Author's Note: I wrote my first and only Pokemon fic in late 2003. Nearly nine years later – here I am again (I am just kind of amazed by the situation). I started playing Pokemon Red a few weeks ago and I just found myself writing this story. It was intended as a one shot initially, but it was pushing 18,000 words and I still wanted to write a part II . I think I'm going to make it a three-part series. The next installments should come pretty quickly as I've already written most of the story, I just need to do some editing. Enjoy!I apologize in advance to any hardcore Pokemon fans; my knowledge of the game and show stops after first generation. I've done a little research but I'm sure there are some inconsistencies with the canon universe.

Summary: No one in the Pokemon world can back down from a challenge, least of all Gary Oak. With his pride on the line, he raises the stakes in a bet he's sure he can win. But he doesn't know Ash Ketchum's got an ace up his sleeve this time.

Game
Part I

Gary Oak was bored. A martini glass was lazily perched in one hand as the other was strategically placed in the pocket of his designer jeans, making him, Gary Oak, the picture of man who just didn't give a damn. He daresay it suited him; there were still dozens of women pointing in his direction and whispering behind cupped hands.

Is that really him?

Oh he's even more handsome in person!

I heard he's hung like a Gyarados!

Gary had heard it all before. He'd been hearing it for years. Hell, when he was just ten years old not only did Gary have his own convertible, but also six goregous women at his beck and call! They used to drive a pint-sized Gary around chanting his name over and over again, giggling foolishly every time he won a battle. Back then, it was all he could do to get his over inflated head through doors. Back then, he relished the thought of throwing his success in the face of his somewhat incompetent rival Ash Ketchum. Back then, things seemed pretty sweet. And yet, somewhere along the road it just became terribly mundane. The car, the victories, the girls – everything was just so pedestrian.

Gary mused on the subject often. Perhaps it was all too easy now. All he had to do was walk into a crowded night club on a Friday night and he had a throng of women offering up their panties to him. He couldn't order a drink without a twenty-something latching herself onto him, inviting herself back to his place, practically salivating at the thought of him in bed. Admittedly, at first, he was so excited by the idea he wouldn't hesitate to escort these bimbos back to his personal suite. Sometimes he'd go back for seconds, so to speak. He couldn't even count the number of time he'd been offered to participate in a three-way.

But it had gotten old fast. The media had caught wind of his exploits and amped it up tenfold. It got so bad that it was strange if he didn't bring a woman home – paparazzi would print the next day; "Is Gary Oak now Gary Choke?" and nonsense such as that. It was even at the point where women didn't even know why he was famous anymore; they merely had seen him with his shirt off in last month's issue of PokeHunks. He didn't even bother mentioning his research anymore; none of these women even knew he had Pokemon let alone a doctorate.

He hated to admit it, but he so desperately wanted to actually pursue a woman for once. He wanted the opportunity to spot her from across the room, scope her out, study her every movement. When she was unaware - Bam! He would strike That's what the game was all about. He missed that. These days he didn't even have to try! Where was the chase? Where was the excitement?

It was times like these that Gary would recall the thrill of the hunt from his days as a Pokemon trainer.

Was that – was that rustling? He strains his ears to hear it over the afternoon breeze. Yes, there was definitely a sound. He cranes his neck to find the source of the noise. Deftly he moves through the grass, careful not to make a single peep. His hawk-like eyes peer over a rock until – there in the grass! A new Pokemon!

The Pokemon's ears perk up. A vacant stare falls over its eyes as it lifts its head to identify the noise. He is frozen in place, his breath caught in his throat. The creature continues to stare forward. His limbs begin to protest but he refuses to make the slightest movement. Is it seconds? Minutes? Hours? He is only vaguely aware that his lungs are about to burst. Finally after what he perceives to be eons, the animal's ears relax. He silently exhales. It hasn't seen him.

The wild beast is blissfully unaware of his presence; it dines on a feast of shrubs and leaves. A wicked smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. Today's the day he gets a new pokemon.

He pulls out his pokedex to identify this new creature. Once assessing its strengths and weaknesses he reaches down to his belt and makes his choice. In his hand he holds the perfect opponent. He examines his reflection in the cherry red pokeball; damn, he looks good! Without a word, he presses his lips to the cool surface before he lets it fly into the air. The wild pokemon does not even have a chance to hear his battle cry before being beaten into submission. It isn't even a close fight. His pokemon bursts forth and let's its opponent have it. A second pokeball emerges from nowhere and the beast is trapped inside.

