“Gary, don't leave me behind!” June called, running to keep up.

“Then hurry!” Gary called back eagerly, running as fast as he could away from the winding trail leading up to a famous mansion. Excitement pumped in his blood as he sped further, smiling as he ran the familiar place he couldn’t be lost in if he were blind, despite being gone for nearly a whole year. Breathing hard, trembling everywhere, thrilled, he turned a corner.

June caught up to him a moment later, gasping for air. “This is your house?”

“Rai Rai... Chu...” Raichu breathed tiredly as he stumbled forward, nearly falling, wiped out from the exercise.

“Yeah,” he nodded. “This is where I grew up my entire life. My mom should be inside.” He turned to her. “She's never met you before. I've never so much as even mentioned you to her.”

June stood up straight and eyed him nervously. “Will she dislike me?”

“No. Why would she?”

“I dunno.” June shrugged and lowered her eyes. “I'm a girl. She may not like the idea of you traveling with a girl. She may not approve of me.”

“You're just my friend, June. It's not like I'm introducing my girlfriend to my mom.”

“I know...” June’s head went down.

“Then don't act like that,” he said impatiently. “This should be fine. I hope.”

“You hope?” June gazed back up.

“Yeah. My mom is okay, I guess. She is. I'm sure she'll like you.”

“You and your mom don't get along very well. I know.”

Sadness began to build up inside of Gary, but he was also still eager for the chance to see his mother after all this time. He took a deep breath in and out, facing his house.

“You okay?” June asked.

He nodded, not looking at her. “It's been such a long time. Nearly a whole year. So much has happened.” He chuckled lightly, his smile returning as he ran along the smooth path made of separated stones and through the grassy front yard to the door. He rang the doorbell and held his hands behind his back. I should've bought a gift, he thought.

“Who is it?” a voice called from inside.

“Mommy, it's me! Gary!”

“Gary??” his mother cried out.

“Yeah, mom! It's me, and a friend of mine!”

“Oh, my goodness!” The door flung open, his mom wearing a look of disbelief on her face and she gasped. She was wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, and white sneakers. “Gary!” She reached out and grasped his shoulders. She then went in for a big, strong hug which Gary returned accompanied with a kiss on the cheek.

She kissed him back and began sniffling. “Gary!” she said through tears. “You're home! You’re alive! I haven’t heard from you in forever!”

“I’m sorry, mom. Things haven’t been too great and it’s just been busy.”

“I’m aware, Gary! I know of it all!” She held his shoulders and pulled back, her face going serious. “I have the news on twenty-four seven just to see if you’re on it, and somehow you are every so often! Just recently in Viridian City?? That wild creature thing?? Is that what killed my daughter??”

There was something in hearing his mother refer to his sister as her daughter that changed the perspective of the loss. It was bad enough that Melissa was his sister, but being reminded she was also his mother’s daughter somehow made the pain worse.

Gary could only nod, but he couldn’t look her in the face anymore.

Her bottom lip trembling, her eyes filled with tears, Gary’s mom seemed to finally notice the company. “Hello.” She looked down at the Raichu and then back to June.

June’s eyes widened, her mouth hanging open. She didn’t speak in the uncomfortable moment.

“Oh, this is my friend, June! She’s traveling with me, but just as my friend, that’s all. She used to be a Gym Leader, but now she’s traveling instead. With me, as a friend.”

June’s mouth closed and she gave Gary a sly sneer.

“Oh. Excuse me.” Gary’s mom managed a smile and wiped at her eyes. “It’s nice to meet you. What was your name again?”

“I’m June. It’s so nice to fi- Meet you, ma’am,” June nearly misspoke.

Gary caught the slip and understood immediately. Saying “finally” might come off strange, as if I’d been talking about her previously, Gary thought. Close save, June.

The ladies both shook hands.

“Is this your Pokemon, June?” Gary’s mom asked, smiling down lightly at Raichu.

“Yes, this is Raichu! Say hello, Raichu!” June gushed.

“Rai Rai Rai!” Raichu held his hands behind his back and beamed at Gary’s mother, giving a quick bow.

“Those sunglasses look cool, man!” Gary’s mom nodded with approval. “Right on, dude!”

Gary frowned as if his mom had just said something vile, distasteful, and absolutely rude. Wwwwhat??

“Please, come inside, everyone!” Gary’s mom moved out of the house and let the kids and Pokemon come in.

“-believe that there will be a break in the case any time now,” spoke a voice from the flatscreen TV on the wall. The news was on. A young man with a stern face, short black hair, and wearing a gray suit sat behind a large, wooden black desk. In the upper right hand corner of the screen was a small white square with the images of a bunch of little creatures in it.

Gary recognized one of them as Pichu, and he was sure he knew at least a couple more, but the image went away before he could be sure.

“Yet again, we have Team Solace in the news again,” the newsman went on. The image that had been on the screen was replaced with the image of a black square box with the words Team Solace in yellow letters. “Suspects were arrested after some kind of outbreak at KIT Airport in the Kanto region where people were catching random allergies causing vomiting, itching, and other symptoms, leading to a massive panic and mayhem within. While it was believed that this was an intentional chemical terrorist attack, the truth seems to be, specifically, the deliberate use of a Pokemon; the spores from Vileplume, which are toxic to most Pokemon and cause extreme allergic reactions in people. The KIT Airport is currently on lockdown. Whether an actual Vileplume was used to send the attack, or the spores were collected and spread, is currently unclear as there is no clear evidence of either option. At this time, due to lack of evidence, it’s said that it’s likely the suspects may even be released.”

The next image to appear was of a Slowking, the background a blue sky it was looking up at. It had a raised fist in the air, its other arm behind its back, a determined look on its face with an open mouth, two little rounded front teeth showing, spread far apart from each other.

Another image with some kind of calm faced, white and gray orangutan with purple fur on its back, a concrete building behind it, was shown next to the Slowking picture. The creature held a fan made of huge green leaves above it.

“It was another heated debate between Congressmon Oranguru and Senator Slowking today over religion this time. While both parties agree there is a god, Senator Slowking insists on a specific, singular god while Congressmon Oranguru pushes the opinion that there must be multiple. They also were at odds as to how their believed gods operate, which led to this striking moment here.”

The screen now only showed Senator Slowking and Congressmon Oranguru on a stage, each in front of a podium with a microphone on it.

Congressmon Oranguru had its eyes closed, speaking.

