Happy Holidays! And thank you for all of your support. It means so much! I hope you enjoy the next chapter.

And to the anon who told me this is Leafgreenshipping not Oldrivalshipping, thanks for pointing that out. I never really realized that, but I have been basing Gary/Leaf's relationship off of the manga (Blue/Green). Therefore, I almost use those two interchangeably. I mean, honestly, it really makes no difference to me which term I use to label them... I've always referred to it as Oldrivalshipping just because I see them as counterparts to Gary and Leaf and base their relationship off of the manga (obviously because Leaf never really shows up in the anime). But thanks for pointing that out. I'll keep that in mind.

~ After All of This Time ~

theperksofbeinganauthor

Chapter 2: Chance Meeting Part 2

"Professor Oak," Ash complained. "Why do I have to accompany Gary to Goldenrod City when he can go there by himself?" He grumbled something about not wanting to help Gary out, but it was ignored by the other two present parties.

"Yeah, Grandpa. I can take care of this myself." Judging from the annoyed tone and the glare he sent in Ash's way, the spiky haired boy did not seem to be pleased about their situation either.

The Pokémon Researcher, Professor Oak, had asked Gary to run an errand for him in Goldrenrod City, but since Ash seemed to be visiting his lab then, he got roped into the task as well—much to their dismay. He returned to his work, ignoring the complaints of the two teenagers who were obviously disturbing his work with their nonsense. "Well, Ash. I am sure you will definitely want to tag along—there is a competition going on in Goldenrod City next wee—"

However, even before Professor Oak could finish his statement, Ash jumped up for joy, almost forgetting his upcoming unpleasant trip with his formal rival. (Even if they were no longer competing for the same title anymore, they still considered each other rivals and competed with each other while doing the most trivial of things.) "That's so cool! I am definitely in! How do I sign up?"

"Well you have to wait until you get there to sign up," Professor Oak elaborated. "However, I recommend going there with Gary if you want to get there faster."

Hook, line and sinker.

Gary knew what his Grandpa was doing, and he could not believe that it was actually working. Obviously, by mentioning the competition, Ash would most definitely agree to go along with him without complaint. And even if he refused to go with Ash, Ash would tag along regardless because it would be quicker (and safer) if the two of them traveled together. He inwardly groaned at how gullible Ash was; to think that they were the same age...

The only reason why Professor Oak was so adamant about having Ash tag along was because he thought that Gary would get lost traveling to Goldenrod City by himself. Gary knew this, but he felt slightly offended that his grandfather thought that Ash's direction sense was better than his. His task was not the most difficult of tasks, but he understood the importance and significance of it: he was asked to transport the trophy of the Golden Battling Competition to the site from Professor Oak's lab.

He knew that there might be complications and troubles along the way so having Ash present would be simpler. Ash's company, though, would be a hindrance though as he was probably terrible with directions. Now, if he had her helping out, he would not mind as much. Now is not the time to be thinking about her, he chided himself abruptly. He quickly shoved that thought out of his head, as he glanced over at his company for the next two weeks—who was trying to hide his excitement while being harassed by his Pokémon. His Muk was trying to pin him down to the ground and squish him while Bulbasaur was desperately trying to pull him away with its vines. Pikachu just watched with amusement.

Meanwhile, Gary stared at the commotion and sighed miserably. Something tells me that this trip will just get reeeeal fun.

"Oi, Misty! Don't forget to clean out the tank," Lily hollered as she was leaving the Gym.

"Oh, and don't forget to feed my Pokémon!" Violet demanded, running after her sister frantically.

Misty found herself stuck at the Gym alone—yet again. This was the fifth time this week. Despite agreeing to be the full-time Gym Leader of Cerulean City, she had expected her sisters to help out once in a while. She exhaled loudly in irritation; it wasn't like she had high expectations from her sisters anyway. It would be nice to take a break once in a while though. She was the youngest of all of them, and yet she was the most responsible. Now, how was that any fair?

