Disclaimer: This is one of two Pokémon fanfics that I wanted to work on. I will be posting the first three chapters of both on here and whichever gets the most feedback after anywhere from one week to one month (depending on how much I get) will be the one I complete first. And I personally don't plan on making both stories any more than 15 chapters. I will post the second and third chapter tomorrow. This disclaimer is also on "I May Still Have a Use For You".
This is my story "A Sick Cause". The title is a play on words really. Gary's sick and there's a cause that Giovanni has.
Summary: Gary decides to go on a long needed vacation back to Pallet Town to visit his grandfather and sister. He fakes being sick getting out of going to a summer picnic and the following day he ends up actually being sick with a fever. All the while, Giovanni wants to start a war in Kanto (probably for power and a takeover) and he's interested in getting an intellect to support him. Prof. Oak is a suggested, but Giovanni denies stating that Oak would be to attached to the cause (the opposition). Instead the grandson of Oak is the preferred target. So Giovanni kidnaps Gary while he's still sick and tries to persuade Gary to join. This takes place During Hoenn, but before the Battle Frontier series and obviously the end since a reason for Gary to go to Sinnoh is mentioned towards the end.
A Sick Cause
Chapter 1: Vacation
"Well, I'm off!" Gary declared, picking up the readily packed duffle bag.
"Don't have too much fun." Dora sarcastically replied with a smile. "Say hi to Professor Oak for me."
"I will."
Gary exited the lab, a long awaited vacation finally within reach. With his trusted Arcanine, Umbreon, Blastoise, and Dodrio on hand, he made his way to the docks, where Jared was patiently waiting on his boat.
"So, finally taking some time off are we?" Jared asked, after he got the boat sailing.
"Yeah." Gary replied. "We're currently caught up on our recent assignment load. It has been pretty stressful, so I thought I'd take a well-deserved break, see the family, attend a college job fair at my sister's college, and maybe have some fun with some Pokémon battling. You know, since I've been away from it for so long."
"Sounds fun and definitely well deserved."
"Definitely."
They continued to have some friendly banter to kill some time. Eventually they pulled into Vermilion's port. Gary departed from the boat and bid Jared a farewell as Jared took the boat out again. Throwing his duffle bag over his shoulder and started the hike to his beloved home in Pallet Town.
I know it's a short chapter, but it really just sets up Gary's start.