Disclaimer:- I don't own Pokemon
Note:- Thanks for all the favs, follows and reviews! :)
Chapter 8- Selfish Or Not
Gary:-
It was early in the morning and Gary was already out of his room and walking up to Professor Oak's lab. He knew his grandfather was an early-riser and felt that it would be a good idea to talk to him on the important topic which had been haunting Gary the whole night.
"Ah, Good Morning Harry! Do you like to wake up early as well?" the Professor asked him kindly.
"Good morning Professor. I sometimes wake up early," he muttered wondering what would be the best way to start talking about his parents.
"It's a good habit," the Professor agreed, "I am letting out the Pokemon from their Pokeballs now, will you come and help?"
"Yes, of course Professor," Gary replied.
They released the Pokemon at the lab in the large open space designed specifically for them to play and roam about all day. Gary saw the various different Pokemon such as Nidoran, Rapidash, Electrode and Oddish start their day as they happily roamed in the big field of grass behind the lab.
"Now we will observe them," Professor Oak said and pulled out a pen and a clipboard.
Gary thought it would be best if he addressed the topic before Professor Oak got busy with his work.
"Professor, is your son a Pokemon researcher too?" Gary asked innocently.
"Yes, he and his wife are also Pokemon researchers. They are going to come to Pallet tomorrow," he added in an affectionate tone.
"Where do they do their research work?" Gary asked in a light tone.
"Oh, in Johto region. I think they'll return there after visiting Pallet," Professor Oak replied in a casual tone.
Gary was startled to hear this. Didn't Professor Oak knew about the earthquake then?
"Professor, haven't you heard about the oncoming earthquake in Johto?" Gary asked, feeling startled.
"I have heard about it Harry. It seems like a really unfortunate incident. I hope they are able to save as many people as possible," his grandfather said in a grave tone.
"I hope so too. But why is your son and his wife returning to Johto if they know about the earthquake? It could be dangerous!" Gary exclaimed.
"Huh, I didn't understood your question Gary? My son and his wife are doing excavation work near Ecruteak city. The earthquake is going to happen near Goldenrod city. They would be safe," Professor Oak assured him.
Gary couldn't believe this. He clearly remembered hearing the news of his parents' deaths and the fact that they had died while doing excavation near Goldenrod city because an earthquake had taken place over there.
He didn't knew what to make of Professor Oak's statement. Had there been some misunderstanding or maybe his grandfather had simply forgotten the name of the place where his parents were working? Either way, Gary felt it would be difficult to convince him.
He was snapped out of his thoughts as Professor Oak said," And Harry, have I talked to you about the summer-camp yet?"
"Summer-camp?" Gary asked blankly.
"Yes, it was May's idea originally. We are planning to organize a small summer-camp for little kids in Pallet town. I don't want to over-work you immediately, but I'd be glad if you could help with it," Professor Oak said with a smile.
Of course, Gary remembered the summer-camp now. He and Ash had decided to attend it but after his little fight with Ash he had decided against going to the summer-camp. It hadn't mattered much back then because he had seen the Pokemon at his grandpa's lab tons of times before.
"Of course, I'll help with it," he replied almost mechanically. He didn't really cared about this summer-camp and just wanted his grandfather to get back on the topic of his parents.
"That would be great Harry! I am really glad that you are ready to help with it," the Professor beamed appreciatively, but then his smile faltered a little as he added, "We have a few problems with the summer-camp though."
"What problems?" Gary asked even though he couldn't feel any more disinterested at the moment.
"Actually, we had hired a talented Pokemon trainer and Pokemon coordinator to come and teach a few things to the little kids at the camp who might be interested in it," Professor Oak replied, "But the two of them have other commitments so they can't come. I am in search of new people for that job."
Gary nodded not knowing what else to say. He was mentally working on how to start the topic about his parents again.
Just then, the video-phone in the lab started beeping loudly. Professor Oak went to pick it up. Gary just wished for the call to end soon so that they could get back on topic, when he heard his mother's voice,
"It's nice to see that you are doing well, Professor Oak. Me and Spencer would be returning tomorrow," she said.
Gary turned towards the screen and his eyes remain fixed on the auburn-haired researcher who had dark eyes and high cheekbones. She looked like an older version of May Oak.
Gary felt a torrent of emotions run through him as he stared at his mother's face. It had been years since he had heard her voice, let alone seen her. He had given up all hope of seeing her ever again.
