“It’s our belief that this thing may be a never before seen creature. Possibly even a Pokemon,” the Trick Master spoke. “Until I know if she is a Pokemon or some other kind of monster, I can’t quite choose how to move forward with her. That is why I need your help; as a Pokemon Trainer.”

Gary stared at the Master Ball that rested on the large wooden table in Prof. Cozmo’s home.

“I’ve been trying to track her down for only but a few days, admittedly. Me not being an actual Pokemon Trainer, I’m not qualified to stop her if she is indeed a Pokemon. If she’s not... well, I guess I’m not much better qualified either way!” He laughed a high pitched, squeaky sound.

“I’ve not seen the thing myself, but based on what’s been told to me, I’d like to believe you both encountered a Pokemon, because to say otherwise would be unheard of,” Prof. Cozmo stated. “It seems to have attacks, can fly by some means. To be anything but a Pokemon would be the start of a mass panic throughout the world! Something like this just can’t get out there. But if this thing is already attacking people...”

“It’s only a matter of time...” the Trick Master picked up.

The two men stared at each other in silence, sitting across from each other at the table with Gary.

“This is quite terrible,” Prof. Cozmo’s mother spoke up, setting down her cup of tea, sitting next to her son. She wore a white skirt with a black blouse tucked in.

Prof. Cozmo’s dad stood near her in brown pants and a tucked in, black button up shirt, a light brown jacket around it. He bent over to kiss the top of her head. “It’ll be alright, honey.”

Mrs. Cozmo smiled up at her husband, and he adjusted his glasses that matched his son’s, returning the loving gesture to his wife.

Prof. Cozmo turned abruptly to watch them, a huge smile on his own face, and he sighed happily.

“Well, I’m no Pokemon Trainer anymore,” Gary said. “I’ve said this already. I’ve no interest in getting killed trying to solve your mysteries. I won’t tell anyone about what I saw, but I’m not sticking around here, either.”

“I told you, I won’t stop you again,” the Trick Master nodded. “I just wanted you to fully understand the situation.”

“I don’t want to understand it,” Gary said moodily, and he stood up. “I don’t want to learn anything about any of this. The professor has a Pokemon. Let him find a few random kids to go on a journey for him because he’s too old. I stopped that game already. Use June. I don’t care. I’m gone.” He walked away from them all.

“I don’t think I could do that if I wanted to,” June mumbled. “I don’t think I could get within ten feet of that thing without my head exploding.”

Even Gary stopped as everyone paid attention to her.

“What do you mean by that?” the Trick Master asked her.

“I heard...” June closed her eyes tight, tilting her head back. “I...” She swallowed hard.

Gary turned to watch her.

“That... That thing spoke... And I couldn’t understand it for the life of me.”

“Understand? Understand it speaking?” Prof. Cozmo questioned.

His parents were watching him, and they both turned to each other before returning to June.

“I can understand the language of Pokemon,” June explained. “And they can understand me back.”

At this reveal, the Trick Master leaned over the table, wide eyes on June.

At the same time, Prof. Cozmo adjusted his glasses as he stared at her in shock. “Excuse me?”

As if coming out of a trance, June opened her eyes and lowered her head so she was gazing at the table. “I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve always had this power to since I was really little.”

“Can you explain this to us?” Prof. Cozmo’s eyes looked around the room at everyone, coming back to June in the end. His hand lowered from his glasses to his chin as he stared with interest at the girl. “I’d love to know more...”

Everyone was eyeing the redhead, including Gary, though this wasn’t out of interest as he was already informed on the situation, but more so curious at how June would handle this. Curious if June would open up in front of strangers.

“It’s kind of a long story, to be honest...” She looked behind her to Gary. “And a little personal...”

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Gary gasped and leaped back from the door as someone on the other end knocked on it.

“Oh! Jill and Glen! I almost forgot they were coming over.” Mrs. Cozmo got to her feet, walked over to the door, and opened it. “Jill! Glen! How great to see you! And you’ve brought along little Solrock, eh?”

“Hello! How are you?” a voice from outside spoke, Gary noticing a British accent. “Yes, it seems we bumped into Solrock on our way through the woods, gettin’ some sun in. And we came across quite the scene outside as well.”

“Hello, how’ve you been?” a male voice greeted in a mild tone, also with a British accent.

“All has been good! How are you?” Mrs. Cozmo spoke noticeably louder and clearer as she moved back and allowed them to enter. “And yes, we’re aware of the situation outside, Jill.”

A woman with short, blonde hair that came down to her shoulders, stepped inside, walking oddly.

She was accompanied by a taller, slim, balding man with glasses on top of his head and a big paper bag in each hand. The tops of bottles of alcohol were visible, and they clinked as he walked in.

Behind them, a Pokemon floated inside. It greatly resembled the shape of the sun.

“Solrock, welcome back! Get your fill?” Prof. Cozmo greeted his Pokemon.

Solrock flew to him and spoke in a sharp voice.

Prof. Cozmo nodded and returned it to its Poke Ball. “Come on back.”

“Hello Takao and Raizoh,” Jill greeted the son and father.

“Hello, Jill and Glen! Glad you could make it.” Prof. Cozmo walked to them and exchanged hugs with Jill. “Here, hand those over,” he laughed and carefully took the bags from Glen.

The father of Prof. Cozmo also came over for a hug from Jill, and then went to Glen for a strong handshake and then hug.

“And hello to you,” Jill smiled at Gary.

“Hi.” Gary managed a smile.

“Oh! And to you, too!” Jill waved at June.

“Nice to meet you both.” June stood up and gave a polite bow.

“I didn’t know you were having company over!” Jill turned to the Cozmos.

