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Chapter no.31 I am Gary Oak
🕑 Added 2024-08-03 20:41:34 +0000 UTCGary Oak's life was a complicated mess, to say the least.
If one were to paint his life, it would resemble an abstract canvas splattered with a myriad of colors and shapes.
The first splash on this chaotic artwork occurred on a snowy day when he was just four years old.
Snowflakes drifted lazily from the gray sky, each one unique and glistening softly as they fell.
Little Gary, bundled up in a thick, puffy jacket that nearly swallowed his tiny frame, held tightly to his sister Daisy's hand. Her mittens were pink and she squeezed his hand reassuringly as they followed their father, Blue, through the cold.
Their steps left small, eager imprints in the fresh snow as they made their way to their grandpa's house. The air was crisp, biting at any exposed skin, but the excitement of seeing Grandpa Samuel warmed Gary's heart more than his woolen scarf could.
As they reached the doorstep, Blue knocked on the heavy wooden door. It swung open, revealing Grandpa Samuel, his eyes twinkling like the snowflakes that adorned his bushy eyebrows.
"Hello there, Dad," Blue replied in a no nonsense tone.
The old professor gave a nod to his son and turn to the two munchkins.
"Hello, my little adventurers!" Grandpa Samuel boomed, his voice a comforting rumble. He knelt down to their level, his knees creaking slightly, and opened his arms wide. Gary hesitated for a moment, the newness of the face in front of him a vast unknown sea. But then, Daisy led the charge into their grandpa's embrace, pulling him along.
Gary looked up into his grandpa's wrinkled face, his initial shyness melting away like the snow on their boots.
"Hi, Gra—pa."
"Welcome, Gary! Welcome, Daisy!" Samuel's voice was like a warm blanket, enveloping them in its embrace. "I have hot chocolate waiting for you, with little marshmallows just the way you like!"
Daisy clapped her hands, and Gary's eyes lit up with joy.
The day had been absolutely perfect. Yet, despite that, Dad seemed distracted, his thoughts miles away. The following morning only confirmed the family's suspicions when they discovered he was gone.
Sitting at the breakfast table, young Daisy Oak broke the silence.
"Grandpa, where's Dad?"
"Well, he had some work to do, but let's have some fun with Grandpa!" Professor Oak tried to infuse some cheer into his voice.
Daisy cheered at the suggestion as she was quick to join in the fun, playing with the Pokémon on the ranch. Gary, on the other hand, remained quiet, his young mind filled with thoughts of emulating his father. While his sister and grandfather engaged with the Pokémon, Gary's attention was fixed on the door, silently hoping for his father to walk through it so he could rush to hug his legs.
Yet, as the days stretched into weeks and weeks into a month, there was no sign of Dad.
Before long, Gary found himself celebrating his fifth birthday.
The small surprise birthday party was a modest affair, just Grandpa Oak and Daisy. Professor Oak had decorated the living room with a few streamers and balloons, the colors bright but not quite able to fill the room with the usual festive cheer. A small cake sat on the table, adorned with five little candles flickering softly in the gentle draft of the room.
As the flickering candles on the birthday cake cast a warm glow over Gary's hopeful face, Professor Oak encouraged him with a gentle nod, "Come on, blow out the candles and make a wish."
"I wish... Dad was back," Gary whispered earnestly as he blew out the candles, only for Daisy to suddenly exclaim, "No!"
Gary turned to his older sister, confusion etched across his face.
"You baka, if you say your wish out loud, it won't come true!"
At her words, Gary's face crumpled, and he burst into tears, the weight of his spoken wish and the fear it might not come true overwhelming him.
"No, no, kids, no fighting," Professor Oak intervened quickly, his voice soothing.
"But... but my wish..." Gary sobbed, his voice catching with each word,
"It'll come true, my boy, as long as you be the best."
"Really?" both Daisy and Gary chorused, their tear-streaked faces turning towards their grandfather with a glimmer of hope.
"Of course, why would Gramps ever lie?"
Encouraged by his grandfather's words, Gary wiped away his tears, his resolve returning as he declared, "I'll be the best like no one ever was!"
"Yay!" Daisy cheered.
Professor Oak simply smiled, watching the two children find comfort in each other and their shared hope. Silently, he sent a prayer to Celebi, hoping that his son would end his relentless pursuit—his own 'Zangoose chase'—and return to these precious children who needed him.
Gary Oak's first day at Pallet Town's kindergarten was filled with whispers and curious glances. As the grandson of the esteemed Professor Oak, he instantly became the center of attention, with both teachers and students buzzing about his arrival. This attention quickly made him the most talked-about kid in class.
Despite the sudden popularity, Gary remained focused on a singular goal that seemed to dominate his young mind: he wanted to be the best.
His determination was visible even in simple classroom activities. Gary approached every task with intense seriousness, whether it was building blocks or drawing. He listened intently during story time and was eager to answer questions during lessons, quickly distinguishing himself among his peers.
While his classmates were keen to befriend him, Gary often kept to himself, his thoughts swirling with strategies on how he could improve and excel.
As he continued to outshine in class, teachers and classmates would say,"Gary is so talented."
Inside, Gary felt a twinge of annoyance whenever his efforts were attributed merely to talent and not his hard work but ultimately he didn't care.
For Gary, at just five years old, the concept of 'being the best' was not just about gaining their approval; it was about proving to himself and, indirectly, to the absent figure of his Dad, that he was capable and strong and that Dad should come back to him.
One dreary afternoon, the sky opened up, showering the world below with a gentle, persistent rain. A group of kindergarteners huddled together under a whimsically designed bus stop, which was fashioned to look like a giant Snorlax holding an umbrella.
Gary sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the rhythmic dance of raindrops splattering against the pavement.
He enjoyed the freshness in the air, the way the rain seemed to wash everything clean.
Suddenly, the peaceful ambiance was disrupted by a squelch of mud, followed by a small thud. Gary turned sharply to the source of the noise and saw one of his classmates, a spiky-haired boy, sprawled in the mud. The boy's knees were scraped, mud staining his clothes, and his face contorted as if he had been pushed.