If she had time to spare, she would probably still be traveling with Ash...

Just thinking about it made her feel upset and nostalgic. It had been a while since she last saw him, since she was just so busy with the Gym, and he was so busy fulfilling his dreams. It would not hurt if he just came by once in a while to visit her... but that was probably asking for too much. He probably forgot about her by now.

She let out another sigh before going back into the Gym to take care of the aquarium. It was not until she began to clean the tank that she realized that Daisy had already begun draining it out. "D-Daisy?" Misty called out, uncertainly. She was not quite sure if she was seeing the right thing. Surely, Daisy would be out and about with the rest of her sisters instead of cleaning the gym.

"Oh hey, Misty," Daisy answered. "I just noticed that you were working really hard lately, so the other sisters and I have decided to give you a little break."

The younger sibling simply stared at her elder sister with a blank look—not quite believing what she was hearing.

Since Misty was not responding, Daisy continued, "We're going to take turns taking care of the Gym for a couple weeks—I guess the others just forgot about it today." She shrugged absentmindedly in between her statement. "Why are you still standing here? You're wasting your freedom."

"B-But..."

"Hey, do you want the break or not?"

"Of course I—"

"I recommend going to the spa or something. Oh hey, I heard that there's a competition going on in Goldenrod City. I think you should take the opportunity to hone your skills as a trainer since you haven't left the Gym in a while. It will be a good chance for you to gain experience outside of Gym battles."

After contemplating the offer for a bit, Misty responded with a smile. "Thank you so much, Daisy! I owe you one!" Misty finally exclaimed. "Tell the others that I am really grateful." This will definitely be an interesting opportunity for her, especially since she would get to improve her skills as a trainer and leave the Gym for the first time in forever. And maybe... she might even see him there. And without a second's hesitation, she ran into her room to pack.

"Ne, Gary, how's your research going?" Ash inquired after a long period of silence.

They have set off for their journey a couple hours ago. The walk to Vermilion City was not far, but it felt long with Ash's constant attempts at conversation. "Fine," he stated blandly. He was more focused on lugging the wagon with the trophy rather than engage in small talk. It was in a box and covered up with blankets to avoid any problems with passersby.

"Have you caught any new Pokémon recently?"

"Yep."

One-worded responses were the only type of responses that he seemed to be getting. He knew Gary was never one for small talk, but he usually talked more than this. They usually talk about random things—or argue about random things—but Gary was never this quiet. It was difficult to pin point why he was acting the way he was acting, as this was definitely not normal Gary behavior. A quick glance at his face was enough to know that he was deep in thought—thinking about something that was probably bothering him.

"Are you going to compete in the tournament?" Ash tried again.

The answer was almost immediate this time. "Nope."

Yep, unquestionably not normal Gary behavior, Ash concluded. Gary would never back down from his challenges—no matter what.

"C'mon, you have to enter the competition too! How else are we supposed to decide which one of us is better at battling?"

"I think that's pretty obvious without battling," Gary snorted with a smirk. It appeared that taunting him had been a successful method of trying to get him to talk.

"Why you—" Ash began, but never managed to finish his statement as the ferry had arrived at Goldenrod City.

Misty left Cerulean City almost immediately.

It had been a while since she was able to get away from the Gym, and she wanted to treasure it as much as possible. With a grin on her face and a backpack hanging off her shoulders, she hopped onto her bike and set off for Vermilion City.

I wonder if I will run into Ash at this competition, she thought with a slight giggle. It had been a while since I last saw him, but I would not be too surprised to see him there. I should not have my hopes up too high though—I heard from Tracey that he has been traveling in some region far away from the Johto region.

Thinking back on their old journey together felt like an eternity ago. She felt a bit nostalgic just recalling the precious memories of her journey with Ash and Brock. If only I did not have to take over the gym so soon. I wish I was still traveling with Ash...

