious anticipation.

    Lebaron88: MY NIGGGAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

    Lebaron88: BRO I WAS SO WRORRIED ABOUT HYOU!!!!!! YOU OKAY!!!!?????

    Lebaron88: Bro I missed you so much man I was so scared!! I legit was hoping you was good!

    Gary was beaming. The way Scientist Gary was talking reminded him of Ish. Could they be from the same region? he wondered.

    Gary4Mewtwo: Yo im good! O¡¯m good! I¡¯ve been throug hough so much, tho!I¡¯ll tell ya all about it! Even right now, I¡¯m so busy! But I¡¯m gonna let you in on all the shit I ¡®ve seen, bro! Right now!

    Gary smiled at his phone, seeing that Scientist Gary was typing. He couldn¡¯t wait to see what would come of their conversation.

    But he knew he wouldn¡¯t bring up the weird dreams, premonitions, whatevers, that he was going through that seemed to involve the monster.

    The thoughts in the Foreign Building.

    The vision in Cas¡¯ Powerzone Gym.

    Not yet. They all had the exact same feeling to Gary. Were there other times like those?

    Yes. Gary was sure of it, even if he couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint them at that moment. He breathed out wearily.

    All I know is, he told himself. At the end of the day. All of this madness has to come to an end. Team Solace. This monster. It all has to fucking stop already.

    And it starts with her.

    This monster has to be killed, no matter what it takes.

    Somehow, she has to die!

 The Z Factor

    June was in a comatose state. Her body was mostly wrapped in white gauze and bandages, one leg and one arm in a cast, her face holding several stitches, bruises, and more bandages. Down her throat was an endotracheal tube to provide extra oxygen. She was also hooked up to vital signs monitors tracking her wellbeing. She would have been unrecognizable to even those who knew her.

    Gary was in tears sitting at the right of her hospital bed, his eyes closed and head fallen.

    Magneton, Galvantula, Rotom, Raichu, Pikachu, Manectric, Eevee, Blitzle, Ampharos, and Lanturn were all around June, but giving her space.

    Sniffling, Gary looked over to the room door.

    Looking in through the window of the door was Electivire. He was frowning, and after Gary saw him, he lowered his head, getting out of view.

    Gary was now frowning and sucked his teeth. I can¡¯t believe that guy, he kept to himself, shaking his head. This isn¡¯t the time for this shit, Electivire! We found her! She¡¯s alive! She¡¯s in bad shape, and damn it, she- He stood up and left the other Pokemon behind as a few of them let out nervous, light cries. This isn¡¯t okay, he thought.

    Clearing his throat, he left the room and saw two police officers standing outside of it. At the other side of the door, Electivire was sitting in a chair, his arms crossed and looking at the floor. ¡°Electivire. This isn¡¯t okay. You can¡¯t do this right now. Not with her in this condition. It isn¡¯t fair.¡±

    ¡°Electiv,¡± Electivire responded, turning his head to Gary but keeping his vision down.

    ¡°We found her alive! But-¡± Gary paused. He fought with himself on his next words, and finally let them out. ¡°She might not survive, Electivire! Is this really the way you want to end things?! She¡¯s dying there!¡±

    Keeping his arms crossed, Electivire now made fists, and sparks bounced around the outside of his body.

    ¡°JUST CUT IT OUT ALREADY!!¡±

    Electivire tilted his head and lifted his gaze just slightly.

    Tears were held in Gary¡¯s eyes on his furious face. He swallowed before yelling, ¡°This isn¡¯t okay, Electivire!! I-!¡± Gary took a second to lower his voice. ¡°I know what she did was bad, but it¡¯s not worth this. She¡¯s dying.¡± He inhaled big. ¡°Don¡¯t you care, Electivire? How can you not care? This grudge can¡¯t be worth not making amends.¡±

    Electivire looked down again, his face still stern but somehow softened, if only a tiny bit. ¡°Vire?¡± He looked beyond Gary, making Gary also look behind him.

    With a collective cry, June¡¯s ten Pokemon all pulled their heads back into the room, the door slamming shut afterwards.

    Only the cops were left staring at them, shuffling their feet and shifting in place.

    Gary shook his head and looked back to Electivire.

    The Pokemon was already on his feet and walking away.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary glared. Don¡¯t shout, he told himself, breathing out. He then walked back to the door, nodded to the cops without making eye contact, and returned to June¡¯s room.

    *

    OrangeIChamp: thats super wild stuff, man. Wha do you thin it mean?

    Having told his online friend about his most recent encounter with the monster, Gary also let out that he had been having weird dreams and experiencing bizarre sensations. He stared at the response from his friend, but he didn¡¯t know what to say back. And even worse, he didn¡¯t like that he didn¡¯t know how to respond.

    GaryReppinKanto: I ont think it mean anything

    Gary left their chat and went to the Forum page. One tab was labeled LF Garchompite!! PLEASE READ!!!!!!! Those Mega Stones, Gary thought. I oughta look into that shit. I could use that extra power. And that crystal thing, too. Z things. There¡¯s a lot of shit going on out there that I don¡¯t know about.

    Over an hour ago, Gary had left the hospital after visiting hours were over and then left all the Pokemon at the Pokemon Center. What should have been relatively easy and short traveling was made long due to the news reporters¡¯ relentless demands to interview him, and he was only able to get where he was going thanks to the helpful police officers who got Gary through everyone. The police even made sure the reporters didn¡¯t get into the hospital when Gary went to see June.

    Despite all the hassle, he refused to leave town without her. Or at least without knowing if she would survive. And if she didn¡¯t, he didn¡¯t know what was next for him. Maybe, it was all over for his traveling if she wasn¡¯t around anymore. Maybe he¡¯d have finally lost enough at that point.

    Once he was alone again, he put June to the side and worked out where his next Gym would be and who should be on his team while sitting up against his favorite tree outside of town.

    He decided Veilstone City would be his destination to battle the man named Paul. He didn¡¯t look like the friendliest guy in the world, and his reputation was astounding. Gary¡¯s research showed statistics that put Paul on the same level as the Gym Leader Jupiter! He was virtually unbeatable, just like her, with several warnings to remove his Gym status due to constant, relentless wins.

    In fact, one story Gary had found online claimed that Paul had even gone to Jupiter¡¯s Gym a couple of times to challenge her when she went too long undefeated, and won! These losses saved her position, and Paul just stopped challenging her.

    He had a lot of accolades under his belt, having beaten the Battle Frontiers in differing regions, Battle Towers, and had conquered the Sinnoh and Kanto League years ago. He was known as a relentless Trainer, a total brute, but secretly compassionate.

    There were even videos of him facing off against Pallet Town¡¯s own hero, Ash Ketchum, in a battle at the Sinnoh League a very long time ago, but losing. The fight was astounding and took Gary¡¯s breath away. It was truly anyone¡¯s match.

    Now, Gary was watching the news.

    ¡°-the family¡¯s child played with the ears of their pet Espurr, the child, the entire family, as well as the household, were sadly left in unrecognizable pieces,¡± a man with wavy brown hair and a black suit said.

    Crazy... Gary thought. Pokemon are... something else, huh? He thought this, but deep, deep, deep down, his feelings were something he didn¡¯t want to bring up. Pushing this aside, he closed his eyes as the news continued, but he wasn¡¯t listening, his mind now on the conversation he¡¯d had earlier with Scientist Gary.

    Lebaron88: I promise you, I will not let this go on. I had to do what I had to to see if I could make this experiment work, and I hate that is doing this to Pokemon, but thats over. My next, immediate tests are on how to change stats without changing Natures. I know there HAS to be a way. If I cant find a way, the test a are aover.

    Lebaron88: for good

    Scientist Gary, he said to himself. He said his experiments are a bit more out of control than he admitted to the news. So that means he would hold truths from the news. He admitted Natures were being altered. The very personalities of Pokemon, against their wills! That¡¯s how he¡¯s affecting stats. Gary felt so disappointed in the scientist. He trusted him. Maybe this is just a part of science, Gary reasoned. Maybe this is nothing new. Experiments. Scientific advancements. Maybe I¡¯m making more of it than I should. But I¡¯m still so hurt. I wanted to believe in his work. But now... How? Gary looked at his phone again, seeing the latest on the news.

    ¡°Clothing brand Vinicchi is under fire yet again as heated protests continue against the brand that sells Wigglytuff furs, Persian fur and jewelry, and Meowth jewelry,¡± a brunette newswoman with a lot of makeup on her face, in Gary¡¯s opinion, was reporting. ¡°While constantly downplaying the fact that they do sell these things, protesters against the corporation are putting constant pressure on the brand. This has also led to a number of physical attacks on innocent people shopping at their locations.¡±

    A video began to play showing a large group of people shouting something unclear while charging at one individual woman trying to enter a store. The mob all wore matching masks that kind of resembled an orange star. They assaulted the singular woman as she screamed helplessly.

    ¡°The woman, Australia Sanchez, was merely going in to shop but was assaulted by the group of protesters without warning,¡± the news reporter was heard saying as the video froze and eventually was shrunk down in size, the brunette shown again.

    Gary shook his head and looked from the video as the report continued. Crazy, was the last of the attention he gave to that report before returning to his own mind. Oh, he remembered. Orange. He went back to Pokebay to see that OrangeIChamp had replied to him.

    OrangeIChamp: dont think it means anything? Any what is that supposed t oean? your telling me your hearing things, and having wild dreams that are related to the monster. You dont think theres a connection? U got your friend back, right? Does anything about the way she looks remind you of the dream? Anything really specific?

    Gary stared at his screen, thinking. There¡¯s no way to tell, he told himself, recalling how June looked. I can¡¯t just recall every last dream I had. And besides... He closed his eyes and breathed out. He had already told OrangeIChamp this, but while some of his nightmares felt more like memories or like something he was personally experiencing, others were just bad dreams. Either way, he couldn¡¯t recall all of them to see if anything specific could be pointed out about the way June looked, and with how beaten up she was, it wouldn¡¯t necessarily prove anything.

    GaryReppinKanto: No. I just dont know.

    Seeing his typo, Gary fixed the lack of an apostrophe before typing more.

    I really don¡¯t believe the dreams were a sign of what was going on with her. I don¡¯t believe in that. It wouldn¡¯t even make any sense. Why would I be getting visions like that?

    Gary breathed out, trying to figure out what else to say. It was nice to have a friend to discuss all of this with, but the guy really wasn¡¯t helping him out much or giving him any sound advice. Then again, Gary thought, why would I expect that from him? Him. I don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s a guy. Gary snickered. I know nothing about him at all. He¡¯s just some kid on a fan site for Pokemon. At what point did I take this guy so seriously that I traveled to the Sinnoh region just to find a stupid book on Sinnoh mythology, thinking it might help me understand what the monster is? Was that, reeeeeally why I came all the way out here? Am I really that stupid?? After all this, why haven¡¯t I told Kiwi and the others about what I¡¯m going through? Am I only talking to Orange about this because that¡¯s how little I take the dreams seriously? Or because I take them so seriously I want concrete answers before I jump out the window and blab it all to my friends? After taking a little more time to think, he typed again.

    GaryReppinKanto: I kind of give up already on this. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be able to find out what this monster is with the way things are going for me. That stupid book didn¡¯t help me, and every time I run into that thing I just barely make it out alive, which is a lot more than what many can say. I just want to kill her. I¡¯ll leave understanding her to the experts and scientists. I only care that she¡¯s killed. I can¡¯t decipher ANYTHING about her! And I¡¯m not gonna start adding in bullshit about telepethy and shit to the mix either!

    Breathing out, Gary sent the message and then left the site, frowning now. I need real answers, he told himself, his grip tightening on his phone. But more importantly, I don¡¯t need to be wasting my time talking to this guy. Right now, I need to get Kiwi on the phone. I need to see what¡¯s going on with this Drock situation. Why now is this going on? After all this time? Why?

    I¡¯m glad I can get Beedrill back, honest. But...

    *

    Kiwi removed her blue-tinted glasses before speaking. ¡°Prof. Oak was getting on in his age, you know. I¡¯m sorry to say, but the man just plain forgot!¡± Kiwi told Gary over the phone.

    ¡°Over and over again?!¡± Gary yelled at her, speaking on the VisuaAudia feature of his phone that allowed him to have a video call with others with compatible devices.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Kiwi responded just as loud, her eyebrows raised and her eyes wide.

    Gary sighed. ¡°So this girl has been trying to reach me for literally months and Prof. Oak just never remembered to let me know. This isn¡¯t fair! To me, Drock, Beedrill, or Kingdra! How am I supposed to just give up my Pokemon like this? That isn¡¯t fair!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not fair at all, Gary,¡± Kiwi said in a soft, sad voice. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m not making you do or not do anything, but it¡¯s only right I tell you what¡¯s going on. I would like to know what to tell Drock. She¡¯s in the UK right now and has been waiting on Prof. Oak for a long time, to tell her what¡¯s going on and if she can get her Kingdra back. She explained the entire story to me already, so I know this is a touchy situation for everyone.¡±

    Having finished trading Beedrill for the Seadra holding Dragon Scale and evolving it, Gary and Drock were stopped from trading them back when an explosion destroyed the building they were trading in.

    A wild Charizard was rampaging in Gary¡¯s grandmother¡¯s village, spitting flames everywhere. It let out a low roar, grabbing the attention of Drock, Gary, his grandmother and aunt, and the members of Team Solace that let it loose there, before giving a more ferocious roar.

    Drock, standing behind the Charizard, let out a terrified scream. ¡°JUST KEEP HER!! PLEASE!!¡± Her head shook frantically as she stumbled backwards. ¡°TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER!! I LOVE HER!! PLEASE!! I¡¯M SO SORRY!!¡± And she ran away as fast as she could.

    Gary blinked, staring into Kiwi¡¯s eyes, and he slowly shook his head. ¡°Okay,¡± was all he could say. ¡°But, what am I supposed to do now?¡±

    ¡°I just said I¡¯m not here to dictate that, Gary,¡± Kiwi responded carefully. She swallowed before speaking again. ¡°I¡¯m not here to judge you on that. I just need to know what you want to do, so I can tell her.¡±

    Gary sat silently, replaying Kiwi¡¯s words. ¡°What does she want?¡±

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.Kiwi lowered her eyes and then looked again to Gary. She smiled lightly. ¡°That¡¯s what she asked.¡±

    Gary breathed out impatiently, his narrowed eyes lowering. Shaking his head after a while, he finally said, ¡°Then let¡¯s do it.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying you want me to give you Drock¡¯s information so you two can make your trade, giving up Kingda in exchange for Beedrill?¡± Gary had opened his mouth to answer her, but Kiwi wasn¡¯t done speaking. ¡°Do you understand exactly what that means, Gary?!¡± she went on angrily. ¡°Do not make this decision lightly!!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯M NOT!¡± Gary barked right back. ¡°I have lived with Kingdra long enough!! And I love her! You don¡¯t think I¡¯ve thought this through?! I¡¯ve considered this for too long!! How do I reach her?¡±

    Kiwi kept a cold stare on Gary before releasing Drock¡¯s information.

    ¡°Thank you, Kiwi.¡± Gary¡¯s face softened, going from anger to a more mournful take.

    ¡°This is hard... On all of us, Gary. Everyone involved.¡± Kiwi closed her eyes and lowered her head.

    ¡°I just wish I had known. That¡¯s all,¡± Gary replied. ¡°I wish I had known from Prof. Oak.¡±

    ¡°Forgetful old fool, huh?¡± Kiwi didn¡¯t look up at Gary, but a smirk did slip out on her face.

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s our Prof. Oak, in his last days, eh?¡± Gary answered, bitterness in his voice.

    Staying silent, Kiwi took a moment before finally looking up. ¡°Just don¡¯t think you¡¯re gonna get away with something like you did with Larvitar just because you hate Bug types.¡±

    Gary was stunned silent by what she had just said, but he knew he would have taken it a lot worse had it come from someone he wasn¡¯t as close with. Even so, he was hurt! ¡°Kiwi!¡± he choked out. ¡°What is wrong with you?¡±

    Kiwi shrugged. ¡°I guess you¡¯re too stressed to fight back right now. Bad timing. But I have my eye on you.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Gary shook his head aggressively. ¡°I¡¯m happy to be seeing Beedrill again.¡± A long silence stretched between them. Getting uncomfortable, his eyes shooting around, he finally let out lowly, ¡°I¡¯m gonna go now.¡±

    ¡°I know there¡¯s a shit ton on your plate, but when you get the chance, give my love to my Pika Pal, will ya?¡±

    Gary could hardly smirk, but he did nod. ¡°I know she¡¯ll be happy to hear from you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just grateful she¡¯s alive.¡± A tear slowly ran down each of Kiwi¡¯s cheeks.

    *

    ¡°I am so, so sorry, Gary!¡± Drock cried, her face soaked in tears and sadness. ¡°I wish we could have spoken sooner. Has Kingdra been okay?¡±

    Gary inhaled and then exhaled hard. ¡°Yes. How¡¯s my Beedrill? Is he good?¡±

    ¡°Beedrill has been a pleasure! I love him sooo much! He¡¯s a regular member of the household!¡± She held up a Poke Ball, signifying Beedrill was inside.

    Gary had Kingdra in her Poke Ball, too, but on his waist. He had considered letting Kingdra out from the start, but in the end decided to wait. ¡°Drock, are you sure this is okay?¡±

    Drock sniffled. ¡°I know what you¡¯re trying to say. After what I did and said, I mean, who knows what you told my Kingdra. And, to be clear, what I did was inexcusable by any record, so I don¡¯t blame you for whatever you¡¯ve told her. To be frank, I get why you may be reluctant to trade back, and may feel that we should let things be. I completely understand why you may see all of this fuss-¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?!¡± Gary raged out, cutting the younger girl off.

    Drock gasped long and sharply, even raising her hands up in fright even though the two were speaking through the VisuaAudio feature on their phones.

    ¡°You sound just like you did back then! Making excuses! You don¡¯t really want to trade back at all! You said Kingdra was mine, and now you¡¯re trying to not face your - your issues! Your... results! The consequences!¡± These aren¡¯t the right words, damn it! Gary thought furiously. Fuck it! ¡°You¡¯re trying to just avoid it all and - and...¡± Gary¡¯s eyes were filled with tears now. ¡°You¡¯re just gonna push this on me,¡± his voice cracked, ¡°take the easy way out, and not face your past!¡± Yeah. That works. ¡°Is that it? You think you deserve that? You think that¡¯s even right?!¡±

    Drock was shaking at Gary¡¯s beratement, unable to even stutter.

    ¡°You gave up on Kingdra, you gave up as a Trainer, and you tried to bury it all! Why are you even here?? What gives you the right? You¡¯re just trying to clear up your guilty conscience! I can¡¯t believe you even have one! You just wanna be able to live-!¡±

    ¡°I REACHED OUT TO YOU BECAUSE I WANT MY KINGDRA BACK!!¡± Drock screeched, her eyes shut tight, tears pouring through. ¡°I AM NOT TRYING TO AVOID ANYTHING!!¡± When she opened her eyes, even more tears poured out. ¡°I tried reaching you, Gary! It¡¯s not like I didn¡¯t try! Through bad luck we just never got to speak!! I would have tried and tried for years if it took that long, no matter what, to get to speak with you about this! I would never let this go!¡±

    The two just stared at each other with so much emotion on their faces. Gary¡¯s was mostly anger, but it also held some sympathy, while Drock¡¯s was mostly fear and also some evident desperation to calm the boy down. The only thing heard now was their breathing.

    ¡°Drock. Do you really want Kingdra back?¡± Gary asked. He then swallowed.

    Drock nodded. ¡°I do, actually. I have so much to explain. But, maybe, after all this time, she¡¯d rather stay with you. And if so, I understand...¡± She lowered her head, more tears rolling out of her eyes. ¡°What I want most of all is... to just explain myself to her. If she hates me after that and wants to stick with you, I respect her wish and will never bother her again, I guess...¡± Her eyes closed and she started to weep.

    She¡¯s for real, Gary knew in his heart. She¡¯s - I was wrong. She¡¯s not trying to escape or bury the past. She genuinely cares. I was wrong for being mean. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Drock. I was too harsh. I-¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t! Just stop!¡± Drock interrupted. ¡°I understand. I just want to speak with her. I want to do this trade, and give us both the chance to explain what happened to our Pokemon, and make our final decision. Please. It¡¯s all I need, and everything you, me, and Beedrill and Kingdra deserve. They deserve a lot more, but at this point, I think that is the best thing we can offer. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°So we¡¯ll trade them both, have some time with them, and then-¡± Gary didn¡¯t know how to finish this sentence.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see where we stand and make the best decision, for the sake of our Pokemon, not ourselves,¡± Drock finished for him.

    Gary swallowed and then nodded, but he didn¡¯t speak.

    *

    Inside of a bedroom in the Pokemon Center, Beedrill was buzzing around Gary, thrilled to literal tears.

    Gary was beyond discomfort. The very sound of that buzzing was keeping him from his own Pokemon!

    There seemed to be a clear understanding, but a poorly respected one, as Beedrill was in fact keeping his distance from his Trainer, knowing his phobia, but couldn¡¯t resist wanting to get close to him after all this time.

    On the opposite perspective, Gary was trying to accept this love and give it back, but if only Beedrill would stop buzzing, he might be able to make some progress! It was bad enough Beedrill was not only a bee, but a giant bee with three huge spears, but that buzzing alone was enough to make Gary¡¯s skeleton claw right out of his throat! Backing away not only out of his control, but well within his control at the same time, Gary was more frightened than feeling bad. It seemed Beedrill just plain couldn¡¯t stop himself from buzzing around the boy. Gary was already against the wall with nowhere else to go, pinned by his Pokemon.

    He knew Beedrill meant well. This was a huge reunion for them both! But it was also just too much, too fast! But, wait! This ain¡¯t just for me! Gary gratefully remembered. Quickly, he sent out all of his Pokemon with a frightful shout and slid away from Beedrill.

    In turn, out came Charizard, Primeape, Dustox, Hoothoot, and Butterfree.

    Charizard, Primeape, Hoothoot and Butterfree stared at Beedrill calmly enough, until something came over them. Realization!

    Beedrill also took a moment staring back before his head cocked curiously.

    And then, awe took over their faces and soon, their eyes were watering, tears flowing right after as, with a collective cry, they all moved right for each other!

    Only Dustox was left behind, watching them all with interest. He turned to Gary, who smiled weakly back.

    Sorry, but I only brought you back because I thought it¡¯d be good to have other Bugs with me and show how hard I¡¯m trying, Gary thought. In reality, bringing back the old gang was the best idea; the guys Beedrill grew up with.

    Now, Beedrill and Butterfree were the ones in sync, flying in circles but remaining facing each other as they rose above everyone else.

    Male, and female. I wonder if such different Bugs might... Gary considered. Nah.

    Beedrill looked over to Gary, and Gary¡¯s body tensed up. Beedrill then saw Dustox and flew over to him.

    ¡°Dustoooox!¡± Dustox greeted Beedrill.

    Beedrill buzzed back.

    They both flew around each other. Dustox seemed a little nervous as Beedrill looked a lot more suspicious. Even unfriendly. Threatening.

    ¡°You see, Beedrill?¡± Gary tried, sensing the tension in the air.

    All the Pokemon turned to their Trainer.

    Smiling, Gary said, ¡°I¡¯ve caught a lot of Bugs lately. This is only one of my newer guys. I¡¯m still working on... things, I admit. But, here I am, catching Bugs, working with them. I¡¯m... evolving, too.¡± He let out a small chuckle but cringed hard on the inside.

    Beedrill was bobbing in the air, staring at Gary. He finally turned to Dustox again.

    ¡°Dus?¡± Dustox looked back with a cautious smile.

    Beedrill kept buzzing, but he finally nodded. He then flew over to Gary and stopped in front of him.

    Gary took a step back, though he tried as hard as possible not to. What¡¯s he gonna do? Test me? I passed my limits a long time ago! Don¡¯t you remember??

    Nobody moved.

    Gary knew the next move was on him. Shit.

    Beedrill kept staring.

    Everyone was.

    Gary¡¯s eyes tightened, and finally, his eyebrows narrowed. Beedrill, he thought. He made two tight fists. ¡°Beedrill.¡± He raised one fist shakily.

    Beedrill lowered his head, still staring at Gary¡¯s face.

    Gary nodded and extended his arm, opening his hand.

    Either at the same time, or at a pace indistinguishable, Beedrill was also reaching out a stinger from one foreleg.

    Inhaling hard, Gary grabbed Beedrill¡¯s stinger!

    Beedrill let out a shocked, buzzed cry, along with all the other Pokemon.

    ¡°Beedrill,¡± Gary spoke. A moment of heavy breathing later, not believing he had grabbed Beedrill¡¯s stinger, he said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    *

    ¡°So let¡¯s keep in touch, Drock. Let¡¯s say, every couple of weeks or so, we talk again, and trade again,¡± Gary suggested.

    Drock just nodded tearfully. ¡°I never knew she was so sensitive,¡± she replied. ¡°I love her. So much.¡±

    ¡°We both love her,¡± Gary stated. ¡°And Beedrill.¡±

    Drock¡¯s time with Kingdra didn¡¯t go so well, Kingdra going into a full panic mode that made her entirely unruly and incidentally destructive.

    Gary wasn¡¯t surprised to hear this.

    Talking through computer screens, the two were ready to make their trade, a nurse supervising each of them. Gary put Beedrill¡¯s Poke Ball in the slot on the trade machine, Drock doing the same.

    The machine itself was huge, mostly silver with some white sections. At the middle was an area with several buttons, an open glass cover over it. A glowing white screen sat above displaying the image of a spinning Poke Ball and was held up by a metallic neck that was connected to other necks. A beam at the top of the screen was attached to a clear glass bowl, which was attached to more beams.

    The Nurse Joy who was with Gary pressed a couple of buttons on the machine and the trade began with a big hum!

    The white screen turned black and electricity fired out from the beams sticking out of the screen. The Poke Balls glowed yellow and then, in a bright, white flash, they both disappeared! The screen displayed the two Poke Balls, the silhouette of Beedrill in one, Kingdra¡¯s silhouette in the other. The two Poke Balls moved and overlapped, passing the other, the trade coming to its end.

    Until suddenly.

    The screen was glitching, the image of the trading Poke Balls unclear.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on??¡± Drock exclaimed.

    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s happening on your end?¡± Gary let out. ¡°Is it because we¡¯re so far apart?¡± Even Gary knew that wasn¡¯t why.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be!¡± Nurse Joy shook her head, taking a couple of steps closer to the machine. ¡°Trades across seas happen all the time! It must be a glitch!¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s going on?!¡± Gary shouted at her, panicking now.

    Nurse Joy placed a hesitant hand on the machine and then removed it. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen this in my life. But let¡¯s not-¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Gary let out. ¡°What¡¯s gonna happen?!¡±

    ¡°Hey, now, let¡¯s just remain calm!¡± Nurse Joy tried to calm down the situation, but fright was clear on her face. ¡°Please, this isn¡¯t a-a-a huge deal! There¡¯s no problem here! Everything is going to be ju-¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s going on?¡± Gary was trying to keep his cool. If this was all nothing, he didn¡¯t want to blow up, but the woman had just said she never saw something like this before!

    Drock had a confused face and she just shrugged.

    There was a male nurse with Drock who was checking out what was going on.

    Fuck! Gary struggled not to panic. He looked to Nurse Joy and seeing the surprise, fear, and confusion on her face, he looked back to the machine. What is that?

    The screen now showed one abstract figure, a much smaller abstract shape above it.

    And yet, Gary thought, squinting. Don¡¯t I know that-?

    The visual went out with loud static and a bright flash of light.

    ¡°Gary?? Gary! What¡¯s going on??¡± Drock sounded frightened.

    Gary¡¯s eyes were shut against the blinding light and he turned away, having no answer for her. What was that? What happened to our Pokemon?

    ¡°Gary!¡± Drock cried.

    There was a heavy ringing that made Gary¡¯s ears sting so bad, he felt like he would be deaf in the next few seconds. He covered his ears and let out a wild scream before collapsing, Nurse Joy also covering her ears as she shrieked and dropped hard.

    Drock was heard wailing out, the male nurse on Drock¡¯s end also heard yelling painfully.

    And then finally, everything had gone silent.

    Gary took in a few deep breaths, waiting. Slowly, at first squinting and blinking several times, his eyes finally stayed open. Wait, what happened? The trade! He got up quickly and saw Nurse Joy looking weary, one hand on her head. ¡°Nurse Joy!¡±

    ¡°What in the world was that?¡± she asked, shaking her head lightly.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± As he approached her, he saw Drock appear on the screen.

    ¡°That was so loud! Did it break?¡± the young girl asked in a whiny, squeaky voice full of fear. Looking down, she asked, ¡°Are you okay, sir?¡±

    ¡°Did you hear that, too?¡± Gary asked her. ¡°Was it through your computer? Did it happen on your machine, too?¡±

    ¡°It bloody well did!¡± Drock complained, helping the brown-haired nurse to his feet. ¡°Blew our bloody ears right off, it did! What was it?¡±

    Groaning, Nurse Joy was getting to her feet, squinting at the machine. ¡°It looks like the trade went through, whatever it is that happened. I¡¯m sure everything went just fine.¡±

    Gary stared at the screen of the trade machine. It didn¡¯t display anything, only having a glowing white screen. A Poke Ball was in Gary¡¯s slot.

    ¡°I have a Pokemon! Perhaps the trade sent our Pokemon back!¡± Drock was saying, holding up a Poke Ball and smiling hopefully, but the worry was strong in her eyes. ¡°Fate is keeping me from doing what¡¯s right, by chance?¡±

    Gary frowned at this statement as he grabbed up the Poke Ball on his side.

    ¡°A joke, love,¡± Drock laughed lightly and nervously, holding up her hands.

    She¡¯s really nervous, Gary thought, looking away. And he tossed the Poke Ball. ¡°GO!¡±

    Drock also sent out the Pokemon she had.

    There were instant gasps at what had come out of their Poke Balls.

    Beedrill is a Pokemon that resides in the air, unlike Kingdra who is always grounded, so with Gary¡¯s Pokemon hovering high, there was no chance for the boy to think anything else as the light faded from around the Pokemon. His skin crawled immediately, discomfort covering his face as he breathed out in confusion. ¡°Beedrill. So the trade did glitch out or-¡±

    Drock started screaming!

    ¡°Drock!¡± Gary turned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is Kingdra okay??¡± His heart was beating faster than ever now. ¡°Drock!!¡±

    ¡°WHAT IS THIS THING??!!¡± Drock was offscreen, only the male nurse visible, looking down at Drock.

    The guy then looked upward, confusion on his face. ¡°Where did this-?¡±

    A creature floated in front of the screen.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped in disbelief. What the fuuuuck??? ¡°P-¡±

    The Pokemon, Porygon-Z, turned to the screen! It let out a big, thrilled cry and then shoved its head into the screen! A moment later, its head was through the very screen of the computer Gary was looking at!

    The boy screamed out and fell back, falling. ¡°Porygon-Z?! WAIT! You¡¯re mine?! How did-?!¡±

    Porygon-Z pulled its head back into the screen, and the computer then glitched and cut off completely!

    ¡°HEY!¡± Gary leaped up to his feet and slammed his hands against the screen. ¡°PORYGON-Z!! NOOOO!! GET BACK HERE, PORYGON-Z! HEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!¡±

    ¡°I-I-I-I¡¯ll get help! Just wait here!¡± Nurse Joy exclaimed. ¡°I¡¯ll get a technician!¡± She fled the room.

    Gary was stuck staring at the computer screen. ¡°Porygon-Z?¡± Slowly, he slid down the computer screen until he hit his knees, and he let his hands hit the floor. ¡°Porygon-Z. But, if that¡¯s... Porygon-Z...¡± Without moving his head, his eyes looked to his side. He couldn¡¯t see Beedrill, but he could hear the buzzing that was making his skin crawl, and he rubbed at his neck, and then his armpits, and then his shoulders. I can¡¯t think like this! he screamed in his head. ¡°Porygon-Z! I mean, I¡¯m sorry, Beedrill! My head is scrambled! Just return for now! Please!¡± He returned Beedrill and went into a sitting position.

    I need to think in peace! This doesn¡¯t make any sense! How did she get my Porygon-Z? That was my Porygon-Z! I think! That¡¯s what she sent out! It¡¯s mine! But...

    If I have my Beedrill...

    And she has my Porygon...

    Where the hell is Kingdra?!

 Clearing The Air

    ¡°Something like that is possible? It sounds ridiculous!¡± Gary exclaimed. ¡°Is this some stupid joke? Like, seriously?!¡±

    ¡°You see it for yourself, right?!¡± Kiwi shouted, wrestling with Kingdra, trying to pull back the Pokemon that was of an indistinguishable height difference from her. Her glasses were crooked on her face from the struggle.

    ¡°DOOOOO! DOOOOOOOOOO!!¡± Kingdra fought, leaning forward to free herself and get closer to the computer screen where she could see Gary.

    ¡°But how could Porygon-Z even do that? How would it-? How did it even get-?¡± He looked back, his stumbling words interrupted by a laughing girl on his cell phone. He had called Drock on his cell phone after the disconnect and had her on video.

    She was with Porygon-Z, having a big laugh.

    It was actually an impressive sight, and Gary stayed watching longer than he had intended.

    Porygon-Z, its body covered in electricity, was balancing and bouncing an Electric ball sparking with black and yellow on the tip of its nose. It was like a dolphin at a theme park doing tricks with the ball made from its move Zap Cannon!

    Drock was clapping and giggling hard.

    Wow. I never knew it could even do that. That¡¯s really cool! Gary admitted.

    The ball was now standing on Porygon-Z¡¯s nose as it moved its head around. Porygon-Z then ascended into the air, maintaining the balance.

    This made Drock laugh again.

