Gary cried in his sleeping bag, thinking about Cas. Actually, he felt a lot better than he had last night. But better didn’t mean he was just alright. He had a broken heart, and while he questioned what exactly put him head over heels in the first place, the painful results of having a relationship end were torturous. His heart felt out of place in his chest, and he knew that ripping it out was the cure to all his issues right now.

At one point, he wanted to just release his Pokemon and return back home, or leave the Pokemon with Prof. Sketchit. Either way, that feeling had passed soon enough as more senses came into his head. He knew that he had fallen for the girl way too soon, and was still struggling with the possibility of Cas being a real witch who had put a spell on him in the first place! He just couldn’t believe how quickly and strongly he fell for her, and was thinking it was either witchcraft, or he had simply lost his mind. I even took off and left June’s Pokemon behind... Gary reminded himself.

Gary had spent much of the night between the Pokemon Center, the city of Jubilife, the woods that led into the city, and finally the exiting woods. He had failed to locate Electivire, or June’s bag, even with the help of a couple of Officer Jennys. Gary was told to rest when it was almost three in the morning, but he refused and kept up the search. At some point, the sky just starting to lighten up, his thoughts wavering between June and her Pokemon, and Cas, he gave up, mentally beaten up, and ended up in his sleeping bag. He cried out of control over Cas before he knew it, and passed out asleep.

Waking up hours later, the sun now high and bright, he was still sniffling tearfully. Be careful with the sea... Gary found himself remembering the last thing he had heard from Cas. What did that mean? The water? I hate swimming. Why would she tell me to be careful with it? He breathed out in a light snicker. It wasn’t even Cas. It was some weird ass illusion. Whatever... Despite the sadness within him, Gary knew he’d be okay. He felt it in his heart. Felt... the spell wearing off?

He shook his head and crawled out of his bag to stand up. Shoving his hands into his back and leaning backwards while groaning, he relaxed into a yawn. After rolling up and putting away his sleeping bag, he stared in the direction of the city. I should go collect my Pokemon, Gary remembered. I left them with Nurse Joy before continuing looking for Electivire. Speaking of... I need to make some calls. He let his breath out through his nose but just stood there. Prof. Oak... No more phone calls, huh, sir? His teary eyes looked into the sky and he closed them, tears falling right out. He sniffled and wiped at his eyes, and his head fell, his shoulders slumping. Prof. Oak, sir... Sir... You held such a huge role in helping me put together my life as Pokemon Trainer, and yet I feel so unprepared to continue now that you’re gone, he thought mournfully. As if I didn’t know all you did for me. And for so many Trainers. You gave your life to save everyone.

Gary began to walk back into the city. And June, I won’t leave here until I find your Pokemon, he promised. He promised, and yet, somewhere deep down in his chest, he tried to deny that he felt that he wanted to keep up on his journey no matter what. Get his Badges. Challenge the Sinnoh League. Find that monster. Kill that monster. Save June?

He walked along a cement path into Jubilife City, which was lined on each side by trees, bushes, and grass. Before long, he was in the concrete jungle itself. How he had explored the entire city, even with the help of the patrol car driven by Officer Jenny, still amazed him, but all that traveling got him to recognize key spots. He knew where the Pokemon Center, Poketch shops, and a few other locations were, some of which he had forgotten about until he went by them again.

Gary craned his neck back and stared at the big, dark-blue building that had the words Poketch Company in a matching blue color. He walked by it. Would be cool to be able to afford one of those... he considered. He thought of Prof. Sketchit’s XX version he had worn and used to flip a coin to decide who would get Squirtle between Robin and Gary when both argued for the Starter Pokemon, Charmander.

“I’m a Poketch campaign clown! Can you solve my question?”

Gary turned to the sudden voice.

“WOW! We found one right by the Poketch Company! Can you believe our luck since getting here?” a guy cried out, a thrilled look on his face as he observed a classic clown.

Beside the guy was a young lady in a light-blue miniskirt and a beige shirt. She looked nervously at the clown.

The clown looked like it was wearing a costume to look fat and rounded, but this couldn’t be confirmed. The face was covered in various colors. “What Pokemon did a boy reportedly turn into-?”

Gary kept moving, and after a while of crossing streets, making turns around corners, all while getting through constant crowds, Gary finally found himself in front of the ugliest Pokemon Center design he had ever seen in his life.

The building looked normal less than halfway up, but after that, there was an added department that was a lot thinner than the section it sat on, a pink P on it near the top. It just looked really awkward and lazy, with absolutely no effort or care put into it, especially compared to the robust city energy surrounding it.

