An early update for you all since I'll be on vacation!
The chapter has a small hint to one of my favorite Pokémon fics ever, The Ash Connection by I Am Lu here on FFN. Do check it out if you haven't already!
Enjoy!
19. Gary
"How was your battle with Cal?" Dawn asks as they walk together, the sun setting in the distance.
"I won. His Typhlosion put up a fight, though," Paul responds, his casual tone tinged with satisfaction. "How was your contest class?"
Dawn nearly lets out a snort. The conversation makes her feel like they're an old married couple. "It was actually very nice. The instructor let me teach a course to young coordinators, and teaching them reinforced a lot of basics for me, too."
Paul nods, his gaze thoughtful. "Good."
"You were right. Maybe that's why it became so easy with you - I was teaching you contest battles," she muses, a small smile playing on her lips.
Speaking of contest battles, Dawn suddenly recalls a thought from her and Paul's recent battle at the Pewter Gym. "Um, where is Luxray?" she asks suddenly. She clenches her hands into fists, hoping he won't notice that they are clammy.
"In Veilstone, with Reggie," Paul replies. In truth, he hasn't used Luxray in battle since Hoenn. "Did you want to see him?"
"Ah, no, it's okay," Dawn says quickly, turning to head inside the Pokémon Center. But Paul's hand on her shoulder stops her and gently turns her back to face him.
When her eyes meet his, she sees he is frowning. "What's going on? You're being weirder than usual."
Dawn ignores the jab and bites her lip. "I want to propose . . . a trade."
He looks at her expectantly, waiting for her to continue. "Go on," he prompts, when she hesitates.
"Well, Metang really took a liking to you during our battle the other day," she begins. "He seemed to despise the contests he participated in, but he really enjoys battling. And I've been thinking about this for a while, but I really think - "
"You think Luxray is a better fit for you," he states plainly, his gaze steady.
She nods. "Yes. And I'm not saying you're not a good trainer for Luxray," she interjects quickly, raising her palms in the air. "I'm saying that we both know he's more partial to contests."
"I agree with you. Let's trade."
Huh? Surprised by his easy agreement, Dawn searches his face for any sign of doubt. "That's it?"
"That's it," he confirms.
"But, but . . . you agreed so easily."
He looks on amusedly. "Do you think I'm that difficult?"
"Yes," she answers immediately, half-joking.
He rolls his eyes. "It's an easy trade, Dawn. I want your Metang. He has a sense for battling. And Reggie tells me that Luxray loves to watch you compete in contests on TV."
She blinks in surprise. "Really?"
"Yes. Luxray has already been yours since the LaRousse City Pokémon Contest."
Her heart swells with warmth at the realization, and she beams at him, a mixture of gratitude and happiness shining in her eyes.
When Dawn and Paul finally step into the Pokémon Center, their eyes catch sight of Silver engaged in conversation with none other than Gary Oak, who Dawn recognizes immediately.
When Silver looks up at them, with Gary following, he gives them a curt nod in greeting before briskly walking into the hall leading into the rooms. Gary's eyes move from Silver to Dawn, and they light up in recognition.
"Gary!" she exclaims happily as he approaches them.
He flashes a charming grin. "Well, well, well, I thought it was you, Dawn. It's been so long."
Her eyes suddenly shine in delight, much to Paul's mild curiosity. "What brings you back to Kanto?"
"Just taking a break from my research with Professor Rowan at Stark Volcano," he explains. "Can't stay away from home for too long, you know? Plus, my girlfriend would probably send the G-Men after me if I didn't come back to visit her." He laughs.
Dawn lets out an awkward chuckle, unsure if Gary is joking or not, while Paul remains silent. As the conversation continues, he can't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about Dawn and Gary's history, as Dawn is nearly buzzing in quiet excitement beside him.
Observing Silver's departure from afar, Gary quirks an eyebrow. "Looks like he's in a hurry," he remarks, his eyes following Silver's retreating figure. His eyes flicker briefly to Paul before returning to Dawn. "And who's this?" he asks, his curiosity evident.
Dawn beams proudly. "This is Paul. We've been traveling together for a while now. Paul, this is Gary. He is a researcher and used to be Ash's rival, too."