"I wish a safe journey for both of you. May and Gary are desperately waiting to see the two of you again," Professor Oak replied.
"Tell them we would be back soon," his mother said with a smile. But then Gary saw a shadow of guilt pass over her face as she said, "Professor Oak, actually I had wanted to ask you something."
"What is it Beth?" the Professor asked kindly.
"Our boss, Professor Castor wants to come along with us to Pallet town. We know you don't like him so we tried to refuse but he isn't taking no for an answer," his mother replied.
"Beth, you know I hate Castor. He is the last person I want to meet," Professor Oak replied. Gary was really surprised at the coldness in Professor Oak's voice. He couldn't help wondering who was this Castor person and what had he done to make Professor Oak hate him so much.
"I know Professor Oak, me and Spencer tried to change his mind but he isn't listening. Although we still don't get why the two of you hate each other," she muttered looking confused.
"You won't understand," Professor Oak spoke with a sigh, "I should have guessed something was wrong the moment I didn't saw Spencer. He is avoiding me, right?"
"He is scared that you will scold him for not being able to stop Professor Castor," his mother replied and rolled her eyes.
"It's not his or your fault," Professor Oak answered. Then as if he was forcing himself to calm down, he said, "Fine, I'll meet Castor. But tell him in advance that the meeting won't go well for him."
"Sure, Professor Oak," his mother replied with a smile and then ended the call.
Professor Oak put down the receiver and Gary could tell from his expression that he was quite annoyed and upset at the thought of meeting this Castor person.
"I'll be back in a moment Harry," Professor Oak muttered and left the room. Gary was left staring behind him and wondering what on earth might have happened to make him so angry.
Later that day, when Gary got a break from his work he decided to take a small walk around Pallet town to clear his head. He was feeling quite nervous about his parents' visit the next day and wanted to be sure that he approached the topic in the best way possible.
He was walking along a narrow lonely path when he saw Ash, Misty and May sitting under the shade of a tree. Gary quickly turned around to check that no one from the lab was anywhere near him and then went to talk to Ash and his friends.
"Hey, how are you guys?" he greeted them with a smile.
"Hey Gary, what's up? Did you completed your mission?" Ash asked enthusiastically.
"Not yet, and don't call me Gary," Gary whispered, "My name is Harry Greenwood."
"Right, forgot that. Sorry," Ash muttered looking apologetic.
"Hey Harry, I am Mia. And these are my friends Tom and Maria," Misty said with a cheeky grin.
"Nice to meet all of you," Gary replied with a smirk.
"So, how is your mission going?" Ash asked in a low whisper.
"Very badly," Gary admitted.
"Is there anything we can do to help you?" May asked looking concerned.
"I don't see how you guys can help me with this. I have got to do this myself," Gary said in a low voice.
Ash stood up and put a comforting hand on Gary's shoulder, Gary looked at him and felt a sudden warmth spread through him. He never understood why Ash had such an effect on him.
"Tell us what happened. Maybe we can do something to help you," Ash said to him.
So Gary sat down next to Ash and told everything from the beginning to him, Misty and May. He told them about the earthquake, the sudden change in the place where his parents were researching and the fact that they were coming the next day and he was feeling extremely nervous about it.
"But isn't it a good thing that your parents are doing research in Ecruteak city? That way they won't get hurt in the earthquake that is going to happen near Goldenrod city," May asked looking confused.
"Yeah, but I am not sure whether they are really in Ecruteak or whether my grandfather forgot the name of the place," Gary replied.
"You can talk to your parents tomorrow. Ask them where they are doing their research and if it is in Goldenrod then tell them about the seriousness of the earthquake predictions," Misty suggested.
"I'll try that, but I am not sure whether I'll be able to do it," Gary muttered.
"Don't worry, I know you can do this," Ash said bracingly, "
"Thanks Ash," Gary replied not caring about using his real name. He couldn't understand how Ash could be so nice and supportive towards him considering how he had treated him in the past.
"No problem! I know you will manage to convince your parents and if you want we can help you in convincing them too!" Ash answered looking optimistic.
Gary looked at Ash and felt a strange feeling inside him. He was aware of Misty and May staring at him and Ash, so to partly change the subject he asked, "Where is your other friend Tom?"
"Oh Broc- I mean Brett, he is working at Pallet House. My mo- I mean Mrs. Ketchum is really pleased with his cooking skills," Ash replied and then continued, "At least he has got some work to do. I feel so tired and bored sitting here and doing nothing."