“I was just leaving, actually,” Gary spoke up gently. “Pardon me.”

“Gary! I can’t!” June’s voice came out determined but shaky. “Please. This isn’t right to do. Not after what your Pokemon did for you earlier.”

Gary was already facing the open door. He growled at what was outside.

Charmeleon, Primeape, Kingdra, Weepinbell, Hoothoot, and Baltoy stood in a line by the trees many feet away.

Gary slammed the door shut before remembering new guests had arrived. He sighed, keeping his hand on the door. “Why won’t they just go away?” he spoke softly.

“What’s going on?” Jill asked.

“Anyone seen the Pokemon outside?” Glen brought up, touching his right ear where a hearing aid sat.

“Yes! We’re trying to figure that out now!” Jill said loudly to him.

“Ah, right then.”

“He’s just a bit hard of hearing,” Jill explained to Gary and June.

“Oh,” Gary nodded. “Well, they’re my Pokemon!” Gary spoke so everyone could hear. “Excuse me, they were my Pokemon! I’ve released them! I have no clue why they’re all just standing out there now!”

“It’s because they care! It’s because they understand the situation!” June said loudly. “They’re out there because they want to support you!”

“Can you hear that?” Prof. Cozmo asked her. “Is that what the Pokemon have said?”

June nodded. “I saw it alone, but yes, when I went out there, they told me it. They know Gary is hurting over something, and from that ridiculous release, they weren’t going to leave. When I explained what happened to his sister, well, that solidified their decision to support their Trainer.”

Had the new guests not appeared, Gary was sure he’d have blown up in a rage. Instead, he inhaled noisily and leered at June. “I-”

“I don’t care what you have to say right now, Gary!” June cut him off, glaring right back. “Those guys all got the crap beat out of them to try and protect you. Thankfully that Tyrogue showed up, but-!”

“Where did that thing go, anyway? What was with that?”

June shrugged. “Luck is the best I can come up with. Either way, he left. But your Pokemon didn’t.”

“Too bad. Kind of rude if you ask me. He saved them all, basically. They all should’ve left together and been buds.”

June shook her head, looking down. “Gary...”

“I don’t know your new friends, Takao, but it does seem like we all just need to sit down and relax,” Jill said. “Personally, I need a seat.” She moved over to a chair and sat down one seat apart from June’s.

Glen sat next to her.

“How about I pour us all some white wine and let’s talk about exactly what’s going on?” Jill suggested.

Drinks, eh? Gary pondered. I’ve been kind of curious about alcohol for a few years now. But is this woman really about to let a couple of kids drink with her??

*

“So hold on,” Jill said, a disgusted look on her face. “You were just beaten and abandoned in an alleyway by your foster parents as a child?!”

June wiped at her eyes and nodded, sniffling. “Once again, I’d been abandoned by people meant to care for me!” she cried out emotionally.

Glen took another sip of his white wine, finishing it. He then looked to his wife and pointed at his wine glass, mumbling, “Could I have some more, please?”

Jill poured him another glass from one of the three opened bottles on the table, two of which were empty.

Gary’s eyes were watery as he heard June spill her soul out to everyone. He’d never known this side of her. He’d never known the horrors she had been through as a child.

She had finished her story a while ago, but everyone was so drunk, they kept asking her questions about it over and over, and June was fine answering everything.

“June, I’m so sorry.” Gary reached out and put his hand on her shoulder.

June shook her head lazily, leaning to the side, and placed two fingers on his lips, sliding them down, pulling Gary’s bottom lip down some. “Sssssssshhh... Sweetie, no.” Her hand grabbed the side of his face, causing him to close his eyes and rest against her palm. “Don’t cry, my love. You didn’t know.”

Gary grabbed her hand with both of his but didn’t remove it from his face, instead rubbing his head against it even more. “The same Electrode I killed was the Voltorb who found you in the alley. It saved your life, took you in when you were abandoned by your parents, and I took it away from you.”

June moved her hand over his mouth. “Baby, no.”

Gary kissed her hand, still holding onto it, and lowered it from his face. “No, yes. I caused it to explode in battle. I was the reason it’s died.”

June fell into Gary in a hug and sobbed against his shoulder. “It was an accideeeeent!!”

“I can’t believe you simply woke up and could just... speak to Pokemon!” Prof. Cozmo laughed. “What madness!”

“And it was the only Pokemon who remained your friend after you were taken in by the citizens of Gringey City.” Gary was rubbing June’s back. While he was sincerely saddened to know the history of June, he couldn’t help but also feel quite happy to be holding such a gorgeous girl like her in his arms right now, comforting her. This must be how a true man feels, Gary thought, struggling not to smile. Holding onto a woman’s frame like this. Actually touching her body. Even outside of clothes, you can almost see her shape just by holding her. I could just about kiss her, couldn’t I?

“Yes, that’d be the third time you were abandoned!” the Trick Master slammed his fist to the table, enraged. “By those wretched parents of yours, by those monstrous adoption parents, and then by the Pokemon who took you in from the streets! All because you had found yourself a new home, with good people?? You’ve gone through trials and tribulations, girl!!”

Glen nodded, staring at his now empty glass. “Is there any more of this?” he spoke lowly, looking at the bottles.

“But at least it all turned out well,” Jill smiled, pouring her husband, and then herself, some more.

June grabbed her glass and tossed back the remaining wine. She sighed and laid her head against the table.

“Would you two like anymore?” Jill asked June and Gary.

“Yeeeees!” June gasped, sitting right back up.

Gary was absolutely done with drinking. “Yes, please!” Gary nodded. If June’s doing it, I can, he convinced himself. But, gosh, if I’m honest, I’m half dead!