Senator Slowking then used Psychic to lift its podium and toss it at Congressmon Oranguru.

Congressmon Oranguru covered itself with Protect, the podium being destroyed against it. The Pokemon didn’t even flinch, its eyes remaining closed.

The TV suddenly turned off.

“Let’s not do politics right now,” Gary’s mom smiled at the two kids. “Have a seat, everyone.” She sat on a multicolored, dark futon.

June and Gary joined her there.

Gary’s mother’s eyes dug into her son’s.

Gary lowered his eyes but then looked back, knowing he had to face whatever she was going to throw.

“Raichu Rai!” Raichu jumped on the futon, scrambling his big butt up it, struggling with his little feet. He finally got on it and sat down, giving out a sigh.

“Raichu!” Gary let out at him with wide eyes. He turned to his mom.

Noticing Gary’s reaction, June covered her mouth and gaped at Raichu. “Oh, no!” She then turned to Gary’s mom. “I’m so sorry, ma’am!” She whipped back to Raichu angrily. “Raichu! How rude! Down!”

Raichu’s ears dropped and he looked to the floor, looking back at June again.

“Raichuuuu...” June growled, crossing her arms.

“No, no, it’s fine!” Gary’s mom insisted. “He can stay! I have no problem with this!”

Gary raised a huge eyebrow at her. “What?”

“No, really, I can get him down!” June insisted to Gary’s mom. She then frowned at Raichu. “Do not embarrass me in front of new company, Raichu!”

“Please, it’s okay, darling! Tell me about yourself. Did I hear you used to be one of those Gym Trainers? You seem so young to have had such a job.”

June squinted at Raichu, who lowered his head but didn’t get off the futon. She chuckled a clearly forced chuckle that almost sounded dangerous and then smiled kindly at Gary’s mom. “Yes, well, I’m thirteen.”

The mom gasped. “Thirteen? You're just a baby!”

June blushed. “I certainly still have a lot to learn. But that’s why I’m traveling with your son.” Her face reddened further. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t doing well at my job and was on the verge of getting fired. After meeting Gary, and seeing how strong and amazing a relationship he has with his Pokemon, I instantly realized that I wanted that with my own Pokemon. I quit my job as a Gym Leader to travel with Gary and learn how I can have with my Pokemon, what he has with his. Your son is absolutely amazing and inspiring to me.”

Ugh, shut up already, June, Gary thought sharply, glaring at her.

His mom quickly shot him a suspicious look with a smirk before turning back to June warmly. “Well, that's very nice. So, what brings you both to my humble abode?”

“I just got my final Badge, mom! I can now compete in the Pokemon League that's gonna take place in a matter of weeks!” Gary pulled out his Badge case and opened it, revealing his eight Badges inside.

She looked at the case for two seconds, tops, and then sucked her teeth and turned to him angrily and stood up. “So you're still out playing with those things! You haven't come home because you've decided to stop all of this?”

“Of course not, mom!” Gary said angrily, hurt inside. “I've come so far and gone through so much! I've grown up from my experiences, thanks to Pokemon. Of course I haven't quit! I won't quit, ever! And Melissa is no reason for me to, either!” He stopped, feeling himself getting worked up as tears filled his eyes, but then he continued. “And I’m not gonna let you use her as some guilt trip for me! She would have wanted me to continue my journey! You have no right to even try and pull some shit on me, mom!”

“Gary!” June gasped.

Raichu leaped off the futon and hid behind it.

Gary’s mom opened her mouth. “Who do you think-??”

“NO!” Gary burst out, standing up. “I know you, mom! You come talking all sweet to June, and to Raichu, like you give a damn about Pokemon! YOU DON’T LIKE POKEMON ONE BIT, MOM!! YOU SUPPORT THOSE POKEMON MURDERERS, TEAM SOLACE!!” Gary trembled in the silence, no one else able to even speak in the heat of this. He took several short intakes of sharp breaths, trying to keep up the momentum he had going. “YOU LIAR!! You’ll try and use my deceased sister, your daughter, to guilt trip me into giving up on the dream she left me to carry in her name! And I’ll stop you before you even BEGIN TO TRY!! NO, MOM! You won’t stop us!” He took several breaths, starting to calm down somewhat. “I’ll never give up on my sister. Pokemon will always be a part of my life, in the name of my SISTER!”

“Gary, I know you’re hurt right now, but you're screaming,” June pleaded gently. “And you're the only one screaming. Please, calm down. There’s a better way we can go about this.”

Gary knew he was looking like the crazy one, but he also knew that he wasn't and had a point to make. He shook his head, a desperate look on his face. This had gone far enough. There was too much pain in this house.

“Fine,” his mom spoke shakily. “I support Team Solace. I don’t like Pokemon. I’m a liar. And whatever else you want to call me. I'm also a widow, and one of my two children is dead, and my remaining child hates me. Fine, Gary. As long as you're happy with your Pokemon, okay? Nothing else matters but Pokemon. Pokemon, Pokemon, Pokemon! And you know what? You don't have to ever call me again, Gary! We never have to talk to one another for as long as we live if you don't want to! You can just consider me dead! I'll be dead soon, anyway!” She stormed towards the stairs and stomped up them, June and Gary watching. A moment later, a door slammed shut, making them both jump.

Without another word, Gary walked to the front door.

“Gary!” June whispered loudly. “You aren’t going to just leave it like this, are you?”

Gary opened the door. “We’ve had worse fights over less. This is nothing unusual. I’ll see her again. Real soon...” Gary stepped outside and inhaled, closing his eyes. Here we go again, he told himself. And this time in front of June. I can only imagine what she thinks of me now.

“MA’AM?! IT’S ME, JUNE!!”

Gary looked back and saw June shouting up the stairs.

“WE’LL TAKE OUR LEAVE NOW!! EXCUSE US!! AND THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME INSIDE!!”

There was no response.

June nodded and followed after Gary. “Come on, Raichu,” June said sadly.

Raichu peeked from behind the futon and looked up the stairs. He then ran out the door, behind June.

Gary’s eyes closed again.

“Gary, I don’t have much place to talk about what I just saw. I just think it could have been handled a lot better,” June told him. “I understand the drama taking place, and the stress it’s causing you and your family, but I just wish...”

Gary nodded.

“I know you say this isn’t exactly abnormal, but it’s... Your mom!”

