Chapter no.31 I am Gary Oak

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Gary Oak's life was a complicated mess, to say the least.

If one were to paint it, it would resemble an abstract canvas splattered with a myriad of colors and shapes—vivid, chaotic, and full of contradictions. The first splash on this chaotic artwork came on a snowy day when he was just four years old.

Snowflakes drifted from the gray sky, each one unique, glistening as it fell. Little Gary, bundled up in a thick, puffy jacket that nearly swallowed his tiny frame, held tightly to his sister Daisy's mittened hand. She gave his fingers a gentle squeeze, her pink mittens contrasting against his navy-blue ones, as they followed their father, Blue, through the cold.

Their boots left eager, mismatched imprints in the fresh snow as they made their way to Grandpa Samuel's house. The air was crisp, nipping at their cheeks, but the thought of seeing their grandpa—and his promised hot chocolate—warmed Gary's heart more than his woolen scarf ever could.

At the doorstep, Blue knocked on the heavy wooden door. It swung open almost immediately, and there he stood—Professor Samuel Oak, a wide smile lighting up his face. Snowflakes had caught in his bushy eyebrows, and his eyes twinkled like the frost-coated trees behind him.

"Hello there, Dad," Blue said, his tone measured, almost distant.

Samuel nodded at his son before crouching down to the children's level, his knees creaking as he opened his arms. "Hello, my little adventurers!" he boomed, his voice warm and full of life.

Gary hesitated, gripping Daisy's hand a little tighter. But Daisy, ever the bold one, let go and launched herself forward, pulling Gary along into their grandfather's embrace. His warmth smelled faintly of books and forest air.

Gary peered up at his grandpa's face, wrinkled yet kind. His shyness melted away like snowflakes on their boots. "Hi, Grandpa."

"Welcome, Gary! Welcome, Daisy!" Samuel said, his voice wrapping around them like a soft blanket. "Come inside, come inside—I've got hot chocolate waiting for you. And yes, Gary, it has little marshmallows, just the way you like!"

Daisy clapped her hands excitedly, and Gary's eyes lit up. The day felt perfect, like a page out of a storybook.

But not all stories have happy endings.

Even as Gary sat with a warm mug between his hands, he noticed something about his father. Blue's gaze lingered out the frosted window, his jaw tight. At the time, Gary didn't have the words to describe what he saw, but it made his chest feel heavy, like something was about to go wrong.

The next morning confirmed it.

Blue was gone.

At breakfast, young Daisy broke the silence. "Grandpa, where's Dad?"

Samuel hesitated, setting down his mug. His usual cheery tone returned, though it rang slightly hollow. "Well, your dad had some work to do. But don't worry! Today, we're going to have so much fun with Grandpa!"

Daisy cheered, quick to be distracted, and hurried off to play with the Pokémon on the ranch. But Gary lingered at the table, staring at the door. He silently willed it to swing open, imagining his dad stepping through, shaking snow off his coat, and scooping him up.

But days stretched into weeks, and weeks into a month. Blue never came back.

Gary's fifth birthday arrived, marked by a modest party at Grandpa's house. Streamers hung limply from the ceiling, and balloons bobbed in the corners of the room. A small cake with five flickering candles sat on the table, casting a soft glow over Gary's hopeful face.

"Make a wish," Samuel encouraged, nodding gently.

Gary closed his eyes, whispering, "I wish Dad would come back."

"No!" Daisy's voice cut through the moment like a sharp wind.

Gary blinked at her, confused. "What?"

"You can't say your wish out loud! Everyone knows that, Gary!" Daisy crossed her arms, her tone huffy, but her eyes were wide with worry.

Gary's bottom lip quivered, the weight of his wish—now seemingly ruined—crashing down on him. He burst into tears, burying his face in his hands.

"Now, now, no tears," Samuel said, pulling Gary close. His voice was calm and soothing, though his own heart ached for the boy. "Wishes are funny things, Gary. Saying them out loud doesn't ruin them. What matters is how much you believe in them—and how much you're willing to work to make them come true."

"Really?" Gary sniffled, lifting his head.

"Of course. Why would Gramps ever lie?"

Gary wiped his tears, his resolve returning. "Then I'll do it. I'll be the best. The best, like no one ever was!"

Daisy clapped. "That's the spirit!"

Samuel smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. As the children laughed, he sent a silent prayer to Celebi, hoping Blue would stop his relentless pursuit—his own personal Zangoose chase—and return to his children before they grew up too fast.

Gary's first day of kindergarten in Pallet Town was a flurry of whispers and curious glances. As the grandson of the great Professor Oak, he was already a star.

"That's Gary Oak," someone whispered. "His grandpa's famous."

The attention didn't faze Gary. If anything, it fueled his determination. In every task—whether stacking blocks, answering questions, or even coloring—Gary gave everything he had.

During recess, he stood at the edge of the playground, watching other kids play tag. A classmate approached, shyly holding out a hand-drawn picture of a Charmander. "Gary, wanna play?"

Gary shook his head, glancing toward the school gate. "Not now."

The other boy tilted his head. "Why not?"

Gary didn't answer. He kept his eyes on the gate, hoping—just for a second—that his dad might walk through it.

When the moment passed, he clenched his fists and turned back toward the classroom. If Dad's not here, I'll make him proud anyway. I'll show him I'm strong enough to be the best. Then maybe… maybe he'll come back.

That snowy day had been the first splash on the canvas of Gary Oak's life. And though the picture wasn't finished, one thing was certain—it was full of color, no matter how messy it got.

One afternoon, the sky opened up, showering the world below with a persistent, gentle rain. A group of kindergarteners huddled together under a whimsically designed bus stop, shaped like a giant Snorlax holding an umbrella.

Gary Oak sat apart from the others, his gaze fixed on the rhythmic dance of raindrops splattering against the pavement. He liked the quietness of the rain, how it seemed to wash the world clean, making everything feel new.

A squelch of mud and a sharp thud interrupted the peaceful rhythm. Gary turned sharply to see a spiky-haired boy sprawled in the mud, his knees scraped and his clothes stained. The boy's lips trembled as if he were holding back tears.

Nearby, a group of boys laughed.

