AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE: GARY
Another day, another chapter…at last. Gary Oak is now at the helm and let's see if his story is going to surprise you.
The life of one Gary Oak certainly took a change when Ash Ketchum departed to a better place. However, was that change good or bad…
Well, he's gone.
The last remains of Ash Ketchum, my home town rival, buried down beneath the earth.
I have noticed the looks around me, I am Ash' replacement as head of the League now, and many people certainly resent me for being here. I could feel Misty's cold eyes penetrating my back.
How little do they know that I will miss Ash just as much as any of them…
People have perceived me as a cocky and sometimes uncaring cold hearted bastard. My style is that of confidence, but cocky? I know that I am not the best, and I need to get better, Ash was the best. Technically, people say that I am a better trainer, but Ash, well, he had a gift that not too many people were blessed with, a combination of good luck and unity with his pokemon.
Not to say I didn't care for mine, of course I did, my Umbreon is one of the most feared pokemon in all of the world, and I always take time out to enjoy long walks and letting them out of my pokeballs, it isn't simply 100% training you know…
However, now that he is gone, I don't have a rival…
* * * *
"Ha, ha! You can't catch me!"
"Why you little pest Ash Ketchum, I'll get you!"
"You mean, we'll get you, won't we May?"
"ARRRRGGGGHHHH!"
One of my most pleasant childhood memories was when Ash, my sister May, and myself were playing together when we were 5 and 6 years of age. My grandpa looked after us on the hill, as my parents enjoyed keeping a close eye on us. Ash laughing about as May and I tried to crush him with our water jet guns, the helpless laughter between us.
If I told anyone that, they wouldn't believe me. They wonder why this didn't last.
Let me just say on record than never, once in my life, have I hated Ash Ketchum. And one day when I was 9 years of age, I didn't ever.
However, I did hate someone else…
(flashback)
The sound of flesh hitting flesh haunts me to this day. My father had lost his job at Silph because of alcohol abuse. He hadn't really been drinking much in his lifetime, but recently, things were getting worse at home. My mother was getting the full brunt of this, as I hugged my sister in the corner, scared that he might turn on us.
Which sadly, he did.
The blows were aimed for my sister, but I loved May more than anyone else in the world. I took every hit from this drunken man that was called my father. And if it wasn't for a quick phone-call to Samuel, I don't know what would have happened. My mother was lucky that my father didn't kill her then. I certainly felt like I was dead.
Thanks to a paralysing shot from my grandfather's Voltorb, and a quick call to the local authorities, my father was put away. However, my mother became paralysed herself, with shock. She became a mental case within the months, and had to leave home to be taken care of, leaving just 9 year old Gary and 7 year old May.
This meant that Professor Samuel Oak was now looking after us. Money wise, it wasn't a problem, as Samuel Oak is…sorry, was…(another sad point in my life which I'll discuss)…one of the greatest pokemon scientists and researchers that has ever lived. People pay by the thousands to get his services to a workstation, a dig site, or a lecture. The house that remained became our home for the time being.
My birthday was coming up soon, and after everything that had happened, I didn't want anything…except to follow in my only true member of my family's footsteps, my grandfather.
At age 10, one can start on a journey to become a pokemon trainer and master. I started that journey 2 years later, but mentally, my journey had already begun. I began to study the ways of the pokemon, with the grandfather helping out whenever he can, it wasn't really an unfair advantage I got, just a bit of foresight.
About a month before my 12th birthday, my sister also had some great news. She was being accepted into Pokemon Tech! I had no idea that she was also studying, but she saw me as a role model and as I was following in my grandfather's footsteps, she was following in mine. It meant though that I may not see her again for quite some time. (When I did, it was one of the few happy moments of my life, for more reasons than one as I will explain)
But one of the things that my life had given me, was toughness. However, sadly, that turned into cockiness, as Ash Ketchum found out when we both set out on our journeys.
Sadly, my friendship with Ash went down the drain after my incident with my parents and my obsession of pokemon. Whenever Ash and May went out playing, I was inside studying. Whenever Ash' Mom took him and her out for ice cream, I was learning the mechanics of a pokeball. It was quite literally, a sheltered life.
My journey started well. My first pokemon was Bulbasaur, believe it or not, not Eevee as so many said. With my exceeded knowledge, I began divising strategies to win, capturing a caterpie and a weedle to start warming myself up. With training, Bulbasaur, Butterfree and Beedril were my first major pokemon, and with their help, I eased past the first few gyms.
Since then, I had captured many more pokemon, and traded them round many times to get vital experience for all of them before the Pokemon League. My main squad was Nidoking or Nidoqueen, depending on how I felt, Arcanine, Kingler or Gyarados, Venusaur, Dodrio or Rhydon. I had plenty of others as well, included Clefable, Electabuzz and Seadra, but up until I lost in the League, no Eevee.
As much as I hated to say this then, Ash did better than me, mostly by pure heart and trust. When I lost, people considered it an upset, I said it was lucky. In reality, I knew I lost because I wasn't strong enough. I can have all the knowledge of pokemon in the world, but it doesn't matter if you don't have the heart and spirit with your pokemon, which in reality, was how Ash prevailed so far into the league.
This revelation came as I was leaving the stadium, back to Pallet Town, and to do some serious thinking.
* * * *
I needed to be myself, and be by myself. My (paid) cheerleaders calmly returned back to their old lives, for better and for worse, and I decided to go on a new pokemon journey, a new training journey. One for self-discovery.
It was then that I acquired my Eevee, my first new pokemon I would get on the start of my road to recovery.
I was going down Viridian Forest, when I heard a voice.
"Arggghhh….get back here, if you won't evolve, you're useless!"
The voice was distinctly British, and rough, but as I saw the Eevee running away, I put 2 and 2 together and made 5.
The guy, who seemed about the same age as that Brock fellow, ran after, with what looked like a thunder stone, obviously intended to evolve his eevee. However, obviously the one thing that he had not looked upon was the fact that the Eevee didn't want to evolve by force.
I did that with my elemental stone pokemon, I let my pokemon decide when they would evolve. Because of their experience in their lesser forms, Nidoking, Nidoqueen and Arcanine got stronger, however, my initial bonds with them were slowly broken. This was my journey to patch up those bonds.
"Hey, leave it alone!" I find myself calling out.
The Eevee heard my voice and quickly zipped behind me, as the guy came up to me.
I recognised him briefly, he had entered the Indigo League last year with me, but was eliminated in the first round. I think his name was Damien…but that didn't matter, all that mattered was that this guy was a jerk.