Gary's laughter echoes across the lobby, rich and good-natured. "Whoever told you that I'm no longer Ashy boy's rival doesn't know me well," he quips, winking casually. He still exudes the same confidence and charisma that Dawn remembers from their past encounters.
Paul extends his hand, shaking Gary's firmly. "Professor Oak's grandson?"
Gary nods, his smile amicable. "The one and only. Nice to meet'cha."
"Likewise," Paul replies curtly, his demeanor guarded.
As Gary speaks more to them, his sentences seem to inadvertently fall into rhythm and rhyme, much to Dawn's delight. She is hung up on his every word, captivated by his effortless charm and unintentional rhymes.
"What's wrong with you?" Paul finally snaps at Dawn, irritation seeping into his voice.
Dawn's attention snaps back to Paul, her expression one of confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
"You're fawning all over him," Paul retorts, his frustration evident.
Dawn bristles at Paul's accusation and her eyes narrow at him. "Geez, sorry for being a decent person," she scoffs.
He groans. "Why are you so sassy? Stop that!"
"Oh, you're only figuring that out now after two years? I will sass as I please!"
"You're making a fool of yourself!"
"I was just trying to be nice!"
The tension crackles in the air between them as they exchange heated looks.
Gary watches the exchange with mild interest with his arms crossed over his chest, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "What do we have here? Trouble in paradise?" he remarks, his words unintentionally ending in rhyme with Dawn's.
Paul shoots Gary a brief glance, his jaw clenched with annoyance. "Stay out of this," he snaps, his tone sharp.
Gary raises his hands in mock surrender, his grin widening. "Hey, no need to be so rude. Just trying to lighten the mood," he quips, oblivious to the tension.
Dawn snaps out of her anger to look at Gary with wide, eager eyes, her hands clasped together in excitement. "Oh, the grandson of Professor Oak was at it then, and now, he's at it again!" she chimes in, with a rhyme of her own.
Paul facepalms with a groan.
.
Once Dawn manages to shake off whatever Mew-forsaken charm Gary Oak seems to possess, Gary takes them to the battlefield behind the Pokémon Center and sets on taking a keen interest in Paul and Dawn's Eeveelutions, particularly Dawn's Umbreon. With the assistance of his own Umbreon, he imparts some valuable insights to Dawn about maximizing Umbreon's potential in contest battles. He even comments on the televised contest battle between Dawn and Paul that took place in Rubello Town, much to Dawn's chagrin.
As the conversation flows, Gary casually mentions that his sister was also a coordinator.
Dawn's eyes light up with recognition. "Oh, yes! Your sister is the top coordinator, Daisy Oak!"
Gary nods with a proud smile. "That's right. Daisy's in town, actually. How about you both come over to our place in Pallet Town tomorrow? You'll get the chance to meet her."
Paul noticeably stiffens at Gary's invitation, slight jealousy simmering beneath the surface.
Despite Dawn's obliviousness, Gary remains unperturbed by Paul's demeanor, finding his reactions rather amusing.
As the evening progresses and the tension between Paul and Dawn subtly escalates, Gary tactfully guides the conversation back to Pokémon training, seamlessly transitioning from one topic to the next as he continues to share his knowledge and expertise with them.
After a few hours, Gary eventually bids them farewell, explaining that he needs to catch up with Silver. With a casual wave, he disappears into the Pokémon Center.
Turning to face Paul, Dawn suggests, "You hungry? Do you want to get dinner?"
Paul's response is curt and cold. "Hmph. Why are you asking me? Go ask your friend Gary."
Dawn's frustration bubbles up, but she attempts to maintain her composure. "Hey, come on now! Don't be like that," she chides.
His tone remains icy. "Hmph. Like what?"
"Like that!" she exclaims, her patience wearing thin. She then pauses, sensing an underlying tension in Paul's words. "Don't tell me you're mad that Gary's taking up my attention?"
"What? No! How pathetic," he hisses, lashing out at her defensively.
Dawn's eyes widen in realization, as Paul's behavior throughout tonight finally clicks in her head. She gasps dramatically and places her hands on her hips. "Aww, is Paul jealous? How cute!" she taunts, unable to resist poking fun at his expense.
Paul's cheeks flush with embarrassment, and he grits his teeth in frustration. "Shut up! I'm not jealous!"
