I’ve never felt so tired in my life, Gary kept to himself, lying on his back in the grass. Is all the stress finally catching up to me? Is that all? I feel like I went out to collect my final seven Badges overnight and just got back! He put his hand to his head and frowned. “Hey can you guys shut up already?!!” he suddenly raged out and sat up furiously.
Primeape, Weepinbell, Ivysaur, Dugtrio, Kingdra, Charizard, Magneton, Raichu, Galvantula and Electivire all turned to him in surprise, stopping their consumption of individually appropriate nourishment.
Breathing hard, he stood up, suddenly energized. “All this damn crunching and munching and zapping and shocking is driving me nuts!!” he screamed. “Just shut up!!” Rationality started seeping into his brain, staring at the stunned looks the Pokemon were giving him. He swallowed and turned his back on them and walked away. “I just need some fresh air, okay?!” he said. As he walked through the grass and trees, under a bright blue sky, a steady breeze began blowing. Inhaling and exhaling, he stomped through the area. I was just doing push-ups, he told himself. That’s why I’m tired. I did forty before I gave out, but then went right into sit-ups! It’s no wonder I’m tired. The journey of a Pokemon Trainer is tiring enough. I never really worked out before. I didn’t really need to.
But it’s not just that... Gary continued. My head. I feel so stressed. I feel like something happened last night, Gary was thinking, his head swimming. I feel like... maybe I had a nightmare. What did I even dream about? I’ve been having so many of those since arriving in this region. I guess because my life has only gotten worse since coming out here. I wish I’d never come here. I should have gone to Johto. Anywhere! But not here.
Why did I even come out here in the first place? he wondered, frowning. Thinking. Confused. And then he saw the face of the monster, clear in his mind, and he made tight fists, his face tightening with anger, and his teeth clenched. The monster. The book, he remembered. That stupid, useless book of myths. And what did that stupid thing cost me? I’ve lost June. Shit, I’ve lost my sister! This whole journey has just... been pain! Tears filled Gary’s eyes as he moved quicker. As if trying to leave his stress and regrets behind him. This whole journey... My friends and Pokemon and family. Isaac... Team Solace. They’re gone, but gone proving what? Proving to me finally what they’ve been trying to tell me all along? Was this journey worth it? Everyone would still be fine if we all just stayed home! Stayed in school! Got real jobs!
His teeth grinded against each other, his eyes closing as he shook his head before a scream exploded out of his throat and he charged into the woods blindly. This stupid action resulted in his crashing hard into a tree, and he dropped flat to his face. Weak, shaky, and feeling miserable, Gary started to cry. Like a baby needing his mommy, Gary sobbed out loud. He made fists and slid them through the ground, stopping near his head. One fist slammed into the leaves and dirt, the other following, and his body gave out against the ground, defeated. All of this, for what? Gary wondered as he kept crying more quietly. All the questions I had before, and now, I only have more.
Where’s Jirachi? What did the monster do with it?
How am I healed? Why isn’t my hand busted?
How did I wind up in the helicopter of Team Solace??
Why did I jump out of a helicopter to fight that monster?!
Why does Regigigas have the Infinity Energy?
Even, why did Kiwi give me the Prof. Oak book? Why just me? I keep forgetting to bring that up, but she hasn’t even tried to explain!
By now, Jirachi could be gone already, for another thousand years. It’s all over... My chances to kill that evil bitch and undo what evil she brought to this planet is over. I wonder if, like Aly said once, she really is an alien. Real proof of extraterrestrial life. Could it be? I don’t believe in aliens, but, I might be willing to in this scenario... I’d have to! An alien. Pokemon are said to be extraterrestrial in origin. Like Clefairy. But could it be true??
By now, Gary realized that he had stopped crying. Sitting up, he sniffled and brushed the dirt off his face. “I know you said this wasn’t just happening to me, but to Pokemon Trainers everywhere, sir,” Gary spoke in a low voice. “But, this is starting to feel a little bit too consistent, all things considered.” He closed his eyes, taking in and then letting out a breath. “What were you even doing there that night? Why were you there?” He could still see the professor falling to his death, fighting with Isaac. But he lived... he thought with disdain. You died, and he was the one who got away.
