Hard Enough

Chapter 59: Gary sets out!

Gary Oak waved at his adoring crowd as the car slowly rolled down the road. Thank you for coming out to see history in the making! Now Im off to begin my pokemon journey!

He could see Ash talking with Gramps about getting his pokemon. For the life of him, Gary couldnt work out which pokemon hed be given.

Gary already had his first pokemon.

A rather cheerful Squirtle, something that would open a lot of doors for him. After all, Squirtle was clearly the superior choice! It had the best versatility while also allowing Gary to power through some of the roughest areas where strong pokemon would exist. With Brock showing off how strong Rock types could be, Gary had re-evaluated his dream team to eventually include one in the top ten. Maybe a Tyranitar like Brock had? Or maybe hed discover an ancient pokemon in his journey? Or he might discover a new pokemon all by himself!

He was going to be the best thing out of Pallet Town in years!

Maybe even become Champ like his grandfather! People all over the world were going to know the name Gary Oak! Hed be following in his parents' and his gramps footsteps, but that wasnt a terrible thing. From what he remembered of his parents. Theyd been great, and everyone said as much Gary glanced down at the car, his stomach rolling as he sat in the back, a driver handling the actual driving.

There were multiple benefits for driving around in a convertible, beyond just being awesome. Hed never told anyone about his fear of cars after the accident, but his gramps had worked it out when he shied away from them passing by or when he had to go on camps. Gramps had never said anything, just clapped him on the shoulder and said it was perfectly normal.

But today he was overcoming it! He was in the car, moving along. At a walking pace perhaps but still in the car! He felt like he was in control as well. He gave the crowd following along another wave.

They were all locals that hed gotten to know around Pallet Town. His gramps had all but pushed him into mowing lawns, painting fences, walking pokemon, minding kids, and other tasks to justify the allowance he was going to be getting. That had sucked big time, but now he was getting to enjoy the benefits of knowing tons of people who could come cheer him on!

It was great! His life was great! He had his pokemon and he was starting his journey!

When they reached the Oak house that was a ways away from the Lab, Gary leapt out of the car and shot the crowd a wave. Thank you! Thank you for coming! Im going to A backpack was shoved into his gut making him gasp and stop talking.

Daisy grinned at him, Stop being a little glory Growlithe and get moving already!

Daisy! I wasnt doing that! He stomped his foot to emphasise his point. Daisy merely rolled her eyes before looking at the few remaining people in his crowd of fans.

Oh? Hello there ladies, what are you all doing dressed like that? she said.

The group of women all looked at each other before tittering into their pom poms.

Gary puffed up his chest. Theyre my girlfriends!

Daisy stared, open-mouthed. Ha! Thatd show her! As you can see, big sis Im just that good! They were taken in by my winning ways! They know a good thing when they see one and are getting in before Im establisheded His tongue got tied and he quickly changed what he was going to say. While Im building myself up!

Really? said Daisy, her tone dripping with sugary sweetness as her hand drifted to her pokebelt. Gary crossed his arms while nodding before changing his pose to something cooler. One hand on hip the other snapping outwards! Yeah, so much better!

Im just that amazing! I ran into them at Grampss lab! Daisys hand stopped reaching for her pokeball but Gary didnt notice. Hed put a hand under his chin, suavely.

Yeah, they were pretty taken with me! Then theyd asked if he had anyone close to him. Hed never admit hed said his Gramps and Daisy though! Then theyd asked about anyone else like a certain younger or older girl.

Hed said he hadnt had anyone like that! Then theyd told him they were interested in being his girlfriends! All of them! That would show people how amazing he was by having so many girlfriends! Gary had liked the sound of that. It was another thing he had beaten Ash to first! Therefore it had to be good!

One of the girls, Fiona, gushed. His grandpa was so proud of him when he showed up at the Lab with all of us today! Daisy blinked at that as another of the women skipped up.

Fiona leaned closer to Gary and gave him a hug that he stoically endured. That was what all the cool guys did when women threw themselves at them. So it was obviously the best thing to do.

When another of the girls leaned on him, he stumbled and missed whatever it was Sarah handed to Daisy. When he extracted himself from the two women Daisy had an amused expression which meant she knew something he didnt.

