“Hoothoot, use Hypnosis!”

Hoothoot dove down from the sky and aimed at a low level, flying just above the ground. His eyes glowed red.

“Raichu, use Thunder as a distraction!”

Raichu’s body sparked, and the sky above darkened.

Flashes of lightning flashed before several streaks crashed loudly to the ground at Hoothoot.

Hoothoot cawed out and his eyes returned to normal as he flapped his wings frantically and came to a stop. He wasn’t hit by the bolts, but his Hypnosis was interrupted.

“Use Fling!” June continued.

“Raichu!” Raichu snatched off the Black Glasses and tossed them at Hoothoot.

The Black Glasses were outlined in a spooky black color before colliding with Hoothoot.

“Hooooooot!” Hoothoot called out as he hit the ground.

“Hoothoot, get up and Fly out of there!”

“Raichu, use Thunder!”

Hoothoot shook his head as lightning flashed again, Raichu charging up another Thunder attack. “Hoot!” He flew into the sky, avoiding a bolt of lightning that came for him, and flew around more lightning bolts, getting higher into the air. He hovered midair as more bolts came down around him, just missing him, and making him look really cool to Gary. Then, he dove for Raichu.

Raichu’s eyes were wide on Hoothoot and he took a step back. “Rai?”

Hoothoot slammed into Raichu.

“RAI!” Raichu tumbled like a ball before unraveling on his front.

Hoothoot flapped his wings and settled on the ground.

“Raichu!” June ran to Raichu and stared down at him. She sighed. “Okay, okay,” she admitted, smiling at Gary. “You win. Good one.”

“Close match, June!” Gary smiled back. He sighed under the blazing sun and then approached her and held out his hand.

June stepped closer and grasped his hand, and they shook. “Congratulations on getting Fly attack down.”

“And your Fling is looking great!” Gary told her.

June looked to the Black Glasses on the ground and walked over to them. After picking them up, she returned to Raichu.

Raichu blinked, waking up, and he sat up straight. His ears were down.

“Don’t be down, Raichu! We’ll get this right,” June told him and placed his Black Glasses on top of his head.

Raichu smiled and adjusted them over his eyes, his ears perking up.

Hoothoot hopped over to them, fluttering his wings, and he settled by Gary.

Gary laughed and pulled him into a hug. “Great to have you back, Hoothoot!”

“Hoooot! Hooooooooot!”

“I know you’ll be able to help us out on the Grass Field in round two.”

“I know you wanted a Pidgeot as well to use for that field, Gary. It might take some time to get to that stage, though.”

“And that’s why we need more practice. I want to use her. At least as Pidgeotto.” Gary lowered his eyes, thinking about this.

“Gary, don’t torture yourself. You can always use other Pokemon,” June told him.

Gary shook his head. “I know I can, but this is one battle, a specific field, that I’m sure she can succeed in. Her time to shine is there, if nowhere else. But it won’t be her last chance, either. Come on.” Gary returned Hoothoot and walked backwards several feet.

June returned Raichu and smiled at the Poke Ball. She then looked at Gary and then turned away as she walked to her bag. The Poke Ball was put back in it and she came up with a new one. “Let’s see how well you hold up against this!” She threw the Poke Ball and Rotom jittered about in the air.

“Right! Rotom,” Gary nodded and grabbed a different Poke Ball, enlarging it.

*

“This is day two of the Pokemon League, and round two for Gary of Pallet Town as he battles today on the Grass Field!” the announcer’s voice came out from his hidden place above. “His opponent is Tiffany Roy from Chocovine Town in the Sinnoh region!”

The crowd was elated, going mad with anticipation for the match to be had.

“The Grass Field is back for use after the previous day’s antics of competitor Lola burning the entire field down, perhaps getting a little too into her Pokemon Coordinator roots. Though it did get her the win, she may find herself with just a nasty fine if she’s lucky! But anyway, let’s have a nice, clean fight!” He laughed.

Gary noticed that the platform he was barred inside of was elevated higher than the one on the Water Field. He stared at the grassy terrain below, wondering how it had gotten burned up, impressed that there were no signs of this incident now.

The referee was a young guy in green shorts and a green T-shirt, wavy brown hair atop his head. A green flag was in one hand, a red flag in the other. “The battle may begin!” He raised the red flag to Gary, the green flag to Tiffany.

Gary glared at his opponent, a blonde girl, her hair in a braided ponytail.

The girl smiled back sweetly.

This wiped the intimidation off of Gary’s face quick as his eyes widened. She winked, which sped up Gary’s heartbeat. “Whoa.” Gary shook his head. Pay attention, man! This is the League! He looked her over.

Her legs showed from underneath a ruffled, pink skirt. Above that, she had on a light red top just shy of being pink itself, wearing matching shoes. “Good luck, Gary,” she spoke warmly.

She knows my name, Gary realized, smiling back. Crap. She’s... “Good luck to you, too!” When her name is spoken again I will not forget it! Gary promised.

With a giggle, Tiffany tossed her Poke Ball, one that was white at the bottom, but a blue-green at the top with black streams on it, like a net.