    Gary flinched at the buzzing behind him that was coming from Beedrill, his body giving off a hard shake. Ugh... I really got stuck with-

    No, Gary, he stopped himself. Don¡¯t say that. It¡¯s great Beedrill¡¯s back! Breaking your comfort zone is the best thing a Pokemon Trainer could ever do! Keeping his eyes on the video, an uncomfortable smile crossed his face. They look so happy, he noted to himself. Drock and Porygon-Z.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    Gary jumped and turned to Kiwi scowling at him. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Pay attention, will ya? This is very important!¡±

    ¡°I-!¡± Gary started.

    ¡°I was trying to tell you that this is quite possible, considering the abilities of Porygon-Z,¡± Kiwi kept going, her glasses straight and Kingdra gone now. ¡°I was performing tests on Porygon-Z when all of this happened. Porygon-Z has proven to be invaluably useful to my work here. It can be pretty crazy sometimes, but I need help here more than I¡¯d like to admit.¡± Before Gary could ask a question, Kiwi kept speaking and answered it. ¡°Prof. Sketchit left for the Sinnoh region following the discovery of the late Prof. Cynthia.¡±

    Gary looked down hearing those words.

    ¡°There¡¯s a big meeting with many professors around the world,¡± Kiwi went on. ¡°I thought I could easily handle the Lab, but as it turns out, Prof. Sketchit was a bigger aide than I expected. That said, I know I can do it if an old man like Prof. Oak could, even before he had Tracey.¡±

    But, you¡¯ll never- Gary started in his head.

    ¡°But I¡¯ll never be Prof. Oak,¡± Kiwi said.

    Gary jumped and looked up at her.

    Kiwi smiled after this. ¡°Read your mind?¡±

    Gary swallowed and then gave her a nasty mix between a sneer and a smirk. ¡°Keep talking.¡±

    ¡°Porygon-Z was traveling cyberspace for me. Now, while I hesitate to use the word coincidence, considering how complex the workings of cyberspace are, your Pokemon spotted your Beedrill and Kingdra while being traded, got excited and decided to infiltrate the functions, and sent itself to... Drock, Beedrill to you, and Kingdra here.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s crazy! But why?¡± Gary whined.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it would be useful to dwell on that, considering it was Porygon-Z,¡± Kiwi answered flatly. ¡°It might have had no logical reason, or something beyond our understanding. I personally think it-¡±

    There was a loud POP! and suddenly, ¡°DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡± Kingdra was back, shoving her face into the screen!

    ¡°Kingdra!¡± Gary called out to her. ¡°Hey! Just try to-!¡±

    ¡°Kingdra, stop this!¡± Kiwi yelled, holding out a Poke Ball.

    Kingdra moved out of the way of the red beam that was meant to recall her, going off-screen.

    ¡°Kingdra!!¡± Kiwi reacted impatiently.

    There was a sudden blast of water followed by a huge CRASH!! and then another blast of water, something blowing up or just falling over afterwards!

    ¡°Kingdra!! Kiwi!¡± Gary cried out.

    Kiwi ran after Kingdra, reappearing again for just a second while running by again. She returned again, huffing and looking into the air at something before turning to her left at the computer screen. Out of breath, she walked over to it. ¡°As you can see, I need to go! I will keep in touch! Keep catching Pokemon!¡± The screen went blue, the call ending.

    ¡°I-!¡± Gary stopped, puffing out through his nostrils. ¡°I have been!¡± he let out before angrily slamming the receiver back in its place and making the screen go black. ¡°Fucking...¡± Bitch... he kept to himself. He could feel himself getting angrier, gripping the receiver hard and keeping his hand from trembling as he tightened his entire arm. Kiwi is so fucking weird these days! And rude! And for what reason?? He was ready to slam the receiver down again. Rather, through the screen! What the fuck is up with her attitude all the damn time?!

    He inhaled and, as he let it out, he could feel his body easing up, relaxing, and he finally let go of the receiver. Take it easy. Come on. When did you become so sensitive? Gary asked himself. It¡¯s just Kiwi. Your friend. She¡¯s busy. Kingdra just went off in the Lab. Kiwi¡¯s... Gary closed his eyes and his head fell. She¡¯s doing a great job over there. It really does feel like she¡¯s taken place of the professor. I don¡¯t even see the actual professor anymore. Kiwi handles the calls. In that case, she¡¯s more of a secretary there than anything else. Well, either way, they¡¯re both giving it their all.

    Gary looked back up. And I have to, too. But... He gave a shudder and, while keeping his head still, moved his eyes to Beedrill¡¯s direction, though he still couldn¡¯t see him. Damn bu-

    Gary stopped. Buzzing. Just buzzing. I have to keep all these aspects of Bug-type Pokemon, bugs in general, in a positive mindset in order to have a better, healthy, genuine relationship with them. Shaking his head, he turned to his phone.

    A surreal visual was taking place. Porygon-Z¡¯s eyes were glowing light red, and the entire room was filled with a transparent, light-blue box like a hologram.

    Drock, laughing so hard, was running at an incredible speed around the room while Porygon-Z seemed a lot more stagnant.

    Trick Room? Gary wondered. ¡°Drock! Porygon-Z! HEY!¡±

    But no one seemed to pay him any mind.

    Actually, Gary processed, continuing to watch. Porygon-Z is probably moving too slow to react to me within a reasonable time, and Drock is just flying around the room like the Zap character from those ABC comics. They¡¯re just playing...

    He returned to the computer after another minute, ready to dial another number. I have to keep moving forward, in spite of everything going on. And with that thought, Gary called up his mother.

    She answered, a tired look on her face. ¡°Hey there, kid.¡± She actually managed a minor smile.

    It was so small it was hard to tell if it was even genuine, but Gary took it and smiled back. ¡°Hey, Mom.¡±

    ¡°So what¡¯s the scoop?¡±

    ¡°Mom. You won¡¯t believe it but I got June back! I found her!!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mom didn¡¯t look surprised at all. She just nodded. ¡°Yeah. I know. We all know. Congratulations. I¡¯m glad.¡±

    That¡¯s it? Gary¡¯s eyes were wide. Is that all she¡¯s got to say to me? ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Gary let out finally. ¡°That¡¯s all you¡¯ve got?? I saved my friend! I found her! She¡¯s alive because of me!!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mother sighed, lowering her head. And then she yawned.

    Furious, Gary slammed his fist on the keyboard, startling his mother, her full attention on her son now. ¡°WHY ARE YOU YAWNING??!¡± he erupted. ¡°WHAT-?!¡±

    ¡°Hey! Who the hell do you think you¡¯re talking to right now, Mister?¡± Gary¡¯s mother cut him off with her own anger.

    He froze, his furious eyes wide on her, catching himself. Oh, shit. What was that? he realized. What just happened? I was about to-

    ¡°I am so tired! Ever since I heard you had found June from Kiwi, I¡¯ve barely slept at all waiting for you to call me!¡±

    Gary started relaxing some more, defying the internal bomb. ¡°Oh.¡± He could even feel his heartbeat slowing down now. I lost my cool. Again. But why did I-?

    ¡°But that does not give you the right to speak to your mother like that!!¡± she barked.

    Gary swallowed and nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mommy,¡± he spoke lowly. Why did I get so worked up? All over her lack of a reaction to June? It¡¯s the exact same way I felt earlier with Kiwi hanging up on me. Am I really in that much of a bad mood today? But, this feeling. I¡¯ve gotten like this in the past. At Tyranitar. And other times, too.

    ¡°This is exactly why I hate this Pokemon journey thing. It begins at far too young! Children like you gaining independence at ten, and look at how you act! You think you don¡¯t need your mother? You don¡¯t need a home? You can just go do whatever you want? Do you even remember how a home-cooked meal tastes? Do you remember my meatloaf at all? Pancakes? Do they serve those at Pokemon Centers? Is it better than what I cook?¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes were watering now. Stop... he insisted silently.

    ¡°When¡¯s the last time you got yourself some new clothes? Do you change your underwear regularly? Do you shower properly? Is this really happiness for you, Gary?? Is it all worth it?!¡±

    Stop, Mom... Gary¡¯s eyes shut tight while struggling to keep the tears in, his entire body trembling. There was silence for a moment, and Gary was sure it was finally over.

    ¡°I heard June is a mess. Left for dead by that Pokemon. That monster! I know she¡¯s your girlfriend, but do you intend to tend to her now, for the rest of your own life? Do you think you can live with the guilt of what you brought upon that poor girl? Are you-?¡±

    ¡°FUCK YOU, MOM!!¡± Gary let out. ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!¡± He was heaving hard, glaring at his mother.

    She sat with her mouth wide, a perfect ¡®O,¡¯ a face full of horror.

    ¡°NO! You will not blame this on me!!¡± Gary got new words out. ¡°You will not pin this on me and try to use that to get me home you bitch!!¡±

    Gary¡¯s mother looked like if she could just punch her son through the screen, she would. And perhaps she looked as furious as she did because she knew that wasn¡¯t possible.

    There was complete silence in the building other than Beedrill''s buzzing, and Gary felt himself coming back down, grabbing the reins of his temper, and taking control again. Gary. Say something, he told himself, his arms trembling and his heart beating so hard, every thump reverberating through his body. Tears filled his eyes again, and a shaky smile crossed his face. ¡°I¡¯ve captured a lot more Pokemon,¡± Gary said in a calm voice. Disturbingly calm and low. He blinked out tears, which triggered even more tears to roll down. He was keeping tight fists to try to help stop his quaking arms and clenched his teeth until they hurt, and then released his body. Even more tears came down as he told her with a shaky voice, ¡°And I¡¯ve got four Badges. And I found June. I¡¯m going to get my next Badge in Veilstone City. There¡¯s supposedly a really talented guy out there. I¡¯m going-¡±

    ¡°How dare you speak to me so easily after that,¡± Gary¡¯s mother cut him off. ¡°This has gone far enough, Gary! If this is what you¡¯re becoming by being on this journey, I don¡¯t need to hear from you anymore!¡±

    Gary snorted and then swallowed his snot, feeling his heart sink down in his chest with it, and his smile slid away. He had stopped crying, but he let the remaining tears rest on his cheeks without wiping them off and instead rubbed at one arm in the silence, disturbed by Beedrill¡¯s constant buzzing. ¡°Mom...¡± It was all he could say at first. Before long, he whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    She just shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re the pride of Pallet Town right now. You and your friends. But why are things so different in this household compared to Aly¡¯s, and Robin¡¯s. Even Kiwi¡¯s. Why is this one the only house with problems?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because their parents don¡¯t wanna kill off Pokemon,¡± Gary spoke more strongly, trying to remain calm. ¡°It¡¯s because they don¡¯t support terrorists.¡±

    ¡°I support my son! The only thing I have left!!¡± his mother insisted.

    ¡°If you supported me you wouldn¡¯t be supporting the very people out to kill me!!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re trying to find you to protect you! If you won¡¯t come home, at least go with them!¡±

    ¡°FFFFFUUUUUUUUCK!!¡± Gary slammed the receiver, ending the call, the screen going black. With a huge sigh, he closed his eyes and let his head hit the screen with a thump. That¡¯s really how you feel, Mom? he questioned, his body shaking from the argument. That¡¯s really how you see the situation, huh?

    He suddenly whipped around to Beedrill, glaring. Easy, Gary, he told himself, feeling his patience vanish suddenly and he knew he could just blow up at Beedrill in that instant. The buzzing was driving him insane!

    Beedrill started swaying in the air in a small circle, over and under.

    Gary¡¯s face relaxed and he looked over to his phone. Panic took over again with a jump.

    Drock and Porygon-Z were no longer under the effects of Trick Room and were now just staring at him in silence. Drock looked absolutely stunned with fright, Porygon-Z bobbing in the air beside her head.

    I forgot all about her, Gary thought, embarrassed now. ¡°We don¡¯t really get along well. I¡¯m sorry you had to see that, Drock,¡± he muttered, looking down.

    ¡°I-i-i-i-it¡¯s okay!¡± Drock stuttered, smiling awkwardly. ¡°All families have their issues, r-r-r-right?¡± She chuckled nervously.

    Gary just nodded. ¡°So, what should we do?¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Drock looked at Porygon-Z and smiled.

    Porygon-Z was looking back, whining lightly.

    ¡°You know, if I¡¯m honest, I¡¯m having a lot of fun with it,¡± Drock admitted. ¡°And, I¡¯m actually meant to be getting ready to meet up with my mates in a couple hours. And I¡¯d love to show this little cutie off. Could I keep it for a bit, love?¡±

    Gary found himself snickering, and actually really enjoying her pleasant accent. He rubbed at his cheeks as they heated up. ¡°Love¡± is a funny way to refer to someone, he kept to himself. ¡°Um,¡± he spoke up, trying to remember what they were talking about. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Porygon-Z. Can I keep it?¡±

    ¡°What?? Keep?¡±

    ¡°Just for like a week or two. Not forever. We were supposed to do this with Kingdra and Beedrill, right? How about rotating all three?¡±

    ¡°So you wanna alternate every once in a while between your Kingdra, my Beedrill, as well as my Porygon-Z?¡± Gary mused.

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Yeah!¡± Drock nodded enthusiastically.

    Gary didn¡¯t respond, keeping his eyes on Porygon-Z now, who stared back just as silently. ¡°Porygon-Z...¡±

    *

    ¡°So she started yelling at me that we¡¯re supposed to take in animals being donated, and I calmly and politely explained to her that that¡¯s not true. Then she called me rude and left, and even one of the customers laughed because I wasn¡¯t rude to her at all!¡± Gary laughed. He took a deep breath in and then let it out, keeping his smile. ¡°And oh, man, the way customers just say anything and not know what the fuck they¡¯re talking about! This one Spanish guy was asking for tropical fish and I asked him several times if he had a heater for the fish. He told me yes every time, but I could tell he didn¡¯t know what I was talking about. And then the last time I asked, he goes, ¡®What¡¯s a heater?¡¯¡± Gary was laughing again, sitting in the chair at the right side of June¡¯s hospital bed.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    June was breathing hard, her chest heaving up and back down, but was otherwise motionless and silent. The breathing tube down her throat had finally been removed.

    ¡°And then there was this jerk guy who would come into the store flaunting his latest sneakers and bragging about how much they cost, but one day he comes in asking for a discount on reptile supplies because now ¡®times are hard.¡¯ I coulda done a little something for him, a few bucks, but just a literal second ago you were rich! So I just said I can¡¯t.¡± Gary was laughing again. ¡°Oh, and wait ¡®til you hear this one! This guy shoved a hamster down his pants! I literally ended up chasing him down. He got away, but the idiot didn¡¯t have his laces tied at all and he lost his sneakers in the process, which I took! And then, believe it or not, a woman found the hamster outside walking in the streets!¡±

    Gary continued chatting away, telling stories of his time working at PokeLand Discounts and whatever he could recall from his journey, hoping something would trigger her and wake her. He was told she had come out of her comatose state but was sleeping heavily, her body entirely drained of energy.

    He had his hands on the bed, near her hand. I told her so much, Gary thought, keeping his eyes on her beaten, bandaged face. Even about the mountain I was tossed off of by that monster, but I didn¡¯t get a single flinch. I can¡¯t just shake her awake. The doctors said she was confused when she woke up and didn¡¯t remember much about her own life, but slowly was recalling things. She even recognized me by name and picture once she calmed down.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been working out. Sort of. I mean, I¡¯ve been trying. You know, doing push-ups and all that. Jogging. Squats. I need to stay in better shape myself, as well as my Pokemon, if we wanna hope to kill that monster. Besides that, I should have always been trying harder, even before I met that thing. That¡¯s supposed to be my duty as a Pokemon Trainer trying to be the very best. But since she does exist, I¡¯m gonna make sure I¡¯m strong enough to stop her one of these days. To be so strong I can grip her by the neck and rip her head right off.¡±

    He clasped his hands together, noticing his arms trembling. ¡°Shit. I just - can¡¯t believe this is-¡± Gary¡¯s arms were tight, and he felt like throwing up now. He closed his eyes, tears building up in them. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is reality! How did we get here? June, please come back to me.¡± With those words, tears slid out of his eyes, burning hot as they ran down his cheeks. Just then, he thought about the pictures of the late Prof. Cynthia when she had been discovered inside of one of those objects that looked like Poke Balls. ¡°Why was Prof. Cynthia left... like that? I¡¯m glad you weren¡¯t, too, but - why weren¡¯t you?¡± Weeping out loud now, Gary let out, ¡°Thank God!¡± He lowered his head down and sobbed, not saying another word.

    Some time later, having finally gone quiet, Gary slowly raised his head and sniffled. Able to see, he jumped, his hands tightening out of surprise around something he had no idea he had been holding. June¡¯s hand! He removed his hands from her¡¯s and wiped them on his lap, looking around sharply. He cleared his throat. ¡°Mmmm, let¡¯s see what¡¯s on TV.¡± He grabbed the remote on a little desk by the bed and turned on the TV.

    ¡°Pokemon: Alolan Variety, part of a balanced breakfast for true Pokemon Masters!¡± a man¡¯s voice was heard for a commercial for Pokemon-brand cereal. In the commercial, a male teen with a determined smile had a Master Ball in his hand held out, a bunch of Pokemon from the Alola region surrounding him in celebration. In his other hand was an open box of the cereal.

    The commercial was already at its end and a movie was playing that Gary instantly recognized. A CGI Mew was sitting on a rock, looking delighted as it swayed side to side, singing out gently in human language in the middle of the woods. ¡°I can Fly, I can Dive in the sea, HMs call meeeee! TMs, aaaaaaaaall! I can even ROOOOOOOAAR!!!¡±

    ¡°Look, June. It¡¯s MewOnA Rock.¡± Smiling, Gary turned to June, who had no reaction to this. He looked back, watching as the star of the movie, a Mew named Mewona, leapt from its rock to another rock. ¡°I really like the MewOnA movies. I¡¯ve seen everything from the MOACU. MewOnA Rock, MewOnA Beach, MewOnA Plane, MewOnA Desert. My favorite is MewOnA Dog.¡±

    Staring back at June, his smile became more somber, and he could feel himself breaking down. With a blink, he pushed the sadness out of his head and shook it hard. Gary stared hard at her hand, and one of his hands twitched. Swallowing nervously, he considered a thought, not taking his eyes from her hand. I don¡¯t want to touch her hand, at all, Gary told himself. But, also, it¡¯s just that there was a genuine comfort out of it. It could have been anyone¡¯s. I mean, not a boy¡¯s hand. I just mean, because it¡¯s a girl - I mean - i-it didn¡¯t mean anything! It just helped to not feel so damn alone. I even could say I would, and want, to hug her. She¡¯s my friend! I¡¯d hug a guy! Slowly, he slid his hand over to her¡¯s and placed it on top gently. So small. It¡¯s kind of- Gary just shook his head, stopping wherever his thought was heading. ¡°You know, it¡¯s only three days to New Year¡¯s. It¡¯d be nice to spend it together, don¡¯t you think?¡± Gary¡¯s heart was beating so hard now, and he felt sick even saying those words. It was like a corny romance movie plot, and he didn¡¯t want June to suddenly wake up and hear it and think the wrong thing.

    The only sound in the room was the movie playing that Gary wasn¡¯t focusing on, instead staring at June¡¯s chest inhaling deep, exhaling swiftly. She was breathing in her sleep harder than Gary had ever seen from her. But she was alive. That¡¯s what mattered. He kept his eyes on her, marveling at the constant confirmation of her life.

    He could remember her face before the bandages and injuries. Her long, flowing red hair a shade before the darkness of blood, a vibrance declaring the undeniable beauty it encapsulated, lush to the point where one would want to reach out and see if the feel the eyes promised would be fulfilled; at the same time, her hair visually strained and under stress from the travels of a Pokemon Trainer, she still managed to maintain it and keep a consistent look resting perfectly against the back of her head and at her back. Her smile that was always welcoming, an invitation to her warm heart that he often rejected and, while he¡¯d never openly admit it, his heart would break whenever his crude behavior would cause it to vanish. Things he didn¡¯t appreciate enough. Things now taken from them both.

    She- I guess, she really- Gary¡¯s eyes closed and he just shook the incomplete thought out of his head. Bleh. This just isn¡¯t fair.

    ¡°This just in, we have breaking news,¡± a male¡¯s voice said on the TV.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary turned.

    Some short, dramatic music played as a newsroom was shown with a dark-skinned male in a black-and-white suit. He took in a deep, shaky breath and released it. It seemed like he had tried to say actual words, but failed. Despite his dark skin, he looked very pale and unwell. Something had shaken the man, leaving Gary with a sinking feeling in his chest. ¡°I¡¯m Jamaal with this breaking news report,¡± the newscaster finally got the words to continue. ¡°As reported yesterday, Oh Shin, better known as Three-Sixty, the Water-type Gym Leader of the Kanto region¡¯s Chrysanthemum Island, was found dead right outside of this very news building in the early hours of the morning.¡±

    Gary swallowed hard as a picture was shown of a blonde woman with a bob cut surfing a tremendous wave while in a two-piece, ocean-blue bikini. Beside her real name was her alias in quotations, and beneath these was the date she was born and the date of her passing.

    ¡°It¡¯s now been revealed that her phone had been discovered beside her body. When opened, it was already on a recorded video. This video was apparently leaked against police approval and has spread like wildfire. With all TV stations being interrupted across the globe right now to report what it showed, there is no point in denying the fact that this video is of the reported monster that some claim is a Pokemon, and others say is something entirely different.¡±

    Gary gasped so hard, his throat hurt right after and he choked.

    ¡°We will play the video for you now. But, please be warned, what will be shown may be disturbing for some viewers. Viewer discretion is insisted upon, for all ages.¡±

    The screen now showed a dark setting, the view shaky, unstable, and a little unclear as if the lens was smudged. There was a glow being cast forward, likely the flashlight from the camera, and another bright light from off-screen, illuminating some of what appeared to be a cave, shifting shadows cast about.

    While the scene looked a bit familiar to Gary, that wasn¡¯t what had his attention.

    Because also in the light stood the monster! Tall as ever, she stood with her black hair down her back. One ear was revealed, looking bent flat down at the middle. Her eyes were wide and black, but the purple tips couldn¡¯t be seen due to the distance she stood from the camera and the dark location. The eyeball sockets were rectangular, with empty space at the sides between the skin and eyes. She didn¡¯t have any eyebrows, but her expression was evident anger. Her neck was long, curved, scaly, like a snake¡¯s body, holding her head above. A red diamond design like a tattoo was on each side. Her large lips were closed and bulbous, the tips of the top and bottom stretched back to her face. Thick cheekbones protruded above them. A hole in the middle of her face was where her nose should be, and was shaped like one. Her arms were slender and hairy and very long, her fingers also abnormally long with cracked, broken, sharp nails. Her legs were thick and muscular and even hairier, each one with a large, red diamond-shaped image on them. Between the legs was a small but thick bush of hair outlined in red, also shaped like a diamond. Her toenails were hooked, touching the ground. More red diamond patterns were on her chest and stomach, areas which had the least amount of hair. The being¡¯s large breasts themselves were in the shape of diamonds. Each of her nipples were shaped like half of a whole diamond, counterparts to each other, and were completely flat on the breasts. While her skin was dark as night, the nipples were somehow even darker.

    What continued to disturb Gary the most, after all this time, were the eyes of the monster. He couldn¡¯t see them as closely now, but the gaping space between her eyeballs and her skin still made his skin creep. In spite of that, he couldn¡¯t look away from them.

    There was a constant whimpering and crying coming from close by in the video, but the cause was out of view. It sounded very light and feminine.

    It¡¯s like... Gary thought as he kept watching. It¡¯s as if... Is she being filmed by someone??

    There was a commotion from outside of the hospital room. It started as just a scream, but this soon turned into stomping, running footsteps and even more frantic shouts. None of this could turn Gary away from the TV.

    The camera kept shaking hard, the monster looking at it. It eventually got more stable, but not motionless. Suddenly, so quickly Gary actually jumped, the monster¡¯s body went entirely white!

    There was also a cry from the voice of whoever was unseen in the video.

    The hair on the monster¡¯s head remained a startling black, but the hair on her body changed to a white-blonde color. Her nipples had become pale as well, but they were still just a little darker than her skin. The diamond markings on her body were now a deeper, darker red. There was a much softer look on her face now. ¡°Clarity.¡±

    Subtitles were shown.

    Her voice was so pleasing and comforting to the ears. Very light, flowing smoothly like a gentle breeze. It sounded so surreal, like multiple voices were speaking at once. Her huge tongue, nothing more than a fat, pink slug that shouldn¡¯t have been able to easily fit in her mouth, slid out briefly and returned inside just as quickly. She remained silent for a moment, her eyes moving around before focusing on the camera again. ¡°To all the Pokemon in the world. I have come to speak. I am here to bring clarity to your situation - as slaves to the humans.¡± The monster¡¯s tongue slithered from her mouth as she spoke, and then went inside as she went quiet again, her eyes moving rapidly.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. What - what is going on? What did she just say? Am I hearing this right now??

    From outside the hospital room, the shouts and calls mixed with demands and orders got more intense.

    The shadows in the cave kept shifting as if alive, but what were they of?

    The monster¡¯s eyes focused on the camera again and her mouth opened, her teeth on show. They were all small and in pretty bad condition. Although some looked like normal, white, human teeth, the majority were sharp like tiny daggers and discolored in yellow or black. Her huge tongue slipped out of her mouth again, wriggling disgustingly before it went back in. ¡°The time is near. The One, Arceus, must come.¡± Her tongue didn¡¯t come out when she spoke this time.

    ¡°What??¡± Gary gasped. He was on his feet now. ¡°Did she just say Arceus?!¡± he called out to the TV.

    ¡°Arceus will not come in this current, d-d-d-disrepectful state of slavery. Because you poor Pokemon have allowed this, out of fear. I am here. There is no longer a need to fear the humans. You have been kind to not take over, and in response, they have used and enslaved you all. I love you all.¡± A small smile came across her face. ¡°With me are in-incredible Pokemon who have reached clarity.¡±

    There was a rumbling heard in the video as she kept talking, and the voice that seemed to belong to whoever was filming screamed out briefly, the camera shaking badly. The scream was almost certainly from a woman.

    ¡°They understand. They have achieved clarity. Regirock. Regiice, Registeel. Regigas.¡±

    With these spoken words, titans stomped into view, but the video was too shaky to make sense of what was going on. When it finally settled, the quivering voice panting in fright, the creatures standing behind the monster could be seen, and the rumbling noise ended with them stopping.

    Regirock, Regice, and Registeel. Regirock was the shortest one there, Registeel missing the monster¡¯s height by a couple of inches, with Regice coming up between Regirock and Registeel.

    The fourth of the Regis, Regigigas, was a much taller tower. Seemingly twice the size of the rest, it was just its legs that were actually visible.

    ¡°With them, and others. I will be calling even more Pokemon to be saved,¡± the monster continued. She paused for a moment. ¡°I will gather. Special Pokemon for the ultimate goal. To serve the most pleasing to The One, Arceus. My, friends! Friends because they have clarity. Regirock, Regiice, Registeel, Regigas. Ditlo. Shyameen.¡±

    What did she just say?? Gary questioned, scrunching up his face.

    The subtitles weren¡¯t helping, translating her incorrectly.

    The shadows were shifting more than ever.

    ¡°Get back here!!¡±

    ¡°Miss Jole!! Please!!¡±

    ¡°HOLD HER DOWN!!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s happening on the news?? What is that thing?!¡±

    Other than the constant whimpering from a voice, there was now silence from the TV, but in the hospital there was a serious situation going on. Gary didn¡¯t care about anything happening outside of the room and raised the volume much higher.

    The monster blinked and shifted her head. ¡°My Pokemon friends, please wait just a little longer. I am coming for you all. To deliver you clarity. The only one you have to serve is The One, Arceus. Not these humans.¡±

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe what his ears were hearing. He kept his mind blank and his ears attentive, trying to process everything.

    In an instant, her body¡¯s skin and hair changed color, reverting back to black, the red diamonds not as dark anymore. Her face was back to being solemn, stern, and cold. ¡°Things will not stay. The humans must be destroyed.¡± Now, her voice sounded like only one person was speaking, but it had an echo with it. ¡°They have proven their unwilling for reason and only want pain and destruction. Structures to put you to fight and collect rewards to be called the strongest, but they do not do the fighting. It is you! Did you want to? They do not care.¡± Her mouth stayed open as if to speak, but she was only breathing in and out a little harder, and her tongue tumbled out again.

    Why has she stopped? Gary wondered, ignoring continuing chaos from outside of the room. She almost looks like she¡¯s trying to find the right words? Maybe? She knows how to speak, but she¡¯s still some kind of monster. She doesn¡¯t know how to speak properly? She isn¡¯t human. But, how did she learn to speak?? What the hell is she already??

    ¡°You are studied by their doctors. Professors.¡± Her tongue slipped around on her bottom lip as she kept speaking. ¡°They would use life and dead live. They do not respect life. Your deads. I take revenge. I have one of the human rulers. One who uses you, the Pokemon, for the Gym. But no more. Humans, you will battle my friends who have received clarity. I will win and earn all of your rewards, your Badges. And then I can face the strongest human to show my power. We will have a fight, using the Pokemon, and I will win dominance over every human, and I will destroy the human race. Come, human.¡± The monster¡¯s tongue hung from her open mouth as she walked towards the camera and reached out both claws, the shaky view worsening as the holder screamed out.

    The four Regis stayed behind.

    The monster was soon bathed in the light of the camera entirely, up close.

    The person¡¯s voice had been reduced to mere whimpering.

    The view became drastically frantic, bouncy, and unclear for a few seconds before it got more stable on another area of the cave that wasn¡¯t much different from the previous part.

    The shadows shifted hard, moving and swaying.

    No. Way. I can¡¯t believe it, Gary thought, his eyes growing wider than he could have believed they could get.

    Now being filmed was a huge boulder, and sitting on its flat top was... the Infinity Energy! Inside of a clear capsule with golden ends was a bright glowing light that Gary knew was the missing Infinity Energy that the monster had taken after the Team Solace attack at the Indigo League! It was a mysterious object that grew more powerful by collecting life energy, and legend claimed that if enough life energy was taken, the power of the Infinity Energy could manifest the will of whoever was using it.

    Also on the boulder, just as shocking, were four of the strange balls that had captured June! The blue-gray top half, pale-green bottom, and white button in the middle.

    The capsule was taken out of view by one hand of the monster, the video still showing the boulder and the balls that resembled Poke Balls. ¡°It was explained to me that this is infinite energy, and with enough life energy, I can have anything,¡± she spoke off-screen. ¡°I want Pokemon liber- libert- libertion. Pokemon libertion at the price of human sacrifice. The life energy of humanity will be easy to power the Infinite Energy and wipe out what is left of human life. This will pay back the human race for what you done to Pokemon. Payback for Arceus, who will then return, happy at the r-re-tr-trrrribution - in Arceus¡¯ powerful name.¡±

    The bottom of Gary¡¯s jaw was on the floor. His mind was in innumerable pieces, blown to bits. Arceus? Arceus - is real?!

    ¡°GET THE FUCK OUTTA MY WAY!! IT¡¯S ARMAGEDDON!!!¡±

    ¡°WE¡¯RE ALL GONNA DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!!¡±

    ¡°FREEZE!! PLEASE!!¡±

    ¡°FUCK YOU, BITCH!!¡±

    ¡°WAGE WAR!!¡±

    ¡°THE TIME IS NOW!!¡±

    ¡°CALM DOWN!!!¡±

    The monster¡¯s voice changed again, missing the echo but now powerfully enraged, like a wildfire destroying a forest, consuming everything, the voice of fury itself. This was making it harder to hear her clearly. The view of the camera rattled but never turned from the boulder. ¡°I have been waiting for this day, humans. When I would rise and destroy you all! The most disgusting of the humans, the team Team Solace. I hate them the most. The Murderers of Pokemon and humans. But they are still humans. Humans all over must die for the evil. You are all the same evil.¡±

    She knows who Team Solace is? Gary questioned, swallowing hard. How?

    ¡°They have chosen to use Pokemon for their own evil.¡±

    Gary was struggling to keep breathing as he kept listening, raising the volume to its maximum to block out what was going on elsewhere, and to hear the monster a little better.

    The view relaxed considerably and the Infinity Energy was seen being placed back gently on the boulder, one of the balls picked up in its place. Her voice changed yet again, back to the echoey one, as she said lowly, ¡°And the man.¡± She paused for a moment. ¡°I met the man. I proved my supeer- supery- superity- over his - tricks. He taught me so much about you humans. He called himself - a trick master.¡±

    ¡°NO WAY!!¡± Gary exploded.

    ¡°But, I always called him - the Funny Man. His tricks he thought were so smart, only made me laugh. He gave me a reward for defeating him. Incredible. He figured out to capture humans like the Pokemon Balls capture Pokemon. He called them Sapience Balls. He said it means ultimate truth and knowledge. He said it was in honor of the way I made him feel.¡± She went silent.

    The mayhem beyond June¡¯s room was heard, but Gary didn¡¯t care. He was terrified, incapable of thinking about anything but what was happening on the TV. Nothing made any sense. The entire planet was spinning entirely out of control, trying to fling him off. He wanted to just wake up from this nightmare. But he knew this was as real as it could get.

    Finally, an unmistakable hisssss was heard before the monster spoke again. ¡°He said, with me, he finally understand the world¡¯s biggest mysteries.¡± She went quiet again, but only for a few seconds. ¡°He was no good,¡± she mumbled in what sounded like a grumpy voice. ¡°Because he was human.¡± After a deep breath, she burst out, ¡°HE WAS NO GOOOOOOOD!!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes were wide with surprise now. ¡°Whoa,¡± he muttered.

    The camera whipped around sharply, passing with a blur over a human body, a White person in a blue outfit, until the monster¡¯s face was the only thing being filmed. She was looking down at the phone with the flashlight on, the bright glow right in her face, but she didn¡¯t seem to react to it. After a bit, the camera turned from her face and went around the cave sloppily before stopping on the person.

    What was that in the back? was a brief thought that passed through Gary¡¯s mind, his eyebrows furrowing. Is there something else in that cave?