There's a moment when he is unsure if it will stay put. The ball teeters and totters back and forth. Anxiously he watches as the ball continues to wobble. Will it come out? Will it run away?

No. He's won.

Gary reminisced fondly about his days as a Pokemon trainer. That's not to say he regretted research; it was singularly one of the best decisions he'd ever made. But he could not deny the nostalgia he felt. There was something about the competitive nature of capturing and battling Pokemon that had always appealed to him. It was the sense of triumph in his victory. He'd always felt that way about women, though he couldn't say that he was battling or capturing any women these days. He was merely evading capture from them. It was tiresome and worst of all, boring.

All of it - completely and totally boring. As was this alleged party. He stood amidst a sea of oblivious party-goers, happily chatting and nibbling on hors d'oeuvres that Mr. Mime was busing around. Gary Oak was at the house of his long time rival, sometimes friend, Ash Ketchum. Admittedly, he was impressed that Ash had finally received the title of Pokemon Master. Ash been telling everyone he was going to be one someday, so Gary was relieved by the fact he wasn't going to have to hear about it anymore.

Even though he and Ash had reached an understanding, it was unlike Gary to give up on the rivalry completely. He still mercilessly teased Ash whenever he could. It was simply too fun a game to give up; Ash was still quick to anger especially when challenged by his old rival. Gary would have thought years of disciplined training would have taught him something about patience and keeping a cool head around people. But then again, perhaps that was it. He spent all his time with Pokemon and virtually none of it with actual people these days.

Today, all of Pallet Town was gathered in the Ketchum's yard to celebrate Ash's achievements. Gary was considerably surprised at the number of people who showed up. He hadn't realized just how many people Ash had met while traveling; half of Kanto must have been there! Among the faces he recognized were that of the famous Gym Leaders. Countless of people had showed up to honor him. Gary frowned; perhaps even if Ash was a bit impatient and tactless at times, the people who knew him seemed to be very fond of him.

Gary wasn't going to come initially. He was busy working at the lab and was so dreading making small talk with random strangers. His grandfather, of course, convinced him. Sam Oak had always been very affectionate towards Ash. Gary presumed he thought of Ash as an underdog who needed encouragement to blossom. It didn't bother Gary much when they were young – he had his own cheerleading squad for Mew's sake! However, he did begin to feel like a second fiddle to Ash later on. It sometimes felt like Sam thought of Ash as his grandson and Gary as just another trainer from Pallet. Perhaps part of it was because Sam seemed to like Ash's mother, Delia so much. The grim reality of Ash being family seemed to loom on the horizon which troubled Gary all the more.

Gary had decided if he was going to attend this party he was going to make some sort of statement. He strolled into the party wearing all designer clothes; being a researcher paid pretty well. A fitted black blazer hung loose around his toned body that was hugged by a silky purple T-shirt. On the bottom pair of black jeans that were perhaps tighter than necessary, topped off with a pair of aviators and a moonstone on cord around his neck. His bed head chic look was just right as he swaggered through the gate into the Ketchums' back yard.

Gary had to admit Ash must have been doing pretty well. The decoration was top notch. In the center of the yard there was fountain that he had never seen before. A stone basin stood at the foot and was filled to the brim with water Pokemon, relaxing and splashing about. In the center of the shallow pool stood a grand statue of a Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle, perhaps in homage to some of Ash's first and favorite Pokemon. The stone Bulbasaur sat closest to the base, while its Charmander counterpart stood on the bulb protruding from its back. Finally the playful Squirtle was situated on Charmander's shoulders and was spewing water into the air like the real thing.

The fountain was clearly the focal point of the party, but Gary was admittedly awed by the effort Mrs. Ketchum had put in the rest of the yard. Long tables lined the eastern and western fences; each with a spread that would dwarf a Thanksgiving feast. Each table was covered in a crème colored table cloth accented with gold trimming. In the center of each table there stood a majestic ice sculpture. The first was the beautiful Articuno; the sun glinted in its crystalline wings and its swirling tail feathers. The second was that of the equally striking Mew. Mew was known to be a playful creature; the sculptor had crafted the Pokemon to look as though was dancing, limbs stretched, arch backed and a mischievous grin on its face.

An awning stretched out over the part of the yard closest to the house and kept the fairer skinned guests safe from the sun. Golden drapes were hung along the edges and lanterns hung inside. Each lantern was spherical and held a single candle to be lit at night. They hung by a single transparent string. These bobbing globes of light were the hostess's most anticipated surprise of the evening. It was Delia's hope that when they were lit, the guests would be transported to an other worldly place. In the day time the merely emulated bubbles, but at night they'd be the talk of Pallet town.