Jill filled their wine glasses halfway and turned to the parents of Prof. Cozmo. “You two really stopped drinking? I can’t believe this! All the nights out we had!”

They both sat a few chairs distant from everyone else. Addressed, the parents laughed, turning to one another.

“I guess... You know... Ha!” Mrs. Cozmo shrugged, holding a cup of tea between her hands.

“Yeah! Ha! Life?” Mr. Cozmo shrugged as well.

“Maybe that’s why you both look so young,” Jill said thoughtfully, pointing strongly at them and leaning forward. “If I stop drinking, will I just suddenly stop aging like you two have? Geez, you both look younger than your own boy here! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!”

Everyone laughed at this.

It was true. The parents of Prof. Cozmo could have passed for the same age as the professor himself.

“Your voices sound a little funny, though. Have you both been sick lately?”

“Very,” Mr. Cozmo nodded sternly.

“Is it audible?” Mrs. Cozmo covered her mouth with her cup.

“So you were allowed to go on a journey by your new parents and the support of the rest of the city who raised you, with your Voltorb, and that’s when you ended up in Vermillion again, where you were actually born, and ran into Lt. Surge,” Prof. Cozmo continued, his interest solely in June. “And he trained you to become a Gym Leader.”

June nodded as she drank even more. “That hunk of a hunk of a man, ha ha ha ha haaaa!!”

Everyone else, except Gary, laughed at this. Everyone else, except June, also shot Gary a smirked look.

He ignored all of them and took a long sip.

“He taught me all kinds of shit. How to fight, personally, how to raise my Pokemon better. He made me into so much that I wasn’t beforehand, and am today. But he’s a good man.” June waved her arm widely, hitting Gary’s shoulder. “A good man. He broke my heart like no one ever could, or will again. And I understood. It was fine.” She wiped at her nose. “I was a stupid child going after a far older man. He just saw great things in me and wanted me to be strong in a cold war of a world. I was just struck by his good looks and kindness. Pffft. Idiot, June!” She laughed some more. Her eyes on Gary, she gave him a wink.

Gary’s eyes widened and he looked away, not sure what that was supposed to be. Maybe she wants that kiss, after all? he considered.

“And you didn’t let all that pain and struggle turn you bad,” the Trick Master commended. “You are still a kind person who loves Pokemon. It’s as if, the evil you had to suffer was harbored within you, but due to your inner strength, it was reshaped into such a powerful good that was open to being nurtured by anyone or anything, that it manifested itself into a form of communication to the first ones who would show you love. Pokemon.”

“Wow...” Gary nodded. “That’s pretty deep.”

Everyone nodded and mumbled.

“It’s just such a shame Electivire doesn’t understand,” Jill shook her head.

June had another sip and her chin fell to her chest with a sigh.

“I know you were harsh to him for losing so many battles, and it was threatening you staying a Gym Leader, and you didn’t want to disappoint Lt. Surge so you thought you had to evolve him to make him stronger and start winning, but...” Jill stared at June sympathetically.

“I know, I know. I got what I deserved. I wanted a powerful Pokemon, and now he just goes rampant and wins.”

“It was funny when you said he chased that one Trainer out of the Gym after beating his Pokemon up!” the Trick Master laughed heavily.

No one else joined in.

The Trick Master didn’t seem to notice and kept laughing, the tone and volume of his voice going all over the place.

“He’s just mad at me because I can speak to Pokemon,” June added. “Because he knew I could understand him back then. He knows I knew his heart. He knows I knew he didn’t want to evolve. He was always so friendly. Ever since I met him as an Elekid. He was the kindest Pokemon.”

“That was amazing; when you met him,” Gary recalled the story he’d heard. “You didn’t even have to battle him. You two were just friends from the moment you met in the wild and shared fruit together.”

“And I betrayed that trust,” June pointed matter-of-factly. “When he evolved, I betrayed his trust by making him evolve even further. By being selfish. I don’t deserve his forgiveness.”

“Don’t be so harsh on yourself,” Jill spoke comfortingly. “You both will get over it. These things do happen. All the time!”

June sniffled and wiped at her tears.

“Worse happens in this world,” Prof. Cozmo noted, hard eyes on the table.

“So.” Gary paused, his eyes to the floor. “In Lavender Town. A burial plot for Electrode... That’s where you had gone off to.”

“Yeah.” June nodded. “I had to go there by myself. I had to say goodbye.”

Gary pressed his thumb and index fingers to his eyes, tears sliding from his eyelids. “I screwed up big time, June.”

“Gary, this isn’t helping the situation in any way.”

When she didn’t speak again, Gary lowered his hand to see June’s eyes digging into his, sharply yet sadly, delicately but insistently.

“It died...” she whispered. “The only thing we can do now is remember it. And move on with that memory. But not let it hold us back. Okay? Can you do that?”

Gary nodded quickly. “Of course.”

A little melody began playing, and Glen pulled out a cell phone. He hit a button to silence it and stopped the vibrating, and then he lowered the glasses on his forehead. He pressed the screen of his Pineapple brand phone several times, the well known design on the back of his black case of a diced, shiny, golden pineapple. “Ha, look at this then.” He held up the phone to show a picture of a young girl with light brown hair, and a baby with short, messy red hair playing with some kind of dog.

“Aaaah, I see the kids are doing just fine at home?” Prof. Cozmo smiled, pushing up his glasses on his nose, leaning closer with his head in his hand, his elbow on the table. “Look at little Zygarde. What did you nickname it again?”

“What’s that?” Glen asked.

“He asked what’s Zygarde’s name!” Jill informed him. “It’s Petra,” she told everyone.

“Oh, Petra,” Glen repeated to everybody.

