Chapter 4 - Gary (pt 1)


Samuel Oak called his Grandson over to the video screen. Wondering what all the fuss was about, the 19-year-old wandered over. Maybe there was some mind-blowing new discovery in the field of pokémon research?

Gary had been based in Kanto for a while now, mostly with his involvement in Project Mew, but as that had now ended, he decided to stick around and help his Grandfather with a few research projects, whilst continuing his own pokémon research studies.

Huddled around the screen already was Tracey, his grandfather's assistant, and Brock an old acquaintance and former gym leader of the Pewter City Gym, who was visiting the professor.

There on the video screen was recently crowned 19-year-old World Number One Pokémon Master Ash Ketchum. Gary's oldest friend and rival.

Ash … wonder what he wants?

"That's everyone, so what's this big news you have to tell us Ash?" Professor Oak enquired to the clearly excited young man.

"Hey guys! I'm getting married!"

"What?!" "To Whom?!" The shocked group chorused in union.

"Hellooo everyone!" Misty Waterflower the Cerulean City pushed her face into view on the video screen, she lifted her hand, showing off her ring.

"Misty!"

"… Misty …?" Gary uttered his voice a mere whisper.

Tears welled up in the corners of Brocks eyes as he struggled to keep it together. "Ash … Misty … my two oldest and dearest friends … IT'S ABOUT TIME! I'm so happy for you both!" He hugged the screen enthusiastically.

Ash grinned widely. "The wedding will be in Cerulean City in 2 months' time."

Tracey lit up at the news. "Oh wow congratulations you guys!"

Samuel Oak smiled warmly. "This really is indeed wonderful news you two, how has your mother taken the news Ash?"

"She was a little shocked but she's super happy and can't wait for the celebrations Professor. Thanks everyone. We'll be in Pallet Town to visit soon."

"Then we'll be sure to celebrate in style!" Professor Oak continued to discuss arrangements for a party.

Gary took in the news, turned, and left without saying a word.

In the commotion, Brock looked back and internally noted Gary's silent exit.


*** Flashback A few days ago ***

19-year-old Gary Oak was walking across the Nugget Bridge. He was on his way back from visiting researcher Bill at his lighthouse home on the Cerulean Cape. The sun was setting creating a pallet of orange, pink and indigo colouring the sky, the moon and stars just barely visible.

Descending from the bridge, he spotted Cerulean Gym Leader Misty sitting along the riverbank looking out towards the Cerulean Cave. The sunset reflecting off the water, illuminating her. Her fiery hair had grown out some and now reached just past her shoulders. Gone was the short side ponytail style, replaced with a low loose hanging ponytail accentuating her new longer hair style. Misty had grown from her childish looks and was developing into a natural beauty.

Being in Kanto for a number of months now, Gary had had quite a bit to do with Misty and Cerulean Gym during this research period. The two of them had gotten to know each other fairly well and were becoming friends on their own terms, evolving from being just friends of a friend, a.k.a Ash.

As Gary approached to say hi, he noticed a deep pensive look across her face. An unusual change from her usual cheerful or passionate raging self.

Gary sucked in a breath and walked up behind her. "Hey Red."

Misty turned and looked up at him, her usual bright cerulean eyes whilst still alluring had lost their spark.

"Oh, hi Gary. What brings you to Cerulean City?"

"I was catching up with Bill over at the Lighthouse on some of his new findings. There's some been some big advancements on fossil pokémon revival technology coming from Galar, really exciting stuff actually …" Gary could see the girl wasn't really taking in what he what saying. "But you don't really care about that do you?"

"Uh, I'm sorry, it's not that I don't care Gary, honestly, I just have something else on my mind is all."

Gary sat down beside the teenager. A silent signal for her that he was ready to listen.

"It's just …" Misty sighed. "Ash won the World series against Leon. Of course, I'm happy for him, he finally achieved his dream. I'm really proud of him. ... But well it's …" Gary gave her a very slight nudge to continue. She looked into his eyes. It was clear he wasn't going to judge or make fun of her.