"Aww, gonna cry, freak?" one of them sneered.

The boy's voice was shaky, but he managed to whisper, "I'm not a freak."

"You are! You don't even have a dad!"

The words hit harder than any push, and the boy's head dipped as if the rain could somehow hide his tears.

"Idiots," Gary muttered under his breath. Before he knew it, he was standing.

The spiky-haired boy flinched as a shadow loomed over him but looked up in surprise when Gary extended a hand.

"Don't listen to those morons. You're not a freak."

The boy hesitated, then smiled tentatively and grasped Gary's clean hand. He let himself be pulled up, wiping his muddy palms on his pants. "Thanks. My name's Ash… Ash Ketchum."

"Gary. Gary Oak," he replied, shaking Ash's hand firmly.

From that day on, Gary and Ash were inseparable. Despite their differences, they balanced each other in a way that made sense.

Gary was the planner, always strategizing their next adventure or leading the charge in playground battles. Ash, on the other hand, brought spontaneity and heart to everything they did, turning even the most ordinary afternoons into something exciting.

They spent countless days exploring the woods around Pallet Town, pretending to catch Pokémon and dreaming of the day they'd become trainers. When Gary's ambitions weighed heavy on him, Ash was there to lighten the mood with a silly joke. And when Ash felt discouraged, Gary was the first to come up with a plan to help him bounce back.

But even the best friendships are not immune to fractures.

One humid afternoon, a week before Pallet Town's "Show and Tell" day, the two boys found themselves in Professor Oak's attic. The room smelled of old wood and dust, and cobwebs clung to every corner. Boxes were stacked haphazardly, and the dim light from a single window cast long shadows over the floorboards.

"Idiot, move to my left," Gary grunted, struggling to lift one end of an old chest while Ash grappled with the other.

"I am moving to your left!" Ash shot back, his voice strained.

"No, you're moving to your left!"

"Same thing!"

Before either boy could correct their grip, the chest tilted dangerously and crashed to the floor with a loud thud. Its contents spilled out, revealing faded documents, dusty Pokéballs, and a worn photo album.

"Nice job, Ashy-boy," Gary muttered, kneeling to pick up the mess.

"My bad," Ash said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Gary froze as he flipped open the photo album. The first picture showed his dad, Blue Oak, as a teenager holding a karate trophy. Beside him stood Gary's grandmother, smiling proudly.

"Who's that?" Ash asked, leaning over Gary's shoulder. "He kinda looks like you, but cooler."

Gary ignored the jab, turning the page. There were more photos of his dad, but one in particular caught both boys' attention. Blue Oak stood beside a man who bore an uncanny resemblance to Ash, holding a Pokéball with "G.S." engraved on it.

"I know that Pokéball!" Ash exclaimed, fishing something out of his pocket. He held up a golden Pokéball with the same insignia. "This was my show-and-tell item!"

"Wait… is that the same one?" Gary's voice grew serious.

"Let's ask Professor Oak," Ash said, his curiosity piqued.

Professor Oak was sitting in his armchair, sipping tea and reading the paper when the boys burst into the room.

"Gramps! Professor Oak!" they shouted, speaking over each other in a rush of words.

The professor lowered his paper and gave them a pointed look. "One at a time, boys."

Gary placed the album on the table. "Who's the guy next to Dad?"

"And what's this?" Ash added, placing the GS Ball beside it.

Professor Oak adjusted his glasses and studied the photo. "Ah, that's from the first Pokémon League in Johto. The man beside Blue is Red, his rival. They first met during the war, and their rivalry carried into the League." He chuckled. "Blue used to say Red only picked that name to annoy him."

Ash's eyes widened. "Do you think my dad could be Red?"

Professor Oak hesitated. "That's something you'll have to ask your mother, Ash." He picked up the GS Ball, turning it over in his hands. "This was the first champion's trophy for the Silver League. It's not much more than a keepsake now."

Gary and Ash exchanged a glance.

Later, as they walked down Pallet Town's dirt road, Ash's excitement bubbled over. "Gary, what starter are you going to choose? I'm going with Squirtle."

Gary barely heard him. His mind was stuck on the photo and the GS Ball. Finally, he muttered, "If your dad won, that means mine… lost."

Ash shrugged, missing the bitterness in Gary's tone. "Yeah, I guess."

Gary's jaw clenched. To him, his father had always been the best—the strongest, the smartest, the most accomplished. The idea that he could have lost was unthinkable.

Without warning, Gary snatched the GS Ball from Ash's hand.

"Hey!" Ash protested.

"This thing's fake." Gary clicked the ball open, revealing its beautiful vine-patterned interior. For a moment, his confidence wavered, but the anger inside him swelled. "See? I told you. It's worthless."

Before Ash could react, Gary threw the ball's top half to the ground, breaking it cleanly in two.

Ash froze, staring at the broken Pokéball. Tears welled in his eyes. "That was my dad's…" he whispered.

Gary stepped back, suddenly unsure of himself. "Stop crying. It's just a stupid trophy."

Ash shoved Gary in the chest, his voice trembling with anger. "You're a stinky butt-face! I'm gonna be the best, and you'll never beat me!"

"Oh yeah?" Gary shot back. "We'll see who's the best when we get to the League." He turned on his heel and stormed away, shoving the other half of the GS Ball into his pocket. "Smell ya later, loser."

Ash stood there, clutching the broken half of the ball, tears streaming down his face.

What had once been a friendship filled with laughter and shared dreams had fractured into something deeper—something neither of them fully understood yet.

A month after the fateful day that turned his friendship with Ash into a rivalry, Gary Oak stood in his grandfather's lab, awaiting a moment that would shape the rest of his life. Beside him were two other trainers chosen to begin their journeys today.

Melanie, a blue-haired girl, was a familiar face to Gary. Her parents worked as assistants to Professor Oak, and she often tagged along during their visits to the lab.

Damien, on the other hand, was a stranger. He had medium-length teal hair, stylish purple sunglasses perched just above his eyes, and a bold outfit: a pink shirt under a vibrant yellow vest, tied together with a brown belt. His confident smirk made him stand out even more. Rumor had it that Damien's parents had paid a hefty sum to secure a starter Pokémon for him, bypassing the usual selection process.

