A series of loud explosions went off, and the cheering from the crowd erupted from outside.

Gary gasped, the noises startling him as he rubbed his twitching right eye.

Pokemon Trainers were all around him in a long hallway, an opening just a few feet in front of them leading outside to a stadium filled with screaming fans in the bleachers. The Trainers were all staring firmly ahead, many holding serious looks on their faces.

A woman was in front of the huge group holding up a sign on a stick that Gary couldn’t read from where he stood.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Indigo League competition's opening ceremonies!” an announcer yelled, his voice echoing strongly throughout the stadium. “This is where Pokemon Trainers and their Pokemon, having accomplished obtaining the minimum eight Badges in the Kanto region, will compete and show off their skills and talent in competition, seeking to be the winner and further their steps on the road to becoming Pokemon Masters!”

The lady walked forward, and Gary and his group moved forward immediately.

Oh, no, Gary thought as his feet shakily carried him forward. Here it is. It's finally time. He jabbed at his eye once more in a desperate attempt to get it to stop twitching.

“And here come our competitors now!” the announcer introduced.

The crowd cheered even louder as Gary and his group entered the grassy ground in the middle of them all.

The sun hit the entering Trainers, Gary squinting into it, his eye still twitching, looking around at the excited crowd. Wow, he thought. Look at all these people. They're all so excited. His heart and right eye were now moving to the same beat, going completely berserk. He was too nervous to even rub at the eye anymore, uncertain of how his weak legs were still carrying him.

The seats contained thrilled people of varying ages, sizes, skin tones, attractiveness, and clothing styles. The one thing they all shared was their level of excitement.

I wonder where June is, he pondered, sure that she was around somewhere. The group of Trainers came to a stop and he looked to see that he was facing the wrong way.

Everyone else was paying attention to something.

A short, wooden platform in the field, near bleachers, held a microphone, but no one was behind it.

A long stairway between the stands led up to the top of the stadium, where the landing contained an enormous, metal bowl, one pole at either side of it holding a waving flag with a Poke Ball design.

What now? Gary wondered.

“And now, in honor, and memory, of Trainer Ashley Ein from Viridian City, please give a big welcome to Salabaster Del Taúro of Kanto’s Rockabee City, carrying the torch containing the flame of Moltres, entering the stadium for the official lighting of the central torch which will burn throughout the entire duration of this competition!” the announcer stated in a much more solemn voice.

The cheering from the audience and Trainers on the field started off with less enthusiasm as everyone digested the grim statement, but it soon got louder and stronger, a few groups even getting to their feet.

“Please remember this moment, done in the loving memory of Ashley Ein, who was meant to be here to carry this legendary torch. Due to unfortunate circumstances resulting in her passing at the hands of the cowardly terrorists, Team Solace, Mr. Salabaster Del Taúro instead runs in memory of her, carrying a flame that burns as bright as the stolen future of that promising young Pokemon Trainer.”

Gasps, groans, and cries came from the crowd before quieting down to complete silence as Salabaster ran across the grass wearing white shorts, sneakers, and a tank top. The front of his shirt had a Poke Ball design on it.

The crowd started up again with light clapping that turned into thunderous applause, and later celebratory screams as, soon, everyone stood up.

The Trainers around Gary also shouted out their support, Gary joining in as well.

Salabaster was a well built young man, his muscular body flexing perfectly for show in the clothes he wore as he carried the flaming torch in his right hand and ran up the stairs, his wavy black hair glistening in the sun. He reached the top and stopped in front of the bowl.

“As we light this legendary flame, we ask everyone in attendance, at home, tuned in in every way imaginable, to lower their heads in a moment of silence,” the announcer requested. “Not just for this ceremony, and our great, powerful, worthy Trainers here today, to motivate them to further success both within and outside of this competition, but also, in memory of Trainers like Ashley Ein, Arnold Rale of Celadon City, and a number of other Pokemon Trainers who were unable to complete their journey and arrive to this competition today.”

It got uncomfortably silent, startlingly instantly, as everyone lowered their heads.

Gary’s eyes widened.

“From those who did not succeed in their quest for the required eight Badges of Kanto, to those whose lives were cut short on the very challenging road of a Pokemon Trainer.”

Gary’s eyes rose high, looking around for whose voice was echoing these words. Melissa... He also thought of Tera and Absol in this moment. Kiwi. Even Sabrina.

“You are not forgotten. Your ambition burns alongside all of our own, here during this tournament, and long after the flame of the mighty Moltres dies out, only to return again, brighter than ever and more meaningful than before with newly collected hopes, dreams, desires, and promises.”

Salabaster lowered his torch towards the bowl and it blew out an enormous flame instantly, the teenager stepping back and gazing up at the marvelous sight in front of him.

Everyone silently admired the beautiful flame said to belong to the Legendary Pokemon, the bird of fire, Moltres.

Gary’s eyes began to tear up as he maintained his vision of the fire.

Salabaster ran down the stairs quickly, the torch still blazing in hand, and stood by the other Trainers on the field.

“And now, ladies and gentlemen, here is President Showzon to welcome the competitors!” the announcer continued.

A tall man in a red suit walked out from where all of the Trainers had come out from, his hands behind his back. A warm smile was plastered on his face as he stared at the Trainers, reaching the wooden platform and stepping up to the mic. He ran a hand through his black hair, some of it falling over his face, covering a portion of it. He cleared his throat. “Hello, Pokemon Trainers,” he greeted them in a kind, clear voice. “Today is a very special day for you all. You have all come so far and experienced so much. There is no doubt in my mind that you are thinking of the struggles you and your Pokemon partners have been through to get here, and what your next steps will be from here on. I congratulate you all on making it this far. You all are marvelous Trainers. This competition is where you all will learn just how big the world truly is as you encounter Pokemon you may have never seen before, and battle against tactics you may have never considered using yourself. No matter what, today is a day where all of you have proven yourselves. Battle bravely. Do not back down. Address all fears and be rid of them. May your Pokemon feel your energy and may you lead them into victory. Victory, not as a won battle, but victory, as valiant partners going against the odds, no matter the outcome. I wish you all the best of luck!”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and everyone around Gary clapped excitedly, yelling and jumping for joy.

Gary clapped more absentmindedly, not wanting to but doing it just because. Melissa... he thought. He could feel the burning tears starting to form in his eyes, and he held them back with all of the strength inside of him as he clapped harder.