Gary narrowed his eyes at her. Whatre you smiling about?

Nothing, nothing. Well, you look like youre in good hands. Fiona coughed. Daisy rolled her eyes at the older girl.

Gary puffed up his chest ignoring their weird girl behaviour. Theyre safe with me you can be sure! Daisys head bobbed up and down before she pat him on the head.

Thats totally what I meant! She then pointed at his backpack, I got you a gift, Gary tore open the package grinning as a mix of differently coloured pokeballs fell out. Sweet! Poke balls, Great balls, and Net balls and even is that a Heavy ball?

Daisy jostled his hair back and forth. This is why I didnt get you a birthday present this year or last year! Youre welcome, little bro.

Gary wanted to bounce in place, run off and use them, or even he pushed the thought down of hugging his sister. That wasnt something cool guys did. He packed them away and rubbed under his nose, Heh, thanks I guess sis, theyre alright!

Daisys smile became a bit forced, but Gary turned away from her. With all my gear ready its time to head out ladies!

Gary leapt over the side of the car into the passenger seat to let the ladies have the backspace to themselves so they could gossip about how cool he was or what sorts of dresses they wanted to buy. Girl stuff. He tried to get comfortable in the front seat which he found oddly stifling. Daisy lowered her fist and stared at him.

Youre taking a car? she said, her hand turning white as she gripped the edge like she was stopping herself from tearing him out of the car.

Gary nodded tightly, Yup! Im going to skip through the first area cause theres not much thats important there! Then go to route twenty-two for the day to catch some strong pokemon and then work my way through Viridian forest over the next few days! He gave her a thumbs-up that was perfectly steady and not shaking at all.

Youre going in well, Daisy looked to his girlfriends, who all smiled and fluffed their pom poms. Eventually, she nodded. Well, Im glad youre able to get in a car after what happened with Gary grimaced and looked out the side. He didnt want to think about Mum and Dad. But he wasnt afraid! He wasnt!

Daisy patted him on the head. Look after each other ladies. And Gary, good luck on your journey, please call when you can alright?

If I remember! he said while lifting his nose. He again pushed down the thought of hugging her. He didnt want to get out of the car and back in. He didnt like that idea for some reason. See ya sis! Watch out for me on the tv cause Im going to be big!

He pointed forward like a boss. Drive!

The car slowly departed, and Gary waved over his shoulder at his sister. He didnt look back. He was a cool guy, and with the girls in the back seat, he probably wouldnt see anything anyway.

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He passed a few trainers who had also collected pokemon on their way. Damian shouted at him. Gary pulled his eyelid down and stuck his tongue at the other guy. He couldnt stand that guy; hed bought his way into getting a Charmander from his Gramps. Gramps wouldnt confirm it but Gary was positive thats what had happened.

He didnt see the other girl who had scored the traditional starter for Kanto but he did see a bucket hat bobbing around in some long grass so maybe she was already catching something weak like a Pidgey or a Rattata? He would have to watch out for her as her Bulbasaur would have an advantage against his Squirtle. Not that itd do her any good!

He watched the countryside pass by and before long they were approaching Viridian. A walk that would have taken a day or two passed in an hour or so. Gary nodded to himself, pleased with his plan to get ahead of his fellow trainers.

Fiona hopped out after him and looked around as the other girls walked around to stretch. They formed a loose circle around him, smiling and waving at the locals as he strutted up to the local pokemart. Whats the plan for today Gary?

Gary shot her a confident look. Im going to get some potions and antidotes in case we run into some poison types. Then Im heading out to route twenty-two. There should be some Spearow, Nidoran and possibly even a Mankey that I can catch! Ill train up Squirtle with some encounters and then camp out before heading out early!

You should probably get some repel in case you lose track of time and need to camp out!

Gary nodded. Yeah, yea goo He jerked to glance around, noting the people that were nearby, I mean! I knew that! Hahaha, good to see you know that though! He then tossed a repel quickly into his basket. When Fiona coughed he bought another two. She coughed again, and he bought four more.