Professor Oak cleared his throat. "Being a Pokémon trainer is about more than just battling," he began. "It's about companionship, learning, and growing alongside your Pokémon. The partner you choose today will be your first—someone who'll stand by you through challenges and triumphs alike. Choose wisely."

He gestured to the table before him, where three Pokéballs rested on their stands. "Now then, I have Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. Which one will you choose?"

Damien stepped forward confidently, pushing his sunglasses up onto his head. "I'll be the first to choose. Charmander's mine." He plucked the Pokéball from the stand with a flourish, flashing a cocky grin at the others.

"I'll take Bulbasaur," Melanie said evenly, her tone as measured as her movements as she selected her partner.

Gary was last. He took his time, letting his hand hover over the remaining Pokéball before picking it up with a grin.

"Squirtle. Definitely Squirtle."

Damien and Melanie wasted no time, collecting their Pokéballs and exiting the lab to start their journeys. Gary stayed behind, standing by the window and tapping the Pokéball in his palm, waiting. He knew Ash would arrive eventually—late, as always.

Minutes ticked by, and soon an hour had passed. Gary's anticipation curdled into irritation. When Ash finally appeared, wandering toward the lab with his usual absentminded gait, Gary's patience snapped.

Without hesitation, Gary rushed to the door. He barely registered his grandfather's voice behind him.

"Aren't you doing a little too much?"

"Thanks for the starter, Gramps!"

Gary stepped into the bustling crowd gathered near the gates of the Oak Pokémon Lab. Trainers and their families milled about, chatting excitedly. He didn't care about any of that. His attention was fixed on the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from behind.

"Late, as usual," Gary muttered to himself, a smirk already forming on his lips. He turned just as Ash came into view, his expression as clueless as ever.

"Well, Ash, better late than never, I suppose."

Ash froze for a moment, his eyes locking onto Gary. There was a flicker of surprise there, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

"G-Gary Oak?" he stammered.

"That's Mr. Gary to you. Show some respect." He twirled the Pokéball in his hand casually, letting its glint catch Ash's attention.

"Well, Ash, you snooze, you lose. And you're way behind from the start. I have a Pokémon, and you don't."

Ash, however, didn't rise to the bait. His response was sharper than Gary expected.

"Must be quite the Pokémon to put up with your big head."

Gary blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. That wasn't the usual Ash retort. Sure, the words sounded like him, but the delivery was different. There was no anger, no defensiveness in his tone—just a strange, quiet confidence. Even his eyes seemed different, like he was seeing everything, including Gary, with fresh clarity.

"I bet you're wondering what Pokémon it is—"

"Squirtle," the boy said flatly, cutting him off.

Gary's mouth opened slightly in surprise. How did he know? Was he expecting me to pick Squirtle just to one-up him? No, Ash isn't that clever. There's no way he could've guessed.

"How did you know?!"

"There are three choices. I just picked one."

Gary stared at him, suspicion gnawing at the back of his mind. But it didn't matter. His rival was still late, still behind, and that was all that mattered.

"Well, it doesn't matter. I have a journey to start," Gary declared, turning toward the sleek red convertible waiting nearby.

Amanda, sat behind the wheel, her expression unreadable as she adjusted her sunglasses. She gave Gary a small nod, signaling she was ready.

Gary climbed into the car, but not before shooting one last smirk over his shoulder.

"Smell ya later, Ashy-Boy."

The car roared to life, kicking up a cloud of dust as it sped off down the dirt road. Gary leaned back in his seat, twirling the Pokéball in his hand. He allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He was ahead, as he always should be.

But as the lab and Ash faded into the distance, a small part of him couldn't shake the way Ash had looked at him. Calm. Unbothered. Almost like Ash knew something Gary didn't.

For the first time, Gary wondered if he'd underestimated his rival.

The idea of a road trip with six beautiful girls had seemed like a dream to Gary Oak. But a few hours in, that dream began unraveling into a nightmare. Inside the car, the chatter was relentless—fashion, gossip, and inside jokes that left Gary feeling like an outsider. Slouched in the backseat, he stared out the window, already regretting his decision. I should've traveled alone, he thought.

His escape came unexpectedly.

Gary's sharp eyes caught movement in the tall grass alongside the road.

"Amanda, stop the car!"

The convertible screeched to a halt, drawing startled glances from the girls. Before anyone could ask why, Gary vaulted over the door and dashed into the grass.

"Did he just—?" one of the girls began, but her question was cut short as they saw him kneeling near an injured Nidoran.

The Pokémon—a sky-blue, quadrupedal creature with dark blue patches—flared her poison spikes defensively, her red eyes wary. One of her back legs was bleeding heavily.

Gary crouched, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.

"Easy there, I'm not going to hurt you." He motioned to the car.

"Toss me a water bottle."

Amanda obliged, her throw sharp and precise. Catching it smoothly, Gary walked to a nearby tree, plucking a handful of leaves.

"These have healing properties," he explained gently, more to the Nidoran than to the girls watching. "I'm going to use them on your wound. It'll sting a little, but you'll feel better soon."

The Nidoran hesitated, her ears twitching, but after a moment, she gave a small nod.

Gary worked quickly, cleaning the wound with water before squeezing the leaves to release their medicinal fluid. He pressed the paste-like substance onto the injury, then tore a strip from his shirt to fashion a makeshift bandage.

"Go Gary, go, go!" one of the girls chanted, sparking giggles among the group.

Gary ignored them, focused entirely on the task at hand.

When he finished, the Nidoran tested her injured leg, taking a tentative step. She glanced back at Gary with a look of gratitude, then began to follow him toward the car.

"Do you want to come with me?" Gary asked, crouching again to meet her gaze.

The Nidoran nodded, her spiky fur bristling softly.

Gary pulled a Pokéball from his belt and tossed it lightly. The ball opened, absorbing the Pokémon in a flash of light. After a few suspenseful shakes, it clicked shut. His first Pokémon.

As he climbed back into the car, the girls erupted into cheers.

"Totally rad skills, Gary! You handled that like a boss," Amanda said with a wink.