“Maaaaah nigga, I knew you’d make it here.”

Gary frowned in confusion and turned to see... “ISH! WHOA!”

“I’m weak, ha ha ha. What’s good, yo?” Ish greeted Gary. He looked like he came from the barber seconds ago, his hair looking freshly cut. His face still held injuries.

The two shook hands, but Gary struggled to get the code right that Ish kept using. “Ish, what are you doing here??” Gary smiled.

“I’m competing in the Indigo League, duh.”

Gary’s eyes could have exploded. “You have Badges? I thought you weren’t a Pokemon Trainer!”

“I never said that.”

“Didn’t you?”

Ish laughed. “Nah, man. Listen, I’ll explain later. I’ve gotta head out. I hope we get to battle. Good luck.” Ish made his way through the crowd, Gary keeping sight of the rather tall kid.

*

“Gary! There you are!” a familiar voice called, footsteps pounding the floor. June was running up to Gary with a huge smile on her face. “Did you see me in the crowd?”

Raichu ran after her, his arms in the air, smiling.

“I looked for you, but I didn't see you,” he shook his head, smiling back.

With the ceremony over, everyone had departed and was walking through the inside of the enormous stadium building.

The Trainers had to register to find out where they would be battling at first.

Gary was relieved to be out of the heat. He eagerly bounced in place a little, admiring the calming, light blue shade painted in the air conditioned building as several people moved past him, heading to one of several lines that led to one of several women in their individual booth, scattered about.

“Guess we have a line to wait on before we can register, huh?” June pointed out.

“No problem. Let's just get on any one.”

They walked over to a line, standing behind a kid with a white backpack on his back and wearing a red T-shirt and matching shorts. His feet were in black and red sneakers.

“This is so exciting!” June exclaimed. “I've never been to a competition like this before!”

Gary opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted.

“Gary!”

He turned at the sound of his name and his heart stopped. “Mom?!”

“Hey, there.” Gary’s mother stopped near him, a small smile on her face.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” Gary was stunned.

“I guess you didn't hear me calling out to you in the crowd, huh?” she asked, crossing her arms and grinning wider.

He smiled back and ran up to her, wrapping his arms around her. “Mommy! I can't believe you actually came!”

She hugged him tightly in return.

“I insisted, Gary,” an unmistakable voice spoke up.

Gary let go of his mom and turned to see Prof. Oak. “Prof. Oak! You're here, too!”

Prof. Oak nodded, smiling. “Indeed, son. As I said I would. Tracey is still at the lab, keeping watch over the Pokemon.”

“PROF. OAK!” June shouted and ran up to him, grabbing his shoulders and jumping up and down eagerly.

Prof. Oak stared at June in shock.

Gary’s mom also looked at June with surprise in her eyes.

“Oh, my. Well, hello, June,” Prof. Oak said uncomfortably, looking around frantically, embarrassed.

“June, it's so nice to see you again!” Gary’s mom gushed.

June ogled Prof. Oak for a couple more minutes before she seemed to snap back to reality and turned to the mother who spoke. “OH!” She skipped over to her and they both hugged. “I'm so glad you came!”

“Thanks, sweetheart,” the mom beamed. She released June, looking down at Raichu. “And hello, little guy.”

“Rai Rai!” Raichu waved.

Gary smiled and shook his head, rolling his eyes.

“So what's going on now?” Gary’s mom asked.

“I'm on line to register to find out where I'll be battling at,” Gary explained.

She turned to look at the line. “It sure is a long line.”

“But it's moving quick enough.” He retrieved his spot behind the kid as Trainers started to walk off the front of the line to newly opened counters.

“Gary,” she spoke seriously. She placed a hand on his shoulder and then pulled him in for another hug.

He hugged her back tightly. “Mom, what's wrong?”

She sniffled and looked into her son’s eyes, her own eyes tearing up. “Gary, just be safe, okay?”

He nodded firmly. “I'll be fine, Mom. I promise. Everything is gonna go just fine. I'm here to win the entire thing here!”

She looked at him wearily. “I don't care about that. Just finish this up and come back home. We can forget about all of this when this thing is finally over.”

“Huh?” Gary couldn’t believe his ears.

“Once you’re done with this, you can be home with me again,” she said quickly. “You can forget about all these silly Pokemon and we can go back to normal again.”

“No!” he cried out loud. “No, mom!” He shook out of her hold and backed away, shaking his head in disbelief.

“No?” his mom said loudly. “What do you mean? After a long year, all of this crap is finally almost over!”

“It's not crap, mom! This isn't just something that's over once this competition is done! There's a lot more to do! I'm not just going to end my entire journey once this is over!”

“I thought all you had to do was win the Badges against the Gym Trainers and then compete here to be a Pokemon Master!”

“No, mom! This is just one step in that direction! The Elite Four are the most powerful Pokemon Trainers out there! Them, and the Pokemon Champion! I still have to defeat them after I win here! And even after that, it doesn't end!! Pokemon never ends, mom! It's my life!! Forever!!”

His mom glared hard at him. She shook her head, staring at Gary in disgust and with pain in her eyes. “Oh,” she said, her tone very upset. “Fine.”

Neither of them spoke.

Nobody did, the building quiet, many people staring at them.

The young boy felt very uncomfortable, his eyes away from his own mother, his hands in his pockets.

“Your grandma and auntie couldn't make it,” his mom said shortly. “You should call them. They wished you good luck and say that they love you very much and miss you.”

Gary looked up at his mom.

Before he could say anything, she turned to June and managed a smile. “It was nice to see you again, June. Good luck in your fights.” She turned around and walked off.

Gary and his friends looked after her.

Prof. Oak turned to Gary and smiled. “Gary, I know you'll do just great. Good luck.” He reached out and grabbed the kid’s shoulder, giving it a strong squeeze. Turning, he walked quickly after Gary’s mother.

“BYE, PROFESSOR OAK!” June screamed after him, waving both of her arms excitedly in the air.

Prof. Oak's pace picked up immediately as he left the building, squeezing past the mother.

Gary turned to June.

She turned to him and let out a sigh. “Your mom thinks I'm competing,” she said in a low voice, smiling.

Raichu cocked his head at June, an innocent look on his face.

Gary didn't smile back at her and just turned to the shortening line and stepped up several more feet.