Jill smirked and let out a snicker.

“Right! Petra!” Prof. Cozmo nodded. “Are they with Granny this time?”

Jill nodded.

“Some alone time, then, eh?” The Trick Master shivered with restrained, creepy, low laughter.

Jill laughed lightly.

“So how are Neb and Shelly doing these days?” Prof. Cozmo brought up. “They look so happy there.”

Glen put the phone away.

“Oh, they’re just fine,” Jill answered. “Shelly is doing well in Year One right now.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Zygarde. The Order Pokemon. This Legendary Pokemon is the form of Zygarde at only 10% of its maximum power. Unable to keep this form, the pieces collected to form it fall apart over time.

“Legendary Pokemon?” Gary looked up from his Pokedex, stunned. “You own a Legend??”

“Oh, it’s quite the story.” Jill poured herself some more wine though her glass wasn’t empty. She leaned the bottle towards the kids. “Anymore?”

June and Gary exchanged glances and then looked back to Jill. “Sure!!” they both smiled.

*

Gary was awake, but he wished he weren’t. All he could see was darkness. He had no idea where he was, but he was laying on something comfortable and didn’t want to get off. At the same time, he felt like absolute shit. His throat was dry as Hell, his stomach was growling and aching, and his head was warning him that if he moved, he would never stand again. The young boy groaned weakly, hoping somebody was nearby to explain what was happening.

There was only silence there to greet him.

Fuck did I do? Gary wondered. Why do I feel this way? What’s going on? He finally managed to force his eyes open, though his mind was totally against it. It was hard to see anything, but he was in a room. Before he could examine his surroundings any further, a loud noise erupted, causing Gary to sit up quickly. “Aaaaahhh...” Gary hissed, grabbing his head and shutting his eyes as his body cringed. “My head!”

“There’s no time for that, Gary. You have to get up!” June ran across the room and grabbed Gary’s arm, pulling him out of bed.

“HEY!” Gary stumbled on his feet and hit the floor on his knees. “Get off of me!! I can’t!” He yanked his arm back and curled up on the floor. “I can’t moooove...” he groaned.

“Gary, that Tyrogue is back, and he’s picking a fight with all of your Pokemon!” June insisted.

Gary squinted at her. He felt ready to vomit. “Huh...? Tyrogue...?”

“Yes! You have to do something! Stop him!”

Gary managed up into a sitting position. “What’s that got to do with me? If you’re so concerned, you go out and stop him. I don’t have any Pokemon to fight that thing off with. I don’t involve myself in that stuff anymore. Ugh...” Gary just wanted to go back to bed. Talking was hurting him so much. “I’m going back to bed.”

“No you’re not!” June stomped her foot.

Surprised by this, Gary looked back at her weakly.

June wore a serious face, her hands on her hips. “Get a glass of water, sober up, and help your Pokemon!”

“I don’t-!” Gary lowered his head, ready to puke, which he resisted with all his might. He hated the feeling and taste so bad, it was damn near a phobia of his. He swallowed and crawled to his bed. “I’m not a Pokemon Trainer. I’m not dealing with any of that stuff. Leave me alone.”

“NO!” June ran to his mattress and kicked the side of it, startling Gary.

Woozy and dizzy, he turned to June, ready to do whatever it took to get her out of the room. Within his capabilities in his current state, at least. “June, I’m not playing anymore!” he whined. “I can’t fight with you right now! I don’t feel well and I don’t know why! Are we still at the Cozmo’s place?”

“Yeah, and everyone is outside watching this battle go on. They’ve agreed to a one-on-one battle, and so far, Tyrogue’s taken down your Hoothoot and Baltoy and is currently taking on Primeape.”

“Ha,” Gary smirked through his pain. “If they’re having that much trouble with one Baby Pokemon, then maybe they’ll get a lesson to the head and get the message to just get out already and go find other Trainers or live their own lives.”

“Maybe you should go out and lead them!”

“I’m not their leader.”

“Gary, you know, a lot happened last night. And I don’t remember it all, but I do know I wanted to share the information on what happened between me and my Pokemon with you. With you! I wanted it to be just you! But the drinks, and the company, well, I guess I got a little too loose and talkative. Shit, I’ll never drink again, but it did feel good to get all of that off my chest. Point is, Gary, we both were in the same damn boat. I finally let it all out and gained the strength to return to my Pokemon and guide them properly. No more hiding my Pokemon from you. You, me, and our Pokemon can travel together the way we’re supposed to. It’s up to you, Gary. Do you truly want to leave this behind? I thought you were out to find your sister. Is this where it just ends? Everything means nothing to you now?”

The two just stared at each other, but no one could find any more words for the other.

June looked on the verge of tears, and she threw something at Gary. “I don’t believe you, Gary! I know you. You’re better than this! You can’t just leave your Pokemon like this. You won’t!” She ran out the room as tears started to drip.

Gary looked down at the Master Ball that had been thrown at him, now sitting on the bed.

A low noise outside grabbed Gary’s attention. It sounded like a shout, but from a far distance.

He turned to the only window in the room. Sucking his teeth, he climbed out of bed, holding his throbbing head, and dragged his feet to the window. Although he could hear shouts and cries, his view didn’t reveal the sources. But he knew in his heart what they were. The Pokemon, he thought. The Pokemon... who don’t belong to me! Gary turned away and got back into bed. You’re wrong, June. The journey is over. I found my sister. There’s nothing more to do. What else do you expect me to do? He looked at the Master Ball in his hand. What? I’m supposed to track down this wild, evil creature that might be a Pokemon and get killed? How would I even begin to locate it? Idiot doesn’t think these things through! She just thinks it’s all fun and games! It’s like... It’s like how Team Solace is saying that the Pokemon journey is dangerous.