"The Great Gary Oak does it again," Gary replied, leaning back with a smug grin. But the faint blush on his cheeks betrayed his bravado.

The girls giggled knowingly, and Amanda started the car.

"Let's get to Pewter City before nightfall," Gary said, eager to move on.

At the Pewter City Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy gave Gary's new Nidoran a thorough check-up. The following morning, the group gathered over breakfast to plan their day.

"I want to check out the Pewter City Museum," Amanda said. "You coming, Gary?"

"You all have fun," Gary replied, scanning the to-do list beside his plate. "I'm heading to Mt. Moon to train and catch some Pokémon. Got a gym badge to earn."

Gary had already strategized his journey, having applied for his trainer license the week before. His eyes were set on Mt. Moon's Pokémon—Sandshrew, Clefairy, and Paras, all excellent counters to Brock's rock-types.

Two days later, after intensive training and practice battles, Gary stood in Pewter City's gym, ready to face his first major challenge: Brock.

"Let's begin the Pewter City Showdown!"

"Bring it on," Gary replied, smirking.

Brock released his Geodude. Immediately, a swirling sandstorm enveloped the arena, a result of Geodude's Sand Veil ability.

Gary countered with Paras, his insect-like Pokémon scuttling into the sandstorm. As Paras entered the battlefield, it unleashed a flurry of spores, the fine particles dispersing into the storm.

"Rollout!" Brock commanded.

Geodude began spinning rapidly, its rocky form blurring as it barreled through the arena, avoiding the spores with precision.

"Absorb!" Gary shouted.

The mushrooms on Paras's back glowed green, ready to sap Geodude's energy on contact.

"Angle right!" Brock yelled.

Geodude veered toward a slanted rock, rolling up the incline. At the peak, its spinning ceased, and its form shifted to reveal a fiery glow around its fist.

"Fire Punch!" Brock ordered.

Geodude descended like a meteor, its flaming fist crashing into Paras. The heat overwhelmed Paras's Absorb, burning through the green aura and landing a devastating blow. The impact sent Paras skidding across the ground, its body twitching in pain before it went still.

Gary's jaw clenched.

"Paras is unable to battle," the referee declared.

"No big deal," Gary muttered, trying to steady his nerves. "I've still got five more Pokémon." But doubt crept in as he stared at the sandstorm, swirling with the spores that had been meant to give him an advantage.

"Continue the battle, or you'll be penalized," the referee announced, blowing his whistle.

"Penalty?"

"Brock will be allowed a free move if you delay," the referee explained.

"Why?"

"Simple," Forrest replied. "Brock's Sand Veil ability lasts for a set duration. Delaying might let it dissipate, giving you an unfair advantage. Hence the penalty."

Gary nodded, frustration simmering beneath the surface. He had no choice but to act quickly. Reaching for his next Pokéball, he forced himself to focus. His fingers tightened around the ball, his mind racing through possible strategies.

I've got this. Stay sharp.

Gary realized he couldn't afford to give Brock such an advantage. Geodude continued its Rollout, skillfully weaving through the spores in the sandstorm.

An idea sparked in Gary's mind. "Sandshrew, use Rollout!"

A flash of red light cut through the swirling sand as Sandshrew appeared. Its yellow, brick-patterned hide glinted in the dim light, and its blue eyes locked onto Geodude with fierce determination. Curling into a ball, Sandshrew began rolling, quickly picking up speed.

The two Pokémon collided with a thunderous crash, the impact reverberating through the arena. At first, they seemed evenly matched, their rolling forms slamming into one another repeatedly.

"Reverse the spin!" Gary shouted.

Sandshrew suddenly changed direction mid-roll, disrupting Geodude's rhythm. The maneuver gave Sandshrew a burst of momentum as its Sand Rush ability kicked in, increasing its speed in the sandstorm. With its new velocity, Sandshrew struck Geodude from the side, sending it careening into a jagged rock.

"Rock Tomb!" Brock commanded, his tone calm and calculated.

Geodude quickly recovered, summoning massive boulders from above and hurling them toward Sandshrew.

"Move forward!" Gary yelled instinctively.

But the command slowed Sandshrew's reversal, leaving it vulnerable. The boulders crashed down, pinning the mouse Pokémon under the rubble.

"Rock Polish!" Brock ordered, Geodude glowing briefly as its movements became faster and sharper.

"Fury Attack!" Gary countered in desperation.

Summoning its strength, Sandshrew clawed its way out of the Rock Tomb, slashing apart the boulders with a flurry of sharp strikes. For a moment, Gary's confidence surged—but it was short-lived.

The swirling sandstorm, laced with the spores Paras had released earlier, now worked against Sandshrew. Poisoned and paralyzed, it froze mid-movement, its body trembling as it fought to stay upright.

Geodude, capitalizing on its increased speed, launched into another Rollout. With terrifying precision, it smashed into Sandshrew, slamming the trapped Pokémon into the arena's wall.

Gary's heart raced as he watched Sandshrew struggle. Geodude wheeled around for one final blow, its momentum building like an unstoppable boulder. Panic threatened to overtake Gary, but a sudden idea flashed through his mind.

"Water Pulse!" he shouted.

Sandshrew, half-crushed against the rock, opened its mouth despite its paralysis. A pulse of water erupted upward, striking the swirling sandstorm above. The sudden burst of moisture turned the air heavy and damp, disrupting Geodude's Rollout and slowing its movement.

But the effort was too much. Sandshrew slumped to the ground, unable to battle.

Gary recalled his fainted Pokémon, his jaw tight. "You did great," he whispered to the Pokéball before turning back to the battle.

"Nidoran, you're up!"

A flash of light revealed Nidoran, her sleek blue body tense and ready as she stepped onto the now slightly muddy terrain.

"Poison Sting!" Gary commanded.

Nidoran's horn glowed as she launched a flurry of needle-like projections toward Geodude.

"To the right!" Brock countered.

Geodude darted behind a nearby rock, using it as a shield. From cover, Brock called out, "Fire Punch!"

Geodude emerged, its fist ablaze as it barreled toward Nidoran.

"Skull Bash!" Gary reacted instantly.