Without even the slightest smirk, Gary breathed out in a silent snicker. But look now. It’s your turn, now. You- There was a roar that ran throughout the forest, making the child jump and look. “Charizard,” he whispered. A second roar made him cry out, “Electivire!” He pushed himself to his feet and took off right back where he had left. When he had burst back onto the clearing, he wasn’t surprised by what he was seeing, expecting it, and angry that he was right. “STOOOOOOP!!”
Charizard used Slash, Electivire swinging with Fire Punch to counter that. Both moves hit and both Pokemon’s arms moved from each other immediately.
Electivire’s body glowed white and he lunged for Charizard with his Strength.
“Rock Smash, Charizard!” Gary settled. Listen to me! he insisted with frustration.
Charizard hesitated, as if he had planned on a different move. That pause was his mistake as Electivire grabbed his shoulders and threw him back. Roaring, Charizard was on his back.
“Charizard, into the air!”
Electivire stomped after Charizard.
Watching this, Gary spotted Raichu and remembered something that made him run for June’s bag.
Charizard grunted and stood, shooting off into the sky.
Electivire kept a smile the entire time while Charizard was already breathing hard.
No. We have to win, Gary told himself, his teeth tightening as he grabbed Raichu’s Poke Ball from June’s bag. We have to beat Electivire, one-on-one, before we get to Oreburgh for my second Badge! “Return!” Gary shouted quickly, recalling Raichu, and then he turned to Charizard. “We have to win! Flare Blitz!!”
Electivire took a moment to glance back at Gary, and then to the remaining Pokemon. His attention returned to Charizard when the Fire type roared and his body was covered in flames. Smiling even bigger, Electivire held out his large hands and waited.
Charizard dove down and came straight for Electivire, a giant ball of Fire!
“GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!” Gary pushed his Pokemon.
Electivire’s eyes glowed blue.
Charizard was caught in the Psychic attack. But he was too close! He was touching Electivire!
Electivire grunted and groaned from the pressure of the blazing-hot Fire move driving into him while trying to force Charizard back.
“CHARIZAAAAAARD!!!” Gary demanded, making tight, shaky fists. “DO IIIIIT!!”
Both Pokemon raged in each other’s faces before Charizard crashed into the dirt, the Fire around his body blowing out, while Electivire was tossed back.
All of the other Pokemon scrambled in the chaos, trying to stay safe from the danger of the two brutes.
Growling weakly, Charizard looked up.
Gary noticed his Pokemon hadn’t activated the Blaze Ability yet, but he also knew that didn’t mean Charizard wasn’t close to fainting.
Electivire coughed out and as he raised his head from the ground, he smiled and stood.
Charizard also got up.
“Charizard, that was great! Scary Face this time! Let’s slow him down!” Gary accepted that a battle was happening, even if it started outside of his control. He’d be the one to finish it. Or so he hoped.
Charizard’s wings flapped and he ascended into the air. Inhaling hard, he pulled back his head and then reached it forward to send out a Fire Blast from his jaws.
“What?! Fire Blast?!” Gary was stunned. “Charizard?!”
Electivire didn’t even move! He stood still as the move crashed right into him and engulfed him! When the flames ended, Electivire looked seared in some areas, but he had the same healthy smile and looked just as energetic, flexing his arms!
The grass under him was scorched but it seemed all the fire had gone out.
He must be frontin’ right now, Gary figured. There’s just no way! He’s taken a Flare Blitz aaaand Fire Blast! He’s done for! “Charizard, take it easy! Don’t let your anger blind you! Listen to me!”
Charizard was already on the move, flying for Electivire as his tail glowed green.
Gary’s mouth had opened to say something, but it hung open in silence as Charizard used a move his Trainer was completely unfamiliar with!
Charizard whipped his tail at Electivire.
Electivire’s eyes widened in shock as the hit landed, causing his stomach to flash white. A Critical Hit! He flew back.
And started laughing!
Gary gasped at this reaction. NO WAY! He had his Pokedex in his hand to scan information on whatever Charizard had just done, but now, he was frozen in disbelief.
After flying through the air briefly, Electivire kept laughing as he hit the ground and slid on his side! Still sliding, he then extended his arms out. His horns sparked first, and then his entire body, and a big blast of lightning came out and caught Charizard.
Charizard roared on the spot, his whole body leaning back and balancing on just one foot.
“ELECTIVIRE!!” Gary pleaded.
The move ended, Electivire’s sliding finished.
Charizard dropped flat, the front of his body on the ground.