The other half of the yard to was open to the sun shine. Poliwags were shooting bubbles over the guests and hovering Butterfrees scattered flower petals on the hour. Mrs. Ketchum's beloved Mr. Mime served the guests delicate little appetizers on a silver platter, followed suit by a Poliwhirl and a Machop. It really would have been quite spectacular if Gary had been at all interested in decorations. The truth was though, he couldn't wait to leave.

Gary did his best to be polite; he greeted Mrs. Ketchum with a kiss on the hand making some comment about her garden being more exquisite than Erika's in Celadon City. She, of course, remarked on what a gentleman he was and how glad she was that he and her little Ashy now got along much better. She hastily shooed him away to find her son so they could 'catch up.'

Instead, Gary chose to sample the buffet, thinking that if he had to be here he might as well get something out of it. The array was incredible; platters of golden roasted chicken stuffed with herbs and breading were the first thing that caught young man's fancy. He soon caught a whiff of smoked salmon sitting on a bed of fluffy white rice drizzled in a white tartar sauce. A rack of ribs stood proudly in the center, absolutely smothered in mint jelly. The most appetizing of all though were the cakes. Some over seven layers, these confections towered into the sky and were aptly decorated with chocolate versions of Pikachus and various other Pokemon. Gary didn't quite know where to start!

After selecting his choice of fine meats, cheeses and other assorted delicacies Gary intended on having some alone time. He was sorely disappointed when he found a gaggle of young women stalking him. He knew they would not leave him be until he let them approach so he let out a sigh and prepared for the worst.

The chirping youngsters proclaimed to members of GOALS - Gary Oak Appreciation & Love Society - Pallet Town chapter - and were dying for his autograph. He noted with minor irritation they were also wearing shirts with his face on them and they were all gazing up at him enamored. Gary made a hasty retreat, proclaiming he needed to use the bathroom, but in reality quickly disappeared behind a large elm tree, the trunk of which had mostly shielded him from view. There, he was able to eat in peace.

Gary was not one for chit chat so he merely grabbed a drink from the passing Poliwhirl as he continued to hide under the tree for the rest of the party. He became so bored he was reduced to people watching. His eyes scanned over the yard searching for something interesting to observe. He noticed his Grandfather making conversation with Delia. Gary also noticed the way she was laughing at everything the senior Oak said and he, in turn, was either consciously or unconsciously leaning in towards her. Gary quickly looked away before he felt the urge to vomit. It was one thing for someone as old as his Grandfather to be hitting on someone, but did it have to be Ash Ketchum's mother?

Gary continued to scan the crowd of chittering partygoers when he happened to gaze upon something unexpected and decidedly more interesting. His eyes found the backside of a woman who was bending over to feed a Pokemon. She was wearing a hip hugging turquoise skirt, with just the tiniest flare that landed mid thigh. It was an remarkable skirt; her legs seemed to go on for days. On top, as far as he could tell she was wearing a short sleeved, white, button-down shirt. Although he couldn't see her face he had an inkling she was beautiful; she was swamped by other men. He could see Brock, the Pewter City gym leader standing nearby so he had to deduce she was probably very attractive. Even if Brock could be a bit of a buffoon, Gary happened to know he had excellent taste in women.

The crowd of men did not deter him, of course. In fact, if anything it made him want to approach her more. There was nothing Gary liked more than competition. Pokemon and women were really no different; he watched to catch them all and be damned anyone who got in his way. The woman straightened up and for the first time he got a glimpse of her curvy hourglass figure. Her hair cascaded down her back in tangerine ribbons and he could tell just by looking it was probably softer than an Eevee's fur. He imagined it smelled a lot better too for that matter. The way it caught the light was so dazzling he found himself unable to tear himself away. But he still could not glimpse her face.

Gary knew better than to rush over to her and look. When it came to women he played it cool. He decided he would make his way over and accidentally brush shoulders with her – then play it off as some accident and introduce himself. Once she got wind of the Gary Oak charm it was game over.

Gary inhaled deeply, feeling something other than boredom for the first time that day. Maybe this was going to be the one to give him a run for his money. He couldn't help but feel like it was going to be arduous to swat all those men away, but he daresay he almost looked forward to it. Gary loved being the alpha in a group. He stood up and dusted off his shirt, preparing for his liaison. He licked his lips and began to swagger over. He had just enough time to hear a jaunty tune in his ear before it happened. Some dumb schmuck smashed right into him. Gary, caught unaware, was thrown to the ground.