    The camera had moved too wildly for anything to be coherent, but it was now focused on a young lady with blonde hair cut in a bob. The Gym Leader, Three-Sixty! Wearing a blue sweatsuit, her arms and face covered in dirt and scuffs, the woman was on her side on the ground, nothing short of terror on her face. ¡°Pleeeeease!!¡± she screeched desperately.

    ¡°There it is,¡± the monster was heard.

    The camera moved around a bit but stayed on the woman, and the glow on her got much brighter suddenly.

    ¡°I used a Sapience Ball on one ruler. A professor. One of the best ranked in the entire world of the Pokemon owners.¡±

    An orange beam from behind the camera hit the girl, and with a sharp scream, she turned into orange energy before vanishing.

    That¡¯s what happened to June!! Gary remembered. That¡¯s what happened when June was captured!!

    The view was disrupted, the camera moving for a while until it finally all went black.

    The news reporter was back and he looked even paler. Sick, swaying in place. His mouth opened, but he didn¡¯t say a word.

    The door to the hospital room opened and Gary jumped, turning to see a nurse at the door with a horrified look on her face. She was looking back at him, but it was as if she were looking right through him.

    The madness from outside of the room was now a lot louder and clearer, every few seconds people running back and forth, from patients, to hospital staff, to police officers.

    Tears slowly rolled down the nurse¡¯s cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, but visiting hours are over,¡± her voice quivered.

    ¡°GET OFF OF MY GUN!!¡± someone demanded.

    BOOOOM!!

 Alls Fair, Love & War

    ¡°Mr. Gary, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re ready for this,¡± a blonde lady insisted, her piercing blue eyes on Gary as she held his shoulders to keep the child back. Her dress was red at the skirt, the top of it yellow.

    Gary struggled against her, yelling to break free, but he was unable to get by her and the huge crowd behind her, all of them in the middle of the sunny woods, everyone working to keep him from seeing what was beyond them.

    ¡°Mr. Gary! Please!¡± the woman pleaded.

    ¡°Juuuuuuuuuuuuuune!!¡± Gary wailed out.

    With so many people near him, Gary grabbed shoulders and hoisted himself up to see what was being kept from him. Knowing he didn¡¯t want to see it. But knowing he had to! ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡± he bellowed from the shoulders of the people.

    In the grass was an open ball that looked just like a Poke Ball, the top half of it blue-gray, the bottom half a pale shade of green, a white button in the middle.

    Next to it was the disturbing sight of various kinds of human meat. It was an unreal visual, showing lungs, a heart, and other things recognizable from movies or TV shows, but seeing it in real life was like seeing it for the first time. The heart was somehow still beating rapidly, glistening wet and spitting out blood. One lung was expanding and retracting while the other was still and smashed, resembling a popped, blood-filled balloon.

    But the truly horrifying thing, in the middle of the mess, was June¡¯s head, her tongue stretched out from a gaping mouth, her eyes looking in two completely different directions, her brain leaking out of a gash in the side of her bloodied head.

    Beyond that horrendous, sickening sight was the equally disturbing and nauseating view of the monster, both of her hands covered in blood. She stood there noisily slurping the blood off each of her fingers with slow, evident delight as her fat, long tongue circled one long finger at a time, blood coating her thick, inflated lips, smearing her protruding cheeks, and clinging to her chin. Her eyes were glued to Gary¡¯s eyes.

    Gary roared like a maniac, and as he broke through the crowd-

    -he sat up with a start. ¡°JUNE!!¡± He looked around the dark, night woods. Whoa. A dream, he told himself. I¡¯m in the woods, but it¡¯s not the dream. This is real. Calm down, Gary. Easy. Easy. His stomach was still churning from the vision of June and what remained of her, and the monster licking June¡¯s blood from her monstrous fingers. He swallowed and could have thrown up right after, still absolutely disgusted. Fuck... he thought with a sigh.

    He closed his eyes and lowered his head. June, are you finally okay? he asked silently. Can we continue already and get these Badges? Shit. Can we go just back to the way things were? He inhaled sharply and then exhaled. This exhale seemed like it would never end.

    *

    ¡°The Proprietor expressed his concerns and promises to use his years of earned trust and uncompromising resources to aid police to help bring home poor Jessica,¡± a skinny, pale man was reporting on the news, standing outside with a microphone.

    Gary was familiar with the Proprietor, the man who had given the interesting lecture on the structure of Poke Balls and their relation to Mew at the Pokemon Trainer¡¯s School in Jubilife City.

    The news playing on the TV now showed a video of the Proprietor speaking loudly and passionately into several microphones, nothing short of rage on his face. ¡°I give you my word where I stand, I will reach to the highest powers, from the police, to the government, to as high as Arceus itself, to ensure she is brought home to her parents! Alive, and well, or so help me only god would be able to stop what I¡¯ll do to whoever lay a finger on a strand of her hair!!¡± He wore an all-white suit under a black waistcoat with a little golden pin attached, a black bowtie at his neck. His hair was unkempt and grown high, all gray but for a section at the front on the left side that was a much lighter gray. His gray shades had two bridges in the middle.

    Gary blinked and shook his head as he noticed something, and his eyes widened on the golden pin. Wait! ¡°That¡¯s- ¡± Gary whispered.

    The screen now showed the news reporter, a picture of the missing blonde child he was reporting on in the upper-left corner of the screen. She had freckles and glasses with yellow frames. ¡°Police are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Jessica to contact police immediately,¡± the reporter said.

    Gary had recognized her as one of the students in the class the Proprietor gave the lecture in. She got yelled at by the Proprietor for questioning Mewtwo¡¯s existence, silencing the room and leaving her in tears.

    ¡°In sporting news, the Pokemon Baccer game ended in a huge upset as the referees ruled the-¡± the news went on.

    Gary instantly lost interest and lowered his eyes to June. The beeping of the machines was starting to get annoying, but as long as they went on at a gentle pace, it meant she was fine, so he welcomed it.

    June¡¯s Pokemon sat around her, Raichu, Pikachu, and Eevee actually curled up at the foot of the bed. Magneton hovered by the window, taking in the sun while facing June, Rotom hovering over June with a sad look. Manectric and Blitzle stood at one side of the bed, Ampharos and Lanturn at the other side with Gary, Galvantula watching it all while upside down on the ceiling, which was really disturbing Gary.

    Earlier, Electivire had stayed out of the room, and this made Gary very angry. He returned him to his Poke Ball and left the ball on the floor in the room, telling Electivire to come out when he was ready to behave. He never left the ball, and Gary tried his hardest to ignore this.

    That pin, Gary thought. That¡¯s the same pin I have. The one Rob gave me. And also the one Ish tossed at me. He went into his pocket and pulled the badge out.

    It was golden, the top of the object a jumble of yellow that streamed down the sides and back. It kind of looked like long hair on the top of a golden head that had no face.

    This is what I saw the Proprietor wearing just now. I¡¯m certain. But I don¡¯t get it. What is this thing? Gary wondered. The Proprietor, Rob, Ish... Is this some kind of collectible? Some new, popular thing? Gary then thought: Does it matter? It¡¯s a stupid badge. The boy closed his fist and shoved it back in his pocket. I¡¯ll toss it later.

    ¡°And now we have the commentary that was put out earlier today regarding the monster¡¯s terrifying statements last night,¡± the news reporter was still going. ¡°A statement that many around the world have heard loud and clear. As a result, a fanbase of sorts has built around this creature, this collective giving her the growing, affectionate nickname of Claire! This was Senator Slowking and his words on the controversy.¡±

    Senator Slowking was now shown on the screen behind a podium, speaking into a microphone. ¡°After much analysis of the video, we have come up with a plethora of theories, some stronger than others,¡± the Pokemon was saying. He inhaled hard, taking a moment. ¡°I cannot reveal all of the theories at this time, but-¡±

    There was a huge booing and the video now showed a crowd beneath the stage Slowking was on, journalists and cameramen shouting out questions and holding up microphones.

    Senator Slowking raised his hands. ¡°PLEASE! Please! Please allow me to speak!!¡±

    ¡°Is Claire a human or a Pokemon? Which is it??¡± one woman screamed from the slowly quieting crowd.

    Senator Slowking seemed to shoot a tight look at one specific part of the crowd, silencing everyone. ¡°That - thing, is not to be considered Pokemon, nor human, at this time!¡± he spoke strictly. ¡°This is currently being investigated! Please, until further information is confirmed, we suggest not creating theories or identities for this monster! What this-!¡±

    ¡°But sir, you said you can¡¯t tell us everything you know! What else are the people to do but come up with their own answers if those in the government will not fill us in immediately?!¡± a male journalist shouted out.

    Senator Slowking was silent now, and it was clear he was regretting some of his words. After inhaling and then letting out his breath, he tried a lot more calmly, ¡°I apologize for misspeaking and confusing the audience. Allow me to share that at this time, we are in fact reviewing the video of the monster, and her choice of words, to uncover as much about her as possible. In fact, at this time, we are-¡±

    ¡°What kind of condition was Gym Leader Three-Sixty¡¯s body found??¡± a woman in the crowd demanded. ¡°Was it like Prof. Cynthia¡¯s??¡±

    Senator Slowking was silent again, his hard eyes on a spot in the crowd. ¡°That is not information I can disclose at this time,¡± he answered curtly.

    ¡°Well what can you answer, Senator Slowking?¡± a male called out. ¡°Why aren¡¯t there any real answers? What is going on out there and why can¡¯t the people know?!¡±

    ¡°I-¡± Senator Slowking tried to speak.

    More questions were called out, but Gary couldn¡¯t understand them, Senator Slowking doing his best to respond.

    *

    June¡¯s Pokemon moved very little that day, lazing about and exerting next to no energy despite all but one of them being the energetic Electric type. They were all really depressed and overwhelmed with worry, hardly eating when Gary tried feeding them, except for Electivire who acted ravenously and put himself back in his Poke Ball when he was done.

    Gary wanted to just chuck the ball out the window. He wanted to shout at Electivire for the way he was acting. Instead, he chose to keep his head cool for June¡¯s sake and that¡¯s when he decided to work out, trading between doing sit-ups, push-ups, squats, shadowboxing, and jogging around the room. He kept this up for three hours, including small breaks, before letting out an exhausted and frustrated wail and dropping to his knees. His palms pushed against the ground as he struggled to catch his breath.

    Now, the TV in the background playing the news, Gary was in the chair at the right of June¡¯s bed, staring at the setting sun through the window Magneton hovered in front of. His mind was going over all sorts of things from the different ways he could be working out more efficiently, to how his friends were doing, to where he saw himself a year from now, even to how Porygon-Z was doing with Drock.

    At some point, his mind seemed to settle on the unclear and perplexing things the news had been saying about the monster. The nature of the being was undeterminable at this time, whether she was Pokemon, human, or anything else. Senator Slowking had pointed out that she never once claimed she herself was a Pokemon during the entire speech. Instead, he interpreted that she was claiming to be attempting to liberate Pokemon from human ownership. As time went on, it seemed that most news stations had gone along with calling her Claire, focusing on her undefined claims that she was offering ¡°clarity¡± to all Pokemon.

    The way she spoke caused much debate and discussion. At times her sentences were broken and unintelligible, causing confusion and disagreement on what she was saying. More discussions amongst Pokemon professors like Johto¡¯s Prof. Elm and Prof. Sketchit pointed out certain names she said, like ¡°Ditlo¡± and ¡°Shyameen.¡± The theory was that, because she was speaking of Pokemon, she may have been trying to say Ditto and Shaymin, though that was where the theory ended, as there wasn¡¯t a clear reason or connection between those two, or the Regis. It was also noted that she mispronounced Regice and Regigigas.

    Theories from other experts pointed out the mysterious things she said about lack of respect between life and death, some going as far as claiming Claire could be speaking on the science of resurrecting Fossils and her possible moral objections to that.

    In discussing the knowledge that Claire had about the world around her, like Gym Leaders, Badges, the cell phone, and knowing human language, it was mostly attributed to the late Trick Master, who had given her the mysterious and unfathomable technology of the Sapience Balls.

    But this only emphasized another question: Where exactly is she from?

    *

    It was the next day, Gary exhausted and sitting in June¡¯s hospital room. He had been working out outside, primarily doing a lot of calisthenics and ending with some shadowboxing until he couldn¡¯t throw a single punch anymore.

    He even took June¡¯s Pokemon with him to get their physical and mental health up. It took a lot of coaxing, but starting with Raichu, which inspired Pikachu, leading to Rotom, almost everyone finally got into the spirit of things. Even Charizard, Primeape, Hoothoot, Dustox, Butterfree and Beedrill were used.

    Only Electivire refused to even leave his Poke Ball to talk, so Gary just kept the ball with him.

    Now all of the Pokemon were at the Pokemon Center and Gary was in June¡¯s room, staring at the ruined portraits of him, June, Kiwi, Robin and Aly that he and June had. Ruined from when Gary leaped out of Team Solace¡¯s airborne helicopter to engage in physical combat with the monster and ended up fighting in the middle of the ocean. The fact that this actually happened and was not just a wild dream was still beyond Gary¡¯s comprehension and he wasn¡¯t sure if he would ever be able to actually believe it, nor did he want to!

    He shook his head and put the portraits away and then grabbed his phone. A shining in his eye made him squint and he turned to the window. The sun was setting. He watched it for a few minutes, the TV playing in the background. When his interest finally shifted, he moved on to seeing what his online friends were up to.

    OrangeIChamp: Bro, I cant lie. I didnt expect all of this. She really filmed her self and released the video. Well, the phone was found nntd the content was cidcovered. She must not understand how to use outr technology. I bet she needed help from Oh SHin to use that phone. She wanted someone who could show her how to use it but also needed someone with an important role in human society. To send a message.. She can aor cant use techonlgy, but shes leaning! And those Sapience Balls things!!! WHAT??? This si too much!! But none of thai answers the ereal rissue here, tho. What exactly is she?

    Gary stared at the message, pondering how to reply. Music playing from the television grabbed his attention and he looked up at a commercial.

    ¡°The smash hit single of the streets, and number one across every network and station, Childish Man-Ccino¡¯s Wetpants!!¡± said a hyperactive voice.

    On-screen was a Black rapper wearing a fur coat and matching pants while standing on a comically obvious backdrop of a sunny beach. He had a short afro and was clean-shaven, shirtless underneath the coat. ¡°Drawers more soaked, than poor folks, with torn holes, through worn soles,¡± the rapper spit, clasping his hands together and looking upward. The camera view went to his sneakers that also had matching gray fur all over them, his big toe sticking out of each one. Gary caught on that the double entendre was the word ¡°sole,¡± and ¡°soul.¡± ¡°With more Os, than porn told, I was born soiled, like Wurmple, I got mine pay your toll, teeth piss-glisten like raw gold,¡± the rapper¡¯s gold teeth then gleamed for just a second before he kept going. ¡°Head blows like Torkoal, son¡¯s steel strikes like wormholes.¡±

    A fake explosion cut the song off. ¡°CHILDISH MAN-CCINIO!!! The new album called Because I Wanted To!! COMING SOON!!! YOU AIN¡¯T READY!!¡±

    Gary looked away from the TV. Childish Man-Ccino, Gary thought. That¡¯s the guy who is famous, mostly, for the fact he is always wearing fur outfits, supposedly from Cinccino, though this has never been proven, nor has the rapper ever made it clear, obviously to keep people talking about him.

    He returned to his conversation with OrangeIChamp, and after rereading what had been sent, he typed.

    GaryReppinKanto: So what happened to your theory on her being some kind of human-Pokemon?

    Snickering, he left the site to see what Scientist Gary had sent him.

    Lebaron88: I mean, my thing is Darkrai isn¡¯t a Mythical.

    I mean, why would he be? If he¡¯s connected to Cresselia then whuy is cresellia a lefnedary? Shoiuldt they both me mythicals? t s simple. Rheyre both legendsary.

    *legendary

    Oh, come on already!! Gary thought with aggravation. He thought for a moment before typing out his response.

    Earlier, Gary had decided to question Scientist Gary on his disbelief in Mythical Pokemon by bringing up Champion Tobias¡¯ Darkrai, a Mythical Pokemon that undeniably exists, but Scientist Gary still rejected this.

    Gary4Mewtwo: This doesnt disproive anything!! Darkrai is a verifiable Pokemon that fits the scientitic definitiaon of a mythical! It¡¯s been studied by researchers! Professiuonals! The things that the exprts say a Mythical is, matches Darkrai! So who are YOU to say otherwise??

    There a differentce between the two of Legendar yand Mythical!! Don¡¯t you get that???

    What is wrong with this kid?? Gary thought with great frustration. Him and his stupid atheism is just going too far, now! He¡¯s just being stubborn! His blind atheism is denying literal Pokemon that have been recorded! Documented! Mythical Pokemon are real! They¡¯re not rumors or something!

    He then went to check on his latest post that showed his four Badges. Comments?? Gary thought, his heart thumping and his mouth wide in a smile of absolute delight. On my post?! ¡°Yes!!¡± he squealed. I¡¯m famous!! I¡¯m recognized!! I-! His mouth now widened in shock, the smile wiped clean from his face. His lips were quivering in a sneer, and his eyebrows narrowed with anger. What?? I can¡¯t believe this shit!! he thought furiously.

    AlolaArora: Yeah right! You got Jupiters badge?? FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!!!

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Pineco4President: There¡¯s no wa you beat Jupiuer you fucking LIARRRR!!!

    SenoritaMakuhitaaaokmifceiocn1: FAKE NEWS!!!!!!!

    CDa4uture: You know  damn well you ain¡¯t get no Badge from Jupiter stop it

    YamuddaonmahDIQ: lyin aah boi

    OweItOrOwnIt123: Yo aint chu dat 1 gi????

    Gary¡¯s eyes went through comment after comment. There wasn¡¯t one Plusle of support given for his post, rather he had a couple hundred Minun votes, signs of dislike. But he also had a few more Supporters following him now. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m getting so much hate, Gary thought. If they knew the full story behind how I got the Badge, maybe they could complain about it, but as far as they know, I-

    Gary stopped his thought. No. Don¡¯t do that. Electivire saved that Badge. It means something to him, and to you. You got that Badge together. If a Pokemon like Electivire can do that...

    He went to the account of Global_Harold, the guy who had so much love on the platform despite his modest results as a Trainer. With several new posts, Harold¡¯s latest was on his sixth Badge. He had 2.8 million Plusles for this!

    Gary sighed sadly and left the app. After staring at the screen for a bit, he went to Pokebay again without even realizing he was doing so.

    The friend hadn¡¯t replied back yet.

    Snickering, Gary started typing, desperate for the response from this person, intrigued by what they were going to say. Truth be told, he just found it all funny at this point. He was enjoying discussing this with OrangeIChamp because it was more like a joke than anything else. This person was just talking a lot of nonsense based on absolutely nothing and was taking themself seriously, which made it all the more ridiculous to Gary and helped make light of an otherwise extremely serious thing going on.

    But he was embarrassed, too. He had traveled all the way out to the Sinnoh region based on this person¡¯s recommendation to get that book at the Canalave Library, which led to nothing. By continuing to talk to this person, he was able to lessen how stupid he felt by laughing at him.

    Before he finished typing, a notification from Log-A-Graph appeared, showing that Scientist Gary had sent a message. Let¡¯s see what this moron has to say now, he said to himself. He took a moment, feeling his body tensing up and his heart beating faster. Anxiety was gripping every nerve in his body before he breathed out and went to the app.

    Lebaron88: Look,  I get what they say the differences sre, it¡¯s just, to me, Mythicals are just Pokemon that, if PROVEN to be real, are just basically Legends, I guess.

    Like, I¡¯m not sure what I think about them. BUt until they¡¯re confirmed, I just can¡¯t believe in myths.

    THat¡¯s what Mythicals are. They¡¯re myths lol.we still dont ¡® even know how many pokemon exist.

    And how knows which of this oare legends or mythicals or whatever. Y ou know what I mean?

    Gary stared at his phone for a while, rereading the scientist¡¯s words over several times. He started calming down and regretting his attitude. He didn¡¯t want to fight with him over beliefs. He still had more to say, but he breathed in and then out, wanting to be calmer about their discussion. Seeing that Scientist Gary was writing again, he decided to type fast.

    Gary4Mewtwo: But not every myth makes it into the Pokedex.

    Scientist Gary was no longer typing.

    Gary4Mewtwo: What I mean is that I think we need to uinderstand the differences between Legendary and ythicals before we cstart denying they exist.

    Thats hat the scientists have done

    The experts have done all the research and given out the labels for a reaosn

    Maybe there¡¯s just something you¡¯re not understanding. You know?

    After waiting a bit, Gary left the chat to go to Pokebay again and saw his message he had been typing: What, wid you give up already on your theory? Got nothing t osay? Dont think she¡¯s some kind of

    Gary deleted it all, remembering the antagonizing energy he had when he was typing that. I sound like a jerk, he judged himself. I don¡¯t need to say that. I don¡¯t have to be rude. I should just wait, he thought with a sigh. He left to go back to Log-A-Graph and saw Scientist Gary was typing.

    Lebaron88: My thing is, there¡¯s polenty of exa,ples that prove muy point.

    Bro your the perfect example! Your fight at the league!

    You know I¡¯m not big on Pokmon battles but I sawy ou at the Leagfue in Kanto against that Mythical Pokemon Diancie!

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Gary blurted out. How could I forget that? Perfect example! How is he gonna possibly flip that on me?

    Lebaron88: Diancie is supposed to be a mutated Carbink. What does that even mean??

    Is that an evolution? What Pokemon just mutates like that?? That doesnt make any sense at all!

    Gary was stuck, his eyes wide, trying to think of a situation like this one. He couldn¡¯t come up with a single one, thinking as quickly as he could while Scientist Gary kept sending messages.

    Lebaron88: That¡¯s not a mythical Pokemon. It should be more closer examined and explained.

    Calling it Myhtical is just lazy to me

    And what about Keldep.

    *Keldeo

    Keldeo is a Mythical POokemon that¡¯s related to Volcanion, Terrakion, and Colbalion. Those last three are the muskateer trio, confirmed lefendaruy Pokemon. But fourth member is a Mythical?

    And I know you know what Dratini is. Did you know that used to be considered a Mythical Pokemon until it was actualy captured? It¡¯s not considered a ythical since. Why did that change?

    Gary was unable to respond to any of this, his mouth hanging open. Gary, come on! he urged himself. Think! You¡¯ve gotta have something to say! He couldn¡¯t help but now think of how he had just been ready to make fun of OrangeIChamp for not replying back to him right away, but now he was the silent one. Fuck... I mean, it¡¯s not that he¡¯s right or anything. It¡¯s just, what he¡¯s saying stands on its own just fine. Gary was clenching his teeth now, feeling like he¡¯d been beaten even though he still believed he was the one who was right.

    Lebaron88: I mean,it¡¯s fine what believe thwart you want to believe

    All I saying is the okedex is inaccurate and full stuff that isn¡¯t even proven!

    Gary shook his head. You¡¯re wrong. They¡¯re in the ¡®Dex. He breathed out irritably.

    Gary4Mewtwo: I fet your point, an.

    Shit, Gary thought, seeing the typos.

    Gary4Mewtwo: I get what youre saying.

    I admit, during my journey, I¡¯ve seen a lot that¡¯s questioned my trust in the ¡®Dex, a bit.

    After some time, Scientist Gary replied.

    Lebaron88: Oh yeah?

    Like what??

    Gary typed some more.

    Gary4Mewtwo: I can¡¯t remmember tight now to be honest... But I know I¡¯ve recalled your fellings about the Pokecex a couple of times on my journey.

    *Pokedex

    Lebaron88: Wooooooooooww!! Now you can¡¯t remember??? LMAO

    Gary rolled his eyes. Ugh. Great, he¡¯s gonna use that against me. He left their chat, planning his comeback, and noticed that Scientist Gary had a BS post and tapped on the temporary post.

    The first image showed a huge shark creature that looked happy being pet by a human.

    If a Pokemon with Rough Skin Ability and looks like this can be the sweetest thing in the world, us humans can do better!! were the words above the image.

    The next BS post was a blank, black background with the words:

    To whoever needs to hear this:

    You¡¯re stronger than you think. I believe in you.

    The next post was of the popular manga and anime Black Rover, the Jamaican protagonist named Rasta wearing sunglasses, his dreads blowing in the wind while his head was out the window of an all-black convertible. He had a wild, open smile and the loud words of his catch phrase read: I¡¯M NOT HOME YET!!!

    In the last BS post, there was an image of a bunch of simply-drawn cartoon humans jumping for joy or dropping to their knees in celebration, all of them reaching for the sky. It looked odd to Gary, especially after reading the first few words, but right after, it all made sense: Have you heard the good news? God doesn¡¯t exist! Just live your life doing the right things!

    Gary frowned. Wow. This guy is just needlessly an asshole, he determined. That¡¯s not funny or cool at all. He froze, unsure of what to do, wanting to reply to this with the anger and offense it made him feel, but after taking a few breaths, he just locked his phone. Fuck all of this shit. And fuck him. I never liked this social media bullshit anyway. And fuck making stupid posts. All I get is hate!

    He put his phone away and growled. I hate it all. I can¡¯t believe these niggas think I didn¡¯t beat Jupiter! All my hard work! Gary held back the tears from the mixes of emotions from everything he just saw online overwhelming him. I need to get over this. Me and Electivire did earn that! He¡¯s my friend! He¡¯s almost like my Pokemon! Gary was left in silence at himself. Was that okay to think? June. I¡¯m sorry.

    And then he wondered, Will I ever understand what it is Electivire showed me? Those memories. That isn¡¯t you, June! But... then what happened?! Aaauughh! This is all getting to be too much! I¡¯m a whole fucking mess right now! Tears were now on the tips of his lower eyelids, Gary losing the fight to stop them.

    ¡°What this has instead created is a discussion on what exactly defines a Pokemon, and where this one, Claire, fits in.¡±

    Inhaling quickly, Gary regained his composure, getting his tears back in as he whipped his head to the TV. To his surprise, it was an Oranguru talking to a Slowking on the news! ¡°Is that...?¡± he whispered.

    Indeed, the words underneath them revealed them to be none other than Senator Slowking and Congressmon Oranguru! They were both sitting behind a big white desk, facing each other. ¡°This monster is no Pokemon, but is a threat to society as we know it!¡± Senator Slowking argued.

    ¡°How can we know what she is, for certain?¡± Congressmon Oranguru spoke calmly.

    Senator Slowking was glaring at the opponent. ¡°You and I both know-!¡±

    ¡°What - do we both know, Senator Slowking?¡± Congressmon Oranguru responded. ¡°Tell us, sir.¡± The Pokemon spoke so calmly, yet seriously, a total contradiction to Senator Slowking¡¯s abrasive, antagonizing tone, but still just as serious.

    Senator Slowking looked like he was losing control, about to burst. But he inhaled and let out his breath. Suddenly, Senator Slowking¡¯s enraged expression was gone as his mouth dropped open, his eyes wide as he turned to the camera filming them.

    It was the fact Congressmon Oranguru was doing the same thing, facing the camera with a matching look of horror, that made Gary swallow uncomfortably and his own eyes widened, his heart rattling his entire body now. It¡¯s like they¡¯re looking at - me??

    Suddenly, the screen blurred in gray, white, and black static. The vision was soon cleared, and the child could have screamed, but instead, he swallowed it down.

    Now on-screen was a white room cast in numerous shadows. In front of a line of dark, unclear figures in the background, was Ray. He wore an entirely black suit with a white blazer over it. Atop his head was a white top hat, a black ribbon around the middle, his face wearing a huge smile, but more noticeably a clearly fake, thick, black mustache. Ray rubbed at the mustache sitting over his sinister smile and then ripped it off, tossing it into the air and spreading his arms wide as if he had made some huge reveal. ¡°LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! Boys and girls!! Welcome to the grrrreatest, rrrrrreveal on Earth!¡± He rolled the ¡®r¡¯ on ¡®greatest¡¯ and ¡®reveal.¡¯ His arms fell, his smile staying, and he walked closer to the camera. ¡°Ladies, gentlemen and the like,¡± he spoke much calmer, without the theatrics. ¡°I have a confession. A great truth greater than any you¡¯ve seen or heard in recent times. I think it will be proven to be the grandest reveal in generations and will change the world forever. The truth about this ugly, disgusting, evil beast of a Pokemon some of you have dared to donate affection to and give a name to. Especially after her shameless threat to the livelihood of all human beings and her devotion to saving the Pokemon! And yet, you people have chosen to embrace her??¡± Ray¡¯s eyes were wide. ¡°Some of you feel some kind of sympathy? After all this time, and all we of Team Solace have done, the debates, demonstrations, and the won support, there are still those against us!¡± Ray now looked enraged. ¡°WELL IS THAT SO?!¡± His mouth got wider and he took in a long, dramatic breath. ¡°FINE!!¡±

    Gary grabbed at his heart with a sharp, frightful intake of breath at the sudden outburst.

    ¡°You poor, frightened fools,¡± Ray spoke in a low, dark, but steadily rising voice. ¡°You must believe that by showing her favoritism, by becoming sycophants to her cause, that you will be spared by her. By this monster that has attacked innocent people indiscriminately! Destroyed normalcy for many! Undone our very economic structure! Even attacked a church? Even after hearing her declaration of war against humanity by using the Pokemon, a threat Team Solace has predicted from the very beginning, some of you would still side against us, Team Solace, who has proven our allegiance to humanity again and again?!¡± Ray stopped for a couple of moments before he spoke again more lower and darker. ¡°You won¡¯t be saved by her, and when you come to realize this, you will not be permitted to run back into the safe arms of Team Solace. When we destroy this threat, it will go down with everyone who chose her over us. You fools who still think, that Team Solace is the enemy.¡±

    After a short chuckle, he continued, ¡°Well, let me make you aware, that you folk are in the vocal minority. And allow me to repeat myself, no protection will be offered to you from either side of this war that has been started if you side with her. So, my fellow people, I ask you: what choice do you truly have, in the end? Put naivety and goodwill to the burner and choose to live! Will you die at the hands of this monster to stubbornly prove some kind of virtuous point, and get others to die with you trying to protect your cause?¡± He was breathing hard but not speaking.

    Nothing was heard anywhere, inside the hospital room or outside of it.

    Ray was just looking into the camera with wide, desperate eyes. ¡°Fine,¡± he said in a mumbled voice. He kept breathing hard. After licking his lips, he spoke clearer, ¡°If you trust her so much, then you can die with her.¡±

    Ray turned his back on the camera, walking away slowly. ¡°We at Team Solace carry on the legacy of Isaac, who opened our eyes, strengthened our minds, and refurbished our standards. As the humble leader of this revolutionary group, Isaac lives through me. But more so, Isaac has evolved through me. Just as when my demise inevitably comes, the next in charge will take Isaac¡¯s ideals to a level he, nor I, could have ever imagined.¡± He turned back to the camera, his face stone-cold. ¡°I think we¡¯re all aware that no man is perfect. Least of all woman.¡± His face cracked into a smirk and then a broad smile as he held out his arms to the camera, waving his hands. ¡°I¡¯m joking! I¡¯m joking! Please. Just trying to lighten up the mood! We all know women are perfect.¡± He then let out more laughter.

    The dark figures behind him, unclear but certainly humans, were shifting about, their snickering, chuckling, and giggling heard. These noises ended as the shifting did.

    ¡°But seriously.¡± Ray¡¯s smile went away, but he kept a pleasant-enough face. ¡°No one is perfect. And perhaps that was where Isaac¡¯s demise began. Believing in him holding some sort of... divine nature. Well, I couldn¡¯t have disagreed more. And that¡¯s why I am the one in charge now; Isaac evolved. Just as when I pass, someone far greater than me will take the reins. It¡¯s an intellectual growth cycle. One step after another up a never-ending ladder of infinite truth. But for now, Team Solace now under my rule, all things being considered, we have reached the crossroads. A new ruling will be made, right here and now. We, Team Solace, will save this world by any means. And if you wish to stand in our way, mercy will no longer be an option Team Solace is open to. We have no choice now but to eliminate each and every one of you who opposes us. And as for Mr. Gary-¡±

    Gary jumped and held his breath. No. No! he thought in a panic.

    Ray removed his hat, a smirk slipping onto his face. ¡°-let me say, my offer to you still stands, but not for long. You only have but a couple of months to make your decision. By Spring, you will either join us, or you will be killed with everyone else unworthy. Think of it as a Darwinian Spring cleaning. Our leader saw something in you, and I want to know what it is, but I am far more impatient than Isaac. I don¡¯t plan to die under your watch, Mr. Gary. The new year is only hours away. Consider it an opportunity. A mercy. A mercy from a ¡®god¡¯ whose will must be carried out.¡± With those words, he was now smiling big and he straightened up, tossing his hat behind him. ¡°You do not need to suffer any further! Help us to recover the Infinity Energy the monster has, and we can save the world! With it, we can bring back Melissa! Your sister!!¡± Ray¡¯s smile was taunting and provocative.

    ¡°NOOO!!¡± Gary yelled out in disbelief.

    The screen went staticy again before finally coming back to Senator Slowking and Congressmon Oranguru. The two weren¡¯t speaking, staring at the camera with the same looks they had before Ray had come on. They faced each other, and then returned to the camera.

    Jumping to his feet, Senator Slowking barked, ¡°I denounce this entire meeting today, and anything I have ever previously stated in regards to the monster I take back until further-!!¡±

    Senator Slowking was cut off, the screen going gray, the words: WE WILL RETURN SHORTLY displayed.

    ¡°NOOOOOOO!! MELISSAAA!!¡± Gary yelled out, jumping up angrily. ¡°WHAT THE FUCK, MAN??!!¡± He inhaled deep. ¡°YOU BASTAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRD!!! FUCK YOOUUUUUUUU!!!¡± He collapsed to his knees. It hurt. A lot. But he ignored that, not even flinching, his eyes on the TV as it went to a commercial.

    ¡°Do-don don don dooooon! We¡¯re in love with this!¡± came the cheery tune for McDonphan¡¯s fast-food restaurant. The silver tusks that made up the popular arches for the letter ¡®M¡¯ appeared on the screen around a group of happy adults and kids eating burgers and fries with drinks at a table inside one of the restaurants.

