“A Drifloon that was kidnapping babies from Float Town, taking them to a place of no known return, has... reached its end,” a bald, pale newsman in a blue suit with a black tie spoke from the flat screen TV hanging from the wall of the room. “After time and time again of this Pokemon stealing babies for unknown reasons, taking them to an unknown location, never to be seen again, a brave man put this haunting incident to an end. With his one year old baby in the grasp of Drifloon, the man managed to actually pop the Balloon Pokemon and in fact killed, the Ghost type, Pokemon! The spirit of the Ghost Pokemon now seems settled, funny enough, no longer causing mischief as it chooses to remain in the town, and the townspeople seem content with this. Some believe that this means there is hope that the missing babies could return back safe and sound. Others? Not so faithful. Let’s go to the scene and-”

The TV went off, Gary setting down the remote he held. “Ready to battle?”

June smiled, her lips quivering with uncertainty, a disturbed look on her face that she was trying hard to hide. “That’s a good idea. Let’s go.”

Gary nodded. Then, he shook his head. “Crazy, huh? The news.”

June nodded and stood up quickly from her bottom bunk bed. “Let’s get some fresh air...”

Raichu leaped from the top bunk above June and followed her.

As much as Gary wanted to talk about what they had just watched on the TV, he also did not at all. He got up from his bottom bunk and walked past June, leading the way out of the room they shared. Locking the door behind them, they walked from room 6 and past the other rooms, down stairs, and through a short hallway with two more rooms before finally leaving through the front door of Building Z.

The sky was a bright blue, not a single breeze blowing on a perfectly weathered, warm day. Areas of the Pokemon League Village were coming together nicely, only two days left before the competition would finally begin. Stands were set up with no people or things to buy inside yet. People were outside performing tricks like juggling, magic cards, and an assortment of other types of entertainment that sometimes included Pokemon.

One guy in casual clothing motioned towards himself with his hands at a large zebra! “Come on! We have to be all charged up for this! Give it to me good!”

The thing greatly resembled Blitzle, but much larger, and Gary felt sure it had to be an evolution of it.

With a powerful neigh, the horse reared up on its hind legs and its body was coated in a beautiful color of golden electricity with white static around it. A serious, maybe angry, look on its face, the Pokemon galloped hard for the man.

“Huh?” A look of regret came over the man’s face.

The creature collided with the man and the electricity around it met where the two touched, a white, sparking orb of energy forming, which then exploded.

The man screamed as he flew into the air, going out of sight as he disappeared against the sky with a white twinkle.

“What exactly was that guy going for...?” June asked hesitantly as the Pokemon ran after the man.

Zebstrika. The Thunderbolt Pokemon. Blitzle’s final stage. Easily agitated, it fires lightning bolts in all directions from its mane. It’s said in the Unova region that whenever thunder rumbles, a Zebstrika is right behind you.

Gary put away his Pokedex. “So your Blitzle might become that some day?” he asked June.

June looked back at him and smiled. “Maybe. Guess it’ll only help if I use him for our battle, huh?”

“I can’t wait for that! Come on!” Gary was grinning big and he took off to the lake they had been at a couple of days ago, where he caught his Slowpoke. This was also where they had spent time practice battling. Exiting the Pokemon Village, Gary stopped by the lake, intending to turn around to face June as he grasped a Poke Ball tightly. Instead, he came to a stop at the sight of a young teenager by a Pokemon.

The Trainer was wearing a button up, blue shirt hanging over the top of his black jeans, standing in black sneakers. A dark blue fedora sat atop his young head, his straight, black hair reaching down his cheeks. “We can do this, Medicham!” The kid was punching outward. “Just like that!”

The Pokemon with the teen was punching alongside him.

“That’s it! Keep it up!” he encouraged his Pokemon as he kept switching arms, punching.

“Hey! HEY!!” Gary waved and walked over to the two.

“Medicham?” Medicham lowered its arms and looked over to the approaching Trainer, the guy in the fedora doing the same.

Gary stopped close to them. “Hey, I’m sorry, but are you two training for the League?” Gary smiled.

The looks of surprise on both the Pokemon and the Trainer’s faces went away to show a matching smile. The guy nodded. “Hi. We are.”

“That’s great! So am I! I’ve never seen that Pokemon before!” Gary held out his Pokedex.