"I thought he'd have come home now, you know, to visit, even just to show off his trophy and brag about it." She gave a small laugh to that thought. "I thought he'd come back to see his mom, to see … me."

Misty looked down sadly. Gary's eyes softened with sympathy.

The girl gritted her teeth, squeezing her eyes shut and continued "At the very least he could have been in touch! A phone call, a message, an e-mail! I've heard nothing from him, and it's been weeks! Me and Brock even flew out to Alola to meet up with him whilst he was competing over there so it's not like we've grown apart or anything!" Misty was wavering between anger, frustration, and sadness.

"I feel so stupid." She continued. "I'm sat here turning down dates left right and centre, waiting and waiting for a boy, who frankly might not even see me how I see him. Every time, without fail, that I convince myself it will never happen, to move on, that whatever there was between us will never be more than that, he comes back into my life. We share these fleeting moments, moments that mean everything to me and I'm back to square one ... For Mew sake I'm 19 and I've not even had my first kiss!"

"The boy is an idiot, Misty." Gary replied flippantly. "But I've known that kid practically his whole life. He does care about you. You mean a lot to him."

"Well, he's got a funny way of showing it!" Misty grumbled.

Ash, you numpty! Gary scolded the boy in question in his mind. Here is a truly beautiful, caring, devoted girl just waiting for you and you're off playing with pokémon! How dense can a person be?! Seriously if I were in your shoes …

Gary smirked as an idea came to him. "Cheer up Red, how about we show Ashy Boy what he's missing."

"Huh?"

He put his arm around the fiery Gym Leader and pulled her in close for selfie. Turning his phone camera around, to get them both in the frame. The sudden unexpected move from Gary, caught Misty off guard but once she got over her initial surprise, laughed out loud, enjoying the goofiness. Gary captured the image and gave it a once over.

Perfect. Gary smirked and sent the picture to Ash's messenger, captioning the image "Fun times in Cerulean with this one. Wish you were here?"

If that doesn't bring Ashy Boy running, nothing will. Gary thought to himself seeing the message pending.

After hanging out and chatting a little more, Gary rose up from his sitting position and stretched. "Well I better make tracks; it's getting pretty late."

"Sure. Hey Gary, thanks." Misty smiled up at him sincerely.

"Anytime Red." Gary winked, saluted the girl and carried on his way. He looked down at his phone and saw Ash had seen the message.

He smirked to himself. Baited and set, now wait.

*** End Flashback ***


… Misty … and … Ash … engaged? I mean I shouldn't be surprised … I did sorta set them up … in a fashion … but … married? … and in 2 months no less …

Gary sat down on the grass at his Grandfather's corral. He watched Ash's Tauros charge the plains and he couldn't help but frown. He flumped down on his back and looked up at the sky.

Why did I help them get together? Here I am Gary Oak, Grandson of the famous Professor Oak. The one with the money, the looks, the nice car, designer clothes, the fame, can get any girl I want … except the girl I want … Because she's taken up with that bull headed idiot … that bull headed idiot who is now world ranking number one Pokémon Master ... … Pokémon Master … a goal we both set off achieve together … but somewhere a long the line I veered off …

"Gary?"

"Hm?" Gary looked up to see Brock approach him.

"You didn't seem to have much to say back there."

Gary looked away. "What's there to say? Ash is getting married."

Brock sat down next to Gary. "You know, being the eldest and the one who is *ahem* actively looking for love, I was really expecting to be the first one getting hitched, at least before those two. Especially Ash. Sometimes I wondered if he even knew what a beautiful girl was."

Gary continued to look outwards and not make eye contact with Brock.

"But he did, and it was Misty all along."

Gary gave a slight frown at this sentence but continued to not react.

"Still. Doesn't stop me feeling a little jealous."

Gary turned his head. Now Brock had his attention. "Jealous?"

"They've each found the one they were looking for all along and on their first try. Here I am bouncing from region to region and I'm still yet to find the one … or even a one. Despite me trying, I haven't had a single girlfriend yet. It's hard not to feel a tiny bit bitter. I see them, all their dreams are coming true and I'm still slowly working towards mine."