Tears burned behind Gary’s closed eyelids. Knowing her past, something like this must be hard to see, Gary considered. Her past is different than mine, but there’s a sort of similarity in places. But it’s the differences that really keep us apart. The closeness of family is surely something special for her. Gary walked away from his house and down the dirt path. There was nothing on his mind except for the fight he’d just had. After a little while, it was that, and the sound of June’s footsteps. Raichu’s weren’t that audible to him.

Before long, Prof. Oak’s Lab sat in front of them.

Gary now remembered standing in this area after he had gotten into an argument with his mom the day he was to receive his very first Pokemon.

The day he saw the Rattata. He had turned to the spot where the Rattata had been sitting, staring back at him with a look deeper than comprehension. He had then turned to where he had seen a mysterious creature vanish through the trees, flying. All he had seen of it was a pink tail in a similar shape to a Rattata's tail. The Rattata had disappeared, and he had chased the mystery creature into the woods, only to encounter a Spearow with the same look of a hidden secret in its eyes. He had tried to grab it with his hands, but it got away.

During its flight away from him, just before fading from view, it seemed to be altering its form somehow.

Gary had come to accept that it had just evolved in that moment.

But, no. It was a Ditto all along.

Ditto’s still cool, Gary thought. Damn it, Aly. Where are you, anyway? We said we’d meet up here after we saw our moms. She probably isn’t having a fight at home. I’m the one who’s early to our meetup at Oak’s. With a sigh, Gary led the way up the winding road towards the enormous lab owned by Prof. Oak. He stopped at the towering door and knocked a few times. His heart began to pound even harder. No need to be so nervous. It’s just Prof. Oak, Gary said to himself. I’m probably still just shaken up over the fight. Affecting my nerves.

The door finally opened and a man with an orange headband smiled from inside. “GARY! HEY! I can’t believe it!”

“Prof. Sketchit!” Gary grinned.

The two shook hands, Prof. Sketchit pulling Gary in for a big hug. “It’s so good to see you! Prof. Oak will be so happy!”

“Where IS Prof. Oak??” June’s eyes were gleaming like diamonds as she appeared up close where the two guys were embraced.

“Whoa!” Prof. Sketchit released Gary and backed up a couple of steps. He straightened his white lab coat that was open over orange shorts and a tan shirt, standing in black sneakers with white spots purposely designed on them. “Excuse me! Pardon my manners. I meant, who are you?!”

June bowed. “My name is June! I’m the previous Gym Leader for Gringey City, Gary’s current traveling partner, and Prof. Oak’s largest fan in history, thank you very much.” She grabbed the younger professor by the lab coat and pulled him down very close to her face. “Nobody loves that man as much as I do,” she rasped. She shoved her head into Prof. Sketchit’s.

“Hey!” he cried.

“Nobody!” she leered at him.

Prof. Sketchit screamed as he was dropped and hit the floor.

June clasped her hands together and stared dreamily into the sky. “Did you know he’s watching over my Lanturn right now?? The man is a saint! There’s not a person on this planet like him!” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

Religious horns and harps could have played and Gary wouldn’t have been the slightest bit surprised with the way June was acting. He took in a huge breath. “Where is Prof. Oak? I have my own questions and discussions for him, myself.”

Prof. Sketchit stood up and smiled, dusting himself off. “Then follow me right this way! We have quite the thing to show you, too!”

“You do?” Gary was shocked at this statement.

Prof. Sketchit waved welcomingly and led the way inside.

The three followed him past towering bookshelves, a couch, and came to a collective stop in front of a few computer screens.

A young lady was typing away, clicking open documents and online tabs, and had a focused look in her eyes behind a pair of glasses that had a bit of a blue glow on the lenses. She turned and lowered her glasses, squinting.

Gary screamed.

Kiwi exhaled in shock!

“KIWI!?” Gary ran to her and stopped short as she stood up.

Kiwi, in a dark blue T-shirt and light blue shorts, brushed aside her hair from her face and removed her glasses, setting them on the table. “Gary...”

“Kiwi!! I... When...? What are you...?” Gary smiled, tears building up and soon overflowing down his face. “KIWI!!” He wrapped her in a great big hug, and more tears came out from his eyes.

Kiwi’s arms wrapped around Gary softly, tightening up a bit, but nowhere near as enclosing as Gary’s were.

“Kiwi! I can’t believe you’re here!! Talk to me!! Ha ha ha!”

“Hey, now, I think that last bit’s my line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!” Robin stepped out from the door in the back! “Took you long enough! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!”

“ROBIIIN!!” Gary ran to his buddy, raising up one hand for a high five.

Robin laughed, running with delight in his own eyes.

Gary reached forward, waiting for Robin to raise his own hand and meet him midair.

Robin opened his arms wide for a hug.

“Aha ha!” Gary laughed. That’s different, but ok- Gary tripped.

Robin went right by Gary.

June screamed.

“Juuuune! The sweetest month, the most fragrant time of year! The most expressive of seasons, the most revealing of clothing! With hair like fire to give example for the sun to follow, skin like that which nature emulates itself after its softness, its glow, its natural, effortless femininity! Mother Nature is embodied in you, and it’s time to come to Daddy!” A woman’s scream in the dead of night, victim to some sick maniac was the only way to describe what came out of Robin’s throat after all that. His body seemed to float all on its own as he neared June. He then collided into a bookshelf...

...Or, a bookshelf fell over, landing on top of him?! Books fell all over the place!

From behind the fallen bookshelf, ALY brushed her hands against each other, her eyebrows narrowed, her eyes closed. “I think that went far enough, Rob! Besides, how can you try and sneak up on your best friend’s girl like that, let alone right in front of him?!”

“She’s really taken...?” Robin’s voice was muffled under the books.

“NO!” Gary answered. “Also, ALY!! When did you get here??”

“Just in time, apparently,” Aly shrugged and then looked over to Kiwi with excitement on her face. “KIWIIIIIIIII!!” She ran to her friend and pulled her in for a hug.

Kiwi seemed happy to see her old friend and hugged her in return.

They exchanged a kiss on one cheek and the two girls bounced together in each other’s arms, screaming.

“Kiwi, why didn’t you let us know?” Aly asked once they were still. Her voice was more solemn. Gentle, but sad. “How long have you been here?”

Kiwi’s head lowered.

Aly’s hands slid off of her friend.

Kiwi’s arms then dropped to her sides.

“Kiwi...?”

“I...” Kiwi sniffled.