Medicham. The Meditate Pokemon. The evolved form of Meditite. This powerful Pokemon is now believed to have started out as a pure Fighting type Pokemon centuries, if not longer, ago. Using meditation and fasting, the theory states that it unlocked a sixth sense and a second typing of Psychic.

“Wow!” Gary held up his Poke Ball. “You wanna have a Full Battle? Six-on-six? Or even just one-on-one? I’d love to battle that Medicham you’ve got!”

The Trainer shook his head. “I’m sorry, but we’re working on a secret move right now. I’m afraid we aren’t available to battle.”

Gary’s shoulders slumped, his smile disappearing as he now looked disappointed. “But... When Trainer’s eyes meet...”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t. You can’t be a criminal who would force me to battle if you’re participating at the League.” The Trainer kept his innocent smile.

Gary’s head lowered but rose right back up. “Of course not.”

“Then perhaps another time, like, at the League itself, maybe.”

Gary’s smile returned and he nodded. “If not sooner, then definitely there. It’s nice to have met you, and I apologize. My name’s Gary.” He held out his hand.

The kid took it and they shook. “I’m Aura. I really do appreciate your offer.”

Gary nodded. “I know. And I hope we can fight later on. Good luck.”

“Good luck, Gary.”

“Medicham!” Medicham clapped its hands together in front of its face and kept them there, staring at Gary.

Waving goodbye to Aura, Gary walked back to June.

She had a slight, slanted smile on her face.

“What?” Gary asked.

“Oh, you tell me, Gary,” June rolled her eyes.

“What??” Gary asked again.

“I just thought we were battling.”

“Yeah! We are!”

“You sure I’m good enough or do you wanna find another Trainer instead?”

“Ah, come on, June! I just got a little excited by some Pokemon League competition, that’s all!” Gary smiled. “You’re just as good! Come on, then!” Gary ran around the lake.

SPLLLAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSHHHH!!!

Something leaped from the water, making Gary shriek out and hit the ground. The frightening creature flopped in the grass.

Gary squinted, angry, disappointed, embarrassed, but relieved.

The Magikarp flopped repeatedly.

Gary let out his breath. “Seriously?”

June started laughing, and Raichu followed up with his own. “You okay there, Gary?”

Gary was just starting to relax. “Seriously?? A Magikarp!”

June started up laughing again, Raichu leaning back in hysterics as well.

Gary let out his breath. “Of all the...” He held his tongue, going for a diss on the weak Pokemon but realizing he had an opportunity to capture it. But, a Magikarp??

Staring into his mother’s eyes with determination before setting off on his journey, Gary stated to her, “I’ll become the greatest Pokemon Master. With my Charmander. And we’ll catch them all. All one thousand, mom. I promise.”

Yeah... Gary clipped the Poke Ball in his hand back onto his belt and dug into his pocket to pull out an empty Poke Ball. “All one thousand,” Gary muttered. “Including you, Magikarp!” Gary tossed the Poke Ball at Magikarp.

Magikarp continued flopping.

The Poke Ball hit the Pokemon and a red beam pulled it inside.

The Poke Ball then hit the ground, the middle button blinking red.

The Poke Ball shook.

And shook.

And PING!

The Poke Ball then glowed white before disappearing to Prof. Oak.

Gary sighed. “I mean, a Gyrados would be cool. If I ever get that far with it...” He sighed again. “How do ya raise a Magikarp though??” He remembered battling one that belonged to a Trainer, a long time ago, early in his journey. “Splash and Tackle...” Gary knew, still looking glumly at the spot the Poke Ball had been. “Maybe I’ll have some free time to waste after I beat the League.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for the League at all being so startled by a Magikarp?” June laughed. “You haven't even gotten off the ground yet!”

Gary scowled at her and got up slowly, secretly still a little bit shaken up. “I’m good enough to beat you at least.”

“Oooooh ho,” June continued smiling. “Tough words. So if you lose, I should take your place. Is that it?”

“I’ve got a couple places for ya, right here!” Gary smiled, grabbing up a Poke Ball.

“A ten-on-ten match? Substitutions at will?” June set her bag down.

“Blah blah, you know the rules,” Gary said lightly. “You’ll use your ten, and if I need to, I’ll use the Pokedex to switch out guys when I’m out of my six until I’m up to ten, too. This’ll be great for a couple guys I want to try out and raise up a bit. Good to have a few backups ready.”

