Swanna Song, Sung Throughout Sinnoh

“So I just choose the person, and I can make a trade with any of these people,” Gary remembered the instructions he was told by the receptionist earlier. He stood in an empty room located at the top of the Global Trade Terminal building.

The room was all gray, made up of countless gray square tiles from the floor to the walls to the ceiling that curved upward.

There was only a counter holding a huge machine in the tremendous room, and Gary stood at it pressing all kinds of buttons. It wasn’t as hard to understand as he was concerned, and he felt less nervous being alone now than he had been when he first was left here, Robin in another room apparently checking on a previous trade he had been trying to make. He selected one of five of the tiny holographic humans, a man in a black suit holding a cane.

A menu appeared below him, showing a little black and blue Pokemon and its level, gender, Nature, and information on its moves and stats. At the bottom it read: Looking for: Togepi.

Gary checked on the next human, a girl in a skirt, to see her Pokemon, and stared at the same creature. He then looked at the final three choices.

Hydreigon. The Brutal Pokemon. A Dark and Dragon type Pokemon. The evolved form of Zweilous. Its middle head is reportedly the only thinking one, the two heads of its previous evolution now brainless. It is amongst the more dangerous of Pokemon to raise, let alone encounter in the wild. Exercise caution.

Gary swallowed nervously at his Pokedex, looking over the Base information of Hydreigon again before turning his eyes back to the machine. I like this one, comparatively, I guess, he decided, staring at the Pokemon Deino. I traded Dedenne for Rob’s Togepi. This Deino is male. Level thirty. But what’s a Rash Nature mean again? He played with the Pokedex again.

A Rash Nature breeds better Sp. Attack, but lower Sp. Defense.

“I’ll take it.”

*

A tall woman twirled in a blue dress with several white frills attached to it, flowing in the ongoing spinning, a blue pole in her hand with a long white ribbon hanging from it.

A Shiny Nidoking was spinning as well, using Hyper Beam! The attack was forcing the Pokemon into the air, and it seemed to be balanced perfectly atop the blast from the air while spinning its body in a constant circle! The attack was wrecking the floor beneath it and raising up smoke and debris. But this destructive mess was all surrounding the bright light from the blast, actually swirling around the attack! The scene had an almost apocalyptic look.

The woman stopped twirling and waved her pole, the wind from the explosion ruffling the woman’s dress. “Transform into Stealth Rock!”

The Shiny Nidoking then glowed in a multitude of colors as its body changed in shape and size!

The colors went away in a dazzling display and a new Pokemon was revealed, sparkling!

“A Shiny Bisharp??!” Gary was on his feet now.

Robin had been screaming and clapping the entire time.

The Shiny Bisharp, bright blue and yellow, neared the ground. Its eyes glowed blue and Rocks flew out from the flowing debris and landed in a huge circle. It landed on one of the Rocks.

“Dual Chop!” The woman in blue swung her pole around twice.

Bisharp destroyed its own Rocks, first jumping high and then coming down as both dangerous-looking blade-arms glowed purple to destroy one Rock. It backflipped to the next Rock and did the same tactic.

The girl was singing a high note now as she twirled blindingly, dizzyingly.

It wasn’t just Gary and Robin cheering for this Pokemon Contest contestant, but the entire audience, blown away by the spectacle.

“I TOLD YOU CONTESTS WERE INCREDIBLE!! HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!” Robin boomed wildly.

*

“Well, here we are. The Trainers’ School. I’ve already been here and I’ve got things to do. But, I’ll see you around next time. Was great catching up, catching a show, hangin’ and eating,” Robin smiled. “It’s nice to get out of the way of the nonsense, huh? Just enjoy life, like we used to! Ha ha ha ha!”

Gary smiled and nodded, but in his mind, he dwelled on how true Robin’s words were. We really have changed so much, haven’t we? he considered. It’s almost like we’re adults with jobs and kids. Did we start all of this too young? Yeah... Maybe we did... He blinked and shook his head, not wanting to tear up in front of Robin or get silent around him. Letting out a laugh, he held out his hand.