Gary watched this peculiar Poke Ball hit the ground and open, sending out something that made Gary shout out.

Beedrill hovered over the ground, buzzing irritatingly to Gary.

Gary shuddered. Of all Pokemon, why a Beedrill??

Tiffany was smiling, eagerly awaiting Gary’s Pokemon.

“Okay, perfect!” Gary forced a nervous smile, trying to show confidence, and he threw his Poke Ball. “Sabrina, I choose you!”

Sabrina cawed out loudly, her wings spread apart over her head.

“Let’s do it, Sabrina!” Gary nodded nervously at her.

Her wings flapping, she looked back at her Trainer and nodded.

“What a beautiful name for your Pidgeotto!” Tiffany pressed her hands over her chest.

Gary smiled, his face heating. “Thanks.”

“So it’s Pidgeotto versus Beedrill to start off this battle! Great choices for a grassy field!” the announcer declared. “With Pidgeotto having the advantage, what will Tiffany choose to do?”

Tiffany! That’s it! Tiffany! Gary shouted in his head. I won’t forget! TIFFANY!

“Beedrill, Iron Defense!” Tiffany had a big, openmouthed smile as she waved her hand in front of her.

Beedrill crossed its arms in front of its body. A light-blue outline appeared on its body, followed by a white flash. They went away and a metallic color came over Beedrill, making it look like iron.

“Whoa, not bad. We’ll start off with Wing Attack, Sabrina!”

Sabrina called out and flew at Beedrill. Her wings glowed white, white energy trailing off at the tips of the feathers. She crashed one wing into Beedrill.

Beedrill buzzed out, flying back just a bit. The metal on its body went away.

“Beedrill shows off an impressive move with Iron Defense, but Pidgeotto still goes on the offense, going for the super effective Wing Attack to deliver some useful damage!” the announcer commented on the way the battle started.

“Aim your Toxic Spikes!” Tiffany followed up.

Beedrill raised its top stingers and a dark purple orb formed between them.

The orb flew high into the sky, purple streams falling from it. It exploded loud, and smaller magenta orbs in a dark purple aura fell to the ground, sinking through it. A ring of magenta energy was left where the orbs vanished for only a second.

“Tiffany is setting things up great for the future. Toxic Spikes will Poison anything on the field that Gary sends out from here on, unless they hover over the ground, or are Poison types themselves. If they are Poison type, that is the only chance for Gary to get rid of the Toxic Spikes!”

“Crap. What a setup! No problem as long as we’re in the air, though,” Gary frowned. He couldn’t help but think of his own Beedrill he used to own, and when he used the exact same move when battling June’s Gym for the first time, which resulted in her Electrode’s death...

“You’re doing great, Gary! Don’t worry!” Tiffany called.

Gary looked at her in surprise, removed from his thoughts.

She winked at him. “Neither of us should worry here! The best Trainer will win this. Let’s make sure to have fun!”

“Oh...” Is this a diversion tactic or is she really like this?? Gary wondered. Don’t get psyched out, man. He smiled back at her. “Thanks, Tiffany. Let’s give it our all, then! Sabrina, Fly!”

Sabrina flew into the air, getting high up.

“Start getting warmed up! Focus Energy!” Tiffany said.

Beedrill flashed white. Then, its body was outlined in white. This then moved off its body and ended at the point of Beedrill’s three stingers.

“Sabrina, be careful! Stay away and go for Gust!”

Sabrina cried out sharply and stopped soaring, flying backwards a little before hovering while flapping her wings rapidly, creating a huge wind to hit Beedrill.

Beedrill tumbled backwards but stayed up.

“Beedrill, use Twineedle!”

All three of Beedrill’s stingers glowed purple, and it flew at Sabrina and jabbed her once in the stomach, and then again across the face.

Sabrina squawked out and tumbled down.

“Sabrina! Stay up!” Gary called.

The Pigeon Pokemon spread out her wings and caught the air. She flapped rapidly and kept herself from touching the Poisonous ground.

“Fury Attack next!” Tiffany kept up.

“Use Agility to get away!” Gary instructed.

Beedrill’s three stingers glowed white and it went after Sabrina.

Sabrina dove down under one stab. Beedrill didn’t let up, keeping up with Sabrina, but the Flying Pokemon was just as ready, dodging, soaring, making sharp lefts and rights through the air to keep from being hit.

“These two are showing a lot of agility and talent right now! You might swear these were both Flying types!” the announcer spoke, sounding amazed at the rather impressive flights.

“Hey, you’re not the only one who can do that!” Tiffany laughed. “Agility right back!”

Beedrill, already fast, sped up even further.

Both Pokemon were hard to keep eyes on as they sped about, Beedrill trying to sting Sabrina, Sabrina doing her best to create distance between them.

At this rate, they’re gonna just max out their Speed, Gary realized. I can’t outspeed Beedrill. I need to attack!

“Gggo! Ggo! Ggggggoooooo!!” Sabrina was pummeled relentlessly by Beedrill as it finally caught her. She dropped from a far height.

“Sabrina, don’t touch the ground!” Gary urged. With her Ability... he thought. “Aim upward for Beedrill! Hidden Power!”

