Chapter 61: Gary's adventure III

Chapter 61: Gary's adventure III

When Gary returned to the gym he felt more than ready for the coming challenge. He walked in with his best pokemon at his side. Squirtle was practically strutting after the last few days of fighting other trainers. Theyd made some real strides together, and Gary had let his pokemon know how pleased he was with their progress.

Go Gary go! The girls gave them one last cheer before entering the reception once more. This time there were a lot more trainers lingering around. Gary couldnt help but pat himself on the back from his earlier foresight to use the car to get ahead of others and get a lead on Ash.

He still hadnt seen Damian or Greta whod chosen Bulbasaur yet. Not that they mattered as much. It was Ash he had to stay ahead of.

When he made it to the front the receptionist greeted him with a smile. Ah! If it isnt Gary Oak from Pallet town. Are you ready for your matches?

You betcha! he said with a pump of his fist. The woman nodded.

Sign here and then you can go through the main trainer doors. You will be called out for your match. Good luck! she said as Gary signed the form.

When he turned to the door he found himself staring down at stonework that featured a roaring Onix and a beckoning Graveller.

Squirt! croaked his pokemon fiercely.

Gary nodded to it. Thats right Squirtle! Lets go!

They walked through the door to find a large hallway that had benches along the walls. On each wall rules were listed for what was and was not allowed at the gym. Posters with Machamp pumping up before a match with large crosses over them. On the other the side pokemon overcoming incredible odds as they fought through for the win decorated the wall. Some faces and pokemon came up on a wall-mounted screen along with the date they had won their badges.

Gary smirked. Im going on this wall! he said. Squirtle nodded seriously.

When Gary got close he found an older girl with a headset on with a clipboard in hand. Gary Oak from Pallet town? Ready for your match?

Yes! he said, slightly annoyed at being questioned once more.

She shot him a grin. How do you want to be introduced? Im the hype stylist and have a whole range of intros ready! Im going to use it to announce you to the crowd. So did you want a standard intro?

Gary almost nodded his head before what she said registered. Any introduction?

She smirked. Gotta be short and sweet.

Gary felt a grin stretch his face. I know exactly what I want. He then whispered it to her causing her to snicker.

Nice one kid. Alright, Ill wave you in when Im done warming the crowd up, she winked at him.

Gary nodded back, more than happy to wait as he was introduced to the world.

Annnnnnnnd Now! Ladies and Gentlemen! The greatest trainer to come out of Pallet since the Champion of old! Hes running oh so hot! The one! The only! GARY MOTHERa loud beep cut over the woman for a momentING OAK!

Gary grinned as people laughed and cheered him on. Gary looked forwards and found his path lit up with a bracketed set of lights that let him walk down through the crowd from the high position. People clapped and whistled. A few people cheered and used the actual nickname hed tried to slip in. The girl didnt seem to mind the swearing at all. That was way cool.

G! A! R! Y! spelled out his girlfriends who had claimed an entire section of the stands at the front for him.

He waved at his adoring fans and put his hands to his lips. Mwah! Mwah! Thanks for coming!

He reached the arena itself and walked onto the battlefield. He wouldnt get a podium yet but he didnt mind. You worked up to having the podium for the big matches. Across from him a trainer from the gym strode forward.

The guy looked very laid back. He had ridiculously tanned skin and blond hair that made him look weird. Gary had been expecting a hiker-styled trainer, not someone that looked like they just came in from the surf.

Sup little man, ready to throw down? Im Gym trainer Jackson, your first match up! He gave a wink and a thumbs up.

Gary merely sniffed, selecting his pokeball. Go Rattata! His pokemon landed with a ready pose, mouth open and tail up and alert.

Ho? Someone is eager. Alright, ref you ready?

Gary looked up to see a kid around his age as the referee. She kind of looked like Brock. Maybe a sister or something? The kid raised her flags and Jackson tossed out his own pokemon.

Lets do this Geodude! First match, first win, coming up! The geodude that appeared raised its arms and roared before punching the air in front of it.

