Pokemon: I am Gary

After finishing the call with Professor Oak, Gary reported his arrival in Viridian City. Finally, Professor Oak found an opportunity to lecture Gary. He mentioned that Leaf and Shawn had arrived in Viridian City around noon. Since the gym was closed, they had already headed toward Pewter City. Thanks to their excellent starter Pokémon, it seemed they had each caught four or five Pokémon.

"Let me guess, they probably just caught whatever they encountered?" Gary shrugged.

"Uh… indeed, mostly Caterpie, Weedle, Oddish, and Pidgey…" Professor Oak's voice trailed off.

"So, I'm taking the elite route; I have no intention of capturing Pokémon indiscriminately," Gary replied.

"Fair enough; your Scyther is indeed a unique find," Professor Oak conceded, admitting that his grandson was just as fierce as he had been in his youth.

"Oh! By the way! Since you're in Viridian City, why not visit the Cerise Research Institute?" Professor Oak suggested.

"The Cerise Research Institute? Isn't that director still working towards his doctorate?" Gary tilted his head in thought.

"I heard he recently observed a mysterious large silver Pokémon. Are you interested?" Professor Oak raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm~?!" Gary was surprised. "Could it be the legendary Lugia?"

"Just as I expected from my grandson; your knowledge is impressive!" Professor Oak beamed with pride.

"Alright, you've convinced me. I'll pay a visit," Gary nodded.

"Hehe, then it's settled! I'll inform the Cerise Research Institute," Professor Oak said. "Take care of yourself out there. Bye!"

Professor Oak hung up decisively. Gary rolled his eyes; he knew his tendency to rush was a habit…

However, news of Lugia was indeed worth the trip. At that moment, the counter called for Gary; his Pokémon had finished their recovery. After recalling his Pokémon into their Poké Balls, Gary decided to head to the Cerise Research Institute while it was still light out.

Boom! A roaring motorcycle drifted into the entrance of the Pokémon Center.

"Hey! This is a medical facility! No reckless driving allowed!" Nurse Joy's voice rang out angrily.

"Wait! Don't worry about that! This kid's Pikachu is seriously injured!" Officer Jenny jumped off the motorcycle, revealing a muddy Ash and Pikachu on her back.

"Please help it!" Ash rushed forward anxiously.

Nurse Joy frowned and delivered a sharp slap to him.

Smack! The slap left Ash momentarily stunned.

Nurse Joy was visibly upset. "As a Pokémon Trainer, you need to take responsibility for your Pokémon. How could you let your Pokémon get this hurt? Do you really think they can't die?"

"This kid was attacked by a wild flock of Spearow; he did his best to protect his Pokémon," Officer Jenny explained quickly.

Ash hung his head in silence, feeling guilty.

"Alright, I understand. I'll start treatment immediately; you all wait outside." Cradling Pikachu, she handed it over to Chansey before letting out a sigh. 

Watching Pikachu being taken into the emergency room, Ash looked helplessly at the door.

"Don't worry; this is a Pokémon Center. As long as your Pokémon still has a breath of life left, Nurse Joy will save them," a familiar voice rang in Ash's ear.

"Gary!" Ash turned around in surprise.

"Hey~ what kind of face is that? You're not about to cry, are you?" Gary smirked disdainfully. "If you dare act cute with me, I'll just throw up on you…"

"Hmph! You're not cute at all!" Ash pouted awkwardly, feeling slightly relieved from the tense atmosphere.

"Just relax and wait here. I have some things to take care of first. Remember to call my grandpa and update him on your journey," Gary said as he patted Ash on the shoulder before turning to leave.

"What?! I'll catch up soon!!" Ash shouted defiantly at Gary's retreating figure.

Gary waved his hand without looking back, leaving with an air of nonchalance.

…

At the Cerise Research Institute, Director Cerise was enjoying a warm family dinner with his wife and children. Although he hadn't yet obtained his doctorate, life at the Sakuragi household was quite happy and fulfilling. Having both a son and daughter was indeed a privilege reserved for strong men—no one could deny that people envied Director Cerise for this!

However, their peaceful evening was suddenly shattered by an unexpected attack! Boom!! An explosion rocked the house as Director Cerise and his wife stared in shock at their blown-open front door. A man wearing a black cap stormed in with several others dressed in similar black combat gear behind him.

"You must be the director of the Cerise Research Institute?" the leader spoke directly. "We are Team Rocket, and we're very interested in the Pokémon you observed earlier. Hand over your data!"

"What?!" Director Cerise gasped. He was aware of the notorious criminal organizations in Kanto but hadn't expected them to come knocking so soon.

"Daddy, are these people bad guys?" Cerise's eldest daughter, Chloe, asked fearfully.