When the shopping was rung up, he exited to find a few of the girls waiting for him along with the driver. Hey, Heather? Do you want to secure us some rooms? Im going to go out and battle some wild pokemon for the rest of the day on route twenty-two.

The woman merely nodded, choosing not to speak before driving the car around the back of the pokemon centre. Gary couldnt help watching it drive off.

Gary? Fiona tapped his elbow and he jolted.

Right! Off we go to catch myself some new pokemon! Gary swung his arm heroically upward.

The girls all bounced in place and beamed at him. Yah! Gary! and so Gary heroically

Did someone say catch a pokemon!? Before Gary knew what was happening an old man barged through their group and had his hands on Garys shoulders.

Young man! I shall teach you how to catch a pokemon! Come!

Hey! No! I know how to catch a pokemon old man! Let go! Gary said as he was dragged along.

Nonsense! Young whipper snappers like yourself are always wandering off into the woods without the slightest clue how to catch a pokemon! Gary swatted at the mans arms only for the man to have a grip of steel.

Look out! Grampas loose and got another trainer! shouted a passerby.

Fiona approached those people while Gary was dragged further towards the fields where some pokemon were idly scratching at the ground.

Gary missed what Fiona and the other man were discussing as instead, he found himself stuck next to the old geezer.

Right! Youngin! Watch closely. When you encounter a pokemon it will either fight or run away. Pokemon that fight are the easiest to catch. If youre after a pokemon that is going to run like an Abra you need to use moves or items that stop pokemon from running off.

I I knew that! Mean Look is the best for stopping pokemon from getting away! Gary said calmly, not at all whining as the man kept one hand on his shoulder.

The old man nodded his head seriously. Indeed! You can also use leashes to entangle them to stop them. Outright using physical traps are banned and Rangers will detain you if you do use them, so remember that! Many a young fool have lost their license from using old Ursaring traps on much smaller pokemon!

He gestured to a Rattata that was not purple but instead a light yellow-gray. Now watch closely as I catch this pokemon!

He reached out and snatch one of Garys pokeballs from garys belt. HEY! THATS MINE OLD MAN!

Shhhhh! Quiet! He pushed Gary back a step before leaping forward against that Rattata. Ha Have at the!

The rat pokemon startled and turned to bare its fangs at the old man. Gary grimaced, his hand shot to his pokeball to withdraw Squirtle to save the old man only for the old man to shift into the perfect pitcher pose.

Take this you pokemon! He then leaned back before letting rip the mother of all pitches. Rattatas eyes bulged as the pokeball howled through the air before slamming straight between the little rats eyes. The pokeball lined up on the rat and a red light shot forth to connect with the downed pokemon. The light swallowed the pokemon and drew it in. The pokeball wobbled once, twice, three times, four times, Oh! Got some fight this one! claimed the old man before the pokeball settled and clicked, signifying that capture had gone through.

The old man then casually walked forward and grabbed the pokeball before raising it up towards Gary. And thats how you catch a pokemon young man!

Gary grimaced. Yeah alright that was kinda cool. Howd you get so good at throwing a pokeball? Usually, you have to battle em first I thought?

The old man tossed the pokeball towards Gary. His hand drifted up to rub at this chin. Ho? A curious mind eh? You want my secrets? He leaned closer.

Gary leaned in only to get the smell of old man and bad breath. I forgot!

He then looked a little sad before shaking his head. But I do remember that you dont always have to fight the pokemon. There are other methods than just catching them through fighting. You can form a bond much sooner, or even offer the pokemon a deal. They might have something they want, you know?

Gary considered that before nodding. He looked down at the ball that now housed his Rattata? Well thanks, old man but maybe you should keep this one seeing as you caught it?

The old man shook his head and then began walking back to Viridian. No, thats a young pokemon. I think a young trainer would be best for it. Treat it well; its a strong one, I can tell. With that said, the old man continued to walk away.

Gary looked to the girls feeling oddly like theyd set him up by letting the man through, but he couldnt put his finger on why that was exactly. Who was that guy?

Local old man, said Sarah.

She shrugged at his look, Hes harmless. I grew up in Viridian before moving in with the other girls in Pallet. He mostly wanders around and tries to help out with various tasks. Has a really bad memory though, so he forgets that he was a famous pitcher for the Vermillion Electabuzz when baseball first took off. Hes got a strong arm on him, neh?