Robin gripped it, adding in his own laughter, and they squeezed hard.

“Kanto fo’ life!” Robin let out enthusiastically.

“Kanto always,” Gary nodded far more calmly. “Let’s take this thing over this time. Us two at the top.”

“What about Aly?” Robin’s smile faded to surprise.

Gary smirked. “I have a score to settle with her for last year. I need to knock her out the park. But us? Charizard and Catherine? That’s what I wanna see. Charizard versus Blastoise is a battle as old as time. It’s gotta happen on the big stage!”

“YEAH! HA HA HA HA!” Robin’s hands went into his blue jacket pockets. He stopped laughing and his eyes widened. Pulling out one hand, he opened it and held out the palm. “Oh, hey, you want this? Some weird badge I found.”

“A Badge?” Gary stared at it.

It was golden, the yellow top ruffled up like a bush. The two sides were also yellow, extending from the bushy top and stretching down like poles, the back of the item streamed down in yellow as well. It was almost like a blonde wig atop a golden, faceless head.

“That’s a Badge?” Gary asked.

“I mean, not like a League Badge, but just some kind of clip I found in the condo. Want it?”

“Why would I want it...?”

“‘Cause I don’t?” Robin shrugged and laughed. “Maybe it is a League Badge after all!”

“Then you need it more than I do,” Gary joked.

“Oh, that’s funny. Get a sense of humor in Sinnoh?” Robin shot back.

They both laughed. Robin then tossed the little object at Gary and he caught it.

“Touched it last!” Robin beamed at him and then waved. “Good luck, bro!” And he ran off, laughing hard.

Gary considered tossing it at Robin but just shook his head and shoved it in his jeans. “Thanks. You, too.” He watched Robin until he was out of sight. Then, he stared at the building before him.

There was a tall, red house made of bricks, the outer edges painted blue. It had a red chimney, and attached to the side of it was what could have been a huge garage, but by staring through the many windows, it was evident there were classes taking place for children. This extra section had two gray chimneys atop its red roof. The main building was only a story high, the side section with classes just a few feet shorter.

I haven’t been to school in a little while now... Over a year now. And I’m sure it wasn’t as cool as a Trainer school. We learned about Pokemon some, but... Gary stared at the taller section of the building that had a Poke Ball painted over the door, looking like a child did it. He opened the door and stepped inside. Immediately, Gary inhaled at the slightly unpleasant, but oh-so-nostalgic scent of a school that hit his nose immediately. His eyes swept the area.

The entire floor was covered in orange carpeting. Gary could see one sectioned off area where some adults were sitting around a huge table, each reading a book with a mug in front of them, one wearing glasses and sipping from his mug. In this area, the carpet was light blue and had the outline of a yellow square in the middle. There was a really old CRT television above them, held up in a metal setup, a commercial playing involving old people laughing.

Gary walked past this area and down a long hallway, his eyes on some bookshelves.

A young girl was pulling on a book that was above her and got it free. She flipped through it carelessly.

Gary stopped at the shelf and scanned titles of books, pulling out some without titles on the spine so he could see the cover. The Princess and the Togepi... Beauty and the Beast... Little Red Gyarados... Gary stopped after a bit and he let out a sigh. These are all kids’ books... he realized. I need to get to a real library, not one for kids. Unless maybe I can ask a teacher or something if-

“Are you here for the Open House?”

Gary jumped and turned around. He opened his mouth.

A tall man in a gray suit stood before him, a bulging belly nearly touching Gary. He stared down with little interest at the child, looking possibly even annoyed. He pointed to the right. “It’s the first door. Do you have any idea how late you are?”

Gary’s mouth was still hanging open, trying to inform the man that he was just browsing the building lobby and wasn’t there for a set appointment. Instead, he remembered Robin’s recommendation. Sighing, he looked to where the door was. I’ve wasted enough time in this city. I’ve gotta get to Canalave already! But for the same reason, maybe I can actually pick up a thing or two here. Probably not... He ran his eyes down several more books. The Very Hungry Caterpie... Quarter Roy... The Three Little Spoink And The Mightyena... James and the Giant Pichu... The Pyroar, the Dartrix and the Poipole... Forget it...