“Kiwi!” Aly grasped Kiwi’s shoulders.

Gary and Robin got closer, but June and Prof. Sketchit stayed back.

“After what happened in Saffron, I was so conflicted. I had planned to release my Pokemon and return here. But, I love my Pokemon. I couldn't let that evil Haunter ruin everything me and my Pokemon had worked for so easily! But I couldn't bear to talk to any of you guys. Not even my own parents. I just needed to be left alone. With my Pokemon. But the police found me and questioned me extensively, and I cried... I had to relive Saffron all over again! They incriminated me!” She looked to Gary and then June, fear in her eyes. “They wanted information on you two, too! Your names and all that. They wanted us all in jail! I'd never been so embarrassed and scared! I was too frightened to tell them what I knew about you both, and thought I was going to jail for the rest of my life! They let me go when, apparently they found out about our innocence. When I was finally let go, I secluded myself from the rest of the world. It was just all about me and my Pokemon. Just us. When I finally built up some kind of courage, some form of strength inside of me, thanks in large part to my Pokemon, we traveled again. We even went after Badges, eventually. I’m in a far different place right now than I was before. A little bit more at peace. You can’t imagine how bad I feel, guys. I’m so sorry. To everyone.”

“You really are the retarded bird of Pallet Town, huh?” Gary snickered.

Kiwi looked up, leering at him.

“Ditching your friends like that. How could you? You know we all love you. We’re who you should have turned to first and you know it.” Gary stepped closer and held out one hand.

Everyone stared at it, but nobody moved.

“One.” Gary looked to his friends.

Robin smiled and nodded. He placed his hand on top of Gary’s. “Two.”

“Three!” Aly slapped her hand on top of Robin’s.

They all turned to Kiwi.

Kiwi was watching them, her eyes wide and tearing up. “You guys...” she whispered.

“Come on, Kiwi. You’re not one of us anymore?” Gary asked lightly.

“I...” she responded hesitantly.

“Kanto fo’ LIFE! HA HA HA HA HA HA!” Robin burst out laughing.

Aly rolled her eyes. “We can start our own, private gang, Kiwi,” she offered.

Everyone laughed at this.

Even Kiwi. She wiped at her eyes and shook her head. “You guys don’t understand, though,” she said, practically sobbing now.

“Then tell us. Your friends,” Robin insisted.

Aly and Gary nodded.

Kiwi’s face broke and she wailed openly in front of everyone.

The three hands fell apart, the three friends sadly staring at Kiwi.

June wiped at her own eyes now.

Raichu removed his sunglasses, his ears lowered.

“I’ve given up being a Pokemon Trainer!” Kiwi admitted. She fell to her knees, covering her face with her hands, and she continued crying.

Prof. Sketchit closed his eyes, his head lowering.

Gary couldn’t believe his ears. This scene was just unbelievable.

Robin’s eyes closed and his chin nearly hit his chest, his breath coming out swiftly.

Aly got to her knees beside Kiwi, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Then tell us. Your friends. At least me if no one else.”

Kiwi looked up to Aly with a drenched face, baring her teeth. She fell into her best friend and cried against her.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed or anything, Kiwi,” Gary joined in. He paused, wanting to be careful about his words. He didn’t want to make harsh jokes to motivate Kiwi, and he didn’t want to say anything hurtful, even if it was true.

“We made it so far, and if things end up with even only one of us at the League, we fight for all of us. You, me, Gary, and Aly,” Robin spoke up.

Gary nodded at him. “That’s right.” He looked back to Kiwi. “It’s not like you were gonna make it far, anyway.” He couldn’t resist.

Kiwi wiped her face against Aly and turned to her friends, managing a smile.

“Gary, you butt!” Aly smiled at him.

“How many Badges did you manage, anyway?” Gary asked.

“Six.”

The three friends nodded.

“You probably have enough time to get just two-” Gary tried.

Kiwi held up a hand to him. “Gary, stop.” She wiped at her nose and sniffled. “You guys got this. But none of you better lose before the top three. It better be Gary, and then Rob, and Aly as the winner of the Indigo League.”

“Hey!” Gary frowned.

Everyone in the room laughed.

There was a SNAP! and a bright flash of light.

Gary and his friends turned, stunned, to see Prof. Oak with a blue camera in his hands!

The small image of an Abra was on the front. A picture slid out the bottom.

“Great!” Prof. Oak smiled, looking at the photo, and he handed it to Prof. Sketchit. “Kiwi’s been a huge help here. It’s too bad she’s stopped her journey for now, but the extra manpower is really welcome here!”

“Yeah, big time!” Prof. Sketchit agreed. “Especially after that vacation I was forced to take, ha ha ha!”

“Prof. O-!” Gary began.

“PROFESSOR OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAK!!!” June created a little whirlwind of air as she shot by everyone and stopped in front of the man. “It’s really you IT’S REALLY YOU IT’S REALLY YOU IT’S REALLY YOU!!” She let out a screech that nearly matched Porygon-Z’s and made everyone cover their ears in shock. “It’s the legendary Prof. Oak I can’t believe my luck this is the greatest day ever for me sir I love you!!” June’s voice wasn’t even clear, nothing but a high pitched squeak that may have been understood by mice, but certainly not most human beings.

“Ah, a ha ha, you must be Jane,” Prof. Oak gave a shaky smile, backing up a few feet. “It’s nice to meet you again!”

“Jane?” June froze in shock and then busted out laughing. “Oh, you genius, wonderful sir, you! It’s June! But of course, we only spoke briefly once before, and I burst into tears!” She laughed loudly, exaggeratingly. “And, with all the serious work you do here, it’s no wonder you forgot about me! That you even remembered my existence is more than I deserve! That you were-!”

“I remember you telling me about that vacation you gave Prof. Sketchit, Prof. Oak!” Gary interrupted, thoroughly embarrassed by June at this point and regretting bringing her there. “That means Kiwi has been here for a fair amount of time and you never told anyone?” He looked to Kiwi. “What have you been up to in Pallet, other than keeping secrets?”

“Not a whole lot. I’m kind of bored now so I’ve been helping the professors however I can with their research and taking care of the thousands of Pokemon here, ha.”

Gary eyed the main computer screen Kiwi was using, but the page she was on was already gone, either closed or minimized, the background all black with a pair of creepy, haunting red eyes that looked very familiar to him.

“So you think you need an extra pair of hands around here???” June was suddenly just about an inch away from Prof. Oak’s face, their noses nearly touching, an eager look on her face.