Heh! You wish, old man! snarked Gary as the flags dropped. Rattata! Go into Quick Attack straight up! Rattata sprinted forward and launched into a tackle that threw the geodude back.

Grapple with it, Geodude! shouted Jackson. The Geodude swept its arms together only for Rattata to leap backwards.

Nice one Rattata! Now, use Tail Whip! Hed looked up a few matches and while he didnt really see the reason online, a number of people seemed to agree that this was a good move near the start of a match.

Geodude shifted slightly and dropped its arms as it glowered at the tail that twitched back and forth. Gary nodded. Another Quick Attack but circle it and take it from its weak spot!

Just like they had practised and practically perfected against other trainers, Rattata sprinted around the slower pokemon to get in the blind spot.

Geodude, use Defence Curl, said Jackson as Rattata closed in on its back. A small shell of energy surrounded the rocky pokemon and this time Rattatas attack didnt seem to do as much damage.

Back out and Tail Whip again!

Geodude, Tackle! Jackson swept his hand, and the Geodude leapt forward on the offensive.

Dodg Rattata tried to skip out of the way only to have the wider grasp of the Geodude come into play. Rattata was launched backwards from the hit but quickly shook off the hit. Hang in their Rattata! Give it another Quick Attack!

This time Jacksons Geodude wasnt able to ignore the attack with a Defence Curl. Rattata was quick enough to slip in and nail the pokemon in the back where it was weak. Gary pumped his fist as the geodude wavered and fell unconscious. Yes! Thats the way, Rattata!

Jackson withdrew his pokemon. Nice work kid, time for another challenger to take over!

Jackson turned and walked out as the referee raised her flag towards Gary. Gary mother the beep cut over her words Oak of Pallet town was victorious and will advance to the next challenge.

Gary grinned as the crowd giggled. Jackson, who had been steadily walking away, turned and rushed over. Gary could just make out the whispered conversation. Apparently, she wasnt supposed to swear, and the announcer really shouldnt have done what she did. Gary could see the pink-haired woman laughing while shooting worried glances up towards the back of the stands.

The referee blushed and nodded before waving to the next challenger. And now from the Pewter City Gym! Forrest!

A kid that looked like a mini Brock strode forward. This time Gary was certain the other kid was Brocks brother. The older kid sniffed and raised a pokeball. Youre a thousand lightyears too early to take on Brock!

Thats not Gary raised a finger to correct the kid only for a pokeball to be pulled back and loosened. Go Sandshrew!

Stay out Rattata! Youve got this! shouted Gary.

Begin! shouted the ref.

Sandshrew! Use Sand Attack! shouted the boy.

Rattata, evade with Quick attack! Sadly, unlike with a normal tackle this attack was much tougher to dodge and his pokemon got a spray of sand to the eyes. It then missed a step and took a tumble. It rose and rubbed at its eyes in frustration which was apparently what Forrest had been waiting for.

Use Rollout!

Rattata! Roll to the side now! Thankfully Garys pokemon obeyed him and threw itself out of the tumbling path of the now rolled up Sandshrew. The pokemon rolled past only to spin in place and pivot like a maddened pinball at an arcade.

Rattata, get ready to leap again! Gary ordered as he eyed the spinning up Sandshrew. The Sandshrew bit into the ground and began rolling. Gary licked his lips.

Just a second longer

Now!

Once more his Rattata leapt to the side and evaded.

Arc around! shouted Forrest, causing his pokemon to not lose speed and instead turn in an arc that saw it lining up on Rattata much faster now.

Jum this time Gary was too slow and his Rattata took the hit head on. It went down with a cry and Gary had to sigh as it collapsed, unable to rise up. The ref raised a flag in Forrests direction.

The Gym Trainer has defeated Rattata! Withdraw your pokemon and send out your next pokemon!

Haha! Yes, nicely done Sandshrew! Were schooling this kid! shouted Forrest.

Gary twitched. Alright no more Mr nice guy! Go Squirtle!