Gary walked away and stopped in front of a wooden door with a window at the top. He couldn’t quite see through it due to his height. Back to school after I thought I got out of it, Gary thought, inhaling shakily. His arm was quaking, nervousness filling his heart, anxiety begging him not to proceed. I’m only doing this, Gary told himself as he grabbed the doorknob, to possibly get any kind of answers. To understand this thing, Pokemon or not, is to start better understanding Pokemon. Probably. That’s probably how this all works out. Gary turned the doorknob and pulled. It starts by better breaking down the differences, and narrowing things down. Right? His thoughts stopped as he looked inside.

There were several desks attached to chairs, every seat taken by a child. Everyone was staring back at him.

I told you not to come in here! Gary yelled at himself. He turned to the front of the class where two men stood eyeing him.

One older guy was against the wall right by the whiteboard in a blue plaid shirt tucked into black pants.

Another much older man stood behind a large wooden desk and chair, a closed thermos on the table. He was wearing an all-white suit aside from a black waistcoat and a black bowtie. Attached to his waistcoat was a little golden pin. His hair was wild and grown high, all gray but for one part that was a much lighter gray at the front and over to the left. He wore gray shades with two bridges in the middle.

No one was smiling.

“Tardiness isn’t attractive,” the older man spoke gruffly. “The class is almost over but we are on the final topic. You might just find it the most interesting thing. Please take a seat!”

“Sorry!” Gary walked through the seats, trying not to stare at anyone but also hoping to find an empty chair. He ended up at the wall, failing to find a place to sit, and leaned against it with a sigh. I can’t believe I’m the only one standing. Not one extra kid?

Some kids were giggling and staring but soon, all eyes were on the main man. Several desks held an open notebook and something to write with.

“Now, for those of us running late today, allow me to repeat that you please refer to me as the Proprietor,” the man in shades said sternly.

This made numerous students turn to Gary and giggle and chatter softly, several turning away immediately after.

Gary frowned at the floor. I knew I shouldn’t have come in here, he thought angrily. Now he’s gonna be a total jerk.

Once all attention was back on the Proprietor, he opened his mouth and inhaled before speaking again. “While my profession typically involves electronic engineering and bartending, today I have hoped to educate you youths on Pokemon mastery. That is, mastering the art of Pokemon battles. It all begins with you youths. From birth, you are molded. What you see and experience, leads you to becoming the kind of person you will grow into, and what you will do with your lives. Life is but an influence on a child.”

There were many mutters and mumbles.

That’s not particularly true, Gary kept to himself. How you’re brought up doesn’t guarantee you‘ll be like that. It happens all the time. At that moment, his eyes going over the whiteboard, his eyes widened on a drawing.

“Children, to conclude today’s course, we are going to be discussing the very origins of Pokemon, and technology, and how they relate. For example: how can you become a Pokemon Master, without understanding what it means to even capture Pokemon?”

Is this guy about to teach us how to throw Poke Balls? I’m outta here, Gary thought.

“We discussed earlier the functionality of the Poke Ball is to keep the being inside most comfortable, safe, and alive, if possible, both inside and outside of the Poke Ball,” he added.

Keep the Pokemon safe inside and outside? Gary repeated, his curiosity keeping him still. What’s that mean?

“This is why Pokemon like Diglett or Zubat, who are normally weak to the sun, can battle just fine in it. Or Pokemon like Snorlax, with appetites almost no Trainer can afford, eat considerably less after being captured. The Poke Ball rationalizes this and makes things easier for the Trainer, and Pokemon, involved.”

Gary was normally the silent type. Not one to ask too many questions, especially in a setting he was unfamiliar with. But this had become interesting! Gary truly felt like he was learning, and he didn’t want it to stop. In spite of that, and because of that, he raised his hand.

“And I’m sure some of you may be wondering why that is!” the Proprietor went on, his voice sounding more angry. His eyebrows narrowed. “Perhaps some of you forgot what was told, or you weren’t paying attention. Or perhaps even, some of you were late!”