Only a few people were left. Behind Gary, the line was huge again.

It wasn’t much longer before he was looking into the eyes of a beautiful young woman with short brown hair wearing the same blue and black dress the other women in their booths were wearing. She smiled at him and said, “Welcome to the Pokemon League Village. Could I see your identification so I can tell you where you'll be battling?”

“Of course,” Gary responded nervously, handing her his Pokedex.

She opened it and it began to whir mechanically. “Is this your first time competing at the Indigo League?” she asked gently, staring at the Pokedex.

“Yes, it is,” Gary nodded quickly, shaking slightly.

The woman looked at him and then placed his Pokedex in the slot of a small machine on the counter. She pressed several buttons on a keyboard in front of her and then took the Pokedex out of the machine and handed it back to him. “You're now checked in, Gary.”

“Thank you very much.” Gary’s heart was firing like a gun with too many bullets as he took back his Pokedex. “So, where and when will I be battling?”

“Um, excuse me, but I think you need to recheck the criteria for competing at the Indigo League, Miss,” a voice spoke as someone clack clacked their way over.

Gary turned.

June turned.

Raichu turned.

Even the lady in the booth looked over.

“Whoa!” Gary reacted.

June gasped sharply.

Raichu sniffed in the direction of the approaching lady.

In pink high heels, a startling, tight red dress, and her pink hair in a ponytail, Courtney strolled towards the booth. She walked like a model, each leg crossing the other one before it as she got closer. “Redhead,” she smirked at June.

June growled.

Raichu looked to his Trainer and then frowned at Courtney and also started growling.

Courtney looked down to Raichu and raised an eyebrow before coming to Gary. “And if it isn’t my little Sugar Lumps.”

Gary joined in the growling. “Courtney. So you’re here.”

“Ha! I hope you didn’t think I’d not be here for this. Ten Badges in, come on now. How could I not be here?”

“Ten?” Gary’s eyes widened.

“And you have how many?” Courtney smirked.

“I got all eight I need,” Gary said, sounding satisfactory with his accomplishment.

“Right, so, you’re here to support Redhead at the League?” The look on her face irritated Gary. It looked like she was setting up for the biggest joke in the world.

“June isn’t competing. It’s just me,” Gary said grouchily.

“So you’re both here to root for me. Is that it?” Courtney was beaming a bright, toothy smile.

“Courtney, cut your crap! I’m here to compete and beat you, and everybody else at this tournament!”

Courtney snickered. “How ya gonna do that if you’re disqualified?” She started to giggle.

“Enough games, Courtney! Get out of here!” Gary barked.

“I think you’ll be the one exiting, Sugar Lumps,” she squinted teasingly at him.

At that moment, two tall figures came up behind Courtney that Gary hadn’t seen before. Security guards! They walked past Courtney and each one stopped at an opposite side of Gary’s. One man was brown skinned and bald, the other a white male with short cut, black hair. They both stood in black suits they were practically busting out of due to a frightening level of muscle, and they both stood at likely eight and a half feet tall!

“Are you Gary?” the darker skinned man spoke in a deep, harsh voice.

Gary had big eyes on him. He nodded. “Yes?” he squeaked.

“Of the Saffron City incident several months ago involving stopping the Pokemon Haunter?” the white guy asked gruffly.

Gary nodded at him. “Yes?”

“May we see your Badges, please?” The black man held out a palm, seeming less like he was asking a question, and rather making a demand.

Gary swallowed but got out his Badge case and held it out to the guy.

It was snatched from him by the paler man and opened. Soon, a Badge was removed. The other guard leaned in to stare at it and it was returned to its case. The two nodded at each other and the case was handed back to Gary.

He took it with quaky hands and held it.

The black guard went to the lady at the booth and motioned for her to come with him.

The lady looked terrified as she followed the man through the quiet, watching crowd.

The other guard crossed his arms in front of his pumped chest. “I’m sorry, but you’re not allowed to compete in the Indigo League without eight Badges.”

Gary gaped at the man as his mouth dropped wide open.

“In case you’re confused, Sugar Lumps, allow me to explain!” Courtney held her huge smile. “The Badge of Saffron was ruled banned to qualify for the Indigo League competition due to the concerning events that took place there. And since you only have eight Badges, that means you only have seven qualifying Badges.”

“WHAAAAAAAT???!!!” Gary blew up. “WHEN WAS THAT EVER SAID??!!”

“A few months ago. After I just so happened to spot you last time, I recalled you showing me your Badge case that one time, that had the Marsh Badge in it? And I just had to do my civic duties and inform law enforcement of just what was going on.” Her eyes were rolled up innocently to the ceiling.

Gary stared, mortified at Courtney. This isn’t about any civil duties. This... “BITCH!!” Gary roared, and charged at Courtney. The guard shoved Gary back, and the kid hit the floor hard. “Aaaaah!” he gasped as he slid. “HEY!”

The crowd gasped. While some people had already been filming the incident with their phones, more people started taking out theirs.

“You have to leave, son!” the guard insisted.

Courtney stuck her tongue out at Gary.

“I can’t believe you, Courtney!” June shouted.

“Raichu!” Raichu added.

“Excuse me, but I haven’t done anything wrong here,” Courtney frowned at June and crossed her arms.

“You knew I might not have the Badges to compete! You knew I had the Marsh Badge!” Gary accused. “You were betting I only had eight Badges so you could set me up to kick me out! Just like in New City!”

At the end of the Starter Pokemon competition in New City, Gary questioned why Courtney tried to make him miss the tournament by giving him bad directions. “Why’d you try to keep me out of this competition?” he screamed over the cheering crowd.

Courtney smiled a nasty little grin. “The less competition I had, the easier I could win.”

Courtney now held the same nasty little grin but didn’t say anything.

Gary got to his feet shakily. He wanted so bad to punch Courtney’s face and break it so she’d never smile again. My chance at the Pokemon League... he thought, feeling water starting to build up in his eyes.

“Gary!”

It took him a few seconds to realize that voice didn’t belong to June. But, then, who was it? He turned.

“Kiwi!” Gary and June uttered.

“Rai!” Raichu also said.

With a stern expression, the girl stopped by the group and looked up to the tall security’s face. She then looked to Gary and held out a fist. “Glad I came after all. Here. Take them.”

Still shaking, Gary kept his Badge case in one hand, holding out his free hand under Kiwi’s fist.