Gary considered how the old man had kept him there despite his protests before nodding. Geezer was strong, yeah.

He checked the pokeball over before putting it on his belt. He hadnt caught it but it was his. It was like the old man said, you dont have to battle all pokemon yourself, just like you dont have to catch them all yourself either.

He still headed east for the day though. Just cause he had new ideas floating around didnt mean his old plan was bad.

Time to catch me some more pokemon! Lets go Squirtle! He flicked the pokeball out, a lesson hed learnt thanks to his Gramps. Always keep a pokemon out and ready when in the wild.

When they reached the path to the east he dove straight into the bushes and began to search around. The first pokemon was a pidgey. Squirtle use Tackle!

And so the fight, and Gary's rise to the top, began.

By the time he returned to Viridian for the day, he did so with a male Nidoran, a Spearow, and the Rattata the old man got for him. All in all, it was not a bad start to his day. His Squirtle had gotten to fight a number of pokemon and even when two mankey had tried to pincer him, hed fought them off.

Sadly, Gary had Well actually those Mankey were just quick and dodged his throw, that was all! Hed also taken the time to delay the fight by snapping a few pictures of them with his pokedex, like his Gramps wanted.

Still, it stung a bit, missing out on the chance to catch one of the Mankey.

Fiona and the girls had bounced along after him the entire time. A few trainers had approached them while they rested on the road as Gary fought with squirtle. Hed seen them accept a few battles and had been surprised to see them field a Tangela, a Tauros, and a freaking Quilava during the fights! His girlfriends were strong!

He thought about that. If they were strong and thought he was good Then he really must be great! He grinned to himself and nodded at that. When they got to the pokecenter they had a normal meal.

Is this what pokecenter meals are always like? Gary said looking at the rather bland thin meat with boiled veggies that steamed.

Yah! Hot food! Great isnt it? said Sarah. Gary gave her a look that caused her to giggle. Oh! Give it a few days of camping and youll understand! Also, its practically free and you dont have to cook it yourself.

Sure, but I mean wheres the flavour? This is so bland and tasteless. He cut into the steak and looked at it sadly.

The nearby Chansey narrowed its eyes at him.

He gave it a look. What? It is? The Chansey sniffed and swept its head up before turning and stalking away.

Sarah pointed to the pokemon waddling away. Chansey are the cooks at some of the pokecenters. Nurses get busy and sometimes the pokemon take over duties like that. Its not just the people you might offend when saying things like that.

But it sucks!? he said around a mouthful of the food. It was practically a single step up from gruel! What will they feed us in the morning? he asked, a thought rising up.

Porridge with berries, or eggs, always lots of unfertilised eggs around to use, said Sarah with a shrug. Gary relaxed, his fear of gruel not appearing. Fiona rubbed his head.

Oh Gary, youre just used to the finer things in life thats all, arent you? Gary grumbled out of her noogie to huff at her. She merely smiled at him. Awww, dont worry we can eat at restaurants, but youll need to win some matches for that.

Gary brightened. That was right, he got an allowance and Gramps was subsidising that a bit more and he had a bit more stashed away he could eat at nice places instead of just eating bland meals.

Tomorrow I will trounce six other trainers and take us all to the Mr Mimes house for their finest cheeseburger!

Sarah choked on her glass of water. Heather bit her lip and thumped Sarah on the back. When Sarah was able to breathe she gave Gary a watery smile. Oh bless your little heart, that was just So precious.

Gary shot her a thumbs up. Youre my girlfriends, right? That means I take you out for dinner! Only the best for my girls!

The girls couldnt look at him and instead looked down and shook slightly as they shot each other glances. Gary rubbed his nose. He must have the Oak charm as his Gramps called it! They were speechless!

Hey, I want to head out early tomorrow! Lets check out the rooms. Heather? Where are our rooms? Gary said.

Heather rose and led the group to two rooms across from each other. Gary took one key and inserted it into the door to check inside. Huh? They gave me a giant bed?

Heather stiffened. Ah, you should probably take the other one.