“Pokemon are a hazard to the world,” the man from Team Solace had said, looking firmly at everyone in the Pokemon Center. “They are dangerous. Little children all over are controlling dangerous Dragon and Fire type Pokemon, amongst a variety of numerous other threatening monsters. Do you know how many Pokemon Trainers die a year on these dangerous journeys? And how many of them are just children?!” The man screamed the last sentence.

Gary shut his eyes tightly. This had nothing to do with his headache. No, he thought. I’m not siding with Team Solace. I’m just saying that life! Life is dangerous! It’s not about just Pokemon. It’s about life itself!

Melissa screamed at the top of her lungs as her body was lit by the blue lightning from the monster zapping her with its hair, and Melissa’s body jumped.

Gary grit his teeth and curled up on the mattress. It’s over. What more can I do for her now?

“It died...” June had whispered the previous night. “The only thing we can do now is remember it. And move on with that memory. But not let it hold us back. Okay? Can you do that?”

Gary’s eyes opened. Melissa, he thought in his head. He sat up and, against the will of his completely drained body, got to his feet. He managed to take a step forward. I need to sleep, Gary told himself. This isn’t my problem. I need to go home. Gary continued, making his way through the door, ending up in the living room where he could barely recall the events of last night involving himself and June drinking with Prof. Cozmo, his parents, the Trick Master, and Jill and Glen. I don’t even feel well enough to stand. This is gonna be the death of me. I can’t do anything for them. I’m not their Trainer! He reached the front door which was already open and stepped outside, seeing the Cozmo family, the Trick Master, and June watching something occuring.

Charmeleon and Tyrogue, both looking tired out, were having a standoff, neither moving, leering at each other.

Tyrogue was looking a lot more bulky than the first time Gary had seen him. He had defined muscles everywhere.

Off to the side, Baltoy, Hoothoot and Primeape were sat up leaning wearily against a tree trunk together, watching the fight.

He even took out my Primeape! Gary couldn’t believe his eyes.

Weepinbell and Kingdra stood next to each other, near the defeated Pokemon, watching the match determinedly.

“MEEELEON!!” Charmeleon let loose with Flamethrower.

“Tyrooooooogue!!” Tyrogue was dropped.

That’s that, Gary was sure.

Grunting, Tyrogue hopped back to his feet and bounced around.

“Wow!” Gary exclaimed.

Charmeleon and Tyrogue both turned, and this was followed by the others, Pokemon and human alike, looking to Gary.

Gary looked at everyone, but when finished, returned to Charmeleon.

“Meleon,” Charmeleon nodded at him.

Gary only stared back.

“MEL!” Charmeleon was slugged in the face by a punch from Tyrogue. He got back up and raised a glowing fist, swinging for Tyrogue with Rock Smash.

Tyrogue crossed his arms in front of him and stood still, his body covered in a light red color.

Charmeleon connected with Tyrogue and was tossed back easily. “Mel! Char...” Charmeleon was knocked out cold!

“Counter again,” June said. “Charmeleon is out. That Tyrogue is something else. They’re supposed to have incredible stamina, going above and beyond, but he’s really going! He’s taken out four Pokemon and is still raring for more!”

Gary was getting dizzy and sat down on the grass, wishing his suffering would end.

Tyrogue walked over to Charmeleon, putting the Flame Pokemon’s arm over his shoulders and dragging him to where the other three Pokemon were. He set Charmeleon down by them as they watched and then he ran to a tree to pick up something yellow off the ground. Tyrogue ate the Berry as he walked over to a certain spot. Upon finishing the fruit, he adjusted his yellow scarf and then turned to Weepinbell and Kingdra and extended a hand, signaling for the next fight. “Tyrogue!”

“BELL!” Weepinbell took up the offer.

“He’s been eating Sitrus Berries to recover his HP, but it still doesn’t explain his power,” June mentioned. “He’s really well trained. I’m wondering if he’s wild or not.”

“He left and came back,” Gary remembered, breathing hard as if trying to catch his breath, but really trying to keep his mind and body steady. “You think he’s owned? Where’s the Trainer?”

Weepinbell used Vine Whip.

Tyrogue used Counter again, sending the vine right back at Weepinbell and knocking him over.

Weepinbell got back up and sprayed a blue Powder into the air, using Sleep Powder.

Tyrogue stayed still as the powder settled around him, but he didn’t drop to sleep.

“Bell?” Weepinbell stared at Tyrogue. “Bell? Bell!”

“Whoa, what now?” Gary asked.

“Look out!” June pointed.

“TYROGUE!” Tyrogue appeared from behind Weepinbell just as the other Tyrogue in front of Weepinbell vanished in a puff of smoke! He slammed into Weepinbell’s back with High Jump Kick.

Weepinbell flew forward, slamming into a tree.

“He used Substitute!” June blurted out.

“He’s smart,” Gary mumbled. “He has to have a Trainer. But where?” Gary looked around as if expecting to find someone out there, which he didn’t.

“Bell!” Weepinbell was up and wrapped Tyrogue up with his vine. He lifted him high in the air and used Slam back down.

Tyrogue screamed out, unable to break free.

“He’s got him now,” June said. “At least, I think.”

“Tyrogue has a chance. He’s used Bulk Up quite a few times when facing Baltoy,” the Trick Master threw in.

“Yeah, and that’s where the mistake was made. Early on,” June agreed. “Baltoy didn’t know any better.” She turned to Gary.

Gary ignored her, knowing what she was trying to say.

Holding him high again, Weepinbell tightened his grip on Tyrogue.

Tyrogue grunted and wailed out helplessly.