A light green ball of energy formed in front of Sabrina’s open beak. As she fell away from it, she smacked the move with her wing and sent it towards Beedrill.

Beedrill was hit! It fell from its position.

Sabrina flipped herself around and her wings flapped hard as she once again kept herself from hitting the ground.

Beedrill kept going past Sabrina and hit the ground, the red glow of its eyes now out like a switch had been turned off.

“Beedrill is out of the match! Pidgeotto is the winner!” The referee waved the red flag to Gary.

“ALRIGHT!! YES!!” Gary cheered.

“And Gary gets the win!! After a little game of tag that was getting Gary into a lot of trouble, Pidgeotto not only kept off the ground, but used some great Accuracy to land a deciding blow!” the announcer informed everyone.

“Gary, that was GREAT!” Tiffany applauded with the crowd. “Congratulations! Wonderful!”

Gary could feel himself blushing, rubbing the back of his head. “Thanks a lot, Tiffany. But I sure had to work hard to get that. You were a little overwhelming for a bit.”

Tiffany waved at him and rolled her eyes to the sky. “Oh, stop that, sweetie. Thank you!”

Gary’s heart went bananas at the word “sweetie.” “No, really!” he chuckled lightly. “Your Beedrill was awesome!” Glad it’s gone, though, and not just because it’s a League match.

“Your Pidgeotto obviously was raised with a lot of love and care. And with such a sweet name, your sweet heart is just evident.”

Gary was beaming hard. “That you kept up with a Flying type using a Bug shows all the more your training and how you’ve made it so far as a Pokemon Trainer.”

“Well,” Tiffany retreated her Beedrill, “let’s see if I can do a little better.” She smiled at the ball she had her Pokemon in. “Thanks a lot. We’ve almost got that lovely Pidgeotto down.”

“Hey, what kind of Poke Ball is that?” Gary asked, honestly just trying to keep up conversation with her.

“Oh, this is a Net Ball! It’s used to more easily capture Bug and Water type Pokemon!”

“Wow, that’s such a pretty one!” Like you, Gary kept to himself, though he desired to say it openly.

“It really is!” Tiffany grabbed a different Poke Ball this time.

It was a darker ball, black and green all around it with an orange middle.

She tossed it at the ground and out came something familiar to Gary.

“WOOOOOOOOBBUFFET!” the thing screamed out loudly, one appendage to its forehead.

Wobbuffet. The Patient Pokemon. Wynaut’s evolved stage. This Pokemon knows no combative moves. Rather, it attacks by throwing back the damage it takes with moves like Counter and Mirror Coat.

“What?! Then how am I supposed to...?” Gary questioned.

“Up next, Tiffany is going with Wobbuffet! This requires Gary to strike smart!” the announcer declared. “Hitting this Pokemon results in the damage coming right back around, times two!”

“Use Safeguard!” Tiffany told her Pokemon.

“Wobbuffet!” Wobbuffet’s body was covered in a shimmering turquoise color, its body outlined in green. The color went away after a moment.

Safeguard. The user is protected from non-volatile Status conditions.

“Non what??” Gary uttered.

“Gary’s looking confused by this move that was chosen by Tiffany! She wisely has decided to spare Wobbuffet any struggles with any Status conditions, a classic way to put the otherwise troublesome Pokemon in a spot it can’t get out of!”

“Then we have to take it out by any means, Sabrina! Wing Attack again!”

Sabrina shouted out and flew at Wobbuffet with her glowing wings.

“Use Counter!” Tiffany ordered.

“Woooooobb!” Wobbuffet’s tail raised, and its whole body was outlined in red.

Sabrina hit Wobbuffet but failed to budge the opponent, and she cried out as she flew back from it and hit the ground.

“Oh, no! Sabrina!” Gary yelled.

Sabrina also cawed out painfully as a small explosion occurred where she landed and a ring of purple energy expanded outward. Frowning through squinted eyes, her face flushed purple, she got back to her talons, flinching in pain, breathing heavily.

“That’s the spirit, girl! We’re not done yet!” Yeah, but we don’t have much of a choice left, do we? If we stand around and refuse to attack, we’ll just Faint anyway. But if we attack, there’s no way we can survive the retaliation for it. Maybe bringing her was a mistake. She’s too low leveled. It was too soon to bring her to this type of thing! I got too eager. I wanted... her to see this...

“It’s amazing that Pidgeotto is hanging on this long after such tough fights!” the announcer’s voice rang out. “We’ll see just how much longer it can handle the very well planned Toxic Spikes, and what Gary will do to get over the impressive defenses of Wobbuffet!”

“He’s right, you know!” Tiffany called out to Gary. “I can't believe I’m struggling so much in this match! Sabrina is really holding her own!”

Gary’s heart pounded continuously. She’s using the nickname I gave her. She’s so thoughtful, Gary swooned. So kind. I wonder if maybe she’d like to travel along with me after this match... He shook his head. The match! Right! “Sabrina! I want you to go all out with it! Give it your all with Fly!”

Sabrina looked upward and then took off into the sky.

“Wait for it!” Tiffany squinted up into the sun.