“No excuses for when I beat you, Gary.”

“Even my newest guys won’t break a sweat against you.”

“Enough talk, then! I’m going with you, Raichu!”

“RAI? RAI!” Raichu ran forward.

“Raichu? Okay, we can do this!” Gary enlarged his Poke Ball and sent out his choice.

Ralts arrived with a couple of light squeaks.

“Raichu, let’s start practicing that Double Team again! Let’s get it right this time!”

“Raaaaaaaaaaaaai...” Raichu glared at Ralts, his little arms up, his cheeks sparking. When the sparks vanished a moment later, nothing had happened. Raichu’s face turned to surprise.

“Ralts, let’s go! Give Hypnosis a shot!”

Ralts’ eyes glowed blue and several illusions of his eyes came out for Raichu.

“Raichu, close-!” June stopped. “USE BIDE!”

“RAAAAAI!!” The illusions hit Raichu and he wavered on the spot before easily laying down on his front. He started snoozing gently, smiling.

June kept a focused look on her Pokemon.

“Now attack with Psychic!” Gary went on.

Ralts’ eyes glowed blue, outlining Raichu in the same color, and he first lifted the Electric type before tossing him backwards.

Raichu tumbled on the ground and continued Sleeping.

“Raichu...” June breathed out, determined eyes still on Raichu.

“Ralts, keep it up! Psychic again!”

Ralts used another strong move, weakening the Sleeping Pokemon further.

“Ralts, let’s follow up with that Dream Eater! Let’s go!”

Ralts raised his hands and let out a strong, though still cute little cry. But nothing happened.

Gary looked up to June, hearing what he was sure was her sucking her teeth.

June looked from Raichu to Gary. The impatient look on her face became calmer.

Gary squinted, becoming suspicious. I better wrap this up, just in case she’s up to something. But there’s nothing she can do in this state of being Asleep... She must just be dying for Raichu to get up. “Alright, let’s try that again later! Psychic attack!”

Ralts cried out and used Psychic again, flinging Raichu back.

“RAI!” Raichu’s eyes opened right before colliding with the ground again.

“Raichu, you’re up!” June’s face hardened and she pointed at Ralts. “Ready to fire??”

“Rai!” Raichu’s eyes widened.

“GOOOOOO!”

Raichu stared at Ralts but didn’t make a move.

Ralts stared right back.

Gary waited for this plan to unfold, unsure of what was going on.

June remained still, waiting for something to happen.

Nothing happened.

June’s arm fell. “Raichu? Use Bide! Has enough time still not passed??”

“Bide?” Gary questioned.

“It’s a move that charges up and unleashes double the damage that was taken after a short while,” June complained. “Why didn’t it activate? Especially while Asleep! The perfect opportunity to take hits and fire back when awake!”

“Ooooooh, I get it!” Gary nodded. “So that was your game. Enough talking in that case! Ralts, use Psychic again!”

Ralts used Psychic.

Raichu wailed out as he was held in the middle of the air and slammed back down. He shook his head and got back up.

“Still standing. Hypnosis!”

Ralts attacked using Hypnosis again.

“If Bide won’t work yet, then use Dig!”

Raichu clawed through the grassy ground and disappeared under the dirt, Hypnosis missing. The ground began to rumble.

Raichu’s on his way... Gary thought. “Teleport to safety!”

Ralts’ body glowed in multiple colors as he was outlined in light blue. He vanished on the spot.

“RAAAAAAIII!” Raichu appeared from under where Ralts had just been!

Ralts reappeared at a far distance.

“Quick thinking, Gary!” June nodded.

“Same with your Dig!” Gary nodded back. “Psychic, Ralts!”

“Raichu, Double Team!” June insisted.

“Rrraaaaaaiii,” Raichu growled as he closed his eyes and tightened up his body... along with another Raichu that appeared next to him, and then another Raichu on the other side of him!

The middle Raichu was outlined in light blue and then vanished, and then the Raichu to the left disappeared immediately.

The remaining Raichu loosened his body and looked around in surprise. “Rai? Rai? Raichu!” He smiled and looked to June. “Raichu! Raichu!”

“We did it! Yay, Raichu!” June leaped for joy.

“Raichu got Double Team down this time,” Gary smiled. “Great! Let’s get rid of the tricks then and go straight for the head with Magical Leaf!”

