Gary looked around the Gym while the younger Ketchum stared at the visitor. The air that now inhabited the room suggested that this man had a history with her dad, but she didn't know what to make of him. The way he looked at everything made it seem like he was inspecting the place, but then his eyes fell on her. She felt intimidated and at ease all at once, but didn't know why.

"Is this her?" Gary asked.

"Yeah," Ash responded.

Gary walked up to her and offered his hand.

"I'm Gary Oak," he introduced himself, "Your dad and I grew up together in Pallet Town. We even started our journeys on the same day. He was my rival back then."

"In some respects, we still are," Ash stated as his daughter accepted Gary's gesture, "so what's with the sudden visit?"

"i heard you were looking for qualifying trainers," Gary explained, "So i thought I'd offer my services."

"You want to work for me?" Ash asked, a little bewildered.

"With you," Gary corrected, "If we do this, we do it as equals. So what do you say Ashy Boy." Gary smirked when he delivered his childhood insult to Ash.

"I say," Ash extended his hand, "You've got yourself a deal. I hope you brought some strong fire types, because you'll be facing the challengers who already have eight badges."

"Sounds good to me." Gary took his former Rival's hand.

Each Trainers grip was firm, as though their reunion had reignited the flame of their rivalry. Their rising excitement was interrupted by a loud rumbling. They looked at the younger Ketchum, who had her hands on her belly, her face beet red. She let out an embarrassed chuckle.

"I guess catching Misdreavus really built up an appetite," She nervously commented.

"She's definitely your kid," Gary sighed as Ash let out his own chuckle.

...

The three and their Pokemon ate in the back, which had been converted into a rest area for Trainers and their Pokemon, showing that Ash had taken what he and Brock had learned in Scissor Town to heart. All eight of Ash's Pokemon were very welcoming of Misdreavus, and Vulpix received a silly "Scary Face", which Ash had grown accustomed to from Ghost Types, when it tried to present itself as the Alpha. Gary had come prepared for the job at the Gym, bringing his Arcanine, a Houndoom and a Magmortar, as well as Blastoise, Umbreon and Nidoking to even everything out.

As it turned out, Gary had spent the last few years on a case study comparing Pokemon in their natural habitats to Pokemon in Gyms. The only type left in the study was Fire, and since Flannery and Chile seemed to be too busy to help out, and Blaine had retired, that left Ash as the only candidate, so Gary decided to make it a win for both sides by offering to work at the Gym.

"I won't have to do an interview, will I?" Ash asked.

"No," Gary assured him, "the study is just about the Pokemon, not the trainers." Gary then thought about something, "So, has Red come to challenge you yet?"

"He was actually courteous enough to send me an email asking when the best time would be." Ash explained. "Now that I have a qualifying trainer on his level, i'll be able to arrange a date."

"Why don't you call everyone?" Gary suggested, "Just to make sure that no one misses the first official match of your Gym."

Ash thought for a moment, then got a big smile on his face, "That's a great idea! Why didn't I think of that?"

"Do you really want an answer to that?" Gary quizzically raised an eyebrow.

"Please don't," Ash said, knowing that it would be an insult.

...

That night, Ash called all of his close friends to see if they could come for the occasion. Most of them agreed, stating that their schedules were free, but Misty and Clemont had to decline, stating that they had their own Gym related things to deal with that keep them occupied for a few months at least. May also declined, stating that she was too busy with a new style of Contest, but said that Max and Drew were eager to see what Ash had been up to. Blaine wanted to see his "successor's" Gym first hand, so he was definitely coming. Even Cynthia was able to come, stating that she was overdue for a vacation anyway.

After Ash finished his calls, he emailed Red, informing him that preparations were being made for their battle, and that a date would be provided soon.

...

If you know of any other trainers that could fill in the 2-3, 4-5 and 6-7 badge slots in Ash's Gym, please let me know. OC's welcome.