Sabrina finally stopped flying and waited, flapping her wings. She flinched from the Poison again and then dove down, crying out wilding, aiming for Wobbuffet.

“Counter, Wobbuffet!”

Wobbuffet used Counter again, tossing Sabrina back.

She flipped in the air and hit the ground. She didn’t move.

“Pidgeotto is unable to battle! Wobbuffet is the winner!!” The green flag was waved at Tiffany by the referee.

“And Pidgeotto is OUT! After a very difficult first round with Beedrill, Pidgeotto did its best in the second round with Wobbuffet, but Wobbuffet can prove to be one tricky opponent! Especially with Toxic Spikes having found its way to Pidgeotto!” the announcer was stating amongst the crowd’s cheers.

Gary smiled. “Sabrina! Thank you!” He let out a laugh as his eyes filled up with tears. “I couldn’t be more prouder of you! Thank you for letting everyone get to see you today!” He returned Sabrina to her Poke Ball and smiled at it. “Thank you.” He sniffled.

“She means a lot to you, huh? I can tell!”

Gary looked to Tiffany and nodded. “Thank you for the battle. Thank you for this opportunity. I appreciate it more than you know.”

Tiffany nodded and then wiped at each eye. “I don’t know the story, but I’m glad I helped it along, however so.”

Gary grabbed a second Poke Ball. “Let’s proceed! Hoothoot, come on out!” Gary sent out his next Pokemon.

“HOOOOOOOT!!” Hoothoot hovered over the ground, staring down at Wobbuffet.

Wobbuffet looked back without a sound, its appendages at its sides.

“And Gary has smartly gone with another Flying type to keep away from the still Poisoned ground!” the announcer said. “Let’s see if this one has what it takes to get around Wobbuffet’s bulk!”

“Glad we got that match in with June earlier! We’re all heated and stronger than ever! Hoothoot-!” Gary stopped. If we use Echoed Voice, that gets stronger with each turn. Might pay off better. Or, should I just go with consistent power? “Hoothoot!” He paused again. For an opponent that’s so simple, this is really making me think... His eyes widened. Hey, wait! I’ve got it! This match is over! He smiled. Gary then noticed Tiffany started smiling at him.

“You’re up to something, hon,” she winked at him. “I see it on your face!” She cocked her head at him cutely.

Gary’s heart was pressing against his chest as if trying to find a hidden doorway to open and escape from to make its way to Tiffany. He pressed his hand against his heart and looked away, still smiling. Focus, man! He swallowed and then narrowed his eyes at Hoothoot. “Use Air Slash, now!”

“HOOOOOOOOT! HOOOOOT!” Hoothoot ascended higher, twirling in circles as a big wind blew out from him. The bird then glowed light blue and stopped in the sky, raised a wing, and the light blue removed itself from his body, gathering into a ball at his wing. With a shout, he flew back down and tossed the attack at Wobbuffet.

“Mirror Coat, now!” Tiffany responded.

A white, reflective color surrounded Wobbuffet and it was hit by Hoothoot’s attack.

The light blue ball tried to push against the white covering but flew back with a shout from Wobbuffet and slammed into Hoothoot.

“HOOOOOOOOT!!” Hoothoot tumbled back but remained in the air.

“Yeah, hang in there! Don’t touch that ground, Hoothoot! Use Take Down!”

Hoothoot cawed out and his body gave a bronze glow. He flew at Wobbuffet as a golden barrier surrounded him.

“Counter!”

Wobbuffet used Counter.

Hoothoot slammed hard into Wobbuffet but was tossed back. Breathing hard, he kept his wings fluttering, tired out.

“Gary is beating away at Wobbuffet’s health, but the sturdy Pokemon patiently takes all hits and reflects them right back! It’s gonna be a battle of will on who wins this fight! Wobbuffet can be taken out, but when, and at what cost to Gary’s team??” the announcer brought up.

“Okay, now let’s use R-!” Gary’s eyes widened. “Wait... Oh, no!” His jaw dropped. I can’t use Roost! He’ll touch the ground! He’ll be Poisoned! I was gonna just take hits and recover over and over until Wobbuffet was out, but with an added Poison effect, I’m playing a dangerous game! But what’s my option, then? At least with Roost, there’s a chance, right? Even while Poisoned. But what if that one Poisoning is all Hoothoot has left in him? Maybe, one more hit will be enough to drop Wobbuffet, even at the cost of Hoothoot... Can I do that? Do I have a choice? Gary took a deep breath in. “Hoothoot. I think we need to give this one our all! This could be it, but not for the match! I need you to take that thing out at all costs!” He pointed at Wobbuffet. “If we drop it, it won’t be able to Counter or whatever! So hit it with all you’ve got! USE FLY!!”

“HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!” Hoothoot’s voice echoed powerfully as he took to the skies, leaving everyone far behind. He disappeared against the sun.

Gary closed his eyes and lowered his head, giving up on spotting him. He looked to Wobbuffet sternly. His expression softened seeing Tiffany.

She nodded kindly. “Give it your all, Gary! I wouldn’t want to win, or lose, any other way!”

“The same here, Tiffany! You’re going down!” Gary smiled at her.