“Raichu, use Thunderbolt!”

Raichu’s cheeks sparked right as Ralts raised his hands. As Ralts waved his hands at Raichu and sent out light green glowing leaves, a single, big bolt of lightning came from Raichu’s body.

The Magical Leaves separated, making room for the Thunderbolt that went straight through and zapped Ralts.

The Magical Leaves continued and cut at Raichu.

Both Pokemon screamed and dropped.

June gasped and ran a couple of feet to Raichu, and then over to Ralts before turning to Gary with a slight smile. “Believe it or not, it’s a draw, Gary.”

“Whoa... Hey, Ralts, that was great! You did it!” Gary beamed at his Pokemon.

June walked to Raichu and gently touched his cheek. “You took a lot there. We still have a lot to work on, but you pulled through. Thank you.”

Both Trainers returned their Pokemon and turned to each other.

“Bide must have just not worked at all,” June shrugged. “That and Double Team still need work.”

Gary pulled out his Pokedex. “Bide, you said.”

Bide. This move takes damage for a few turns and finally unleashes the collective damage onto the opponent. If the user is put to Sleep, the move fails altogether.

June gasped, but Gary smiled at her. “I had a slight feeling...” Gary added.

June rolled her eyes. “I thought it’d work with the Sleep! Like a free opportunity to take hits and send it back after waking... Well, that explains it all.”

“That was a good plan, June,” Gary acknowledged.

“So what’s next?” She dug around in her bag and then stood with a widened Poke Ball, giving Gary a nod.

Gary got his next choice.

Both Trainers tossed a Poke Ball.

Pidgey cawed out gently, flapping to keep itself in the air.

“Bllliiiiitzle!” Blitzle stomped on the ground.

“No problems, Pidgey! Let’s give it our all!” Gary told his Pokemon. He then leered at June. “And you better do the same!”

“Huh?” June stared at him in surprise.

“I’m not gonna be taken easy on at the League. We need your best to properly train!”

“Yes, but overdoing it will prevent you from really learning or having a proper battle! Going too hard could be the difference between earning Experience Points, and just being beaten up!”

Gary smiled. “You’re a little too confident. I like that. Sound like your old self, back when we first met!”

June gasped and let out a laugh. “Oh, you wanna go there, do ya?”

“You did-!” Gary stopped himself. Damn it... he realized, his smile disappearing. Why did I go there...?

It didn’t seem like Electrode was enjoying itself as the Poison from Toxic Spikes set in and turned it a shade of purple.

Suddenly Electrode exploded!!!

June looked confused. “Gary? Are you-?” Her mouth fell open.

“June, wait!” Gary took a step forward.

June’s head fell and she nodded, and then shook her head. She wiped at her eyes. A cry came from her throat.

“June.”

“It’s fine. You didn’t mean it.” June nodded. “I believe you. We just went a little too far...”

“June, I’m so sorry.” He walked over to her quickly.

“It’s fine!” June held out a hand holding a Poke Ball and returned her Blitzle.

“June!” Gary was out of words. His eyes lowered to the ground and he let out his breath.

“Hey, when’s the last time you spoke to Prof. Oak?” June asked out of nowhere.

Gary looked to her. “Huh? Prof. Oak? The other day...? We just saw him not long ago. Why?”

“I’m okay, having had time to talk things out, regardless of the... situation we were in back then. I’m truly okay, because I was able to let things out. With Prof. Cozmo and everyone. That did a world of good for me. But, you, Gary... You haven’t...”

Gary’s eyes tightened a bit, not sure what June was getting at. Prof. Cozmo...? His eyes widened, what June was saying finally sinking in. Absol...

“I know our situations differ. But they hold sentiment all the same. I don’t know how you feel, but I just am here for you, Gary. In case you need someone. But I feel like someone like Prof. Oak would be a bigger help, if you need it. I’m just making sure you’re not holding in anything.”

Gary nodded. “Thanks. And, I’m sorry, June.”

June nodded. “I’m fine.”

Both kids looked away from each other.

Gary saw his Pidgey had settled on the ground and was watching him. “Maybe I do need to make a couple of phone calls,” he decided. “We haven’t spoken to Prof. Cozmo in a while. Pidgey, come back for now. I’m sorry.”

Pidgey was motionless as it stared at Gary before being returned.

“Let’s take a little break and come back to our battle. That okay?” June suggested.