"Awe, gonna cry, freak?"
The spiky-haired boy tried to hold back tears, his voice shaky.
"I am not a freak."
"You're a freak because, you don't have a dad."
The young boy looked down, wishing the rain could mask his tears, when he suddenly felt a presence beside him.
Looking up, he saw Gary extending a hand toward him.
"Don't listen to those idiots, you aren't a freak."
The boy's face lit up with a tentative smile as he grasped Gary's clean hand, pulling himself up from the muddy ground. "Thanks, my name is Ash... Ash Ketchum."
"Gary, Gary Oak," Gary replied, shaking Ash's hand firmly.
Time indeed flew as Gary and Ash's friendship blossomed in the playgrounds and classrooms of Pallet Town. From their first encounter at the bus stop, the boys found themselves inseparable. Despite their different personalities, they complemented each other perfectly.
Gary often took the lead in their adventures. He was the strategist, always planning their next big Pokémon hunt or orchestrating how they could win the school's annual sports day.
Ash was more carefree and adventurous. He brought spontaneity and excitement to Gary's well-planned life. Ash's boundless enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty to his friends added a layer of fun and adventure to their daily interactions. He was always the first to suggest a daring escapade into the woods or a mock battle to test their skills, and Gary couldn't help but be drawn into these thrilling pursuits.
Together, they shared countless afternoons exploring the forests around Pallet Town, trading Pokémon cards, and dreaming of becoming Pokémon Masters.
When Gary felt too pressured by his ambitions, Ash was there to lighten the mood with a joke or a silly challenge. And when Ash felt discouraged by a loss, Gary was there to strategize and help him improve.
The attic was a dusty, cobweb-laden room filled shafts of light filtered through a small window, casting long shadows across the wooden floorboards and illuminating particles of dust that danced in the air. The smell of old wood and must permeated the space. Stacks of boxes and old furniture were piled haphazardly around the room.
"Idiot, move to the left," Gary instructed, struggling to hold up one end of a hefty chest, with Ash grappling with the other side.
Tomorrow was going to be show and tell, and even though Oak's grandson found it stupid, he still had to participate because of that the old man had sent them to the attic to get something.
"Ashy boi, my left."
"I am moving left!" Ash yelled back, his voice strained under the weight.
"What part of 'my left' don't you understand?"
"I am moving to my left!" Ash insisted, as he abruptly jerked to his left, causing the chest to tilt dangerously.
Suddenly, the balance was lost, and the chest tumbled down, spilling its contents across the creaky attic floor.
"My bad," Ash said, scratching the back of his head as he surveyed the mess, while Gary shot him a pointed look.
"Let's just..." Gary paused as his gaze landed on the scattered contents of the box—several first-generation Pokéballs made from acorns, a pile of old documents, and a photo album.
Curious, Gary picked up the photo album and flipped it open to a page showing a picture of his dad as a young man holding a karate trophy, with his grandmother standing beside him.
"Who's that? He kinda looks like Gar Bear but cooler," Ash inquired, peeking over Gary's shoulder.
"Yeah," Gary responded, unbothered by Ash's silly nickname as they began to sift through the album, revealing glimpses of his dad's childhood. The photos varied widely in age and location, illustrating that Blue didn't often pause to take pictures.
Yet, it was the last picture in the album that caught both boys' attention. It depicted Blue Oak standing next to a man who bore an uncanny resemblance to a Ash. The man was holding a Pokéball marked with the letters 'G.S.'
"I know that Pokéball," Ash said casually as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a golden Pokéball adorned with the same 'GS' insignia.
"This was my show and tell item," Ash explained, holding it up for Gary to see.
"Hey, you think this is the same Pokéball?"
Gary's mind raced for a moment.
"Let's ask Gramps."
Professor Oak was settled comfortably in his armchair, sipping tea and browsing through the morning newspaper when Gary and Ash burst into the room.
"Gramps, Professor Oak!" Gary and Ash exclaimed almost simultaneously. They looked at each other, then back at the professor, their words tumbling over each other into incomprehensible gibberish.
The old man set his newspaper down with a thump, effectively silencing the boys.
"What can I do for you boys?"
"Do you know who this is?" Gary asked, placing the photo album on the table.
"And what is this?" Ash added, setting the mysterious GS Ball beside the album.
"Well, let's see," Professor Oak murmured, peering at the photograph. "Oh, this is a picture from the first ever Pokémon League in Johto. I believe the man beside your father is his rival, who went by the nickname Red just to annoy my son," he chuckled, reminiscing as the old man shared the story of Blue and Red, explaining that they first met during the war, where they quickly forged a strong friendship through their shared experiences. As the world began to recover post-war, new Pokémon leagues were being established, providing the perfect stage for Blue and Red to continue their rivalry.
Gary and Ash listened in aw
"Professor Oak, do you think my dad could be Red?"
"Well, you'll have to ask your mother about that," Professor Oak responded thoughtfully. "And this," he said, picking up the GS Ball, "is a GS Ball. It was given to the first champion of the Silver League. I don't think it has any use beyond being a trophy."
Professor Oak couldn't help but see the irony in the situation.
Ash jumped for joy while Gary's expression remained blank, thoughtful. Something about Gary's reaction made Professor Oak's stomach churn—or perhaps it was the pineapple pizza he had for breakfast.
As they walked down the dirt road of Pallet Town, Ash chattered excitedly about his future Pokémon journey, his hands clasped casually behind his head.
"Gary, what starter are you going to choose? I'm going to go with a Squirtle."
Gary was silent, his mind clouded with heavier thoughts.
"You think Red is my dad?"
"I don't know," Gary replied absentmindedly, his voice distant.
"Something on your mind?" Ash probed further, sensing his friend's discomfort.
"The G.S ball, your father had it. That means my dad lost," Gary said, a hint of bitterness creeping into his voice.
"Yeah, you're right," Ash agreed, not fully grasping the significance of the statement, but Gary did.