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Electivire got up easily, watching Charizard. He wasn’t patient enough to watch for long and started moving for the Fire type.
“CHARIZARD!! WHY WON’T YOU JUST LISTEN?? WHY ARE YOU TWO BEHAVING LIKE THIS STILL?!!” Gary complained, his eyes going back and forth between Charizard and Electivire.
Suddenly, Charizard’s tail flame burst powerfully! His body was outlined in red! His eyes opened, a blazing pair of fire, and he bared his teeth.
“Bl-!!” Gary started. But he was interrupted.
Charizard choked out, struggling to breathe as Electivire stomped one foot on his neck! His breathing became more struggled and he tried to use his claws to get himself up, and finally grabbed the Electric Pokemon’s ankle to force it off. The foot rose a bit, Charizard inhaling hard, but Electivire’s horns sparked, and then his entire body let loose Thunder. Charizard could do nothing but wail helplessly, Electivire smiling down at him.
Gary clenched his teeth and fists as tight as possible, his entire body struggling to keep from trembling. It’s the type advantage, he told himself as he stared at his beaten Charizard, the Pokemon’s tail flame low, the red outline around his body gone, the fire in his eyes extinguished. I need to use a powerful Pokemon of a different type. But I’m a Pokemon Trainer, he admitted bitterly. Type disadvantage is what I’m supposed to work on overcoming, not give in to. He swallowed and then coughed out once lightly, feeling like he had swallowed something. “Take it easy, buddy,” he muttered, recalling Charizard to his Poke Ball. “I’m proud of you.” His hand fell and he struggled just to hold the Poke Ball as he stared wearily at Electivire.
Electivire nodded slowly at Gary, keeping his pleased grin.
The other Pokemon that belonged to June and Gary were silently watching, completely stunned.
Even Primeape.
“You know, Electivire, I just don’t know anymore about what I’m gonna do,” Gary started. He sighed. Gathering some backup energy, he recalled all of the Pokemon, leaving out only Electivire. “I thought I’d go for my eight Badges in Sinnoh, and try to become the best Trainer in Sinnoh, and kill the monster. At one point, I even thought I could bring back my sister, Prof. Oak. Ha. Guess what? I even thought, maybe I’d get Hitmonchan back at one point.”
“Vire?” Electivire’s smile was gone now, paying attention to Gary’s words.
Gary nodded. “Yeah. Man. I thought I’d save the world and slay the Devil. All I had to do was beat you one time. Just prove that I had what it took. But look at you. Level seventy-nine last time I checked on you. I don’t have a thing on my team that powerful. I wanted to believe I could stop you anyway. But I can’t.”
Electivire didn’t say a thing, or move a muscle.
“Why?”
Electivire’s eyes widened just a bit.
Gary stood in silence, having a thought in his head, but he couldn’t get the words right at first. Until, finally, “Why is it that I can’t save anyone?”
Electivire just continued watching the boy.
Gary swallowed. “I try, and I try.” His eyes lowered. “But everyone close to me just gets hurt at best, or kidnapped, and dies at worst.” He shook his head slowly and stared at Electivire again. “I keep convincing myself June is alive in order to keep traveling, but that’s all it is. Me convincing myself. I don’t know why she captured June, but there’s no way she’d just keep her alive after-”
“Electivire!” Electivire said loudly, his mouth and eyes wide in shock hearing Gary.
“But it’s true, isn’t it?” Gary shouted. “Why would that thing keep her alive? She’s tried to kill everyone else on sight! What’s so special about June?” Gary froze, going completely silent. That June can communicate with Pokemon, Gary answered in his head. June’s painful reaction to the monster’s voice. That she captured June! She’s never used one of those ball things on someone before, as far as I know. There’s hope... Gary. “There’s hope,” he said out loud. “She... really might be okay, after all. I don’t know. But I do know that I can’t stop her being this weak. I have to beat you, Gym Leaders, other Trainers, Pokemon Masters! But losing to you shows me that I’m not ready to beat that monster. Even you can’t stop her.”
Electivire frowned and made tight fists, growling at this statement.
“And I had the chance to save Hitmonchan, June, and more. But I failed because we were all too weak!” Gary said strongly, angrily. “We failed horribly when we had the chance to stop this crap for good!”
“Elec...” Electivire growled again.