Gary looked her way. “If you’re okay with that.”

“Who else ya gonna train with?” June smiled.

“Myself.” Gary shrugged nonchalantly.

June slanted her lips.

“I guess your guidance could help, somewhat.”

June’s eyes widened and her cheeks started to darken.

“How to raise my Pokemon more usefully, to benefit us all.”

“I... I-I don’t know that I can be of much help there...” June lowered her face. “First thing’s first, though, right? Prof. Oak? Prof. Cozmo? Your mom?” June went silent.

“First thing’s first.” Gary removed his backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the white phone. It didn’t take him long now to unlock it and be on the home screen.

The open, grassy field with the different colored blocks which hid figures of something behind them. Apps all over the screen.

Gary made his way to the contacts and saw the only name there. Am I allowed to add some names to this phone? Prof. Oak and others like my mom? He pressed on Prof. Cozmo’s name. Once he saw the CALLING... blinking over the image of Prof. Cozmo’s parents and the young Prof. Cozmo, he raised the phone to his ear and listened to the ringing.

It was several seconds of ringing before, “I’m sorry, but the caller is not answering at this time, and they do not have a voice mailbox set up. Please hang up and call again later. Goodbye.”

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Bloop!

Gary lowered the phone and stared at the dial pad. “No answer. He must be busy. Surprising.”

“Why do you say that?” June asked. “It is Prof. Cozmo. He’s a pretty busy man.”

“Yeah, I just thought what with how anxious he and that Trick Master guy are for us to respond with any info we get...”

“He’ll call back. Or try again after you speak to Prof. Oak.”

Gary just stared at June. “You know, I really am okay. About her.”

“I’m not saying you have to call. I only meant if you-”

“I’m gonna call, and I will talk about her. I just never really thought about doing it. There’s been a lot I haven’t gotten around to speaking about. Absol, Tera... I guess, now’s a great time to get a lot of stuff off my chest before it eats me up during one of my League battles, huh?”

June’s face was a mix of emotion, twitching between sadness, understanding, and sympathetic smiling.

“Even that monster creature we’ve run into.”

June’s eyes widened.

“You understood her back in Viridian City.”

Her mouth dropped wide.

“I know you did, June. You heard her, when she referred to you as ugly. You responded directly to that.”

June’s mouth shut with her eyes and her head went down and to the side. “It didn't come easy, Gary. It still hurts. Her voice was forced through my ears. It didn’t happen willingly. Like a screw through a wall, but with no hammer or anything. Just a thumb forcing it into my skull.”

Gary flinched from the description.

“What am I going through this for? Us! Why is the world having this all happen to it? Team Solace is enough, but this thing isn’t even human! Or-!” June’s voice was getting frantic, panicked. She looked at Gary, her eyes big and wild now. “What is it, Gary?! And why am I going through this with that thing?? This... m-m-monster! It’s not a Pokemon!!”

Gary moved towards her and grabbed her shoulders as June fell against him, pressing her head into his chest as she cried. He held her in a hug, looking around uncomfortably.

Only a few people were in the same area, but everyone was looking at the two. A couple of people looked away as Gary looked at them all, including the Trainer named Aura, along with his Medicham.

He lowered his gaze to June’s back and rubbed it slowly. A funny feeling filled Gary’s chest as he rubbed her, noticing he was also brushing against the back of something else beneath her shirt.

June’s bra.

Gary’s eyes widened and his hand froze. His entire body was taken over by a mix of feelings regarding this. His breathing intensified.

June straightened up and pushed away gently at his chest. She shook her head and wiped at her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m just a bit overwhelmed with all of this. You call Prof. Oak. Tell him I love him. I’ll leave you alone to handle what you need to. Meet you back at the Pokemon Center?” Before getting a response, she ran off, further away from the Pokemon League Village.

Gary watched until she was out of sight and thought about when he had just rubbed June’s back, his heart playing jump rope in his chest. He took a deep breath and then looked at his phone. “Prof. Oak it is, then...” Gary dialed the number of the man and waited, listening to the ringing.

The ringing stopped after a short while.

“Hello? Yes? Who is this?” Prof. Oak’s voice was heard.

“Sir! It’s me, Gary! Hey!” Gary smiled.

“Oh, Gary! It’s you! Where are you calling from?”

“From my phone I told you about that I got from the Trick Master,” Gary explained.