To young Gary, his father was the epitome of success, the best of the best. How could he have lost? In a moment of frustration, Gary blurted out, "The G.S ball is fake."
"What?"
Impulsively, Gary snatched the G.S ball from his pocket and clicked it open. The ball, crafted from acorn with a beautiful vine pattern inside, was undeniably authentic. Yet, in a moment of denial and anger, Gary's belief in the unassailable image of his father was shattered. He tore the GS Ball into two halves, tossing the top part at Ash's feet.
"See, what did I tell you. It's fake," Gary said casually, trying to mask his internal turmoil.
Ash picked up the half of the Pokéball, tears beginning to stream down his face. This ball was one of the only connections he had to his father. "Hey, stop cry..." Gary started, but Ash shoved him back.
"You are a stinky butt face... You aren't my friend anymore..." Ash sobbed, his emotions raw. "I will be the best so that you won't ever be..." His gaze fixed on the remains of the GS ball. "This is proof that my dad was the best."
"Oh, yeah? If your dad is the best then prove it," Gary taunted, his own pain manifesting as defiance. He held the other half of the ball aloft.
"We start our journeys next month, I'll beat you at the league and I'll be the best," Ash declared through tears.
Gary pocketed the other half of the ball and started walking away, the weight of their broken friendship heavy in his heart. "Smell ya later, loser."
What had once been an inseparable friendship had turned into a deep-seated rivalry.
A month after the fateful day that had transformed his friendship with Ash into a rivalry, Gary stood in his grandfather's lab, awaiting a significant moment. Alongside him were two other young trainers selected to begin their journeys today.
Melanie, a blue-haired girl, was somewhat familiar to Gary; her parents worked as assistants to Professor Oak.
Damien, on the other hand, was new to Gary. He was a boy with medium-length teal hair and a confident demeanor, easily noticeable with his stylish purple sunglasses. He wore a pink shirt layered under a vibrant yellow vest, completed with a brown belt — a bold statement of fashion among the typically casually dressed trainers.
Damien's situation was a bit unique.
His parents had paid to get a starter Pokémon.
This wasn't unusual in itself, as most parents chose to purchase starters from various ranches for their children.
However, securing one from Professor Oak's collection was particularly prestigious since Oak's ranch was known for its rare and well-bred Pokémon.
Professor Oak cleared his throat, ready to impart some wisdom before the choice of a starter Pokémon. "Being a Pokémon trainer is about more than just battling," he began. "It's about companionship, learning, and growing alongside your Pokémon. The Pokémon you choose today will be your first partner, the one with whom you'll face challenges, celebrate victories, and maybe even endure losses. Choose wisely." With a solemn nod.
"Now then, I have Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. Which one will you choose?" Professor Oak asked, his eyes scanning the eager faces before him.
"I'll be the first to choose Charmander," Damien declared.
"I'll be happy to take Bulbasaur," Melanie chimed in.
"I'll take Squirtle," Gary announced with a grin, selecting the Pokémon Ash had wanted.
Damien and Melanie swiftly collected their Pokéballs and exited the lab, leaving Gary alone with his grandfather for a moment. Gary lingered, standing by the window, waiting for Ash to arrive so he could flaunt his new partner.
As time ticked by, an hour passed, and Gary's anticipation turned to irritation. Finally, Ash appeared, wandering toward the lab as absentmindedly as ever.
Gary didn't hesitate. He rushed to the door, barely hearing his grandfather's voice behind him.
"Aren't you doing a little too much?"
"Thanks for the starter, Gramps," Gary replied quickly, not turning to face his grandfather as he stepped outside.
As Gary approached the bustling crowd at the gates of the Oak Pokémon Lab, his ears picked up the familiar, albeit tardy, arrival of Ash.
"Well, Ash, better late than never, I suppose."
Turning to face him, Gary watched as Ash looked up, a hint of surprise flickering across his features. "G-Gary Oak?"
Is he still asleep?
"That's Mr. Gary to you. Show some respect."
"Well, Ash, you snooze, you lose. And you're way behind from the start. I have a Pokémon, and you don't," he taunted, expecting a typical Ash reaction, something defensive, maybe even heated.
Instead, Austin's response was unexpectedly sharp yet devoid of the usual anger. "Must be quite the Pokémon to put up with your big head."
Gary felt a flicker of surprise at the insult—it was classic Ash in wording, but the delivery was off. Ash's eyes didn't carry the usual fiery defiance. Instead, there was a calm, almost appreciative quality to them, as if he were seeing the world anew, finding something to admire in every little thing, including their rivalry.
"I bet you're wondering what Pokémon it is—"
"Squirtle."
Gary's mouth dropped slightly.
Was he expecting me to get Squirtle just to one-up him? No, Ash isn't that smart.
"How did you know?!"
"There are three choices. I just picked one."
"Well, it doesn't matter. I have a journey to start," he declared with finality, stepping towards the red car waiting nearby. Amanda at the wheel nodded, ready to depart.
"Smell ya later, Ashy-Boy."
The prospect of a road trip with six beautiful girls had initially seemed like a dream to Gary Oak. However, just a few hours into their journey, that dream had rapidly dissolved into something akin to a nightmare. Inside the car, it was an entirely different world—one dominated by conversations and interests that left Gary feeling like an outsider. He sat awkwardly in the backseat, completely lost in the chatter that swirled around him. Maybe I should have traveled alone, he mused to himself, his gaze wandering out, seeking an escape.
His escape came unexpectedly.
Gary's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of movement in the tall grass beside the road. "Amanda, stop the car!"
The car screeched to a halt, and without hesitation, Gary leaped over the car door and dashed into the tall grass.
The girls, startled by the sudden stop, peered out to see Gary approach an injured Nidoran. The Pokémon, a quadrupedal, sky-blue mammal with dark-blue patches, flared her poison spikes defensively. Her red eyes were wary, and one of her back legs was bleeding profusely.
Gary cautiously raised his hands to show he meant no harm and motioned to the girls to toss him a water bottle. Catching it smoothly, he then walked over to a nearby tree, where he plucked some leaves. Crouching beside the wounded Nidoran, he spoke gently, "These leaves have healing properties. I'm going to use them on your wound."