Squirtle leapt from his side and onto the arena as Rattata was taken off. Gary gave the pokeball a quick pat. Dont worry buddy Squirtles going to avenge you!

Squirtle! shouted the turtle pokemon. Across from him, the Sadshrew continued to spin slowly, staying in the rollout-ready form.

Brock spoke loudly, Hes okay, just tuckered out from his fights!

The crowd clapped at that and breathed their own sighs of relief. Brock offered Gary a hand up and Gary took it to stand still feeling slightly off balance at the fright. It was also weird to have Brock suddenly there and helping out.

Uhm, thanks for that, Gary said quietly.

No problem. Id advise some rest and let the Nurse look him over, but I doubt theres any issues. That was a good battle plan though.

I was worried he might have gotten hurt from it, Gary said

Nah, Squirtles healthy, that means his shell can stand up to a lot of abuse. Just make sure something like a Kingler doesnt get him in its claws. Then you might be in trouble. Normal force from a large pokemon merely falling on it? Not as much of a risk. Once hes a Blastoise? Forget about anything damaging his shell except the most powerful pokemon.

Gary considered that and said, Huh, thats good to know, thanks.

You had some good plans with laying out bubbles but your mobility could do with some work.

Squirtles kind of slow right now, I know.

Brock wavered his hand. Eh. There are a number of ways around that. I use water moves to make Shin move faster but you can also use techniques like rollout only more like a spin for your Squirtle. Try it out some time, yeah?

Gary nodded again. Hey yeah, that would work. Thanks!

Brock nodded before turning to the referee who was now holding a small case. Gary noted with her standing next to Brock that she was obviously related to Forrest and Brock. She opened the case in her hands. Within the Boulder badge sat on a cushion. Brock picked it up and offered it with both hands towards Gary.

Congratulations on your victory, you have demonstrated the skills and knowledge to a degree that I hereby recognise you officially earning the Boulder badge.

Yes! shouted Gary. He punched the air with one hand raising the badge while the other held Squirtle as it waved its arms about in celebration.

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I stared at Gary Oak as he celebrated. A few people still called out to me saying I'd put on a good show which was part of what being Gym Leader was about. But mostly, I tried to make it worth it for new trainers.

Trainers like Gary.

Hed done well. Id pushed him to the limits of what I could justifiably do as a first badge challenge, and hed done great. It was strange to see a kid that, in the games and cartoons, would rise up to Champion level. And here he was just starting out on his journey, but then again, each day trainers that potentially had the same chance walked through my doors. This was just a name I knew that would do well given the chance.

So want to get a victory photo? I asked as he waved to his Huh, he actually had cheerleaders. That was kinda weird.

Gary nodded. Yeah, my girlfriends can join in! he said with a wave as they trundled down giving giggles that sounded fake to my ears. Part of me twigged at him referring to them as his girlfriends. Was this was this safe for Gary?

I gave them all looks as they approached, but none of them got touchy with him. One even noticed my attention and approached. Great match Gym Leader! She smiled, and I grunted at her, wondering what her plan was.

She glanced back at the girls. Looks like he really learned a lot from battling you. I dont think I learnt as much from battling your dad when I started out.

I grunted again and swallowed down how that was the point of being a good gym leader. She didnt say anything for a moment before shaking her head and pulling out her purse. My card.

I frowned as she offered me a business card.

I glanced at it, uncertain how it would change Oh?

It read;

Fiona Riley

Bodyguard, Nanny, Protective services for Youths

Discreet, League approved, and Experienced

Her number was listed and I accepted it to give it a more serious look over. Youre not his girlfriend?

Oh, I like to think were friends with him but well, She gave Gary a fond look as he made poses that had the girls that were distracting him coo over, Hes still very young no?

Ah, you were hired by Professor Oak then?

We actually approached him. Sometimes it pays to do some legwork. He approved, pending our ability to stay close to Gary.

Huh, I might have to hire you for Forrest I trailed off as I saw him lingering and looking on enviously at Gary and his girlfriends. Right never mind that. Maybe for Yolandas turn on her journey.