Prof. Oak froze up, blinking widely at June. “Uh...” He let out a small laugh. “I...”

“Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaase!” Her smile was so wide, it hurt just looking at it! It could have been painted on with how impossibly widespread it was. “Did you know I can talk to Pokemon, I can see their genders at a glance, aaand they can understand me as if I were one of them? Did I ever tell you about my past and when I discovered this ability? It’s a true story, right, Gary??” She stared at Gary with huge eyes, pleading for verification.

“Whoa! No way!” Prof. Sketchit was impressed, staring at June with big eyes. “How is that possible?”

Prof. Oak took a step away from June’s closeness, but his face focused harder on her after such a claim.

Gary nodded hesitantly. “Yes, she can. If you wanna take her away for experimentation and keep her, be my guest, sir.”

“She was trying to help me out with Ivysaur a while back,” Aly remembered.

“It’s because she’s an angel sent from above,” Robin gushed, his hands over his heart. “She can also read into my heart, which has been beating for almost eleven years just for this day! For this life’s moment. For this upcoming future where you and I will be eternity engulfed in each-HEEEEEEEEEEEYYY! OWOWOWOWOWOW WHAT’S GOING ON??”

Gary had Robin by the ear, pulling him away from June. “That’s the question I have for you.”

June’s jaw then dropped and she took in a sharp gasp so loud it could have passed for a scream! “LANTUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNN!!!” She clasped her hands in front of her face and looked to the sky. “How could I dare cease to forget for even one second my beloved Pokemon Lanturn???!” She dropped to her knees in front of Prof. Oak. “Oh, great, kind, merciful wielder of Pokemon knowledge, won’t you allow me to see my dearest friend, Lanturn?? Is she alright?? Has she been good?? Has she made friends???”

“And what about Barboach??” Gary insisted, letting go of Robin, who grumbled and rubbed his ear. “Has she been well? Is everything alright with her?”

Prof. Oak grinned wide. “Come with me and see for yourselves!”

This answer brought so much joy to both young kids, June getting on her tiptoes as she gasped with pleasure.

Gary also smiled, unable to hold back his anticipation.

Prof. Oak led the way to a door everyone followed him through.

Gary, Kiwi, Aly and Robin recognized this room.

Multitudes of metal shelves held even more multitudes of multitudes of Poke Balls from various Pokemon Trainers.

June and Raichu marveled at the sight.

“It really takes you back, huh?” Kiwi said lightly, and yet darkly. “One year later.”

Her three closest friends turned to her.

No one knew how to respond to that.

Oh, Kiwi, Gary thought to himself. I’m so sorry.

“I knew there were four of you coming today, so I did have something special set up,” Prof. Oak beamed from inside his lab.

Kiwi brightened up. “Really? Like what?”

Prof. Oak pulled a Poke Ball from his pocket and out from it came a Pidgey!

Gary and Robin erupted in strong laughter.

Kiwi looked helplessly at Prof. Oak. “Um… A Pidgey…?”

“Not just any Pidgey, Kiwi. This one has been trained to know a special move called Heat Wave,” Prof. Oak informed her.

Once everyone was outside, Pidgey cried out and flew high before turning around and flapping its wings, sending a gentle, though very uncomfortably warm wave around them. It flew to Kiwi’s shoulder and nuzzled its head on her cheek.

“Awww! Que cute!” Kiwi petted it and took the Poke Ball from Prof. Oak.

*

Haunter was moving slowly, his eyes deeper and darker than the deepest depths of the oceans of the world.

“You are mine.” Sabrina floated stationary in the air, staring down at them all as Haunter got closer.

“Go get him, Pidgeotto!” Kiwi raised her Poke Ball to toss it.

Sabrina turned to Kiwi. Her eyes flashed white for an instant and the Poke Ball in Kiwi’s hand turned into a cloud of dust.

Kiwi stared in shock at her hand, her eyes as wide as her gaping mouth. A shriek that could’ve competed with Metal Sound and Screech at the same time emitted from her.

“Kiwi!” Gary shouted, grabbing her shoulders. “Come on! We have to find a way out of here!”

Kiwi kept staring at her hand where her Pidgeotto’s Poke Ball had once been, screaming her high pitched scream.

Your Starter Pokemon. Your Pidgeotto, Gary thought, thinking of the past. This was where you got it.

“I don’t know how familiar you kids are with politics, and perhaps it’s best you enjoy life before you do learn them, but there’s this Pokemon in the media, Senator Slowking,” Prof. Oak said sternly. “Now, while I’m not a huge fan of about ninety-five percent of what he has to say, he did make one amazing point that I think about often in regards to time. He was asked why Psychic types don’t use moves like Future Sight to see the future and help the world to avoid struggles. He said, as a Psychic type Pokemon himself, he doesn’t use his power to see the future nor the past. He said, even for the sake of good, to use psychic powers in such a way, can be considered an abuse of those powers. People and Pokemon with true psychic capabilities, are filled with an obligation to not do such a thing, in most cases. Sometimes, some Pokemon and people will see things in the future, some things great, some horrifying. Sometimes, they will view the past to learn things they can appreciate, or end up with things they wish they were still ignorant to. And there can be restrictions, or limitations, to what can be seen, past or future. But to abuse this power is not something anyone who has psychic powers would ever do. He said, there are good and bad psychics, just like good and bad anything else, but to truly use those powers for absolute control in such a reckless way; he said, if it were possible someone could do that, they never would have been gifted the powers to begin with. He claims it’s impossible.”

Gary had no clue what the professor was talking about, and his face showed it.

“That’s cool, I guess,” Aly spoke.

“So, it’s almost like he’s saying the psychic power itself can see the future to know who’s worthy of having it, or something,” Robin said thoughtfully. “As if the power itself acts on its own consciousness? It would never be present in someone who’d do such evil, knowing they would do that?”

“I think you’re overthinking, Rob...” Aly stared at him pathetically.

Kiwi stared at Robin silently.

“Ha ha ha ha ha! Yeah, I guess I am.” Robin rubbed the back of his head, keeping his smile.

“That’s actually exactly what Senator Slowking was saying!” Prof. Oak told them.

“What?” Aly gasped.

June looked to Robin, smiling.

Kiwi lowered her head.

Robin let out wild laughter at this, raising a proud fist and pumping it. “I knew it!”