Weepinbell always was good, Gary thought. All on his own. He’s got this.

Tyrogue began to growl, baring his teeth and struggling hard to escape. His eyes closed tight as he used all of his might to try and get out.

“He’s only hurting himself by doing that. The more energy he has, the more damage Wring Out does,” Gary knew.

Tyrogue’s body was suddenly outlined in red. “TYROOOOOOOOGUE!!” Tyrogue, still wrapped up, started to roll! By continually rolling, the Pokemon used the vine already around him to pull himself closer to Weepinbell, further wrapping himself up until his body was completely covered! He then threw his body forward, past Weepinbell, which took Weepinbell off the ground! Tyrogue was dragging Weepinbell through the air with him! When his body landed, the vine released him and he was free, but he didn’t waste any time. As if knowing this would occur, Tyrogue, his body still outlined in red, grabbed the vine before Weepinbell could pull it back and yanked it, tugging Weepinbell over his back and slamming the Grass Pokemon down!

“Another Strength attack! And well done, at that!” Prof. Cozmo said, impressed.

Weepinbell kept up the fight, shaking off the damage and using Sweet Scent, creating a sweet aroma.

Gary and his group were far away, but even they caught a whiff of it and smiled pleasantly.

“How relaxing,” Prof. Cozmo took a few steps closer.

His mother uttered a soft cry, captivated by the scent, and then shook her head, looking at those around her, shaking loose the hold the smell had on her.

Mr. Cozmo was smiling stupidly, his mouth hanging open as he gurgled in a light voice.

“Honey, snap out of it!” Mrs. Cozmo shook her husband gently.

He blinked repeatedly and looked at his wife.

“You got caught up in the Sweet Scent,” she smiled at him.

“Oh, sweetheart.” He kissed his wife on the lips.

Prof. Cozmo suddenly seemed to be taken out of his trance and looked to his parents. He beamed in adoration at them and gripped his cane, his other hand rising over his heart.

The Trick Master took several steps closer to the Pokemon. “Do you smell that? Absolutely captivating! Alluring!”

“Mmmmmm! I wish I smelled like that all the time.” June dizzily stumbled a few feet forward.

Gary felt in his own daze, swaying on the spot, enticed and intrigued, wanting more of it but feeling too sick to move any.

Even Charmeleon, Primeape, Baltoy and Hoothoot were standing up, influenced by Sweet Scent.

Tyrogue was sitting down now, staring lovingly at the sky as he was taken over by the Sweet Scent. “Tyyyyy...”

“Beeeeeeell... BELL!” The end of Weepinbell’s vine was glowing purple and he swung it right at Tyrogue, smacking him out of his dream world and sending him flying.

Tyrogue slid on the ground but pushed himself back up, sneering at Weepinbell. He shook his struck head.

Weepinbell then swiped his leaves outward, sending multiple leaves flying out for Razor Leaf.

Tyrogue raised his arms and took the hits, then charged at Weepinbell.

“BELL!” Weepinbell gasped.

Tyrogue vanished, reappearing mere inches from Weepinbell with a glowing fist, and socked him in his middle.

Weepinbell was knocked down. “Bell!” Weepinbell groaned from the ground.

Come on, not you, too! Gary nearly let out, raising his fists.

June looked back at him.

He noticed this and stared at her before turning to his hands and lowering them swiftly, returning his eyes to the match.

“Bell!” Weepinbell got back up, heaving. “BELL!”

Tyrogue’s eyes glowed yellow and he stayed still.

Weepinbell quickly used Acid, spitting out a purple liquid.

Tyrogue’s eyes stopped glowing and he multiplied into several Tyrogue!

The Acid got rid of one of the clones of Tyrogue.

“He went from Foresight to Double Team!” Prof. Cozmo uttered out.

“Foresight?” June turned to him.

“It’s not usually used that way, but Foresight allows the user to track an opponent’s actions to be able to ensure the user’s next move hits, and makes Ghost types take damage from Normal and Fighting moves. In this case, it was used to predict Weepinbell’s actions to dodge them!”

June’s mouth hung open. “Where did he learn that from?”

That’s just incredible, Gary kept to himself. He then remembered seeing Gastly take a High Jump Kick from Tyrogue yesterday. That’s what happened, he thought.

The Tyrogue all smirked and at the same time, leaped into the air with their knees out and slammed into Weepinbell from surrounding directions with High Jump Kick.

“Beeeeeeeeeeeeelllllll!!”

The clones around Weepinbell vanished as the real one remained with his knee in the opponent’s middle.

Weepinbell collapsed at once.

Tyrogue landed and closed his eyes, letting out his breath.

Everyone uttered out collectively, not believing what had just happened.

“That’s...” Prof. Cozmo stopped.

“Now that’s a trick I wouldn’t mind getting to the bottom of,” the Trick Master murmured.

“Scary.” Mrs. Cozmo shook her head.

“Scary.” Mr. Cozmo nodded his head.

“But, why?” June questioned. “What is he after?”

Gary couldn’t even find a word to speak, let alone a thought.

Tyrogue bent down and lifted Weepinbell, carrying him carefully over to the others.

The four Pokemon watched him silently.

Tyrogue went to get another Sitrus Berry and then took his place, snacking away, facing Kingdra. When finished, he grinned, flashing his teeth, and adjusted his scarf. “Tyrogue!” he nodded.

“Doo!” Kingdra shook her head and bounced away from Tyrogue, towards Gary!

“Huh? Hey!” Gary was too worn out to stand. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Doo! Doo! Doo!” Kingdra bounced.

“Ugh...” Gary groaned, getting to his feet and backing up a few steps, but he came down easily, still too hungover to stay on his own two feet.