When her fist opened, little objects fell from them.

Badges!

Gary stared at them in shock before looking to Kiwi. “Kiwi?”

“You can compete now. Right? You don’t have at least one of these, right?” Kiwi’s hard eyes gripped Gary’s.

Gary shook his head. “Kiwi, I can’t-”

“You can, actually. It’s entirely allowed. There’s no rule against it.” She looked over to Courtney.

Courtney looked absolutely disgusted by what was going on.

Kiwi tightened her eyes on her before returning to Gary. “Now you make sure you kick her ass right on out of here, okay?”

Gary smiled and took in Courtney’s furious face.

“What??” she cried, and then looked at the security.

The security guard shrugged at Courtney. “There really is nothing that can be done here, technically.” He shook his head and walked away from them all.

“UUUGH!!” Courtney let out. “I was just trying to save you and me some time. But if you like getting embarrassed and losing in front of millions, be my guest!” She stomped away from them.

Gary watched Courtney until she left. He then stared at Kiwi. “Kiwi, I don’t know if this is right...”

“Gary, you earned that Marsh Badge. I don’t think anyone knew you even had that Badge. I’m sure if they knew how you got it, you’d be permitted in. There’s no Trainer who’s done more for all of their Badges than you’ve done for the Marsh Badge. Now you get out there and lose to Aly, and no one else. You understand me?” She cracked a little, quivering smile.

Gary didn’t smile back, yet. Instead, he leaned down and grabbed her body into a tight hug, finally letting loose his smile.

“Ah, come on, Gary...” Kiwi reluctantly hugged him back.

June smiled, clasping her hands together.

Raichu smiled, his eyes closed with happiness.

*

“Oh, my gooooosh! You're all registered and ready to battle!” Gary’s grandma said excitedly. “How are you feeling?”

“I'm pretty nervous,” Gary admitted.

“I know, but you'll do just fine. Did you see your mother?”

“Yes,” he answered quickly. “We spoke. She's doing fine.”

“Good,” his grandma nodded, her smile fading. “Just watch yourself around her, okay? Respect your mother.”

“Yes, Grandma,” he said wearily.

“And are you keeping yourself clean?” she demanded. “You look a mess.”

“Grandma, I'm fine!”

“You're just lucky I'm not there. I'll bet your hair smells terrible, and your clothes look a wreck. When’s the last time you took a shower?”

“I took one this morning,” he grumbled.

“You speak clearly to your grandmother, Gary!” she demanded strictly.

“I took a shower this morning, Grandma,” he said louder, clearly, lowering his eyes.

“I hope so. Anyway, good luck. I love you very much, and so does your aunt. She stepped out for a bit. You said your battle begins at twelve?”

“Yes, Grandma.”

“Well, it's half an hour ‘til then right now, Gary! Don't you be late!” she smiled, laughing lightly. “Go get ready!”

Smiling back, Gary said, “I'm headed there right now.”

“Okay. We'll all be watching and cheering for you. Do your best. And remember that no matter what the outcome, we all love you very much. Me, your aunt, and your mother, okay?”

Gary nodded. “I know, Grandma. Thank you. I love you, too. And tell Auntie I said I love her.”

“I will. Good luck, Gary.”

“Bye, Grandma.” He hung up the phone and then stood up, stretching.

June and Raichu were by the doors leading out of the building.

Gary walked quickly to join them, the sun causing a bright glow on the windows of the doors, causing him to squint.

June smiled as she saw him, Raichu calling out and waving with one arm, his Black Glasses over his eyes. “You ready?” she asked.

He nodded. “This is the ‘easy’ part.” Gary motioned with two fingers on each hand. “The preliminaries. Four battles on four separate fields, each one on a different day. And they’re just three-on-three matches. I beat those and I can compete at the Indigo Stadium.”

“Just don’t take it light just because they’re preliminaries,” June warned.

“I know that,” Gary said impatiently.

“Three-on-three is so different from six-on-sixes. Many matches are regularly three-on-three, but doing a Full Battle changes the dynamic entirely.”

“I said I know this, didn’t I?” Gary snapped. “Let’s go.”

They left the building, stepping into the bright warmth outside, and made their way to the Water Field.

“So you’re serious about Ish competing at the League...?” June asked with disdain.

*

The dark corridor Gary stood in muffled yet echoed cheers from the crowd for a battle that was still ongoing, or perhaps already over. The announcer's voice was unclear as he spoke about the battle excitedly.

Gary’s heart beat his chest painfully. He wanted to throw up, his arms shaking hard. He pressed his right hand over his right eye with anger, silently begging it to stop flinching as he waited for the past ten minutes or so.

Suddenly, the door in front of him slowly swung open inward and bright light poured into the corridor from the sun.

It's my turn, he thought, squinting against the sunlight. Gary. Let's win this entire thing. There's no going back, now. He took a deep breath and walked forward towards the light, inhaling the fresh air, taken back by the screaming fans.

“And now, the next battle on the Water Field will take place!” an announcer said, hidden from view.

Gary walked past a large booth with a long bench, set up for any participating Trainer's coaches to guide them while in battle from the sidelines, and stepped up to a steel square in the concrete ground.

A huge pool of water sat in the middle of the place with five circular platforms floating on top.

Suddenly, Gary’s four sides were surrounded by barred, steel gates, and the platform rose!

“WHOA!” he screamed out in shock as he was brought to a higher level.

The platform stopped several feet in the air, a steel beam holding it up.

“And here’s the Red Trainer, Gary, from Pallet Town!”

The crowd went crazy with support for the newcomer.

There were two electronic billboards, one on either side of the stadium, both high in the air, showing a picture of Gary with a blue background and white stripes, taking up the left side of the screens, three Poke Ball designs to the left of his picture. The other half of the screen was black.

The audience continued cheering as a lady approached the steel platform on her side by the opposite end of the pool and was ascended inside of it. The girl had black hair that reached her back. There were streaks of red within it. She wore blue jean short shorts and a yellow T-shirt that showed the smallest bit of her stomach in one area that Gary’s eyes shot down to for a moment before returning to her squinty, angry eyes and sneering red lips. She crossed her arms with attitude.

Kinda cute, Gary thought, straightening up.

“And here is the Green Trainer, Cynthia Main, from Pewter City!” the announcer introduced her.

The crowd seemed to scream even louder.