Nidoran's body glowed white as she charged forward, headfirst. The two attacks collided with explosive force. Flames from Geodude's fist blew back into its face, while Nidoran's momentum hurled it backward, slamming it into the ground.

"Rock Tomb!" Brock ordered again, his voice steady despite the growing tension.

But before Geodude could summon the attack, a faint purple glow enveloped it. The poison from earlier had taken hold, sapping its strength.

"Poison Sting again!" Gary seized the opportunity.

Nidoran unleashed another barrage of stingers. Geodude staggered, its movements slowing as the poison drained its energy. Finally, the rock-type Pokémon collapsed, defeated.

The referee raised his flag. "Geodude is unable to battle!"

Gary exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "One down," he muttered, then looked across the field at Brock. "One to go."

"Don't get too comfortable. The real battle starts now," Brock said, his voice firm as he released his next Pokémon.

The ground trembled as a massive Onix emerged from its PokéBall. The rock snake towered over the arena, its segmented body glinting in the gym light. Nidoran tensed, her body shrinking under the sheer size of her opponent. Gary felt the weight of the moment, but he wasn't about to back down.

"Poison Sting!" Gary commanded, trying to keep the momentum.

"Double Team!" Brock countered.

Onix's form blurred and multiplied, creating three identical illusions circling Nidoran. She froze, her red eyes darting between the towering figures.

"Snap out of it! They're fake!" Gary shouted, his voice rising over the arena's echoes.

But Brock didn't give them time to recover. "Rock Slide!"

Rocks cascaded from above, crashing toward Nidoran like an avalanche. Gary watched helplessly as the rubble piled over her small form, swallowing her whole.

"Don't accept this! Fight back!" Gary yelled, desperation and belief threading his voice.

For a moment, nothing moved. Then, a faint glow began to seep through the cracks of the rock pile.

The light intensified, blinding everyone in the arena. When it faded, Nidoran was gone. In her place stood a newly evolved Nidorina. Her body had grown larger and stronger, her spikes sharper, and her red eyes burned with renewed determination.

"Nice evolution," Brock said, nodding in respect.

The referee raised a blue flag. "Trainer Gary is permitted to modify one move due to evolution!"

Gary quickly scanned his Pokédex. Nidorina had learned Double Kick and gained the ability Hustle, which traded accuracy for greater power.

"Return, Nidorina!" Gary decided to save her for later. "Squirtle, let's show them what we've got!"

Squirtle burst from its PokéBall, landing in a crouch. Despite the towering Onix, the small turtle showed no signs of fear.

"Hidden Power: Electric!" Brock's command rang out.

Onix unleashed a crackling wave of electricity that lit up the battlefield. Gary's heart sank as the wave engulfed Squirtle, who staggered under the onslaught. The turtle dropped to one knee, letting out a pained cry.

A faint blue aura shimmered around Squirtle—the activation of Torrent. Squirtle's water-type moves were now boosted, but Gary wasn't sure it would be enough.

Doubt crept into his mind. His palms were sweaty, his heart pounding. Was this the end?

Just as despair began to take hold, a familiar chant broke through the haze.

"Gary, Gary, he's our man! If he can't do it, no one can!"

Gary glanced toward the stands to see Amanda and the girls cheering with infectious enthusiasm. Their genuine support lit a spark in him.

He turned back to Squirtle, who, despite its injuries, looked back with defiant eyes. If Squirtle wasn't giving up, neither was he.

Gary smirked, brushing his hair back dramatically. "Because I am the Great Gary Oak."

Brock chuckled. "Good. Let's continue."

"Mud Shot!" Gary commanded.

Squirtle launched a ball of mud at Onix, aiming for its midsection.

"Double Team!" Brock called.

Onix's form split into multiple illusions again, but Gary was ready.

"Fake!" he shouted.

Squirtle trusted Gary's call. Instead of hesitating, it retracted into its shell and spun rapidly toward Onix, performing Rapid Spin.

"Hidden Power: Electric!" Brock countered.

"Water Gun!" Gary yelled.

As Squirtle spun, a high-pressure stream of water erupted from its shell. Powered by Torrent, the attack blasted through the illusions and struck Onix head-on, sending it reeling.

The gym echoed with gasps as Onix wavered. But Brock's Hidden Power struck back. Squirtle was enveloped in electricity, its small body convulsing before tumbling to the ground, unconscious.

"Squirtle, you were amazing," Gary whispered, recalling his Pokémon.

"Got anything left?"

Gary's confidence surged back. "Let's show them the power of a real rock type!"

He threw a PokéBall. "Geodude, let's go!"

Geodude landed with a solid thud, its small, rocky body looking like a pebble compared to Onix.

"Bind!" Brock ordered.

Onix coiled around Geodude, squeezing with crushing force.

"Defense Curl!" Gary countered.

Geodude curled into a tight ball, minimizing the damage from Onix's constriction.

"Now, Dynamic Punch!" Gary commanded.

Brock's eyes widened in surprise as Geodude uncurled just enough to lash out with a glowing fist. The punch landed squarely on Onix's tail, sending a shockwave through the arena. Onix roared in pain, its body trembling.

A faint green aura surrounded Onix—its Leftovers were kicking in, slowly restoring its health.

"Rollout!" Gary pressed on, not giving Brock a moment to recover.

Geodude began spinning, building momentum. Enhanced by Defense Curl, the attack was even more powerful.

"Double Team!" Brock ordered again.

Onix split into illusions, and Geodude's first Rollout passed harmlessly through a fake.

"Dynamic Punch to the right!" Gary shouted, scanning for any hint of the real Onix.

Geodude swung, but its glowing fist struck empty air.

"Rock Polish!" Brock smirked as Onix's speed increased.

Gary's mind raced. "Return, Geodude!" He swiftly recalled the Pokémon and sent out Nidorina.

"Double Kick!"

Nidorina leapt into action, her hind legs glowing with energy. She struck Onix with two powerful kicks, each blow landing with precision. The force was amplified by her Hustle ability, and this time, there was no mistaking the damage.

Onix let out one final roar before collapsing to the ground, unable to battle.

The referee raised his flag. "Onix is unable to battle! The winner is Gary Oak!"