“Dooooo!” Kingdra lunged at Gary, landing on top of him.

“KINGDRA!” Gary shouted, furious. “GET OFF OF MEEEEE!!”

“Doo! Doooo! Doooooo!” Kingdra cried. “Doo, Doo, Doo, Dooooooo! Doo! Doo!”

Gary interrupted Kingdra’s constant pleading and shoved her off of him. “You stupid fish, what is the matter with you?? I don’t own you anymore! I’m not your damn Trainer!! We have no connection anymore! You’re on your own! Go face Tyrogue! Be a man! Or whatever the hell. Just get out of my face!”

Kingdra looked at Gary with tear-filled eyes.

Gary stared back coldly. “Get out of here!!” He struggled back to his feet and turned his back on Kingdra, heading back inside. Done with all of this and just seeking a recovery from his pain that he knew would be found in that bed.

“But you promised...” June’s voice was heard. “That’s what she said. You promised, Gary. You promised to never leave her, didn’t you...?”

Gary froze, his heart beating harder. He took in a deep breath.

“You promised her you’d always be there for her. That all of you guys, you, and the other Pokemon, would never leave her. Isn’t that right, Gary? Right?”

“Everybody, this is the newest member joining us, Kingdra,” Gary had announced before Charmeleon, Primeape, Hoothoot, Dugtrio, and Butterfree. “Beedrill will no longer be with us.”

Everyone but Kingdra gasped.

Loosing tears, Butterfree floated in place, slowly flapping her wings.

Gary’s eyes narrowed, blinking out tears. “Kingdra will probably be my permanent Pokemon. And Beedrill will probably never come back,” he said firmly and loudly. He turned to Kingdra. “Your Trainer wasn’t ready to become a Trainer. She didn’t know what to expect. Things got rough and she fled. But damn it Kingdra, she loved you! She loved you, okay? She wanted you to be safe, and she felt you’d be safer in the situation that occurred if you were with me.”

Gary turned to June, who had a persistent look on her face, squinting at him.

“I won’t desert you. I promise. I’ll do everything in my power to earn your trust. I’ll never leave you.”

It wasn’t long before Gary’s other Pokemon drew closer to them.

Charmeleon hugging him and Kingdra from one side.

Primeape doing the same from the other side.

Hoothoot hopping over and resting against Kingdra and Gary.

Dugtrio digging through the ground and resting on his Trainer.

Butterfree landing on Gary’s shoulder and placing her large wings around them all.

“We’ll never leave you, Kingdra.”

Gary turned to a shivering, quietly sobbing Kingdra looking back at him.

“If you want to quit being a Pokemon Trainer, Gary, that’s your decision. But you can’t do it without making things right with those you took along with you,” June spoke gently. “That’s what my problem was. I abandoned my dreams after creating one that involved all of my Pokemon, too. Now, I feel like I can truly make amends with them all. Gary, don’t make the same mistake as me. For the sake of those who have come this far with you, do it the right way, at least, if you must.”

Gary couldn’t remain on his feet any longer. I need to go to bed and rest, he thought to himself. I need to sit. I need... He suddenly sunk down to his knees and extended his arms.

“Doooooo?” Kingdra looked into Gary’s eyes, which were now quivering from tears forming in them. Normally nearly Gary’s height, she was now a little taller than him.

“Kingdra, I’m so sorry,” Gary whispered. He really was feeling a lot better kneeling down, but he chose to do it to embrace his Pokemon.

“Doo? Doo!” Kingdra bounced up to Gary, stopping short.

Gary reached out a hand and touched a teary cheek of Kingdra’s.

She brushed her scaly skin against his hand.

“I can’t be your Trainer, Kingdra.”

The three Cozmos and the Trick Master gasped, June keeping silent.

More tears slid down Kingdra’s face.

“But I can be your friend. But... that’s all I can offer you anymore, Kingdra.”

Her tears were dropping out rapidly the more Gary spoke.

“I love you dearly, but this isn’t within me anymore. I can’t continue like this.” He got to his feet. “And right now, I really need to rest or I feel like I might die.” He looked to the other five beaten up Pokemon.

They all were watching Kingdra and Gary.

Gary closed his eyes and turned his back on them all.

“ROOOOOOGUE!”

Gary whipped around and saw the Fighting type flying through the air, towards Kingdra, ready to land a High Jump Kick!

Kingdra turned around and gasped. “Doo!”

The Cozmos, the Trick Master, June, Charmeleon, Primeape, Weepinbell, Baltoy, and Hoothoot all gasped.

“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!” Gary flew backwards, forced off his feet, and slammed hard into the wall of the wooden shack. He dropped and hunched over, quickly curling up and shuddering in pain. At this, he was sure puking was inevitable, but his fear of it made him swallow instinctively and fight it off.

“GARY!!” June ran over to him, placing a hand on his back. “Are you insane?! Why would you jump in front of a High Jump Kick like that?!!”

Gary could barely breathe, his chest feeling crushed. He coughed hard, groaning. His head rose and he turned his blurry eyes on June, seeing multiples of her unclearly. Choking out, he crawled forward a little bit and looked around. He could just make out Kingdra looking at him, but he couldn’t make out any details about her body or face from his blurred vision. His eyes closed and he shook his head, really only managing to move it to one side before giving up.

“Gary, can you hear us?” was the voice of Prof. Cozmo.

“You need medical attention,” the Trick Master chimed in. “Come inside. We’ll get you to a nearby hospital.”

Gary felt his arms being lifted. “No,” he choked out. He pushed away and laid on the grass facedown. Taking a deep breath, he pressed his palms into the ground and got himself up a little. Through his eyes, he could make out Tyrogue.