Gary looked downwards at the grass. "Seem's Ash is leaving us all in the dust huh."

Brock half smiled and nodded. "Still. It's hard not to be really happy for the guy. He really has earned it all." He gave Gary a pat on the back and stood up walking away to give Gary some time. The researcher began to absent mindly pull petals off a wild daisy in the grass.

Ash. Earned it all. Ha don't make me laugh.

I could have been the one for Misty.

I could have been her shoulder to cry on.

Comfort her.

I could have trash talked Ashy boy. "Yes Ash is useless."

I could have told her everything. "Yes, Ash has been in Kanto for months, Vermillion City no less, and not made any time for you! Unlike Tracey, unlike Brock, unlike … me."

Gary's mind flashed back to that evening sat talking with Misty, heir faces close together.

… But I didn't … Gary pulled off the last petal. Because that just isn't me.


The days went by and Ash, Pikachu and Misty arrived in Pallet Town to a big fanfare. Gary had contemplated leaving town for a while, but his grandfather had needed him at the research centre, and he couldn't say no to the old man. Still, Gary couldn't help his mood over the period and everyone, his grandfather, Tracey and Brock noted the teenagers short temper and bad attitude. They put it down to Ash winning the Master's 8 and worlds series whilst Gary's commitment to Project Mew had fallen a bit flat with the research projected abandoned at its height. No one suspected the possible real truth behind his bad mood.

Delia Ketchum and Samuel Oak had planned and set up a huge welcoming celebratory party for Ash Pikachu and Misty, say what you like about the small farming community, Pallet Town sure knew how to throw a party. As twilight set upon the surroundings, the party was in full swing with music, decorations, food and dancing for all. Ash's mother as always was the perfect party host making sure drinks and plates were full for all, whilst gushing about her son and future daughter in-law.

Gary, dressed smart casual in a designer shirt and smart jeans, sat solo at a table filling himself on food from the buffet when he noticed Ash and Misty approach Brock together. He couldn't resist eavesdropping.

After some general pleasantries and catching up, Ash asked Brock a very important question.

"Brock you've been there with us from the start, through everything, I couldn't imagine anyone else stood up at the alter by my side, will you be my Best Man? After Pikachu of course." Ash pointed to his pokémon who was a ways away chowing down on some pokémon food with the other pokémon. "But I don't think he'd be able to do the best man speech." Ash laughed as he spoke.

"Ash … Misty … OF COURSE I'LL BE UP THERE WITH YOU!" The three hugged tightly. "And as the best man, I'll be first in line to dance with a very lucky maid of honour! Oh Misty! Make sure you choose someone very beautiful … and available!"

Ash and Misty sweat dropped, laughing with their girl-crazy friend.

Gary undid the top button on his shirt, loosening the collar and swallowed his bite of chicken, leaving the rest of his platter on the plate. He couldn't stomach any more wedding talk, the whole party had been gushing over the couples up-coming nuptials. He then overheard Ash and Misty approach Tracey. "Tracey. Will you be an usher at our wedding?"

"Oh my Mew! You guys! Of course!" Tracey lit up on being asked.

The auburn-haired teenager went to leave the area when a voice called out behind him.

"Gary!"

The pokémon researcher turned his head to see the man of the hour approaching him.

"Oh if it isn't Ash. How's it going? You know besides becoming Pokémon Master, beating Leon, winning the World Series … … getting married …" Gary turned away on the last sentence.

"Heh, yeah, that's what I've come to talk to you about actually. I was wondering, as we've known each other for such a long time, been friends, rivals … friends again … well it would mean a lot to me Gary, if you'd …"

"Geez you're not proposing to me are ya? Spit it out Ashy boy."

"Will you be an usher? At my wedding?"

For once Gary Oak was speechless. "Oh …"

"Pikachu is my Best Man of course. I've asked Brock to be my acting Best Man and he's said yes, and Tracey's also agreed … and … I'd like you to be standing up there with me too. … So?"

" … I'm sorry Ash … I can't."

Ash's face fell. "You can't? Why?"

"Busy … real busy."

"With Project Mew?"

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Project Mew?"