Cynthia's picture took the place of the empty spot on the other side of the billboards with a matching blue background with white stripes, three Poke Balls appearing to the right of her picture.

A referee stood to the side of the pool wearing a blue shirt with blue shorts and blue and white sneakers. He held a green flag in one hand, and a red flag in the other. He raised both flags, the green one at Cynthia, the red one aimed at Gary. “Trainers! BEGIN!”

“Arbok, attack!” Cynthia tossed a Poke Ball, sending out her first Pokemon.

“CHAAAAAAAAA!!” Arbok came out of the Poke Ball and slid right into the water.

“An Arbok!” Gary was surprised to see this, but then recalled knowing that Arbok were supposed to be able to swim. So she’s starting with something that isn’t a Water type, but can swim. Good way to throw me off.

“And Cynthia sets things off in this match with an Arbok!” the announcer declared. “While this is a pure Poison type, this snake has no issues holding its breath underwater!”

“And I’m gonna choose Lanturn! GO LANTURN!” Gary tossed his Poke Ball into the air and out came Lanturn.

Lanturn dove into the water and popped up a moment later with a happy cry.

“And Gary is going with an actual Water type who also doubles as Electric, a Lanturn!” the announcer stated.

The top Poke Ball on the billboard by Gary’s picture was replaced with a colored image of Lanturn, while the top Poke Ball at Cynthia’s picture had Arbok.

Cynthia’s eyes squinted and she pulled out a Pokedex from her back pocket!

Lanturn. The Light Pokemon. Nicknamed “The Deep-Sea Star,” this Pokemon illuminates seas from depths of over three miles. This light can blind prey before it eats them in one single gulp.

A Pokedex, Gary thought, staring with surprise at the object, though he didn’t really know why this was strange to him. Him and his friends weren’t the only people in the world with a Pokedex. Gary grinned at his chosen Pokemon. It is my Pokemon, after all, technically, he thought. Not like I’m borrowing June’s, technically speaking. Officially, even. “Alright! Lanturn! Hydro Pump!”

“Arbok, use Coil!”

Lanturn dove underwater and took in a huge breath. She then blasted at Arbok with a thick stream.

Arbok was forced back by the blast but then shook it off and its body curled around itself, eventually tangling itself up! Its body was outlined in green for a little bit.

Coil. The user raises its Attack, Defense, and finally, Accuracy, all at once.

“Whoa,” Gary responded to this information. “Just Defense, tho. Another Hydro Pump!”

“Stockpile!” Cynthia chose.

Releasing itself from its self made entanglement, Arbok’s eyes closed as its face tightened and its body glowed purple for a moment.

Lanturn hit Arbok with the move.

Arbok was shoved back by the hit but opened its eyes.

“Stockpile again!”

Arbok followed its Trainer’s orders, glowing purple once more.

Stockpile. The move increases both Defense and Special Defense, and other moves can be used with this to either heal the user or attack the opponent.

Gary’s eyes widened. “She’s setting something up!” he whispered.

“This match is starting off with Gary on the offensive, and Cynthia on the defense!” the announcer noted. “Cynthia seems to be preparing to fight back, but as of right now, Gary is in the lead and pushing for a knockout! When will Cynthia strike back?”

“Swallow!” Cynthia told Arbok.

Arbok glowed brightly as it Swallowed, the glow disappearing afterwards.

Swallow. After using Stockpile, a move that follows properly is Swallow, to swallow the stockpile and heal the user’s health.

“Cynthia decides to go with healing Arbok using Swallow, removing a lot of the work Gary did that put him ahead!” the announcer chimed in.

“Crap!” Gary said loudly. “Lanturn, let’s go for Discharge and do some real damage while underwater!”

“Gastro Acid, Arbok!”

What’s that now? Gary was getting irritated with all of these unfamiliar moves.

Arbok sprayed glowing green liquid at Lanturn quicker than Lanturn could even start to move.

Lanturn wailed out.

“Now use Wrap and follow that up with Thunder Fang!”

“Lan-!” Gary stopped. Wait. He held back his smile.

Arbok swam swiftly and Wrapped Lanturn, causing her to scream out. Arbok’s jaws widened, and they sparked.

Here it cooooomes. Gary couldn’t help but smirk.

The electricity shot out from Arbok’s jaws, forming a huge jaw itself, four fangs jutting from them, and it sunk into Lanturn.

The entire pool sparked and glowed as the electricity traveled through it.

Gary smiled, but the smile was wiped away as Lanturn screamed from the attack!

But Arbok also found itself screaming as it too was electrified!

“Wait what?? But, how?? She has Volt Absorb!” Gary looked at Cynthia, desperate for an answer.

Cynthia had her eyes closed, shaking her head, mumbling something.

“It seems both Trainers have found themselves trying out good strategies at the same, but wrong, time!” the announcer pointed out. “Gary seems unaware of how Gastro Acid works, his shocked reaction revealing Lanturn’s Ability, Volt Absorb, has been removed, leaving it-!”

“NO!” Gary gasped as the announcer continued talking.

“-Electric type moves!” the announcer finished. “Arbok, on the other hand, used an Electric move underwater, which is unwise when water conducts electricity, zapping all things in it! However, Arbok is clearly properly trained and still has Lanturn under Wraps in spite of that setback and this could be the end for Lanturn!”

What have I done? Gary panicked, watching Lanturn struggle against Arbok. What is June thinking about me right now? I can’t believe I’ve screwed this up so badly! It’s because I’m not used to Lanturn! I never should’ve used one of her Pokemon! It’s truly hers, after all! Gary found himself shaking his head. No. Gary, come on!! FOCUS! For the sake of Lanturn, regardless who “owns” her! This can’t-!

“Arbok, Slam it to the bottom! End this battle!” Cynthia ordered.

“Chaaaaaaaaa!!” Arbok released Lanturn, tossing her to the bottom of the pool.

Gary’s mouth dropped open with an idea in that instant. “Wild Charge!”

Lanturn slowly sunk down, down, down... Her body then sparked, and she stopped!

“Cha?!” Arbok reacted.

“What?!” Cynthia said at the same time.

Lanturn was still for just one second before her sparking body swam back up for Arbok! Her eyes tightened but she held a determined face as she focused through the pain of electricity damaging her and continued swimming for Arbok.

Arbok was also in pain, screaming as the pool became electrified again.