Dawn's mischievous smirk only widens as she playfully presses further. "Yes, you are!"
Piplup, sensing the tension, joins in with a series of playful chirps and laughter, pointing a flipper at Paul in mock accusation.
Paul's frustration reaches its peak as he turns to scold the Pokémon. "Mind your own business!"
Piplup's cheeks puff in annoyance before he begins arguing back. "Pip, pip pip pip, lup,"
Dawn sighs, exasperated by the exchange between Paul and Piplup. "Alright, that's enough, you two. Let's not ruin the evening with bickering," she insists, her tone firm as she attempts to defuse the situation.
.
The next day arrives, and Dawn and Paul make their way to Pallet Town. As they enter the quaint town, Dawn's eyes widen when she spots an Infernape charging toward Paul with unmistakable enthusiasm.
"An Infernape!" Dawn exclaims, her voice filled with surprise and recognition. It occurs to her in that instant that Pallet Town is Ash's hometown. "Wait, is that - "
"Naaape!"
The Infernape suddenly tackles Paul to the ground, its powerful arms wrapped tightly around him.
With a gasp, Dawn rushes over to the pile of human and Pokémon - plural on Pokémon, as Piplup has been caught in the ambush between Infernape and Paul, too. "Guys! Are you alright?"
"P-Pip . . ." A disheveled Piplup breathlessly squeezes his way out between Infernape and Paul, struggling to plump his flattened feathers. He waddles to hug Dawn's legs with a relieved sigh.
Paul, slightly winded but smiling, looks up at the fire-type Pokémon. "I'd know this Infernape anywhere. You're Ash's, aren't you?"
"Na, nape!" Infernape responds with joyful cheers, and even Piplup waddles back over to greet him.
As Paul and Infernape rise to their feet, Paul affectionately pats the Pokémon's shoulder. "You look great . . . you were meant to have Ash as your trainer all along."
Dawn recognizes the apology underlying in his voice. Infernape did not have a good history with Paul as a trainer, with Paul resorting to nearly abusive training tactics.
But Infernape smiles happily, seeming to recognize Paul's apology as well, as his paw covers Paul's hand on his shoulder.
Paul, seeming relieved, then surprises everyone by pulling out a Pokéblock and offering it to Infernape.
Dawn watches in amazement. He's been making Pokéblock?
Infernape gladly accepts the treat and embraces Paul once more, but from behind, Dawn notices a slight grimace as it chews, causing her to stifle a giggle.
Before they can dwell on the moment further, a pair of teenagers, a redhead girl and an older black-haired boy, come running up to them, calling after Infernape.
Dawn's eyes alight with recognition as the Cerulean City Gym Leader stands before her. "You're Misty!" she exclaims, a rush of nostalgia flooding her senses as she recalls the lucky fishing lure Ash often carried from Misty's gym.
Misty's cheeks flush with a tint of embarrassment at being so easily recognized, but she returns Dawn's greeting with a warm smile. "Hi there! Are you Dawn?" she asks, pleasantly surprised.
"Yes!" Dawn responds animatedly. "Ash used to carry around your lucky fishing lure all the time!"
Misty's smile widens at the memory. "Yeah, he was always a bit superstitious about it. And you must be Paul! Ash talks about you both all the time whenever he calls," she remarks, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "I am Ash's friend, and the gym leader of the Cerulean City Gym."
Paul raises his eyebrows to learn that, but good-naturedly holds a hand up in greeting. "You're a gym leader?"
Dawn rolls her eyes. "Please ignore him." Her lips stretch into a grin and claps her hands together in delight. "It's so nice to finally meet you in person!"
Misty introduces the teen boy beside her as Tracey, Professor Oak's assistant, who extends a warm invitation to the lab, gesturing to the large building a few paces away. Paul introduces himself and immediately takes him up on the offer, gesturing to him to lead the way. Dawn resists the urge to swat his shoulder at his directness.
Inside the lab, Professor Oak approaches them with a twinkle in his eye.
"Ah, Dawn, Paul. Welcome, welcome!" he exclaims, his words flowing effortlessly. "Come in, come in! The stars align, and fate intertwines, bringing you here on this fine day."