Gary covered his eyes with one hand and sniffled. “I just miss him so much. Hitmonchan. He was as great as he was, because of you.” He lowered his hand, wiping at his eyes on the way down and sniffling again. “Thank you for always pushing me, Electivire. You always, always, have kept me in check. Put me in my place. And I have hated you for it. But today, I am grateful.”
He came to a brief pause. “I’ve not earned a single Badge in this region, but-” Stopping himself, he took out his Badge case and stared at the one Badge he had. The Phobia Badge. But, for some reason, I won’t let this damn thing go that that damn witch gave me! Does it have to do with the fact that, she officially gave me this Badge? Or are there special feelings I’m holding... Cas... Oh, Cas. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, and yet a side of me feels like you’ve always been somewhere deep down within me. On lonely nights, second-guessing myself, and this Badge, convincing me to keep it. It was an official ruling. But the second Badge, the Infiltration Badge... He could still see himself throwing the Badge at Electivire during an argument on Route 218.
Gary closed the case noisily and put it away as he looked to Electivire. “I can’t save any of you. This fight isn’t about my Pokemon. It’s just a personal fight. This has always been about me, trying to stop things, and getting everyone else caught up and in trouble over it. Well, when do I die? When’s my turn? So my mom can finally get her rest! So she can finally sleep at night!” Gary was screaming at Electivire.
Electivire kept wide eyes on Gary.
Gary’s legs were quivering. “I can’t keep doing this, Electivire.” His head lowered. “I’m done, man. It’s hard to believe how long it’s been already, but months into it all, but look at all we have to offer. Our accomplishments. One freaking Badge.” Exhausted, Gary fell to his knees and hands. He then shook his head, his eyes closed. “It’s time to head back to Kanto. We’ve done too much thinking we could pass through to a new region and take over. Ha. H-ha ha ha! I was stupid! This region really is as tough as Rob said.” He then eyed Electivire. “But maybe not for you. You can do it, huh? Take on the Gyms. Find a better Trainer. That’s one thing I never understood about you, man. If you hate June so much, even with her gone, why are you still here? Is there something else you have to say to her? To let her know how you feel, in full?”
Electivire was motionless, his hands at his sides. He would rub at a particular spot of his body on occasion, but was still otherwise.
“I’ll miss you, Electivire, but it’s time for you to go.” Gary’s eyes hardened. “Be free if that’s what you want, Electivire. If living with me is too much, and being under June’s ownership is impossible, what keeps you here? Especially with me! Interrupting my matches! I didn’t ask you to jump into my battles! To fight people and their Pokemon! If you’re after power so badly, then just leave me alone! Leave me alone!!” No one spoke for a bit as Gary kept putting his thoughts into words he could use. “There’s apparently nothing I can give you to make you stronger. I’m not good enough to use you, or defeat you, or even put up enough of a challenge. It’s just free Experience for you, huh?” He let out his breath.
After a silent moment, Electivire’s body started to ease up, but he didn’t speak.
At the same time, Gary stood back up, his face stern with determination, and with sturdy fists, he declared, “I can never be a Pokemon Master in this state, and so, I’m going back on my word. I can’t give up. I have to get stronger. I’m obligated to. I can’t take the easy way out. Not after all of this. It’s not fair. I will continue my journey and get my Badges and destroy the Pokemon League. I’ve lost too much all for the pursuit of my dream. I don’t get to just get off scot-free.”
Electivire took in a big, awkward breath through his nostrils in the following silence.
“Let’s meet up again in the future when I’ve accomplished my goals. And may you reach yours, and let’s fight again when I’m stronger. What do you say to that?” He held out his hand.
Electivire stared at it, shocked. “Vire...”
Gary kept his hand out, not moving.
Electivire looked up to him.
Gary stepped closer and stopped. “Better yet, wait until I become a Pokemon Master! I’ll defeat the Champion and let’s meet up then. Let me be the strongest challenge for you. Let me be that. What you seek for so badly. And prove just how strong you are, Electivire. In front of the whole world. A televised event. If I become Champ, I’ll make sure it happens. Just wait for me. And hey, keep this!” Gary reached into his pocket and held out what he came up with in both hands.
A Poke Ball with a sticker of the letter E.
Electivire stared from the ball, to the Trainer.