“A phone? You have a phone from the Trick Master??” Prof. Oak sounded very surprised and confused. “You know the Trick Master??”

“Yes, sir. Remember? I told you this a while back. Him and Prof. Cozmo are trying to track down that new wild species running loose and wanted me to fill them in on if I ran into it again to help them.”

“I’m certain we’ve never discussed this before, my boy. And may I say, I do not like this one bit!” Prof. Oak sounded angry. “I’m familiar with Prof. Cozmo somewhat, but the Trick Master is an eccentric celebrity who hasn’t been heard from in years!”

“Yes, that’s what you told me last time! When I first told you about this! And you said Prof. Cozmo’s parents had died even though I said I had met them, and I guess those were just his adopted parents.”

“His parents? You met his parents?” Prof. Oak spoke in disbelief. “Son, that’s just not possible.”

“Because they’re dead, I know!” Gary insisted. “I’m telling you, you told me all this already.”

“Ha ha ha, well, excuse my memory, in that case,” Prof. Oak laughed, lightening up. “I am getting on these days. Without Tracey, I don’t know what I’d be doing to get along around here, ha ha ha.” He coughed hard a few times.

Gary could hear a voice in the back that sounded like Prof. Sketchit. “Hey, sir. Are you alright?”

“Oh, yes, I’m fine, Gary! Don’t you worry about me.”

Gary nodded. He didn’t like hearing someone as great as Prof. Oak talking in such a way. Sure he was old, but he was the most lively old guy Gary knew, and had far more life in him than most people. Running the lab, even with the help of Prof. Sketchit, was the biggest proof of that. But on that subject... “Hey, sir... I had a couple questions I did want to ask you...” Gary started up hesitantly.

“I’m all ears, Gary. Ask me anything!”

“Sir, I don’t know how I feel about competing in this League under these circumstances... I-”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not sure if I should be here, sir. I’ve convinced myself to keep up this journey in the name of my sister and all, but, I...” Tears began to well up in his eyes. “Sir-” His mouth hung open to say words, but while he had them in his head, they were like balloons in a child’s open hands, just floating away, up into the sky, out of reach and unable to be brought back down.

“Gary. I know you feel conflicted about this. But-”

“Sir, no, please. Let me finish, please, sir. You don’t understand.”

“Do you think I don’t, son? Do you think I’m not surprised we haven’t spoken about Absol and Tera? Because I am. And honestly, I was a little worried when you left for the Indigo Plateau without having a chat with me first. I know you don’t travel alone, but you also don’t have the closest relationship with your mother right now and sometimes you need... someone a little closer to home, you understand?”

Gary nodded, tears starting to drip. “Yes, I do. I just feel so responsible, sir! That poor girl!”

“You should know, Gary, that you are not alone.”

“I understand, I have people to talk to, but they’re not going through what I am. They aren’t having all of this happen to them! It’s all happening to me! This... freaking monster, the Gym Leaders, Sabrina and Tera, my Absol; Melissa’s Absol!”

“And that’s what I meant when I said you are not alone. You’re not the only Trainer going through this. This isn’t something only happening to you. Most Pokemon Trainers are suffering just like you. Losing the lives of friends and Pokemon. Even seeing this new species! This isn’t a dark cloud over you. It’s over the world! That’s what I want you to know. I can’t deny, Team Solace had a point about throwing such young lives into the world of Pokemon Training.”

“Sir! You can’t say that!” Gary was stunned at Prof. Oak giving any credence to anything Team Solace had to say.

“It’s dangerous, son. You’re all just children. Their concerns are not only theirs, but a lot of people’s. Parents. Siblings. Your mother. I’d even say, perhaps almost everyone agrees with that sentiment. It’s why Team Solace has been so influential in today’s world. Even if you disagree with their methods, even if you don’t wish for the goal, the root of the problem touches everyone.”

Gary refused to speak, frowning and gritting his teeth. He just breathed, his tears falling back into his head where they came from.

“After Team Solace is stopped, which is hopefully soon, it’d be a miracle that it won’t just as easily be rebuilt by like-minded folk.”

Gary breathed out heavily and shook his head. “Sir... That won’t happen. They’ll be stopped, soon, and that’ll be the end of it. You can’t really think this guy is just that convincing!”

“Many people before him have convinced people of similar, if not worse beliefs, my boy,” Prof. Oak spoke grimly.