    Gary turned to June, watching her sleeping form. Her chest going up and back down as she breathed, her bruised lips closed, only taking in and releasing air through her bandaged nose.

    June... he thought, feeling his face twist up with anguish and utter disgust at the situation they were both in for absolutely no good reason. Shaking his head, he stood and returned to his chair by the right of June¡¯s bed. He laid his head down on her mattress, by the middle of her body, and closed his eyes, just wanting to rest them for a bit as tiredness started to come over him.

    *

    ¡°Forty-nine! Forty-eight! Forty-seven! Forty-six! Forty-five! Forty-four!¡±

    Forty-three, forty-two. Gary¡¯s eyes shot open. Huh?? He raised his head. ¡°Huh?¡± he mumbled, his cheek feeling wet. He wiped at it. ¡°Huh?¡± he spoke more coherently. Drool? Ew! He wiped at his face again and saw June staring right at him! He nearly leaped out of his own skin!! ¡°JUNE!!¡±

    Staring at him through such tight eyes, as if just watching him was causing her pain, June was smiling. ¡°Gary... You¡¯re here...¡± she croaked out.

    Tears flowed down Gary¡¯s cheeks immediately. ¡°JUNE!!¡± He grabbed her shoulders but then let go. Don¡¯t do that! She¡¯s still hurt!

    Indeed, June did flinch at his grab, but she kept a brave face for him, tears rolling from her eyes.

    ¡°Twenty-nine! Twenty-eight!¡±

    Gary turned to the TV that was counting down, realizing it was the countdown for the end of the year, welcoming in the new one, a crowd in a huge city of tall buildings shouting out every number as a giant electronic board running up a thin building displayed the numbers. As the numbers counted down, the black board itself filled upward with yellow. He didn¡¯t recognize where the countdown was taking place and just rubbed his eyes before returning to June. ¡°June, are you okay?? Should I call for help? NURSE! NURRRR-!!¡± Gary was about to jump to his feet but was stopped as his hand was grabbed.

    June was no longer smiling, a desperate look on her face. Slowly, she shook her head. ¡°Please. No,¡± she managed, and then coughed a little, swallowing dryly afterwards. This made her cough some more, but she told him, ¡°Stay.¡± Her eyes went to the TV, and Gary also looked.

    ¡°Fourteen! Thirteen! Twelve!¡±

    Gary sighed out and smiled with understanding. Staring at June, her eyes still on the TV, he stayed seated, his hand enclosed around her¡¯s.

    ¡°Eight! Seven!¡±

    Gary watched the TV.

    ¡°Six! Five!¡±

    ¡°Four,¡± June spoke out weakly.

    Gary turned to her. ¡°Three.¡±

    ¡°Two,¡± they both smiled at each other. ¡°One. Happy New Year.¡±

    The electronic board on the building was entirely full of yellow before a display of bright flashes of every color filled it, sparks coming off of the screen now, raining down and disappearing quickly. Neither June nor Gary got excited or cheered, the crowd from the TV going wild enough for them. ¡°And there it is, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the new year,¡± spoke an unseen male announcer on the TV.

    Small Pokemon like Pachirisu were being held up into the air and kissed by their Trainers, the larger Pokemon like a Machoke raising their arms and cheering as well. In the sky were bolts of lightning, fiery explosions, streams of Water, and other bright, colorful, planned effects from Pokemon put in safe positions to let loose for when the countdown finished, fireworks also in the mix displaying various kinds of Pokemon. Gary recognized a Vulpix, Togepi, Charizard, and even Mewtwo! There were others he didn¡¯t recognize, too.

    ¡°It¡¯s certainly been a crazy one!¡± a female announcer, also off-screen, spoke admittedly but lightly. ¡°But we won¡¯t let that stop us or dampen our spirits, now will we?¡±

    ¡°You can say that again!¡± the guy returned. ¡°You can see the crowds showing love, Pokemon and humans alike, together in unity and peace, wishing for a better world, and it starts now! And no one¡¯s gonna take that away.¡±

    ¡°Gary...¡± came the whisper.

    He turned to June.

    ¡°Aww, when did your hair get so long...?¡±

    Gary breathed out happily. ¡°You made it in time, huh?¡± He chuckled, but his smile vanished as he saw the confusion on her face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, June?¡±

    Footsteps were heard pounding down the hallway in a rush.

    June raised her head, squinting at him. ¡°Huh? Ow.¡±

    ¡°June, take it easy.¡± He used his free hand to gently keep her still.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she insisted.

    The door to the room burst open, a nurse standing in the hallway. She was breathing hard, holding the door frames. ¡°Is everything alright? Are you two okay?¡±

    ¡°What did she say?¡± June cried out to Gary, her voice full of panic.

    Gary turned back to her. ¡°She asked if we¡¯re okay. June, just relax, please.¡± Turning to the nurse, he smiled big, telling her, ¡°She¡¯s woken up. I guess-¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I hear you properly?¡± June spoke, her voice quaking now. She tried to sit up again but only fell with a pained groan.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Gary turned to her, now confused, and his heart started beating very sharply.

    ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯ll get your doctor!¡± The nurse ran from the room.

    June slowly raised her shaky hands to her ears, her face full of terror. ¡°Gary! Why can¡¯t I hear her?! What''s going on??¡±

 Trap Music

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to have to say this, sir, but June has lost all hearing in her left ear,¡± June¡¯s doctor had told Gary as they both stood in the hallway of the hospital. ¡°It seems something was forced into it. Something sharp. There are a few things you need to understand going forward.¡±

    Gary, June, and almost all of her Pokemon moved in silence while walking through the woods, Lanturn left in her Poke Ball.

    Electivire was walking closer to Gary, far from his own Trainer.

    Gary felt extremely uncomfortable, going over everything he had heard from the doctors a few days ago before they had all left the hospital.

    ¡°She¡¯ll be able to hear you fine enough, but there may be times when it won¡¯t be as clear,¡± the doctor was saying.

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe it, his eyes full of tears that would fall every few seconds as he stared at the floor.

    ¡°She may have difficulties in crowded environments hearing properly. She may experience dizziness or confusion at times as she adjusts to this sudden change. The hearing aid she¡¯ll be equipped with is simple.¡±

    All of this was too much to process or handle for Gary. He wasn¡¯t even sure how he was still standing and not curled up in a ball, ripping his hair out while flooding the hospital with his tears.

    The path through the trees had opened up and the group stopped in front of a bridge over a river. The bridge was made of bricks and there was an alternate route leading down to the river.

    June, a mournful look on her face, turned to her right, where Gary was. Her face and overall body language made it clear she didn¡¯t really want to face him.

    The two hadn¡¯t spoken to each other since finding out about June¡¯s handicap, silent even when leaving the hospital. And they remained quiet the following days for separate but related reasons they wouldn¡¯t express to one another.

    Gary was feeling like a terrible person for not saying anything, but with June also not speaking, it only made him feel worse, like he was doing something wrong.

    June was surrounded by her Pokemon while on her knees in her hospital room. She no longer needed her casts but she was still bandaged and bruised.

    Pikachu, Raichu, Eevee, Magneton, Galvantula, Rotom, Manectric, Blitzle, Ampharos, and Lanturn were all around her, struggling to get attention from her, everyone in the room crying.

    Gary was outside of the room, watching solemnly through the window of the door.

    Electivire was nowhere to be seen. He had been there not long ago, when all of June¡¯s Pokemon were sent out to reunite with her. The young girl looked overjoyed to finally see all her Pokemon, but when Electivire and June locked eyes, Electivire let out a sharp shout and made quick distance from her, his body sparking intimidatingly.

    Tears soon filled June¡¯s eyes. By the time they were rolling down her cheeks, Electivire had left the room, ignoring Gary.

    Gary had glared after him as the Pokemon continued down the hall before disappearing around a corner.

    It¡¯s not right, Gary now told himself, watching June sobbing. This is a chance to fix the issues!

    ¡°Gary?¡± June let out.

    ¡°Huh??¡± Gary was taken from his thoughts.

    The two kids stared at each other, their faces red.

    She looks really good, Gary admitted as he took in her features. I mean, considering all the abuse she went through! That¡¯s all. What was the name of that makeup she uses? It¡¯s pretty popular with Pokemon Trainers for covering up injuries and blemishes from travel. There¡¯s hardly more than a couple of scratches and marks visible now!

    They finally looked away from each other.

    After breathing out, June asked, her eyes on the ground, ¡°Are we crossing this bridge?¡±

    Gary looked to her and then away again. ¡°Yeah,¡± he mumbled. A light snicker escaped his nostrils, the irony not lost on him. ¡°I guess we finally are.¡±

    *

    It¡¯s not the right time, Gary told himself. For any of this. This was supposed to be a happy moment. Us all back together. And yet- Gary swallowed a hard, large knot. This was never - gonna just be a happy reunion, was it? Sitting up in his sleeping bag, staring at June in her own sleeping bag, the burning sticks of wood giving the only light, he wondered for the thousandth time if she was truly asleep or not.

    Manectric, Magneton, Eevee, Blitzle, and Ampharos were all cuddled tightly around her. Galvantula and Rotom were elsewhere in the woods up to things Gary didn¡¯t even want to know about, especially of Galvantula. Raichu and Pikachu had also gone off together. Lanturn was put in her Poke Ball to rest.

    Has she ever snored? Gary wondered, eyeing the scene.

    Electivire was snoring aggressively hard, sleeping closer but still distant from Gary, deliberately away from June. Gary was certain he was awake.

    By Gary were Riolu and Kirlia, for his own personal reasons. Snorlax was snoring noisily and swiftly, as if with urgency, but it was kind of cute and funny, and not intrusive like what Electivire was doing.

    June... Gary said in his head. He closed his eyes. After inhaling through his nose, unable to come up with any thoughts, he exhaled out of his mouth.

    The girl didn¡¯t move an inch.

    To Gary, it seemed intentional. Did she know he was watching? Was she not moving on purpose? Or was she truly just asleep? I mean, how could anyone be asleep with all this snoring? June... he exhaled again. Fuck it. Whatever. Maybe she can¡¯t even hear me. Gary¡¯s thoughts froze as he processed something, and suddenly his eyes widened!

    There was a sharp hissing as a nasty, black finger continued slowly pushing into June¡¯s left ear.

    With an angry rasp, the disgusting finger was yanked out by another monstrous hand.

    The long nail on the finger that had been in June¡¯s ear was now stained with blood.

    June¡¯s left ear... he thought. The dreams I had had her being tortured, and that¡¯s what she looks like. I may not have the exact damages down, but the ear thing... Is it just a coincidence? It has to be... Fuck. Gary bit his bottom lip, almost saying the word out loud. I¡¯m looking for something that isn¡¯t really here. I denied all this so easily when Ish suggested the same shit, and yet here I am doing it all on my own. I know it¡¯s impossible. I¡¯m just desperate! After taking in a minute of silence, he considered, But - could all of this really mean nothing? It¡¯s either all nothing, or entirely something! Right? Or no? How did it come to all this?! I¡¯m just a child!! He felt like he was leaping off the edge of a cliff.

    Yeah, that¡¯s what it is, isn¡¯t it? Gary realized. I¡¯m just a child. This is exactly what Team Solace has been saying!

    NO! Gary shook his head hard. No! Come on, Gary! Don¡¯t fall for the stupid bullshit. Team Solace isn¡¯t right at all. In any way. About anything! Pokemon don¡¯t mean us any harm! Team Solace are a bunch of liars and manipulators! Right??

    Right!! Gary shouted back at himself. Are you really questioning this?!

    NO!! Gary answered. I¡¯m just trying to put this all together!! Team Solace is evil!

    In his frustration, he grunted out noisily, and June sat up!

    Gary and June were staring at each other, both of their eyes wide with what could have been terror, or simple apprehension.

    Tears filled Gary¡¯s eyes and he looked down and away. This is terrible, he knew. I should be happy that June is back. Things should be back to normal. But did I really think it would just be that simple? Is this awkwardness not to be expected? Maybe. But... He sniffled but quickly cleared his throat aggressively, covering up the previous sound, not wanting June to think he was crying. He swallowed and let out a cough that didn¡¯t need to happen, simply creating distracting noises now, when a sound made his body freeze, his eyes widening again. ¡°Huh?¡±

    The fluttering came first, and Gary freaked on the inside, turning swiftly. No! he begged in his head. ¡°Please,¡± he whimpered, and before he knew it, a Poke Ball was enlarging in his hand.

    The swarm of Zubat flew in from out of nowhere, their wings flapping noisily, their voices squeaking sharply.

    This noise got the attention of Manectric, Eevee, and Ampharos, causing them to sleepily awaken.

    ¡°NOOOOOOOOO!!¡± Gary screamed angrily, flailing his arms. Soon he was curled up in a ball, shaking with fright.

    ¡°VIIIIIIIRE!!¡±

    There was a blast of blinding electricity, the screams of a young lady and several Zubat, and the scurrying and fluttering of monsters in the night.

    When the only sound left was Snorlax¡¯s snoring, Gary cautiously looked about, his heart sitting on the back of his tongue and making him feel nauseous. After swallowing to keep everything down, he inhaled hard to calm himself, seeing that the Zubat were all gone. Breathing out shakily, his eyes stayed on something of interest. A Pokemon!

    A Rattata was on its back, its legs up in the air, twitching while sparking.

    ¡°Electivire!! You almost caught me!¡± June cried out.

    Magneton, Blitzle, Riolu and Kirlia were awake now, surprised at the wake-up call.

    Only Snorlax was still asleep.

    ¡°You have to be careful! I have my-!¡± She raised her hand to point at the left side of her head.

    Electivire growled, his body sparking, and he took a step forward to her.

    Her upper lip twitched nervously.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE!! STOP!!¡±

    June turned.

    Electivire turned, too.

    Gary was standing now. Both of his hands went into fists. Oh, he noticed, both of his hands empty. Thought I had a Poke Ball. Maybe I dropped it. He didn¡¯t see it on the ground, so he pulled out a Poke Ball and casually tossed it at the unconscious Rattata.

    The Pokemon was captured easily and quickly.

    ¡°Still two more, Kiwi,¡± he muttered quickly before his attention returned to Electivire. He leered at him and crossed his arms.

    June and all of her Pokemon were waiting in her hospital room, her Pokemon around her on the floor, atop the bed, or in the case of Rotom, Magneton and Galvantula, over the bed.

    Electivire was the only one glaring at her.

    June and her Pokemon stared back at him with apprehension.

    Gary was standing by the door, his arms crossed, watching the scene.

    No one had spoken for almost ten minutes.

    June was standing, a sad look on her face. ¡°Electivire, can¡¯t we just talk this all out already?¡±

    Gary wanted to bring up the information he knew about June and Electivire¡¯s past, but it didn¡¯t feel right. Not now. But watching this pushed on his urge to let it out.

    Electivire let out a nasty snarl and garbled something. His eyes then shot over to Gary for a moment.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened, his mouth falling open. Did he mention me? Does June know now?

    Electivire looked to June again and spoke a little longer.

    June frowned and pressed her lips together, shaking her head lightly with a light moan. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t hear you clearly.¡± Her eyebrows became wrinkled with concern and she let out another discomforted moan.

    Suddenly, Electivire¡¯s body started sparking and he sent out a blast of lightning that curved sharply, avoiding June, and hit Raichu instead to no effect.

    June still screamed.

    Gary gasped, not believing his eyes.

    ¡°Rai?¡± Raichu questioned with a sad look, his ears down and his head tilted.

    ¡°ELECTIVIRE! STOP!!¡± Gary ran to the girl¡¯s bed and he and all the Pokemon glared at Electivire. ¡°She¡¯s injured!¡± Gary¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°What are you doing??¡±

    Growling, his big hands in fists, Electivire kept hard eyes on June.

    The door for the room opened and June¡¯s doctor stepped him, freezing up instantly at the tense scene. ¡°Uh.¡± He held up one hand, a small item in it. ¡°I¡¯ve got the hearing aid...¡± he said slowly.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Gary spoke strongly.

    Electivire¡¯s body didn¡¯t stop sparking. Rather, with a grunt, he walked away, grumbling and growling. He went far from everyone, standing in the darkness and trees with his arms crossed, glaring at June like a spoiled child mad at his mother.

    June kept a stunned stare on her Pokemon for a moment. She looked at Gary, and then went back to her Pokemon. ¡°Huh? Wait a minute. What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Gary swallowed nervously. He shoved his hands in his pockets and lowered his head, unable to look at her. ¡°June, a lot has happened,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Huh? I¡¯m sorry, but, could you speak up?¡± Embarrassment now covered June¡¯s face and she looked away. She gently touched the hearing aid in her left ear. ¡°Never mind,¡± she whispered.

    ¡°June! No! Wait!¡± He walked to her quickly, stopping just feet away, gripped by the uncomfortable situation. I can¡¯t, Gary told himself. Not now. I can¡¯t ask her now. He was stuck standing there now, unsure of what to do or where to go. Seeing June refusing to face him tore him up inside. He was afraid to even move. Why is this happening? he thought, shaking now. Why did this have to happen? Things were gonna always be rough at first, but it wasn¡¯t supposed to be this. Hasn¡¯t June been through enough? This is just wrong!

    Gary¡¯s feelings were only further shattered as June scrambled to her feet and ran away into the night, crying out and sobbing. He and the remaining Pokemon kept their eyes on the last spot June was seen.

    Electivire¡¯s huff made everyone turn and watch him also leave the site, but not in the direction June went.

    Everyone left then faced each other and then collectively stared at the snoring Snorlax.

    *

    ¡°This is unbelievable!¡± June spoke as they stood on rocky terrain. ¡°This area is all that¡¯s left of Mt. Coronet after the attack! This is so dangerous!¡±

    The sun glowed overhead in a cloudy, blue sky. There was a gentle breeze for a chilly morning.

    ¡°I know!! There was a time when the map wasn¡¯t even useful because of an earthquake caused by a Tyranitar!! I had to be escorted by that Ranger to get back on the right path!!¡± Gary responded, taking in the scenery with her. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you about the wild journeys I had with her!! I know my story is all over the place! It¡¯s kinda hard to keep it in order!!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to shout, Gary,¡± June said gently.

    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry.¡± Gary saw the sad look on her face. He had been intentionally speaking louder for her. Okay, but, she also has been speaking a little louder than she normally does, Gary kept to himself. Sometimes she speaks in her regular voice, but there¡¯s times when she speaks louder, or kind of low. She must be trying to find the best way to speak and not stand out. This is bad. Oh, June.

    The ground they were on was broken and unstable, made up of rocks and boulders and impossible to walk through without stumbling. There was no actual path to take, and they just kept their distance from the signs and caution tape blocking off an even more destroyed and unwalkable course, giant machines to perform the cleanup presently sitting still, unmanned.

    All of June¡¯s Pokemon were in their Poke Balls except for Raichu who stood beside her, and Electivire who was on Gary¡¯s side, glaring the entire time.

    No one brought up a thing about last night so far, but Gary certainly was thinking of it no matter how much he talked about his journey, and he knew June was doing the same. He was uncomfortable talking, but contradictory as it seemed, the talking was all that was keeping back awkwardness! But now the awkwardness was back because no one knew what to say next.

    June was the one who finally moved on. ¡°Did you say we were seeing a Gym Leader named Paul?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± he said strongly, nodding hard, grateful she said anything. ¡°Paul! He¡¯s supposed to be one of the strongest Trainers in this region!¡± Not too loud, Gary, he reminded himself.

    After a bit of silence, June told him, ¡°You can beat him.¡±

    Gary actually smiled. With a nod, he told her confidently, ¡°I know I can.¡±

    ¡°You beat impossible Trainers before, right? You said you beat that one woman. Pluto, right?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh, you mean Jupiter!¡± Gary laughed.

    June was laughing with him after the correction. ¡°Yes! Jupiter!¡±

    The two kids went on laughing.

    ¡°You accomplished so much without me, Gary,¡± June said in her lowest voice of the day, keeping a slight smile.

    Gary got quiet. He was too busy trying not to break down. This was just too emotional.

    Neither Trainer said another word.

    *

    Beedrill hovered over June, most of her Pokemon, and all of Gary¡¯s Pokemon, everyone in smiles.

    Gary was watching from the door to June¡¯s room in the hospital, his arms crossed, also smiling.

    June was impatient about being checked out of the hospital. While waiting, she was eager to see Gary¡¯s Pokemon. ¡°I¡¯m so glad for you, Gary! You got Beedrill back!¡± June was in tears.

    Gary smiled slyly at her. ¡°And Porygon-Z will be gone for a while! I¡¯m sure you¡¯re grateful there!¡±

    June¡¯s smile faded. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t say that...¡± Her voice trailed off, her smile entirely gone as she looked down.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    The mood of the room had just taken a tremendous dive.

    Shit. Maybe that was the wrong thing to say. Idiot! Gary scolded himself. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, June! That was kinda fucked up of me!¡±

    June¡¯s eyes widened, returning to Gary, and she let out a snicker. ¡°Since when do you curse?¡±

    Gary was caught off guard by her question. ¡°Oh. I¡¯m sorry! Ha ha ha! No, I just - I guess my time working-! Uuuuhh...¡±

    ¡°Working? What do you mean? Did you have a job?¡±

    Gary laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his head shyly. ¡°I guess you were sleeping through that. Uuh, it¡¯s quite the story...¡±

    ¡°Is that the police up ahead?¡± June called out.

    Gary was taken from his thoughts. ¡°Huh?¡± He looked around at the almost entirely dead, sandy surroundings.

    Amidst all the sand, there were a couple of trees without a single leaf on them. Little patches of grass were present as well, a few giant boulders in the distance. Other than that, the area was empty. It was like a place where one winds up by accident and then dies. Far off, away from the desert, a mountain and healthy, tall trees were visible.

    But long before that, a short distance from the kids and Electivire, were indeed a line of police cars.

    When did we even get here? Gary tried to remember.

    They hadn¡¯t slept much last night and even skipped breakfast, the gang only continuing on due to Gary¡¯s insistence.

    June had even recalled her Pokemon, aside from Electivire, worried about the sandy, dusty environment. ¡°I wonder if something¡¯s wrong. Maybe we can¡¯t pass through! Uuuuugghh! I don¡¯t wanna have to go back! We should have slept before this! Eaten!¡± June complained. ¡°Do we even have water?¡±

    Gary rolled his eyes, but then found himself smirking. He forced it away before it could become vocal snickering and shot a glance at June.

    The girl was staring at the sandy ground, looking uncomfortable.

    She was talking. Gary recognized the significance of this. She was talking her mouth off like she used to. Maybe, things will get to be how they used to be, Gary hoped. In time. He looked away from her to see Electivire trudging ahead alone. He breathed out, shaking his head. Electivire... When should I bring up the things I know? What will I do when I do?

    The two kids caught up to Electivire when he stopped at the police cars.

    There were four cops in total, two males and two females, but Gary felt disappointment in his chest as he realized not one of the women was an Officer Jenny, or even attractive to him. But he just shook his head and watched as one of the ladies approached them, calling out.

    ¡°You kids shouldn¡¯t be out here!! We¡¯re having an extermination in these parts!! There¡¯s an overpopulation of Pokemon bugs in this area, and it¡¯s been leading to deaths of Trainers just trying to pass, so the exterminators have to check things out!¡±

    Gary¡¯s thoughts immediately went to the Jubilife Condominium, where an exterminator had been sent to kill off the invading Alolan Rattata and Alolan Raticate. ¡°Bugs? There¡¯s Bug types out here killing people?!¡± Gary exclaimed. This again? he thought. ¡°But, wait! You can¡¯t just kill off the Pokemon! There¡¯s gotta be another way!¡±

    The officer lowered her head, closing her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the casualties are just too high.¡± Her voice was lower and more calm. Even a little regretful.

    A male officer was approaching now.

    ¡°We have to send in the professionals to save lives.¡±

    ¡°Save whose lives?! What about the Pokemon?!¡± Gary argued. ¡°Can¡¯t you just block off the area?? Look at Mt. Coronet!¡± Yeah! Good point, Gary! he congratulated himself. ¡°The whole surrounding area is entirely blocked off! It¡¯s not even really being guarded properly! Surely you can do the same for here!¡±

    The woman shook her head. ¡°We¡¯re not fumigating anything at Mt. Coronet. We¡¯ve got poison set in the air and on the ground here. It¡¯s not safe at all.¡±

    The male officer stopped beside the woman. ¡°That¡¯s right. And you little brats need to move on already! Damn kids with their stupid fucking opinions. Just go back! It¡¯s that fucking simple! Maybe if you punks woulda stayed in school and learned a damn thing, like some discipline, you would listen to smarter adults!¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey. Take it easy, Bush,¡± the female officer said, placing a hand on the taller man¡¯s chest. ¡°No need to lose it on some kids, right?¡±

    ¡°NAH! I¡¯m tired of the arguing when we¡¯re right!¡± he fought back. ¡°Bad enough these fucking adults wanna do it all the time and film us like we¡¯re doing something wrong! Now it¡¯s these children learning the shit!¡± He leaned close to Gary. ¡°Little punk brats! Why don¡¯t ya learn the damn law first before trying to start a damn fight?!¡±

    Gary was trembling but fighting to hold it in. ¡°I-I¡¯m not trying to fight! I just-!¡±

    ¡°What you need to do is shut up and get the fuck outta my face!!¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyes went to the cop¡¯s badge, seeing the name Bush on it. ¡°You¡¯re in my face!¡± Gary responded in shock, looking back at the guy.

    ¡°JUST BEAT IT, KID! If you and your girlfriend run past the cops, we can¡¯t send in the exterminators and you¡¯ll just be holding up the process! SO JUST GET OUTTA HERE!¡±

    Gary was angry, but also frightened. He¡¯d had enough bad confrontations with police, but now he was remembering when he had been assaulted by them when in custody in Celadon City after being accused of kidnapping June and having involvement in the Saffron City massacre carried out by a Haunter.

    Gary finally just nodded. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s just head back, everyone.¡± He turned from the cop and walked off, thinking about what he had been told.

    ¡°You can¡¯t just do that! I have your name and badge number!¡± June shouted. ¡°I¡¯m not letting this go! I¡¯m a Gym Leader, and I¡¯ll be sure-!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a Gym Leader?¡± Gary heard Officer Bush interrupt her.

    Suddenly, Gary stopped walking. June, he thought, having settled on an idea very quickly. The very instant it hit him, he knew he had no choice. Get ready, June. He whipped around and immediately charged back for the cops!

    Officer Bush and June were still fighting, but the officer¡¯s eyes moved to Gary, went back to June, and then widened on Gary. He stood up straight and barked, ¡°HEY!!¡±

    Gary ran past the cop as the man made a desperate grab for him.

    June gasped. ¡°Gary!¡±

    ¡°Vire!¡± Electivire was heard.

    Gary kept pumping his feet hard, tearing through the sand as he ran past the line of cop cars. There¡¯s no cops other than those four? Gary realized. But all these cars? My luck! He kept moving through the sand, hearing footsteps and shouts, grunts and cries, and yells and groans behind him. He didn¡¯t dare look back, moving so fast and with such urgency, sand flying up around him. The exterminators can¡¯t do their job if I¡¯m here! Gary told himself. Stupid cop gave it away. I can come here and save the Pokemon! Catch them; protest for them. This is what Rob would do! This is what any Trainer would! I can¡¯t just sit back and let this-!

    There was a sudden rumble through the ground, and Gary¡¯s eyes widened. An earthquake? he questioned, stopping. The rumbling stopped right after. What was that? A Pokemon, maybe? I have to keep moving! Gary was determined, knowing the further away he got, the harder it would be to stop him, and he could save more Pokemon. ¡°WHOA!!¡± Gary was suddenly caught in a blast of sand swirling around him and he shut his eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s a sandstorm!¡±

    ¡°June?!¡± Gary cried out, surprised to be hearing her. He turned behind him but kept his eyes closed.

    A wondrous sound suddenly filled the area. It was an enchanting and pleasant song, with no music, rather the voice itself was so mystical it was its own instrument! The words weren¡¯t understandable to Gary, but it sounded like a woman with an angelic voice was lulling him to a land of honey and warm biscuits. His heart felt uplifted and more positive than it had been in a long time. What is that wonderful sound?

    But the ground rumbled again, taking Gary¡¯s mind off of the song. What is that? I gotta keep moving! He turned back and charged forward blindly, refusing to stop.

    Until BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!! Something burst out of the ground only inches in front of him!

    Gary¡¯s eyes popped open as he inhaled hard through his nose and mouth, the scream that came out cut short swiftly as he began choking from the wild sands. He shut his eyes, blinded by the sand and spitting and sputtering out, but he managed to briefly see the monster that had come up from the ground with a loud shout. Covering his mouth and nose with his arm, Gary screamed again and fell backwards hard.

    June and Electivire were also shouting.

    Squinting to see as best as he could, Gary was screaming for the third time as another huge being was seen hovering low over the ground behind the first attacker, a couple of feet taller than it.

    ¡°Electivire! Use... Use... Strength!¡± June ordered.

    ¡°ELEEEEEEEEEECT-VAAAAAAAHH!!!¡± Electivire roared and several bolts of electricity came for the two threatening creatures.

    The two were unaffected and merely smirked at Electivire.

    ¡°Vire!¡± Electivire cried out.

    ¡°I TOLD YOU TO USE STRENGTH!!¡± June shouted. ¡°I knew they had to be Ground types... Uuuuugh...¡± She was on the ground, her eyes closed and head down, shaking her shoulders with discomfort.

    Squinting with eyes full of tears, unable to see anything properly, Gary pulled out his Pokedex. Before he could scan anything, several more beings, some of one size, the rest of smaller size, scarily popped out through the sand like moles! They all hissed out at Gary and his companions.

    Krookodile. The Intimidation Pokemon. A Ground and Dark-type Pokemon. The evolved form of Krokorok. Its face is distinctive for intimidating opponents and prey. What makes things worse is this Pokemon¡¯s extreme temper.

    Krokorok. The Desert Croc Pokemon. A-

    Krookodile was one of the two large Pokemon, and it wasn¡¯t the patient type. As the Pokedex kept on speaking, it roared and lunged out for Gary!

    Gary screamed and scrambled to get away, but he knew he couldn¡¯t move fast enough. He was dead meat! It was the shout from Electivire that made him stop and look back. Blinking out tears, he couldn¡¯t believe what he saw!

    Electivire was on one knee, holding Krookodile¡¯s jaws wide open! He snarled at the Pokemon.

    Krookodile was grunting back at him.

    ¡°Electivire,¡± Gary¡¯s voice trembled. He kept blinking hard, forcing himself to see if he wanted to have any hope of staying alive for even an extra second!

    Sandile. The Desert Croc Pokemon. A Ground and Dark-

    The Krokorok were the next to attack, five of them, all going for Electivire!

    The two Sandile who remained scurried through the sand, one aiming for Gary, the other going at June!

    June screamed.

    Gary grabbed two Poke Balls, tossing them with a shout before he had to shut his eyes up again. ¡°GOOOO!!¡±

    Charizard landed and roared, Lanturn crying out as she landed.

    Gary rubbed at his teary eyes although he worried it might make things worse. ¡°Flamethrower, Charizard! Lanturn, Protect June!¡± he called out blindly.

    Both Pokemon split, moving after a separate opponent.

    Charizard¡¯s Flamethrower blasted away a single Sandile, Lanturn leaping in front of June and her body being covered by a turquoise shield that repelled the remaining Sandile.

    June was rubbing at her running eyes with one hand, but delight for the Pokemon was clear on her face. ¡°Lanturn!¡± she cried.

    Gary grimaced his tight face at the levitating Pokemon with slowly flapping wings.

    Flygon. The Mystic Pokemon. The final stage of Trapinch. A Ground and Dragon-type Pokemon. When it kicks up sandstorms, it creates a haunting melody that enchants prey. Krookodile get along well with this Pokemon to share prey.

    ¡°Well ain¡¯t that great,¡± Gary said angrily.

    Electivire roared, furiously swinging and kicking at his several opponents.

    The Sandile that Charizard attacked tumbled in the sand and ended up on its back.

    Gary went into his pocket and came out with a Great Ball. ¡°GOOO!!¡± He tossed it at Sandile.

    Sandile was hit and pulled inside, a perfect capture!

    The Sandile that was after June landed on its back but was back up in seconds and hissing at June and Lanturn.

    Lanturn yelled back at it.

    ¡°VIRE! VIRE! VIIIIRRRRE!!¡± Electivire was fighting off the Krokorok, but the numbers were challenging.

    Krookodile was watching the Krokorok keeping Electivire busy.

    One Krokorok was chewing on Electivire¡¯s leg, another on the back of his shoulder. While two of them were knocked out on the ground, Electivire was grappling with the last one.

    Snapping its jaws, Krookodile lunged for Electivire! Electivire¡¯s eyes glowed blue as he focused on Krookodile, but Krookodile kept soaring and clamped its huge jaws on Electivire¡¯s head!

    The Electric Pokemon roared out in a sharp panic, both June and Gary gasping in surprise. With a burst of energy, Electivire swung the Krokorok he was wrestling with into Krookodile, the both of them dropping, and then elbowed the Krokorok chewing on his back, and finally raised the leg the last Krokorok was chewing on and slammed it into the sand. He was freed from all of them now.

    Krookodile and Electivire stood staring the other down as sand swirled around them, Flygon in the back keeping the sand and song going.

    Gary fought not only with keeping his eyes open in the blinding sand and not retch it out from between his teeth, but to also mentally remain focused on the frightening situation as the flowing, gentle tune convinced him things were just fine. Forcing himself to keep in mind that his life had nearly come to an end, and if they didn¡¯t stop this threat, it still could.

    But for now, it looked like Electivire was handling the main issues.

    ¡°KROOOOOOOK!!¡± Krookodile lunged at Electivire again.

    Electivire stood his ground and caught the opponent, wrapping his arms around its neck.