He waited, giving the Nidoran a moment to understand his intentions. When she nodded slightly, a small signal of trust, Gary proceeded with care. He carefully washed the wound with water to clean out any dirt and debris. Then, he squeezed the leaves, pressing them to release their medicinal fluid, and gently applied it to the injury. Tearing a strip from his shirt, he fashioned a makeshift bandage, securing it around the leg to keep the herbal remedy in place.
As he worked, the tension in the car evaporated. The girls watched in awe, their earlier chatter replaced by cheers of encouragement.
"Go Gary, Go, Go."
Gary, however, remained intensely focused on the task at hand.
After ensuring the Nidoran was properly tended, Gary turned to head back to the car, but a soft rustling from the tall grass caught his attention. Turning around, he noticed the Nidorina hesitantly following him. Gary crouched down to her level, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "Do you want to join me?" he asked softly. The Pokémon nodded, her spiky hair bristling gently.
Encouraged by her response, Gary pulled out a PokéBall and tossed it gently. The ball clicked shut after a few suspenseful shakes, signaling a successful capture. Gary now had his first Pokémon. He held the PokéBall in his hand for a moment, feeling a mix of pride and responsibility.
As he climbed back into the car, every eye was on him. Gary settled into his seat, trying to appear nonchalant as he met their gazes. "What?"
"Totally rad skills, Gary! You handled that like a boss," Amanda said with a wink. The other girls chimed in with their compliments, praising his quick thinking and kindness.
"Of course, I am The Great Gary Oak after all," Gary responded, trying to maintain his usual confident demeanor. However, his cheeks flushed a soft pink under their gaze.
The girls giggled, seeing right through his bravado.
"Come on, let's make it to Pewter City before nightfall."
....
After a restful night at the Pewter City Pokémon Center, where Gary's newly captured Nidoran received a thorough check-up from Nurse Joy, the group gathered around the breakfast table to plan their day.
"So, what are you all going to do today?" Gary asked casually as he nibbled on his breakfast, his eyes scanning a to-do list he'd laid out next to his plate.
"I want to check out the Pewter City Museum, that would be so cool. Want to join us?" Amanda proposed enthusiastically, the other girls nodding in agreement, excited about exploring one of Pewter City's main attractions.
"You all have fun, I am going to train my Pokémon and then go to Mt. Moon to catch some Pokémon to fight against the gym leader."
Gary had strategically planned his journey, having applied for the league a week prior. His license was due to arrive soon. His eyes were set on capturing specific Pokémon at Mt. Moon, namely Sandshrew, Clefairy, and Paras, which he believed would complement his team well against Brock's rock-type Pokémon.
Two days of intensive training and engaging in practice battles with other trainers had sharpened both Gary's skills and his Pokémon's abilities. With his team better prepared and feeling confident, Gary finally found himself ready to face his first major challenge: a battle against Brock.
"Let's begin the Pewter City Showdown!"
The tension between Gary and Brock could be felt by everyone watching. Brock released his Geodude, and almost instantly, a swirling sandstorm enveloped the arena, whipped up by Geodude's Sand Veil ability.
Gary responded by sending out his Paras, an orange, insect-like Pokémon with a body that seemed almost too delicate for the harsh environment it now faced. As Paras entered the battlefield, it immediately released a flurry of spores, capitalizing on its Effect Spore ability. The spores dispersed into the sandstorm, creating a dangerous, swirling mix of particles.
"Roll out!" Brock commanded, aiming to keep Geodude moving fast enough to avoid inhaling the potentially debilitating spores.
"Absorb!" Gary countered, directing Paras to use its energy-sapping move. The mushrooms on Paras's back glowed a vivid green as it would instantly draw energy from Geodude the moment contact was made.
"To the right!" Brock shouted, adjusting Geodude's trajectory toward a slanted rock. The rock type Pokémon rolled up the stone, gaining altitude and momentum. As it reached the peak, Geodude's form shifted, revealing its Fire Punch.
Geodude descended like a meteor toward Paras.
The fire type energy of the Fire Punch clashed with the green aura of Absorb.
The intense heat and force of the impact burned through the energy-sapping move, delivering a devastating blow to Paras.
The combination of gravity enhancing the impact and the fiery energy made the punch critically powerful.
Amanda and the other girls gasped in horror as Geodude's powerful punch bent Paras's entire body, the bug-type Pokémon squirming in agony before slamming down onto the ground, defeated.
Gary tried to steady his nerves.
"No big deal, I still have 5 more Pokémon," he muttered to himself, though doubt crept into his thoughts as he surveyed the sandstorm swirling with spores.
His initial strategy had backfired spectacularly.
"Please continue the battle or you'll be penalized for trying to take advantage of the move dissipating," Forrest, the referee, announced, blowing his whistle.
Gary's heart raced as he inquired about the penalty.
"Brock will be allowed to use a free move."
Nodding, Gary realized he couldn't afford to give Brock such an advantage. He noticed Geodude continuing its Rollout, cleverly using the motion to avoid inhaling the spores.
An idea sparked in Gary's mind.
"Sandshrew, use Rollout!"
A flash of red light cut through the sandstorm as Gary's Sandshrew appeared. The Pokémon's brick-patterned yellow hide, tough and dry, made it well-suited for such an environment. Its blue eyes focused intently on the opponent as it curled into a ball and started rolling, picking up speed.
Geodude and Sandshrew smashed into each other with great force, their moves equally matched at first. The clash sent echoes of thuds around the arena, the impact visible even through the thick sandstorm.
"Reverse the spin!"
Sandshrew, responding to Gary's command, suddenly changed the direction of its roll. This unexpected maneuver caught Geodude off guard, disrupting its rhythm.
Sandshrew's Sand Rush ability kicked in, boosting its speed significantly. With increased velocity, Sandshrew slammed into Geodude from the side, its reversed spin adding an extra layer of force to the attack.