She laughed. “Oh, yeah? Hope you’re ready to join him.”

“Huh?” Gary looked to Wobbuffet.

A call from above signaled Hoothoot was returning.

“Use Destiny Bond, Wobbuffet!” Tiffany commanded.

“Destiny Bond?” Gary gasped, recalling one of the only times he had ever seen that move.

Back in Saffron City, when it was used by the evil Haunter to kill Kadabra.

Purple colored lights rose from Haunter’s eyes before he was killed by Kadabra.

They hit Kadabra, who suddenly started to glow purple, and then he dropped.

Gary shuddered. This is getting too creepy... Ugh, and now... “Hoothoot!”

Wobbuffet’s body was outlined in purple.

Hoothoot slammed into Wobbuffet.

“WWOOOOOOOOOOBBUUUUU!” Wobbuffet stumbled backwards. The purple around his body went away.

And that was it!

Wobbuffet’s body was outlined in green for just a moment.

“And it seems to have been a misread by Tiffany as she underestimated the durability of Wobbuffet! Wobbuffet still stands, and a wasted opportunity for a Counter has passed! This might be the break Gary was looking for as he gets a free hit!” the announcer let out.

“Ha! Alright!” This is it! My chance! Gary cheered.

“Looks like you played me with a little mind game, huh?” Tiffany said teasingly. “Making me think that would take us out.”

Gary laughed nervously, unsure of how serious she was being, or how to joke back if she was kidding. “No, I really thought that’d be it! How is your Wobbuffet still up?? Ha ha!”

Tiffany laughed back. “I’m just teasing. I should be listening to my heart, to my Pokemon’s heart, but certainly not being distracted, right?” She winked at him.

Gary choked on nothing at all, coughing and hitting his chest. He cleared his throat. “Right! Focus!”

Tiffany nodded.

If I could even just use Hypnosis on it... Gary pondered. Nah. “Let’s either get a Flinch, or get the win! Air Slash, now! All you’ve got, Hoothoot!!”

Hoothoot created a powerful wind, shouting out as he twirled in the air again while glowing light blue. Once he had his ball at one wing, he flew down and tossed it.

“Mirror Coat!”

Wobbuffet repelled the move and Hoothoot was taken down.

The Owl Pokemon hit the ground, but no explosion came from underneath him.

Gary stared with wide eyes.

The referee raised the green flag to Tiffany. “Hoothoot is out! Wobbuffet is the winner!”

The crowd was louder than ever.

“And Wobbuffet earns a second win!” the announcer was shouting. “Spectacular work for Tiffany from her Wobbuffet who keeps getting beat up but never beat down! This Pokemon has to be tired out, but will Gary be able to stop Wobbuffet before being worn out. And Tiffany does still have one more Pokemon left afterwards!”

“Hoothoot! Thank you!” Gary held out his Poke Ball. “You did what was needed! You’re tough stuff! There’s no way we won’t be taking out this Wobbuffet now. You were amazing!” He returned Hoothoot.

“Gary, this is really heating up! I know things don’t look great for Wobbuffet, but trust me that I’m not counting on my final Pokemon to beat you!” Tiffany called out to him. “I’m looking to beat you with Wobbuffet!”

“Ha! I don’t think you’ll beat me with anything!” Gary yelled back challengingly. He grabbed his final Pokemon’s Poke Ball. “No way you’ll stop this baby!”

Tiffany’s smile vanished and her eyes widened. Her face blushed and she looked down, giggling. “Oh, Gary! Baby? You haven’t even asked me out, yet!” She covered her face cutely.

Gary’s eyes popped. “OH! NO! WAIT! I mean the baby in the Poke Ball! Not you! I’m so sorry!! I really didn’t mean it like that!!”

Tiffany’s hands slid down just a bit and she smiled at him. “Does that mean you are a gentleman and would like to catch a meal later? Maybe dinner on me?” She laughed very loud and geek-like, lowering her hands and looking away to the crowd.

Participants at the League eat for free, Gary knew, smiling at the pretty girl. She’s funny. And so damn adorable. His smile disappeared and his eyes widened. WAIT! Did I just get asked out on a date??? He opened his mouth, a nervous wreck now.

“Not sure what’s going on with these two, but they seem to have forgotten this is a League match they’re in the middle of for one reason or another, aha ha ha ha ha!!” the announcer was now laughing.

The crowd was all “ooooooo” and “aaaaaawwww” now, mixed in with laughs and other people booing and shouting for the fight to continue.

“Send out your Pokemon, please,” the referee turned to Gary. “Or the match may be given to Tiffany.”

“Sorry about that, Gary!” Tiffany called. “We can definitely finish this afterwards!” She giggled and looked down.

Gary’s heart was going all kinds of goofy, not believing she wanted to continue with this! “Yeah! I think I’d really like it if we-!” Gary spoke without thinking.

Suddenly, something white flashed by Gary, and he was struck powerfully by something, right across his face. He screamed out and fell down. “Whoa...” he groaned, holding the side of his head. “What the-? Huh??” In a panic, Gary looked around him in the little box he was in. He was alone. “No...”