Gary's legs buckled as relief washed over him. He sank to the ground, breathing heavily.

"You did it!" Amanda and the girls cheered, rushing down to congratulate him.

Brock walked over, a faint smile on his face. "You've got skill, Gary. And heart. You earned this." He handed Gary the Boulder Badge.

Gary stared at the badge in his hand, his chest swelling with pride. They had done it. His first victory.

And it was only the beginning.

Gary leaned back in the passenger seat of the convertible, sipping his juice as the wind whipped through his hair. I wonder how long it'll take Ashy-boy to get his first badge, he mused with a smirk. Probably needs a pity badge.

The car meandered along the scenic route toward Mt. Moon, but Gary's focus was elsewhere. His thoughts circled back to his finances. The payment to Nobunaga had significantly lightened his wallet. Still, he reassured himself it had been worth it; the samurai's reputation was solid, and Gary had asked enough questions to confirm his honesty.

The car suddenly screeched to a halt, jolting him from his thoughts.

"What's going on?" he asked, sitting up.

Ahead, two Pokémon Rangers stood blocking the road.

Amanda rolled to a stop, lowering her sunglasses as she addressed him. "Is there anything we can do for you?"

The man stepped forward with exaggerated confidence. "Hello there! The name's Slate, Pokémon Ranger extraordinaire," he said, leaning casually against the side of the car. His eyes swept over the group, lingering just a bit too long on Amanda. "What's a group of lovely ladies like you doing in a place like this?"

Amanda's polite smile stiffened. "We're traveling. Is there something you need?"

Slate ignored her tone, his grin widening as he turned his attention to the others.

Before Slate could say more, a loud cough cut through the awkwardness.

Slate flinched, turning toward the source.

"Arianna," Slate said nervously, straightening up. "I thought you were still sleeping."

"Don't worry," Arianna replied coolly. "I woke up to a nightmare—you screwing up again." Her words were clipped, her tone laced with disdain.

Gary's eyes narrowed.

Amanda cleared her throat, breaking the tension. "What can we do for you?"

Arianna stepped forward, her cold gaze scanning the group. "We've discovered that electronic signals—phones, and the like—interfere with the echolocation of Zubats in Mt. Moon. We're asking all travelers to turn off their devices before entering."

Gary frowned. The last time he'd been to Mt. Moon, there had been no such issue. Why now?

"Of course," Amanda said hesitantly, though the other girls exchanged nervous glances.

Gary's suspicion deepened. Whatever they're saying about the Zubats, it's a lie.

Slate motioned for the group to proceed. As Amanda revved the engine, Gary leaned toward the others.

"Don't turn off your phones," he said in a low voice.

One of the girls nodded. "We weren't going to. Those three are... weird."

Gary kept his gaze on his Pokédex as they drove, but his stomach dropped when the network signal abruptly cut out. The bars vanished, replaced by static. Jammers.

"Faster!" he shouted.

Amanda pressed the gas, the convertible surging forward. The wind whipped past as the group's tension rose. Suddenly, a massive rock came hurtling toward them from above, casting a dark shadow over the car.

"Squirtle, Water Gun!" Gary yelled, hurling his PokéBall.

Squirtle emerged midair, releasing a high-pressure stream of water that collided with the rock. The projectile deflected just enough to miss the car but exploded on impact, sending shards of jagged stone flying.

"Duck!" Amanda screamed, but there was no roof to shield them.

The group instinctively shielded their heads as shrapnel rained down. A chunk of rock tore through the windshield, scattering glass over the dashboard. The rearview mirror snapped off, clattering to the floor.

The car swerved violently, its back wheels skidding as Amanda fought to maintain control. For a moment, it felt as if the car might flip.

Amanda's knuckles whitened as she jerked the wheel hard, stabilizing the convertible. The engine sputtered, smoke rising from under the hood.

Gary whipped around. "Is everyone okay?"

A scream from Squirtle answered him. He turned just in time to see the turtle caught in the jaws of a Rhydon using Thunder Fang. Sparks danced along the rock Pokémon's mouth as Squirtle let out a final, agonized cry before collapsing.

Gary's stomach dropped. He quickly returned Squirtle, his hands trembling, just as Slate stepped out from behind the rocks. His smirk was cold and cruel now, his earlier charm completely gone. Arianna and a grunt followed, her expression blank and detached.

"I'm not going to play by the stupid rules of your league," Slate sneered. "Come quietly, or else."

Gary's fingers tightened around another PokéBall. "Amanda, drive!"

But Slate had already given his command.

"Rhydon, Drill Run!"

Rhydon's horn began spinning furiously as it charged, tearing through the dirt and launching a tidal wave of debris toward the convertible. The wave struck Geodude, who had just emerged, sending the rock Pokémon hurtling backward.

The convertible was caught in the blast. Rocks and dirt pelted the vehicle, denting its hood and tearing through its frame. The girls screamed as dust and dirt filled the air, and Amanda coughed, struggling to keep her hands on the wheel.

Gary shouted, "Geodude, Rock Throw!"

But Slate was faster. "Hammer Arm!"

Rhydon brought its glowing arm down with devastating force, smashing Geodude into the ground. The smaller rock Pokémon let out a low groan before falling still.

Gary felt a wave of helplessness crash over him. His Pokémon were being picked off one by one, and he couldn't protect anyone—not like this.

"Rock Blast!" Slate commanded.

Rhydon formed another massive rock and hurled it at the car. The projectile exploded on impact, sending shards of metal and stone flying.

The convertible spun out of control, the tires screeching as the car fishtailed violently. Gary's head slammed against the doorframe, stars bursting in his vision.

The last thing he saw was Amanda gripping the wheel, her face pale with fear, before everything went dark.

The silence was the worst part.

Gary sat slumped against the cold stone wall, the ropes digging into his wrists. The only sounds were the faint breaths of the other prisoners, the occasional shuffle of Team Rocket boots, and the eerie drip of water somewhere in the cave. It wasn't the kind of silence that brought peace; it was the kind that let your mind wander—to places you didn't want it to go.