As Brock commanded his Geodude to execute Rock Tomb, multiple boulders formed above the Pokémon and were swiftly hurled towards the reversing Sandshrew. "Move forward!" Gary yelled, recognizing the imminent danger of the rock barrage. However, he soon realized his instruction had played into Brock's hands. The reversal of the Rollout to move forward caused Sandshrew to slow down, making it an easier target for Brock's strategy trapping the mouse pokemon.
"Rock Polish!"
"Fury Attack!" Gary countered in desperation. Sandshrew, breaking free from the initial trap, slashed furiously through the remnants of the Rock Tomb. Its sharp claws tore apart the boulders, but this victory was short-lived.
"Poison Point!" Gary hoped his Pokémon's ability would turn the tide as Sandshrew leaped towards Geodude. Unfortunately, the swirling sandstorm carried the spores released earlier, which now worked against Sandshrew, paralyzing it mid-assault. The timing couldn't have been worse. Geodude, utilizing its increased speed from Rock Polish, dodged the attack and countered with an accelerated Rollout, smashing Sandshrew back into a large rock, trapping it.
Gary's heart raced as he watched his Pokémon pinned and vulnerable, the relentless Rollout from Geodude about to deliver what could be a final blow. Panic gripped him, but then, an idea flashed through his mind. "Water Pulse!" he called out, grasping at the one move that might disrupt the field.
Although paralyzed, Sandshrew managed to execute Water Pulse. From its awkward position, half-crushed against the rock, Sandshrew's mouth was luckily angled upwards. The pulse of water shot out, striking the swirling sandstorm above. The impact of the Water Pulse introduced a sudden burst of moisture into the dry, sandy environment.
The moisture weighed down the sand particles, significantly dampening the sandstorm's intensity and dispersing the particles.
After Sandshrew was knocked out, Gary called upon Nidoran, sending her into the slightly muddy terrain.
"Poison Sting!"
Nidoran's horn glowed ominously as she released dozens of needle-like projections aimed directly at Geodude.
"To the right!" Brock countered swiftly. Geodude hovered towards a nearby rock, using it as a shield from the incoming poison attack.
"Fire Punch!" Brock commanded as Geodude moved out from its cover.
"Skull Bash!" Gary reacted instantly. Nidoran's body was enveloped in a white orb with streaks swirling around her. She charged, her head colliding powerfully with Geodude's fiery fist. The impact was explosive, the force sending flames back into Geodude's face and hurling the rock type backward.
"Rock Tomb!" Brock didn't relent, attempting another attack. But just as Geodude prepared to execute it, a purple aura enveloped the Pokémon, signaling it had been poisoned.
"Poison Sting again!" Gary seized the moment. Nidoran complied, bombarding Geodude with more needles. The poison took its toll, and Geodude finally collapsed, unable to continue.
"One down, one to go," Gary exhaled in relief, acknowledging the difficulty of battling Brock.
"Well then, let's see how you deal with him," Brock said with a stern look, releasing his next Pokémon—Onix.
As the massive rock snake Pokémon emerged, both Nidoran and Gary felt a jolt of fear.
"Poison Sting!"
"Double Team!" Brock's command echoed in the arena, and suddenly, three Onixes appeared, surrounding Nidoran. The intimidation was too much; she froze, unable to launch her attack.
"Snap out of it, they're fake!" Gary tried to encourage Nidoran, but his voice was drowned out by the imminent threat.
"Onix, Rock Slide!" Brock ordered. Rocks began to cascade towards Nidoran like a relentless relentless force of nature.
Facing the overwhelming attack, Nidoran seemed resigned to her fate, until she heard Gary's voice pierce through the chaos, "Don't accept this, fight back!"
Fight back? The notion sparked a surge of defiance in Nidoran. Despite the rocks piling over her, she remembered her trainer's belief in her.
The rock tomb began to fracture, a brilliant light of evolution enveloped Nidorina, captivating everyone in the arena.
When the light subsided, a newly evolved Nidorina stood where Nidoran had been. This impressive Pokémon maintained her sky-blue coloration, with dark-blue patches accentuating her powerful form. Her red eyes seemed fiercer, and the large poison spikes along her back were more pronounced, now retractable based on her environment or activities. Her paws, each ending in three sharp claws, supported her formidable, thickened hind legs, enabling her to stand imposingly on them.
Forrest quickly raised a blue flag.
This signaled that, due to the evolution during battle, Gary was permitted to change one of his Pokémon's moves—an allowance made because new moves following evolution were instinctual. Such changes couldn't be held against a trainer as they were natural progressions in a Pokémon's capabilities.
Gary looked at his Pokédex, confirming that Nidoqueen had gained the ability Hustle, which traded accuracy for increased power, and had learned Double Kick. Weighing his options quickly, Gary made his decision to capitalize on this new development.
"Return!"
Gary took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Squirtle, it's our turn now. Let's show them our power!"
Squirtle emerged from its PokéBall, assuming a crouching stance, undaunted by the towering presence of Onix. The little turtle Pokémon was ready.
"Now!" Brock took on a cross armed pose.
As Onix unleashed its Hidden Power: Electric, the battlefield transformed into a scene of chaos and crackling energy. Gary watched, his heart sinking, as Squirtle was enveloped in a harsh, unforgiving light, the electric wave overwhelming him. The little Pokémon staggered, collapsing to one knee under the force of the attack, struggling to remain upright.
A faint blue aura began to shimmer around Squirtle, signaling the activation of his ability, Torrent, which boosted the power of his water-type moves in critical situations.
Yet, even with this slight advantage, the situation seemed dire. Squirtle's pained cry echoed in Gary's ears.
Frozen in place, Gary felt the weight of their dire situation. His bold strategy seemed to have backfired spectacularly. His palms were sweaty, his heart raced, and doubts swirled in his mind, gnawing at his resolve. Were they truly outmatched?
Was continuing the battle just prolonging the inevitable?
Could he really put his pokemon through more of this brutal confrontation, knowing the odds were not in their favor?
Just as despair threatened to take hold, a familiar voice pierced through his turmoil.