The Pokemon was staring at Gary with interest.

Gary exhaled and then took an even deeper breath in, getting himself to stand. He swallowed. Don’t puke, Gary. You can do this! Slowly, he walked forward, away from Prof. Cozmo, the Trick Master, and June.

Tyrogue stayed still, his eyes tightening on Gary.

Gary continued forward, walking past Prof. Cozmo’s parents.

Mr. Cozmo held his frightened wife in his arms, staring at Gary with worry.

Tyrogue remained, tightening his fists.

Gary got closer, walking by Kingdra.

Kingdra kept his eyes on him. “Doo...”

Charmeleon, Primeape, Baltoy, Hoothoot, and Weepinbell watched in silence, all but Baltoy holding stunned faces.

Tyrogue took a step forward.

At this action, Gary made a sharp movement and swung his leg out at Tyrogue, connecting with the side of the Pokemon’s face!!

Everyone in the vicinity wailed out in horror!!

Tyrogue was stunned by this action and fell.

“YOU LITTLE BASTARD!!” Gary lunged for Tyrogue’s throat and attempted pummeling him, holding his head down and swinging punches at his face!

“Ty! Ty! Rogue!” Tyrogue looked up, taken aback by this action, taking the blows in disbelief. He then reached up a hand and caught the next swing, stopping it.

Gary released his head and swung at his body with his free hand.

“ROUGE!”

“WAAAAAAAHH!” Gary flew through the air as Tyrogue tossed him with ease behind him. “BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!” And with that, Gary finally vomited sour, light, chunky, moist, hot remains of last night all over the grass. “Uuuuuuuuugh...” Gary moaned. He swayed on his knees, looking down at the disgusting, smelly mess he made.

Something landed on Gary’s back and rubbed it.

It was kind of comforting to him, and he turned, expecting to see June. “Whoa!” Gary moved away and stood up. I feel a lot better after puking, Gary realized, not feeling ill standing up.

Tyrogue nodded at Gary. “Tyrogue! Tyrogue!”

“No way...” June said.

Gary turned to her. “What? What’s he want? What’s going on?”

“He really doesn’t have a Trainer, Gary!” June revealed.

“That’s what he told you?” Gary couldn’t believe it.

“He said he wants to train with you. He must not be owned.”

Gary shook his head, turning back to Tyrogue. “I’m sorry, but I’m not a Pokemon Trainer. I can’t train you.”

“No, like, he wants to train with you! Like, a sparring partner! I mean, I think...”

“You think?” Gary glared at her.

“That is what he said, but, I’m a little confused by that request, is what I mean.”

“Well, I’m no Pokemon. That kick alone nearly killed me, and then he just tossed me off of him when I was fighting him with all I had! How am I supposed to survive that?!”

Tyrogue was listening, looking up at Gary. He turned to the five Pokemon he had beaten. “Tyrogue! Tyrogue! Tyrogue!” He pointed at them.

Gary looked to the Pokemon he once owned.

Charmeleon stretched out his arms and cracked his neck, grabbing his head in his claws and twisting it. “MEEEEEEEL!” He blasted flames into the air.

“Bell! Bell! Bell!” Weepinbell bounced in place a few times.

Hoothoot twisted his head around until it was backwards, and then returned it in place. He fluttered his wings. “Hoooot!”

“PRIIIIIME! PRIMEAPE! APEAPEAPE!!” Primeape leaped into the air, punching a flurry of punches.

“Baltoy?” Baltoy twirled lightly.

At once, the group all charged forward.

“Rogue?” Tyrogue took a step back, staring uncomfortably at them.

“Hey!” Gary took a couple of steps back himself.

The gang surrounded Gary and Tyrogue, looking up at the person.

“They’re all wanting to train, Gary.”

Gary turned to June.

She was smiling at him. “If you’re willing to do so with them.”

“Doo! Doo!” Kingdra bounced forward, joining the collective.

“They’ve adopted your dream. The way you took them in to fulfill your goals, they now are attempting to do to you!”

Gary looked down again at the Pokemon. He sighed. “You’re all lucky I’m still hungover. I don’t have the energy to fight against you guys any further.” He smirked.

All of the Pokemon looked hopefully at Gary.

He reached into his pockets and pulled out several of the same items. He pressed a white button in the middle of them all, enlarging them, and set one down in front of Hoothoot, Baltoy, Weepinbell, Kingdra, Primeape, and Charmeleon. “If you guys can forgive me for my stubbornness, I’d be honored to continue this journey with you guys.” He turned to Kingdra. “And keep my promise to never abandon my friends again.”

The six Pokemon cheered, and one by one, they hit the button of the Poke Ball, being sucked inside. Their Poke Balls shimmied on the ground, the middle button blinking red repeatedly.

PING!

PING!

PING!

PING!

PING!

PING!

Smiling, Gary grabbed his six Poke Balls up and shrunk them by pressing the now white middle buttons and clipped them to his belt.

Tyrogue remained, looking up at Gary.

Gary’s smile vanished.

The two stared each other in the eyes with intimidating looks.

“Tyrogue, I owe you one.” Gary knelt down and held out his hand, which contained a Poke Ball. “You saved me. Allow me to pay you back by giving you what you want. A Trainer. We’ll train as hard as we possibly can and compete in the Pokemon League, and take the whole thing. How’s that sound to you?” He pressed the button and the Poke Ball grew.

Tyrogue grinned, flashing his teeth, and he hit the button on the Poke Ball.

A red beam shot out and hit Tyrogue, turning him into red energy and pulling him inside.

Gary gripped the Poke Ball as it trembled in his hand repeatedly.

It shook.

And shook.

And PING!