Gary’s hand dropped quickly, many eyes turning to him. Oh, come on! he complained in frustration, frowning at the floor. Though the Proprietor’s eyes were hidden, his face was in Gary’s direction, and the boy could feel the heat. This is why I shut up and don’t talk, Gary thought, regretting his action.

“That’s why humans can’t go inside of Poke Balls, right?” a little girl asked.

Gary’s body jumped like he’d been jolted by an Electric type and he looked at the blonde girl. His gaze then focused on the Proprietor.

The man’s head lowered to the girl. “A Poke Ball will reject a human, leaving them temporarily stunned. No other known effects have been confirmed. The same goes for regular animals. And certain objects can be kept inside of a Poke Ball.”

Gary shook his head. June wasn’t captured by a Poke Ball, he thought. So what was it then??

“Can anyone tell me what the key ingredient in a Poke Ball is?” the Proprietor asked.

There was silence.

Gary still had his eyes down until the Proprietor walked to the board while uncapping a black marker and raised it to the drawing that had caught his attention earlier.

MEW was written above it.

Gary’s eyes widened, and then he raised an eyebrow.

There were gasps in the room and the children talked excitedly, some pointing, laughing, and whispering out the name.

“I knew it!”

“I told you!”

“I saw her before! It’s a girl! That’s why it’s pink!”

“Mew DNA is the core ingredient in the Poke Ball!!” the Proprietor suddenly barked, silencing almost everyone.

Gary was the one to gasp out loud.

Many of the kids looked back at him and then back to the man and started talking again.

“Poke Balls are made out of Mews?”

“No they’re not! The Poke Ball is a machine!”

“My mommy says Mews isn’t real!”

“Do the Mews die to make Poke Balls?”

The Proprietor raised an arm high. His palm slammed on the board with thunderous intimidation. “Silence in my course!!” he ordered.

The class quieted down immediately.

Even the other man who was up there and had been silent this whole time jumped, looking at the Proprietor uncomfortably.

Gary swallowed a huge lump, his heart booming in his chest.

“This is where things might get a little complicated,” the Proprietor spoke easier. “So listen closely.” He took a deep breath. “Since the discovery and understanding of science, technology, even well before our modern day Poke Ball, when even ancient civilizations figured ways to tame these magical creatures known as Pokemon, there has always been one key ingredient. The Poke Ball, or the Dark Device, these ancient artifacts, the names go on. But nothing is as old as the ancestor of them all: Mew. Since man first learned about Mew and the incredible connection it holds to our entire world, it’s been known that to control any Pokemon, you must be able to control Mew. You see, it is because Mew holds the DNA of all Pokemon; it is because all Pokemon come from Mew, that Mew is the way, and the reason, Poke Balls, and items like it, can function as they do at all.” The Proprietor started to draw lines out from Mew to other parts of the board, linking to words and other drawings. “Some of us may have missed out on some key bits here from earlier today, but the point is still the same.”

Gary’s heart twinged uncomfortably as a few kids looked back at him for a second and giggled.

The other man rubbed at his cheek, a slight, awkward smirk on his face, keeping his eyes on the floor.

Gary sneered, looking away. Give it a rest already!

“Some of mankind’s greatest achievements have been accomplished by manipulating the DNA of Mew! It is why the Pokedex may not always recognize a Pokemon’s information if it is not properly updated, but it knows the main, trace ingredient of Mew that lies within all Pokemon. In the same manner, Poke Balls can instantly recognize any Pokemon, discovered or not. Unless the form of the Pokemon is distorted or corrupted, say by being buried or otherwise submerged, there is usually no issue whatsoever for a Poke Ball to recognize a Pokemon. The source is the Mew DNA all Pokemon have, no matter what! Including man-made Pokemon!”

Mewtwo, Gary said in his head, absorbing all of what was being said.

“Take the Legendary Pokemon of the Kanto region, Mewtwo, for example,” the Proprietor went on. “A Pokemon created straight out of Mew’s DNA!”

“My mommy says Mewtwo isn’t real, either!” a girl whined.