Gary looked at her before taking the other key. This room had a smaller bed but also a computer that hed be able to do some research on and maybe call his family if he wanted. It also had a small pond for water pokemon with a heat lamp. Perfect for his Squirtle. Alright Ill take this one, but we better change your room. They only gave you girls one bed.

The girls shared a look before biting their lips in unison. Fiona stepped forward once more. Oh, its no problem, were used to sharing. You get used to sharing like that when youre camping.

Oh well alright then! Night girls! Gary waved them off before heading into his room. He took his shoes off and jumped on the bed a bit. A noise made him stop. Were the girls laughing?

Must be having a pillow fight. He shrugged and released his pokemon to start getting to know them better.

The next day did not start well. Squirtle dodge!

Garys pokemon threw itself to the side only for the Oddish to turn on a pokedollar and launch its spore-ridden body straight into the pokemon while it was down. Squirtle locked up as paralysis took over. Squirtle fight through!

His Squirtle rose up with a tough warcry.

Heh! Young man you should learn to call a match when your pokemon are backed into a corner! Oddish finish it with Mega Drain! The small Oddish swished the leaves atop its head and green energy bubbled out into Squirtle. This caused the turtle to collapse.

Squirtle! yelled Gary as it dawned on him. He was going to lose. He stared at his downed pokemon for a long moment before raising up his pokeball to return his pokemon.

The older man raised his hands. Ha! Another victory for Crusher Carl! Pay up brat!

Gray blinked. Oh, right. Here. He handed over the agreed-upon sum and found himself oddly light from the exchange. He looked down at the pokeball in his hands. Crusher Carl walked off loudly, leaving Gary to consider his defeat.

Fiona approached and patted him on the shoulder. Hey, dont be too sad. Everyone loses occasionally, she said carefully. Shed lowered herself down to his level and Gary looked at her.

But Im not supposed to lose? Fiona gave him a small smile.

Everyone loses, she said seriously. She gestured out to other areas where pokemon trainers were fighting even now, ignoring him in his defeat. Even the best lose occasionally Gary. Its pretty much a universal truth. You remember that Brock beat the Champ in an exhibition match right?

Yeah, it was awesome.

And has anyone beaten the Champion recently in any of the matches hes had?

No, he crushed them. Even Agatha Gary said as he started to get what Fiona was saying.

Fiona nodded. Yeah, sometimes its a bad match up, sometimes its the other trainer being better or youre having an off day. But losing isnt the end. Its just part of the process.

She tapped him on the chest. Remember the mistakes and dont make them again alright? Also, that guy? Hes named Crusher for a reason. Hes a washed up punk that hangs out to fight new trainers as they make their way through. He wouldnt ever venture out into the wilds to get stronger pokemon. He just beats on people while they're weak.

Hes a bully?! Gary said, glancing over to see the older man looming over a small girl with a Sentret in her arms. He is!

Fiona nodded. Yup! He is, there are plenty of people like him. Just like there are plenty of nice men and women more than willing to have a match to help you work your team while you travel. There are plenty of good eggs to make up for the rotten ones.

Gary nodded before considering Carl. Im going to challenge him again! He stalked up, just as it seemed the girl was about to agree to the match just to get the older man to leave her alone. Hey! Carl, I want a rematch!

The older man turned, leer fixed in place. Hoh brat wants a rematch? Sure. Lets go!

Gary lost twice more before discovering that his Rattata could use Quick Attack to great effect. Carl handed the money over with a grunt. Got lucky punk!

Gary met his gaze. This time I did, but give me a couple days? You wont even be a challenge!

Carl grunted at that and stalked off. The girl that had almost been bullied into the fight bounced up only to shriek as Fiona and the girls all jumped into a line with pom poms flourishing.

Gary! Gary! Hes our man. If he cant do it, no one can!

Gary shot them a smirk before giving a thumbs up to the girl as she gaped at him in apparent awe. Then he sauntered off like a hero.

Nurse Joy sadly wasnt as impressed with his heroic antics, instead reprimanding him and telling him to be more mindful of his pokemon. Remember young man if your entire team falls unconscious or worse you can get energy feedback!