“But, what does that have to do with anything?” Gary asked. He knew this was going somewhere.

Prof. Oak nodded. “Xatu sees all. Xatu speaks none. Xatu lives on.”

Everyone was silent, their heads down, thinking about Prof. Oak’s words.

I still don’t get it, I think, Gary thought. The Professor and his poems. Can’t he just speak-?

“No matter what’s happening, or happened, or will happen, we take life one day at a time.” Prof. Oak came to a stop at a door and grabbed the doorknob, looking back at everyone.

A shrill scream startled everyone, Aly screaming, Kiwi jumping back, Prof. Sketchit falling over while his arms waved wildly, Gary yelling out briefly, Robin letting out a shout, Raichu wailing out as he leaned away from his Trainer, and Prof. Oak grabbing at his chest as he shouted as well.

June, the initial screamer who rattled everyone else, raised her trembling hands to her cheeks and stared with eyes bigger than anime girls’ at Prof. Oak. “Was that a poem from the legendary Prof. Oak???”

“Why, yes, it was,” Prof. Oak answered, staring at June with frightened eyes.

“I could just pass out right here!” June said joyously, spinning in place, the back of her hand to her forehead.

Gary squinted with disgust. So. Embarrassing, he groaned in his head.

“But...” Robin muttered. His face looked heartbroken. “What about my...?” His head fell with a defeated moan.

“You may want to hold off on that, June! You wouldn’t want to keep your friend here waiting any longer, do you?” Prof. Oak opened the door.

The hot sun beamed down on them all, causing them to shield their faces.

Raichu was in a good place of shade between the giants around him.

June let out a wild laugh and ran through the gigantic field filled with more Pokemon than Gary thought even existed! A flock of Pidgey flew off as she ran up to them and raised her hands in the air after them, dancing cringely. She then waved at a small pack of warily watching Growlithe before skipping along towards a Machop that was flexing its arm.

The Machop looked up to June and smiled. It straightened up and flexed both arms.

June giggled and nodded, and then gasped as she was encircled by something spinning too rapidly to be seen properly!

It stopped and was revealed to be a Hitmontop! He then leaped at Machop and attempted a kick that Machop blocked with one arm. The two got into a simple enough sparring match.

June clapped at them both, startling them, and then she ran further. She let out a short scream and pointed in amazement as a group of Heracross flew above her, disappearing into a wooded area. There were more Pokemon that June scared off, startled or otherwise disrupted as she tried to meet almost every creature she could see, many unfamiliar to Gary.

Gary removed his jacket in the heat, growing more and more uncomfortable as time passed, and slung it over his shoulder. Watching June, his eyes got wide.

“You sure you don’t want to follow her, Gary?” Prof. Oak suggested.

June had stopped by a large, though empty pond and got to her knees, extending her arms.

“Sir, is...?”

A Lanturn was in the water. She shot through it to June and was taken into her arms.

Gary immediately knew this was June’s, and his, Lanturn. But it was what else was in the water that had caused Gary to speak.

Prof. Oak nodded.

Gary’s breath came out and he smiled. With a burst of air he ran to the pond where June was, past the Growlithe that barked at him, past other flying creatures, past Pokemon playing together, and stopped a few feet from the pond. His smile broadened.

Barboach had been watching from the middle of the pond as Gary got closer. She squeaked with delight and swam through the water to greet the one who had helped save her. A majority of her body was wrapped in white bandages, one of her eyes completely covered.

“Barboa-!” Gary grunted as his face was hit one good time. He hit the ground, seeing nothing but black. “Aaaah...” he managed to let out weakly. “What the-?” A persistent and easily recognizable cry got Gary to open his eyes.

“DOOOOO!! DOOOOOO! DOOOOOOOOOO!!” Kingdra shoved her face against Gary’s, crying like a baby.

“Hey! Come on! My face!” he screamed as he turned his body away from her, raising his arms.

Kingdra knocked her head against his back, begging for attention from the Trainer she hadn’t seen in so long.

“KINGDRA, PLEASE!” Gary pleaded. “Who hit me like that??” Gary suddenly realized the answer, even before his arms lowered from his face, allowing him to see the cause of his question. Knowing he had maybe a split second to react, his eyes watered in fear. “Primeape why?!?!”

Primeape tackled him to the ground, crying as he wrapped Gary’s head with his body.

Better than the extra punch I expected, Gary accepted as he fell over, his head throbbing.

“As I had explained to you before, we have been having some trouble with these two since you left them with us,” Prof. Oak chuckled. “Luckily Kingdra has shown some kind of tolerance for Barboach and Lanturn, but only after it was sure they were yours.”

Gary, still holding a sobbing Primeape on his head, sat up and turned to barely see through his right eye through some space in Primeape’s fur that the professors, Aly, Robin, Kiwi, and Raichu had come to join him and June and their Pokemon. “Yeah, I’ve been meaning to bring them back from here... Been busy...”

“Geez, can’t you rotate your Pokemon properly, Gary? How many do you even own?” Aly snapped. “I’m not surprised you’re so irresponsible. Smart, but irresponsible.”

“I have a lot of Pokemon, okay? Give me a break!”

“DOOO! DOOOOO!” Kingdra was still nudging Gary with her snout, and he sighed, rubbing her head. This only made her more needy and she nearly toppled Gary over again.

“I say we have a Pokemon contest to see who has seen and caught the most so far!!” Robin said loudly, clearly dying to know.

Aly nodded. “Sounds good to me!”

Gary was the silent one.

Aly and Robin noticed this instantly and smiled sinisterly at him.

“Is Gary actually quiet for once?” Aly snickered.

“Heh heh heh heh heh heh!” Robin laughed through his exposed, clenched teeth.

“Listen, I just got attacked by my Pokemon! Can anybody give a little bit of concern??” Gary barked.

“Like you don’t look like crap, normally,” Aly shrugged.

Gary could only sneer at her while Robin laughed at what she said.

June just rolled her eyes, smirking.

“I have missed this,” Kiwi admitted lowly, keeping her eyes just as low.

Everyone turned to her and managed to give a warm, sympathetic smile, breaths being released in place of actual, to be discovered words.

It’s been a whole year, Gary considered, his head getting heavy now, Kingdra’s pleas driving him crazy at this point. At the same time, it’s only been a whole year, right? Has it been a long time? Sure. Did it seem like it was that long? Maybe. I wonder how everyone else has perceived time, compared to me. Perhaps, I could say, all in all, this past year was... Gary took a moment to process his journey collecting his eight Badges...