“And your mother is incorrect!” the Proprietor yelled at her.

Gary held his breath, staring at them in shock.

“Uh.” The kid looked stuck, shocked.

Other children were gasping, giggling, and started whispering.

The second man’s mouth hung open, looking ready to say something, but nothing came out.

“You’d be much wiser to respect Mew’s existence, and do some actual learning on your own, if that’s the knowledge you’re getting at home!” He kept his face aimed at her.

The girl looked down sadly, looking like she might cry.

The Proprietor stayed still, keeping his eyes on her.

The girl sniffled. She was blonde with freckles and wore glasses with yellow frames.

The man then moved forward, walking to the girl.

The kid sniffled again in the silent classroom, snorting hard now.

The man stopped at the girl’s desk and held an open hand under her chin.

Gary couldn’t get the best view, unable to tell if he was actually touching her, nor if the kid was actually crying.

The silent man watched them intently.

The Proprietor suddenly made a fist and then raised it to his face, opening his palm. “Tears. Child.” His hand then brushed against the girl’s cheek.

She looked up at the Proprietor, trembling.

The Proprietor stared down at her solemnly. “Perhaps that is all for now. Class is dismissed. You, child, where are your parents? Next door?”

The kid nodded.

“Then let us find them, you and I.” The man looked around, his eyes stopping on Gary. “I said class is dismissed! Return to your parents in the room right next door! Thank you all for your time. I’ll be there shortly.”

Everyone got up, getting their things and chatting loudly, eager to leave.

Gary moved as well, thinking about what he’d heard. Wishing he’d been there earlier to hear what else had been spoken about. He looked back when he reached the door.

The Proprietor was talking in low tones to the kid he had made cry, down on one knee before her, his eyebrows narrowed and one hand on her shoulder.

The girl had her eyes down, listening and sniffling still, tears rolling down her cheeks.

The other man walked over to them. “Thank you for your lesson today, Mr. Proprietor. I’ll see you with the parents.” He smiled and tapped the Proprietor’s shoulder.

The Proprietor didn’t acknowledge him, staring quietly at the one child.

The other man stared at him strangely and then shook his head, walking away.

Gary left and watched as most of the kids walked into the room next door, a few leaving the building altogether. As he headed for an exit, he began to think of his own mother. School, he remembered, consciously breathing in that weird, nostalgic smell again. The normal life. Things were so... different. Boring. Good... And now?

“The latest challenge for the kids this year is the Kylie Kyle, Jynx Challenge, where teens are trying to make their lips as large as the celebrity’s famed lips are.”

Gary turned to the TV he was walking past and sneered in disgust. “Eeeehh...” he groaned.

On the screen was a guy who looked especially... outstanding. Lavish. Flamboyant. Extravagant. Gay, as the kids might say. He wore makeup on every spot of his face, and then possibly redid it a thousand more times before being satisfied. His very head was like a rainbow somehow, glittering majestically. His lips were covered in probably a mix of red lipstick with lipgloss splashed over that. His lips were also protruding abnormally. He could have been a woman, really.

Next to him was the Pokemon Jynx.

The TV then showed picture after picture of young teens with miserable faces, some even crying, their lips giant and bruised.

“The Jynx Challenge involves placing one’s lips in a tiny glass or bottle and removing the air to cause a pull on their lips to have the voluptuous lips of Kylie Kyle and his Jynx,” a female spoke from the TV.

Gary felt like puking hearing about this guy’s “voluptuous lips.” This world... Gary shook his head, noticing that more adults were at the table now than when he had first walked in, and he turned from the TV.

“These damn dumb kids,” one of the adults at the table spoke up. “They’ll do any fucking thing they see. These celebs take no responsibility. And even worse, where the hell are the parents?”

It’s all about getting attention these days, no matter what, Gary added irritably to himself. This is why I’ll never get social media. Just look at this circus freak.

“Hey, you! Hold up!” a voice tugged Gary from his thoughts. “I remember you from Prof. Cynthia’s lab!”

Gary stopped at the door he had entered from and turned around. He squinted at a young boy.