"Hey, watch what you're saying twerp, that eevee is mine and it's going to evolve for me now, so back off!"
I felt the eevee trembling behind me, obviously very afraid of this guy.
"Listen creep, this eevee doesn't want to evolve, and you shouldn't force it to doing anything it doesn't want to do." I said.
He snorted and replied. "It doesn't matter if it wants to or not, what's important is getting stronger to crush pokemon trainers in battle, like you kid!" He grabbed a pokeball, I choose Victrebell!"
The large plant came out, not looking too healthy. I released Nidoking, not even bothering to call it out, this battle was already won.
It was a short fight, Victrebell tried a stun spore, but it didn't do anything against the ground based Nidoking. A powerful horn attack sent it flying in a one hit knockout. He then sent out Gyarados, but I smiled as out of water, Gyarados is much slower which allowed me to use a special technique, Thunder, on it. This wasn't even a challenge.
The Eevee behind me started to come out from it's hiding place, and looked on at the battle. Damien was sending pokemon after pokemon, 3 now against Nidoking.
I didn't act. It did.
Eevee hit a quick attack nailing Damien in the stomach, sending him flying. Eevee somersaulted back and place itself in front of me.
Damien grunted as his pokemon saw how outmatched they were by his poor training, and saw Eevee take a swipe at him.
"Grr…that's it! I'LL SHOW YOU!" he screamed, ready to send pokeball after pokeball…
…and was sent flying by a thunder attack by Nidoking. Well, so much for that little problem…
The eevee turned and looked at me. I looked at it's big round eyes and felt it.
That was what Ash had which I didn't. Compassion. The sight of this little ones eyes gazing into mine saw what I had missed as a trainer, and why my significantly stronger pokemon didn't do as well as Ash' supposedly weaker ones.
The heart of the trainer is obviously just as important as the training itself.
I held out my hand, as the eevee went up to it, sniffing and being a curious little critter. Eventually, it smiled and leapt into my arms, and I hugged the little thing, tears coming down my eyes.
I had finally broken into the zone, and I wasn't about to leave.
* * * *
I spent a number of months on the road, training my pokemon, learning more about them as individuals, rather than battlers. My eevee was my inspiration and was also my star performer. Like Ash' Pikachu, it was not to be underestimated.
Eevee's powerful physical attacks on our training materials showed how tough it was, and as it is, it didn't need to evolve, it was strong enough as it is.
And there was one person that I certainly wanted to prove that to.
I looked behind me, and saw the long way back home.
"Eevee, we're going home, back to Pallet Town." I said. Eevee looked up at me, and rather reluctantly I returned it.
I picked up a large dark cloth which I had purchased in a nearby mart, and wrapped it around me like a cloak. This became a new ritual for me as a new beginning, it gave me a sign of mystery, that no-one could know that I was Gary Oak, not hiding from the public, but rather hiding from my old self.
I released Nidoqueen, however, to make sure no-one crossed us.
Home, to Pallet Town, and to see if I can teach one rival a lesson which ironically he taught me…
* * * *
The battle with Ash as I had expected was not straight-forward, but with my heart into the battle, Eevee defeated Ash' Pikachu in a fairly decent match. I felt now with my one true battle ending, it was time to take on new challenges.
The Johto League.
I had heard about this from my Grandfather after I initially left on my Indigo Pokemon League expedition, and now I felt I was ready to try out the more tougher league. A new journey and new objectives.
I started on my conquest as I had meant to go on, condifently and powerfully. I met Professor Elm briefly on my journey, and registered via Nurse Joy at the local pokemon centre.
It was time to fly.
* * * *
And fly I sure did. My first match against Falkner wasn't really much of a challenge, even at the expert level where he was allowed to use his strongest creatures, Dodrio and Pidgeot, with Nidoking and my Rhydon on my side, it was obvious that he wasn't going to win.
It however, sparked my first congratulations on a match well done. I hadn't done that in any other battle I won, I was cocky and made a mocking gesture usually. I got into the habit after my match with Ash, and I intended to stick with it.
I actually stopped in Pokemon centres for other reasons than to recover my pokemon, I sat there and talked to people, wondering how they were doing, whilst I let my pokemon roam free.
The relaxed moods around my pokemon made leaps and bounds within our relationship, and a happy pokemon is a strong, confident pokemon, as Bugsy found it, Arcanine had no problem against any of them, Whitney was a different story. Although her Clefairy wasn't a problem, her Miltank was evil! O.K, not literally, but it was so strong that my Rhydon fell to it, which surprised me. However, combined efforts from Arcanine and a surprise eevee skull bash (knocking Miltank off balance in it's rollout) got me a close victory. Her skill was extremely high, and I was proud to have such a match with such a trainer.
The night I stayed in Goldenrod, I plucked up my courage and dialed Pokemon Technical.
To talk with May Oak.
(flashback)
I hadn't spoke with my sister in 3 years, she was 14 now, I was coming up to 16, my maturity was shining, and my compassion had come circulating back after unpleasant events at the home.
I was very nervous, I couldn't even remember what she looked like.
It picked up.
"Hello, Pokemon technical institute. This is the front desk, Dana speaking, how may I help you?"
"Er…hello, by any chance, is there a girl named May Oak staying with you?" I said, nervously…
"Are you a friend or relative?" she asked.
"Relative, her brother, Gary Oak." I said.
"Hmm…well, I'm not sure if I can let you, I mean, it is 8 in the night, and she and her roommate are in their room, I could connect you…" She was teasing I could tell, but the fact that I hadn't seen her in so long was hinted in the desperation in my voice.
"Please miss, I haven't spoken or seen her in so long…" I said.
I think that stopped the joking. "Oh, sorry sir, I didn't know. Hold on, I'll put you through via picture phone."
I sighed. "Thank you very much."
"You're welcome." With that, a 'PLEASE HOLD' message flashed across the screen.
Those few moments were very nerve-wracking for me, but as soon as I started to think this was a bad idea, the next thing I saw was a girl in red silk pyjamas, rubbing her eyes.
"Er…hello…May Oak speaking…" I heard her say, obviously either tired, whether sleeping or studying I don't know.
"Er…hi…sis…" I said quietly.
That made her open her eyes.
"G…G…Gary? Is that you?" she said, eyes filled with shock, and a few tears, but a hint of joy there. That was good, at least I hoped, I was scared she'd think I was a jerk after all these years.
"Yeah, hey May. Looking good…" I said, but I felt the tears coming from my eyes as well.
"Gary….you….selfish…little…"
Uh oh.