Oh? she looked over to see Yolanda watching off to the side in amusement, She helps out in the gym? Isnt that just precocious! Fiona said.

It had been innocent, but with a touch of mischievousness. Well shed be more than welcome to come with us but she might learn more than you bargained for. Girls tend to pick some things up a lot earlier after all. She cocked her hip and smirked at me.

I gave the cheerleaders another look over as a suspicion formed in my mind that they would be, as the historians of my old world liked to say, All very, very good friends.

I see, I said neutrally. Then again I had over-thought a lot of things with women so maybe I was just Yeah no. These women were all in a group relationship and Fiona was basically reminding me that while to Gary it was just weird girl stuff, a young girl would notice and understand what was going on. Girls typically matured much earlier after all.

I hummed in thought. I didnt really want to think about how exposing Yolanda to a wider view of the world, particularly that part of peoples lives might affect her. There were some things a big brother didnt need to know. Or was I supposed to know that as her pseudo-parent?

I pushed that aside for now, and instead posed for the camera as we took a photo and sent it off to Professor Oak to signify Gary had passed one of the challenges on his circuit. I shot said man a pointed look as he stayed sitting up in the stands. He hadnt stopped clapping since Squirtle was announced as alright.

Hey, before I go, Gary said near the exit. I raised an eyebrow in an invitation for him to ask his question. Any chance I could buy or earn one of your ancient pokemon?

I hummed at that, I might consider it, but youd have to do both. Buy and earn it. Wouldnt want a bad trainer to have access to a rare pokemon like an Omanyte or Kabuto. Tell you what, you earn another four badges through the other Gyms gauntlet challenges without losing once, and Ill consider it.

That would most likely have him facing the Cerulean sisters, Surge, Erika, Sabrina or Manny. Sophia in the small town on the Cycling road was also a possibility. A few of those names would be tougher than the others.

Alright! Im out of here! Gary said.

I shook the thought off and waved Gary away. So long Gary, come back if you want a tougher challenge!

Count on it! Im coming for that Bejewelled badge! cheered Gary as he and his protective detail departed.

And just like that Gary Oak was gone.

I hummed at the odd feeling. Id seen countless other trainers do exactly that. It was a strange feeling to be the roadbump that they passed over. They were supposed to clear it and move on. It made me remember my own journey. Passing a gym was a serious milestone.

For some reason Gary doing it made it all the more poignant. I sighed and shook my head. I had another six matches at least to handle. I clapped my hands together, exhaled and inhaled before turning to prepare for the next gym match.

Brock! Brock! I think I need your help! Alexa's voice chirped from the radio I had at my hip in case of emergencies.

I plucked it up and spoke into it, Whats the matter?

Theres a lot of trainers here.. Like a lot I cant count them all. Is this normal?

I frowned. That didnt sound right at all. I turned towards the reception area. Just another thing to handle hopefully. When I arrived and looked through the one-way mirror I had to gape.

What the hell?

Usually, you only saw twenty or thirty trainers queuing up. But now? Now trainers were jammed into the area and spilled out into the outside area. There were at least a hundred trainers milling about. Some were arguing, jostling each other as they moved about, and some were already storming off with another trainer to have a fight outside at the battle courts. Their eyes having locked.

This was not normal at all.

Janine appeared at my side and tapped me on the ribs. Sharpen your awareness she trailed off. What is going on?

I bit my lip as a horrible conclusion formed in my mind, A trainer surge shit. Then something struck me as odd.

Wait, you mean these trainers snuck up on you? I said teasingly.

Janine blanched. What!? No! I just don't have an information network established yet!

I raised a brow at that. Are you setting up spies in my city?

Janine squirmed before coughing. I think I hear Dennis calling me back to the office to finish up my paperwork! She threw a smoke bomb and ran away.

I chuckled, feeling a bit better as I turned back to my newest problem. Id need to find out what was going on here. This was highly unusual for so many trainers to turn up at once.