There was an explosion.

Gary scrambled up to his feet and grabbed the bars in front of him and screamed, looking out onto the battlefield.

Hitmonchan was on the field, his face flushed purple, Poisoned from Toxic Spikes!

“HITMONCHAAAAAAAAAAAAANN!!” Gary bellowed. “WWWHHYYYYYYYYYYY?!?!” He looked down at the Poke Ball he had dropped that contained Charizard, which he had intended on sending out.

“And the last Pokemon is Hitmonchan!” the announcer called. “I’m not sure why Hitmonchan was chosen, but perhaps Gary has something up his sleeve! If not, this match is going right to Tiffany!”

“I don’t believe you, Hitmonchan!! What was even the point?? Why now?? This is a League match!!” Gary was raging, but was also ready to cry.

“Oh, my, not a disobedient Pokemon!” Tiffany called. “I’m so sorry, Gary! You’re too sweet to be dealing with such an issue! Is this why you look a little beat up?” She smiled sympathetically.

Gary lowered his eyes from her, giving a sad smile. “We’re cool! It’s just-!”

“CHAN!”

Tiffany suddenly gasped. “COUNTER!”

Wobbuffet’s tail rose and its body was outlined in red.

“CHAN!” Hitmonchan attacked Wobbuffet with High Jump Kick!

“WWOOOOOBBUUUUU!!” After stumbling backwards, Wobbuffet dropped. “Ffet!”

Hitmonchan was completely fine!

“Wobbuffet is unable to battle! Hitmonchan is the winner!” The red flag was waved for Gary.

“Chaaaannn...” Hitmonchan struggled with the Poison before relaxing and crossing his arms, staring down at Wobbuffet.

Gary and Tiffany stared down at the two in silence.

The crowd was pleased, loud and screaming.

“And just like that, Hitmonchan, with ease, defeats Wobbuffet with a powerful High Jump Kick! Which, if I may add, is quite funny for what is known as the Punching Demon!” the announcer let everyone know.

“W-w-well,” Tiffany stuttered. “That was something, Gary!” She smiled hesitantly. “I’m sorry, I’m just so stunned! I see this is going to be a difficult final Pokemon. I wouldn’t ask for it any other way!” She was now beaming bright again. “Come back, Wobbuffet. Excellent job! You’ve gotten us so far!” She returned Wobbuffet and grabbed her final Poke Ball. She held out the Poke Ball Gary didn’t recognize, it being mostly black, the middle wrapped in a gold circle outlined in white, a red and gold circle surrounding it at the top.

The little creature squeaked out its name as it appeared.

Pumpkaboo. The Pumpkin Pokemon. This Pokemon comes in a variety of sizes: Small, Average, Large, and Super, with each size differing in some places in Stats. It's said the amount of souls in the area of the body pumpkin determines the size of Pumpkaboo it becomes.

“Wow!” Creepy, Gary kept to himself. Like all Ghosts, huh?

“Isn’t she just adorable?!” Tiffany gushed, her hands clasped under her chin.

“Pumpkabooooo!” Pumpkaboo responded with glee, swaying happily in the air.

“I’d love to evolve her into a Gourgeist, but you need to trade to evolve them, and, I honestly have trouble finding people I can trust or even like talking to enough to want to even bother. I guess I can be a little cold in general.” Tiffany let out a giggle. “I don’t want to just do that with just anyone, you know? I just can’t find a trade partner I feel comfortable with.” She stared seductively towards Gary.

“I’d happily be your partner if-!” Gary blurted out.

“Hitmonchan!” Hitmonchan charged for Pumpkaboo.

“Hitmonchan! Wait! I never gave an order!” Gary called out angrily.

“Pumpkaboo, watch out!”

With Ice coated fists, Hitmonchan swung at Pumpkaboo.

Pumpkaboo was swift, dodging both swings with ease, swooping under one blow and dodging the other by going between Hitmonchan’s legs.

Hitmonchan didn’t look pleased by this and whipped around to the opponent. Not letting up, he swung again.

Pumpkaboo floated over this.

With a raging shout, Hitmonchan’s other fist uppercut Pumpkaboo in a fiery blaze.

Pumpkaboo’s body flashed white from a Critical Hit. “Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuumpk!” Pumpkaboo soared backwards and driftly down gently to the ground like a paper airplane settling.

Hitmonchan flinched in pain and then crossed his arms, staring down at the beaten foe.

“Pumpkaboo is unable to battle! Hitmonchan wins the match!! The winner of this battle is the Red Trainer, Gary, from Pallet Town!!” The referee waved the red flag to Gary.

The crowd was on their feet, roaring with excitement.

“And in one of the most awkward wins in this tournament so far, Gary pulls a victory out without giving a single command!!” the announcer shouted. “An unbelievable upset!! A total turnaround!! Absolutely crazy!! I can’t imagine what both these Trainers are thinking right now, but they certainly have time to talk it over now that the match is done!” He went on laughing.

Gary’s shoulders slumped, his mouth hanging wide. “I don’t believe this...”

Tiffany stared sadly at her Pokemon. “Pumpkaboo, rest up, okay? I’m so sorry...” She returned her last Pokemon.