The two went quiet.

Gary looked up into the sky. No, sir. Y- Just, no! You’re wrong! How can you say such things? Gary refused to admit that, deep down, he knew he believed what Prof. Oak was saying, because it did make sense. But he couldn’t give in to that. He had to keep fighting. For hope. For something better. For a peaceful tomorrow. It was as if accepting what Prof. Oak had said would be the end of the world.

Prof. Oak cleared his throat. “And as for Tera and Sabrina, you can’t blame yourself for either death. Sabrina... You saved Saffron City! That wasn’t you who destroyed it and killed those people, but that Haunter! Tera was another accident. A tragedy! But nothing that you are, nor should be held accountable for. You’re a hero, Gary. And there are quite a lot of heroes out there, and there always have been, for years and years. A couple of them even come from Pallet Town! A ha ha ha ha!”

Gary didn’t like being called a hero at all. Not for this stuff he’d been through. A hero saves lives, Gary argued. Yeah. “A hero saves lives, Professor! Look at all I’ve lost!”

There was silence.

Gary’s hand tightened around the phone. He took a deep breath in, and let it out.

The silence continued.

Gary tried to think of what he should say. Or if he should say anything at all. Wondering if Prof. Oak would speak.

Out of nowhere, finally breaking a few minutes of long silence, Prof. Oak began to laugh.

Gary moved the phone from his ear and stared as the black screen cut back on, showing the time length of the call so far, not believing what he was hearing.

They’d been speaking for over eleven minutes at this point.

He put the phone back to his head. “Prof. Oak? Sir?”

“Ooo hooo hooo ho! Haaaa haha! I’m sorry, my boy! I just couldn’t keep myself from laughing! I just had a memory! Imagine that; me, a memory! After all the things I forget, it surprises me when something from so long ago comes back to my old brain.”

Gary let out his breath.

“Gary, do you remember back in Viridian City, when you saved your Mankey? Do you recall what I said to you there while we were waiting for it to recover?”

Gary thought back to that day.

“Didn’t I say, you have to believe in it? Be there for it? Support it. Whether it survived or not, I told you that these things happen, all the time, all over the world. To everyone. Nothing lives forever. That is the rule of life itself. It ends. The creation of, or the destruction of. That is life, Gary.”

Gary was now staring at the ground. I remember that, he nodded.

“And now, you must do the same for Barboach,” Prof. Oak went on.

Gary looked up ahead to the grass and trees. “What do you mean? Is she okay? Is something wrong? Is she ill??”

“No, I just mean, you saved her. And she is better, now. Support her knowing she has life, as you would have had it not been so certain. And the same goes for all of your Pokemon. Charizard, Hitmonchan, Ivysaur and the rest.”

Gary let out another breath. “You’re right. We’ve come this far, and gotten so strong. We’re alive and kicking! We have to show it while we can.”

“That’s the spirit, my boy!”

“Thanks, Prof. Oak. I needed that for real.”

“That’s why I’m here, Gary. And congratulations on your new captures! That’s one thing I don’t want to forget to mention.”

“Yeah, it was nothing, really, ha ha. Anyway, I’ve got a battle with June.” Gary recalled what June wanted to tell Prof. Oak. “I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Wait! Gary! Don’t leave just yet! I need to tell you this! About the Pokemon you caught!” Prof. Oak called.

“Huh? Slowpoke and Magikarp?”

“Specifically, Magikarp! You’ve caught quite the specimen there! I happen to have some notes on this, but I’ve never seen it before!”

“Seen what??”

“Your Magikarp knows two highly irregular moves!” Prof. Oak announced with excitement.

“What do you mean?? Not Tackle and Splash??”

“Splash, Tackle, Rage-!”

“What??”

“And Dragon Rage!!”

“WHAAAAAT?!?!”

“There’s research on this at Celadon University, where yours truly taught back in my day. The rarity of this Magikarp can not be overstated!”

“I’ve NEVER heard of a Magikarp like that!” Gary had the biggest smile!

“Magikarp with irregular moves are not unheard of. Flail is not hard to come by, either. But these two moves... I’m not saying you can’t swap out for Magikarp, but please, allow me just a bit more time to conduct some studies!”

“Sure thing, Professor! But I’ve definitely gotta use that in a couple battles! Using a Dragon Rage from a Magikarp?? I can’t wait just to see the faces people will make!”