“ARBOK!!” Cynthia screamed.

“LANTURN, DON’T STOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!” Gary roared, reaching out.

Lanturn kept swimming, pushing herself through, and tackled Arbok. Both Pokemon were traveling through the water, Lanturn forcing Arbok back until it hit the walled end of the pool.

Arbok, pressed against the wall, was screeching out for its life, its Trainer shouting with it.

Lanturn finally released Arbok and swam backwards, flinching in pain from recoil damage.

Arbok’s head floated up out of the water, its jaws wide apart in a weak groan.

“Arbok is unable to battle. Lanturn is the winner!” The referee raised the red flag to Gary.

The crowd cheered.

“ALRIIIGHT!!” Gary leaped for joy, his heart a ball caught in a pinball machine.

“Gary pulls out a stunning first win! Trying to use Slam while underwater proved risky, as trying to do most anything underwater comes with some resistance. Lanturn using Wild Charge only added force against being Slammed to the bottom! Using Electric moves has proven to be a risk both Trainers are willing to take despite knowing their Pokemon being not immune to it! This is definitely resulting in some unprecedented battling!”

On the billboards, the image of Arbok became a silhouette of it instead.

Lanturn was at the top of the water, breathing hard.

“Shoot,” Cynthia said, returning Arbok. She went for a second Poke Ball and tossed it. It went underwater before popping open and flying back to her.

The creature sunk all the way down to the bottom of the pool and sat there with its flat body.

Stunfisk. The Trap Pokemon. It lives underwater, buried in the mud of the seashore, waiting for prey to touch it so it can paralyze them with electricity. If the prey cannot be paralyzed, it will flee in sets of wild flops and flails.

“Cynthia continues to push the envelope with yet another Pokemon that isn’t Water, but an astounding Ground and Electric type! Gary still has a type advantage, but so does Stunfisk!” the announcer was heard.

Stunfisk was next to be shown on the second Poke Ball on the billboard by Cynthia’s picture.

I would like to retreat Lanturn and give it some rest, but that’s a forfeit here! Gary thought, knowing the Indigo League rules. “We have to keep this up, Lanturn! Aim at it and take it out easy with Hydro Pump!”

Cynthia started cackling. “Thunderbolt!” she let out happily.

Gary grit his teeth, knowing there was no way out of this.

“Fisk Fisk Fisk Fisk Fisk Fisk!” Stunfisk started chuckling underwater as its body created sparks of electricity.

The entire pool was engulfed, lit up bright as it sparked.

Lanturn screamed out from within.

“LANTURN!” Gary called.

When Stunfisk’s move was over, Lanturn was floating on her side at the top of the water.

“Lanturn is unable to continue, and Stunfisk wins!” the referee ruled, waving the green flag to Cynthia.

The crowd went wild for this victory, too.

Lanturn’s photo on the billboard became a silhouette.

“And Cynthia makes an immediate and predictable comeback, zapping the entire field while Lanturn is still without an Ability to protect it!” the announcer said. “With one down on each side, what will Gary do to combat this uniquely typed Pokemon?”

Gary retreated his Lanturn. “You did great, Lanturn. Thanks so much! We beat one so far, and we’ll beat the rest. Just watch.” Hooking the ball to his belt, he stared at Stunfisk, wondering who he should pick next. His hand opened, wavering as he tried to decide. Ground and Electric... he thought. The water... Alright. He smiled and grabbed a Poke Ball. Let’s get unconventional, Cynthia! “Come on!” Gary threw the ball and the Pokemon was released.

“Trio! Trio! Trio!” Dugtrio was on one of the floating platforms, smiling and singing out his song. “Trioooooo!” he panicked, seeing he was surrounded by water!

“Relax, Dugtrio! I’ve got a plan! Trust me!” Gary assured his Pokemon.

Dugtrio remained looking nervous.

A picture of Dugtrio was now on the second Poke Ball on the billboard by Gary’s picture.

“And Gary continues the trend of doing the unpredictable this battle alongside Cynthia!” the announcer spoke, sounding shocked. “But in this situation, what use is a Ground type, that can’t swim, gonna be in a battle with one that can?!”

Even Cynthia looked shocked at Dugtrio being chosen. She then toughened her face and shrugged. “Surf!”

“Dugtrio!” I didn’t expect a Water type move from a Ground and Electric Pokemon! My plan! Gary panicked.

The water rocked, swayed, and eventually, a huge wave rose up high! Stunfisk was in the middle of it and rode it as it crashed down upon Dugtrio.

“DUGTRIO!!” Gary screamed. “Damn it!!”

“And Gary screws up big time here, folks!” the announcer commented. “This could be it for Dugtrio, who seems to have just barely hung on to the platform and this battle!”

“Triooo...” Dugtrio groaned, at the very end of the platform. His eyes were shut tight, trembling and soaking wet.

Stunfisk floated at the top of the water, staring blankly at Dugtrio.

“Dugtrio, don’t give in!” Gary urged. “I chose you for a reason! We can’t just follow the basics in this match!” He stared at Cynthia, who looked back to him. Gary ended up smiling and narrowing his eyes.

Cynthia’s eyes widened, confused by Gary’s smile, and she stared back down at the two Pokemon, trying to see what was about to happen.

“This girl had a lot of things planned, and I can only imagine what her final Pokemon will be. To win, we’ve gotta think big!” Gary pointed at Stunfisk. “Dugtrio, cause the biggest Earthquake you’ve got!!”

“Stunfisk, use Scald!”

“Triooooooo!!”

The entire field began to quake, the water rocking and moving, causing Stunfisk to cry out and not attack.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this, folks! I think Gary is about to take control of the field now!” the announcer burst out.

“Here it comes!” Gary beamed.

“Stunfisk!” Cynthia cried.

“FIIIIIIIIIIISK!” Stunfisk screamed as a low rising wave carried the Pokemon forward, heading for Dugtrio!

Now what, Gary?? Your Earthquake hit, but what follows?! You’re about to get drenched again! Gary realized. Come on, Cynthia, give a command!!

“Take control of that, Stunfisk! Use Muddy Water!” Cynthia went.

“YES! Sucker Punch!!” Gary said with excitement.

“NO!” Cynthia said angrily.

Dugtrio was in the air in the blink of an eye! His bottom end was covered in piles of dirt. He slammed right into Stunfisk right as the wave turned a murky brown color.