Gary went through the doors that opened for him and walked through the yellow lobby. Even that color kind of bothered Gary. It was so bright, and kind of gross.

Nurse Joy saw him and smiled so brightly next to her happy Chansey, both of them wearing a nurse’s hat with a blue cross. “Oh, Gary! How are you this morning?”

Gary’s heart did a jump of love before he thought about Tyrogue, causing his heart to dive back down into a death dive. He swallowed. Tyrogue... Hitmonchan... His smile went away as he flinched, almost feeling a good punch in his face from both Pokemon, one swing at each cheek. He looked to either side of him and then sighed, lowering his head and walking away for a phone booth. He sat on the bench in one and stared at the computer that also had a phone receiver beside it. While thinking of his mother at first, he then thought of Prof. Oak. This was followed by Prof. Cynthia, though he had no reason to call her. “My mom, for sure,” Gary said out loud, and he took the receiver to punch in her number.

The screen was blue as the phone rang, and rang, and rang, and rang.

Where is she? I know she must have been- Gary thought.

Finally, the screen revealed the living room of his house, his mother in front of the screen with the phone receiver to her ear. “Gary?!” she cried out loudly.

“MOM! Hey.” He smiled at her.

She sighed heavily and nodded. After letting out a second breath, she shook her head. “What?” she asked moodily.

Gary sighed and lowered his head. “Just thought you’d want a phone call from me is all?”

“Why? I let you go off on this stupid journey. What do you care about calling me for?”

“So you don’t want me to?” he asked sadly, looking at her. “Really?”

“What I want has never meant anything to you, Gary, or you’d be home right now!” she yelled.

Gary was stuck. He had taken a one-two punch and was down for the count with those words. There was no argument to use against her. He had put himself into a corner.

“What, you have a bunch of new Pokemon, and some Badges, and whatever else you do?” Gary’s mom went on in her son’s silence. “Well I don’t care! I don’t care about any of that! I am glad you’re alive, okay? But-” She swallowed and took a big breath. “Gary, I am glad you're alive and all, but I don’t know why you would leave after what happened at that tournament. You were hurt, and lost Prof. Oak. I thought, for sure, you’d give up. But you only continued. I didn’t know what to say when you said you’d be traveling again, and so I let you go. But I can’t believe you really flew off to that place you’re in right now. What is it called?”

“Sinnoh,” was all Gary said as he lowered his head again.

“Yeah. I heard it’s really cold over there. Do you have a proper coat?”

“I do. I brought all I will need.”

“You know, I know about your girlfriend. I know she was kidnapped. Kiwi told me. It was on the news.”

Gary’s eyes widened, staring at his mom again. “Huh?” He didn’t know what to say, and that was all that came out.

“With her kidnapped, you want to find her now, right? I’ve come to accept that you won’t leave until you find that Pokemon that kidnapped her.”

“That thing isn’t a Pokemon, mom. I tried capturing it.” Gary made sure that statement was the priority, knowing what his mother was doing. Blaming Pokemon. “And June isn’t my girlfriend. She’s just a friend.”

“Well, Team Solace said it was, and many others are saying the same thing. Scientists and professors,” his mother fought back.

Gary grit his teeth, but didn’t know how to respond.

Taking advantage of his silence, his mother continued, “And this girl is a friend you’ve known for a little while now, and you won’t leave without her, right?”

“Of course! How can you expect me to leave??”

“Because you’re my son! I know she means a lot to you, but how does a mother expect her son to not return to the safety of her home? It’s because I’m your mother! I understand, though. For once, I understand. Not because of this obsession you have for Pokemon, but I understand trying to save a girl.”

His cheeks burning hot, Gary wanted to argue against this, but how could he? Sure, he wasn’t there to solely save June, but it did become amongst his top priorities. And he knew if it came down to continuing his Badge collecting, or dropping that to save his friend, she’d come first. That monster had to be stopped, one way or another. Gary only inhaled and then exhaled.

“So, you can call me whenever you like, but I am still not happy that my son could be next to go missing. Then, what will I have, Gary? Your... dedication to your... friend is admirable, and honorable, don’t get me wrong; but my daughter is gone, and so is my husband, and my son is all I have left. Just remember that.”

Gary only nodded.

“Is that all, then?” his mother asked.

Gary took another deep breath before exhaling. “I’ll call you in every town I can. My cell phone doesn’t work anymore, but I’ll call you whenever I can. Mom, I just need help right now. I need someone. I can’t lose my family, too.”