"…wonderful….brother…I can't believe it, I thought I'd lost you forever you idiot!" I heard her voice raised, but the smile in her face and tears in her eyes made me realise the obvious.
She missed me. And I sure as hell missed her.
"May, it's been hell, but we've lived through it, my courage is back, as is my humanity. And it will stay like that now…" I said, wiping my eyes.
"Oh Gary…you fool…" she said. It was then I heard another voice.
"Hey May, who is that?" this voice said.
"Oh Giselle, it's my brother…I haven't heard from him in ages…" She stiffled back a sob.
"Aw….that's sweet…" this girl, Giselle, said. I didn't get to see her face, but it wasn't the first time that I'll hear her voice.
That was because of me and May talking for at least half an hour, I wasn't worried about the bill, a few yen here and there wasn't going to hurt my happiness by reuniting with my sister, and it wasn't surprising that I wanted to meet her at Pokemon Tech. She was in her final year now, and was ready to leave for the Pokemon League herself. Her Clefable and Electabuzz popped up in the screen at that point, and I look forward to meeting the challenge, if the Oak blood was in her, she would be tough.
However, that would wait for another time. I wanted to meet her, however, getting to Goldenrod to Cerulean/Vermillion outskirts isn't the easiest thing to do. The Tunnel was the best and quickest way, however it wouldn't be back online until…
"3 MONTHS?"
"I'm sorry sir but…."
Gah. It would probably be easier to walk. However, I made a promise to May that I would visit her as soon as it would be fixed. In the meantime, we would call each other as often as possible, time to catch up on lost times.
As I put the phone down, I wore the biggest smile on my face that I hadn't seen in a long time. I also felt something cuddle in my lap, Eevee.
"Eui?" it said.
"Oh, nothing Eevee…" I said patting it's fur. "I guess I've finally broken my dam and found the start of my true happiness."
A stray tear landed on Eevee's fur…
…and it began to glow.
I looked startled, but the heavenly night down on the Pokemon Center, and my eevee staring into the moonlight, plus my own happiness linking with my pokemon, only meant one thing.
And as soon as the flash went down, my suspicions were confirmed.
"Umbre!"
"Well, congrulations Eev…er, I mean Umbereon!" I said. The dark eevee smiled at me and hopped back into my arms as I smiled and got ready for some sleep. My journey was now taking a new and dramatic twist.
* * * *
Teamwork from myself and Ash saved a power plant, as I realised a strong bond between a pokemon and a trainer made teamwork stronger than anything, and Ash had shown me that himself. Me and my Umbereon were a near unbeatable team now.
It wasn't long after this time, that I was happy to report that I could go and see my sister back at Pokemon Tech. This really brought my spirits up and I was finally going to catch up on lost times face to face rather from a picture phone.
My Umbereon at my side, (not going back into it's pokeball now) we headed onto the Goldenrod Station, tending to take a few days off the journey to share some quality family time.
It turned to be an epic journey in more ways than one.
I entered the gates and the fog cleared of the prep school. I hope that my sister hadn't turned into someone that at one time, equaled me, hoping she hadn't turned into an ego-maniac.
I needn't have worried, because about 5 steps after I entered, I was glomped by my little sister.
"Big brother!" she squeezed tightly. Oh dear, she had grown, I could see where this was going…
*CRASH*
Yep, going down…in a heap.
Still, as my sister hugged me, it was great to get the feeling of a family back.
"O.K, O.K May, it's great to see you too, just let me breathe…please?" I said.
"Aww…you're no fun!" she said, her angelic voice was music to my ears. "Welcome back Gary!"
"It's great to see you in person after so long, I have so much to talk to you about." I said.
"Same here. It's free period now, so me and my roomate are just relaxing in the canteen. Let's just get you a visitor's pass, and we'll go."
"We?" I said.
"Sure, she wanted to meet you as well, she said and I quote 'I want to meet the charming boy who hasn't spoken to his sister in over 3 years…so I can beat his head in.' I'm sure those were her words, so you looking forward to meeting her?'
"Ecstatic." I deadpanned, I'm sure I felt a bead of sweat down my head.
"Come on…" she dragged me by the hand, as I grumbled something about dominant women.
(a bit later)
"O.K Gary, all checked in, let's get something to eat and then we'll talk. O.K?" she said.
"Sure sis." I said, smiling.
"You haven't said that in a long time Gary. I hope it becomes more of a habit sooner than we think" she said.
We headed to the canteen, I noticed some of the boys in the Tech were staring at May as we got by…all of a sudden I felt a protective glance in me, and I scowled instinctually at some of them, until May and I got to her table.
"Well, here we are…and here's my roomie, Giselle." She said.
And that's where it started.
A seated, brunette girl, with doll like eyes, a pale complexion, with her Pokemon Tech pleated uniform, was like a princess sitting there. However, I couldn't stop staring. The girl was beautiful, and I noticed some of the other guys had noticed that as well, but I shook it off, after all, if this was May's roommate, I didn't know what to expect.
"Giselle, this is Gary Oak, my brother." She said.
Giselle smiled and stood up, and stretched out her hand. "Pleased to meet you Gary, I hope you heard my warning from May, so to make sure we don't get to see that side of me, let's get off the right foot."
I smiled, and shook her hand, breathing a sigh of relief at the same time.
May smiled. "Okay, dokay! Let's see what manners of embarrassing thoughts I can bring out from my esteemed brother, shall we?"
As the two girls giggled and I blushed, we did seem to get on like a house of fire, similar interests between May and Giselle cross overed to me and Giselle, and May heard about my first attempt to be a pokemon master. It was at that point that Umbereon became noticed, and both girls gushed.
"Wow, an evolved eevee without a stone! It's so cute!" May said.
"I must admit, getting a pokemon like that is hard going, you must be a very good trainer." Giselle admitted.
However, cuteness collides as May's Clefable didn't want to be left out either. Also, Giselle released her favourite pokemon, a Marowak, quite a healthy and strong one mind you, and it became a very poke-orientated conversation.
However, I managed to spill my guts over the last few years, and tell May what had happened with me. She felt very sorry for me, even when I mentioned how I considered Ash my rival and initially making every moment of his training a misery if I could. Her crush on Ketchum had obviously matured throughout the years, but she was smart enough to not go with the lechers in this Tech, Giselle had told her that.
Speaking of Giselle, it was the first time I really started to connect with someone outside of family. And this was a good thing.
Giselle had a reputation of being hard on rookie trainers, and even harder on people hitting on her. I luckily, fell into neither category. She seemed a bit wary of me after hearing I was coming here because she felt that someone who hadn't talked to his sisters in god knows how long shouldn't really deserve a chance. However, May had explained the situation of our family, and although she certainly was sceptical, she seemed willing enough to accept me, which was really nice of her to say the least.