Oh yeah He remembered that. Nurse Joy stared at him

Do you remember that young man? Your Rattata was very close to being knocked out. Remember your energy is shared with your team to make the pokeballs work. But that can short out. If youre going to take things so far Id suggest getting a full team before testing your limits like that!

Gary nodded, chagrined at the grilling. Now you will sit over there and not go anywhere while I check over your pokemon! Urgh young trainers! she said while storming off with a tray with four pokeballs on it.

Gary sighed and sat down at the table. Only to have a cafeteria tray with cold meat and cold veggies put in front of him. He looked up to see a Chansey glowering at him. Im not eating that!

Chansey pointed towards a sign which read Pokemon knocked out? You might also need a pick-me-up! Get a meal in you before you leave!.

Gary looked back at Chansey. Im not tha

Chansey shovelled a spoon of mushy carrots into his mouth. His girlfriends watched on, tittering to themselves. Heather pulled a small flag with his face on it and waved it.

Then with a flat monotone, the driver said, Yaaaaah, Gary! This caused a giggle to go through his girlfriends before they nudged Heather to be quiet.

Gary huffed at them. I can feed myself! He snatched up the spoon and made a show of doing just that. Chansey watched him before sniffing and marching off. Damn Chansey! he said under his breath. He still ate the meal. The puffball of a pokemon wasnt wrong after all.

When he had his team back with the Nurses approval to head out he decided he left the pokecenter proper.

Alright ladies! I started my legend today with my first victory over that punk Charleston

Carl supplied Heather.

Whatever! Hes a footnote! Now! I hear you asking where are we going? Well progress to the Viridian Forest and camp on the outskirts. Then Heather will take the car to Pewter, and we will progress through the forest! Gary pointed forward like he was a famous explorer of old.

The group all cheered at his leadership. Gary glanced at Fiona and she gave him a subtle nod. He relaxed at that before walking out to the car. He licked his lips and hopped into the front seat as the girls took their seats.

His gramps hadnt wanted him to see the pictures of what had happened to his parents but hed snuck into the lab and broken into the filing cabinet. The car had been unrecognisable.

Fiona leaned forward and put a hand on his shoulder, giving him a squeeze that he suddenly found himself appreciating. This time some of them sat in each other's laps. Heather drove out a bit quicker. He clenched his jaw as the world sped by. A loud giggle made him glance away from the road to see the girls fooling around in the back.

The car rocked slightly before thumping and Gary stiffened, ready to throw himself out of the car after his girlfriends. What was that!? Did we hit something?!

Heather checked the mirrors. Nope, just a puddle. Oops splashed a trainer back there. Want me to go back and apologise?

Gary spared the mud monster-looking trainer a look. Nah! He then pinched his nose. Urgh! I can smell them from here! What was in that puddle?

The girls looked at each other. You dont want to know. They all leaned into another girl's neck as though that would escape the smell. Maybe it would. Gary would take girl perfume over that smell any day!

Why, what was it? he said while holding his nose. Urgh! Were they downwind of it still?

The girls shared a look before shrugging. Sometimes Giovanni lets his pokemon roam around town. He can't always get people out to clean up after them quickly though so they leave little presents that sometimes people step in or in this case, get splashed with.

Gary felt a little bad at that, but the trainer had already run into the pokecenter. Theyd get cleaned off surely? Eh, not his problem anymore, even if that was gross. He glanced towards the Viridian gym. Maybe if he mentioned he was Nah that wouldnt be cool. Hed earn his badge, not rely on his gramps.

He looked forward and nodded. He was starting to get used to driving places.

Good, that meant hed conquered his fear. Hed probably get Heather to drive them around later but when he reached Pewter hed do some serious planning on what type of pokemon hed get. He wanted the strongest and the smartest. And that meant he needed a plan.

Today hed beat some more trainers and camp in the forest. Then hed get to Pewter tomorrow and be ready for the Gym Leader. What could go wrong?

For him? Nothing!

For that poor schmuck that had Gary turned his head, Hey was that Ashy boy we just splashed with Rhydon dung? The girls gave him confused looks.

Right, they didnt know Ashy boy. Gary waved it off all while grinning to himself.

He was so going to say smell ya later! to Ash when he saw him next!