The sun shone brightly over Pallet Town, bathing the rooftops and distant fields in a warm golden glow. From the harbor, a gentle sea breeze drifted inland, carrying with it the briny scent of salt and the rhythmic sound of waves lapping softly against the docks.
Today wasn't just any day. For the quiet little town, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for its next generation of trainers. But for one boy in particular, it was the day he had been waiting for all his life: Gary Oak.
Now ten years old, Gary stood at the harbor with his arms folded and a calm, confident expression. He had grown into a lean, muscular frame unusual for his age, his spiky brown hair catching the sunlight, his amber eyes sharp and focused. He wore a black-and-gold tank top beneath a white coat, along with sleek black pants that gave him a mature, striking appearance. His white coat fluttered in the wind, showing our protagonist Aura Farming the heck out of his coat.
༼ つ ▀_▀ ༽つ
Two items set him apart even more: a dragonic crown that kept his hair back and a dragonic gauntlet strapped to his arm. Both were artifacts made by the Dragon Clan—gifts given after he had trained under their tutelage. They also functioned practically, the gauntlet doubling as a holder for his Poké Balls. Dressed like this, Gary resembled Ryuga from the Beyblade franchise of his past life, radiating the Aura of a skilled Aura Farmer. The only difference between the Ryuga and Gary was their hair colour.
The past five years had shaped him into far more than the smug grandson of Professor Oak. After the summer camp, Gary had traveled to the Johto region to train under Chuck, the Fighting-type Gym Leader. Though Chuck had expected years of discipline, Gary's talent stunned everyone. In just one year, he had mastered techniques and conditioning that normally took decades, earning him the title of "youngest martial artist." Chuck had even offered Gary the chance to take in a Tyrogue as his starter or inherit his gym someday. But Gary had refused firmly—he was destined for Dragon-types, and nothing else would sway him.
After that, he went to the Dragon Clan, Lance's ancestral family, thanks to favors pulled by Professor Oak. There, Gary immersed himself in everything dragon-related—raising, taming, and battling with Dragon Pokémon. What took Lance ten years, Gary absorbed in only four. The elders were so impressed they had even suggested tying him to the clan by marriage. Gary had refused again, stating calmly that he already had someone he wanted to be with. Oak's quiet support ended the matter, though the clan took solace in knowing Gary's success would one day reflect glory back on them.
That was all in the past. Today marked the beginning of something even greater. Gary smirked faintly as he spotted the ferry approaching the harbor, its horn blaring across the water.
Passengers began disembarking, a stream of tourists, travelers, and a few young trainers. But then Gary saw her.
Serena.
Her chestnut hair bounced with each step as she walked down the ramp, her pink hat tipped neatly atop her head with black-tinted glasses resting on it. She wore a black top paired with a red skirt, and a small shoulder bag rested at her side. She looked radiant—excited, but a little nervous.
(ﾉ･_-)☆
"Serena!" Gary called, lifting a hand to wave.
Her eyes widened, lighting up the instant they landed on him. A blush spread across her cheeks as she broke into a jog.
✧♡(◕‿◕✿)
"Gary!" she said, breathless but smiling.
They stopped just in front of each other. Serena's fingers fidgeted with her hair as she tried to compose herself, though her heart raced faster the longer she looked at him. Gary had grown into himself so much since their last meeting—taller, stronger, more handsome. He looked… cool.
(◍＞◡＜◍)⋈.✧♡ "You came to pick me up…" Serena said softly, unable to hide the warmth in her voice.
"Of course I did," Gary replied with a confident grin. "We made a promise, remember? That we'd start this journey together."
(๑′ᴗ‵๑)
Her heart skipped a beat. She nodded quickly, her blush deepening. "It's… really good to see you again."
"Same here," Gary said simply, though his amber eyes softened. "So, you ready to get our Pokémon?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Together, they started toward Professor Oak's lab. Serena's gaze flickered toward Gary every few moments, her cheeks pink each time. And each time Gary caught her looking, she quickly glanced away, gripping the strap of her bag like it was her lifeline.