"Hey what's the big idea?" He said recovering quickly. He sat up to look at his attacker to find it was none other than the man of the hour.

"Gary?" said a still some-what dizzy Ash Ketchum. Gary was already on his feet again causing Ash to gaze up at his former rival.

Ash had, in fact, grown up considerably since Gary has last seen him. Gary suspected his old rival was only an inch or two shorter than himself and considering the intense training he was even showing some signs of muscle tone (but Gary still had him beat there). His raven colored hair was still a mess but he no longer hid it under a hat anymore. He was dressed pretty casually though; a pair of old blue jeans and a navy blue polo. He was also sporting a solid red tie that had obviously been loosened hours ago and was hanging limply around his neck. He was still the mess that Gary had always remembered.

"Isn't this typical," Gary said shaking his head. "Ash Ketchum always with his head in the clouds."

Ash frowned. Yep, it was Gary all right. No one could agitate him so quickly with a single sentence. "What're you doing here, Gary?" he said, the irritation clearly showing in his voice.

"I was invited. Didn't anyone tell you?" Gary reached a hand down and ruffled the other man's hair.

"No I know that," Ash said swatting Gary's hand away. He began to get up; he didn't like that he was literally looking up to Gary while they had a conversation. "I thought you were busy with research though," he clarified once he was standing again.

"I didn't come for you, if that's what you're thinking," he teased. "Gramps insisted I stop by and show my support for a fellow Pallet town trainer."

"I'm so lucky," said the obviously unmoved Ash. "To have a friend like you, Gary."

"You better believe it!" he raised a single finger to signal that Ash best not forget it. "And how does the Stupendous Ash Ketchum treat his friends?" he continued tragically, putting the back of one hand to his forehead. "By mowing them down without so much an apology!"

"Hey, I didn't hear you apologize either," said now pointing his own finger at Gary accusingly.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you it's rude to point?" Gary said snidely, laughing as he stated so.

A nerve in Ash's head throbbed. This was just like Gary to push his buttons. Even after they had sort of become friends he never ceased with the taunts and the jabs. "I'd say it was pretty rude of you to constantly insult me at every chance you get," seethed the Pokemon Master.

"Now Ash, you're just being sensitive. I'm only kidding around," he said good naturedly. "Don't get your panties in a twist." He put his arm around Ash and gave him a squeeze. "Can't a guy be concerned about his friend, huh? What's got you running into your party guests, who, if I may add, wore very expensive clothing just for the occasion?"

"I was distracted, okay?" Ash said crossing his arms and turning away from his antagonist. He decided to ignore the bit about Gary's attire completely for the sake of keeping the conversation civil.

"Yeah I noticed," Gary said knowingly. "Did I hear humming as well?" he couldn't help it; a gleeful grin was playing at the corner of his lips.

"No!" Ash said defensively.

"Yes I did, you little scamp!" He gave Ash a slap on the shoulder to show his approval. "What's got into you that has you distracted and humming?"

"It's nothing!" Ash insisted pulling out of Gary's grasp and attempting to make a hasty departure. But Gary could not be discouraged so easily.

"Oh it's something. And if I didn't know better I'd say that something isn't a something at all. It's a someone!" Ash stopped in tracks and slowly turned his towards the young researcher. He really did not want to have this conversation with Gary Oak. Not now, not ever.

Sensing Ash's hesitation, he gave Ash a playful punch. "Come on Ash, just tell me," he insisted. "Tell your old pal Gary."

Ash contemplated this. Indeed something was on his mind. And he was, in fact, dying to get it off his chest. It had taken him a surprising amount of will power, but he had managed to keep it a secret from everyone except Pikachu (who couldn't speak anyway). He didn't want to risk anyone spilling the beans. But he was ready to burst! Ash thought it might be good to tell someone who couldn't possibly spill the beans. Gary seemed to be that person. Gary wasn't really close to anyone Ash knew personally, not really anyway. He certainly wasn't close enough to any of them to reveal a very personal secret about the guest of honor. This was how he rationalized the situation but truly Ash was merely seeking out an excuse to talk. It was killing him!