The kid had wild, messy hair and wore glasses, staring through them with tight eyes, moving quickly before stopping in front of Gary.

“OH!” It suddenly hit Gary. He was the boy who was at Prof. Cynthia’s lab! I remember him. He was kinda cold back then. What’s he doing here? “I remember you. Hi.”

“Yeah, I remember you, too. And you had friends with you. Did you all split or something?” the kid demanded.

Gary hesitated on answering. “Yeah...” he finally responded.

“So you’re all on your separate journeys,” the kid said.

Gary swallowed, not wanting to explain everything, particularly about June. He kept quiet as he looked to the ground, away from the kid. I can’t lie. Not about this. Even if I don’t know this guy. I can’t just pretend we’re all off on a happy old journey like everyone else is.

“Hey, you okay, man?” the kid asked, squinting at Gary.

“My friend, June, with the red hair? She was kidnapped by that monster thing that’s been running around loose.” The words just tumbled out of him while he still was thinking against speaking. But he didn’t feel like covering it up. He wanted it to be known. Whatever it took to get her back. He was after her and he wanted everyone to know it.

“Wait, whaaaaat??” The kid couldn’t believe his ears.

“You’ve heard of her, right? That new species thing running around? That humanoid thing?”

The kid nodded. “Yeah! It’s a Pokemon, I heard, right? It uses attacks!”

“I’m not sure what it is, but she does have attacks, but I’m not sure it’s a Pokemon, either. I think she might be some kind of actual monster. Some kind of wild beast thing. I’ve tried catching her in a Poke Ball and failed. She’s unstoppable.”

“Catching her??!!” the kid exploded. “HOW??!! Like, you battled it and then threw a Poke Ball at it??”

“It was some time ago. Look, I’ve met that shitty thing and it’s whooped me and my friends’ asses time and time again. And now it took away my friend and I’m out to kill her once and for all. She took my sister from me, too. Killed her right in front of my eyes. I have a score to settle, for sure.”

“I hate you!” the kid burst out.

Gary’s emotions softened and he was surprised now rather than getting more angry and serious. “Huh?”

“Dude, I mean, I’m sorry for your suffering at the hands of that thing, but, man, I can’t believe you met it! Like, damn! I’ve dreamed of seeing that thing up close, and you’ve fought it?! How many times?? What the fuck??”

Gary leered at the kid. “You’d probably be dead had you met it even one of those times! This isn’t a damn joke, you know!” He was now ready to explode in rage.

“Dude, I understand, but this is a discovery! Any scientist would kill to be in your shoes! How much more could I want to, you know? I’m truly not trying to make light of the terror and killing it’s doing to others, and what it’s done to you, but this thing is a world wonder, man! You’re... Not lucky, but - like... lucky! You know? Like-”

“Shut up! Just shut up!” Gary flipped out, his patience completely gone. He was ready to just beat him up right there! “How dare you think I’m lucky... Did you not just hear me say I lost my sister and good friend to her? I don’t even know if my friend is alive, and I’m supposed to be considering myself lucky?!”

The kid shook his head, holding out his hands in fear. “NO! WAIT! Listen, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I know you’d give anything to reverse what that monster has done. And I should be grateful then, that I never met her. You’re right. You lost so much, in place of what someone else would have lost instead.” One hand fell, but he kept the other one extended. “I’m sure you forgot my name, like I did with you. So, let’s start over. I’m Rael. What’s your name?”

Gary wanted to smack the hand away and spit in his face, and then beat his ass down. “Gary,” he said to the kid nastily.

“Hey, let’s be friends and try this all again. Let’s start fresh and have a Pokemon battle tomorrow. What do you say?”

“You’re not worth my time,” Gary responded and left the school. He walked along the street under a darkening sky.

“Hey! Gary! Listen, I’m sorry!” Rael followed after Gary. “My Pokemon are recovering right now but, tomorrow, what do you say? Let’s try again! I’m so sorry!” He stopped walking. “Please? Hey, I’m worth the time! I’ve got one Badge right now! I would have two but the Gym here was too tough. Jupiter demolished me!”