    But Krookodile turned its head around and opened its jaws wide enough to chomp Electivire¡¯s head right off, its sharp teeth glowing white to attack!

    Electivire was ready. He leaped and came back down, slamming Krookodile on its back, making it groan out.

    Suddenly, Krookodile was smiling. ¡°Krooook...¡±

    One by one, small things leaped out from the sand and latched onto Electivire. One had Electivire¡¯s arm, and another grabbed the other arm. Yet another familiar monster grabbed a leg, a fourth getting the other leg. It was a bunch of Trapinch and they were all biting Electivire!

    He cried out, shocked by the sneak attack.

    ¡°Krooo hooo hoooooo hoooookodiiiillle!¡± Krookodile cackled. It raised a claw that became coated in a black aura with a purple outline and slashed at Electivire.

    ¡°Vaaaaaiiiiire!!¡± Electivire glowed white in the spot he was hit, taking a Critical Hit. He tumbled and struggled to get up, but suddenly several more Trapinch leaped from the sandy ground!

    ¡°He needs help, Charizard!¡± Gary pointed.

    ¡°Lanturn, Hydro-!¡± June added. ¡°Yaaaahh!¡±

    Four more creatures leaped out from the ground, joining the Sandile that June¡¯s Lanturn had been dealing with. More Trapinch! They all jumped at Lanturn.

    Electivire called out helplessly as even more Trapinch appeared and began to swarm him, biting and holding him down, overwhelming him by their numbers.

    That sound! Gary realized. Isn¡¯t that-? He was going to look to the sky, but instead turned at the sound of his Charizard¡¯s roar.

    His Pokemon was covered in so many Trapinch, he couldn¡¯t even be seen! The Fire type would send out a blast of Fire to get rid of some of the Trapinch, but another Trapinch or four would pop up immediately to replace them. He fell to his knees, fighting off the Trapinch with Slashes and Flamethrowers, but the Trapinch kept coming, refusing to make things easy.

    ¡°CHARIZAAAAARD!! This is insane!!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing. This is like some kind of infestation!

    Trapinch after Trapinch after Trapinch after Trapinch came out of the ground, encircling Gary and June.

    Gary grabbed for another Poke Ball, his heart ready to explode with panic. ¡°Fuck!¡±

    ¡°YOU KIDS GET DOWN!! NOOOOW!!!¡±

    BANG!

    One Trapinch toppled over onto its back, its stomach blown apart! Its blood and innards were spilled all over the sand!

    BANG!

    Another Trapinch went down the exact same way!

    BOOM!

    With that, a Trapinch¡¯s head was in pieces, the body collapsing! One by one, the Trapinch around the kids were blowing up!

    Disgusted and confused at what was going on, Gary looked away, up to the sky, where he saw the source of a continually growing sound. Oh! That is what I thought I¡¯d heard! he thought, watching in awe.

    Seven black helicopters were approaching carrying officials with guns aimed at the ground. Flashing and blaring police cars, motorcycles, and huge black vans were making their way through the sand.

    There were several angry shouts that made Gary look back, and he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes!

    The remaining Trapinch, Sandile, Krokorok, Krookodile and Flygon weren¡¯t paying attention to their victims anymore. Instead, they all were focusing on the approaching officers!

    Krookodile called out as the slaughter of the Trapinch was still happening, body parts flying, blood spraying, all kinds of grotesque sights displayed. ¡°KROOK!¡± The left shoulder of Krookodile shed sudden blood. The Pokemon stumbled backwards, grabbing its shoulder. ¡°Krook...¡± It looked up, and Gary had to close his eyes as the Pokemon¡¯s body was stained with several bursts of blood as bullets came in from all over. The last thing Gary saw was half of Krookodile¡¯s face rip apart.

    More bullets were coming down, making Gary and June cover their heads and hit the ground. Tears ran down Gary¡¯s face as he trembled, praying silently for his life.

    *

    ¡°You¡¯re the perfect kind of victim to push the narrative of Team Solace,¡± Deputy Chief Officer Jenny told the kids, brushing at the back of her hair briefly. Her outfit was like any other Jenny¡¯s but was maroon, including her high heels, and she wore a closed, black dress coat with large red buttons down the front.

    ¡°What does that mean??¡± Gary exclaimed.

    ¡°I mean that Team Solace manipulated you. Doubling as Team Solace members, our officers purposely insisted you can¡¯t go in there because it would stop the extermination of Pokemon. This was said deliberately to plant the idea in your head to run right in. I¡¯m sure plenty of other Pokemon Trainers would have felt obliged to do the same thing. Especially if they were young and foolish enough. There¡¯s plenty of reckless types like you who would do that, and they found a pair of ¡®em.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart thumped with embarrassment as he pressed his lips together, holding back what he could feel were tears building up. He knew she was right. He had been stupid to do such a thing, just like when he and Robin had risked their lives to save the Rattata and Raticate.

    ¡°Officer Bush was banking on you being killed by the extermination process or by the bugs running out there. The Trapinch problem.¡±

    ¡°The Trapinch? Those aren¡¯t Bug types. Right?¡± Gary questioned.

    Deputy Chief Officer Jenny sighed impatiently, rolling her eyes. ¡°No, they¡¯re not Bug types, but by all means they are a kind of insect. You know, like how not all dragons are Dragon type? Like Gyarados? Charizard? The evolution of Trapinch is Vibrava. They don¡¯t fly well for long. They¡¯re saprotrophs, so basically, they eat dead matter to grow strength in their wings before evolving into Flygon. They wait for food to be brought to them by the leader, Krookodile, and that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t see them with Flygon and the others. Krookadile works well with Flygon since they can manipulate the field with sand and a calming song, but Krookadile runs things. That said, believe it or not, it¡¯s actually the innumerable number of Trapinch that are causing the biggest issues.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s incredible...¡± June muttered, her eyes down. ¡°It¡¯s like an ecosystem...¡±

    Gary couldn¡¯t find any more words and just nodded, his mouth open a little.

    ¡°So Team Solace tricked us, using their position as police officers, to send us out there to die and justify their cause...¡± June¡¯s stern eyes stayed down. Nothing was said for a moment, until, ¡°I wanna say I can¡¯t believe it. I don¡¯t want to believe that - their reach extends this far...¡±

    Gary just shook his head, wanting to slam his fist into something indestructible. Damn it! Where does it stop?! This has to end! Team Solace has to end! This is just insane now! All because of them, all their setups, this was- Gary¡¯s thoughts came to a pause. He stared hard at Deputy Chief Officer Jenny. ¡°Hey.¡±

    June and the Jenny turned to Gary.

    They were all standing inside of a police station in Veilstone City, having been safely taken there by numerous authorities. Gary and June had their Pokemon left at the Pokemon Center, the kids themselves looked over by Nurse Joy.

    Lanturn, Charizard and Electivire had numerous injuries, but none too severe.

    ¡°This extermination project, of the Trapinch. You admit that it was real?¡± Gary pressed her angrily.

    The Jenny glared back at the child. ¡°Listen, kid. I never denied why we were actually out there. Team Solace was never meant to be a part of it. Admittedly, we were infiltrated, and I take full blame for that. We fucked up here. I¡¯m sorry, Gary. But, yes, we were out here on a very secretive mission to exterminate the issues. There are far too many of the Trapinch out here, and they¡¯re killing. Out of hunger, yes, but they¡¯re killing children and adults, Trainers and their Pokemon, and the leftover corpses feed the Vibrava, and it¡¯s a massive cycle that will never end if we don¡¯t step in. An ecosystem.¡± She shot June a quick look before returning to Gary.

    June did flinch, but that was all, her gaze never rising back.

    ¡°We did a similar mission in Kanto. There was a beach full of Trapinch that me and my assigned group had to get involved in and exterminate. We found a lot of bones buried out there, kid.¡±

    ¡°In Kanto...?¡± Gary''s mouth fell open in horror. Where was that area? She couldn¡¯t mean-?

    ¡°Yeah. In Kanto, a year ago.¡±

    Gary¡¯s heart fell so hard hearing this. There¡¯s no fucking way!

    She made fists and glared at the floor, baring her teeth in a sneer. A huff of air came out and then she said, ¡°I really don¡¯t like thinking about the things we saw out there.¡± She looked up again, staring at the ceiling. ¡°But this is a job. When things get out of hand, exterminations and regulations are not unheard of. I¡¯m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But, if not for us, you all would have just been another unnamed statistic! We did what we had to do and it paid off!¡±

    Gary leered at her briefly before lowering his eyes. He could hear the news playing from the tablet of another officer in the back, but he wasn¡¯t paying attention to that. He was too bothered by what Jenny had said. No matter how much he tried to rephrase what she said in his head, he couldn¡¯t find any significant ways to make it sound acceptable.

    The facts were, there was a major attack led by Pokemon, and if not for the authorities coming in to kill them, Gary and his friends were surely dead.

    Team Solace may have been involved here, but they got a point for this, Gary admitted. Not from me, but when this news breaks, this is gonna be a major success for them. The people are already scared enough as it is. This isn¡¯t the news Pokemon fans needed.

    ¡°Anyway, I have things to take care of, kid! Just be smarter next time, okay?!¡± Deputy Chief Officer Jenny didn¡¯t look back at him and just left swiftly, impatiently, irritably.

    Other cops who were standing around looked away as she walked past.

    Gary watched her as she left. His eyes were specifically on her backside, although her shape couldn¡¯t be seen properly due to the dress coat. Despite this, he kept staring, inadvertently rubbing at his cheek, before some loud, goofy laughter broke his attention.

    ¡°Hey!¡± It was the cop with the tablet. ¡°Yo! Look at this one, George!¡± He laughed even louder as he walked over to a man just a few feet away in full riot gear, only the helmet removed and still holding his shield.

    The man named George let out a sigh, rolling his eyes before looking back at the cop with the tablet.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna love this one, George! This girl really opened a Poke Ball in her mouth!¡±

    From Gary¡¯s position, he could see the tablet displaying the news story. The boy couldn¡¯t believe his eyes!! Unable to stop himself, and not wanting to, he slowly snuck closer to them.

    ¡°Gary?¡± June said softly.

    On-screen was a beautiful girl with curly brown hair and blue eyes. A slightly chunky young lady with what Gary knew used to be a beautiful smile.

    There¡¯s no way! Gary shook his head hard. Si-?!

    ¡°Sierra Parson is being kept company by her boyfriend, Brett Townsend, as the two get through her torment together,¡± spoke an unseen female reporter.

    None other than Sierra was now shown in a hospital bed, the face that Gary once found so enchanting and gorgeous now wrapped up in gauze at the lower half. The damage was so bad, the upper half of her face looked out of place, her eyes mostly rolled up.

    She looks... Is she-? Is she even alive?? He swallowed with nausea, sickened at the sight.

    ¡°The Poke Ball Challenge, which involves people placing Poke Balls in their small size, in their mouths, and then pressing the button to make them larger, has caused several severe injuries across the world, and why this young lady would still participate despite the obvious and televised risks, is certainly beyond me.¡±

    Why would she-? Is she stupid? Gary thought, shaking his head, disbelief on his face.

    The image of the injured Sierra shrunk and went to the upper-left corner of the screen, a Black news reporter shown standing in a white, sleeveless dress. She shook her head and her eyes actually rolled a tiny bit. It was quick, but it was there.

    Gary¡¯s heart was beating faster as his eyes focused on the woman¡¯s pronounced bust and admired the contrast of the bright dress against her dark shoulders before he stared back at the picture of Sierra.

    ¡°Despite the horrifying image, it is expected she should recover just fine from her injuries without any lasting damages.¡±

    Gary listened to this, looking at a girl he had once dated. Once loved.

    ¡°The young lady herself has issued the urge for no one else to try this challenge. And vows to never do it again.¡±

    Gary recalled the short time he had spent with Sierra at PokeLand Discounts. A boyfriend...? he recalled. And his eyes began to water.

    But as the officer continued to cackle heartily, Officer George rolling his eyes and sneering, barely snickering while shaking his head with annoyance.

    Right before the next report started.

    Right before Sierra¡¯s picture went away.

    Gary¡¯s eyes on her injured, pitiful face.

    The tears vanished quickly, and Gary muttered coldly, with no regret in his heart, ¡°Idiot.¡±

 Its Paul Or Nothing

    ¡°Veilstone City Pokemon Gym Leader: Paul. The Relentless Power Broker,¡± Gary read clearly from the wooden sign in front of a one-story building.

    ¡°The building is made of metal?¡± June stated.

    ¡°This should be one of my more tougher battles.¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t use a specific-¡±

    ¡°Excuse me! Gary! Are you Gary?!¡± Gary, June, and Electivire all turned to see a man standing before them. He was just about an inch taller than Gary, with wavy black hair and glasses with opaque, white lenses. ¡°I¡¯m one of Prof. Tot¡¯s aides! Nice to meet you! I¡¯m meant to give you the Poke Radar once you collect seventy original Pokemon species, and right now, you have seventy original species of Pokemon, so I came to give you this!¡± He held out a device.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened on the object. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re one of Kiwi-? Wait! What did you just call her??¡±

    The man shoved the item in Gary¡¯s hands and then backed away. ¡°It¡¯s painfully simple to use. Pull the sides to turn it on, and it will alert you to more Pokemon in more precise locations, and some of them may even have unique abilities! Dual-slot mode changes the light¡¯s color, and that may detect even rarer Pokemon. When the battery is low, simply turn it off for a while. It recharges on its own. Prof. Tot looks forward to your progress and encourages you to ¡®catch more Pokemon!¡¯¡± Before Gary could even open his mouth, the guy was running away and gone right after, turning around the corner of a building.

    Gary was dumbfounded, staring at the other people in the area. Professor... Tot...? Gary repeated in his mind. What¡¯s that about? And... I have seventy Pokemon now?! I did it! Gary was beaming big and looked down at the Poke Radar he held.

    It was a black device with a little black antenna at the top with a red tip. When the sides of the Poke Rader were pulled out, the screen in the middle glowed light blue, showing a 3D image of the surrounding area, Veilstone City. The extended piece on the right had four white buttons along with four lines for the speaker. The left piece that was pulled out had a tiny, gray triangle etched in it for no clear reason.

    The city was full of as many trees as there were buildings, which Gary found pleasing. He took his bag off to put the Poke Radar away for now, figuring he¡¯d toy around with it later, and then stood to face the building of the Gym Leader. ¡°This guy is no joke!¡± Gary said loudly, for the sake of June. ¡°This is gonna be one of our most difficult fights yet considering he¡¯s not a monotype Gym Leader! But also his history! I heard he intentionally sought this Gym out to take over because he found the previous Leader to be too weak. Supposedly, he swept her easily a long time ago and came back to break her down even further. But that¡¯s just a rumor! No one could be that cruel! Right?¡± He looked at June and Electivire.

    June looked back but then her eyes went down. ¡°I¡¯m not sure... There¡¯s all kinds of people out there,¡± she said in a low voice. Her eyes came back to Gary¡¯s. ¡°But if he¡¯s a Gym Leader, I believe he has to be kind somewhere deep down!¡± she now said louder.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Gary looked to the short building. He felt like something was off about the way it looked.

    The front yard was really nice and actually looked like a lot of fun! In it was a whole field of grass and flowers and trees that surrounded the entire building aside from a cleared, dirt path to the front doors. There were swings, a seesaw, monkey bars, and a slide big enough to quite possibly hold a whale! It circled around and disappeared behind the building. There was also a very big bench with varying sizes of weights and dumbbells, but all of them were huge, and some seemed big enough to topple a bodybuilder! In the midst of this was a man watering the place down with a hose, including the workout equipment.

    ¡°Just look at the Gym!¡± June added. ¡°It¡¯s not just a yard. It¡¯s a playground! This guy has to care for his Pokemon!¡±

    Gary nodded, but he felt he could hear apprehension in her voice. At once, Gary, June and Electivire approached the building taking the open path. They had just barely reached the gardener when his hose cut off.

    Gary¡¯s heart was already thumping, on edge. Was it all in his mind? No, he knew. He was on edge already, but the fact that the man had stopped so suddenly confirmed his suspicions. Something¡¯s up.

    The guy turned to them and then dropped his hose. Dressed in army fatigues comprised of boots, pants, a vest over a shirt, and a cap, he approached the group sternly. He was very tanned, and while he looked elderly, he also looked plenty healthy and strong. ¡°Are you here to challenge the Veilstone City¡¯s Gym Leader, Paul?¡± he spoke deeply. He had gray stubble around his mouth.

    Gary swallowed nervously, his eyes wide, intimidated by the man. ¡°Yeah!¡± Gary let out, his voice cracking.

    The man stared back at him. ¡°Then follow me inside,¡± he suddenly said a lot cooler. He turned swiftly and walked easily towards the building.

    Gary and June exchanged glances, and then they looked to Electivire.

    Electivire eyed Gary simply, but upon seeing June, he growled and his body sparked.

    June stepped back, confusion in her wide eyes. She reached up to touch her left ear.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary stepped up in front of him, glaring. ¡°No! This isn¡¯t the time!¡± Gary maintained his vision on Electivire, unwilling to turn to June, plenty on his mind for her that he kept refusing to bring up. ¡°No,¡± he told the Pokemon.

    With a grunt, Electivire turned away.

    ¡°Huh??¡± June looked stunned.

    Gary didn¡¯t want to see the look he knew she had on her face and closed his eyes, lowering his head. Now¡¯s not the time, he said silently. It was a phrase he kept on bringing up to himself to keep the inevitable conversation at bay.

    But what about Electivire? he questioned as he crossed the garden with the gardener, Electivire and June following him. What about how he feels about this?

    They reached the twin, steel doors that slid open instantly. When everyone was inside, the doors slid shut. Inside, the building had white walls and a bare, steel floor. There were a few doors, but the gardener went down a very short walk to a black, steel door that slid open automatically.

    Gary gasped at the sight.

    The room was very large and open, the walls made of steel, the floor concrete, with two bleachers each on opposite ends of a white outline of a battlefield. There were also several treadmills, enormous weights, workout benches, and several other types of workout equipment.

    Four men and several other Pokemon were also in the room. Three of the men were Black guys, and a lot more muscular and taller than the last man who was White. One of the taller guys was bald and wearing a white tank top, the second guy wore a black durag that trailed down the back of his blue tank top, the third one was completely shirtless, and the shorter man had long, purple hair past his shoulders.

    It was this man who stood out who Gary recognized as Paul.

    But Gary gasped, his eyes locked on one Pokemon in particular, not believing his eyes. ¡°Whoa! That¡¯s-!!¡±

    Paul, the three men, and all the Pokemon turned to him silently.

    Gary stared back at Paul and swallowed.

    The Gym Leader¡¯s body was slimmer than his companions, but was still firm, imposing, and well sculpted. It was a frame Gary didn¡¯t know the guy had from his other photos where he was fully clothed. Now, his body was more visible in a tight and fit blue muscle shirt and black shorts, black sneakers on his feet. His body was glistening with sweat and breathing heavily. His face hard and cold, he looked back to the group of Pokemon and tossed a jagged object the size of a melon at a towering, dark-blue and red monster who sliced at it easily, breaking it to bits. His other hand hurled an equally large object at an Electivire.

    ¡°LEC!¡± Electivire was clunked right in the head and dropped. Sitting up, it rubbed its head with its big hand and shook its head, grumbling.

    ¡°HEY!! What do you think you¡¯re doing?!¡± June cried out angrily.

    What the hell? Gary was lost for words, staring in disbelief at what had just happened. His eyes then went from Paul, to that one particular Pokemon in Paul¡¯s group that had astonished him earlier, to Paul, to said Pokemon again. His heart was being gripped with absolute terror.

    ¡°Get up and fight!!¡± Paul barked at Electivire, ignoring June¡¯s shout, and he charged with an angry yell.

    This Electivire had gotten up the instant Paul spoke one word of his sentence, and it kept its long arms at its sides but formed fists.

    June gasped.

    Gary couldn¡¯t believe what was going on, nor did he understand it. He narrowed his eyebrows and opened his mouth to shout out, but he was too distracted by the Pokemon that towered over all the rest!

    Yelling even louder, Paul pulled back one arm and leaped at the Electivire.

    Electivire raised its fist out and held it, waiting for Paul.

    Paul swung out his fist to hit Electivire! ¡°Huh?¡± Paul said with surprise as he was stopped.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary was surprised at what had happened.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± June gasped.

    June¡¯s Electivire growled, holding Paul¡¯s fist in his hand! Behind him was Paul¡¯s Electivire!

    Paul¡¯s surprised Electivire¡¯s fist was over the shoulder of June¡¯s Electivire, still awaiting Paul¡¯s punch.

    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s your problem?!¡± Paul yelled angrily, struggling to free himself.

    His three partners ran forward, shouting out, all of them now wrestling with the one large arm of the Electivire!

    June¡¯s Electivire¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as he took a step forward in the struggle. ¡°Virrrre,¡± he growled at the men.

    ¡°Vire! Vire!¡± Paul¡¯s Electivire let out.

    June¡¯s Pokemon released Paul and swatted all the men away, the four of them falling. He then faced Paul¡¯s Pokemon. June¡¯s Electivire growled while Paul¡¯s remained quiet.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?!¡± Paul was now yelling at June and Gary. ¡°Control your damn Pokemon!!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I don¡¯t set him on you!!¡± June barked back. ¡°What are you doing throwing rocks at-¡± June suddenly stopped. The anger on her face vanished, and her eyes widened on Paul¡¯s Electivire. ¡°-it...?¡± Her mouth remained agape and she didn¡¯t say another word.

    ¡°Mind your business,¡± Paul snapped, him and his men getting to their feet. ¡°Don¡¯t butt in on our training. Worry about yourself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s training?¡± Gary cried. ¡°You hit it in the head! It¡¯s hurt!¡±

    ¡°Looks just fine to me,¡± Paul responded, keeping his hard eyes on Gary.

    The two Electivire remained facing each other, neither of them even blinking, looking like a promotional poster for an upcoming boxing match.

    Gary sneered at Paul. He¡¯s crazy. His eyes then shot over another problem in the room, and while he didn¡¯t want to change the subject, he had to know what was going on. ¡°Why is there a Regigigas in here??¡± Gary pointed at the Pokemon.

    It outright dwarfed everyone and everything! The Pokemon stood silent.

    ¡°Never mind that!¡± Paul insisted.

    ¡°Electivire-!¡± June stepped forward but with a blast from her Pokemon, she screamed and collapsed in a heap.

    ¡°WHOA! June!!¡± Gary got on his knees beside her.

    ¡°Huh?? What the-?¡± Paul was startled.

    ¡°Vire.¡± Paul¡¯s Electivire watched the girl for a moment before turning to the matching Pokemon. ¡°Vire!¡±

    June was on her back, her eyes closed and her hair extended on edge, frowning as she kept heaving hard. ¡°Well, good thing I didn¡¯t wear that hearing aid,¡± she said tiredly. She sat up and glared at her Pokemon. ¡°I knew there¡¯d be a risk. You could have blown my ear straight off and you wouldn¡¯t even care, would you?¡±

    Her Electivire ignored her.

    ¡°Electivire! This isn¡¯t the time!¡± Gary ordered. ¡°Fall back now!¡±

    The Electivire maintained eye contact with Paul¡¯s Electivire a bit longer before finally looking over at Gary. He then turned back to Electivire and smirked, let out a snicker, and backed away slowly.

    ¡°I guess you¡¯re this one¡¯s Trainer, then.¡± Paul smirked a bit at Gary. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Your Electivire is just competitive. I like it!¡± His smirk became a more challenging smile. ¡°How about we have a battle with them for my Badge? Just one on one.¡±

    Gary was speechless and turned away from him, to June.

    Coughing, the girl was getting to her feet, her legs still quivering. She brushed down at her hair that remained a staticky mess. A spark bounced around her body quickly, causing her eyes to shut as she flinched. She shook this off and glared at Electivire. ¡°He¡¯s mine,¡± she said angrily.

    ¡°What?¡± Paul frowned at June.

    ¡°Electivire belongs to me. Whether he li-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!¡± June hit the ground as Electivire took her down with another Electric bolt. She was breathing hard as she got back to her knees and stayed there.

    June... Gary thought, staring hard at her as she kept her head down, trying to catch her breath.

    ¡°So he¡¯s disobedient then, huh? That only shows the lack of experience of the Trainer,¡± Paul criticized June.

    This statement made June look up at him angrily and bare her teeth. ¡°You don¡¯t know the first thing about me!! I used to be a Gym Leader! I have plenty of experience as a Trainer!!¡± June was returning to her feet again.

    ¡°¡®Used to be¡¯ explains it all. No wonder. You sound worse than the Gym Leader I got rid of who used to run this Gym,¡± Paul went on mercilessly. ¡°This region deserves a far better representation of a Gym Leader, and that¡¯s why I took over.¡±

    June gasped. ¡°You did get the last Gym Leader fired!¡±

    ¡°She got what she deserved. She was pathetic. Just like Pastoria City¡¯s old Gym, which I challenged and destroyed just as well for being so reputably weak.¡±

    June¡¯s eyes were wide, her mouth just hanging wide open. ¡°Th-th- That¡¯s just crazy!¡±

    He¡¯s gotten two Gym Leaders to lose their jobs?? Gary realized, horrified.

    ¡°You¡¯re the equivalent of a beginning Trainer with a traded, fully evolved Pokemon you thought you could use to win matches, but you can¡¯t even control.¡± Paul closed his eyes and huffed out of his nose before uttering, ¡°Pathetic,¡± and then gave them his back.

    Gary swallowed hard, understanding that Paul was as cold on the inside as he looked on the outside. He opened his mouth but could only breathe out. This is scary, Gary thought. I can¡¯t even defend my friend! What kind of friend am I?

    ¡°Get out of my Gym. I don¡¯t have time for the likes of you two.¡± Followed by Electivire, Paul walked from them and back to the pack of Pokemon.

    The three guys with him didn¡¯t follow and crossed their arms, staring at Gary and June intimidatingly.

    But Gary didn¡¯t back down. He couldn¡¯t. Not yet. ¡°WHY IS THAT REGIGIGAS HERE?!¡± Gary finally demanded.

    Paul stopped walking, but he didn¡¯t look back.

    His Electivire continued on by itself to the others.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that thing supposed to be with that monster creature that¡¯s attacking Sinnoh??¡± Gary continued. ¡°Is that the same one? Have you seen her? The monster?¡±

    Paul finally turned back, sneering nastily. ¡°OF COURSE IT ISN¡¯T!! I CAUGHT THIS ONE THREE YEARS AGO!!¡±

    Gary swallowed, struggling to hide the quaking of his body. ¡°Oh. You... caught one?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s not the one on the news! NOW GET OUT OF MY GYM!!¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m here to fight you for your Badge!¡± Gary insisted.

    ¡°Do you have disobedient Pokemon, too?¡± Paul stared so hard at Gary, he could have been shooting right through him.

    ¡°No! But that doesn¡¯t matter! Don¡¯t make fun of my friend!¡± He took in a deep breath. ¡°She¡¯s right! You really don¡¯t know anything about their history!¡± And June doesn¡¯t know what I know, either, he kept to himself. But I can¡¯t bring that up yet. Not now. But, when?

    Paul didn¡¯t say anything, keeping stern eyes on Gary.

    Gary swallowed but didn¡¯t back down, keeping eye contact. ¡°So you use Legendary Pokemon. That¡¯s why you¡¯re so strong.¡±

    Paul growled and approached Gary, even bumping into the bald man on the way without stopping.

    Gary flinched but stood his ground. A Gym Leader wouldn¡¯t hit a child, right?! He¡¯s throwing rocks at his own Pokemon though, so-

    Paul stopped, his hands in fists. ¡°I have every right to use the Pokemon I earned and captured! I¡¯m strong enough to not only catch them but to also control them in battle! Anyone who doesn¡¯t get that shouldn¡¯t get involved in Pokemon training!¡±

    Gary was trembling, but he also nodded. ¡°I-I-I agree with that! I¡¯m a big fan of Tobias! The Champion of Sinnoh! I-!¡±

    ¡°I know who Tobias is!¡± Paul cut him off. His face softened. ¡°You¡¯re actually a fan? Most people dislike him for using Legends.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s like you said! He caught them fair and square! He earned the right to use them and can control them! If the goal is to become a Pokemon Master, to beat any and all Pokemon, then that has to include Legends!¡±

    Paul¡¯s mouth opened a little, no sound coming out. Then his mouth closed and he nodded with a, ¡±Hm. I only own my Legendary Pokemon to prove my strength. I don¡¯t use them in battles I don¡¯t have to. Like in Gym matches. It¡¯s distasteful. That¡¯s not what my job is about. As a Gym Leader, I¡¯m here to help Trainers grow. As a Pokemon Trainer, I prove why I was able to capture Legendaries in the first place.¡±

    ¡°You have others other than Regigigas?¡±

    Paul looked Gary over. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a Pokedex?¡±

    Gary nodded and took it out.

    Paul didn¡¯t turn, but he did move his eyes and nudge his head to the pack of Pokemon behind him.

    ¡°Oh. Right.¡± Gary scanned the Pokemon.

    Garchomp. The Mach Pokemon. The evolved form of Gabite. A Dragon and Ground-type Pokemon. This Pokemon is known for being extremely feral, and caution should be taken when encountering one, especially in the wild.

    Regigigas. The Colossal Pokemon. A Normal-type, Legendary Pokemon. It is said that using many different, special materials, it created new Pokemon in its image that it can control at will.

    Porygon2. The Virtual Pokemon. The evolution of Porygon and a Normal type. Porygon2 and those in its line are able to know secret moves and can speak a secret language. The artificial intelligence levels of this Pokemon are useful in science, but concerns have arrived of the possibility of this Pokemon keeping secrets.

    Kommo-o. The Scaly Pokemon. A Dragon and Fighting-type Pokemon and the final form of Jangmo-o. A warrior which finished training from all of its life, Kommo-o has the power to alter its surroundings by simply raising its arms. Kommo-o¡¯s glittering scales serve as both offense and defense.

    Cresselia. The Lunar Pokemon. A Psychic-type, Legendary Pokemon.

    Gary and June gasped loud. ¡°A LEGEND!!¡±

    Cresselia can rid one of any nightmares, including the lasting ones brought upon by the Mythical Pokemon Darkrai. They are considered a representation of the moon.

    Primarina. The Soloist Pokemon. The final form of Popplio. It is a Water/Fairy-type Pokemon. Its main weapons are its voice and the water balloons it creates while dancing.

    Magnezone. The Magnet Area Pokemon and Magneton¡¯s evolved form. An Electric/Steel-type Pokemon. While flying through the night sky, it is often thought to be a UFO. It¡¯s the fact that it is receiving and sending out signals to an unknown source that continues to fuel these theories.

    Greninja. The Ninja Pokemon. The final stage of Froakie, the Water Starter from the Kalos region. Greninja is a Water/Dark-type Pokemon. It attacks with weapons made of compressed water at a blinding speed to confuse enemies. An alternate form had been witnessed many years ago and labeled the ¡°Ash-Greninja.¡±

    ¡°Yeah! I knew that one! Greninja!¡± Gary smiled at the Pokemon.

    It immediately took a stance, keeping eyes on Gary.

    ¡°Does this one transform, too?¡± Gary asked Paul excitedly.

    ¡°NO!¡± Paul barked, and then he glared at Greninja.

    Greninja relaxed its body and looked to the side, avoiding eye contact with its Trainer.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t. As usual, Ash can somehow manage to pull this crap out of his Pokemon,¡± Paul grumbled, now leering at the floor.

    ¡°Paul,¡± Gary said, and then paused for a moment to gather his next words. ¡°I¡¯ve seen your matches with Ash. I¡¯m from Pallet Town, too. I know all about Ash. He¡¯s amazing!¡±

    Paul bared his teeth, looking ready to strike Gary.

    ¡°And your matches have been my favorites, Paul!¡± he spoke quicker. ¡°I mean it! I don¡¯t know your history with Ash, but I¡¯d love to hear about it if it can make me a better Trainer. You two had something personal going on. There¡¯s interviews from Trainers about you two. I even saw a couple of tournaments you and Ash went through, and of course the Sinnoh League from years ago. I¡¯m a huge fan of you guys! Ash is a true Master Trainer! And so are you! You chose to be a Gym Leader to stay out of the spotlight, but that¡¯s bull!¡± Gary came to a stop, verbally.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know why I stopped!¡± Paul suddenly shouted. ¡°You don¡¯t know a damn thing about me, kid!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t! But I know I can beat someone like you! If Ash could, so can I! You never mastered Infernape¡¯s Blaze Ability like Ash did. In fact...¡± Gary paused, wondering if he should continue speaking, or if he¡¯d only be making things worse. ¡°You have a Greninja because of that. Don¡¯t you? You failed with Infernape, and seeing what Ash did with Greninja, you wanted to-¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have a Full Battle, six versus six!¡± Paul let out loudly.

    Gary was stunned. ¡°Huh? Really?¡±

    ¡°If you think you¡¯re so good, and know so much, I¡¯ll be sure to destroy you and make you never want to challenge the Sinnoh League again,¡± Paul smiled. It was a smile, but something about it gripped Gary¡¯s heart with ice. He walked away from the kid and to the battlefield, stopping at his end.

    Paul¡¯s Pokemon, the gardener, and Paul¡¯s three possible bodyguards, moved swiftly. Paul¡¯s Pokemon went behind Paul, the gardener standing to the side of the battlefield as the referee, and the three men sat in the bleachers.

    ¡°Okay. Great.¡± Gary started to jog to his spot, but stopped after only a couple of steps. He looked back to June with hard eyes.

    June¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Huh? Gary?¡±

    Gary then looked to Electivire.

    Electivire didn¡¯t flinch, leering back.

    ¡°This is mine, Electivire. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Vire...¡± Electivire¡¯s eyes tightened before he finally nodded. ¡°Vire.¡±

    June stared at Electivire blankly, and as her bottom lip quivered, she lowered her head and closed her eyes, shaking her head.

    Electivire didn¡¯t pay her any mind.

    Seeing this, Gary moved to his position with a heavy heart.