Gary’s battle with June ended up between Electrode and Primeape.

Beedrill's Toxic Spikes from the beginning of the battle were still Poisoning any Pokemon who entered the battle on June's end of the field.

The second Electrode landed, the Poison set in and triggered its Explosion, blowing it up; killing it.

*

His battle with Vincent was down to Hoothoot and Vileplume.

“Silence that fowl!” Vincent screamed. “Sleep Powder!”

Hoothoot's Air Slash blew away the Sleep Powder and weakened Vileplume.

Gary noticed another new move from Hoothoot from the Pokedex. “Zen Headbutt!”

*

Kadabra and Haunter battled to the death in Sabrina's Gym. Haunter used Shadow Ball multiple times as Kadabra bat them away with his spoon and back at Haunter as their deceased Trainer, Sabrina, watched on, her body possessed and reanimated by the sinister Haunter.

Kadabra used Psycho Cut repeatedly, beating Haunter to submission, and then one final Psychic type attack to Haunter had ended the battle for good, killing Haunter.

But Haunter’s Destiny Bond dragged Kadabra with him, killing Kadabra as well.

Sabrina's body tried to attack Gary, but Kadabra used a Psychic attack to destroy her body.

Before dying, Kadabra dropped the Marsh Badge into Gary’s hand.

*

The battle between Ozne and Gary was boiled down to Tentacruel and Weepinbell. After a flurry of attacks, they wrapped each other until one dropped, Weepinbell being the victor.

*

“Use Beat Up again!” Cleopatra pushed on.

“Right! Rage, now!” Gary nodded.

Primeape pulled back a fist and punched Sneasel in the face.

Right after that punch, Sneasel, and the other two Pokemon called out for Beat Up, Drapion and Pangoro, jumped Primeape with kicks and punches. Two of the Pokemon returned back, Sneasel remaining.

“Poison Jab,” Cleopatra told her last Pokemon, Pangoro.

After being punched in the face, Tyrogue flinched against the pain of the Poison coursing throughout his body.

“Sky Uppercut!” Cleopatra had a strange face, as if she were trying to hide a smile.

Pangoro’s fist glowed blue, and it bent its knees. “GORO!!” Pangoro leaped for Tyrogue, who was falling from the ceiling after having been Flung.

“Let’s do it, Tyrogue!” Gary looked to Cleopatra, smiling at her stern stare. “COUNTER!!”

“TYROGUE!” Tyrogue smiled.

Both Pokemon let out their shouts, and both Pokemon flew sharply for the floor, crashing painfully. They managed back up and faced each other.

“HIGH JUMP KICK RIGHT NOW!!” Gary pleaded.

“THEN USE VITAL THROW!!” Cleopatra bellowed.

Tyrogue kneed Pangoro in the face.

Pangoro whipped around and slammed Tyrogue through the floor! It then kept turning and landed next to the hole, crashing through the floor as well!

“I don’t need to see anything further,” Cleopatra spoke quickly. “I saw Pangoro go down. And I’m certain Tyrogue did, as well. This match is a tie, and as such, I have the right to judge that you, Gary, are the winner.”

*

After a series of blows back and forth, and both physical and special attack boosts, Tyrogue and Meinshao were still standing, but Tyrogue had taken significant damage.

Meinshao’s arm glowed green. “MEEEEEEEIN!!” it howled in a startling, raging voice. “SHAAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” It delivered a hit to Tyrogue’s chest just as Tyrogue’s body became outlined in red.

Tyrogue wailed out and was tossed back by the blow. Counter’s energy erupted from him and smacked into Meinshao, knocking it back and winning the fight.

*

April was coming at them, a water bottle in hand, but that wasn’t what had Gary’s attention whatsoever.

On instinct, Gary scooped up a Poke Ball and held it out at his side, recalling his Tyrogue before his vision could be impaired.

April was running towards them in a little two piece, yellow bikini. Around her neck was a ring of flowers of varying colors like you might expect from Hawaii. She stopped in front of them, flashing her large teeth in a thrilled smile.

From the massive cleavage, to the show of nipples poking from behind the bikini, to the exposed, tight yet quivering stomach, to the lengthy legs and incredible, powerful, thick, jiggling thighs, Gary was unable to pretend he wasn’t completely checking out April’s body.

“After it and use Aqua Tail, now!” April went on with the battle of her Gyarados versus Gary’s Charizard after Gary found himself focused enough to actually battle.

Gary watched, surprised, but only for a second. He then gasped. “That’s it! Charizard, keep using Fly! FLIP AROUND AND CATCH IT!!”

Charizard smiled with understanding. The Fire type grunted in pain from the impact, but caught the attack! He continued his downward spiral to the ground!

“Whoa! What is this?!!” April screamed.

Charizard then flung Gyarados beneath him.

“Attack with Flamethrower!” April now instructed her Gyarados against Gary’s last Pokemon, Ivysaur.

“Ivysaur!” Gary’s voice cracked out of nervousness. “STAY RIGHT THERE! SOLARBEAM!!!”

Ivysaur closed her eyes as the Fire hit.

Gyarados’ flames burning up Ivysaur were suddenly replaced with a huge blast of white light! The light pushed back against the Flamethrower, revealing Ivysaur and her glowing bulb!

Gyarados’ eyes were wide in shock as it continued trying to attack.

“WHAT’S GOING ON??” April burst out.

“NO WAY!!” June had a wide, openmouthed smile.

“IVYYYYSAAAAAAAURRR!!” Ivysaur roared out.

Her Solar Beam went straight ahead, ripping apart Flamethrower, and hitting Gyarados right in the middle, taking it down, forcing it through the sand.

*

Kabutops swung with its scythe, but backwards, hitting Hitmonchan in the face with the outside of it, rather than the more deadly inner piece.

Hitmonchan toppled over. “Chaaannnn...!” he grunted in his new position, suddenly underneath Kabutops!

Kabutops’ scythe was now at Hitmonchan’s throat.

“Finish it,” Aurora said in a voice of ice.

“Chaaaaaaaaan!!” Hitmonchan was trying not to even breath, or swallow, or do anything that could move his throat.

Kabutops had jabbed forward, pushing into Hitmonchan’s throat, but not breaking the skin.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING???!!” Gary bellowed, enraged. “YOU’LL KILL HIM!!!”