Our pokemon were enjoying the conversation as well, and as the free period wound down, I felt disappointed that it was coming to an end. However…
"I'm sorry Gary, I've got a lecture now 'How to deal with Steel pokemon.' I better get going…"
"Hey, I'll stay in town, I'll go to a hotel, don't worry." I said.
"Hey Gary."
That was Giselle.
"I'm free now, and I'm wondering if you would like to have an exhibition pokemon battle in the training room now? It would be great experience for an expert student to battle…well, I wouldn't say an expert trainer but…"
"Hey!" I said, but May just laughed, as I realised I wasn't getting any back up here.
I thought and said; "Sure, why not? I'll show you just what I've learned, and certainly not from any school!"
"Umbre!" Agreed Umbereon.
"Hmm…you talk the talk, but can you walk the walk? Sorry May, but it looks like I'll have to cream your brother…" she said.
"Maro!" agreed a bonekeeper pokemon.
And so, after so many years of missing my sister, my return to her was going to result the only way it could.
A pokemon match with a beautiful stranger. Heck, trust me, things have been a lot weirder.
* * * *
The 'training room' as Giselle put it, was a holographic representation of an actual stadium, where we could cut our pokeballs onto a system and the pokemon would go out into this system.
However, Giselle decided that a true pokemon match between two trainers should be 'au natural' so instead, we went to the gravel based stadium into another room, so a true battle could be started.
And the true battle began…with a slanging match.
"I guess I'll have to beat you boy, too bad, I like your sister, I guess she won't…oh wait, beating her brother…that'll probably put her in my good books!!!" she snickered, the smirk reminding me of my own cockiness.
I think I'd better send her down a peg or two.
"Well, let's see if the Tech has taught you how to battle in a real match, because personally, I don't believe it." I said.
The battle was on.
Giselle made a dramatic ballerina like pose, before throwing her first pokeball. I did my trademark kiss the pokeball and throw it into the battle.
Her Golem vs. my Nidoking was the battle.
This match showed me that Tech students may be seen as intelligent yet without the lust for a true battle, but it was here that Giselle's passion for battling came out. Her Golem's punches dazed by ultra-tough Nidoking, despite my Nidoking's water gun attacks, Golem managed to hold it's own. After hardening, it smashed Nidoking with a powerful earthquake, shocking me as I returned.
"Hmmph…that was hardly a challenge." She said confidently.
I quickly used Exeggutor, and mega drained the rock pokemon down. She then sent out Ninetales, planning to burn her way to victory. However, it is never that easy.
"Exeggutor, sleep powder then hypnosis!"
"What?"
Both sleep moves came out at the same time, proving the theory that if the left one won't get you, the right one will. Ninetales didn't even have a chance to shoot it's weakest fire attack, before Exeggutor sent it to the ultimate slumber.
"I guess a Techie didn't expect that, did she?" I said, my own confidence beginning to return.
I guess I shouldn't have said that.
"A Techie? Excuse me, but we are more than that you know…as Marowak will prove it you!"
I was surprised, a ground pokemon is weak against the grass based Exeggutor, but I sensed that this was more than types, this was proof and pride for the girl.
I found myself staring at her, also proving the old 'You look beautiful when you are angry theory' was well and truly working. Damn it Gary, you're supposed to be kicking her ass in battle, not staring at her…
"Marowak, NOW!"
Aw crap.
Marowak had buried underground and my Exeggutor's eyes were still in hypnosis mode and it's shot from behind. Before I knew it, various focus energy powered clubs, body slams and a huge hyper beam smashed my grass pokemon before I could curse.
"Damn, Giselle, that was very impressive….I guess it's the big gun now, go Umbereon!"
"Umbre!" It squeaked as Marowak looked at it's opponent, as I looked at mine. I think I needed to think again about the representatives of Pokemon Tech. None of them had done particularly well at any Pokemon League, but my hunch is if Giselle was in her final year, she could easily be PT's best chance of winning it in a long time.
Umbereon used Pursuit, but Marowak's agility and thick club was confusing one of the strongest defensive based pokemon in the world. I used swift and faint attack, but Marowak was hardly fazed. Giselle told Marowak to use Headbutt, which did some damage, but not enough to stun Umbereon. I retaliated with Skull Bash, but Marowak also held it's own.
"Marowak, focus energy!"
Uh oh, increasing attacking energy. I'd better stop that.
"Umbereon, double team!"
The confusing move as a lot of Umbereon met the bonekeeper, but Giselle countered that brilliant.
"Bonemerang, circle the attack around all of them!"
The bone flew through all of the dark eevee clones, and as it came closer to the real one, it jumped out of the way.
"Hidden Power now!"
"Hyper Beam now!"
My Umbereon's eyes glowed as the power of the mystery slammed into Marowak. However, as Marowak fell back, it's white beam of power flew and hit a direct target in the dark eevee.
The result…
* * * *
"Maro…" said a grumpy Marowak as Giselle treated it's wounds at the Tech based Pokemon Centre herself.
"Umber…" agreed my dark pokemon, also sore all over as I sprayed some hyper potion on it.
"Oh come on, guys, cheers up, neither of you lost…" I admitted, as both pokemon fell after the double blows came in. A draw, and an impressive one I must admit.
"Yeah, I must say, you impressed me Gary. It showed the Oak blood runs through all the family." She said.
I dunno why, but I felt myself getting hotter. "You were…really good as well Giselle, your performance made me change my idea of Tech students, if you graduate this year, you could be a huge threat in the League."
I saw her pause, and then smile. "Hey, what do you mean COULD? Of course I'll be a threat! And don't you forget it!"
I had to smile, it seems like me, a cocky and arrogant nature combined with a real sweet and forgiving personality was inside that mind of hers, and I must admit, I hadn't felt this way about anybody.
"Very well miss Giselle, I have a feeling that the two of us may meet in the Pokemon League one day soon. But for now, I'm glad that my sister has someone to look up to, to care for…" I quietened down. "…because I sure as hell didn't."
Giselle paused. "Gary…"
I pretended not to hear her, I wanted her to know. "…I am such a selfish bastard. All these years, May hasn't heard from her brother, her parents are history, I dunno how Grandpa Oak could stand me at times, never mind Ash."
"Ash?" I definitely heard her this time. She knew her? Wait, of course, May must have told her about him…
"…oh, that cute kid. I remember him, he was a beginner trainer when I met him, but he beat my then Cubone with his Pikachu. It made me look about trainers much different, and my studies a lot more different. He taught me that there are some things you just can't learn in school."