“Gary, you’ve always had, and always will have, your family. We just want you back home.”

Gary opened his mouth, but what he wanted to say wouldn’t make his mother happy, so he shut it and just nodded.

The two sat in silence, staring at each other.

“So is that it?” Gary’s mom asked again.

Gary lowered his eyes and nodded, smirking as he looked back at her. “See you soon.”

His mom shook her head. “You mean speak to me soon.”

Gary’s teeth clenched as he started to get angry. He struggled hard to hold it in, and he was sure a sneer had crossed his lips for only a second. “Yeah. Bye.” He hung up by pressing the button labeled Esc on the keyboard, turning the screen back to blue. Her and her bull, Gary thought bitterly. Always trying to guilt trip me. But I guess I can understand her, too, he admitted. I’m her son. Would I not be the same way for my kids? He closed his eyes and thought for a bit. All that was on his mind was Prof. Oak, so he knew what he had to do. His eyes opened and he dialed another number and listened to the ringing.

The screen now revealed Kiwi!

Kiwi leered out at Gary from behind glasses, a slight blue glare in the lenses. Her eyes widened. “Gary.”

“Kiwi!” Gary replied. “I didn’t expect to see you here! Where’s Prof. Sketchit?”

“He’s been busy. I’ve been helping him and also taking the phone calls.”

“I see.” Gary didn’t know what else to add to that. He wasn’t even fully sure why he had called. He took a big breath in just to release it. “So, how are things with you and Prof. Sketchit?”

Kiwi nodded. “Cool.”

“Right,” Gary nodded back. “Well, you noticed how many Pokemon I’ve caught? Not bad, huh?”

“I haven’t gotten a single one from you, actually.”

Gary’s heart fell from its place in his chest and down, down, down to his toes. “What??”

“Prof. Cynthia is the one who has been receiving them, of course. Didn’t you know that?”

“Cynthia?!” Gary leaned forward.

“Professor, Cynthia, to you, Gary,” Kiwi frowned.

“Yeah, yeah. Right. Professor. What is she doing with them, though??”

“Duh, we set it up so you’d get the updated Sinnoh Pokedex from her and you, Aly, and Rob would have all your Pokemon sent to her since you are in her region. Didn’t she tell you that?”

“No. I don’t think so, at least.”

“You must not have been listening. Anyway, how many do you own, now?”

“Uh...” Gary couldn’t remember an exact number. Kricketot... Or Tune...? Pidgeotto, Riolu, something else... “Like, ten, I think? I’ve caught a good number. I’m finally used to this whole thing and I can handle it. I’m running into so many cool Pokemon out here!”

“Great, but it honestly took you long enough. Back in Kanto you were dead last in the rankings of captured Pokemon between us, weren’t you?”

Gary sucked his teeth. “Yeah well I’ll destroy all of you once I’m done in Sinnoh!”

“Maybe me, because I’m done with my journey, but Aly and Rob? Ha! We’ll see!”

Gary growled at her. “Just you watch!”

“I’m in contact with Prof. Cynthia, don’t worry.”

After a little bit of silence, Gary finally asked, “So, how are Aly and Rob doing?”

“Rob is in Sinnoh now, but I haven’t heard from him yet, funny enough.”

“OH! Rob got here?? Awesome!!” Gary beamed happily. “That’s great!”

“Yeah. Catherine is better, so he finally left. And Aly had left Jubilife City after a pretty bad loss to-”

“Jubilife City?? That’s where I am!” Gary interrupted.

“Oh. Well, she left days ago. Went two matches and gave up in a fury. Said the Gym Leader was just too rough.”

“Yeah, that’s Aly, alright,” Gary snickered.

“Jupiter’s no lightweight, Gary. She hasn’t been defeated in years!”

“Wait, what??” Gary’s eyes widened, and he instantly thought of Kanto’s Pewter City Gym Leader, Aurora, who he never defeated.

“You should look into Jupiter. She’s an ex-con. She used to work for a gang named Team Galactic. They were shut down a long time ago, and after quitting what was left of the gang, she turned herself in, served her time, and decided to lead a clean life as a Pokemon Trainer. The late Professor Rowan assisted her, giving her her Pokedex and everything. She’s grown to become one of the strongest Trainers in Sinnoh, many say. Not to mention, she uses Poison types, a dangerous type to mess around with. Her Gym also utilizes a Fog technique throughout the match that’ll make it hard for you and your Pokemon to see. But it also affects her own. I’ll be honest, Gary. I don’t think you’ll beat her, either.”