While Paul respectfully bows in greeting, Dawn giggles, charmed by the professor's poetic greeting. "Wow, Professor Oak, your way with words is incredible," she remarks, her admiration evident in her voice.
Paul, noticing Dawn's captivation, can't help but draw a comparison that lightens his chest in relief.
"Just like Gary . . . " he mutters under his breath, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips. So, her obsession with Gary's rhyming must simply be an Oak thing.
As the conversation unfolds, Professor Oak is reminded of another matter. "Ah, yes! Delia! I must call her and let her know we have guests," he announces, his mind already shifting to the next task at hand, as he walks away.
Beside Dawn, Tracey nudges her gently. "Looks like we're in for a treat. Delia will definitely bring over food. Her cooking is legendary," he remarks quietly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Dawn can't contain her excitement. "I can't wait!" she exclaims eagerly, already envisioning the delectable feast that awaits them. Ash has always spoken so fondly about his mother's cooking
Professor Oak returns, and as Tracey said, the professor announces that Delia will be coming with a prepared lunch and they will eat in his loft apartment above the lab.
Eager to lend a hand, Dawn's thoughts turn to assisting Delia in preparing and transporting the feast. "I think I'd like to help Ash's mom with the food," she declares with a smile, glancing at Misty and Tracey.
"Great idea!" Misty chimes in, her eyes bright with enthusiasm, as Tracey also nods. "Let's head over to Ash's house and see what we can do."
With a quick exchange of glances, the trio sets off towards Ash's house, their footsteps carrying them on a quick journey through the streets of Pallet Town.
Meanwhile, Paul finds himself drawn to the surroundings of Professor Oak's lab, where he spends a quiet moment in the company of Professor Oak and Infernape. "It's good to see you again," he murmurs, his voice tinged with warmth as he pats the Pokémon's shoulder.
Infernape responds with a cheerful chirp, its eyes gleaming with recognition as it nuzzles against Paul's hand.
Paul's eyes, intently drawn to his own hand atop Infernape's head, blaze with guilt.
.
At Delia's house, Dawn, Misty, and Tracey find Ash's mom bustling throughout the kitchen, her apron tied securely around her waist as she prepares the ingredients for the meal.
Delia's radiant smile greets them, her delight apparent as she welcomes Dawn with open arms. "It's wonderful to have you here," she exclaims, her voice filled with genuine warmth, as she hugs her tightly.
Dawn melts into her embrace, her own heart warming - a need is both fulfilled and created as she suddenly misses her own mother.
As they all work side by side, laughter and conversation fill the air, stirred with the delicious scents that waft from the stove. Delia already has been cooking a roast, having anticipated their arrival from Gary, who told her last night that Dawn and Paul were coming.
Dawn, Misty, and Tracey lend their help to the task at hand, as they chop, stir, and season.
With each dish lovingly prepared, they pack them carefully into baskets, ready to transport them to Professor Oak's loft apartment.
Delia's radiant smile greets them once more, her eyes sparkling with delight as she sees the fruits of their labor. "You all did such a wonderful job!" she exclaims, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
As Dawn finally takes a moment to catch her breath, her eyes catch notice of the fireplace mantle in the living room.
"Wow, it's been ages since I've seen Ash," she remarks aloud, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips as she stares at a photo of him and Pikachu, standing in front of what she recognizes to be the Prism Tower in Kalos. "He's always up to some new adventure, isn't he?"
Misty nods in agreement. "Yeah, he never seems to run out of excitement." Her admiration for Ash is evident in her voice.
Dawn chimes in, her eyes sparkling as she reminisces the fond memories from her time in Sinnoh with Ash and Brock. "He's truly an amazing trainer. We've had some unforgettable times together."
When they enter the lab and walk the stairs up to Professor Oak's loft, Dawn's eyes light up with excitement as she spots Gary, accompanied by a girl she identifies as Daisy Oak, a renowned coordinator with whom she's familiar from competitions and contests.
To her surprise, when Daisy's eyes fall on Dawn, she approaches with a friendly smile, her eyes sparkling as she extends a hand to her. "You must be Dawn," she says warmly, her voice tinged with admiration. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about your accomplishments as a coordinator from everyone."