"Gary, Gary, he's our man. If he can't do it, no one can! Go...Gary!".
Voices cut through the tension, snapping Gary's focus back to the present. He turned to see Amanda and the other girls on their feet, cheering with genuine enthusiasm. This wasn't just for show; they were genuinely rooting for him.
Gary's gaze then shifted back to Squirtle, who, despite the severe hit, still displayed an ironic fiery determination in his eyes. Seeing his Pokémon's resolve stirred something within Gary.
If Squirtle wasn't ready to give up, then neither was he. Together, they would fight back with everything they had.
Brock couldn't hide his surprise, a hint of envy coloring his tone. "Wow, how did you get those pretty ladies to cheer for you?"
Gary nonchalantly brushed his hair back with his hand.
"Because I am the Great Gary Oak."
Brock chuckled, acknowledging Gary's charismatic response.
"Well then, let's continue."
"Mud Shot!" With precision, Squirtle launched a hefty ball of mud from its mouth, aiming directly at the towering Onix.
Brock quickly countered, "Double Team!" Onix's form blurred, multiplying into several images.
However, Gary was quick on his feet.
"Fake!"
Luckily, Squirtle trusted his trainer's judgement.
"Use Rapid Spin!" Gary followed up immediately. Squirtle retracted into its shell and started spinning rapidly, transforming into a high-speed disc that cut through the air towards Onix.
"Hidden Power: Electric!"
"Water Gun!"
As Squirtle, empowered by his Torrent ability, launched his attack. A high-pressure torrent of water erupted from his shell, striking Onix with such force that it resembled a raging river unleashed upon the rock snake.
The impact of the Water Gun did considerable damage to Onix, but Brock's Hidden Power: Electric was already unleashed.
Squirtle, smiling closed his eyes and braced himself as he flew straight into the wave of electricity. The electric attack enveloped him, and despite his valiant effort, the overwhelming power of the attack was too much.
Squirtle was knocked out, his little body tumbling back onto the muddy ground, his energy spent.
"Squirtle, you did great," Gary whispered.
"Let's show them the power of a real rock type!" Gary declared, his voice ringing with confidence as he released his Geodude into the arena.
The small rock Pokémon landed with a thud, poised and ready for battle.
Gary's choice had been limited; without a Clefairy to catch on Mt Moon, Geodude was his next best option.
"Bind!" Brock commanded sharply. Onix, responding instantly, coiled around Geodude like a massive serpent entrapping its prey.
"Defense Curl!" Gary countered quickly, instructing Geodude to curl up into a defensive ball, minimizing the impact of the constricting Bind.
Seizing the moment, Gary shouted, "Dynamic Punch!"
The command took Brock by surprise; a Dynamic Punch was an Egg move, suggesting that Gary's Geodude was no ordinary catch.
The small rock Pokémon uncurled just enough to slip out of Onix's grasp and lashed out, its fist glowing as it struck Onix's tail with tremendous force.
Onix roared in pain, the impact reverberating through the arena as a greenish aura surrounded it, indicating the activation of its Leftovers item, which began to slowly heal it. Gary swallowed hard.
How was this a Grade 1 Gym battle?!
"Roll out!" Gary continued, pushing his advantage. Brock knew the stakes; having used Defense Curl, Geodude's Rollout would pack a more powerful punch—if it hit.
"Double Team!" Brock countered swiftly. Onix blurred, creating multiple images of itself, confusing the trajectory of Geodude's attack. The first Rollout passed harmlessly through a decoy.
"Dynamic punch to the right!" Gary tried again, his eyes darting to catch any hint of the real Onix among the illusions. Brock had a faint smirk playing on his lips as he watched Geodude's fist swing through empty air which Gary was intensely watching.
"Rock Polish!"
"Return!" Gary reacted immediately, recalling Geodude as Onix was busy polishing its rocky form. Without missing a beat, he threw another PokéBall.
"Nidorina, Double Kick!"
Nidorina emerged with hind legs glowing, leaping toward the still-glowing Onix. She delivered two powerful, swift kicks. The impact was intensified by her Hustle ability, increasing the power of her attack at the cost of accuracy.
This time, however, she didn't miss.
Onix roared before it collapsed, defeated and unable to continue.
Gary's legs buckled from the tension and relief, sending him to the ground, breathing heavily.
They had done it.
They had won.
As the car meandered through the scenic route toward Mt. Moon, Gary sat brooding over his finances. The payment to Nobunaga had significantly lightened his wallet, but fairness demanded it, and he'd asked enough questions to satisfy himself of the samurai's honesty. Sipping his juice, he tried to distract himself by sparking a conversation about Ash.
"Hey, how do you think Ash would do against Brock?" Gary asked, a slight smirk curling his lips.
"Dunno," the girls responded noncommittally, their attention divided between the conversation and the passing scenery.
"Well, I think he'll get easily defeated. He caught a Rattata," Gary chuckled, his tone dismissive. "That's the only thing he can catch, a bottom of the barrel Pokémon."
The girls sweatdropped at Gary's words.
They were overly too mean for their liking but they didn't comment on it as the car approached the rugged terrain near Mt. Moon. The road became increasingly uneven, and shadows from the towering cliffs flickered across the car's path.
As they moved through the public tunnel, Amanda asked.
"Gary, aren't you going to try and catch a Clefairy?"
As the car wound its way toward Mt. Moon, an abrupt and terrifying incident shattered the calm. Without warning, something massive smashed into the hood of the car, causing a catastrophic impact. The collision was so forceful it seemed as though a boulder had plummeted from the sky directly onto them.
The hood crumpled under the immense weight, the sound of tearing metal deafening.
Gary and the girls were thrown violently from their seats. Seatbelts failed to hold against the brutal force, snapping as the occupants were ejected through the shattered windows. The world outside turned into a blur of spinning scenery, the ground coming up fast to meet them.
Gary felt a searing pain as he hit the ground, rolling several times across the rough, gravelly roadside. His body screamed in protest, each bump and scrape imprinting on his skin. Beside him, the girls landed with thuds and cries of pain, their bodies tumbling awkwardly across the terrain.