"Yeah, I know. Goh told me the same thing. He said he couldn't do it either because it's back on and it's super busy …"

"Oh he did, did he? Well … … he's right." So. Goh's lying to Ash huh … Project Mew was halted months ago with no sign of return … but if his little white lie helps me out, I'm more than happy to roll with it …

"I know how important Project Mew is to you both … I get it honestly, I do. I just …" Ash dipped his head. "Wish the timing was different you know? I really wanted both you and Goh at my side … it is my Wedding Day …" Ash looked genuinely sad, an emotion rarely seen on him these days.

Gary's composure faltered, almost feeling slightly bad for the boy. Almost.

"Sorry Ash. Can't be helped. Hope you find someone to fill the spot." With that Gary walked away.

"Hey Gary. Wait."

"Hm?" The researcher turned around to face his rival.

"I know why you sent me that picture. I'm not so dumb."

Gary felt his heart rate quicken but externally he showed no reaction, keeping his cool completely. "Oh you do huh?"

"Yeah I do and I want to say … thank you."

"Thank you?"

"For giving me the kick up the butt I needed. If I didn't act on my feelings for Misty soon, someone else would have and then where would I be?"

"… Yeah imagine that …" Gary grumbled.

"So yeah, thank you Gary. I owe ya."

" ... You're welcome. Ash." Gary turned around and left Ash and the party.

"Oomph. That was painful." A female voice spoke out.

Gary turned his neck as a mysterious brunette emerged from the shadows. She wore a simple but classic little back dress, paired with black ankle boots and white gloves. He brunette hair styled long straight and loose over her shoulders.

"Who is …? No way … Leaf?! Is that you?"

The young woman stepped out fully revealing herself. "Long time no see Gary Kun." She gave a wink and peace sign over her eye whilst jutting out her hip.

The two sat down as the party behind them continued in their absence.

"What are you doing here Leaf? I haven't seen you since you left Pallet Town with your Bulbasaur the same day I left with Squirtle, nearly a decade year ago."

"When I saw little Ash Ketchum win the World Series, I just had to come back to see him and congratulate him in person. It's crazy, out the four of us that left Pallet Town that day, I never would have guessed Ash of all people would have made it. I always thought it would be me or you Gar."

"Grandpa said you checked in at the Celadon Gym and then he never heard anymore from you, figured you'd dropped out."

"I did. Sort of. After battling with Erika the Celadon Gym leader, I figured out I didn't get much pleasure from competitive battling. I much preferred the journey. The freedom of traveling, searching for rare and valuable pokémon. How about you? Why didn't I see you up on that big screen? Little Ashy boy beat you?"

Gary took a deep breath. "He did. In more ways than one. Then after some much in-wards searching, like you, I realised I didn't gain any pleasure from competitive battling either. So, I decided to follow my heart and become a pokémon researcher, like my grandfather. But still …" Gary gave Leaf a knowing look. "Doesn't mean I've gone soft." He pulled out a pokéball and spun in on his finger showing he'd not lost his touch.

Leaf matched his expression with a smirk and excited eyes. "Neither have I."

Without needing to explain anything the two old rivals faced off.

"Arcanine, I choose you!"

"Go Clefable!"

The pair battled into the night under the light of the moon and stars, each enjoying the fresh new challenge the other one provided, with the friendly spar ending in Leaf's favour.

"You really haven't lost your touch." Gary smirked recalling his fallen Nidoking.

Leaf recalled her victorious Venusaur. "So. Gary. Now I've beaten you, you have to answer my question."

Gary squinted his eyes. "That was never agreed?"

"I want to know why the dramatic turn down of little Ashy's proposal? I honestly thought you was gonna make him cry again."

"There's some … history."

"No doubt. Well, I think I've earned some story time." The teen gestured to Gary to open up.

Gary sighed. "Some other time. Nice seeing ya again Leaf." He turned his back on his old friend.

"Hey Gary. See you at the wedding?"

"… Maybe." With that Gary walked away.

Leaf watched him walk away. Rare pokémon aren't the only thing I'm good at finding out Gary Kun.