Gary stared at her with little expression, and then his eyes tightened a little as his jaw clenched up. “I’ll be just fine against her.”

Kiwi only nodded.

I haven’t even beaten Aurora, though, Gary admitted to himself. Could this girl be as bad? Worse, even?

“Anyway, Aly ended up lost but found her way to Eterna City and obtained her first Badge there only a few hours ago,” Kiwi informed Gary.

“Oh, she got lost?” Gary asked.

“That’s what I said.”

Gary’s heart beat a little faster, his eyes tightening on Kiwi’s smart-mouth answer. “I’ll get the Badge here, alright? And then I’ll go right to Canalave after. Nothing’s gonna slow me down. None of these Gyms, or anything. I have to get to Canalave City!”

“I know, Gary. I know,” Kiwi nodded calmly. “Let me know what you find, okay?”

Gary nodded. “Of course! I’m gonna go to the Gym right now and-!”

“Okay. See you.”

The call disconnected, the screen going blue again.

“Huh??” Gary gasped. “What happened?? Did we get disconnected?” Gary could clearly remember Kiwi putting the phone receiver down. She hung up on me! he realized. He snickered to himself, not cracking a smile. Wow, Kiwi. Are you that busy there? Or are you just... different nowadays? She’s definitely more serious, like Prof. Oak told us she would be. But that’s to be expected. At least she’s safe with us; safe at home. He let out a sigh and left the phone booth.

“The Sinnoh Underground remains locked down despite protests from the dedicated few, led by Oreburgh City’s Rock Gym Leader, Roark,” someone said.

Gary looked to the hanging TV screen to see that the news was on.

A white woman in a sleeveless, soft-looking gray shirt sat at a polished white desk.

Beside her was a white male, but his skin had just a bit more color to it than the woman’s. He wore a bright, all-white suit, including the tie.

“He reasons that, while some lives have been lost due to accidents in the Underground, closing it is not necessary, and there just needs to be renovations, and qualifying guides present in the future,” the female was saying. “In the meantime, it’s also being discussed if the Underground should just be demolished!”

“In other news, Team Solace strikes again,” the man picked up as the camera focused on him.

In the upper left corner of the screen, a mountain was shown, the words Stark Surprise in bold, white words.

“Also in the Sinnoh region, Stark Mountain nearly was destroyed when Team Solace apparently tried to freeze parts of the mountain with what’s being described by eyewitnesses as some kind of a huge cannon spraying out ice and snow. This resulted in a dangerous chain reaction, causing the volcano to erupt. When Trainers inside tried to stop the act, Team Solace released a large amount of Cryogonal, who are accustomed to the cold.”

A picture of a blue creature resembling a giant snowflake, a spooky face hidden within, was shown in front of the mountain.

Whoa! That’s a Pokemon? Gary stared in surprise.

“It’s been reported that while Team Solace fled, the Cryogonal continued trying to cool down the volcanic environment. Trainers attempted to stop them but many found themselves trapped between icy chain traps or otherwise frozen solid as the Cryogonal were trying to protect themselves. Wild Pokemon were said to also be trying to stop them, but the number of Cryogonal, as well as their desperation to survive in the heat, was overwhelming. In the end, the fire conquered ice, the returning volcanic heat becoming too much for the Ice type Pokemon, and they were melted into vapors and Stark Mountain remains safe as ever. A victory for the victims within Stark Mountain fighting the Cryogonal, but a loss to anyone with heart and sympathy for the Cryogonal who experts believe were likely taken from their native Unova region against their will for an evil plot by the terrorist group Team Solace.”

“And in other news, we’re gonna give it to Sophie for the Sinnoh Now news on some Spotlight Trainers!” the woman continued as the view now held both reporters. “Sophie?”

The screen immediately featured a much more fuller-shaped woman in a red suit and skirt. She had fair skin, blonde hair, blue eyes, and plump, red lips. “Thank you, Margaret. This is Sophie with Sinnoh Now news, the report on what’s hip and now, in Sin-now!” She giggled, her eyes closing with delight. She stood next to a young guy.

He was likely in his early twenties and looked nervous standing next to the shapely woman, smiling awkwardly into the camera, but his eyes kept shooting back to Sophie’s curvy lower half.

“Mr. Vince Parrolli, tell me how you feel after such a crushing defeat with Jupiter here at the Jubilife City Gym.”

“Jubilife?!” Gary cried out.