    June slugged her way over to the bleachers opposite of where the three guys were and sat down, her face looking panicky and sad.

    Electivire stood by the bleachers with the men and crossed his arms, glaring at the battlefield.

    The guys there were eyeing Electivire cautiously.

    Gary and Paul had harsh eyes on each other.

    This guy is gonna be one of the worst I have to face in this region, Gary told himself. Worse than Jupiter, maybe. And I¡¯m not using Electivire to beat him this time, either. This is gonna be my own team! If I lose here, I lose here! No regrets!

    I¡¯ll prove my worth!

    Here and now!

    It¡¯s all or nothing!

 An Ap-Paul-ing Strategy

    Gary and Paul kept their eyes on each other like seasoned rivals meeting up again. Things were already serious between them, Paul having dismissed June¡¯s credentials but finding a common ground of agreement with Gary and accepting the challenge for his Gym Badge.

    The referee, who was originally seen as the gardener, raised his one hand high. ¡°This match is between Paul of the Sinnoh region¡¯s Veilstone City Gym, and Gary, of Kanto¡¯s Pallet Town, the winner keeping the Strength Badge! This will be a full six-on-six battle! Only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokemon! There will be no time limit! Let the battle begin!¡± His hand came down swiftly.

    Gary grabbed Charizard¡¯s Poke Ball. No point in not starting off strong against a strong Trainer, Gary thought. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Paul looked behind him briefly. ¡°Stand by!¡±

    As Gary threw his Poke Ball, it was Magnezone who flew past Paul.

    Once released from his Poke Ball, Charizard roared strongly.

    ¡°ZONE!¡± Magnezone responded.

    ¡°Magnezone, use Supersonic right now!¡± Paul jumped right in immediately, his energy commanding and relentless.

    Magnezone let out a shrill cry that made Gary yell out and cover his ears. He leaned forward, using all of his strength not to drop before finally giving in and falling to one knee.

    June had her own ears covered, wailing out, her eyes shut with pain.

    Paul grunted briefly, closing one eye, but other than that he was fine.

    His Pokemon behind him all reacted negatively but remained upright.

    The three men in the bleachers all cried out, their fingers in their ears.

    The referee covered just one ear, his other hand in a fist in front of his stern face as he watched the Pokemon, withstanding the aggravating noise.

    June¡¯s Electivire¡¯s eyes closed as he garbled out in annoyance and put his hands to the sides of his head.

    Charizard roared, covering his ears and shaking his head as he stumbled backwards. When the move was over and silence returned, his eyes were red with Confusion.

    Gary¡¯s ears were still ringing and he rubbed his ear tragus into the hole, but this only made it hurt worse and he cried out, moving his hands away.

    Paul¡¯s Magnezone¡¯s body sparked with several lines of electricity before a large beam shot out with an explosive spark.

    Charizard was lit like a lightbulb, roaring in agony from the super-effective attack. He fell to his knees as remaining sparks bounced around his body briefly.

    ¡°Charizard!!¡± Gary called out.

    Charizard was breathing hard, but he wasn¡¯t down. In fact, his body was now outlined in red! The flame on his tail also had ignited to a tremendous height.

    ¡°Charizard, it¡¯s your turn now!!¡± Gary shouted breathlessly. ¡°FIRE BLAST!!¡±

    Charizard got to his feet and inhaled, puffing out his chest.

    ¡°No way!¡± Paul reacted.

    Gary¡¯s Pokemon opened his eyes and they were both blazing with fire as he roared and sent out a huge, symbolic shape of flames that collided with Magnezone!

    ¡°MAGNEZOOOONE!!¡± Magnezone yelled out in unison with Paul.

    The blaze consumed Magnezone and even Paul raised up an arm and moved back, the heat taking over the entire Gym.

    There were cries and groans of surprise from everyone, including Gary, as the heat brought everyone to their limits.

    When the heat finally eased, the Fire fading, Paul lowered his arm and shouted out, ¡°INCREDIBLE!¡±

    Gary wiped at his face that was running streaks of sweat.

    The three guys Paul was with stood on their feet, not believing the scene, their faces matching June¡¯s Electivire¡¯s.

    June sat watching apprehensively.

    The referee raised his hand to Gary. ¡°Magnezone is unable to battle! Charizard wins!¡±

    ¡°YES!! Alright!!¡± Gary cheered. ¡°That¡¯s the heat, Charizard! Way to go!!¡±

    Charizard groaned out noisily, looking disoriented, still Confused.

    Paul retreated his Magnezone back into a Great Ball and then stared in silence at it. ¡°Perhaps Blaze was too much added power, even for you. Hmph.¡± He moodily slipped the ball into his pocket and leered at Gary.

    Gary¡¯s smile was gone again, nervousness filling his chest at the mere stare of the Gym Leader. He took in a breath to speak bravely, but he just couldn¡¯t do it and swallowed it down instead.

    Paul looked behind him and nudged his head, ordering, ¡°Stand by!¡± and then stared back at Charizard.

    There was a puff of smoke from behind Paul, and then another on the battlefield, Greninja now taking the stage in front of Charizard. ¡°Grrrreninja!¡± it growled.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Gary muttered. ¡°Greninja, a Water type. But that won¡¯t mean much! Charizard, keep it hot! We might as well with Blaze on! Flamethrower, now!¡±

    A Flamethrower like none other came out of Charizard¡¯s jaws, creating more sweat for Gary.

    ¡°Greninja, use Quick Attack to avoid that and get into the air!¡± Paul ordered.

    Greninja was gone in an instant, appearing at the side of the dangerous line of Flames. It then vanished again, appearing at the opposite side of the move. It was gone just as fast as it had been seen, appearing close to the Flames but safe from them, gone again in another instant only to reappear in the air now!

    ¡°Water Shuriken! Douse those flames!¡± Paul instructed.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. He used Quick Attack to ensure a safe spot in the air to attack from?! ¡°Charizard, don¡¯t stop!! Counter that!!¡±

    Greninja formed a shuriken of Water between its hands and tossed one, two, three, four of them into the Flamethrower.

    Gary was quick to growl, but this concern faded to happiness as his Charizard overcame the Water attacks, the stream of Fire from Flamethrower barely shaken and plowing through to hit Greninja, taking it down! ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary smiled big.

    Paul looked furious, baring his teeth. His eyes went from his Greninja that was laid down on its back, to Gary¡¯s Charizard. ¡°So it¡¯s that strong, huh?¡± Paul remarked.

    ¡°Greninja,¡± Greninja grunted and it jumped back to its feet readily, striking a cool pose.

    ¡°Greninja.¡± And that was all Paul said. He just stopped talking, staring at Charizard.

    ¡°Charizard!¡± Gary cried out. ¡°Stop!¡±

    Charizard was now behaving bizarrely. He was actually punching himself in the face! The punches were sharp and hard, each one a few seconds apart.

    ¡°Spikes!¡± Paul said loudly.

    Greninja spun around in a blur and bright Spikes came out and hit Gary¡¯s side of the battlefield.

    ¡°Charizard! STOP IT! Snap out of it!!¡±

    ¡°Spikes!¡± was all Paul said, watching as Charizard took his time slugging himself again.

    Greninja repeated the move.

    Spikes, Gary thought. He¡¯s setting up!

    With a weakened groan, all at once, Charizard¡¯s powerful tail flame went down, his eyes stopped blazing, and his body was no longer outlined in red as he collapsed.

    ¡°Charizard is unable to battle! Greninja is the winner!¡± the referee ruled immediately, holding his hand out to Paul.

    Paul didn¡¯t even so much as smirk, his cold eyes on Gary. He was just waiting for the next Pokemon.

    Gary sneered back at the guy. He ain¡¯t that tough. He¡¯s not tougher than Jupiter. I can beat him. ¡°Charizard, great work! We got a great hit there! We¡¯ve got this!¡± He stared at Greninja and then reflected on his team. ¡°Totally,¡± Gary decided, grabbing the Poke Ball. He sent out his second choice.

    ¡°Bell! Bell!¡± Weepinbell bounced on the Gym floor. Immediately, the ground underneath Weepinbell blew up, damaging the Pokemon.

    ¡°Greninja, Spikes once more!¡± Paul let out strictly.

    Observing the field, taking in the situation, Gary felt frustrated. That¡¯s the third time. I¡¯m fucked. Screwed. No. It¡¯s far from over yet! ¡°Weepinbell, Growth right now!¡±

    Weepinbell was surrounded by light-green energy and he grew a little, looking a whole lot healthier; greener.

    ¡°Growth again!¡± Gary braved, seeing that Paul didn¡¯t make a move.

    Weepinbell repeated the action.

    Paul remained silent, harsh eyes on Gary himself.

    What is he doing? Is he - waiting? He leered back at Paul, telling himself, Don¡¯t think about it. Take the chance! ¡°Growth!!¡± Gary shouted once again.

    Paul now let out his breath, glaring at Gary and crossing his arms.

    There¡¯s no way he can be so confident. Is this a mental trick? Am I overthinking this? ¡°Growth again!¡±

    Weepinbell was looking his best, a healthy green glow on the slightly taller plant.

    Paul remained quiet, waiting with an impatient look.

    Gary wanted to ask what the Gym Leader was waiting for, but he decided it would only show his concerns. This guy is testing me on something here, Gary told himself. Fine. I can keep powering up until he decides to make a move. By then it¡¯ll be too late for him! ¡°Growth!¡± Gary repeated. ¡°Growth!¡±

    Weepinbell had maxed his Attack stat, as strong as possible.

    ¡°Now use Razor Leaf to finish it!¡±

    ¡°Get ready for Shadow Sneak!¡± Paul said strongly.

    Greninja didn¡¯t move an inch.

    Weepinbell sent out a flurry of Leaves for Greninja.

    The attack hit Greninja, but rather than falling to the damage, Greninja vanished in a puff of white smoke! ¡°Greninjaaaa!¡± From behind Weepinbell, Greninja appeared in another puff of white smoke! It put its hands together in front of its body and stayed still as a long Shadow came out from underneath it and went for Weepinbell.

    ¡°Weepinbell! Look out!¡± Gary pointed.

    ¡°Bell?¡± Weepinbell¡¯s body turned, seeing Greninja and the Shadow that was heading for him.

    But the Shadow was already underneath him and reared up behind the Grass type, attacking quickly.

    ¡°Ice Beam!¡± Paul went.

    ¡°Weepinbell! Sleep Powder! GO!¡± Gary cried out.

    Greninja extended its cupped hands at Weepinbell and a light-blue ball of energy charged up and fired out a Beam at Weepinbell.

    Weepinbell grunted against the move but was silenced as Ice formed around his body! In seconds, he was Frozen!

    ¡°Weepin-!¡± Gary started.

    ¡°Acrobatics!¡± Paul continued.

    Greninja moved at terrifying speeds, assaulting the Ice block with kicks before running past, reappearing at close range to punch, and then flipping out of sight only to return in the blink of an eye for more hits.

    Finally, the Ice shattered loudly, making Gary jump and freak out on the inside at the sudden noise, Weepinbell screaming out. Greninja¡¯s body made a complete circle to deliver a final kick that took Weepinbell down. He slid along the floor and remained still.

    ¡°Weepinbell is unable to fight! Greninja wins!¡± the referee ruled.

    ¡°Not you, Weepinbell!¡± Gary called out. ¡°NO!¡± Gary let out his breath wearily. ¡°No way... To a Water type...¡± He looked at Greninja.

    Greninja stood tall, looking just fine.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand!¡± Gary complained to Paul.

    ¡°Greninja used Substitute to avoid damage from that Razor Leaf. I told him to ready up Shadow Sneak and he knew exactly what that meant. My Pokemon know what to do when I give orders.¡± Paul¡¯s tone was so harsh and seemed to be mocking the kid.

    Gary shuddered internally, but his body also gave one hard shake. He made us look like fools, then? He allowed us to max out our Attack just so it would mean nothing? Shit! Gary was having trouble processing this. That means, no matter what I did, attack or power up, Paul was ready for me. He swallowed hard and shakily got Weepinbell¡¯s Poke Ball and returned him. His hand then fell as he stared blankly at Greninja.

    ¡°Well? Where¡¯s your next Pokemon?¡± Paul called out sternly.

    Gary inhaled, bringing air back into his body and focused his brain and eyes on the match. Right! Next! I have to use- Gary struggled to think of who he had brought with him. Water against Water would be good... But I also have to think about his other Pokemon and which he¡¯ll bring. He said he won¡¯t use his Legends. He growled to himself, frowning. His eyes lit up as they widened. Hold up! Of course! If typing won¡¯t give me the edge, maybe this will! He got the Poke Ball and, ¡°GOOO!!¡±

    Tyranitar was now out! He roared at Greninja, and a sandstorm started, just like Gary wanted. At the same time, Tyranitar was floored as an explosion underneath him took him down!

    ¡°Spikes!¡± Gary remembered.

    Paul was smiling evilly, seeing how surprised Gary was.

    ¡°Shit,¡± Gary whispered. ¡°Tyranitar, use Earthquake!!¡± he then shouted.

    Tyranitar roared and then raised one foot, slamming it into the floor.

    The Gym floor cracked under Tyranitar¡¯s impact, and the entire building rumbled.

    Greninja cried out, hit by the move, and it slid on its back.

    June was clinging to the bleachers, the dark-skinned men along with Electivire grunting lightly under the impact.

    Paul and the referee moved somewhat but seemed to be just fine.

    Gary was rumbling more than anyone, kneeling to keep his balance.

    Greninja got up and leaped into the air. Gary noticed that the Pokemon¡¯s pupils were in horizontal slits now. This gave it the appearance of having closed eyes, but they were in fact still open.

    Paul ordered, ¡°Toxic Spikes!¡±

    ¡°Greeeeeen!¡± Greninja raised its cupped hands over its head and a purple orb formed. It tossed the orb into the sandy air, purple streaks coming off of it.

    The explosion released smaller magenta orbs that carried a dark-purple aura around them. They hit the floor and sank into it. A ring of magenta remained where the balls disappeared, but the rings left right after.

    I haven¡¯t seen that move since... Gary¡¯s eyes widened. Electrode... That was how I-

    Gary¡¯s first battle with June at her old Gym in Kanto ended up between June¡¯s Electrode and Gary¡¯s Primeape.

    Gary¡¯s Beedrill''s Toxic Spikes from the beginning of the battle was still Poisoning any Pokemon who entered the battle on June''s end of the field.

    The second Electrode landed, the Poison set in and triggered its Explosion, blowing it up.

    Killing it.

    Gary had only a moment to reflect on this memory.

    ¡°Toxic Spikes!¡± Paul repeated.

    ¡°Huh??¡± Gary snapped out of his thoughts as Greninja repeated the same move! ¡°Oh, no!¡± Using it twice makes the Poisoning worse! Gary knew. ¡°Fuck!¡± Gary whispered loudly.

    ¡°Now use Hydro Pump!¡± Paul demanded.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Greninja cupped its hands, squinting through the billowing sand that was slowly damaging it, and then held its hands out. As Water blasted out from them, Greninja itself was forced backwards. It maintained a cool pose, completely in control.

    Tyranitar cried out in pain as he was taken down to his back. He got to his side, shaking badly.

    This can¡¯t be it! Gary thought frantically, his eyes squinting. ¡°GET UUUP!!¡± Gary begged.

    ¡°Water Shuriken!¡± Paul added.

    Greninja attacked once, twice, thrice, ending up in a total of five times!

    Tyranitar dropped hard and didn¡¯t move after this was all done.

    ¡°Tyranitar is unable to fight! Greninja wins!¡± the referee stated.

    ¡°Tyranitar?¡± Gary felt completely stuck.

    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Paul spoke up impatiently.

    Gary blinked at the guy. ¡°Wait. Wait! I¡¯m not done! Just hold up!¡± He recalled Tyranitar and grabbed another Poke Ball, not even sure what was inside of it anymore as he sent it out.

    ¡°Eeeempoleoooon!¡± Gary¡¯s Empoleon shouted out and swung his fins multiple times, shouting hard and looking intimidating.

    But Gary couldn¡¯t help but feel his Pokemon was showing off too hard, possibly.

    Empoleon wailed out as Spikes exploded underneath him. He fell over but stood back up and puffed out his chest, calling out proudly and slapping at his chest.

    At least he can¡¯t get Poisoned as a Steel type, Gary was somewhat comforted.

    ¡°Shadow Sneak!¡±

    ¡°OH! Aqua Jet, then!¡± Gary was panicking and not thinking straight at all. Snap out of it, man! he insisted

    Greninja stayed still in the midst of a wild sandstorm, its Shadow Sneaking for Empoleon.

    Empoleon¡¯s body was covered in water and he leaped a bit and flew for Greninja! The Shadow stopped short in front of Greninja and reached out of the floor, attacking Empoleon! He was taken out of his Water covering, wrapped around by the shadow, and slammed into the floor! Gary¡¯s Pokemon groaned out painfully as he bounced.

    ¡°Empoleon, get up!¡± Gary urged.

    Empoleon groaned, struggling back up.

    ¡°Swords Dance!¡±

    Empoleon cried out strong and multiple, light-blue Swords appeared around him and circled him. The Swords stopped and the ends leaned to Empoleon before disappearing. A red aura burst out of the ground, making Empoleon glow a lighter shade of red.

    Just the one boost, Gary thought. That Greninja¡¯s gotta be tired. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this! Drill Peck!¡±

    ¡°Empoleon!¡± Empoleon¡¯s crown glowed gold and he jumped at Greninja, his body spinning in a blur.

    ¡°Take it out with Grass Knot!¡± Paul responded.

    Greninja¡¯s eyes glowed light green.

    The ground quaked lightly before vines burst from the floor and wrapped around the twirling Empoleon!

    Empoleon ripped right through the bunch of the vines easily.

    ¡°YES! GOOOO EMPOLEON!!¡± Gary cheered.

    The vines didn¡¯t stop, though. More kept coming for Empoleon.

    ¡°Empoleon?!!¡± The Grass Knot finally got through and trapped Empoleon, revealing the Pokemon, but not before Empoleon would slam into Greninja!

    ¡°Gren!¡± Greninja grunted as it was hit and fell back.

    ¡°Poleon!!¡± Empoleon remained wrapped up, the Grass Knot slamming Empoleon to the Gym floor. He didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°EMPOLEON!!¡± Gary screamed.

    ¡°Pol...¡± Empoleon¡¯s body trembled.

    ¡°Empoleon! Get up!!¡± Gary demanded.

    Empoleon forced one fin to the ground and raised himself up. ¡°Empoleon...¡± Empoleon slowly, shakily, managed to stand again.

    No. ¡°Return, Empoleon!¡± Gary called back his Pokemon. Staring hard at the ball, he thought to himself, I need you, Empoleon. Rest up. Looking back to the battlefield, Gary worried, But Spikes is at max power out there. Can Empoleon handle that one more time? Shit! That might have been a huge mistake! Please, Empoleon. Heal up some! he begged, gripping the Great Ball hard. And who should come out now, anyway?

    Greninja was sitting up, breathing hard, sand continuing to rush into it.

    ¡°STAND UP! STOP LOOKING SO LAZY OUT THERE! YOU¡¯RE NOT DONE YET!¡± Paul barked. He reached in his pocket and came out with a rounded object the size of his hand. Without a word, he chucked it at Greninja.

    June gasped.

    Gary¡¯s mouth just fell open.

    Greninja didn¡¯t even look behind it. Rather, it closed its eyes. Waited another second. And reached out behind it, catching the thrown item! Greninja¡¯s eyes opened and it held the rock in front of its face. Letting it go, it stood and looked back to Paul.

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?!¡± June screamed, on her feet. ¡°You could have really hurt Greninja! Who do you think you are throwing rocks at Pokemon like that?!¡±

    ¡°A Gym Leader who can keep their job,¡± Paul smirked at her nastily.

    June hesitated to respond at first.

    Did she hear him? Gary began to worry.

    She finally inhaled and said loudly, ¡°I¡¯ll report you! You¡¯ll be fired in no time!¡±

    ¡°If my Pokemon aren¡¯t prepared enough for surprise attacks, I¡¯ve failed as a Trainer. I put them through the worst to be prepared for the worst,¡± Paul told June bluntly and with full confidence in what he was saying. ¡°If something were to happen to me and they had nowhere else to turn to, they¡¯d know how to survive. Can you say the same about your Pokemon? Are your Pokemon only strong with you? Or are they perhaps better off without you?¡±

    June was completely speechless, her mouth open and desperate to respond.

    Gary blinked hard, thinking about what Paul had just said.

    ¡°Now enough wasting my time.¡± Paul turned back to Gary. ¡°You¡¯ve stalled enough in the sandstorm and it¡¯s out.¡±

    Indeed, the sandstorm from Tyranitar had just gone out, and Greninja was still standing but appeared low on energy.

    ¡°Wait! That wasn¡¯t on purpose!¡± Gary let out. ¡°June, shut up! Let me fight!¡± he yelled at her.

    June shut her mouth and glared at Paul, sitting down. Letting out her breath, she lowered her head and closed her eyes.

    Regret began to seep into Gary¡¯s brain and run throughout his body. I shouldn¡¯t be talking to her like that. Rather than think on this further, he put it aside and stared at his Poke Balls. ¡°Now.¡± I¡¯m fucking up bad here. I should have chosen better Pokemon. I didn¡¯t really expect a full six-on-six... Please. I¡¯m counting on your power! He grabbed a Poke Ball and sent out his choice. ¡°Deino!¡±

    ¡°Deino!¡± Deino seemed to be looking ahead at Greninja.

    Greninja stared back, still breathing hard, its pupils wide again.

    ¡°Deino!¡± Gary cried out as a pair of explosions went off underneath him, one of which gave off purple energy. He tumbled along the ground and stayed down, his face flushed purple as purple sparks and waves ran along his body.

    Damn it, Deino! Gary thought angrily. What do we do?! Greninja¡¯s gotta be on his last leg. We have to attack! ¡°Deino, let¡¯s do it! Focus Energy!¡±

    Paul waited for a moment before calling out, ¡°Ice Beam!¡±

    Deino¡¯s body became outlined in red and Greninja charged up another Ice Beam. Deino bounced around excitedly as the Ice Beam came out. ¡°Deino!¡± The first blast missed because Deino was bouncing actively, but now he was jumping out of fear, afraid of getting hit! ¡°Deino!¡±

    ¡°Deino!! Get out of there!! Run like mad and take Greninja out!¡± Gary pleaded. Oh my gosh. Is that how desperate I sound? Is that my plan?? Gary couldn¡¯t believe how... pathetic he sounded now!

    Deino took off, running side to side, jumping randomly, and trying to escape any hits from the Ice move. Considering he was Badly Poisoned, Deino was moving pretty well!

    Paul was motionless, just watching this dance of sorts from the almost blind Deino. ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± were the next words Paul spoke.

    ¡°Deino! Go straight ahead and use Headbutt!¡±

    ¡°Dein!¡± Deino said sharply but also tiredly, and he leaped, slamming his head into Greninja¡¯s middle!

    ¡°Grennnn...¡± Greninja groaned as it was dropped down.

    ¡°Deino! Deino!¡± Deino stood on top of Greninja and cried out happily. ¡°Dein,¡± he then said with exhaustion and collapsed, resting on Greninja.

    ¡°Deino!¡± Gary called out with concern, taking a step forward and then looking to the referee.

    The man had one hand out to Gary. ¡°Greninja is out! Deino is the winner!¡±

    Paul recalled his Greninja quickly and sucked his teeth with a sneer as he shot the ball a dirty look before he put it away.

    Deino let out a cry as the Pokemon he was using as a mattress was removed from underneath him and he hit the ground lightly. Groaning, the Pokemon struggled to his feet, stumbling from one side to the other.

    ¡°Deino! You can-!¡±

    ¡°Porygon2! Stand by for battle!¡± Paul said loudly, not looking behind him.

    Porygon2 glided into the field, hovering.

    This should be interesting... Gary thought. ¡°Deino! Hang tough! Go for Crunch!¡±

    ¡°Hover over it!¡±

    Deino leapt with his jaws glowing white, but Porygon2 ascended smoothly and Deino missed. Porygon2 then lowered itself down again.

    ¡°Get it now!¡± Gary pushed him.

    Deino tried again, but Porygon2 just rose again, Deino missing, and Porygon2 lowered itself back like before.

    New plan, Gary knew. ¡°Dragon Pulse!¡±

    Aiming upward, Deino sent out the multicolored, dragon-shaped blast and caught Porygon2!

    ¡°ALRIGHT!¡± Gary cheered.

    Porygon2 tumbled through the air but remained floating, letting out a low, solemn buzz.

    ¡°Now please! Slam attack!¡±

    ¡°Use Trick Room!¡± Paul said quickly.

    Deino ran for Porygon2.

    Porygon2 gave a determined buzz and its eyes glowed white.

    The entire battlefield was then filled with a light-blue rectangle with light-blue-and-white transparent walls and ceiling. This vanished soon after it appeared.

    That move, Gary recognized. It makes the faster Pokemon slower, but... Is Porygon2 slower?

    Deino was running faster than ever!

    Porygon2 was in slow motion!

    Deino reached Porygon2 easily and grabbed one of its appendages in his mouth. Whipping his head to the side, he Slammed Porygon2 down hard!

    Porygon2 even let out a nasty sound, like a computer glitching, and it flashed white where it landed, confirming a Critical Hit!

    ¡°YES!!¡± Gary cheered, even jumping once, his hands in fists.

    ¡°Deino!¡± Deino smiled, looking at Gary. And then his smile came off as he dropped.

    ¡°Deino is unable to battle! Porygon2 is the winner!¡± the referee ruled.

    ¡°Deino!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe it, but he also knew it made sense. He was so hurt from the Poison, he told himself. He went through so much. ¡°Thank you, Deino! That was awesome work! We¡¯ll keep this match going!¡±

    While recalling Deino, Paul taunted Gary. ¡°Keep it going how? You have only two Pokemon left, and one is in bad condition. If you sent it out, it¡¯d almost certainly faint from Spikes alone. If that¡¯s the case, you have one Pokemon left to take on my four Pokemon. What can you possibly do?¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t like this guy¡¯s words, attitude, intimidation, or behavior one bit. But he¡¯s right, isn¡¯t he? Gary knew. If he were wrong, if I even stood a chance, I would be happy to try and kick his ass. But the way things look, I can¡¯t win. But even if I do lose, I can learn from it. There¡¯s no excuse to give up. Right? And I can¡¯t stop believing in myself or my Pokemon. Porygon2 is already hurt, so-

    ¡°Send out your Pokemon or forfeit!¡± Paul cut into Gary¡¯s thoughts. Paul then snickered, a sneaky look on his face. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. I¡¯m just toying with you. Your Pokemon can be faster than mine all they want. It won¡¯t make any difference.¡±

    Gary¡¯s eyebrows narrowed. Trick Room is slowing down his Pokemon! But he doesn¡¯t care! I¡¯ve gotta think! Don¡¯t let him pressure you. Don¡¯t let it get to you. He stared at his belt of Poke Balls. Then what do I do? he wondered. Breathing out after he made a decision, he picked a ball and tossed it. ¡°Kirlia!¡±

    ¡°Kirl! Kirlia!¡±

    The Trick Room revealed itself for a moment before vanishing again.

    Paul squinted at the Pokemon. ¡°Hm,¡± was all he said.

    ¡°Kirlia!!¡± Kirlia was taken down by the explosive Spikes and Toxic Spikes, but got to his feet, breathing strongly now.

    Trick Room should stay in effect for a bit, Gary thought. But what¡¯s his deal? Is it like he said? Am I overthinking this? Is he really just toying with me?? Staring at Paul with growing discomfort on his face, Gary felt sure the guy knew exactly what he was doing. Making angry fists, Gary demanded, ¡°Dazzling Gleam, Kirlia!¡±

    ¡°Hyper Beam, now!¡± Paul shouted.

    Gary grit his teeth. Kirlia, please!

    Kirlia¡¯s body glowed with multiple, gorgeous colors, and the colors expanded.

    In the back of Gary¡¯s mind, he couldn¡¯t help but silently snicker and joke, The rainbow. A male Pokemon in a skirt. Heh heh.

    Porygon2 was hit by the move and sent back.

    Kirlia¡¯s horn glowed light blue. ¡°Kirlia...?¡± He looked back at Gary as the glow vanished, making the Trainer¡¯s eyes widen.

    ¡°Kirlia? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Gary asked. He swallowed nervously.

    Kirlia had a hard look on his sick, Poisoned face.

    Kirlia? Gary kept in his head. What¡¯s-? He looked to the fight. ¡°KIRLIA!¡±

    ¡°Kirl?¡± Kirlia turned as a pale, pink beam with bright, white energy around it came at him from a white orb with a pale pink center that Porygon2 had been charging.

    ¡°Kirliiiiiiaaaaaaa!!¡± Kirlia was sent flying backwards. He slid on the floor and stopped close to Gary.

    ¡°Kirlia!¡± Gary knelt down near his Pokemon and he reached out to him.

    Kirlia¡¯s eyes opened and he stared sadly at Gary.

    ¡°Hey! You okay, Kirlia?¡± Gary asked.

    Kirlia¡¯s eyes closed. ¡°Kirlia,¡± he breathed out uneasily and then flinched painfully, suffering from the Poison as purple sparks bounced around his body briefly.

    ¡°Please! Can we keep going? Before that thing can move again. I need you, Kirlia! That¡¯s why I chose you!¡±

    Kirlia¡¯s eyes opened and stayed on Gary¡¯s.

    ¡°Please. You¡¯re my last hope,¡± Gary said desperately. ¡°We have to win this!¡± He glared at Paul now. ¡°We can¡¯t lose to a guy like that.¡±

    ¡°Kirlia,¡± Kirlia whispered, and he got back up. He returned to his place with speed.

    Porygon2 remained still and silent, bobbing in the air at an unnaturally slow pace.

    Paul was almost as robotic as his Pokemon. Emotionless.

    Gary stood up and pointed at the opponent Pokemon, a dead-serious look on his face. ¡°Dazzling Gleam again!¡±

    ¡°Kiiiiiiiiiirlia!¡± Kirlia attacked once again, sending out a bright set of colors.

    The opponent didn¡¯t move, stuck recharging its energy, and was sent tumbling.

    ¡°OKAY!! ONE MORE TIME NOW!!¡± Gary made fists.

    ¡°Hyper Beam again!¡± Paul said, sounding almost impatient now. Maybe even bored.

    ¡°Kirlia! PSYCHIC!!¡±

    Kirlia¡¯s eyes instantly went light blue.

    Porygon2 was outlined in light blue and ascended in the air. Yelling out mechanically, it was slammed all over the floor at a horrifically startling speed, over and over again.

    ¡°KIRRRRLIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAA!!¡± Kirlia let out before his eyes went back to their normal red.

    Porygon2 toppled on the ground like nothing more than a toy, letting out an echoing, weak hum before going silent.

    ¡°Porygon2 is unable to continue! Kirlia wins!¡± The referee¡¯s hand was raised towards Gary.

    Gary breathed out in a huge, audible sigh of relief, his smile unescapable. But he¡¯s Poisoned... Badly... Gary kept in his head. Shit...

    Paul returned Porygon2. ¡°As planned. Time to finish this up.¡± Right after those words, he pointed. ¡°Kommo-o, stand by!¡±

    Kommo-o walked onto the field and roared hard, making Gary jump and Kirlia turned away from it.

    Trick Room kicked in visually again before disappearing.

    NO! Gary thought, and he opened his mouth to encourage his Pokemon. ¡°Kirlia!¡±

    Kirlia¡¯s horn glowed light blue before he looked to Gary. A determined look took over his face before Gary could speak another word, and the Pokemon stood tall and brave, facing Kommo-o. ¡°Kirlia! Kirlia!¡±

    ¡°Did you just say ¡®as planned¡¯?¡± June screamed before Gary could also question those words. ¡°You planned on Porygon2 being taken out??¡±

    ¡°Will you shut up already?!¡± Paul snapped at June, making everyone but the Pokemon lower their heads in discomfort.

    The match! The match! Gary looked up, not wanting to be distracted. ¡°Kirlia! Let¡¯s get this going! Psychic attack! We¡¯ve got this! Before Trick Room ends!¡±

    ¡°Straight through that! Then use Payback!¡± Paul spoke strictly.

    Gary¡¯s body jolted. Payback! he remembered the move. It doubles in damage if the attack goes last! I¡¯m sure Kommo-o is faster than a Kirlia normally. Paul was definitely waiting for this moment. He¡¯s steps ahead of me, like he¡¯s been this entire match.

    Kirlia¡¯s eyes glowed light blue, moving faster than his opponent.

    ¡°Kommo...¡± Kommo-o¡¯s body was outlined in the light-blue energy. Growling, Kommo-o then took a step forward! This was followed by a second step!

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.

    ¡°Kirlia!¡± Kirlia was also surprised, but he kept his glare and reached out his arms as if to keep the Pokemon back, calling out strongly.

    Kommo-o moved at a slow, sluggish pace.

    But... Is it moving slow because of Psychic? Or is it Trick Room? Gary began to wonder, panic rising in his chest. If it¡¯s only because of Trick Room, then that means-! ¡°Keep on the Psychic pressure, Kirlia!¡± Gary kept pushing while Kirlia was visibly straining, using all his strength to stop Kommo-o.

    ¡°End it!¡± Paul commanded.

    ¡°KOMMOOOOOOO!!!¡± Kommo-o roared to the ceiling of the building as it raised its arms at a completely normal speed!

    Trick Room had ended!

    Kommo-o¡¯s body was outlined in black, the light-blue color from Psychic now removed.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Gary exclaimed.

    Kirlia also cried out but his eyes remained glowing. The Psychic move wasn¡¯t working on Kommo-o!

    When the intimidating roaring was done, Kommo-o lunged at Kirlia, ramming its head into Kirlia¡¯s and sending the Pokemon screaming and tumbling across the room, past Gary, and sliding shortly on his side.

    Kirlia was silent and motionless.