Both Pokemon were then caught up in the oncoming wave and slammed together onto a platform in a crumpled heap.

“Dugtrio is unable to battle! Stunfisk is the winner!” the referee ruled, waving the green flag to Cynthia.

The crowd celebrated another downed Pokemon.

Dugtrio’s picture was now a silhouette.

“While a respectable, or perhaps just brave, choice of a Pokemon and plan, Gary just couldn’t pull things off and has yet another loss!” the announcer brought up. “Dugtrio’s Earthquake caused a tsunami, a great tactic to shake up a... fisk, out of water, but due to poor planning, the entire thing backfired and Gary is down to his final Pokemon!”

Gary sucked his teeth, not moving his head but looking about, upward, trying to see this bigmouthed announcer. “Dugtrio, you did what was needed! We’ve got this! We’re not out! Thank you!” He called back Dugtrio.

“Just one more, Stunfisk! Hang tough!” Cynthia smirked at her Pokemon and then looked to Gary.

Stunfisk was on the platform, looking beaten up but still game. “Stunfisk!”

“There’s still Clamperl,” Gary muttered. “Even Kingdra.” He looked at all the platforms atop the water. “No problem.” He leered back at the girl. “Let’s win this, Hitmonchan!” He threw his last Poke Ball.

“Hitmon.” Hitmonchan tightened the Yellow Scarf around his neck. He then raised his arms, his fists blocking his face. Several punches shot forward at a blinding speed.

A picture of Hitmonchan took over the last Poke Ball on the billboard by Gary’s picture.

“And Gary’s placing his last bets on a Fighting type that also cannot swim, Hitmonchan!” the announcer told all. “Hitmonchan is known for having a variety of move types, so let’s hope Gary is prepared for anything, as Cynthia has proven she certainly is!”

“Stunfisk, get in the water and strike Hitmonchan with Thunderbolt! Keep it away!” Cynthia instructed.

Stunfisk dove in the water and floated at the top. With a big laugh, Stunfisk used Thunderbolt, filling up the pool with electricity, and a bolt from Stunfisk shot up and hit Hitmonchan.

“Chaaaaaaaaaann!!” Hitmonchan fell to his knees.

“HITMONCHAN!! NO!!” Gary shouted.

“Cynthia is playing it safe now! Using Thunderbolt hits Hitmonchan at a distance, and keeps him out of the water, just in case!” the announcer said.

She’s really trying to ensure this win, Gary thought. I’ve got to reach that Pokemon from a distance! Maybe Hitmonchan was the wrong choice. I can’t touch that Pokemon like this!

“Stunfisk, another Thunderbolt! It’s time to finish this match!” Cynthia crossed her arms.

Damn it! It’s too late for Fake Out. Or Retaliate! If we could only move through the water, we could-

The entire pool sparked and a bolt of lightning came for Hitmonchan.

Gary’s eyes lit up. “THUNDER PUNCH!”

Hitmonchan pulled back a sparking fist and punched the Thunderbolt, destroying it into a firework display!

The crowd blew up in amazement.

“Gary counters one Electric move, with another one!” the announcer praised. “But Gary still isn’t able to get any closer to Stunfisk to actually win this match!”

“Just watch and see!” Gary said out loud, smiling. “ICE PUNCH THE WATER!”

“Hitmonchan!” Hitmonchan swung at the water with a fist that became coated in icy blue energy, and a large portion of the water became frozen, leading up and stopping right at Stunfisk!

“It can’t reach us underwater! Dive and use Thunder this time!” Cynthia said frantically.

“Bullet Punch!” Gary continued.

Just as Stunfisk leaped out of the water to dive back in, Hitmonchan was already sliding across the ice and slid to a stop, timed perfectly to be able to reach and sock the opponent right in the stomach without sliding off into the water.

Stunfisk flashed white where it was hit, signaling a Critical Hit! It flew for a bit and then splashed into the water. Some bubbles appeared at the top of the water and Stunfisk appeared, bobbing.

“Stunfisk is out! Hitmonchan wins!” the referee waved the red flag to Gary.

Stunfisk’s image on the billboards became a silhouette like those fallen before it.

With Gary and the crowd hyped up by this win, the announcer gave his comments: “And Gary pulls off a spectacularly clever win by using Ice Punch to create a platform for Hitmonchan to travel and secure the needed blow, which was a Critical Hit, and win the battle! Now, each Trainer is down to just one left, and honestly, this could be anyone’s match!”

“Stunfisk, come back!” Cynthia returned it and nodded at the Poke Ball. “Thank you.” She quickly grabbed her final Poke Ball and tossed it high in the air.

Gary’s heart made a tight home in his throat at what came out.

The entire crowd gasped.

“Don’t get scared, now,” Cynthia laughed. “I’ve saved the very best for last.”

An image of Dragonite was on the billboard as Cynthia’s last Pokemon.

“And Cynthia takes us all by surprise by not only sending out yet another Pokemon not of the Water variety, but a Dragonite! How does Gary expect to get out of this one?”

You could be a little more impartial, couldn’t you? Gary thought, though he was wondering the same thing. He then gasped. “Hitmonchan, run!”

“Dragonite, smash that ice!” Cynthia told her Pokemon.

From the sky, Dragonite stared down at Hitmonchan with wide, even cute, eyes.

Hitmonchan stared back at Dragonite with a gaping mouth, realizing the danger he was in.

Dragonite’s eyes furrowed, erasing the gentle look of before and displaying fierceness instead, and it dove down.

“GOOOOOO!!” Gary bellowed.

“CHAAAN!” Hitmonchan turned to get away, but Dragonite slammed through the ice, right in front of him, and swam underwater.

“TURN AROUND AND JUMP TO THAT PLATFORM!!”

Hitmonchan turned back and LEAPED!

With an angry shout, Dragonite burst out of the water and through the ice Hitmonchan was just standing on!

Hitmonchan grasped the edge of the platform as he landed in the water and crawled his way on top.

Dragonite dove back down, right next to the platform Hitmonchan stood on.

A wave rose up and splashed Hitmonchan, the platform rocking dangerously.

“Dragonite is proving itself a threat, needing to be no more adept to water than it already is!” the announcer was heard saying. “The advantage is all Dragonite’s unless Gary can think up something to outspeed and overpower this Dragon type Pokemon!”