“Aha! She was sure strong! It’s no wonder she’s considered one of the best Sinnoh has!” he laughed lightly. “I-I-I don’t really know what to say. We brought Psychic and even fellow Poison types here, and still were demolished. I’m just grateful to Arceus we got out of there alive, ha...” He grabbed a necklace he wore and held the design up.

The design looked like an almost full, golden circle, but there was a gap at the top and bottom of it. In the middle of it was a full circle that had two sharp points inside, facing each other. Two sharp spears were shoved through the design to come out of the four corners of the larger circle, connecting it with the smaller circle without cutting through that.

Arceus. The Alpha Pokemon, Gary knew. Said to be the creator of the entire universe. The most powerful of all Pokemon. If it really exists. He must definitely believe in it if he has that.

A sad look came over Vince’s face as he looked to the camera. “I wish luck to any future Trainers trying to challenge her. She’s not to play around with! I can’t advise you at all on how to beat her! She’s... a monster! May Arceus guide anyone attempting to defeat her.”

Sophie turned to the camera. “You heard it here first, everyone. Future challengers, beware!” She smiled at the guy. “Thank you for your time.”

He smiled weakly, not even able to turn to her, and walked away with his head down.

Gary walked to the counter where Nurse Joy stood with her Chansey.

“Isn’t Jupiter actually in danger of losing her title as a Gym Leader?” Gary heard the first newswoman, Margaret, ask. “Due to what has been described as a relentless and violent win streak?”

This made Gary stop at the desk and then turn back to the TV.

The screen showed Margaret and the man she worked with, Sophie in a little section to the side.

In between the two videos was a picture of another woman. She had purple hair in a bob-cut style.

There she is, Gary recognized. Jupiter.

Sophie was nodding. “That’s right, Margaret. But that hasn’t slowed down Jupiter’s relentless winning streak. Some say, she doesn’t care anymore and will continue on to greater titles, like the Sinnoh League Champion, at this rate. Perhaps a Gym Leader title means little or nothing to her anymore.”

Just like what Aurora did... Gary remembered. After beating me, he ended bitterly.

Margaret nodded with concern on her face. “She’s come a long way since her criminal past. I can only imagine what goes through her mind these days.”

Gary looked from the TV to Nurse Joy.

Nurse Joy looked down to Gary and her eyes widened. She forced a smile. “Hello, Gary! Are you here to collect your Pokemon?”

“Yes, please. Sorry I was gone a while.”

“Oh, that’s no problem!” She set his six Poke Balls on the counter. “And there’s some hopeful news as well. It’s been reported that an Electivire with a black bag has been spotted around Jubilife City. No doubt it’s your friend!”

“Wait, really?? Then I can’t just get my Badge! I have to find them!”

Nurse Joy smiled so sweetly at Gary. “That’s the kind of answer a true Pokemon Trainer would give. I’m so proud of you.”

“Well, of course I’d say that!” Gary looked at her in shock.

Nurse Joy nodded, her eyes tightened with pleasure. “I meant no disrespect. I just love to see the love between Trainer and Pokemon.”

Gary nodded as he grabbed his Poke Balls. “Absolutely, Nurse Joy. And thank you for all you do.”

Nurse Joy kept a big grin. “Any time, Gary.”

Gary walked to the front doors quickly, eager to make distance between himself and the nurse. Even with Hitmonchan gone, it was like he was still there. He could hardly bear to be around a pretty girl again. And yet, he thought, I was stuck all over Cas. I wasn’t myself at all. A real live witch, in the flesh, casted a spell on me and had me, entirely, he accepted. The front doors slid open on their own, and he attempted to step out into the sunlight.

“In more gruesome news, a-” Margaret was saying, but Gary was outside and couldn’t hear the rest.

He grabbed the black straps of his backpack on his shoulders and adjusted them as he stepped into the city. Where is this Gym, anyway? This Jupiter chick and her Gym. Gary looked around the city and began to walk. Should I really just be looking for her? Shouldn’t I be training? I’m stronger than Aly, I know already. But just because Aly lost, should I count her out so much that I not even train? This woman is considered in the league of even an Aurora. Both undefeated for years. I should train before facing her. Come up with some cool strategies. Check my medical supplies for Poison healing. Gary realized he was no longer walking and looked up from the ground. I’ll find the Gym and hopefully bump into Electivire, Gary decided. Then I can more clearly decide on what to do about Jupiter. Ivysaur would be great for this Gym.

“Gary?”

Gary jumped at his name and turned. “Gary??”