They weren't allowed to talk to one another. The grunts made that clear early on. Any whispering was met with threats, and sometimes worse. Slowly, the room became more crowded as new trainers were dragged in—wide-eyed kids barely older than ten, some trembling, others crying. But amidst the fear, Gary felt a flicker of relief. Ash wasn't here.

Ashy-boy... Please don't come to Mt. Moon, Gary thought, his chest tightening. Be a loser. Get stuck at Brock forever. Just don't end up here.

Their routine was humiliating. Twice a day, a grunt would toss them stale bread or cold rice, sometimes watery soup that barely counted as sustenance. Water was rationed out sparingly—small canisters that were often lukewarm and tasted of metal. Bathroom breaks were equally dehumanizing. A grunt would lead them, still tied, to a dark corner with nothing but a bucket. The shame of it gnawed at him, making every trip feel like a loss of dignity.

But Gary wasn't going to let this break him. Hell no. He was Gary fricking Oak.

He began working on a plan the moment he noticed the rough texture of the floor. Every chance he got, he rubbed the ropes around his wrists against the jagged stone, letting friction weaken the fibers. It was slow, grueling work. He only dared to move during the guard shifts, the few moments when the grunts swapped out and were too distracted to notice him.

It took days. His wrists were raw, the rope cutting into his skin, but he didn't stop. The quiet determination to get his Pokémon back was the only thing keeping him from falling apart.

Finally, during one of the shifts, he felt the rope snap. The frayed fibers gave way, and his wrists were free. His heart pounded as he glanced around the room. The other prisoners looked at him with wide eyes, a flicker of hope sparking among the despair.

Gary moved quickly, crouching low as he went to untie the others. His fingers trembled as he worked, the adrenaline coursing through him. But before he could free more than a handful of them, the door slammed open.

"Hey!" a grunt shouted, his voice echoing off the cave walls.

Gary froze, his breath catching in his throat. The grunts stormed in, Pokéballs in hand. He had no Pokémon, no backup. There was no point in running. He raised his hands in surrender, his jaw tight as the grunts dragged him forward.

They didn't stop there.

"This is what happens when you try to be a hero," one of them snarled.

The first punch caught him in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Another struck his face, sending him to the ground. The blows kept coming—kicks, punches, the sharp crack of boots against his ribs. He lost count after the first few, the pain blurring together into a haze.

The prisoners watched, some sobbing, others turning their heads away. Gary's world shrank to the rhythm of the beating, the cold stone beneath him, and the faint metallic taste of blood in his mouth.

When they finally stopped, he was a crumpled heap on the floor. His body throbbed with pain, every breath a struggle. The grunts left him there, broken, as a warning to everyone else.

Gary closed his eyes, hoping that sleep would make the pain go away as he wished for a hero to save them.

And deep in his heart, he hoped that hero was his father, Blue Oak.

Gary's eyelids fluttered open, and immediately, he regretted it. The sterile white lights of the hospital stabbed at his senses, harsh and unrelenting. He blinked rapidly, his vision blurry, as he tried to make sense of where he was. The room was cold, the kind that seeped into his bones. The steady beep of the heart monitor matched the pounding in his head.

Tubes and IV lines snaked out of his arms, tethering him to the bed like a prisoner.

"Where... am I?" he rasped.

"In the ER of Pewter City Hospital," a voice answered, deep and familiar, calm yet heavy with emotion. "Today is the second of July, and it's nine in the morning."

"How long was I... asleep?"

"That doesn't matter. Just rest, my boy," the voice replied gently.

Gary didn't have the strength to figure out who it was yet. His mind was foggy, his thoughts a jumble of static and fragments. He closed his eyes again, hoping to steady himself, but his throat burned. "I'm... thirsty," he croaked.

A straw was pressed to his lips. He didn't question it—just drank. The cool water slid down his throat, soothing the dryness. He drank greedily until he was satisfied, then slowly turned his head toward the person who had helped him.

"Gramps?" Gary whispered, his voice filled with surprise.

Professor Oak sat beside him, his weathered face soft with concern. "Yes, my boy. How are you feeling?"

Gary didn't answer right away. He was alive. He was back in Pewter City. He wasn't stuck in that hell anymore. Relief hit him like a tidal wave, overwhelming and all-consuming. Tears stung his eyes, and before he could stop them, they spilled down his face.

A choked laugh escaped him, halfway between a sob and a gasp. He hadn't realized how terrified he'd been—how close he'd come to losing everything: his friends, his Pokémon, his life. It all crashed over him at once, shaking him to his core.

Strong arms wrapped around him, pulling him into a firm embrace. Gramps. Gary leaned into the warmth and safety of his grandfather's arms, letting the dam of emotions he'd been holding back break.

A week in that hell. It had left scars he wasn't ready to face, but here—right now—he felt the smallest bit of comfort. He hadn't thought he'd survive, hadn't thought he'd ever feel this again.

Gramps' voice was soft and steady in his ear. "You're back and safe, Gary. You're safe now."

Gary nodded against his grandfather's shoulder, the words sinking in slowly, numbing the ache in his chest. "I'm fine," he muttered, trying to convince himself more than anyone else. Slowly, he pulled away, wiping his face with trembling hands. "I'm fine," he repeated, but the words felt hollow.

Professor Oak cupped Gary's cheek, brushing away a stray tear with his thumb. "You're not fine," he said softly. "But you will be. Just don't try to fight this alone. Promise me that."

Gary swallowed hard and nodded, leaning into the touch like a child seeking reassurance. "I promise, Gramps."

"Good," his grandfather said, pulling him into another hug. "Coming this close to both sides of death is a harrowing experience. You'll need time to heal, and that's okay."

Gary clung to him, marveling at the strength still in his grandfather's old arms. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was a reminder—they were both still here, still alive.

"You've ever been... this close?"

Professor Oak's expression darkened. "Yes," he admitted. "During the first Great War in Johto. Your grandmother and I fled that dictatorship."

"Wait... the Oak family is from Johto?"

"Of course," his grandfather said. "I'll tell you all about it when you're better."

Gary nodded, but his thoughts churned. "How am I supposed to go back?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. He wasn't sure what he meant—back to training, back to normal, back to being himself.

Professor Oak sighed, his tired eyes filled with understanding. "That's a question only you can answer, Gary. But I know the answer is here." He tapped his finger gently against Gary's chest, just above his heart.