“Keep this, so no one can capture you. I’m not releasing you. Or, perhaps I should keep it, even. That might be safer. I dunno.” Gary chuckled as he closed his hands around the ball. “Either way, this isn’t a release. You still belong to June, ha ha. But that’s just so I can be sure you aren’t caught when I’m Champ. And I’ll find you again. And we’ll have that battle. Try to look out for me in the news or something, okay?” He surprised Electivire by grabbing his hand and putting the Poke Ball in it. He then closed Electivire’s hand around the ball. “I’m not sure how well June will take this, but, I can’t even promise she’s alive, right? Maybe I’m making a mistake. Maybe I don’t have the right to do this. But, I’m doing it. I might even die before I get another Badge, so, keep the Poke Ball and remember us both by it. And thank you for everything, Electivire.” Using all his strength to prevent tears from filling his eyes, Gary used both his hands to shake Electivire’s closed hand and nodded into a short bow before turning away from him.
After cleaning up the area, he finally grabbed his backpack, and June’s bag, and got them on his shoulders. Giving his back to Electivire, he said, “‘Til we meet again, eh?” And then walked away.
“Electivire!” Electivire barked out.
Gary stopped, but he didn’t look back. Yes? What? Gary thought, but didn’t say out loud.
“Elect. Vire.” Electivire’s feet crunched on the grass as he walked up to Gary. “Vire Vire.”
Gary turned around and saw that Electivire had one hand open. Inside of it wasn’t what he expected.
In Electivire’s palm was a little purple, circular item with two black, curved lines and purple bubbles. It looked like the face of a person who was sick, their closed eyes. The Infiltration Badge!
Electivire then moved with blinding speed and grabbed Gary’s hand and placed the Badge in it, closing the boy’s hand into a fist. He stepped back and nodded. “Vire,” he grunted.
Gary opened his hand, not believing what he had just seen. He could no longer see the Badge, as his vision had become clouded in tears that were impossible to hold back. But he knew what he had. Crying silently, he looked up to Electivire. “Why...?”
Electivire raised one huge hand and it landed on Gary’s shoulder, rocking the child, and then tightened on him. “Elect Vire...” His hand fell from the boy, but he didn’t turn from him. He just blinked.
Gary sniffled and gripped the Badge. “Electivire... I don’t know- This doesn’t feel-”
“Elect,” Electivire nodded. “Vire. Elec. Electivire.” He held out his other hand.
Gary hesitantly reached out to Electivire.
Electivire gripped it and gave a strong shake.
Gary cried out and hit the ground, his arm still raised due to Electivire still holding his hand. “Whoa!!” He was yanked up harshly and set on his feet. “A little rough, man,” Gary complained after Electivire let him go, and he rubbed his shoulder.
Electivire just stared at him solemnly.
“Well, I’ll think on what to do with this Badge. Thank you.” He turned, but was turned right back around before he could even take a step. “Hey!” he cried out.
Electivire was still holding the child’s shoulder. “Electivire...” He pointed with his free hand at Gary’s fist that held the Badge.
Gary stared into the Pokemon’s eyes. “Yo, man. Maybe we’ve been hanging out too much, or maybe it’s that Psychic move you know, but there’s just no way I’m reading this situation right.”
“Elect! Electivire!” Electivire insisted.
“C-c-come on, man,” Gary spoke shakily now. “You can’t mean...”
Electivire kept his grip on Gary.
Gary stared back, wishing Electivire would let him go.
Wishing he wasn’t thinking what he thought Electivire might be thinking.
Hoping Electivire wasn’t thinking what he thought he might be.
Gary closed his eyes and his head fell. Somehow, a smirk also crossed his lips. “So, you want to continue this journey with me,” Gary said just above a whisper.
“Vire,” Electivire responded.
“And you’re actually gonna behave for a change?” Gary opened just one eye to the Pokemon.
Electivire was rolling his eyes and sneering. “Viiiiirre...”
“And battle when I say?”
“Vire Vire,” Electivire grumbled, now glaring at the ground.
“And...” Gary raised his hand and opened it, revealing the Infiltration Badge. “You promise?”
Electivire held out one finger and, keeping eye contact with Gary, he touched the Badge. “Elect.”
“You and I. We continue this journey, together, from here on out.”
Electivire stood silent, waiting.
“With...” Gary thought on his words, focusing on the ground. And then he returned to Electivire. “With two Badges.”
Electivire smiled.
“Time to get the third. In Oreburgh City.”
“Electiviiiiire!” Electivire nodded, gripping Gary even harder in his excitement.
“OW!” Gary frowned.