"You knew him?" I smiled. "He was my bitter rival…until…well, I straightened out."
Giselle looked at me. "I'm sorry."
I shook my head. "There is no need to be sorry for me, I'm trying to pull my life together now, as I now know the right way to getting there, I've patched up things now with Grandpa, Ash and now May, and my pokemon of course…" I patted Umbereon on the head. "…I guess this is what it must be like to grow up.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. I flinched at the touch, but Giselle was smiling at me.
"We all need to grow up Gary, it just takes some people longer to do so. But as long as you do it, it's fine with everyone, especially with yourself."
I stared at her for a second. What was this happening to me…I just met the girl…what was I…
"Gary, Giselle, have you done beating each other to a bloody pulp yet?"
I smiled. Just like a younger sister to ruin a dramatic moment.
"Hey May, school's out?" Giselle said.
"Yep, but you know a Tech student's life is never over. I'm afraid Gary that you'll have to go, no guys in the girl's dorm, no exceptions, even brothers who I haven't seen in…"
"Yeah, don't worry May." I then hugged her, surprising myself and her, but May returned it warmly, as Giselle looked on.
I actually felt myself crying, was this the last barrier to return to? I don't know, but it certainly felt right.
I released her and said my goodbyes to both of them, and I never left my eyes from their faces until I stepped out to the fog.
I would see them again tomorrow hopefully, before I would return back to my journey, but I promised May that I would keep it touch every day.
When I said May though, I wouldn't realise that I meant May and Giselle…
* * * *
When I finally had to go, May's kiss on the cheek was followed by a warm handshake from Giselle, promising me to 'stay in touch' and in accordance to the 'hot girl making every other guy jealous in school' rule, she also kissed me on the cheek. I flushed, but made sure I got to the station as quick as I could, I didn't want 12 or so fanboys on the trails.
Mind you, none of them held the skill to Giselle, May told me. Whilst May was studying to be a Pokemon physiologist, it was obvious Giselle was ready to become a Pokemon master, although she could easily qualify as a Pokemon doctor as well, with her vast knowledge. I was happy for the chance to talk to the two of them many times in the night hours of my journey.
Speaking of my journey, it didn't seem as fulfilling now, as it seemed all of my walls had collapsed. Battles became increasingly easier as my own happiness and fulfilment's were being accomplished, and it showed in my own pokemon's care and consideration, there was no room for error, because none of the pokemon wanted to let me down, they all cared for me too much. And I loved them back.
I guess that was what Ash meant when he said 'it's what you teach and what you learn' back at Grandpa's lab. I taught my pokemon love and I learnt it right back, and the difference in my gyms wins became apparent. My blitz through the gyms became easy and even Clair, supposedly as tough as the League Master Lance felt down to my techniques and moves.
As the Pokemon League, Johto style came about, I called one time after I collected my final badge, and it was the start of the first and last true love of my life, and it wasn't pokemon championships, or rival bashing…it was simply that, true love.
I had called that night to tell May that I had won my final badge, but the call went through, and May wasn't it, instead I got another pretty face which I also recognised, and despite it, I still smiled.
"Hey, Giselle." I said.
"Hey Gary, sorry, but May isn't in. She's getting ready for her enrolment."
I was stunned. She was leaving? "Enrolment?"
"Yep, she's been accepted in an apprentenship at Pokemon University, at such a young age, to learn the true skills of Pokemon analysis, who knows, she could be working with your grandpa sooner than we think."
"Whoa!" I was stunned, my little sis was going up in the world. "What about you?" I noticed the first time, her attire, was very different. Black was not in fashion, but it was a very distinguished black, and it took me 2 seconds to realise what was going on.
"Oh this? Heh, she's not the only one going up. I'm graduating tomorrow, I'm just trying my stuff on."
"That's great Giselle, does that mean…"
"Yep, I'll see you in a couple of months in the tournament….unless…" she stopped.
"Unless?" I said, still surprised about all the current events.
"Unless…well…apart from May, and one other guy, I haven't really had too many people get close to me…and with May gone, after garduation I'll be alone for a while, so…do you mind…if we can…get together tomorrow in Goldenrod, after graduation?"
I had to kneel down to roll my jaw back into place. I myself, also was a loner, but here, a beautiful, intelligent girl was asking I guess, like a date?
I saw the blush on her cheek and she quickly returned to her composure. "Not like it's a date or anything, I just want to find a familiar face into his new world."
I had to answer her. "Er….sure, just tell me a time and I'll be there." I was more nervous than I let on. Ever since I met her with May, I had been talking with her as much as I had been talking with May, and it was hard to realise, but we had been becoming good friends since then.
She quickly perked up. "Great, meet me outside Goldenrod Department Store at 4pm sharp, I've got my train tickets so don't be late, I very rarely let a guy wait for me, so be sharp or else…"
I saw the threatening look in her eyes, which only made her look cuter and I said "No problem miss Giselle. I'll be there."
"Great, oh and Gary, May told me to give you this…"
Giselle gave me the number of where my sister would be staying during her apprentenship, so I could still hear from her.
"Thank you, and good luck tomorrow…" I said, knowing the response.
Giselle also got on to our signature act. "Ha, Gary…"
And in unison we said 'I/She doesn't need luck!' before we burst out laughing (and got a quick repremand from Nurse Joy not to wake some sleeping pokemon up).
"Very well Gary, I'll see you tomorrow, don't be late otherwise…" she slit her throat metaphorically, as I faked being scared. She smiled and blew a kiss at the screen as I said my goodbyes and put my phone down.
'O.K, Gary, despite everything, this is not what it is, it's just a meeting between friends, it's not a date. IT'S NOT A DATE.'
* * * *
With a bouquet of flowers and some chocolates in my hands, and a rush ride with a hired bike and taking a few shortcuts, I made it at 3.58 outside the huge department store.
And there she was, with a cross look on her face. She had changed into something I'd ever expect Tech students to be into, a full chequered blouse with padded blue jeans, I had to admit, she looked great in that, but her look was anything but welcoming.
"You're late." She said.
I looked at my watch as it just turned at 4.00. "Hey, I'm bang on time."
She then smiled evilly. "I said for you to meet at 4. I never said what time I was coming…luckily for you, I was 5 minutes early, so I'll let you off a humiliating death just this once, because I'm in a good mood."
I breathed a silent sigh of relief as I knew I would be spared. Obviously, this girl was one not to be crossed.
"Very Giselle…but it's still great to see you, I guess you changed…that is not the look I expected, but it makes you look…well….great.."