“That’s IT!” Gary couldn’t help but smile.

Cynthia shook her head. “Dragonite, let’s end this quick! Hurricane!”

The water began to splash and sway, getting more reckless by the second.

“Hitmonchan, get out of that with Agility!” Gary ordered.

Hitmonchan moved swiftly, leaping to the next platform, and then the next.

“Keep it going, Hitmonchan! Maximum Speed!!”

Green, crescent-shaped blades of energy came out of the heavily swishing water.

Hitmonchan dodged the attacks, picking up his Speed even more, moving to another platform, and then another one, and then another.

“GOOO HITMONCHAAAAAN!” Gary balled his fists.

Hitmonchan picked up his last burst of Speed and was practically invisible at this point! More blades from Hurricane went after the Fighting type, but he was not going to be caught anytime soon.

“It looks like Gary’s got the edge on Speed, now!” the announcer shouted happily.

“Oh, you think! Use Wrap!” Cynthia snarled.

Dragonite burst out of the water and actually caught Hitmonchan!

Gary screamed from the sudden surprise.

Hitmonchan choked out as Dragonite wrapped its arms around his body, keeping him still.

“Up in the air now!” Cynthia told Dragonite.

Hitmonchan, gasping for air, struggling, his arms and legs waving wildly, was taken into the sky.

“And it seems like this is just about it for Hitmonchan! Can Gary find a way out of this??” the announcer questioned.

“Now let’s make this a Sky Drop!” Cynthia commanded.

Dragonite cried out and flew even higher. It then dove down.

Gary’s teeth tightened as he watched his Hitmonchan being taken down, his arms reaching out behind Dragonite as Dragonite held Hitmonchan from under them in a huge hug. Gary squinted at this. “HITMONCHAN! BACK TO BACK ICE PUNCH! ‘TIL THE END!!”

Hitmonchan squinted at Dragonite, struggling against the pressure of diving down, and he brought in his elbows as his fists became coated in Ice. “CHAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNN!!!” Hitmonchan pummeled Dragonite’s sides with Ice Punch repeatedly!

Cynthia gasped. “Dragonite! Hurry up!!”

Dragonite cried out in pain as they continued soaring down swiftly.

“DO IT HITMONCHAN!!”

Right before hitting the water, Dragonite straightened its body to fly forward, but released Hitmonchan.

Hitmonchan swung up, punching the Dragon right in the chin before he hit the water with a huge splash.

Dragonite cried out and slammed into a platform, ending up underwater, too.

A set of bubbles appeared in one spot.

All eyes were on those bubbles, wondering what they would bring up.

Hitmonchan appeared! “Channn...” he breathed out and closed his eyes in exhaustion as he floated on his back.

Gary gasped shakily. “No...” he breathed out, his voice quaking.

Hitmonchan rose up even higher, completely out of the water, resting on Dragonite’s stomach!

Dragonite’s mouth was hanging open, a dizzy look in its eyes.

“Hitmon...” Hitmonchan spoke, but his eyes stayed closed.

“Dragonite is unable to battle! Hitmonchan is the winner!!” the referee ended the fight, waving the red flag to Gary.

Cynthia shrieked in horror.

The crowd exploded in cheers.

“The winner of this match is the Red Trainer, Gary!!” the referee finished.

Dragonite’s image was now a silhouette, and then Cynthia’s entire side of the billboard went black, leaving only Gary up there. The words WINNER!!! GARY!!!! displayed in her place in white letters, and the background of the billboards went bright yellow. Gary’s photo remained, all three of his Pokemon now shown in clear images.

“HITMONCHAN WE DID IIIIIIIIIIT!!!!” Gary jumped in his high platform, tears rolling out from his eyes. “WE WON OUR FIRST LEAGUE MATCH!!! YEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!”

“THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLE MATCH!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES!!! I COULD WATCH THAT ONE A FEW MORE TIMES AND I’LL STILL NEED CONVINCING THAT THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED! GARY HAS WON WITH AMAZING GUTS AND TRUST IN HIS POKEMON!!” the announcer went on.

Gary wiped at his eyes and stared at the two Pokemon.

Hitmonchan looked back at Gary tiredly, not even willing to sit up. But he did manage a weary smile.

Gary smiled at him and then looked to Cynthia.

She was scowling at him.

Gary’s smile lessened, but it didn’t fade. “Hey, good match?”

She frowned even harder. “You gonna return your Hitmonchan or do you want it to drown?” She held out a Poke Ball.

“OH! Sorry!” Gary retrieved his Hitmonchan from Dragonite’s stomach.

Cynthia then recalled her Dragonite. She sucked her teeth, looking down. “Yeah, good match.” She turned her back on Gary, crossing her arms.

Their platforms lowered and the bars around them went down as well.

Cynthia walked away quickly, leaving the field.

Gary smiled shyly at the crowd and waved lightly as he followed after her. He gazed down, watching Cynthia walking off in her tight shorts, her Pokedex hanging out of her back pocket, until she disappeared in the darkness of the exit hallway. Gary was nearly at the exit.

And then someone came charging in! “GARY YOU WERE AMAZIIIIIING!!” the person jumped at Gary and held him in a huge hug.

“HEY! STOP RIGHT NOW! GET BACK HERE!!”

“COME BACK HERE!! THAT’S NOT ALLOWED!!”

Gary held June in his arms and watched as security guards appeared. “Whoa, what’s going on??”

“And Gary even has a cute little girlfriend to greet him after such a stunning win!!” the announcer shouted out.

The crowd cheered even louder at this!

“Hey, listen, your support is not allowed on the field during or after the match begins! Only beforehand! Girlfriend or not! Got it, kid?!” one of the three security guards barked. “Come on, you two!”

Gary released June. “But she’s not even-!”

“NO EXCEPTIONS! Let’s go, you two! You can greet your fans and anyone else you want, inside the building.”

Together, the security, June, and Gary walked through the hall and past a young kid who was watching with a shocked look on his face.

This kid looked like he was waiting to enter the field himself, Gary assuming he more than likely was next to battle.

Despite a first win under his belt, Gary felt strange. He was thrilled, but he felt a little confused by what was now taking place.

Was he in trouble? He wasn’t sure. But it was okay, because even with just one win, he felt that much more like a true Pokemon Master.

He just wished people would stop thinking June was his girlfriend.