The platforms both lowered and the bars around both Trainers went down.

“Hitmonchan! What was that, yo?” Gary snapped, approaching his Pokemon.

Hitmonchan didn’t turn much, just moving his head enough to spot Gary out the corner of his eye. Then, his body glowed red and he was pulled back into his Poke Ball.

“HEY!” Gary raised his arms as Hitmonchan was put back into the Poke Ball that was still on his waist. The Trainer wasn’t even touching the ball! “Whoa! I didn’t do that! I didn’t call you back! They can do that on their own??” He looked up at Tiffany.

Tiffany had wide eyes on him, as if something bad was happening, or was about to.

“What’s wrong...?” Gary asked slowly.

“And it looks like Gary’s girlfriend has made her way past security again and is ready to congratulate- Er... Oh, boy! Looks like the battle may not be over quite yet for Gary!” the announcer laughed.

I don’t have a g- Gary’s froze, his eyes wide, still on Tiffany. He whipped around to see the stone-cold eyes, the volcano heated posture, the rabid dog friendliness, of June. “What did I-?” Before Gary knew it, he was stumbling over his own feet, struggling not to fall as he was leaning over, complaining while being pulled by his earlobe by June.

“I think I like this little technique you used on Robin. Might come in handy. Where’d you learn it?” June spoke as she led him out of the stadium.

*

“The final ruling has been decided that the Gym Leader’s death was triggered by a resulting concussion when Shedinja collided with her head. Experts say there remains no evidence to the claim of Shedinja having soul sucking properties in their backs, but do recommend not messing around in there, as studies do show it could be hazardous to your health.” The news reporter smiled, but with a hard face, from the TV hanging from the wall.

There were a couple of slow knocks at the door.

“In other news, despite the Gym challenges being over now that the Kanto region’s Indigo League has started, another Gym on Kanto’s Seafoam Island has reportedly been destroyed in an explosion. This follows two other attacks that happened before the deadline for registering for the Indigo League, at-”

Gary cut off the TV and stood up. “Come in!”

The door opened and Kiwi walked in.

The two stared at each other quietly.

Gary smiled and broke the silence. “Hey, come on. No need to treat me like a stranger, right?” I know you’ve been through a lot, Kiwi. Please don’t think I’m being insensitive.

Kiwi smiled a little and nodded. “Sorry.” She walked closer to him and they shared a hug.

“Have a seat!” Gary offered. He sat on his bunk.

Kiwi stared around the room, looking at the two bunk beds the two roommates used, as well as the last one that they hadn’t touched, before moving across the room to sit in a brown, wooden chair at a matching desk that held a computer. She was close to a small, black plastic trash can. “How’d you get rid of June?” Kiwi snickered.

“She said she had a call home to make,” Gary shrugged.

“She trusts you alone with other girls?” Kiwi smiled slyly, teasingly.

“Don’t,” Gary said sternly.

Kiwi laughed.

Gary sighed, smiling. He then closed his mouth and lowered his eyes. I’m glad she’s laughing... But, how do I start this topic?

“Gary, don’t make it weird. Thank you for what you did.”

Gary looked at her and he used all his might to keep any tears from coming up.

“Sabrina, huh?” She smiled. “Only you could find a way to make something like that so meaningful. So positive.”

“It wasn’t weird? Me using Pidgeotto? And with that name?”

Kiwi shook her head. “Of course not.” She took in a deep breath. “I mean, maybe at first, yeah. But, I got it pretty soon. It was really kind of you to do. You didn’t have to...” She looked to the floor. Gary was going to speak, but Kiwi continued, “It helped.”

“Really?”

“Her Hidden Power. There’s no way it’s...”

“Fire,” Gary nodded, smiling. “Crazy, huh?”

“Nooo waaaay!” Kiwi laughed lightly.

“I did it for Pidgeotto, you, and Sabrina. You all suffered, but deserved so much better. I believe Sabrina was, and you are, great people. I don’t want us to look back on Saffron with fright or regret anymore. We escaped. We made it here, at the League. Pidgeotto may be gone, and you may be at a different point in your life, but we got here. To the Indigo League.”

Kiwi let out her breath through her nose and closed her eyes, lowering her head. She nodded. “You really...” She paused. “Thanks, Gary,” she whispered.

“And, in a less obvious way, Melissa is a part of this.”

Kiwi looked up. Her eyes closed for a moment before opening again. She nodded. Then, Kiwi stood up and walked to the door.

“Kiwi? Where are you going?”

“Was there something else you had to add? I can’t imagine what else there is to connect to this,” she responded blandly, keeping her back to him.

“No, I guess not. Alright, then. I’ll see ya around?”

Kiwi opened the door. “Yeah. Hey.” She looked back. “What did happen with you and Tiffany, anyway? You get her number? Y’all ever see each other?”

Gary sighed and looked down. “I... think that’s dead...”

Kiwi snickered. “What’s wrong with you, anyway?”

“Huh??”

Before Gary even finished that one syllable, Kiwi was out the door, slamming it shut.