I swore Giselle blushed here, but she just smiled and said, "Hey, don't I look great anytime anyway?"
I shook my head and took a bit of a risk. "No, every other day you look beautiful."
Giselle looked at me, and blushed a bit, but recovered soon enough as I handed her the bouquet and the chocolates and smiled. "Well, if I'm so pretty, and I'm ready after a hard graduation, my knight in shining armor is going to take me on a shopping spree." She grasped my arm and I groaned. "Come on, Sir Gary!"
I told you it was a risk…on my wallet.
* * * *
Actually, lots of money spent aside, it was quite an enjoyable afternoon to say the least. It was great to talk to this stunning girl without confiding to just a receiver and a picture in the Pokemon Centre.
She talked about her true life, her family background, but I'm sure she can tell you more about that than I can. She of course, threatened that she would do my job and beat Ash in the League, and then defeat me just to rub salt in the wounds. I retaliated, but my heart wasn't in it, I was just amazed by this girl, her life, and her beauty.
However, we knew that in 2 months time, we may be at each others throats. May…I called her that night and she was overjoyed with her position and was glad that we could still talk, I promised her that it would be worth it, all her work, her strength and knowledge as an Oak member of the family would get her through it, the Oak blood and will were stronger than any book that could be fed into her memory.
And as Giselle was booking into a hotel, I decided to stay the night. Sad as it might be, Giselle wanted to be on her own for the next two months, doing research and maybe challenging some trainers and a few gym leaders, so the next day I would be leaving her.
That night, however, changed me…
* * * *
"Well, Giselle, thanks to you, I can speak to my sister any time, and my bank manager is going to hate me with all the money I drew out…" I groaned.
Giselle let out a light giggle. "Heh, maybe it won't be just a one time thing either…" she tried to say quietly, but I caught her.
"What do you mean?"
She looked at me, and with a smile, leaned and stared me in the eyes.
"You're a remarkable person Gary Oak, I found that out on the first day we met, and since then, we've developed a bond stronger than any friendship, and more than a brother/sister relationship either, trust me, I know when I've found a true self."
The proximity between us was like ecstasy as I felt her breath on me and her sweet scent, combine a bit of rosemary, a bit of perfume, and a scent that were own sweet aroma, and that was what it felt like to me, it was like a bit of heaven.
"You…are…mine…" she said. She stroked my cheek like a vampire waiting for the kill. "Whether…you…like…it…or…not…"
With that, she kissed me on the lips and held it there, possibly waiting for my reaction. I didn't have one, I felt like fainting. I let go softly.
"I…like…it…boy, I like it." I said softly, and as thoughts went through my head, myself, Ash, May, my parents, Grandpa…they all vanished as I leaned in and kissed her back. She didn't fight, and pulled me in, wrapping her arms around my neck as I felt her warm back with my own arms.
Love is an emotion I hadn't felt truly. Family love and brotherly love, love for my pokemon and love for the victory, but not true love, and standing in a dark hallway heading towards a hotel in the largest Johto based city, I had found it.
And I didn't want to let go.
After a time of 1 minutes 56 seconds (apparently, Giselle timed it) I did let go, but only for the moment.
"I'm sorry Gary, I wanted to tell you sooner, but if I told your sister, I'd…" she said, still holding on to me, heck, I wasn't letting go of her waist either.
"…I know, but I felt the same as well, I wanted to tell you too. It's just a shame.."
Giselle nodded. "I'm sorry Gary, but I need to do this. I love you, but I want to win just as much as anyone."
She said. I love you. I hadn't heard those words from anyone, apart from my sister. It was such a relief and a feeling of euphoria that I simply acted.
"I love you too."
With that, I laid another liplock on her and we didn't let go for quite a while…and this time, who gives a damn about the time…
* * * *
The combined aggressive Giselle with the sweet Giselle was shown last night, and to be honest, I loved both sides of her, reminding me so much of me. However, as she said, she wanted to say it before we continued our separate journeys.
Last night, although we slept in different rooms, my heart and mind was all on her. Sadly, this didn't last long as I had heard she had vacated the room long before I got up. I felt so lonely, I had no way of contacting her, as she was on the road and didn't give me her mobile phone number, but I guess she was focused on her goals.
That didn't mean I had to like it though.
However, the next time we'd see each other, would be at the Johto League Championship.
And I hoped to heck that the final match would be Gary Oak vs. Giselle Dexter.
2 months later, Gary Oak and his squad of winners…a.k.a, his pokemon, would be on the way to victory. However, my thoughts and feelings hadn't been forgotten, so I was hoping…
Then I felt someone strangling me…well, technically it was hugging, but I felt the first one would be together.
I felt it, but turned and smiled as May Oak looked at me. "Hey big bro, guess who is going to cheer you on in the championship?"
"Er….everyone?" I said.
"YOU DUMMY!" she said. "Me…and er…well…her as well." She smiled as I felt someone else…and this time it was hugging.
"Well, Gary, miss me?" said a certain voice.
I turned and was greeted with a figure-four liplock from a girl who obviously didn't forget me. Glad she didn't, as May faked gagging in the background, but I didn't care.
As I let go, I smiled. "Well, Giselle, are you ready?"
She smiled evilly "Ready for battle, or ready for you? Or are they the same thing?" she said.
I blushed as I looked around. I expected to see Ash and friends someone here, I hoped no-one saw that, if they knew I had a weakness, they would…
"Hey Gary!"
Damn. I turned and saw…well, an Ash Ketchum a lot taller than I last saw him, his two friends still there, Misty and Brock. May almost looked like she was going to have a heart attack.
"Well Ashy, I guess you made it here, I hope you have good luck…"
"…I guess it WOULD be you who had the good luck wouldn't it?" he said slyly as he looked at me and Giselle. I realised at that point I was grasping hands with her and we quickly aimed apart.
I blushed, part of embarrassment and part from romance. "Hey, Ash, if you're going to tease me, then…"
Then the last thing I expected came. Ash reached for Misty and turned her so she was facing him. "Why would I embarrass you?" And then, in front of everyone, they kissed deeply. I was flabbergasted, Giselle looked like a goldfish, and May…well, was still looking like she had a heart attack.
They realised, Misty torn between anger and giggling, but in the end, she just slapped Ash around the head mockingly. "Well, Giselle, nice to see you again! I wouldn't expect to see you with Gary but…"
Giselle blushed a bit but Ash also noticed the other girl. This should be interesting…
"M…May? Is that you?" he gasped.