Standing from far off, a little man had wide eyes for Gary. A surprised smile hit his face and he approached Gary quickly. “Dude!” His hair was short, the middle of it in a high mohawk. Looking to perhaps be from the Middle East, he had a goatee and a pair of glasses. He was wearing a green, button-up shirt, and gray jeans with gray and white sneakers. On his shoulder was a green satchel. “Gary, man!”

“Scientist Gary!” Gary approached him.

They both shook hands.

“I can’t believe you’re here, dude! Are you alright?” Scientist Gary inquired.

“Alright? What do you mean?”

“Dude, the Indigo League! You survived?”

Gary shrugged and held up his arms. “I’m here, aren’t I? Ha ha ha, yeah! I’m just fine! What are you doing here?”

“Well, I’m actually on my way to Victory Road,” Scientist Gary answered.

“Victory Road? Really? In Sinnoh?”

Scientist Gary nodded. “Yeah, you know of it, right?”

“Yeah! The final and best recommended spot for Trainers in any region to train against some of the most rambunctious, wild Pokemon out there before the Pokemon League starts.”

“Yeah. Some Gabite live over there, and I want to see if I can finally locate me a Garchomp. My little Gible hasn’t evolved, and I’m no Trainer, so it’s going to take forever to evolve, but I figured I can have my favorite Pokemon, Garchomp, and still keep my friend Gible if evolution never happens. So, I’m working on becoming strong enough to handle the Pokemon in Victory Road so I can last long enough to maybe even find a Garchomp. I know they’re rarely ever seen there, but even if I only got to see it, I’d be so happy.”

“Then, wait, does this mean you’re collecting Badges or something to get stronger as a Trainer?”

“I’m no Trainer, man,” Scientist Gary shook his head hard. “I don’t trust these government-sponsored events like the Pokemon League and all the Badge collecting. But besides that, I’m probably not ever gonna make it to Victory Road, or survive long there. I just want to see how far I can make it. But I need to get stronger.”

“The best way to do that is to battle the Gyms!” Gary insisted. “I’m a Trainer! There’s no scheme going on! Ha!” Gary smiled. “You can trust me!”

“Eeeeehh...” The scientist started looking uncomfortable and smiled awkwardly; fakely. “That’s just not my goal. Hey, how about we have a battle? You and I! I lost to one Trainer already, but let’s see how I do against you!”

“You want to battle? Yeah! That’d be good, I guess. I have to train for my Gym battle in this city, so this will help.”

“Great! We can both benefit! There’s a good spot outside of the city, lots of room. Let’s battle there,” Scientist Gary suggested.

Gary nodded. “Sounds good.” He followed the scientist.

The two walked past buildings, people, and Pokemon and were soon down a familiar cement path lined by trees and shrubs. Before long, the two were out of the city and surrounded by grass and trees. Understanding the situation, Gary stopped walking, and Scientist Gary moved ahead, stopping after a good range from Gary. Gary leered seriously, Scientist Gary smiling challengingly.

“How many Pokemon?” Gary asked.

“I’ve gotta be prepared if I’m training in the Victory Road, so can we have a Full Battle?”

“A six-on-six? Yeah! That’s fine!”

Scientist Gary grabbed up a Great Ball and threw it. “Then I’m starting off with my main man Gible!”

“Gible!” Gible’s tiny arms extended, its hands reaching upward but getting nowhere, barely past its neck.

“Okay, a Dragon Pokemon.” Gary grabbed a Poke Ball up and enlarged it. “Right!” He threw it. “Come out now, Kirlia!”

With a twirl, Kirlia kept his hands at his sides as he stopped. “Kirlia!”

“Gible, use your Dig, now!” Scientist Gary commanded.

“Gible! Gible!” Gible tore through the ground and disappeared.

“Great! Barrier!” Gary started.

A multicolored barrier surrounded Kirlia.

The ground shook, and Gible burst through with a shout, tackling Kirlia.

Kirlia cried out but kept his footing. He didn’t seem affected.

“Gible, Dragon Claw!” Scientist Gary continued.

Gible leaped high and its claws glowed light green as it came down on Kirlia.

“Right there! Grab it with Thunderbolt!” Gary smiled.

Kirlia’ body was surrounded by electricity.

“Huh?” Scientist Gary said to Gary.

Gary looked at the scientist and he started to feel worried. Did I do something wrong?

Kirlia blasted Gible, but Gible was unaffected and kept dropping. A big swipe hit the barrier around Kirlia, sliding him back, but he stayed on his feet.

“Gible is Dragon, but it didn’t take that at all?” Gary called into question.

“Gible is Dragon and Ground, dude,” Scientist Gary told him bluntly.