As the dust settled and the sound of the wrecked car ticking in its damaged state filled the air, Gary groaned, trying to orient himself. His vision blurred, he could make out the figures of the girls nearby, some struggling to sit up, others lying still.
"Is everyone... okay?" His voice was weak, barely a whisper, as he fought the sharp pain radiating through his body. Slowly, painfully, the girls responded. Moans and soft cries answered him; it was clear that injuries were varied among them. Amanda seemed to have borne the brunt of it, with a visible gash on her forehead and her arm at an unnatural angle.
Laughter and chuckles emerged from the encroaching darkness as Gary struggled to his feet, his breathing heavy and labored. The cause of the crash, a Rhyhorn, stood menacingly nearby, surrounded by a group of Team Rocket grunts who slowly closed in. Gary's heart raced as he processed the imminent threat, adrenaline coursing through his veins despite his injuries.
Without hesitation, Gary released all his Pokémon, his voice firm despite his physical pain.
"Protect us!"
His Pokémon, sensing the urgency and their trainer's distress, sprang into action fiercely. In a blur of motion and battle cries, they engaged the grunts' Pokémon.
Within minutes, the majority of the grunts were defeated, their Pokémon unable to match the ferocity of Gary's team.
As Gary leaned against the wrecked car, trying to catch his breath, a slow clap echoed from the shadows, sending a chill down his spine. Squinting into the darkness, he saw a figure stepping forward—Arianna approached with a cold smile.
"Impressively done, so brat, do you have an Eevee on you?"
"What?"
He saw a flicker of disappointment cross Arianna's face at his response.
"Shame, I was hoping for it to end quickly." Arianna snapped her fingers, and at her command, a Vileplume appeared, unleashing a Petal Blizzard. Hundreds of sharp, pink petals swirled into a deadly blizzard, each one slicing through the air with lethal precision.
Gary's Pokémon were quickly overwhelmed. In an instant, they fell, unable to withstand the barrage. Gary could only watch in horror as the petals advanced toward him.
Pain erupted across Gary's body as the petals struck him. Each hit was like a sting, followed by a searing burn that spread rapidly. His vision blurred, and darkness crept into the edges of his sight, his body weakening under the onslaught.
The last thing Gary saw before succumbing to unconsciousness was the frightened faces of the girls, their screams muffled as grunts held them captured.
"Don't worry, you'll be at least alive once we get our Eevee," she said coldly, delivering a final kick to Gary's head, plunging him into darkness.
Gary's eyelids fluttered open, the stark white lights of the hospital immediately assaulting his senses. He blinked rapidly, trying to adjust as his gaze wandered across the sterile, antiseptic environment. He was lying in a hospital bed, the constant beep of the heart monitor nearby syncing with his throbbing headache.
Tubes and IV lines snaked from his arms.
"Where... Am I?" His voice was hoarse, barely a whisper as he struggled to piece together the events that led him here.
"In the ER of Pewter City hospital. Today is the second of July, and it is nine in the morning," came a deep, soothing response, tinged with a slight rasp.
"How long was... sleep."
"That doesn't matter, just rest, my boy."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
The boy nodded, still too sleepy to bother identifying the voice. Doing his best to fully awaken himself. It took a minute to chase the last cobwebs of sleep away and another to open his eyes.
"I'm so thirsty." He croaked, realizing his throat was as dry as the Orre's deserts.
Immediately, he felt a straw being pushed against his lips. Without asking himself too many questions -if whoever was here wanted him dead, there was no need to poison his drink- the boy drank avidly. Fresh, pure, delicious water flowed in his mouth and down his throat. Eventually satisfied, he pushed away the glass that was presented to him and turned his head toward whoever was by his side.
"Gramps?" Gary exclaimed in surprise before coughing violently, his throat protesting the sudden effort.
"Yes, my boy. How are you feeling?"
The young oak did not answer immediately and mentally took stock of what he was feeling. The memories piled suddenly upon him.
Excitement and relief welled and surged forth. He was alive and back in Pewter. It was too much and his chest was too small to contain everything. He felt tears of joy slowly drip down his eyes and a mix between a sob and a laugh shook his body. He felt strong arms circling around him and engulfing him inside a hug.
Having to wait a week in that hell in those cages had taken a heavier toll than he had thought. He hadn't realized how much he had been afraid.
Terrified, even, of not seeing Pallet again, of never being embraced by his grandfather, of missing on Daisy's banter, of missing on beating Ash. The truth was that he had very nearly died and it was crashing down on him now, when he was finally safe.
The brunette took a few minutes to collect himself, still securely held in the arms of his grandfatherly figure, who kept whispering soothingly in his ear.
"You are back and safe Gary, back and safe."
The boy hesitated for a second. "I'm fine." He mumbled in the robes. Slowly he disentangled himself from his grandfather and looked at the older man in the eyes. "I'm fine." He repeated in his new drawl, swallowing thickly.
Professor Oak's heart ached as he witnessed the struggle in the young boy's eyes.
The professor cupped the Gary's cheek with his hand and sighed when his grandson leaned in the contact.
"You are not but I know you'll surmount it." The old oak said, locking gaze with his grandson. "Just… Do not try to win this fight alone. Can you promise me that?"
The boy nodded, contentedly rubbing the old, callused hand with his cheek, relishing the affection. Closing his eyes for a few seconds, Gary inhaled deeply. "I promise Gramps."
The Oak nodded and hugged his surrogate grandson once again. "Good. Coming this close to both side of death is a harrowing experience."
Gary returned the embrace and marveled at the strength his grandfather's old arms still possessed, at the warmth he exuded, at the beat of his heart still powerful.
"You've ever been… This close?"
"Yes. During the first Great War in Johto, when me and your grandma decided to flew from that dictatorship."
"Wait a minute, the oak family is from Johto."
"Of course, I'll tell you all about once you are all better."
"I…" The boy began only to close his mouth, unsure of what he even wanted to say in the first place.