May nodded, and wiped a silent tear before rushing and hugging him, crying, unable to believe it. "I can't believe it's you…I've missed my best friend for so long…"
I never realised how close Ash and May were when we were kids. It was one of the many things I had forgotten after…certain incidents happened.
Even Brock, who I knew was known for being girl mad, was silent during this. Misty I could tell was feeling conflicting frames of jealousy, but it didn't matter.
As they realised, Ash said 'It's great to see you again May, I missed you a lot you know.'
I knew a lot of chattering would be gone, so it was time for everyone to get reacquainted at a café, as Giselle and I walked behind everyone, including Pikachu and Umbereon talking to each other, as the two of us held hands.
This was going to be a championship to remember.
* * * *
I remember watching Ash and May talking with Misty, Brock and then there were a few more people who knew Ash, and the table was getting full. I then remember both me and Giselle feeling like third wheels and leaving the table. And I remember Giselle kissing me outside with quite a bit of passion.
I guess that was another thing Ash had beat me out, popularity and friendship vs. my lone wolf attitude. However, I had found a lonely vixen with me, and I intended to make sure we didn't become alone again, we finally wrote each other our own phone numbers, and we arranged a dinner date tonight alone, the night before the draws for the opening battles were made. Both me and Giselle didn't need to go through the preliminary rounds because of myself being a participant of the Indigo Leagues, and also because of the Oak name. Giselle didn't need to, because of the fact she gained the highest score in the final exam ever in the Pokemon Tech's history.
That night, we finally enjoyed the chance to be alone, the first time since we meet in Goldenrod, two months ago.
"I am ready Gary, you must realise that, I aim to take no prisoners, so…if we have to meet…" she said.
I shushed her, too much compassion than I expected, but it was such a tender moment, the compassion was needed. "Hey, we already went through this, we want to be the best, so if we have to face in any round, we won't go easy on each other, O.K?" I said.
She smiled that beautiful smile on that gorgeous face, probably when I first saw it was when I began to fall in love with her.
"O.K Gary, let's see who will win this contest…" she said as I smiled.
"You're on."
The result was that Giselle beat me in eating the Kingler Supreme in 3 secs faster than I did, but hey, who's counting. And when we returned back to our rooms (both privately reserved compared to people like Ash who were sharing), it was a feeling of fullfillment.
We were both ready.
* * * *
It was luck. Pure and simple bad luck, and lousy judges, but they had to do it. I saw it there in black and white.
Ash Ketchum vs. Casey Bata
A.J Williams vs. Atoshi Iboshi
Richie Sprainer vs. James Morgan
And there…
GARY OAK VS GISELLE DEXTER
Damn. Quarter-finals, and one of us would get to the bigger stepping stone…and one of us would fall by the wayside.
I knew for a fact as soon as Giselle saw the least, she decided not to talk to me. It was a classic case of knowing your enemy, and knowing how to avoid surprises. I knew I had my work cut out for me here….
"Hey Gary?" said my sister next to me.
"Yeah?"
"You gonna be alright?" she said, although she knew that nothing she could say could help this moment.
"Yeah….it's just…well, you know how it is. I'll just give her my best shot that's all…" he said.
"That's the Gary Oak I know." Said another familiar voice.
Ash.
I turned and saw him smiling, quite sincerely which surprised me, I guess he had done quite a lot of growing up as well. I felt that my sister still had a bit of a crush on him, and felt a bit awkward around Ash, but it didn't seem to get by the dense Ash Ketchum.
But of all people, he helped me out.
"Gary, just because you're battling a friend, or your girlfriend in this case, doesn't mean that things have changed. I'm battling a friend of mine in the quarters as well, but the thing is you must play to your best and ignore everything else that's around you. If you don't play your best, it is disrespectful to yourself and to your opponent." He said.
Philosophy from Ash Ketchum, damn, the worlds ending…
"Gary, I'm sure she's in the same boat as you, but after the match, everything will be fine. You two are as stubborn as two people I've met, but you both have a goal and a purpose, to win this tournament for now, in a week's time, you'll have a different one, but as long as you give it your best, nothing changes your own self-esteem."
I looked at Ash and glazed at the sincerity in his eyes and in his voice. Guess hanging around with those other two may have helped his brain cells a bit to say the least…
"Ash, I can't believe I saying this after everything…but thank you very much. You are a good rival, and I'll remember what you say in today's battle."
Ash smiled. "Anything to help a friend. I'll see you later both of you O.K…" I swore he said something about 'Misty…and matchmaking…and May as well, I wouldn't find out until later what he was on about.
I smiled. Umbereon by my side, and I looked around. Friends and family….this was what life was supposed to be like.
I headed for my room, ready for my own preparations…even in Giselle, an adversary is an adversary, and Gary Oak was going to shine.
* * * *
The battle was 6 on 6, and it ended like our other battle…almost.
Nidoking took out her Bellosom in the first match, but she surprised the heck out of me by using a Hypno. Taking on Nidoking, I used Alakazam. Umbereon would have been the best choice, but I wanted to save my strongest pokemon for her Marowak. Alakazam kept lowering it's defences, enough to hit a vicious body slam to win the match. However, her surprise, Wigglytuff paralysed the Alakazam with thunder wave before body slamming her way to victory.
I sent out Rhydon, which of course Giselle was waiting for and slammed it with an ice beam. However, a rock slide managed to countered it and a vicious take down by Rhydon got me the victory. She sent out her water type, Vaporeon, and Rhydon didn't last long.
Gyarados came out and managed to shoot it's thunder bolt from it's mouth. Of course, after that, she sent out Electabuzz and took out Gyarados with one blow.
Next came my Clefable, who not only paralyzed electabuzz, but metronome hit a fissure which took it out of the match in one blow. Finally, Marowak came out and it's bone club beat my Clefable in one blow…whoa, that was one strong bonekeeper.
So, it came down to this…
"And the crowd senses the end, the last two pokemon, and Gary has chosen his Umbereon to face off against Pokemon Tech's best hope, Giselle Dexter! It's time to see how goes home with all the marbles!"
"O.K, Umbereon, let's go! Use quick attack!" I said, and the dark eevee fled from the touchlines to slam into the Marowak.
Well, that was the plan. Marowak had leapt up and was aiming it's bone club right down. Fortunately, Umbereon let go and managed to move out of the way just in time. A faint attack came next, but didn't do too much.
"Umbereon, use shadow ball!" I called.
The dark energy attack came out, managing to engulf the Marowak, but I heard Giselle call out 'earthquake' and realised I was in trouble.