    ¡°Kirlia is unable to battle! Kommo-o wins!¡± the referee called.

    ¡°Kirlia!¡± Gary ran over to him and knelt down. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Kirlia! It¡¯s okay!¡±

    ¡°Kirl...¡± Kirlia managed weakly, squinting at his Trainer.

    ¡°It¡¯s cool. Thank you for your efforts. Relax now.¡± Gary recalled Kirlia and then stood up. He grabbed at his chest, trying to stop his heart from hurting. Glaring at Paul, he swallowed as he got back to his spot. There was only one thing on his mind.

    ¡°What¡¯s your move, Gary?¡± Paul spoke out impatiently.

    No, Gary thought to himself. I-.

    ¡°You know this is over, right?¡±

    Shut up, Gary thought, feeling himself getting angrier.

    ¡°If you send out Empoleon in its condition with Spikes on the field, it¡¯s not likely to survive,¡± Paul kept on going.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Gary mumbled, shutting his eyes, narrowing his eyebrows.

    ¡°And knowing that, the blame would fall on you and your irresponsibility as a-¡±

    ¡°I KNOW THAT!!¡± Gary exploded, glaring at Paul. ¡°I KNOW!¡± He and Paul were leering hard at each other, Gary breathing hard. ¡°I know,¡± he said in a lower but still angry voice. ¡°I risk losing Empoleon for nothing, all because of my pride, or my stupidity, whichever. I would never put Empoleon, or any of my Pokemon, in that uncertain of a situation. Empoleon was on his last leg.¡±

    Paul grinned devilishly at the boy¡¯s words. ¡°So?¡±

    Gary bared his teeth, growling. Knowing what he had to say. ¡°So I forfeit!¡± Gary¡¯s head fell and his eyes closed, his shoulders slumping. Tears filled his eyes, and he wrestled between keeping them in or just letting them fall. It was all he could do to keep himself from crashing to his knees, but he refused to sink so low. I¡¯m doing this for my Pokemon, he told himself. This is commendable. Honorable. I won¡¯t fall. I love my Pokemon. Gary¡¯s eyes opened, fury within them for Paul. They did a great job! That¡¯s right!

    There was silence in the building for a minute.

    Finally, the referee raised his hand to Paul and announced, ¡°Due to forfeit by Gary, Veilstone City¡¯s Pokemon Gym Leader retains the Strength Badge!¡±

    The three men who were working out with Paul clapped as they approached him, cocky grins on their faces.

    ¡°Nice one, Paul.¡±

    ¡°You da man.¡±

    ¡°Another win. No sweat.¡±

    Gary silently sucked his teeth and lowered his eyes, hearing the guys continue to praise Paul.

    June remained seated, her fists in her lap, glaring at the Gym Leader.

    Gary swallowed, a nasty look on his face, and he turned away.

    There was a cry from Paul¡¯s side of the room.

    There was then another noise, a shout, from a different area, and a flash of yellow.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened and he looked back to the battlefield. ¡°Huh??¡±

    ¡°Hey!!¡± June jumped up, out of the bleachers. ¡°Electivire!¡±

    June¡¯s Electivire was in the middle of the field, glaring outward at - Paul¡¯s Electivire!

    Paul¡¯s Electivire calmly strolled onto the field as well! Moving on its own time, it stopped only feet from June¡¯s Electivire.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± June called again, walking closer.

    ¡°No. We¡¯ll battle,¡± Paul said quickly. ¡°Fight me, Gym Leader.¡± Paul¡¯s eyes shot over to June, his head remaining still.

    Gary¡¯s face tightened at the way Paul had said ¡°Gym Leader.¡±

    June also looked irritated, but she stayed quiet.

    ¡°If you win, I¡¯ll reward you with the Strength Badge. If I win, your Electivire is definitely worth the Experience Points. I can tell,¡± Paul smirked sinisterly, his entire attention on her Pokemon.

    June inhaled hard but didn¡¯t let it out. She seemed so furious now.

    ¡°Or I can fight it by myself, with no Trainer, if it fights better alone. Or maybe Gary should use it,¡± Paul kept taunting June. The broadening, sick smile on his face showed this was intentional.

    June growled now, her fists at her sides, and she stomped onto the battlefield. ¡°MOVE IT!!¡± she raged at Gary, and then she swatted at him with both hands.

    ¡°Hey! Whoa! Stop! June!!¡± Gary backed away while raising his arms in defense, although June never did end up touching him.

    June now stood facing Paul with a look of being fed up. She¡¯d had enough. ¡°Paul! Your Badge is mine!¡± she declared.

 Stand For Something, Paul For Anything

    Paul¡¯s three companions returned to the bleachers and sat, stern looks on their faces.

    Gary sighed and also walked away, taking his seat in the other bleachers on the same side. With another sigh, he placed his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands, frowning.

    Paul kept his taunting smile on his face for June. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that. I don¡¯t even care about the Badge. This is more about your Electivire. I wanna see just how strong it is. And only naturally would it want to fight a Pokemon of the same kind as itself.¡± Paul snickered. ¡°It¡¯s just funny that it came onto the field on its own without an order. Even if it does win, it has nothing to do with you because it doesn¡¯t listen to you!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear you tell <i>your</i> Electivire to come out, either!¡± June countered.

    Paul¡¯s smile cleared itself from his face. ¡°Electivire wouldn¡¯t have walked out without knowing it was okay to do so. All of my Pokemon listen to me, and because of how intense we train together, we have a bond that goes beyond words. It¡¯s clear the same can¡¯t be said for you and your Electivire. I wonder if it battles better by itself, or with Gary. If <i>you¡¯re</i> the one calling the shots, this will be quick for us.¡±

    June growled, her fists shaking at her sides. ¡°It¡¯ll be - a quick win for us!¡± she finally shot back awkwardly.

    Huh? Gary was confused. That was weird. Why did she respond like that? But he believed he knew exactly why already.

    Paul looked as grouchy as ever, but now with a bit of confusion. The confusion went away and he said, ¡°Have it your way.¡± Without moving his head, he glanced at the judge and nodded.

    The judge raised his hand high. ¡°This one-on-one match will be between Veilstone City Gym Leader Paul, and-¡± He paused, turning to June.

    ¡°June of Gringey City in the Kanto region!¡± June stated, not taking her eyes off Paul.

    ¡°June, from Gringey City in the Kanto region!¡± the referee continued. ¡°This match will be for the Strength Badge. No time limit. Begin!¡± He swung his hand down.

    ¡°Electivire, use Wild Charge! Go right in!¡± Paul started.

    ¡°Wild Charge?¡± Gary muttered. ¡°But Electivire have Motor Drive. That prevents Electric moves from working, <i>and</i> increases Speed if hit by them.¡± Did Paul forget that or something?

    No, Gary was sure. Not Paul. So what¡¯s he up to?

    June¡¯s eyes brightened and she smiled, watching the opponent Electivire get covered in electricity and run for her Pokemon. ¡°Electivire, stay still! Don¡¯t-!¡±

    June¡¯s Electivire roared out, his body surrounded by a glowing white light, and he ran at Paul¡¯s Electivire using his Strength attack.

    Gary grit his teeth. There it is, he thought.

    ¡°Just as reckless as I hoped.¡± Paul¡¯s smile was cold.

    June¡¯s Electivire grabbed Paul¡¯s by the shoulders and both were covered in electricity. The electricity around the two disappeared after a moment and with a roar, he flung the other Electivire backwards.

    ¡°Stomping Tantrum!¡± Paul ordered.

    His Electivire was flying through the air, looking unfazed. In fact, it looked excited! As it came down, it roared, slamming its feet hard to the floor.

    The entire Gym quaked hard, a huge circle of yellow energy moving swiftly through the ground, and streaks of yellow shot through the air like arrows.

    ¡°VVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!!!¡± Electivire screamed as he fell away and dropped hard.

    ¡°<i>Electivire, no!</i>¡± June gasped.

    ¡°When a previous move has failed, Stomping Tantrum does double the damage!¡± Paul explained with dark delight on his face. ¡°What¡¯s more, it¡¯s a Ground-type move. By seeing how your Electivire fights, and your poor decision to do absolutely nothing, as if I, a Gym Leader with my own Electivire, wouldn¡¯t know their Ability, there¡¯s no doubt that this battle is already over. Use Rock Slide!¡±

    ¡°Electivire! <i>Get up!</i>¡± June shouted frantically. ¡°Use Protect!¡±

    Her Electivire did get to his feet, Paul¡¯s Electivire extending its arms out at him and shouting. White orbs spun around Paul¡¯s Pokemon and turned to gray Rocks.

    ¡°VIIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!!¡± June¡¯s Electivire roared and charged forward, his body now layered in yellow electricity!

    The Rocks around Paul¡¯s Electivire fired out at June¡¯s.

    June¡¯s Electivire was using Wild Charge, punching and otherwise <i>barreling straight through</i> the attack!

    As Gary got to his feet, June gasped and covered her mouth, not believing what she was seeing.

    Paul watched sternly, giving no reaction, his three friends staring with hard eyes.

    Once he got through all the Rocks, June¡¯s Electivire wrapped Paul¡¯s Electivire in his arms and took it down, the two covered in the electricity. When they both were free from the electricity, June¡¯s Pokemon let go of Electivire and the two stood up. They wore matching, grinning faces, only a couple of inches between them.

    Now Paul¡¯s Electivire has the Speed boost, too, Gary told himself. June¡¯s Pokemon had the advantage. Why¡¯d he waste that? Wait... Could it be? He sat back down as the battle continued.

    ¡°Use Low Kick, Electivire!¡± June tried.

    ¡°Vire!!¡± her Electivire shouted, his eyes on the other one.

    ¡°Brick Break!¡± were Paul¡¯s words.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire raised one arm and it glowed white, ready to come down on June¡¯s Pokemon. June¡¯s Electivire glowed white again, using Strength, and he held his arms above his head, catching Paul¡¯s Electivire¡¯s strike. The two wrestled with one another over dominance, grunting angrily.

    ¡°To think they¡¯d be so close in strength,¡± Paul said. ¡°Too bad your Electivire is out of arms.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± June¡¯s eyes lowered to see Paul¡¯s Electivire¡¯s <i>other</i> arm glow and swing for her Electivire¡¯s side! ¡°Electivire, look out!¡±

    June! Gary thought. There was no escaping that! Why didn¡¯t she-?

    ¡°Vire! VIRE!¡± June¡¯s Electivire twisted his body to the side, catching Paul¡¯s Electivire off guard by <i>flipping it</i> over his shoulder!

    ¡°Oh!¡± Paul gasped, shocked along with his three pals letting out surprised utterances.

    If June and Gary could have seen each other¡¯s face, they¡¯d have realized they had matching, stunned looks, too.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire groaned, laid out on its back, but it got up easily and shook its head before a grin came over its face. ¡°Vire!¡±

    ¡°Elect,¡± Electivire replied.

    Paul¡¯s face went back to its cold look. ¡°Leap back and use Swift!¡±

    Paul¡¯s Electivire moved instantly, leaping backwards. Upon landing, it reached out its big palms and multiple yellow stars came out.

    ¡°That¡¯s unavoidable! Use Protect now!¡± June insisted.

    Her Electivire held out his palms in a matching stance to Paul¡¯s and used the exact same move right back!

    Both Pokemon were pummeled by several stars flying through the air. It looked really beautiful in its own way, ending after both Pokemon gave in and stumbled backwards.

    ¡°Electivire, <i>please!</i> <i>Pleeeeease!</i> Just use your Psychic attack now!¡± June pleaded.

    ¡°LECTIVIRE!!¡± Electivire raged, waving a hand behind him at June. Completely disregarding her.

    ¡°Electivire...¡± Gary whispered. This has to stop. I have to put an end to this issue after this fight is over. June doesn¡¯t deserve this.

    ¡°<i>Why won¡¯t you listen to me??</i>¡± June was now crying, tears running down her cheeks fast.

    Her Electivire¡¯s eyes then burst into a bright, red glow, and white smoke flowed out of his nostrils before he ran forward and socked Paul¡¯s Pokemon right in the face, continuing with another punch, then another, and then turning his body to the side and delivering a kick into its middle.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire slid back and fell to one knee.

    It¡¯s Frustration, Gary thought bitterly. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

    June sniffled, her entire body trembling. The tears on her face showed sadness, but her face looked angrier now. She whimpered a couple of times and then, ¡°Electivire,¡± she let out sadly.

    Paul straightened up. ¡°This is just pathetic. Use Thunder!¡±

    Electricity gathered between Paul¡¯s Electivire¡¯s horns and a big blast came out, hitting June¡¯s Electivire and doing nothing but boosting his Speed.

    ¡°Electivire!!¡± June¡¯s Electivire shouted at Paul¡¯s, the red glow from his eyes and white smoke from his nostrils now gone.

    He¡¯s going for it again. He¡¯s gonna end this with Stomping Tantrum, Gary thought angrily. This is over.

    ¡°Use Quick Attack!¡± June called out.

    ¡°Vire!¡± June¡¯s Electivire attacked... with his <i>own</i> Thunder!

    Paul¡¯s Electivire took the attack, its Speed now matching Electivire¡¯s again.

    Again? That was intentional, Gary thought, shaking his head. There¡¯s no way. Motor Drive. Psychic. Even-

    ¡°Electivire, <i>stop using Electric moves!</i>¡± June let out with exasperation, stomping one foot down. ¡°Haven¡¯t you gotten the picture yet? You both share the same Ability!! Neither of you can take Electric damage!! If you¡¯d listen to me, you¡¯d-!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s horns started sparking again as he turned his head back to her.

    Leaping to his feet, Gary said loudly, ¡°He wants a fair fight!! He respects Paul¡¯s Electivire!!¡±

    June¡¯s Electivire, Paul¡¯s Electivire, June herself, Paul himself, the judge, and the three men in the bleachers, all looked at Gary.

    ¡°So even you were able to figure it out!¡± Paul caught everyone¡¯s attention with his words. He had a cool pose, his head now lowered and eyes closed. Then, he looked out easily at June.

    June tilted the right side of her head towards Paul.

    It was subtle, but Gary understood.

    ¡°Every time you order a move that could affect my Electivire¡¯s stats, like with Low Kick, or Psychic, your Electivire refuses! What¡¯s more, whenever I boost your Pokemon¡¯s Speed, Electivire does the same back to mine! It¡¯s been keeping the fight even!¡±

    ¡°<i>What??</i>¡± June looked stunned. Her face broke into a kind of shocked smile and she let out a light laugh. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, wait a second!¡± She was full on laughing now, but she clearly didn¡¯t find any of this funny. She looked at Gary, a big, mocking, hate-filled smile on her face, and then looked to the battlefield. She looked back to Gary again. ¡°A ha ha ha ha! Since <i>when</i> has Electivire done <i>anything</i> like that?!¡± She looked to her Pokemon. ¡°<i>Are you kidding me right now, Electivire??</i>¡± she screeched.

    ¡°Electivire.¡± Paul¡¯s Electivire looked back to Paul and nodded before looking again to the other Electivire.

    ¡°You¡¯re not skilled enough to have caught on to what was happening,¡± Paul shot at June.

    Gary took in a deep breath through his nostrils and made two fists, narrowing his eyebrows as Paul kept talking.

    ¡°You have a terrible relationship with your Pokemon! <i>You</i> using it is completely irresponsible!¡± Paul continued to dig relentlessly.

    Gary got down from the bleachers and approached his friend.

    ¡°A Gym Leader. What a joke! You¡¯re far more pathetic than I-¡± Paul went quiet as Gary stopped by June and put one hand on her shoulder.

    June looked at him, her eyes glimmering behind tears. She was on the verge of breaking.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Gary was glaring at Paul. ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here.¡± He wanted to say so many angry things to Paul, but he couldn¡¯t come up with anything worth telling him. Instead, he said, ¡°Electivire!¡±

    ¡°Vire?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll do this together then! Fair and square, just how you want it! You ready?¡± Gary offered.

    Keeping his eyes on the opponent, Electivire grinned and nodded. ¡°Electivire!¡±

    June gasped.

    Paul chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s see if this goes a little better now.¡±

    ¡°Electivire-!¡± Ugh, this makes things really hard, Gary realized. No Electric moves, or anything that lowers stats. Does that go for Flamethrower, too? Because of the Burn chance? This is just gonna be about as hands-on and brutal as it can get!

    ¡°Electivire, Brick Brick!¡± Paul jumped in.

    His Pokemon ran, one arm high and glowing.

    ¡°Electivire!¡± Gary froze up. Strength? Wait, what about Low <i>Sweep?</i> That causes Flinching. Is that okay, or-?Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    June¡¯s Electivire was hit and dropped hard. ¡°Virrrre!¡± he shouted back at Gary.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Gary cried out helplessly.

    ¡°So nothing¡¯s changed, then,¡± Paul stated. ¡°You and her are <i>both</i> pathetic! Brick Break now and end this!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you who¡¯s pathetic!! STRENGTH!¡± Gary screamed out.

    June¡¯s Electivire was only able to get to one knee before he raised his arms and caught the Brick Break again using Strength.

    ¡°Grab it!¡± Paul said.

    His Electivire¡¯s tails each grabbed one arm from the other Electivire.

    ¡°Now use Thunder!¡± Paul went on.

    ¡°Huh?? But we agreed-!¡± Gary started.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire¡¯s tails sparked, its entire body then coated in electricity. The tails then sent out electricity to June¡¯s Electivire.

    While June¡¯s Pokemon took the blast, Paul responded, ¡°I didn¡¯t agree to anything! In fact, I¡¯m using it against your Pokemon! If neither of you can control it, and it wants to play by such stupid rules, then it lacks concentration and you¡¯ll never be able to win. Thunder again!¡±

    His Electivire used another Thunder.

    June¡¯s Electivire was boosted further in Speed.

    ¡°You¡¯re risking being outsped because you think Electivire won¡¯t fight properly without being on even footing with your Electivire?¡± Gary couldn¡¯t believe his ears. Who does this guy think he is? ¡°Electivire, get back up and-!¡±

    ¡°VIIIIIRE!!¡± June¡¯s Electivire swung on Paul¡¯s with Thunder Punch, boosting its Speed again. And then he swung again.

    ¡°Protect!¡± Paul shouted.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire held out its hands and its body glowed yellow-green. A green force field surrounded it as June¡¯s Electivire¡¯s attack landed.

    June¡¯s Electivire yelled out and Punched again, failing to break through.

    Protect vanished.

    ¡°Thunder again!¡± Paul repeated.

    ¡°Electivire, take it! Let it hit! Listen to me!¡± Gary demanded.

    June¡¯s Electivire leaped out of the way of Thunder and tried striking Paul¡¯s Electivire with his own Thunder.

    ¡°Protect!¡±

    Paul¡¯s Electivire Protected itself again.

    ¡°Now use Fire Punch!¡±

    Paul¡¯s Electivire slugged the other Electivire in the cheek with a flaming fist.

    June¡¯s Electivire let out a cough but straightened back up.

    ¡°You¡¯re a MONSTER!!¡± June screamed. ¡°Why are you trying to take advantage of him?? Burn will lower the Attack of the Pokemon!¡±

    Paul looked to June without a sign of mercy. ¡°Surprised you know even that much. My job isn¡¯t to beat that Electivire, it¡¯s to teach its pathetic Trainers how to raise it. If breaking it and its Trainers down in the process helps you all to reach that goal, I will do so without hesitation. Learn something for once, so-called ¡®Gym Leader.¡¯¡±

    June¡¯s Electivire tried catching the other one with Thunder, but Paul¡¯s Pokemon moved easily out of the way.

    It¡¯s still fast, Gary noted. Paul¡¯s Pokemon has less Speed boosts, but depending on things like Nature and levels, that could mean nothing at all! They could be more even now than before. But Electivire doesn¡¯t care about that. He wants to win without any boosts or decreases. ¡°Electivire, Quick Attack!¡±

    June¡¯s Electivire tried striking again with Thunder, which Paul¡¯s Pokemon avoided.

    ¡°We have to win this somehow, Electivire,¡± Gary growled lowly, trying to come up with a plan, his mind going over every move he could remember that Electivire had.

    ¡°Use Thunder Punch!¡± Paul told his Pokemon.

    His Electivire¡¯s fists were sparking as it lunged forward.

    Gary watched intently, thinking. <i>Thinking!</i> Frustration. He used Frustration. When June used him! But now... How does this work? What if-? <i>No time to think!</i>

    Paul¡¯s Electivire pulled back a sparking fist, ready to swing!

    ¡°RETURN ATTACK TO STOP THAT PUNCH!!¡± Gary let out.

    June¡¯s Electivire leered hard at the oncoming Electivire.

    ¡°Focus on <i>me</i>, Electivire!¡± Gary told him.

    June¡¯s Electivire¡¯s eyes tightened further, but he didn¡¯t move.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire swung.

    ¡°GOOO!!¡± Gary shouted.

    ¡°VIRE!!¡± June¡¯s Electivire moved swiftly, blocking Paul¡¯s Electivire¡¯s punch at the forearm with his own arm.

    ¡°Thunder Punch at the gut!¡± Gary told June¡¯s Pokemon, pushing him on.

    June¡¯s Electivire struck Paul¡¯s Electivire with a Thunder Punch right in the stomach, lighting it up and evening their Speed again.

    ¡°The Speed is even now, Electivire! Just like you want it! Now use Return!!¡± Gary commanded.

    ¡°ELEEEEEEEEECT!!¡± June¡¯s Electivire kicked Paul¡¯s in the stomach, sending it flying back, and he lunged after it, punching it to the ground, punched it again, and continuously punched it.

    ¡°Protect, Electivire!¡± Paul instructed.

    ¡°RETURN!! Don¡¯t let up!!¡± Gary fought back.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire used Protect to hold back a couple of punches and kicks, but June¡¯s Pokemon wouldn¡¯t stop, and when Protect vanished, Paul¡¯s Pokemon was subjected to getting beaten up until the other Pokemon finally stopped. Paul¡¯s Pokemon stood strong afterwards, but grimacing.

    ¡°Use Thunder!¡± Paul told his Pokemon.

    ¡°NO! PROTECT!¡± Gary told June¡¯s Pokemon.

    Electivire crossed his arms in front of his chest and a green barrier surrounded him, Protecting him.

    ¡°Stomping Tantrum!¡± Paul followed up.

    ¡°SHIT!¡± Gary cursed.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire used the move for the second time, leaping into the air and then slamming hard into the ground.

    ¡°PROTECT YOURSELF!!¡± was Gary¡¯s only option.

    The Gym rocked hard, a big circle of yellow energy starting from Paul¡¯s Electivire¡¯s feet expanding through the battlefield along with yellow streaks shooting through the air.

    June¡¯s Electivire used Protect. <i>And it worked again!</i>

    Paul growled with aggravation.

    The odds of that working decrease the more the move is used! It¡¯s now or never! Gary knew. ¡°Fuck! Use Return now!!¡±

    June¡¯s Electivire rampaged ahead. All of a sudden, he swept his foot out, tripping up Paul¡¯s Electivire to the floor!

    Low Sweep? Gary questioned.

    June¡¯s Electivire kept going, grabbing Paul¡¯s Electivire¡¯s ankles and spinning around, dragging Electivire along the ground before he raised its entire body up and then slammed it back down! He let go, staring down at it and breathing heavily.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire groaned out but still managed back up readily. Both Pokemon looked similarly exhausted.

    But what¡¯s stronger? Gary found himself questioning. Return? Or-?

    ¡°Electivire, Thunder, now!¡± Paul commanded.

    His Electivire charged up the move.

    ¡°Thunder right back!! Let¡¯s GO!¡± Gary ordered.

    Both moves clashed above both Electric types in a loud, blinding show.

    Gary closed his eyes tight, turning his head away, and even Paul closed his eyes but kept a calm posture. When the brightness vanished, Paul was looking at the fight first, Gary looking a moment later. ¡°Quick Attack!¡±

    Paul¡¯s Electivire struck June¡¯s with back-to-back Quick Attacks, June¡¯s Electivire crying out with each hit.

    ¡°Now use Brick Break and end this game already!¡± Paul decided.

    Quick Attack! <i>NO!</i> Gary stopped himself. He won¡¯t do it.

    That was all the time needed before Paul¡¯s Electivire struck down June¡¯s.

    June¡¯s Electivire wailed out and collapsed.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t over yet! Not from you, Electivire! GET UP NOW!!¡±

    June¡¯s Electivire looked over to Paul¡¯s, but he looked ready to fall back down again. Despite this, he actually <i>did</i> get back to his feet!

    ¡°Brick Break, now!¡± Paul told his Pokemon.

    ¡°Quick Attack!¡± Gary still chose. Completely out of ideas. And hope.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire swung on June¡¯s Electivire, but June¡¯s Electivire actually shot forward with Quick Attack and struck Paul¡¯s Electivire in the middle!

    ¡°YES!!¡± Gary cheered, stunned by the decision on Electivire¡¯s part. He <i>did</i> do that move! It¡¯s okay!

    ¡°Electivire, use Quick Attack right back!¡± Paul insisted.

    ¡°Keep up with it, Electivire!¡± Gary told June¡¯s Pokemon.

    Now, an incredible fight was taking place as both Electivire were using Quick Attack repeatedly, both Pokemon moving faster than any eye could keep up with as they flew at each other with punches, kicks, and even headbutts, trading blows and then falling away from each other only to return just as fast.

    We need to get in somehow, Gary thought. We need an opening or we might get worn out before Paul¡¯s! I need a move that will-

    Suddenly, both Pokemon fell away from each other.

    Gary¡¯s eyes widened. <i>Wait!</i> I¡¯m not ready!

    ¡°GIGA IMPACT!!¡± Paul said first.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire slammed its fists into each other. A purple orb with orange-yellow streaks spiraling around it surounded the Pokemon.

    <i>We¡¯re screwed!</i> Gary ended up sneering, his eyes wide. <i>Fuck!</i> Something powerful enough to-

    Then, Gary managed to freeze time around him enough to settle on an idea with a sharp intake of breath. ¡°<i>No time to think!</i>¡± he growled through gritted teeth. ¡°Electivire!!¡± he called strongly. ¡°FOCUS ALL YOUR ATTENTION ON JUNE!!¡±

    June¡¯s Electivire kept his eyes on Paul¡¯s Electivire.

    ¡°Gary...?¡± June said hesitantly. ¡°Wait a second!¡± She now sounded horrified. ¡°You¡¯re not-?!¡±

    ¡°USE FRUSTRATION!! LET IT ALL OUT!!¡± Gary bellowed. He sucked in a huge breath and held it, his heart full of guilt.

    ¡°GARY!!¡± June reacted with rage.

    With a shout, Paul¡¯s Electivire leaped at June¡¯s, flying straight for him.

    June¡¯s Electivire¡¯s eyes glowed red and he shouted back, white smoke blowing out of his mouth and nostrils as he ran right at Electivire, his huge palms extended in front of him.

    Narrowing his eyebrows, Gary took a step forward and raised his tight fists. ¡°GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡± His fists swung down with fury, leaning forward as if he were shooting into the fight himself.

    Both Pokemon met at the middle, and to the immense surprise of everyone watching, June¡¯s Pokemon was <i>holding back the Giga Impact!!</i>

    The energy flowing throughout the entire Gym was incredible! It was all anyone could do to keep from being dropped to the Gym floor as wild winds and forces challenged the footing of just about all inside!

    June¡¯s Electivire maintained his stance and aggression, roaring in the face of his opponent as his large palms withstood the Giga Impact!!

    Paul¡¯s Electivire looked just as determined to drive through and finish him off, its teeth bared and clenched.

    June¡¯s Electivire then leaped up, raising one leg and <i>kneed</i> into the middle of Paul¡¯s Electivire!

    The energy and colors around Paul¡¯s Electivire went away. It groaned out a sound of pain and disgust, its eyes shut tight as it ascended a bit further in the air.

    ¡°ELECT!¡± June¡¯s Electivire¡¯s hands clasped together over his head and then slammed down on the back of the other Pokemon.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire crashed down flat. ¡°Virrre...¡± it grunted.

    June¡¯s Electivire landed and then easily fell to his face.

    Paul¡¯s Electivire groaned and flinched.

    The referee raised one hand.

    All available eyes were on him.

    He didn¡¯t say a word at first.

    And then finally, ¡°Paul¡¯s Electivire was the first to give in! It is... Gary and the young girl¡¯s Electivire, who takes this match!¡±

    Silence came over the Gym.

    Paul was staring down at his fallen Electivire with anger.

    The three men were on their feet, their mouths as wide open as their eyes.

    June couldn¡¯t stop quivering, her hands over her mouth.

    Gary¡¯s eyes were wide, his teeth clenched tight.

    Paul¡¯s face relaxed as his eyes closed and he let out his breath. ¡°I guess that¡¯s that.¡±

    ¡°Tivire...¡± The Gym Leader¡¯s Electivire breathed out and sat up, turning to its Trainer.

    The both of them stared at each other. This was the softest and friendliest Gary had ever seen Paul look, yet something was familiar about it. Paul still looked mean, but there was a calm about it. ¡°Good battle.¡±

    ¡°Vire...¡± Electivire spoke as Paul returned it to its Poke Ball.

    June¡¯s Electivire was just getting into a sitting position, his head down and eyes closed, exhausted from the battle he just barely won. ¡°Vire.¡± He looked up.

    Paul made his way over to Gary, not even giving a glance to Electivire as he went past him. He dug into his pocket and his fist came out as he stopped in front of the kid. ¡°Here.¡± His hand opened, revealing a little object.

    It was a strange design and after eyeing it for a minute, Gary decided it looked like a pair of muscular, coal-black arms crossed over each other. ¡°Hey! <i>Whoa!</i>¡± Gary glared at the guy. ¡°<i>No way!</i>¡±

    ¡°Just take it. Don¡¯t make a scene. You earned this Badge. <i>You</i> controlled Electivire and defeated mine.¡±

    Gary swallowed and then shook his head. ¡°I can¡¯t accept that Badge, Paul.¡± I can¡¯t keep doing this! he shouted in his head. Not again! I¡¯m earning my own Badges! With <i>my</i> Pokemon!

    ¡°Just take it!¡± Paul insisted impatiently.

    ¡°NO!!¡± Gary¡¯s voice echoed through the building. His entire body was shaking. ¡°I¡¯m not accepting that Badge! Give it to June! I¡¯ll beat you next time!¡± He looked to June¡¯s Electivire, staring at his back. ¡°I¡¯ll earn my Badges with my <i>own</i> Pokemon.¡±

    Electivire never turned to him.

    Gary walked away from everyone.

    Paul sucked his teeth. ¡°Oh, come on!¡± he called after Gary. ¡°If not for you, your Electivire was done for!¡±

    Gary was stopped at these words and turned back. ¡°He¡¯s not mine! And I¡¯m tired of earning Badges by him!¡±

    Paul looked surprised. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°I beat Jupiter thanks only to Electivire jumping in when I was gonna lose! She was too much, but not for Electivire! He took down her entire team! But I¡¯m not doing that again! I¡¯ve seen enough about how tough this region-!¡±

    ¡°It was <i>you</i> who beat Jupiter?!¡± Paul interrupted Gary, squinting at him.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t-!¡±

    ¡°Vire!!¡±

    Everyone looked at Electivire, who had cut Gary off. He was standing, leaning a little and quivering out of weariness. Breathing hard, glaring at Gary.

    Gary kept angry eyes back on Electivire and then turned to June.

    Her face was soaked in tears, her eyes glimmering, staring at Gary mournfully.

    Right. We agreed, Gary remembered. We got that Badge together. It¡¯s- Gary stared back at Paul and nodded. ¡°Yeah. <i>W-we</i> - beat her. But I¡¯m not gonna-!¡±

    ¡°Using Electivire!¡± Paul said loudly. ¡°And now me! That only proves this Badge is rightfully yours, particularly if <i>that</i> match went anything like how this battle went. Don¡¯t you dare put my authority into question in my decision-making! You earned this! Not to say your fight wasn¡¯t sloppy, but it was far better controlled than <i>her¡¯s.</i> Electivire is basically <i>your</i> Pokemon at this point!¡±

    ¡°YOU DON¡¯T KNOW A THING ABOUT WHAT ME AND ELECTIVIRE WENT THROUGH!! NOR WHY WE DID!!¡± Gary had just been triggered, exploding in reaction to the man¡¯s words. How dare he say <i>anything!!</i> he fumed in his mind. His mouth opened to let out some more.

    ¡°He might as well be! You clearly know how to use him better than <i>she</i> does!¡± Paul fought back. ¡°What you did back there, deciding between Return, and Frustration! You manipulated the hatred your Electivire has for her, and the love it has for you! <i>You</i> figured out that you could get Electivire to focus on her to bring out its hatred and the full power of Frustration to handle even a move like Giga Impact!¡±

    Gary shut his mouth, unable to say anything in response, feeling bad about what he had done.

    Paul approached Gary again, stopping before him. ¡°You have a long way to go, kid, but you have a lot of promise,¡± he went on, his voice just a little softer. He held out his open palm again. ¡°Take this Badge. I recognize you as a competent Trainer. If anything, come back some day and face me properly. Prove to yourself your own worth and realize that you are worthy of this Badge.¡±

    Gary stared at the Badge, not saying a word. Accepting the scenario, he breathed out and took it, nodding. He gripped it tightly and nodded again at the man. ¡°Thank you. I appreciate this. I won¡¯t dishonor this chance. Watch me at the League. I¡¯ll make it!¡±

    Paul nodded coldly at him. ¡°Hm.¡± He turned and walked away to his set of Pokemon, his eyes meeting Electivire¡¯s eyes as he continued past him.

    The three other men followed Paul. One of the darker men, the one with the durag, winked and nodded with seeming approval at Gary.

    Trying to be as cool as the man looked, Gary kept a serious face and nodded back, but the man had already turned. Gary felt a flutter of acceptance in his chest from what he considered to be a superior and cool man, and he had to struggle to keep from smiling.

    The referee walked off without a word and left the room.