"How am I going to go back?" He eventually asked in a whisper, his eyes glazed and his voice shuddering, the question thrown as much to the old man as to himself.
"This is a question only you hold the answer to, Gary." Professor Oak answered tiredly. "But I'm certain it is here," he said, trying to be as reassuring as he could.
"Here?"
The professor tapped his finger against the boy's chest, just above the heart. "Why did you become a pokemon trainer, Gary?"
The boy looked down, lost in his whirling thoughts.
Was it worth giving up his life for it?
Was it egotistical to not want to?
Was it cowardly to be afraid? He was shaken out of his thoughts by his grandfather.
"It is alright to not answer it now. It might help if you talk. This hospital has an entire section of specialist but you also have people who hold you dear, Gary. Never forget that and help yourself."
"Yes."
Silence fell and blanketed the room for a minute.
"Is dad... here?"
Professor Oak's gaze shifted away, a shadow of shame crossing his face, signaling the answer Gary dreaded.
"Gramps, can you tell me what happened to dad and why did he abandon us?" Professor Oak struggled internally, wanting to defend his son, wanting to explain that there were reasons, compelling reasons.
"Do you know how your mother died?" Professor Oak redirected, starting from a different chapter of the story, one Gary thought he knew.
"Daisy said she died after giving birth to me."
"The truth is... your mother didn't die; she was murdered," Professor Oak revealed, his voice laden with the heaviness of the secret.
"By who?"
Professor Oak hesitated, the next words seeming to weigh heavily on him.
"Gramps, tell me the truth."
"Red," Professor Oak finally let out, a name that dropped like a stone into the stillness of the room.
"Ash's father... killed my mother?" Gary pieced together the information with growing horror.
"No, no, no," Professor Oak quickly corrected, realizing the misunderstanding. "But you just said..."
"Gary, I meant that Red isn't Ash's father... Technically," Professor Oak clarified.
Tears welled up in Gary's eyes as he reclined back, overwhelmed by the flood of revelations. The room seemed to spin, each new piece of information adding weight to his already burdened shoulders. His lifelong friend Ash had been pushed away by misunderstandings; his father was somewhere out there, chasing after a ghost; and here he was, lying in a hospital bed, dealing with so much.
He lay in a daze, unsure of what to think or say, only certain that his world had irrevocably changed.
A knock at the door broke the somber mood, and it swung open to reveal Daisy and Austin, the latter clutching a basket filled with berries.
"You look... alive," Austin remarked, his voice uncertain as if he was navigating how to address the situation without stepping on any sensitivities.
"Thanks," Gary responded, his tone laced with surprise. He hadn't expected the boy to visit, especially after the rift that had formed between them.
"I'll just leave these here," Austin said, setting the basket down on a nearby table.
"You should talk to your family," Ash added, casting a glance at Professor Oak before making a move to leave.
"Ash, I'm sorry."
"For what?" Austin turned, his expression one of genuine puzzlement.
"For breaking that PokéBall," Gary clarified. A moment passed as Austin processed the reference, recalling how in the anime Gary and Ash had fought over some old PokeBall they had fished out when they were kids.
"Sure, I forgive you. It's just an old PokéBall," Austin shrugged, not knowing what the weight his statement carried for the young Oak.
Gary felt a surge of emotion threatening to overwhelm him, struggling to keep his composure.
"I still have the other half if you want it."
"Nah, keep it. I'll get it back after I beat you in the league."
"Then forget about ever getting that other half," Gary retorted with a smirk, pleased to see their rivalry still had a spark.
"Sure," Austin replied with a light snort, then turned to Daisy.
A slight blush colored his cheeks as he stammered, "D-Daisy, do you think I could get your number? To keep me updated about Gary and all."
Gary and Professor Oak exchanged a look, their jaws dropping slightly at Ash's unexpected request. It seemed there might be more than just friendly concern behind Ash's words.
When did Ash have a crush on Daisy?
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[ Author's Note:
Holy smokes, this was a massive chapter—8,000 words! Apologies for the recent upload delay; I was busy crafting this substantial chapter. You might wonder why I opted for one large chapter instead of several smaller ones. The reason is simple: I didn't want to waste your time with multiple chapters focusing on a side character, hence this detailed exploration of Gary.
...
Now, let's address the significant deviations from the original canon:
....
Gary and Ash's Backstory: Since I planned to introduce Red and Blue—game and manga counterparts to Ash and Gary—I added some original elements to enrich their story, including the GS PokeBall portion. Austin is oblivious to the history between Gary and Ash.
....
GS Ball: Diverging from the anime, where the GS Ball remained a mystery, I took inspiration from Pokémon Crystal Version. In the game, you can summon a level 30 Celebi at the Ilex Forest shrine after defeating the Elite 4. Reflecting this, I established that before World War II, Johto wasn't recognized officially, making it plausible for the first-ever Silver League to award this PokeBall to Red.
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Is Red Ash's Dad? This chapter may have left you puzzled due to Oak's ambiguous statements. Red is legally Ash's father, but biologically, it's a different story. Who is Ash's biological father? Did Delia remarry Red? These questions will unfold as the story progresses.
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Gary's Battle Against Brock: I thoroughly enjoyed writing this battle, particularly Gary's reaction to Nobunaga's deceitful tales. It will be interesting to see Gary's response upon learning that Austin bested Brock with sheer skill, sending Arianna to the ER.
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Red as a Murderer: Yes, a major plot twist—Red indeed killed Blue's wife. This isn't a case of mistaken identity or framing; it was Red. Theorize all you want in the comments, but I'll hint that it ties back to why Austin is here in Ash's place.
....
Austin's Crush on Daisy: If you're familiar with Daisy, you'll understand why Austin made his move. However, don't expect an Austin x Daisy pairing; this moment is merely a nod to the Pokémon manga: Tales of Pikachu, where Ash has a crush on Daisy. It's just a fun moment and a cool reference.
.....
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with my work. Have a blessed day, and I look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments!
Comments
Kameron Dias
Gracias por el capítulo 👍
