Pokemon: I am Gary

After enjoying the water ballet in Cerulean City, Gary left before the three sisters exited the stage. He felt intimidated by their fiery gazes and was certain they were plotting to share his sleeping bag. His next destination was Vermilion City. Before setting off, Gary returned Nidorina and Nidorino to Professor Oak's lab.

These two had recently set their sights on Gary's prized Moon Stone, constantly trying to sneakily dig it out to eat. However, as a long-term investment Pokémon trainer, Gary didn't plan to let them evolve so early. He wanted them to learn some stronger moves and build enough energy before allowing them to become the powerful Nidoking and Nidoqueen.

At Professor Oak's lab, there was an older Kangaskhan from whom Nidorino and Nidorina could learn a lot. After all, this was Kanto, home to the former champion and one of Professor Oak's main Pokémon.

Ding ding ding… Suddenly, Gary's old flip phone rang. As a typical rich kid, while everyone else was still using public phones, Gary already had a mobile phone. However, it was just a basic flip phone with buttons. He would have to wait a few more years for a smartphone. Although he had sent his ideas and design sketches for a new phone to a manufacturing company in the Unova region, many industrial standards still needed to be met, and some issues with the chips hadn't been resolved. It seemed he would have to wait a bit longer for a Rotom phone. It's worth mentioning that as the designer of the phone, Gary had received a written contract stating he would earn one-thousandth of the profits from all phones produced based on this prototype. Don't underestimate that one-thousandth; remember, it's for every unit sold. In a few years, Gary might not just be a rich kid anymore but a wealthy entrepreneur!

"Hello, this is Gary Oak," he answered his flip phone.

"Oh my gosh, you finally answered! Gary, where are you right now?" A familiar elderly voice came from the other end of the line.

"Professor Monet? I'm on my way to Vermilion City," Gary replied with a puzzled frown. Professor Monet was the president of Celadon University and also a contemporary of Professor Oak, as well as Gary's doctoral advisor. Why was he suddenly calling?

"Here's the thing: in half a month, there's going to be an academic exchange conference about Pokémon evolution. The Sinnoh academic team, led by Dr. Rowan, will come to Rainbow University for discussions," the old man explained.

"Uh-huh, sounds pretty good," Gary shrugged. Dr. Rowan was someone whom even Professor Oak had to call 'senior.' He was quite a serious old man.

"The problem is!" Professor Monet continued, exasperated. "You know that evolution research has always been our university's weak point; that old coot Rowan is definitely looking forward to seeing me make a fool of myself! That b*tch..."

Gary almost laughed out loud. "Professor, did you just say 'b*tch'?"

"Oh dear, I'm rambling," Professor Monet sighed before continuing. "Originally, I planned for Dr. Luren from our evolution research department to represent Celadon University at the conference."

"But then Dr. Namba got wanted by the police! He was taken away for investigation!"

"Damn it! That scoundrel Namba actually joined Team Rocket! I must erase him from our school's history museum!"

Gary shook his head in disbelief; he didn't expect Namba to also be one of Celadon University's "talents." "So what you're saying is...?"

"You published that paper on Eevee's evolutions before; I thought long and hard and realized you're our only hope for saving Celadon University's reputation! So, Gary, please come back and guest lecture for me! Help me get through this exchange conference with some dignity!" Professor Monet pleaded helplessly.

Gary considered his route; if he visited Dr. Bill along the way and then took a ferry from Vermilion City, he should make it in time. He nodded in agreement. "No problem, Professor Monet; I'll arrive at school a week early. But about my appearance fee..."

"Absolutely no problem; we'll pay you the same as what we give doctoral attendees," Professor Monet sighed in relief. That fee was perfectly acceptable for Gary; according to the League's salary cap for scholars at the doctoral level, an appearance fee would be around 500,000 Pokedolar per day.

"I still have some Pokémon with me," Gary reminded him.

"Then that's even better! I'll have graduate students from the breeding department take care of you!" Professor Monet assured eagerly.

"Alright then, it's settled." Satisfied, Gary hung up the phone. The logistics at Celadon University were quite impressive; if they didn't allow his companions to gain a few extra pounds during his stay, those breeding students would be in for some serious trouble! With his goals set, Gary stopped procrastinating. He let Eevee rest on his shoulder and headed toward the seaside. After passing through the dense forest, he could hear the sound of waves. He was getting close to his destination.

Ding ding ding—"Eh? Am I really this busy today?" Gary wondered as his phone rang again.

"Hello~ is this little brother Gary?" A lazy, alluring voice came from the other end of the line.

Gary gulped. "Sister Lorelei, what's up...?"

"Hehe~ It's nothing much. There's a Master Challenge in Vermilion City, and Bruno and I are going to have a six-on-six battle. I wanted to ask if you'd like to come cheer for your sister," Lorelei asked with a light laugh.

Gary's eyes lit up; a battle at the Elite level, especially a full battle, was a major event he couldn't miss. "Of course! I'll be there on time to cheer for you, Sister Lorelei. Just make sure Shiba's muscles don't scare you!" Gary promised, patting his chest.

"Haha~ then I'll count on you to protect me!" Lorelei laughed happily.

"Absolutely! See you there!" Gary replied cheerfully before hanging up. Phew... After ending the call, Lorelei patted her chest. She wasn't quite sure why she invited such a rookie trainer to watch her match; maybe it was because... this kid has a really nice smile? What am I thinking?! Lorelei chuckled as she held her forehead.

Meanwhile, Gary continued his brisk walk toward the seaside. He had just received the rewards for completing the Gym task in Cerulean City. "Skill Disk: Water Pulse; Achievement Points: 50." To be honest, Gary disagreed with those achievement points; given the current strength of the Cerulean Gym, he felt that 50 was too generous... As he looked ahead at the increasingly dense grass, which was almost waist-high and obscuring his path, Gary tilted his head.

It seemed there might be a side quest here? Oh right! To the left, there was a Bulbasaur belonging to Ash. Recalling that stubborn little guy who never evolved until the very end, Gary decisively turned right instead.

"Scyther, go clear a path ahead; we're heading right toward the stars and the sea!" He pulled out a Poké Ball and confidently sent out his grass-cutting master.

Whoosh! Scyther took a deep breath, inhaling white smoke through its nostrils. Hiss! With a powerful exhale, white energy glimmered around it. This was Scyther's recent achievement; it could now maintain full concentration for an extended period. Swish! The scythes danced as they swiftly sliced through the grass ahead. Satisfied with Scyther's performance, Gary nodded and continued forward. Perhaps taking on a part-time job in lawn care or gardening wouldn't be such a bad idea; Scyther showed great talent for it...