"Don't worry, you and Parker stay close to your mother and be safe," Director Cerise reassured his children before turning to face the intruders. "I don't have the data you're looking for."

"Tch, quite the backbone you have," the leader of the Team Rocket squad scoffed, spitting on the ground.

"Honey, what should we do?" Mrs. Cerise, protecting her children, began to back towards a small door behind her.

"Don't worry; Officer Jenny will arrive soon," Director Cerise said calmly. After all, this was a registered research institute. If it were violently breached, an alarm would go off directly at the police station. That's why he was intentionally stalling for time.

"Hahaha! You really think the police have time to save you?" The squad leader sneered coldly. "If the Pokémon Center is also attacked at this time, do you think Jenny will have time to come here?"

"What?!" Director Cerise exclaimed in shock. He hadn't expected someone to be foolish enough to attack the Pokémon Center. Attacking the Pokémon Center was akin to slapping the League in the face!

"Humph! Attack!" The squad leader waved his hand, signaling the attack.

Three grunts stepped forward with sinister smiles, advancing toward Chloe and Parker.

"Scyther, use Fury Cutter!" Just as Chloe closed her eyes in fear, a cool voice rang out.

"Ah!" Three cries of pain echoed as Team Rocket's grunts fell to the ground.

"Weezing!" The squad leader quickly threw a Poké Ball, summoning a large spherical Pokémon to block the incoming attack.

"Who dares interfere with Team Rocket?!" he shouted angrily.

"I should be asking you who gave you the guts to attack researchers in the city?" Gary stepped out from the shadows with Eevee perched on his shoulder.

The four members of Team Rocket appeared to be a small squad; Gary predicted they wouldn't have Pokémon above level 25, so he acted decisively and took them down first.

"Honey, who is that kid?!" Mrs. Cerise asked in surprise.

"Yes, that's right! He's Professor Oak's grandson, the youngest scholar—Gary Oak!" Director Cerise nodded affirmatively.

"Eh~? Isn't he around my age?" Chloe curiously glanced in Gary's direction.

"So cool!" Parker, her younger brother, couldn't help but praise him.

"Now then—are we continuing this?" Gary shot a cold glare at Team Rocket.

Clang! Scyther's blades gleamed as it fixed its hunting gaze on Weezing.

"Tch! Weezing, use Smokescreen!" The squad leader waved his hand dismissively as Weezing released a cloud of smoke before retreating with its fallen comrades.

Seeing them retreat, Gary let out a sigh of relief. He had guessed correctly. They must have gotten wind of the legendary Pokémon Lugia and decided to take risks by attempting to extort information about it. If it had been someone sent from Team Rocket's headquarters for such valuable information, they would not be opponents that Gary could handle right now.

"Thank you so much for stepping in to save us! You're Professor Oak's grandson Gary, right?" Director Cerise approached him gratefully.

"Yes. My grandfather mentioned that I needed to verify some information," Gary nodded. "If your observations are accurate, I believe your doctorate should be awarded ahead of schedule."

"In that case, please follow me." Director Cerise didn't hesitate and led Gary into an undamaged room in the research institute. He opened his computer and accessed confidential files; a video appeared before Gary's eyes.

Offshore from Viridian City, a massive silver silhouette flashed across the land monitor. Slowing it down twelve times confirmed it for Gary. "This is definitely the legendary Pokémon Lugia! This discovery is incredibly significant. Your hypothesis about the ocean currents between Kanto and Johto holds true!"

"That's wonderful!" Director Cerise couldn't hide his excitement. If this project succeeded, he would officially earn his doctorate!

"Considering Team Rocket's actions, I think it would be better for you and your family to move to another city. What do you think?" Gary suggested cautiously. After all, if Lugia was involved and Team Rocket decided to come back for revenge, this family of four could easily become their targets.

"I was thinking along those lines as well. We've already prepared a new research institute in Vermilion City; it's also my hometown, so I won't have to worry about security there. We're planning to move back," Director Cerise said seriously.

"Since you've made up your mind, I won't say more. I still need to continue my journey as a Trainer and won't disturb you further," Gary nodded and stood up to take his leave.

"Hey! It's getting late; why don't you stay with us tonight?" Mrs. Cerise warmly invited him.

"No thanks; I want to head towards Pewter City early tomorrow morning. I appreciate your kindness but won't impose," Gary shook his head as he walked out of the Cerise household.

Watching Gary leave, Parker looked at his sister. "Sis, if you don't chase after him now, he'll be gone!"

Chloe's face flushed red as she made up her mind and hurried after Gary's retreating figure.

"Chloe!" Director Cerise exclaimed in surprise as Mrs. Cerise held her husband's hand and smiled knowingly. "It's alright; our daughter is growing up!"

Director Cerise crossed his arms and sighed. "Sigh~ How did she grow up so fast…"