Having finally made their way to the Pokémon Center—after five dead ends and three futile arguments—Leaf, Drew and May decided to take the opportunity to stock up on better maps. They registered for the Golden Battling Competition while Nurse Joy tended to May's wounds. Her injuries were minor, but they still required attention.

"I am so sorry," Leaf apologized once more, bowing dramatically. "I didn't mean to attack you guys out of nowhere like that. To make it up, how about I treat you guys out to ramen?"

May smiled lightly while Nurse Joy was bandaging her arm. "It's no big deal, honestly. And ramen?! That sounds great!" Her mood visibly brightened at the mention of food. She then asked Drew, "You'll come with us right?"

He simply nodded, as he watched the two girls fawn over ramen and bond over other girly things. He followed them both without a word, watching May closely from behind. However, before they stepped outside of the Pokémon Center, Leaf announced that she had to use the restroom and ran off without another word.

"Isn't she nice, Drew?" May asked, directing her attention to her rival for the first time since Leaf's appearance.

He shrugged in response. "A bit careless and amateur if you ask me," he remarked, flicking his hair to the side. However upon seeing her glare, he added, "Though, she is nice."

May seemed to be relatively happy about making a new friend, but she snapped out of her revere the moment she heard two figures arguing loudly upon entering the Pokémon center.

"I told you this was the right way, yet you wouldn't listen to me," the boy that Drew did not recognize snarled. "It's all your fault we walked around in circles even though I knew where the Pokémon Center was.

And although the other figure was not close enough to see, his voice was very distinguishable. Ash Ketchum. "How was I supposed to know they changed the streets since the last time I came here?" he argued back, growling in irritation. However, his anger was completely vanished the moment he saw the two familiar coordinators sitting on the couch of the Pokémon Center.

Pikachu seemed to react first as he jumped into May's arms at once, while May and Drew both exclaimed, "Ash?!" It had been a while since they last saw each other.

Ash ran up to the both of them with a wide grin on his face—as if the argument from earlier had not existed. "Hey guys! What are you guys doing here?"

"We're here to compete in the Golden Battling Competition! We were close by and decided to stop by. What about you?"

"Me too!" Ash said excitedly once he realized that he would be competing with his other friends. "See Gary, you should sign up too."

"Pass," he stated blandly, dragging the wagon up to the spot where the other three trainers were standing.

Ash, who was too caught up with May and Drew's appearance, completely forgot that he had not introduced Gary yet. "This is Gary Oak; he is my neighbor, childhood friend and rival. And this is May and Drew—they are both Pokémon Coordinators. May used to be my traveling companion, and Drew is her rival."

"Nice to meet you!"

"It's nice to meet you too."

"W-Wait, you're Gary Oak right? As in Professor Oak's grandson?"

"Yeep, the one and only," Gary remarked proudly.

"Oh wow!" May cried out excitedly. "That's so cool! Tell Professor Oak I said, 'Hello and that the Wartortle he gave me is doing just fine!'"

Gary nodded and smiled, "He'll be happy to hear that." He turned to Ash and gestured toward the wagon he had been pulling around. "I am going to ask Nurse Joy for a room and leave this in there for now. You should go sign up for the competition now before they fill up."

Gary's attitude lifted considerably since he met May and Drew, which was strange indeed. It was a good thing, but Ash could not help shake the feeling that something was off.

Unbeknownst to Ash and Gary, their childhood friend that they had not seen in a while, Leaf, was just around the corner, eavesdropping with a serious look on her face.

Please leave a review. Your feedback and support means a lot! It doesn't have to be long, but it'll make me very pleased.

I will still be accepting fanfic requests (link on my profile), so if you are interested... just fill out a form.

Also, now that you know the main participants in tournament, who do you want to win? Vote on the poll on my profile (because the results of the tournament will be dependent on you guys!). I'll leave it up there until the tournament ends... which will be a while. So don't forget to vote! (Any vote left in the reviews will not count, but you are always free to leave your opinion in there...) And spoiler alert, Gary, regardless of what he says, will end up competing too. ;)

Lots of love,

Lily.