Gary stopped but didn’t look back, purposely being rude. “I beat Jupiter with one Pokemon,” he said impatiently.

“One Pokemon??” Rael gasped. “IMPOSSIBLE!!”

Gary considered showing him the Badge, but instead just ignored him and continued walking, heading to the Pokemon Center.

“Show me the Badge, then!” Rael insisted.

Sucking his teeth, Gary stopped again and pulled out his Badge case. “See?” He opened it.

Rael moved closer and his eyes widened at one Badge. “I can’t... B-b-but- How??”

Gary turned, closing the case, and kept moving.

“I hate you!! Dude!! You’re amazing!! You’re like, a Pokemon Champion to me! Like Cynthia!” Rael called after him.

Gary stopped.

“Dude, I know you’re just starting out here, but you are special to me already! Gary, please battle me! You’ve accomplished so much, so fast! And in incredible ways! Even that you know Prof. Cynthia is awesome to me! I spoke to her. You’re not from here, dude. You’re from Kanto! You were in the Kanto League last year! You finished in the top sixteen! You even fought against Team Solace when they tried to kill everyone there! You’re a hero, Gary! You fought when others would have run! I wanna be like you! You continued your journey instead of hiding after being face to face with death! I wanna defeat you! Be greater than you, even! Like you, I want to become a Pokemon Master! That’s your goal, right?”

Gary looked back to Rael. “Of course.”

Rael nodded. “That’s why you’re in Sinnoh now! To become greater! This is the greatest region! Fight me, Gary! First thing tomorrow morning! Deal? Right here, even!”

Gary looked forward, seeing the Pokemon Center. Something was happening that he didn’t want to admit. Something happening deep down in his chest. He struggled not to smile and rolled his eyes to play off his true feelings. “Tomorrow midafternoon. I’m not really a morning person.”

“Alright! Great! I’m not either. I wasn’t sure if you were.” Rael sounded happy.

Gary kept his back to the kid, smiling fully, though against his will. “I look forward to it,” he replied seriously. He kept going and eventually entered the Pokemon Center. I must have looked pretty cool to that kid, not even glancing back, he considered, approaching the counter where Nurse Joy stood with her Chansey, his smile now a slick smirk. Or maybe, I should have given a glance at him and smirked. A nice, cocky, but cool, and still tough-guy look.

“Welcome back, Gary! Are you leaving for Canalave City now?” Nurse Joy asked as Gary reached her.

Gary shook his head. “I’ll just take June’s bag now. Is Electivire here?”

“You just missed him, actually,” Nurse Joy let him know, pulling out June’s bag and setting it on the counter with a grunt. “He left, and I let him go, as you instructed. And I made sure that his wounds were fine. He doesn’t need the bandages anymore. I wouldn’t worry anymore, Gary.”

Gary nodded. “Thanks. He’ll be back, I’m sure. I could use time away from him. Was nice today without him acting up. Anyway, I’ll be spending my last night here, then I’ve gotta go. Thanks, Nurse Joy.”

“The pleasure was all mine, Gary. Sleep well!”

“Chanseeeeeey!” Chansey added.

Taking June’s bag, Gary walked into the back of the building, finding his room, and changed into his pajamas before laying in bed. It wasn’t even night out, and he wasn’t tired, but he was ready to just lay down and take off for the night, his body feeling exhausted. He looked across from the top bunk bed and stared at the second bunk bed across the room. June... I’m coming for you, he thought as his eyes started to tear up. I haven’t forgotten about you, either, Melissa. Tears rolled down his face fast. I’ll avenge you. I’ll rip her fucking head right off her nasty neck and smash her body to bits so the scientists can’t even learn anything about whatever the fuck she is!! By now, Gary’s face was in his pillow, heaving as he cried out hard. He slammed a fist into his pillow, knowing that he hadn’t been able to truly and properly cry and let out his emotions over his losses in a while.

He also knew that June and Melissa weren’t the only things he was suffering over.

Gary knew he wanted so badly to cry to his mom.

But he felt like he had lost her, too.