The blow managed to shake the arena and my pokemon as well, I called out 'Moonlight', it's rejuvenation technique which helped but Marowak was quick to capitalise with a body slam.
My Umbereon's strong defence was holding out, and I called out to use 'Confuse Ray' which worked and Giselle realised she was in trouble.
"Marowak, snap out of it please, I want to win this one badly!" she said.
Oh man, it was like the rivals all over again.
"Umbereon, skull bash now!" I wanted to end this.
The glow of my eevee as it watching Marowak turn and hold it's head, and with pin point accuracy, slammed into the 'wak, sending it flying into the air.
However, that snapped it out of its confusion.
Bone club straight down, it threw it's bonemerang attack, slamming into Umbereon, and sending it back.
I was about to call out 'moonlight' but I saw Giselle telling it to use focus energy. Uh oh. I've seen her use this in a couple of matches. Focus energy followed by hyper beam.
End result would not be good for me, if I didn't do something.
I called out for double team. Umbereon became many Umbereons and now Giselle was confused. She instead called out for Bonemerang.
Uh oh. The bone went through all of my eevees and hit the right one. As soon as it was in sight, Giselle had her target sighted.
"Marowak, now, HYPER BEAM!"
Translation. I was screwed.
However, I called out in desperation for Umbereon to use flash. It did as the glow occurred as Marowak unleashed his strongest attack.
The audience, who was really intro this contest, felt like this was it. They looked on as the dust cleared…
…to see no Umbereon, as it had leapt into the air after the flash.
"Oh no!" Giselle screamed clearly as her tired Marowak also looked up.
Now was my chance. "Umbereon, hidden power!"
The dark glow of the eyes shimmered as Marowak was slammed back via a blast of dark energy.
"Skull bash!"
Umbereon landed and flew, slamming into Marowak, sending it in the air again. It jumped back, waiting for Marowak to land, then…
"HYPER BEAM!"
I saw Giselle gasp. I heard the audience gasp.
But I wasn't bluffing. The powerful beam from my Umbereon enveloped the Marowak on the way down.
The dust cleared a second time, and this time, a winner had been defined.
"THE WINNER….GARY OAK!"
And I heard the cheers. It was over….I looked at Giselle. Holding her spent Marowak. My Umbereon, tired as well, hopped into my arms. She looked so forlorn, but in the end, I got the lucky break.
Then she stepped over to me, step by confident step. Oh damn.
"Giselle…er, I'm sorry, I know you wanted to win, but so did I and please I g…mphhh…"
Ever hear a crowd silenced? That's what happened when Giselle kissed me. Then the wolf-whistles came, and then the cheers remused.
I let go, and Giselle had the biggest grin on her face. "Hey, I got the pleasure of embarrassing you in another way then…" she said. I blushed, but I knew my smile was very genuine as well.
She held out her hand as Umbereon hopped onto my shoulder. I took it without a second glance and knew that for the next round, I had two people who I loved on my side at least.
Life is finally seeing my way.
* * * *
The next rounds…I'm sure Richie and Misty can explain better than I could in what happened. And this is not the end of my story either.
Four important events happened in my life after the Pokemon Johto League.
The first one was that Gary Oak was on the shortlist to become an Elite trainer. However, the scanadal coming that Team Rocket's base was in Viridian City made the gym there without a leader. Even though I was young, thanks to Grandpa's help, I became the leader. This was good for a number of reasons, it allowed me to see Grandpa, Ash and Giselle (who lived nearby) easily.
I didn't mention May, because….that was the second main thing. You see, 5 years ago, she was involved in a tragic accident in Trovita Island. She had been invited to study as a watcher in the Orange Islands, and also found a boyfriend, the person that Misty and Ash had been 'matchmaking' for her back at the league, an Orange Island gym leader Rudi. However, at one point, I don't know what happened, but apparently, after swimming underwater with some Dewgong, she got caught in some seaweed. The worse thing was a speedboat came at that point and practically crushed her arm as she was drowning. Rudi managed to save her from dying, but my sweet, beautiful sister's arm was crushed.
Since them, her arm was amputated, and I have been giving her money to get a bionic replacement, a major one, and she and Rudi I'm glad were able to reunite and return to their lives. May however, didn't make the funeral however, because of health reasons. I worry about her every day.
After nearly seeing my sister die, I had to make sure none of my other loved ones would be as insecure. I finally managed to get the nerve to marry Giselle, and although the two of us have been through some break ups, we did seem like the perfect couple.
However, the fourth thing…it had to happen, but why so soon?
Professor Samuel Jefferson Oak, my grandfather, world renowned Pokemon researched, had died.
I remember that funeral, my arm around Giselle, my sister May in a wheelchair with Rudi, Ash and Misty (without Brock) there, Ash' mom, Delilah, student Professor's Hale and Elm, Westwood 5, Professor Ivy of the orange islands, and various other researchers, VIPs and general people of importance around, mourning the death of one of the greats.
It seemed after my early high life, the lows were catching up pretty quick.
After Sam's death, I got a quarter of his will in wealth. I invested it in my Grandfather's company, Oak Enterprise, where Giselle takes the business whilst I'm in the Elite or in the gym. She herself has her own job in Pokemon Tech, but together, we'd never have to worry about money again.
However, today…one more tragedy to add…
* * * *
People were expecting me to take over Ash? Head Elite? People still percieved me as some calculating cruel bastard….
I fondled the badge. The one that was given to me to take over as head of the Elite….this wasn't my badge. This was Ash' badge.
I made one look at the coffin. No words were necessary.
I threw the badge in the coffin, and made a silent prayer.
Ash, I'll never take away your own heritage, your life was precious, and how it ended was disgraceful for someone like you…
My rival….gone…and what to do with my life now?
I glanced a look at Misty, who looked at me, with tears in her eyes, and gave me a single nod.
I saw Giselle looking to pay her respects, but in my silent way, I had done so much more for Ash now than I did back when we were kids.
I hope that Ash can forgive me now.
Because I sure as hell can't forgive myself…
* * * *
And that's all he wrote. ^_^
Gary is one of my favourite characters to write about, either as cocky bastard or as misunderstood young man. I used both of those personalities in my survivor fic, and it's not hard to see why I paired him with Giselle…ladies and gentlemen, the egos have landed….
For Chapter 5:
Deliah Ketchum
They say the worst time for a mother is when they outlive their children. Even with two girls she wishes were her daughters in Misty and Molly, there is no place for them with her only son now living in the great beyond. Delialh reflects on her son, her worries, Ash' father and her relationship with Professor Oak, amongst other things.
It's will be done hopefully within a month's time as I've got two other fics, but it will be here.