(´⌣`)(∩˃o˂∩)♡
Gary, of course, had long since noticed her feelings. Serena wasn't exactly subtle—her letters and phone calls over the years had carried her emotions plainly. And while Gary did like her, he felt they were still too young. He could wait. For now, it was enough to walk beside her.
When they reached the lab, Professor Oak was already waiting with his usual warm smile.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
"Well, well! Look who finally arrived!" he greeted.
"Morning, Gramps," Gary said casually.
"Good morning, Professor Oak!" Serena said politely, bowing her head.
"Good morning to you too, my dear! I trust your journey here was safe? Come in, come in. I've prepared something quite special this year—you'll see."
Inside, the familiar hum of machinery filled the air. Oak guided them to a central table where three Poké Balls lay waiting. Above them, a large screen projected three holographic images: Dratini, Eevee, and Pikachu.
Gary blinked in surprise. "Dratini, Eevee, and Pikachu? What happened to the usual Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur?"
Oak chuckled. "I decided to change things up. These three are… unique. They've nearly outgrown their 'starter' stage, and I'd rather see them bond with new trainers than languish here in my care."
Gary's gaze immediately locked onto the Dratini. Rare. Powerful. Majestic. It was everything he wanted and more. His hand curled into a claw-like gesture as he stepped forward.
"I choose Dratini," he said, his grin threatening to break into something wild.
Oak chuckled knowingly. "I suspected you would. I prepared Dratini specifically for you, Gary. Treat him well."
Serena looked at the remaining two options. Pikachu's hologram flickered as sparks danced across its cheeks. It looked fierce—and stubborn. Professor Oak had warned it was aggressive, caught in the wild during one of his expeditions. Then her eyes moved to Eevee. Adorable, fluffy, wide-eyed. Her heart melted instantly.
(✿´⌣`✿)♡
"I'll pick Eevee," she said with a bright smile.
"Excellent choice," Oak said warmly. "Eevee's potential is boundless. I'm sure it will become a treasured partner for you."
As he handed them their Poké Balls, Oak smiled inwardly. He had chosen carefully. Gary's path to becoming a Dragon Master was clear, while Serena's gentle heart matched Eevee perfectly. And if the two grew closer along the way… well, he wouldn't be surprised. Pikachu, meanwhile, was reserved for the one trainer destined to receive it.
The professor then handed each of them a Pokédex and six Poké Balls. "These Pokédexes will record data on any Pokémon you encounter. They also function as maps and communication devices, so use them wisely."
Before he could explain further, the lab door burst open.
ヾ(◎o◎,,;)ﾉ
"Waaaait! I'm not too late, right?!"
Ash Ketchum stumbled inside, gasping for air. He was still in his pajamas, hair sticking up in every direction, with mismatched slippers on his feet.
Gary burst into laughter. "No way! I called it! Remember the summer camp? I said you'd sleep in on your first day. Look at you now!"
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(ò_óˇ)
Ash scowled. "Hey! It's not my fault my alarm clock broke!"
Serena giggled softly behind her hand.
"Good morning, Ash," Oak said, amused. "You're just in time. Only Pikachu remains. But fair warning—it's not exactly the friendliest Pokémon."
Ash's face lit up. "Pikachu? I'll take it!"
As he grabbed the Poké Ball, sparks jumped across its surface. "Uh… it's not supposed to do that, right?"
Oak sighed. "Just be patient with it, Ash. Kindness and respect will go a long way."
Ash nodded eagerly. "Got it! Pikachu and I are gonna be the best team ever!"
With that, all three had their Pokémon. Oak handed Ash his Pokédex and Poké Balls before stepping back with a proud smile.
"Your journeys begin today. Go out there, meet Pokémon, grow stronger, and—most importantly—enjoy yourselves. Though Ash… perhaps you should change clothes first."
Ash flushed red with embarrassment, while Gary smirked and Serena tried not to laugh.
As they stepped outside the lab, the world stretched endlessly before them—filled with battles, adventures, friendships, and unspoken possibilities.
Little did they know, the true journey had only just begun.