Prof. Oak chuckled. “Just remember to treat your Pokemon with respect. I understand being excited to show off such a rarity, but this is still a living being with self awareness and feelings. Treat it as such.”

“Of course! Those won’t be so cool of moves on a Gyarados, but I still want one! Man, I’m so lucky!”

“That’s right, Gary! Remember that!”

Gary kept his smile and nodded with understanding. “This has been the best talk I’ve had with anyone in a while! Thanks so much, Prof. Oak!”

“That’s a part of my job. Guiding you young Trainers.”

“Hey, before I go, one last thing. How’s Kiwi?”

“She’s doing well. She’s still working through the stresses of her journey, but she’s no longer as upset about things. If anything, a little more quiet than you may be used to, but that’s understandable. I really am sorry she stopped her training, but the help she is giving me and Tracey is absolutely priceless.”

“Everything happens for a reason, huh?”

“Correct!”

“I’ll speak to you soon! Gotta get in practice for the League!”

“Take care, my boy!”

“Bye!” Gary hung up the call. It was timed at nearly twenty minutes.

*

“Pace yourself, Hitmonchan!” Gary instructed.

Hitmonchan stood on his feet, bobbing lightly in place.

“Thunder Punch, Ampharos!” June cried.

Ampharos ran at Hitmonchan with a pulled back fist.

“WIND IT UUUUP! THUNDER PUNCH BACK!!” Gary countered.

Hitmonchan stayed in his spot, bobbing, waiting.

Ampharos got closer, her fist sparking.

“GOOOO!” Gary pointed.

Hitmonchan swung his left arm in a couple of swift, wide circles, his fist sparking with Electricity, and he clobbered Ampharos, crying out as he was also hit by Thunder Punch.

“Oh, no!” That was meant to block! Gary thought to himself.

Both Pokemon stumbled back. They leaned over, heaving hard, ready to drop.

“Bullet Punch!”

“Discharge!”

“Chaaaaaaaaaan!!”

Ampharos also yelled out.

Both attacks hit.

Both Pokemon fell over, defeated!

Both Gary and June gasped.

“WOW!” June exclaimed. “It’s actually a draw!”

“So you’re not gonna get mad at me for being surprised Ampharos was actually able to keep up, then?” Gary taunted.

June sucked her teeth. “I’m just surprised it’s a draw, not that Hitmonchan Fainted.” She stuck out her tongue.

They both returned their Pokemon.

When June had her next choice in her hand, she stared at Gary, who also had a Poke Ball ready.

He was staring at his Poke Ball solemnly.

“Gary, you okay?” June asked.

“Just thinking.”

“What about?”

“It’s a simple Pokemon, but I really like Pidgey. And I love its evolved forms. I’d love to have a Pidgeot for the League, if possible.”

“That’s great! Then we should get to training her, right?” June smiled, but she knew this wasn’t a happy conversation. It didn’t take too long, right before Gary started speaking, for her to remember why.

“Kiwi started off with a special Pidgey,” Gary said. “How can I bring myself to raise this Pidgey, knowing she’ll be watching?”

No one said a word that evening, a warm breeze blowing through, a classic feeling of summer. So nostalgic to all. So pleasant. But it couldn’t ease the discomfort that had arrived.

“She will be watching, but she won’t be able to read your mind, Gary,” June stated.

Gary stared at her, waiting for her to keep talking to finish her point that he wasn’t getting.

“But if she could, I dunno, wouldn’t it hurt her? You know her far better than me, so you tell me. If she knew your journey, your desires, were being affected in any way, negatively, by her, would that not bother her? Would that not make her feel worse than she is already feeling? Would she not feel honored that you are using a Pidgey, Pidgeotto, or Pidgeot? Seeing her could mean everything to Kiwi right now.”

Reflecting on June’s words, Gary’s eyes widened. His eyes began to tear up. To the surprise of June, and himself, he found himself breaking into a big smile. “June. That’s it!”

“Hm?” June’s eyes now widened.

He let out his breath and raised the Poke Ball high. “We will make it to the League, and we’ll take the whole thing! And we’ll shine bright. Are you ready?” Gary lowered the Poke Ball by his face.

June smiled and held out her Poke Ball. “Ready when you are!”

Both Trainers sent out their Pokemon.

June gasped at Gary, not believing her ears.