Dawn's cheeks flush with embarrassment at the mention of her past triumphs. "Oh, it's nothing special," she murmurs modestly, returning the handshake with her free hand. Especially her recent contest failures. "I've had a few successes here and there, but nothing compared to your achievements, Daisy."
Daisy waves off her humility with a dismissive gesture. "Nonsense! Your performances in contests and competitions have been nothing short of impressive. I've watched some of your contests. You have quite the talent for coordination."
Dawn's eyes widen in surprise at Daisy's revelation, a mixture of awe and gratitude filling her heart. "Thank you," she says earnestly, her voice tinged with genuine appreciation. "That means a lot coming from you, Daisy."
Tracey appears at Dawn's side, holding out his hand. "Let me take that off your hands, Dawn."
"Oh!" Dawn suddenly recalls the basket of curry and rice she is holding. "Thank you, Tracey." She hands him the basket, which he takes by the handle.
Tracey makes his way to Professor's Oak dining table, which has been extended to accommodate the many guests, though not before stopping to receive a chaste kiss on the cheek from Daisy.
As Dawn and Daisy continue their conversation, Paul, Gary, and Professor Oak spring into action, setting the table under Professor Oak's guidance as Delia and Tracey unpack the food and place the dishes on the table.
"Oh, right!" Daisy suddenly exclaims, recognition sparking in her eyes. "You, Ash, and Brock participated in the Hearthome Collection, didn't you? And you won!" Daisy exclaims, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "The design you came up with for yourself and Buneary was so simple, but so elegant! I hope you consider joining more fashion contests in the future."
Dawn's cheeks flush with embarrassment at the mention of her past triumphs. "Oh, that was such a long time ago," she murmurs, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Meanwhile, Paul listens to their conversation with growing interest, his curiosity piqued by Daisy's revelations about Dawn's past accomplishments. A pang of annoyance washes over him as he realizes how little he knows about Dawn's past, and is surprised by the newfound desire to learn more about the troublesome girl who has captured his attention.
Misty informs Dawn about the vibrant fashion scene in Kalos, with its many fashion workshops, shows like the Hearthome Collection, and Pokémon Performances.
"You should definitely consider going there, Dawn."
Dawn's eyes sparkle with interest, her mind already racing with the possibilities of exploring new avenues for her coordination skills. "I had no idea. I used to go to Kalos every summer as a kid," she says, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I've always been fascinated by the intersection of fashion and coordination. Maybe I'll have to visit Kalos again and experience it for myself."
Delia nods in agreement, her smile warm and encouraging. "You can ask Ash about it, too. He's there right now."
Paul's ears perk up at the mention of Ash, a flicker of interest lighting up his eyes momentarily before he quickly masks it with nonchalance. He recalls Dawn previously encountered with Ash during the Junior Cup tournament in Unova.
Internally, Dawn's mind flickers with memories of her past encounter with Kenny, his mention of Kalos stirring a sense of curiosity within her. She wonders what opportunities could await her in the region.
As everyone gathers around the table, taking their places in mismatched chairs, the warm aroma of the food fills the air. Dawn settles into her seat next to Daisy, engaging in lively conversation as they catch up on their respective experiences as coordinators. Paul follows suit, taking his place beside Dawn, his expression unreadable as he listens to the chatter around him.
Delia sets a welcoming tone for the meal, her genuine warmth putting everyone at ease. "It's so lovely to have you all here," she says, her voice full of sincerity. "I've prepared this delicious lunch for everyone, with the help of Misty, Dawn, and Tracey. Please, make yourselves at home."
A light-hearted remark from Tracey about the ownership of the house sparks laughter among the group, with Professor Oak joining in.
"Delia has practically taken over the house with the numerous times she has shown up with lunch for us all," he says playfully.
As they dine, the conversation flows effortlessly, filled with stories of past adventures, shared memories, and laughter. Even Paul finds himself joining in, his sharp wit adding to the lively banter.
Dawn shares in the laughter, her eyes occasionally meeting Paul's, a silent exchange of passing between them.
As Tracey begins passing out slices of his Pumkin berry pie, and Paul passes one to Dawn, her gaze lingers on him. Her thoughts drift to the future and the possibilities that lie ahead.
With both anticipation and uncertainty running through her mind, Dawn wonders if Paul would ever consider accompanying her to Kalos.