“I’m allowed to kill your Hitmonchan right this second! And let me tell you, little boy, don’t think your Hitmonchan would be the first I’ve killed in battle.”

“Okay!” Gary raised his hands. “Okay. I get it.” He lowered his head and hands and closed his eyes as they started to water up. He then returned his Hitmonchan, forfeiting the match.

*

“Aerial Ace and end this match!” Tera told her Shedinja with fury.

“Aerial Ace!” Gary commanded at the same time.

Shedinja flew at an amazing speed, almost unseeable.

Illumise, her eyes still red with Confusion, went for Shedinja at a wild speed.

They both reached each other midair.

Shedinja flashed white where it was hit and was forced back from the Critical Hit. It dove down at an angle.

On instinct, Tera reached out. “Shedinja!” she gasped.

Shedinja’s back slammed into her face as it was held in her hands.

“Huuuhh...” was all Tera uttered. Her body gave a series of shakes.

“Tera?” Gary let out cautiously.

“TERAAAAAAAA!!” The referee tossed his sunglasses to the floor and ran to her.

Tera dropped to her knees, and Shedinja hit the floor, rolling away. The Gym Leader fell out flat on her face and didn’t move.

The referee knelt down beside her and touched at her neck. It wasn’t long before he held the Gym Leader, cradling her in his arms. He buried his face against Tera, pressing his head against her’s, crying.

“WHAT HAPPENED?!” Gary got out.

*

“Say, wait, that means all of our parents lied to us!” Aly burst out suddenly, ripping Gary from his memories. “They never told us Kiwi was here, either! I can’t believe it!” Aly laughed.

“Such important news, and they’d keep that from us. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!”

Everyone other than Prof. Oak and Prof. Sketchit stared in exasperation at Robin’s odd, even possibly forced, laugh.

“I’m as surprised as you all that they kept it up!” Prof. Oak laughed, joining in.

I’m sure my mom didn’t even know what was going on, Gary kept to himself. He grasped Primeape’s fur and wrestled with him a little to finally get him off his head. “Hey, I miss you both,” he told both Primeape and Kingdra. “Primeape...” He sighed. What am I really gonna tell him? he wondered. “You guys just gotta take it easy, okay? I have a lot more Pokemon, and I wish I could just take you all with me, but that’s impossible for a ton of reasons.” He turned to Kingdra. “I hope in the meantime, you’ve been looking after Barboach.”

Everyone turned to the little Barboach. She squeaked once.

Kingdra lowered her head. “Dooo...”

“Yeah, I know you haven’t. And that’s not right. After all she’s been through, she has a friend in you to look after her and not feel alone. You’re like her big sister now! You know I’m alright. You should be being responsible and taking care of the new Pokemon I send to Prof. Oak until it’s time to take them or you back. Not being selfish and destroying the lab!”

“Dooo Dooo,” Kingdra nodded, her head lowering further.

“You guys said you wanted to help me become a Pokemon Master, right?” Gary told Primeape and Kingdra.

They were both staring at him, wide-eyed.

“Then help me!” he grinned. “Help me raise my Pokemon so we can all win our Badges and beat the Pokemon League! Train, train the others, be happy and healthy. Don’t cause trouble!”

“Priiiime!” Primeape raised his fists.

“Doo Doo!” Kingdra added strongly, looking more determined.

“Rai Rai Rai!” Raichu also mentioned, waving his hands happily in the air.

Gary laughed at him.

June giggled, staring lovingly at her Pokemon.

“Say, are those Black Glasses your Raichu has?” Prof. Sketchit knelt down, staring at Raichu’s sunglasses.

“Yeah? They’re sunglasses,” Gary answered.

“The rare hold item that boosts Dark type moves!” Prof. Sketchit held out a hand. “May I?”

“Is that what that’s been all this time?” Gary exclaimed.

June gasped. “No way!”

Raichu stared back at the young professor and cocked his head, his eyes wide and mouth open slightly.

“Go ahead, honey! He just wants to see the sunglasses! He’ll give them right back,” June assured her Pokemon.

Raichu smiled and took the glasses off, handing them over.

Prof. Sketchit smiled, turning them in his hands. “Whoa, are these Vinicchi brand? This must be limited edition! Man, I guess being a Gym Leader paid off, huh?” Prof. Sketchit laughed at June.

“Well, it was okay, but we found those, actually. On a beach!” June explained.

“Wow! Someone is missing these for sure. Does it know any Dark moves? You can really benefit using Dark moves with these on.”

“Hmmm,” June thought. “No. I don’t think so... I guess we should work on learning some in that case!”

“Raichu!” Raichu told Prof. Sketchit as he retrieved his Black Glasses.

“Hey, maybe Gary should hold on to those, the way he looks! Eh?” Robin nudged Aly as he burst out laughing.

“Hey, domestic abuse isn’t a joke, Rob!” Aly shoved him lightly, frowning.

“Ah, come on! I thought you’d like that one!” Robin’s smile never faded.

“Ha ha,” Gary said sarcastically, smiling lightly.

June smirked a bit but looked away uncomfortably.

Kiwi snickered, shaking her head, looking down.

The two professors gave cautious smiles.

“Well, are we gonna see who owns the most Pokemon, or what??” Robin shrugged, looking impatient now.

“Oh, yeah!” Aly nodded, turning to everyone.

“Then come with me back inside so I can scan your Pokedexes to see what you’ve been up to!” Prof. Oak smiled, his eyes focused briefly on Gary before turning and leading the way back to the building.

Everyone moved quickly to follow him.

Everyone but Gary. Great... he thought bleekly. He sighed and turned to his three Pokemon. “Please, take care of each other and get strong, because when the time comes to bring you guys on the team, you can’t be slacking, okay? I’ll be right back!”

Primeape tearfully waved his arms as Gary ran to catch up to everyone else.

Kingdra called out and bounced after him.

Barboach happily squeaked after him from the pond.

One of many competitions was about to take place. But no matter the results.

Gary.

Aly.

And Robin.

Knew, that no matter what else was to come. Nothing in the world would ever separate them. There wasn’t a thing that could change the friendship and bond that they had since toddlers.

Ups and downs.

Rain or sunshine.

Defeated, or Indigo League Pokemon Champion.

Gary’s heart stopped as, out of nowhere, he remembered one last thing he was meant to do the moment he reached his mom’s house. “Prof. Oak, is there a bathroom I can use, first?!” he shouted.