“Wrong with me? What? What did I do? Bah!” Gary waved her off and turned back to the TV, cutting it on. “Girls.” As the news played, his mind went back and forth between it, and Tiffany.

“Neo Team Plasma is back in the news yet again, in another attempt to get Pokeland Discounts shut down,” the news reporter was saying. “After the brand started selling Me-”

“Damn...” Gary closed his eyes and laid on his bed. He put his legs up on the mattress and turned to the TV again.

“-more violent actions, promising they are a peaceful group, and agreeing that anything outside of peace should be handled by the authorities. They say that sometimes, in the fight for peace and justice, some people may end up being more passionate, but admitting that that is to their own fault.”

I think she really may have liked me, Gary considered. I mean, maybe... She was winking and acting all... cute with me. Nah... She’s just... friendly is all, I’m sure... Why would she like me? Gary closed his eyes as they started to fill up. He sighed depressingly, tears sliding out from his eyelids. Ugly, stupid me... She probably has a boyfriend or something. And he’s not a Pokemon Trainer, that’s why she hasn’t evolved her Pumpkaboo. She wanted a dinner date, but a casual date. Not a date date. He wiped at his eyes and curled up, ready to just cry himself to sleep.

The door to the room opened.

Gary froze. Crap! Pretend to sleep!

“GARY! GARY! HEY! YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS!”

“RAI! RAI! RAAAAAAI!!” her Raichu chanted happily.

“June??” Gary sat up and turned around, covering his eyes. He rubbed his hands into them, clearing out the tears, and then squinting at June hard and angrily as if he’d just woken. “What’s going on?? What’s up??”

“Were you asleep? I just saw Kiwi on my way back,” June said, Raichu at her feet. “Why did you go to sleep? Are you tired? Your eyes look a little red.”

“I’m fine!” he snapped, still squinting. “What do you want?”

“It’s Probopass!”

“What?”

“Remember? Probopass? By Jaman Village? After we left there? I told him to find Gringey City, and he actually made it there!”

“The same Probopass?? No way! HOW?”

Raichu was dancing in place, bobbing his arms in the air, reaching for the sky, a look on his face matching June’s excitement.

“I don’t know, Gary, but he did! I spoke to him and everything! He’s really happy there!”

“He’s just living there with everyone?”

June nodded, glowing with delight. “He loves the Power Plant! I’m so glad he’s happy, and in my home! Aaaaaaah! Wonderful!”

“Raichu!”

“Yeah.”

“The conclusion to a horror movie franchise that’s lasted a generation,” someone spoke from the TV while intense music played, mixed with frantic breathing and then other sounds.

Gary and June turned to the TV.

“Rai?” Raichu also turned.

“Returning back to the roots that made the franchise takeoff,” the screen was black and white, a black pot on top of a stove boiling with white bubbles over the top, “to answer all questions,” a large wooden spoon stirred sauce that was bubbling in a different pot on the same stove, “in a way you won’t see coming until the final. Seconds.”

An old lady, her eyes closed, had on gray oven mitts, carrying a black pot over to a table where an old man sat looking down at the table that had several plates, some with food on it.

The door to the house burst open.

The couple gasped, the old man getting up, the old woman dropping the pot.

In slow motion, she reached downward, moaning weakly, her voice dramatically slowed down.

The music intensified with an ever rising screech as, from the open doorway, a shadowy figure stood, its head nearly touching the top of the doorframe. It held a plate with some mashed potatoes and gravy alongside a small piece of some meat and a fork and knife.

The screen went all red.

“I Still, Still, Will Always Remember What You Ate Last Tuesday.”

The title appeared in white words.

“Coming to theaters-”

“Wait, this film series is still going on?” June asked.

Gary shrugged.

“So have you figured out what your plans are for the Rock Field?”

“Yeah, Plan A is keeping your ass out of the stadium field!” Gary shot at her. “I’m not getting in trouble for your crap, June!”

June rolled her eyes and sneered at the ceiling.

Raichu had a compassionate smile on his face, his eyes closed and his head down.

“I’m serious! And after that, well... No. I have a lot to think about for that kind of field.” He sighed.

“Two wins. Congratulations.”

“I don’t like that second win at all. I’m sure I could have won with Charizard. And that’s who I wanted to use, win or lose! Me and Hitmonchan need to talk about this crap he keeps doing! I’ll deal with him in the morning.”

“He just cares,” June smiled.

“You and him can leave your caring at the door.” Gary wanted to blow up at June, honestly. He wasn’t even sure why he wasn’t.

“Hey, a girl like that was no good for you. I’m telling you, Hitmonchan could see it, and I just was responding to his energy! Remember, I can read Pokemon. I know Hitmonchan knew something was off.”

“The only thing that needs to be off is you two knocking it off!” Ew, Gary. Don’t do that again, Gary thought, sneering at the floor. “Anyway,” he continued, looking back at her.

“Yeah, that was bad. Shame on you, Gary.”

Gary balled his fists and growled.

June yawned, waving a hand in front of her mouth, dismissing his attempt at being threatening.

The two went on like this for about another hour before both of them went to bed angry.

June was able to sleep easy, however.

Gary had a lot on his mind.