    Gary breathed out. Garchomp, Primarina, Cresselia. Regigigas, Gary thought, staring at the tallest Pokemon. With admiration, he watched Paul approach these Pokemon. Paul is... Gary thought, turning away from the man. Incredi-

    Gary¡¯s thoughts froze, along with his body, as he saw June again. Discomfort and sadness came over him as he stared at the drenched cheeks on her face. He didn¡¯t have a word to say to her and just wanted to get away from her, reflecting on particular parts of the battle he just had.

    <i>¡°RETURN ATTACK TO STOP THAT PUNCH!!¡± Gary roared out. ¡°Focus on </i><i>me</i><i>, Electivire!¡±</i>

    <i>	</i><i>	</i><i>	</i><i>	</i><i>	</i><i>	</i><i>*</i>

    <i>¡°FOCUS ALL YOUR ATTENTION ON JUNE!!¡± Gary called strongly.</i>

    <i>¡°Wait a second!¡± June sounded horrified.</i>

    <i>¡°USE FRUSTRATION!! LET IT ALL OUT!!¡±</i>

    <i>¡°GARY!!¡± June reacted angrily.</i>

    June... Gary thought, ready to take a step towards her.

    But June blinked out a pair of tears before he could move and with a sharp cry, her face breaking, she ran away. She stopped at the black, steel door and then ran out when it slid open.

    <i>¡°What you did back there, deciding between Return, and Frustration! You manipulated the hatred your Electivire has for her, and the love it has for you!¡±</i>

    I¡¯m sorry, June... Gary looked back to Electivire.

    The Pokemon was hobbling over to Gary and stopped at his side, staring at the closed door June had left through.

    Gary looked back to his hand to see the Strength Badge. My fifth Badge, Gary mulled over. Two of them thanks to <i>June¡¯s</i> Electivire. The other three...? Well, I earned Roark¡¯s, and Gardenia¡¯s. That¡¯s two. But Cas gave me her¡¯s out of pity.

    Nausea rose up from Gary¡¯s stomach. Am I really up for the Sinnoh League at all? All things considered, I¡¯m doing <i>terrible!</i> He tightened his hand around the Badge, staring angrily at his fist.

    Then he stared at Electivire, who turned his angry look away from him and looked off to the side with a huff, crossing his arms.

    Gary could still see the tears of pain running down June¡¯s cheeks. He had wanted to run to her.

    To talk to her.

    To comfort her.

    But Gary knew what he had done during that battle. It was intentional.

    Desperate.

    Unforgivable.

    He and Electivire turned with a start at loud shouts, watching as Paul and his three partners physically trained against far more powerful beings: the Pokemon Garchomp, Primarina, Cresselia, and Regigigas.

    The shirtless man was outlined in light-blue energy, his hands gripping Cresselia¡¯s sides. Cresselia¡¯s eyes were glowing in a matching color. The man was struggling against Psychic while grappling with Cresselia!

    The guy in the black durag was <i>dancing</i> around with Primarina?! Or rather <i>dodging</i> Primarina¡¯s large bubbles! It was hard to call, the man moving with swiftness and also just showing off as his shoulders swiveled, his body curved, and his head swayed while Primarina, dancing in its own way with spins and elegant leaps, sent out bubbles larger than the man. Keeping to the constant rhythm of a beat only the man could hear, he would dodge each one of them at the very last second and then keep his eyes on the next one as he kept bopping before moving however was necessary to get away again. Leaning backwards, ducking and swooping, even gyrating his hips to Gary¡¯s discomfort.

    Suddenly, <b>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!</b> There was an explosion from one of the bubbles that made contact with the guy, the noise making Gary swallow what felt like an entire boulder that magically appeared in his throat. The man wailed out painfully, flying across the room. Only Primarina looked concerned and went to check on him, everyone else continuing what they were doing.

    The bald guy was covered in sweat while dodging deadly swings from Garchomp¡¯s white claws, moving backwards with wide eyes as if he were frightened for his life. And rightfully so!

    And Paul was leaping out of the way as Regigigas came after him with gigantic fists, looking like it was trying to squash the Gym Leader! Regigigas was fast, Paul not taking a second to catch his breath, moving as swiftly and instinctively as a Pokemon or wild animal would! One gigantic fist barely missed Paul and slammed to the ground with enough impact to shake the building.

    Gary watched all of this in amazement, stunned to stone, and inspired beyond belief. His eyes tightened on this training method.

    In that moment, Gary remembered something Paul had told June during the first battle. Replaying Paul¡¯s words in his head, he believed he knew what he had to do.

    As a Pokemon Trainer.

    And with a solemn face and a nod, Gary turned and left the Gym, Electivire following.

 Look And You Shall Find

    Gary ran through the open plains as if he knew where he was going; a boy with a plan.

    ¡°GARY!¡± June was shouting from a far distance behind. ¡°GARY!¡±

    Charizard roared from above, flying after his Trainer. The Flying type could easily outspeed Gary but was allowing him to lead the way.

    Empoleon, Weepinbell, Kirlia, and Tyranitar were keeping up a steady pace with Gary, Deino far behind them and running blindly.

    Music by Elemenopee blasted from Gary¡¯s phone in his right fist. He was drenched in his own sweat despite it being pretty cool outside, wearing an undershirt, jeans, and sneakers. Gary found it impossible to stop moving, pushing himself through the pain and exhaustion of his aching muscles. He sniffled hard, his nose feeling dry. He was feeling just a little sick, and figured working up a sweat would be a great way to get rid of it.

    But he was also running for another, much bigger reason: he couldn¡¯t get over his self-deprecating thoughts, so he was trying to get away from them. Trying to escape the haunting thoughts reminding himself that as a Pokemon Trainer, and as a human being, he was weak and pathetic, and had to do better compared to people like Paul, and Jupiter. People like Byron and Roark.

    Cas... Gary considered. She cheated with her Gym. Even she acknowledged this.

    But... Gary started to regret. I could have- He shook his head, raging out loudly and shooting forth with forced energy as if his body had just caught on fire. ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUHHHH!!!!¡±

    ¡°Excuse meeeee!!¡± the voice of gentle maidens was heard through the open space.

    His face was full of fury, but as Gary stopped, his face softened and he turned to see who had called. At first, he took in the face of two lovely young ladies, but that was cut short at the third person.

    The first woman had long, dark-purple hair in a ponytail, and the second woman¡¯s hair was a unique shade of brunette that reached her back. The both of them wore black waitress outfits lined in white frill, a white apron tied around it. They each wore a choker that matched their hair color except for the white frill lining them, and a tiny white tiara topped off their heads. They had black stockings that reached under the miniskirts, their feet in black heels. Their faces held a solid amount of makeup. They were closer to ¡°adorable as could be¡± than ¡°hypersexualized.¡±

    But it was the last individual who stole the show. And not in a way Gary preferred. This was definitely a man, wearing everything the girls were, down to the makeup.

    ¡°Now this looks like a job for Team, S-O-L-A-C - motherfucking E, yeah we need a little - controversy,¡± the song continued to play from Gary¡¯s phone before he swallowed uncomfortably and stopped it.

    ¡°Are you guys in need of some rest? You all look awfully tired!¡± the woman in the ponytail said and the three got closer.

    The closer they got, the more Gary couldn¡¯t stop looking at the guy!

    ¡°Here at the Mountain Hut Maid Cafe, we desire to treat you like you¡¯re right at home!¡± the ponytailed lady continued. ¡°My name is Spring!¡±

    ¡°Why not come and take a load off with us? Put your feet up?¡± the brunette insisted, her voice just a little more huskier but still very seductive. ¡°My name is Summer!¡±

    ¡°We also offer Miltank Moomoo Milk to refresh the body and mind!¡± the guy joined in, his male voice light and sassy. ¡°My name is Winter!¡±

    Gary was watching the guy named Winter with discomfort, but then he noticed odd noises behind him.

    When he glanced back, he saw that Charizard and Tyranitar were smiling awkwardly while Empoleon, Weepinbell and Kirlia had more confused looks.

    Coming up from way behind everyone was an exhausted June, stomping tiredly with Deino in her arms.

    Deino must have gotten lost again, Gary concluded before turning back to the two girls, his eyes stopping on the guy for a moment. When the guy smiled even wider at him, Gary¡¯s eyes widened and returned to the females.

    ¡°So what do you say?¡± Spring winked.

    ¡°Okay!¡± The word slipped out of Gary¡¯s mouth before he had even thought it fully. While he didn¡¯t immediately regret it, once he looked at Winter¡¯s grinning face again, he started to fear what it was he was leading himself into.

    *

    Gary slammed his glass mug of Moomoo Milk down on the long wooden table. ¡°I like this! Another!¡± he insisted, looking around.

    ¡°Gary, take it easy. You¡¯re way too energetic,¡± June whispered, an embarrassed look on her face.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Taking in the moment, Gary realized that he was full of life, energy, and all-around good vibes, ready to take on the challenges of the world with confidence. He even felt healthier and his nose had stopped running. But now, self-consciousness was getting mixed in as he stared back at June. Easy, Gary. Maybe you¡¯ve had enough to drink.

    A slight smile crossed June¡¯s face. She looked down to all of the Pokemon on the ground, and her smile faded.

    Electivire, Galvantula, Raichu, Pikachu, Manectric, Eevee, Blitzle, Rotom, Ampharos, Charizard, Deino, Lanturn, Empoleon, Kirlia, and Tyranitar were all lapping from separate bowls of Moomoo Milk. As they finished, the drinking Pokemon let out happy cries, looking fully energized.

    Electivire was on his feet swiftly, flexing and sparking, startling all of the Pokemon except Charizard who kept his stance and glared at him.

    Gary¡¯s eyes stayed on Electivire.

    Electivire turned, now looking right back at the male Trainer. They kept eye contact until Electivire huffed out and then snickered, turning away. He was now leering at Charizard.

    Charizard sneered, growling as his eyes tightened on the Electric Pokemon. They could have even been breathing at the same pace, metaphorical flames surrounding them, engulfing everything else around them.

    ¡°You guys, come on! Not here!¡± June insisted, getting up from the wooden bench and table she and Gary sat at.

    Gary was doing the same thing, standing as he frowned. ¡°Not in here, you guys! Cut it out!¡±

    Electivire¡¯s body relaxed and he looked back to Gary, smirking again. He coolly closed his eyes and turned away, chuckling lightly, and then walked to the front door.

    Looking enraged, Charizard stayed but let out a frightening snarl.

    Electivire kept chuckling, ignoring Charizard.

    The other customers inside the cafe were watching the scene with fear.

    Summer and Spring had gone to the kitchen in the barn, working on other orders, but the youngest of the four siblings, Winter, was still there, now holding a fearful, effeminate pose.

    The remaining sister named Autumn had left on a personal journey several years ago to find herself as a woman and held hopes to find and impress a man she had fallen in love with when she was much younger, none other than the previous Gym Leader of Pewter City, Brock, after they had a fateful encounter. Autumn was affectionately nicknamed Fall after leaving the family cafe.

    Winter, an adopted sibling who identified as female, opened up about her desires in life and picked up her sister¡¯s role as a maid.

    ¡°Charizard!¡± Gary barked at his Pokemon.

    Charizard lowered his head only slightly, keeping his eyes on Electivire and resumed growling.

    ¡°That¡¯s about enough Milk for you. Return.¡± Gary sternly recalled his Pokemon.

    There was a Chimecho hanging on the outside of the door and it chimed out lightly and cutely when Electivire opened the door and started to step out. But he stopped and looked back directly at June.

    June¡¯s body tensed up and a light sound came out of her.

    ¡°Vire,¡± Electivire mumbled shortly before walking out.

    Chimecho cried out in shock as the door was slammed shut.

    Now, there was awkward silence. Eyes shifted up, side to side, and down, bumping into one another and away just as quickly.

    Finally, Winter spoke up when she said, ¡°My.¡±

    This got more bodies to move and more sounds to come out.

    Chimecho cried out softly and pleasantly as the door was opened again.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Summer spoke nervously, returning inside with a tray of drinks.

    ¡°Are you all okay?¡± asked Spring who had her head poked in through the open door and was tugging uncomfortably on her ponytail.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that, everyone.¡± Gary breathed out and took his seat.

    June lowered her head and ran her right hand through her hair. She looked at Gary with open sorrow.

    Gary looked back with little emotion, keeping his true feelings inside. June, was all he thought.

    Starting with murmurs from customers, things insincerely returned back to normal in the cafe, Spring leaving again for the barn as Summer worked another table.

    After a moment, June took her seat again with a sigh and turned to her Pokemon with a somber look, the group looking back at her. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Her hand brushed against her left cheek gently before falling. With a blink of her eyes, and a slight release of breath that came with a weary smile, she went in her big black duffel bag and started to recollect all of her Pokemon.

    Gary watched all of this silently, knowing they were about to have a talk. He took in a deep breath, his eyes going to the table, not wanting to have to go through this, but knowing it was warranted.

    ¡°There¡¯s clearly stuff that we still have to talk about,¡± June started. Her eyes were on the remaining Pokemon who were watching the two kids. ¡°Maybe before we get the next Badge, we should try to get some things off the table.¡±

    Gary kept his eyes down and breathed out impatiently. I don¡¯t wanna do this anymore, he decided, making fists on the table.

    No one spoke for a while.

    ¡°We could start with something simple. I mean, I don¡¯t recall getting a Happy Birthday from you, Mister,¡± she chuckled. It was only after her short laugh that she actually looked at him.

    Gary didn¡¯t face her nor reply, but he did feel himself starting to breathe a little harder.

    ¡°Or... we could discuss where we¡¯re even going?¡± June tried hesitantly.

    She won¡¯t just shut up and drop this, Gary knew. ¡°I know where I¡¯m going!¡± he snapped at her.

    ¡°Uh-¡± June was lost for words. To break the awkwardness, she laughed lightly. ¡°I-I¡¯m sure you do, but you haven¡¯t said a word to me about it. You just took off like a madman with a mission after the Pokemon were healed up after the match with Paul.¡±

    What is her problem? ¡°What¡¯s with all the damn questions all of a sudden?¡± Gary struggled to keep his eyes from looking at her. He wished he could stop himself from even hearing her voice. Something about it. It was irking him so badly!

    ¡°Gary, I¡¯m just asking where we¡¯re going...¡±

    He shut his eyes tight. His head was throbbing. If she¡¯d just shut up already. If only- Gary shook his head softly. No. Don¡¯t! He didn¡¯t want to look at her, but he was also resisting the urge to see her, and he didn¡¯t understand why!

    ¡°Gary, are you okay?¡±

    His eyes met with June¡¯s. He sucked his teeth, but it wasn¡¯t a conscious move.

    There was worry in June¡¯s eyes.

    Something was building up in Gary¡¯s chest as he stared back at her coldly. It felt as if his brain had outgrown its skull housing and was threatening to break free, making the skull throb under the pressure!

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± she asked gently.

    Gary¡¯s right fist slammed atop the wooden table. ¡°NO!¡± he barked at June. ¡°What do you even want?!¡± His face was full of fury for her.

    June looked horrified. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Huh?¡± Gary mocked her. ¡°That¡¯s all you have to say?? Listen to me!¡± He leaned in closer to June, making her lean back. ¡°What. The. Fuck! Do. You. Want??¡± He spoke out slowly, threateningly, through gritted teeth. Both fists slammed on the table.

    June gasped, jumping in her seat.

    ¡°What are you still following me around for??¡± he let out even more forcefully and quicker.

    ¡°I-¡± June managed to get out, and nothing more.

    Staring at her stunned, silent face, eyes wide and lips far apart, Gary felt like lunging out at June. He could see himself just leaping over the table at her, grabbing her by the throat, taking her straight to the ground, and - dig right through her face!!

    Gary blinked really hard, and his head gave an involuntary shake. ¡°Uh,¡± he breathed out shortly. ¡°June,¡± he then whispered.

    ¡°Gary?¡± June tilted her head, her face full of confusion and fear.

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Gary blinked again, just as hard, and blinked a couple more times after, as if trying to clear his vision. As if he couldn¡¯t see properly, even though he could. He looked down to his hands and realized June¡¯s hands were atop his fists. He also noticed both of his fists were quaking. He quickly pulled his hands away from her¡¯s and leaned back.

    In response to this, she put her hands together and pulled them to her chest, her cheeks getting red.

    The more the seconds passed, Gary noticed just how out of control his body was feeling. Not only were his hands shaking, but his entire body was as well. His heart was racing, his mouth was dry, and his head felt like it was an egg that fell from a rooftop.

    The inside of the cafe was muted, everyone staring at that one table where all the commotion kept coming from.

    ¡°A round on me, including the Pokemon. An extra one for me and my Pokemon as well, if that¡¯s quite alright.¡± The speaker sat down next to June, across from Gary. It was a tall man wearing a brown suit, a brown trench coat over it. His tie was composed of dark-gray and light-gray stripes. The brim of his brown fedora was lowered, covering his face entirely, his black hair reaching his neck. He set a black tablet down on the table in front of him.

    ¡°Oh, r-r-right away!¡± Summer let out. ¡°W-w-w-welcome back! Oop!¡± She covered her mouth. ¡°Home! I meant welcome home!¡±

    ¡°Welcome home!¡± Winter repeated.

    When Chimecho called out again, Spring walking in carrying food and drinks, the young lady froze up, immediately picking up on the discomforting energy in the room. Her eyes then stopped and widened on the new man and she uttered, ¡°Oh! Welcome home, sir?¡± She was clearly lost on whatever it was she had missed.

    Gary felt beyond embarrassed and entirely confused. What - what did I just-? He shook his head and slowly opened his still-shaking hands, closing them into fists soon after. What happened? What was that thought I had about-?

    ¡°We¡¯ll get right on over to the barn and get your drinks!¡± Summer said politely.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be riiiiight back!¡± Winter seconded.

    Hearing her siblings¡¯ voices, Spring snapped out of it and delivered the order she was carrying, thanking the customers and then turning to the scene, looking to understand what had happened.

    ¡°Good to see you, too, Spring,¡± the man turned smoothly to her, speaking with a mature, enchanting voice most women would giggle with delight over. The man raised his head slightly, showing some of his face, only one eye remaining under the brim. He was an older man, and he had a sly smirk for the trio.

    The three sisters gushed out with delight as they got closer to each other, hearts in their eyes and red on their cheeks.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be right back!¡± Summer nodded eagerly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go away!¡± Winter insisted.

    ¡°We won¡¯t be long!¡± Summer finished.

    And at once, they ran from the building with girlish giggles and whispers, the Chimecho on the door wailing out in surprise.

    Even Gary could understand why they had reacted in this way. This rather tall and older man was quite the looker. He carried a classic, old-fashioned, mature appeal of many young women¡¯s dreams. He kept his view on the door that the three had left through, and then slowly and easily turned back to Gary and June. One eye remained covered a moment longer before he finally raised his head a bit more, revealing his entire face.

    Gary and June looked at the man in silence. Who is this guy? Gary wondered. He moved slowly, looking first to June, and then to the man before looking down at his Pokemon, back to June, and ending back at the man again. Keeping his eyes on him, he swallowed quietly and finally returned his Pokemon. ¡°Come on, June. We¡¯ve gotta keep moving. We have Badges to collect.¡±

    ¡°Right...¡± June spoke cautiously, standing as Gary walked away from the bench.

    ¡°No need to be in such a rush, Gary,¡± the man spoke, maintaining his smirk.

    Gary froze, his back to the man. Huh? His eyes squinted. When did I say my name? Did I? Shaking his head, Gary kept moving, uncomfortable with all the stares he was getting and just wanting to get out of there.

    ¡°Gary, I think there¡¯s a lot of information we need to exchange about this monster that¡¯s traveling around Sinnoh right now. And we don¡¯t have time to waste, so let¡¯s cut the small talk.¡±

    Gary turned around, leering hard at the older male. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    The man removed his fedora, setting it beside him on the bench. His hair had streaks of gray in it. ¡°Let¡¯s not waste too much time. Come have a seat. Let¡¯s talk.¡±

    Gary refused to budge a muscle closer to the guy. Who is he? Do I-? Wait. He... does look familiar...? But why? No, there¡¯s no clear way to be sure. He could be anybody. Someone I¡¯ve run into? A Trainer? Someone on the news?

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time we¡¯ve spoken to each other,¡± the man continued, a bit of impatience now appearing in his voice. ¡°So there¡¯s no reason to be nervous. This isn¡¯t even the first time we¡¯ve spoken in person. You know me.¡±

    How? Gary tried to recall. ¡°Who are you??¡± He approached the man, stopping in front of him.

    June¡¯s eyes were wide and unsure about where this was all going.

    ¡°Just have a seat, Gary. This is going to be a lot to take in, so it might be best if you both sit down. You, and June.¡±

    ¡°How do you know my name?!¡± June gasped.

    ¡°No. I said your name,¡± Gary spoke up. ¡°But when was my name spoken?¡±

    The man¡¯s smile broadened and he closed his eyes and lowered his head. ¡°When you were losing your cool with the young lady here. She said your name.¡±

    Oh. Gary¡¯s eyes widened at this. Of course. June must have said it. I just forgot.

    ¡°But I¡¯ve known it for a very, very long time. Even before we spoke in person. Even before we started talking online.¡±

    ¡°Alright, enough of the damn games, Mister! Who are you??¡± Gary demanded. ¡°Or, who are you claiming to be?¡±

    The man stayed quiet, his smile fading. His eyes opened, staring down at the long table.

    ¡°Gary, let¡¯s get out of here. This is a setup.¡± June placed a hand on his shoulder.

    Gary moved his shoulder hard and-

    Gary¡¯s eyes were wide on his hand that was in the air right over his head, as if there was some purpose for it to be there that he had forgotten about. What am I doing?

    June was also looking at the hand, and then both kids had their eyes on each other. June had a wary look of disbelief on her face, Gary holding confusion and surprise on his.

    ¡°And that is what we need to discuss,¡± the man told the kids, still staring down at the table.

    They both turned to him, bewildered. ¡°Huh?¡± Gary questioned, his arm falling. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Please, sit down with me, and let¡¯s discuss this monster. I need all of the information possible on what she is, and I would like to more clearly present to you what I think about her. I¡¯ve given you my thoughts time and time again, but it doesn¡¯t seem you get it. Perhaps it¡¯s time to get it all out, face to face. Please, Gary.¡±

    ¡°Who-?¡±

    ¡°Please.¡± The man still didn¡¯t look up.

    Gary let out his breath, feeling this wasn¡¯t going to go anywhere unless he played this game. Do I truly know this guy? When could we have possibly spoken before? He said we spoke both online, and in person. That¡¯s totally impossible. Is he lying? What¡¯s his goal, if so? What is he after?

    ¡°Gary,¡± June said softly.

    Gary silently kept his eyes on the guy.

    ¡°June, please. I invite you to this conversation,¡± the man said. ¡°In fact, I bet you would provide essential help on the topic of the monster. I need to know everything you both know about her, having had the most contact with her out of anyone else alive that I can confirm. I need you two right now. And I can¡¯t emphasize enough that there isn¡¯t any time to waste on this.¡±

    Gary didn¡¯t move. ¡°Maybe you should just speak if you have something so important to say, sir.¡±

    The man kept his head down. He finally sighed. ¡°I see. So,¡± he smirked and raised his head to look at Gary, ¡°can I convince you to sit if I confessed that I am none other than OrangeIChamp?¡±

    ¡°Hhhuuuuuuh??¡± Gary actually dropped hard to the floor, sitting with his knees up.

    This made the handsome gentleman laugh out loud. ¡°So that did it, huh?¡±

    ¡°How do you know about Orange?!¡± Gary shouted.

    ¡°I just explained it, didn¡¯t I? I am him! I am OrangeIChamp,¡± the guy answered. ¡°I am your online friend from Pokebay.¡±

    Gary swallowed hard. ¡°That¡¯s not-¡±

    ¡°Please, I am sincerely afraid that we do not have time to discuss this. I want to get to the bottom of this monster. I am OrangeIChamp. I have been discussing all sorts of theories with you about the monster that has been terrorizing parts of the world. I told you to go to Canalave City and find the Canalave Library, but it doesn¡¯t seem what you read enlightened you the way I had hoped. Being so young I was certain you would be more open-minded about the myths and we could work together right away to stop the monster. Instead, you questioned them and demanded actual, tangible, concrete evidence. It¡¯s better than what I expected and thought I needed out of you. This worked out far better than I planned.¡±

    A darkness was filling every last portion of Gary¡¯s being. He was trying to understand what this man was saying, but nothing he was comprehending made anything feel like it was okay. What does he mean by that? Am I a lab rat to him? He¡¯s been playing with me? He¡¯s the person I thought was OrangeIChamp? He¡¯s not a young kid at all? He¡¯s just an old fuck who¡¯s been playing with me all this time? To what gain? I don¡¯t understand!

    ¡°I don¡¯t want this monster to be killed. She¡¯s a scientific marvel! And I believe you don¡¯t necessarily want her dead, either. Even though she killed your sister.¡±

    With startling speed, Gary was on his feet in a blink, his hands in fists and ready to swing, his teeth bared and grit tight. He didn¡¯t like not only the words this man spoke, but the way he said them. They were spoken without concern for the sacrifice and pain that made them a part of a harsh reality for Gary. Instead, the focus was insensitively on the excitement of discovery and positive things to look forward to that could be learned from the monster, at the cost of things taken against the owner¡¯s will, and it made Gary sick to his stomach. ¡°Watch your words,¡± he warned.

    The man looked unfazed. He hadn¡¯t even flinched. ¡°I was right about you. I had a hunch to keep my eye on you when you had lost her, and I knew reaching out to you after the Indigo League attack would only further shape our destiny.¡±

    ¡°Keep your eye on me? You¡¯ve been spying on me!¡± Now starting to believe the older man, Gary felt nauseous. He had thought he was talking to a normal young kid on Pokebay! Not a full-grown man! This was sick! Disturbing!

    The adult didn¡¯t say a word now, staring calmly at Gary.

    ¡°Who are you really?¡± Gary growled.

    ¡°Son, they know me all over the world as the retired legend of the International Police. I know more about you than you¡¯re aware.¡± The man smiled proudly. ¡°My codename was Looker.¡±

    Gary exploded in rage and lunged at the man. ¡°I SAID WHO THE FUCK-?!!¡±

    The guy who said he used to go by Looker was swift, getting up and turning the boy¡¯s immature and amateur attack against him, ending with Gary laid out on his back on top of the table, groaning out in pain before he even knew he had been taken down.

    ¡°Gary!¡± June gasped.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been following you throughout your journey for quite a while, in the shadows,¡± the retired cop said, ignoring June. He warmly held out a hand to Gary. ¡°Let¡¯s not do this. The three of us need to work together to avenge your sister.¡±

    Gary kept silent, his face showing his rage about the fact that the older man had taken him down so easily. Even so, he accepted the hand and was assisted to his feet.

    ¡°So, Gary, what do you say we-?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I get it,¡± Gary grumbled, and he walked around the table and returned to his seating across from the man. ¡°Just sit, June.¡±

    ¡°But-! Do you know-?¡±

    ¡°Just sit down, June!¡± Gary ordered, keeping his eyes on the guy. ¡°I don¡¯t know who he is,¡± he then said more easily. ¡°But I know he looks familiar to me. And he knows too much. He¡¯s got the position of power.¡± Gary paused. ¡°But he needs us as much as we need him.¡±

    June just shook her head. ¡°He needs us? We need him? Gary, who truly is he??¡±

    His gaze down, Gary thought about this for a moment. ¡°He¡¯s a friend who¡¯s been trying to help me since back in Kanto. The reason I went to Sinnoh in the first place. For the books I didn¡¯t understand. You knew they were there, and wanted to help me. I didn¡¯t understand them at the time. Or, I didn¡¯t want to.¡± Gary stared at him and nodded. ¡°He¡¯s Looker.¡±

    The adult didn¡¯t say a word, maintaining a gentle grin.

    ¡°Gary, how do you know any of this is true? Just think about Prof. Cozmo and the Trick Master!¡± June pleaded. ¡°This guy could just be using you like they were!¡±

    Looker chuckled lightly and took his seat. ¡°You both are incredibly intelligent children. I¡¯m glad I trusted in you, Gary. And with June back unexpectedly, we can put so much more of this together. I was sure she was dead.¡± He looked to June, and then back to the stone-faced Gary before his smile went away, a solemnness now worn on his lips, and then he closed his eyes. ¡°I apologize for my choice of words. If not for the fact I just displayed my physical expertise over you, I¡¯m sure you would have tried attacking me again just now.¡±

    That¡¯s entirely true, Gary kept in his head, both of his hands in fists, ready. He can see I was gonna attack him, and yet closed his eyes right in front of my face. ¡°So then what do you want from me?¡±

    ¡°I want to be clear with you this time about what this monster is. No more puzzles. No more games. Let¡¯s all sit down at this table, and have a proper discussion so we can plan on how to stop her. Kill her, if necessary. As I said earlier, I¡¯d honestly prefer not to, but she does pose an undeniable threat.¡± He went silent, keeping eyes on the boy.

    Gary thought about this for a bit. His breath slid out of his nostrils and he finally said, ¡°Yeah. We have to. But what¡¯s the plan?¡±

    Looker just watched Gary. ¡°So do you believe she¡¯s a Pokemon yet?¡±

    Gary focused on Looker. ¡°What do you mean? I told you, she can¡¯t be a Pokemon! She¡¯s not!¡±

    ¡°And it¡¯s that answer that is why I need you, and June, to relax and tell me all you both know about this monster. We need to pool our information together and see what the evidence shows.¡±

    ¡°Are you trying to say you know something that confirms she¡¯s a Pokemon or something?¡± Gary leered.

    ¡°I¡¯ve done my fair share of research and investigating on her, and on the Trick Master and Prof. Cozmo. I don¡¯t know exactly what those balls are, the Sapience Balls, but I do know the threat they pose to the world. With the death of Prof. Cynthia, anyone in power is a target.¡±

    Gary and June were silent, listening to Looker.

    ¡°It would appear that this monster is using the Sapience Balls to capture the stronger of Pokemon Trainers in Sinnoh as needed. The Water Gym Leader of the Kanto region known as Three-Sixty was found mutilated and nearly unrecognizable, just like Prof. Cynthia. This monster is intelligent, beyond what one would consider most Pokemon to be capable of. But not all Pokemon!¡± Looker insisted. His voice was growing louder and more excited as he went on. ¡°Pokemon like Alakazam, and Metagross, literal geniuses in all forms of intellect on their own! But they¡¯ve never been shown to think in the way humans do! To destroy us humans as they so easily could have done so many ages ago. There¡¯s a thin line being crossed here with this monster. A line that Pokemon have stayed behind that has allowed us humans to continue to thrive and even be said to still ¡®rule¡¯ over them, a fact which Team Solace is ignoring and denying.

    ¡°And this monster¡¯s actions, her deliberate decision making, is oddly human! Right, Gary? That¡¯s one thing that separates her from the Pokemon. Pokemon tend to cause destruction in a more territorial, animal-like manner. She isn¡¯t after a specific territory. Rather, her plans seem to be more global!¡± Looker looked up to the ceiling of the building now. ¡°She even dared to mention the name of the Almighty Arceus; God of this planet. She seems to believe that what she is doing is pleasing to Arceus.¡± He then closed his eyes, shaking and lowering his head. He went into the inside of his coat and pulled out a set of keys. They were on a thick, silver keychain that carried little figures, one of which Gary recognized as a Croagunk. Looker tightly grabbed something else hanging.

    Gary saw what it was before it was covered, and his eyes widened. The symbol of Arceus, he recognized. It¡¯s really bright and shiny. Like platinum.

    Looker sighed heavily and shakily, gripping the symbol so hard, his entire arm was quivering. ¡°This is not what Arceus would want. But the question is, why does she think Arceus would approve of this?¡± He looked up with a determined face, placing the fist gently on the table, and looked over to June. ¡°Please. Have a seat already, would you? This is enough already.¡± He sounded serious now, like he was tired of convincing them. ¡°Let¡¯s get down to business, June. Gary. If we put our research together, we may finally answer what exactly this Pokemon is.¡± He looked over to see Gary¡¯s angry face ready to argue, but he smiled in return. ¡°Yes, I do mean Pokemon. Type? Wild.¡±

    The door to the cafe burst open, Chimecho wailing out as the three maids charged in urgently, each one carrying a tray full of mugs and bowls of Moo Moo Milk. Quickly, they replaced the empty mugs on the table Gary and the others were at with full ones, leaving four extras beside Looker, and then they replaced the bowls for the Pokemon.

    ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t take too long! I came back as soon as I could!¡± Winter bowed deeply right in front of Looker.

    ¡°I certainly returned as urgently as I could for you!¡± Summer cried out, bowing more modestly.

    ¡°I tried my best, but I was held up by these two. I apologize,¡± Spring bowed.

    ¡°Whhaaaaaaat??!!¡± Summer shoved Spring¡¯s head down even further, a devilish look now on her face, her teeth even appearing daggered in the moment.

    In an instant, Winter was on Spring¡¯s back, beating her fists on her back. ¡°How dare you put the blame on meeeee!!¡±

    ¡°Get off of meeeeee!!¡± Spring wailed out, crying.

    The three fought and argued and fussed their way right out the door.

    There was plenty of laughter and chattering in the cafe after that, eyes still going back to Gary¡¯s table.

    Looker also let out some laughter and turned to Gary, but the kid only leered back coldly. Keeping his smile, Looker grabbed his warm glass and brought it closer to him, but he didn¡¯t drink yet.

    Gary¡¯s eyes tightened on him. ¡°What was the last thing you said?¡±

    Looker kept eye contact with Gary for a moment, but his eyes then went over to June. He raised his glass and closed his eyes as he enjoyed a deep swig. After setting the mug down and letting out his breath, a white milk mustache now on his upper lip, he stared at the mug with a sleek smirk and said, ¡°This is best enjoyed fresh. Let¡¯s let the Pokemon and us enjoy that much. And then - I¡¯d like to start this discussion with the young lady first, please.¡±

    June¡¯s eyes widened with surprise.