Gary stared at his hands, his thoughts a tangled storm of fear and doubt.

"You don't have to answer it now," Professor Oak said. "But you don't have to face this alone. The hospital has people you can talk to. Or you can talk to me, Daisy... anyone who cares about you. Just don't shoulder it by yourself."

Gary nodded slowly, unsure if he believed it but comforted by the offer nonetheless.

"Is Dad... here?"

Professor Oak looked away, his jaw tightening, shame flickering across his face for just a moment.

Gary's heart sank. "Gramps... can you tell me what happened to Dad? Why did he abandon us?"

The room fell silent, and for the first time since waking up, Gary didn't feel safe anymore.

Gary's chest tightened.

"The truth is more complicated, my boy," his grandfather said gravely.

"Tell me!"

Professor Oak's expression hardened as he struggled with the answer, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Do you know how your mother died?"

"Daisy said she died after giving birth to me."

The older man exhaled deeply, his eyes clouded with grief. "The truth is… your mother didn't die in childbirth. She was murdered."

The room went utterly silent. Gary felt as though the air had been sucked out of the room. His stomach lurched. "What?" The word barely escaped his lips, his throat dry and raw. His chest felt heavy, his heart pounding wildly as he tried to comprehend what he'd just heard.

"Murdered," Gary repeated, the word foreign and venomous in his mouth. His hands clenched the hospital blanket as he felt a cocktail of emotions boil up inside him—anger, fear, disbelief, and a deep, bone-chilling sadness.

"Wait," he stammered. "So… Dad's been trying to find Mom's murderer this whole time?"

Professor Oak hesitated, his jaw tightening as though steeling himself for what came next.

"Do you know who did it?"

The silence stretched unbearably long, the kind that weighed down on his chest like a boulder.

"Gramps, tell me the truth."

Professor Oak took a deep breath, his eyes locking with Gary's. And then, like a stone dropping into the stillness, he said the name: "Red."

Gary's mind went blank.

"Red," he whispered, almost as if testing the word. "As in... Ash's dad?"

"Technically, yes," Professor Oak replied, his tone neutral but heavy with meaning.

Gary's jaw dropped. "You allowed me to be friends with the son of my mother's murderer?!"

"Yes," Professor Oak replied firmly, his eyes steady and unapologetic.

Gary felt a sharp pang in his chest, like the air had been punched out of his lungs. His throat burned as he stared at the man he'd trusted his entire life. His grandfather. He wanted to yell, to scream, but his voice came out in a broken whisper.

"Why?"

"Because unlike your father, I don't believe Red killed your mother."

Gary's lips pressed into a thin line as his mind churned. He didn't know what to believe anymore. Everything he thought he knew felt shaky, fragile. Finally, he looked up, his voice raw and unsure. "What do I do now?"

Professor Oak's expression softened, his hand resting on Gary's shoulder. "First, you're going to heal and recover. There are excellent therapists here at the hospital. Your friends—the girls who traveled with you—are already attending sessions. When you're ready, you'll decide if you want to continue your journey."

"But… what about Red? What about Dad? And what about… Ash?"

Professor Oak's face grew somber. "Red has been missing for over a decade, Gary. Your father has spent most of his life trying to track him down. And what has it cost him?" He gestured emphatically. "Blue missed raising you and Daisy. He missed his duties as Pokémon League Champion—his name is just a placeholder now, the position left empty. And for what? To chase someone who might be innocent."

Gary sat silently, absorbing his grandfather's words. He could feel the weight of the disappointment Oak carried for his son, a burden the professor clearly didn't want Gary to inherit.

"And let me ask you this," Professor Oak continued. "Do you want to end up like your father? Consumed by a mission that takes everything from you, even the people you love?"

Gary didn't answer. His mind raced with more questions. Why had Red run away? If he was innocent, why hadn't he proved it? And why had Red abandoned his family… abandoned Ash?

That last thought struck him like a lightning bolt, and Gary's breath hitched. He and Ash—rivals, opposites—shared more than he had realized.

Before he could say more, the door to the room creaked open.

Daisy entered, her light brown hair tied back in a loose braid, her golden-amber eyes filled with both worry and relief. She wore a simple white cardigan over a pale yellow sundress, paired with brown sandals.

Before Gary could react, Daisy rushed forward and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Gary, thank Mew you're okay!" Her voice wavered, and he could feel her tears against his shoulder.

"I'm fine, Daisy," he said quietly, though his voice betrayed how unconvincing the words were.

"Don't you dare say you're fine after what you've been through," she said. "You scared me half to death. If anything had happened to you…" Her words trailed off as she blinked back tears.

"I'm still here, Sis. It'll take more than Team Rocket to take me out."

Daisy's lips quivered as she looked at him, then leaned down and kissed his forehead before wrapping him in another hug.

"Just be careful next time."

"Whatever you want, Sis."

There was a soft cough at the doorway. Both Oak siblings turned to see Ash standing there, holding a fruit basket awkwardly in his hands.

"Oh, yeah," Daisy said. "While I was on my way here, I ran into Ash. He was going to leave the fruit basket with the nurse."

Gary's heart twisted at the thought. He was glad Ash had come but saddened that he had planned to leave without a word.

"I didn't want to insert myself," Ash said. "Gary deserves to be with his family after… everything."

Daisy smiled warmly at him. "Come on, Ash. You're practically family."

Gary felt something stir inside him. For years, he had lived in the shadow of his father, idolizing a man who wasn't there when he needed him most. Now, as he looked at Ash and Daisy, something clicked. He didn't need to chase after people who weren't there. He needed to value the ones who were.

Gary smiled at Ash, his voice softer than usual. "Thanks for coming, Ashy-boy. It… means a lot."

"Well, I wouldn't have come if your gorgeous sister hadn't dragged me along."

Daisy laughed, completely oblivious to the undertone. "Oh, Ash, you're such a sweetheart!" she said brightly. "You always know how to make people smile."

Ash sighed.

Gary glanced at his grandfather, who raised an eyebrow. For a brief moment, the two shared a silent thought: Is Ash flirting with Daisy?