Gary suddenly remembered a part of his conversation with his grandfather. He said to Ash, "My grandfather is organizing a summer-camp in Pallet town. He had hired a trainer and a coordinator to teach stuff to the little kids but apparently they can't come."
"A trainer and a coordinator?" May suddenly asked looking interested.
"Yeah, so if Ash wants to, he can apply for that job. All you have to do is teach some basic training stuff to little kids," Gary told Ash.
"Well I have taught a few things to people but I have never done something like this before," Ash said, although he seemed to be considering it seriously.
"If they require a coordinator then I can join too! I'll be able to teach the little kids a lot about contests and coordinating!" May said looking excited.
"I think you and May should go for it Ash," Misty said to him, "You'll get to stay near Gary and help him and you won't get bored either."
"That does sound like a good plan. When should we talk to Professor Oak?" Ash asked the others.
"I think we'll have to do some preparation before going and applying for the job," May said looking lost in thoughts, "But wait, if we go there then Misty would be left all alone. We don't want to leave you."
Misty smiled and said, "That's fine May, I'll find something to do as well. And if there is nothing else to do, I can always just train with my Pokemon."
"That sounds cool!" Ash agreed.
Gary secretly felt glad to know that Ash and his friend May would be joining him at the summer-camp. Spending time with his family in the past all alone was becoming overwhelming for him.
"Are you going to try talking to Professor Oak again?" Misty asked him.
"I don't know. He heard about a certain Professor Castor coming to Pallet town and he became so angry after that that I didn't knew how to start talking about that topic again," Gary replied.
"Professor Castor?!" Ash exclaimed, "That's the same person who had tried to drown the Eevees and Cleffa!"
"Someone had tried to drown Eevee and Cleffa?" Gary asked feeling angry as he stared at the little Eevee and Cleffa playing with Ash's Pikachu.
"Yes, and that person's name was also Professor Castor. I think it's the same person, that's why Professor Oak must be mad at him," Ash told him.
"Maybe," Gary replied carefully, not wanting to jump to conclusions.
"If he is coming to Pallet town we need to inform someone. He could be hurting more Pokemon," Ash said.
"We don't have any proof against him, remember?" Misty asked him.
"But maybe we can spy on him, that way we will get some proof," May suggested.
"Not you too May," Misty said, sounding exasperated.
"But if he is really hurting more Pokemon then he needs to be stopped," May said sounding stubborn.
"Yeah, something needs to be done about it," Ash spoke looking fiercely determined.
"Look Ash, I don't want you to do anything that interferes with my plan of stopping my parents' deaths. When they come to Pallet that is going to be my number one priority and I don't want anyone meddling with it," Gary said feeling worried. He knew Ash could get really fired up about anything and if he decided to do something about this Castor person it might ruin Gary's plan of saving his parents.
He was surprised to see Ash looking at him with an astonished look on his face.
"Gary," he said sounding dead serious, "I had seen someone called Professor Castor trying to drown three Pokemon with my own eyes. If he is the same person he could be hurting a lot more Pokemon. Saving your parents is necessary but this is also equally important."
"So are you going to meddle with my plan?" Gary asked angrily.
"No, but we will find a way of spying and gathering proof in case this is the same person," Ash told him.
"That does sound like messing with my plan. Don't you understand that I won't be able to save my parents even if a single thing goes wrong? And you are not supposed to interfere with the past in the first place!" Gary almost shouted.
"As if you are not interfering with the past. How come that is okay?" Ash asked sounding annoyed.
"Calm down you two," Misty muttered, placing a hand on Ash's shoulder.
"It's okay because I am trying to save my parents and restore our friendship," Gary shot back ignoring Misty, "You on the other hand are just-"
"I am just trying to save the lives of more Pokemon which obviously doesn't seem important to you. I don't understand how you can be so selfish Gary?" Ash asked him in an angry tone.
Gary felt as though Ash had punched him with his question. He wasn't being selfish. He was just prioritizing saving his parents first and didn't wanted anything to come in the way.
"Leave it. You won't understand, you have never understood me," he said in a small voice and left before Ash could say anything in reply.
"Gary wait!" he heard from behind, but it was Misty shouting. Not Ash. And that alone was enough for Gary to not turn behind. He hurried towards Professor Oak's lab without glancing behind even once.
Author Note:- Sorry, I couldn't come up with a good name for this chapter. But I hope you all enjoyed it. If you have any suggestions or constructive criticism, feel free to tell. :)