“RIGHT! I knew that! Crap! Okay, then...” Gary pulled out his Pokedex and held it out.

“Gible, use Dig again!”

Gible disappeared underground.

Gary kept his eyes on the Pokedex, looking through Kirlia’s moves. “Teleport!”

The ground rumbled.

Surrounded by multiple lights, Kirlia vanished just as Gible popped up underneath him. He reappeared a good distance away.

Gible faced Kirlia with a grunt.

“Dazzling Gleam, NOW!” Gary shouted.

“Kirlia!” Kirlia called out as his body gleamed with the colors of the rainbow and the colors expanded, blinding both Trainers and Gible.

Gible screamed as the light hit it and tossed it off its feet. It slid on its side and remained still.

“Gible? Gible, no!” Scientist Gary looked stunned and he stared to Kirlia.

Wow, that move is beautiful! Gary thought to himself. “Nice one, Kirlia! We did it! One down!”

“Daaaaamn... Aight...” Scientist Gary smiled at his fallen Pokemon. “I’ll give you that. Gible, thanks a lot, man. Come back for now.”

Gible was returned.

Nodding, his bottom lip sticking out while smirking, Scientist Gary grabbed up another Poke Ball. “I’m going with you, Shellder!”

“Shelldeeeeerrrr!” Shellder exclaimed.

“The Shellder,” Gary said out loud. “No problem, then! Thunderbolt!”

“Oh, shit! Shellder, Protect!” Scientist Gary burst out.

A turquoise shield appeared in front of Shellder, protecting it entirely from Thunderbolt.

“Thunderbolt again!” Gary insisted.

“Whoa, Protect!” Scientist Gary followed up.

Kirlia used Thunderbolt, and Shellder seemed to do absolutely nothing until it was hit and screamed.

“Shell... Sheeeell... Der,” Shellder’s shell had opened and closed continuously until keeping shut.

“I think Shellder’s had enough.”

Scientist Gary turned to the voice.

Gary turned to the voice. And gasped! A smile spread across his face. “ROB!” He ran over to his long-time pal.

Robin jogged over to Gary and they hugged strongly, trying to be the strongest friend.

“Robin, man! What are you doing here??” Gary exclaimed as they released each other.

“Yeah, I just saw you like ten minutes ago, dude!” Scientist Gary was heard.

Gary looked over to him, confused.

After returning his Shellder, Scientist Gary went up to Robin.

Robin in a blue jacket, dark-blue jeans, black sneakers, and carrying a huge, dark-green backpack, beamed at Scientist Gary and the two shook hands.

“You two know each other?” Gary asked.

The two released hands and turned to Gary.

“Well, only recently. He was showing me all of these crazy V-UTube videos, yo!” Robin exclaimed.

Gary’s eyes widened.

“Some real False Dexer stuff, but a couple of them actually makes sense!”

“Yeah, I told you I’m a False Dexer, right?” Scientist Gary squinted at Gary, keeping his smile.

“Yeah... Basically...” Gary managed out a couple of low, weak, cringey laughs.

“I mean, it’s true. I know you’re busy on your journey, but the ‘Dex is full of shit, man. Don’t just believe everything it tells you. Dragonite is supposed to be able to move at such a speed that it could circle the Earth in sixteen hours, but its Speed stat isn’t even three hundred at max! And that’s assuming the Earth is round, which I don’t believe.”

Robin got out a few laughs, though they weren’t as enthusiastic as they normally were from him.

And this guy is a scientist? Gary kept to himself, his eyes wide as he just simply nodded. “Well, there’s supposed to be a difference between the speed of a Pokemon and their actual Speed stat, by my understanding...”

“Come on, how does that even make sense?! Speed is speed! And there’s more, too! Magcargo is said to be as hot as the sun! Come on, man!” Scientist Gary went on.

“I think that’s supposed to mean what they’re capable of...?” Gary suggested, sort of familiar with this entry.

“But how is that tested? In what lab? By who? What kind of technology is that? Come on, that’s ridiculous!” Scientist Gary insisted.

Gary looked down and nodded uncomfortably. “Yeah.” Geez, whatever, dude. The Pokedex knows what it means. Don’t use me as proof for what you believe just because I can’t defend the Pokedex.

“Well, anyway, I’ve gotta head back! I’ll see you guys later!” Robin said.

“Back? Back where?” Gary asked him.

“I’m staying at the Jubilife Condominium for another day, leaving tomorrow. Want to say bye to my friend Ben.”

“Oh, alright. Why are you in a condominium?”

“I really needed to stay here another couple of days to get my training in and beat Jupiter. And it was super-duper cheap so my mom and dad spotted me! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!! You must be here to face her, too, huh?” His smile went away.

Gary nodded. “Yeah! We can both defeat her for sure! I heard she-”

“She’s a monster, Gary,” Robin said seriously. “I hope you don’t think you’ll just run in there and win. Forget type advantage, too. She’s got things covered, and is just pure power! If all the Gym Leaders here are like her, as much as I hate to admit it, I get why they say Sinnoh is tough. The Gyms in Kanto at least seem to be preparing you. This girl is out to take off your Pokemons’ HEADS! Ha ha ha...” Robin had laughed nervously.

Gary was lost for words, not believing the way his usually confident friend was talking.

“She reminds me a lot of Aurora, from Pewter City?”

Gary just let out his breath through his nose. Great... She really is another her? He took in a stronger breath, remembering something now. “Hey, I’m glad you’re here, Rob. I’m glad Catherine pulled through.”

“HA! Of COURSE she did! Catherine’s tough shit! We’re not gonna stay behind you two! You have any Badges?”

Gary’s mouth hung open for a second, and he finally closed it, smiling, and then nodded. “Yeah! I got one not far from here, actually. This weird spot in the woods.”

“No surprise I’m the one behind. Damn. But I’ll catch up in no time! I know Aly got her first Badge, too! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!”

Gary nodded. “Yeah, I heard, too. I’m gonna get my second here. I’m ready!”

Robin’s face went solemn. He shot a quick glance to Scientist Gary and then went back to Gary. “Hey, man. Good luck. Uh, we really need to catch up.” He nodded.

Gary’s heart thumped hard repeatedly. He nodded back, getting uncomfortable as he started to catch on to what Robin might have been trying to say. “Yeah... We have plenty to talk about I guess.”

“You alright...?”

Gary tightened his lips into a little smile. He opened his mouth and then nodded, his mouth shutting afterwards. “Maybe I’ll catch you at the condo.”

Robin’s eyes lit up. “Yeah! Ask for me and you can visit! We can talk then! Let’s battle, too! I’ll see ya around!”

Robin and Gary shook hands.

“Hey, good meeting you!” Robin told Scientist Gary, and then they shook hands again. “I’ll be making me a Log-A-Graph account for sure! Those memes are funny!” He then turned to Gary. “Yo, make a Log-A-Graph account! Really can take the edge off from a tough day!” Laughing wildly, Robin walked away from the Garys.

“He’s right, you know. You gotta make a Log-A-Graph. And, hey, I just remembered, you haven’t been responding to my texts since the Indigo attack. I’ve been hitting you up forever!”

“Oh? I’m sorry.” Gary thought for a second. “I just don’t have a working phone anymore is the problem.

“Oh, that sucks.” Scientist Gary slanted his mouth.

“Yeah, man. I’m sorry.”

“It’s all good. Well, if you get another one, you’ve gotta let me know. Let Rob know so he can tell me! I wanna show you so many memes! They’re hilarious!”

“Oh, yeah. Right, heh...” Gary faked a smile.

“Speaking of Indigo, have you heard the latest news? About that supposed ‘monster’ at the League after Team Solace was caught?”

Gary’s head shook hard. “What?!”

Scientist Gary shook his head softly and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, now they’re saying that the monster was at the League for a second, but the video isn’t clear at all. I’ll show you.” He pulled out his phone. “Honestly, I don’t believe in that monster at all.”

“What do you mean??” Gary gasped.

“I just mean, there’s some videos showing it and all that, but I think it’s a load of crap. I don’t think it’s real. And now they’re trying to claim it’s a she, and Team Solace is in on it, too. It can’t be real! It looks like CGI!”

“You don’t think the species thing is real??” Gary couldn’t believe his ears.

Scientist Gary shook his head, typing away on his phone. “This is all a distraction. A setup. I’m telling you. Some say it’s a Pokemon, some don’t know. I don’t believe in it at all. Oh, here it is!”

“But I ran into her several times! I’ve fought her! Myself! And my Pokemon! She kidnapped my best friend!!”

Scientist Gary stared at Gary in horror, stunned by his words.

Gary glared back, tight fists at his sides, angered by the scientist. His body was trembling, losing control. His eyes were filling with tears he couldn’t fight off.

Gary’s tolerance of the scientist had reached its limit.

Gary’s fuse had just been lit.

Scientist Gary watched Gary warily, knowing he had unintentionally pushed a button in Gary he didn’t even know was there.