"All right, all right fine!" said a defeated Ash. "Not that it's any of your business, but I'm gonna make Misty Waterflower my girlfriend today." Even though it wasn't any of Gary's business, Ash was so pleased and so confident with his life these days he couldn't help but sound a little boastful as he said it.

Gary raised an eyebrow. Misty Waterflower? That name did sound familiar. Could Ash be referring to that scrawny little runt who used to follow him around? Yes, the one with the funny red hair and big mouth.

"Geez, Ash. What took you so long?" If Gary recalled correctly, that little firecracker had been following Ash around since day one. If he was so sweet on her, why had it taken him ten years to finally make a move?

Ash was thrown for a curve. What, indeed, had taken so long? Although he always had feelings for her, he wasn't positive he was ever aware of it until more recently. When he had first met her he was consumed with becoming a Pokemon master; girls were the farthest thing from his mind. All he could dream about was earning badges, catching new Pokemon and making it to the Pokemon League. Pokemon, Pokemon, Pokemon! His feelings for Misty fell to the wayside in midst of his training. It wasn't until she left him and Brock that he began feel as though something was missing from his life. And that something was Misty.

He had tried very hard to keep in touch with her, but his Pokemon journey took him elsewhere and he found it harder and harder to do so. But even though new people continually entered his life but he never managed to forget her.

"For your information, I've been very busy lately," Ash retorted, folding his arms. "In case you didn't notice, this is a party celebrating my becoming a Pokemon master. What have you been doing since I last saw you?" he added sourly. Ash knew Gary was researching something, but for the life of him, Ash could not say what exactly Gary did.

"My thesis regarding the modulation of gene-induced evolution by targeting dendritic cell physiology was recently published, I became the youngest person to ever receive of doctorate of Advanced Pokemon Genetics from Viridian University and was named number one hottest bachelor by Pokehunks magazine."

Ash let out a sound that sounded akin to a growl. It was so like Gary to one up him. Ash becomes a Pokemon Master, Gary solves all the world's problems and looks great doing it. But today was a different day than usual. Today was the day he was going to tell Misty how he felt about her. Nothing could ruin it. "Well Congratulations, Gary. But after today I'm going to have the hottest girl in Kanto as my girlfriend!"

Gary stifled a chuckle that was itching to get out of his throat. He didn't remember Misty terribly well, but was sure he would have remembered what the hottest chick in Kanto looked like. She was definitely not it. He had to admire Ash's gumption though - if he thought she was; well, good for him. He sure was a go-getter.

"How wonderful for you, Ash." For a moment Gary seemed like he might have actually meant it. Ash's featured softened some. "Hope you've got plenty of Ibuprofen, you're going to need it!" he couldn't resist making one more comment. To be fair, Gary really didn't know Misty, but he seemed to recall hearing that she was incredibly hotheaded on top of being loud and opinionated. And he couldn't pass up the chance to burn Ash on something he was obviously so proud about.

"Oh yeah?" Ash countered, Gary's remarks digging under his skin. "Well – " Ash was never known for his eloquence; he had difficulty thinking of his feet when it came to the fine art of rhetoric. "Well – I don't see you with anyone here today!"

Gary could only laugh at this. "Please Ash, haven't you been reading the papers? I'm the most sought after man in Kanto these days," he said with smirk and a carefree gesture that suggested the banality of it all.

"Then why don't you have a date?" Ash persisted, bent on winning the battle of wills.

"If I wanted one I would. You and I both know that I could have any woman at this party if I wanted."

"Really," said a skeptic Ash. "Any woman at the whole party?" An image sprang to mind suddenly. Yes, he definitely could think of at least one girl who could not be spellbound by the likes of Gary Oak. One girl who wouldn't touch him with a thirty nine and a half inch pole.

"Forget this sad excuse for a party, I could have any woman in the world," bragged the young Oak.

A grin found its way to Ash's mouth. "Care to make it interesting?" the Pokemon master asked.

"What did you have in mind?" retaliated the equally interested Pokemon researcher. Gary Oak may have been a lot of things, but he was never one to walk away from a challenge.

"I'll pick a girl here, any girl here, if you can't seduce her before the party ends," Ash hesitated. What did he want from Gary? Groveling? A declaration of inferiority? Servitude for an unspecified length of time? The possibilities were endless. He decided he would leave the parameters of the bet mysterious, that way he didn't have to choose this very moment. "You have to do something for me."

"And if I can seduce her?" Gary challenged back. Another battle waged in his mind – what could he do to Ash that he hadn't already? What would knock his rival back a peg and make him remember who was really the star of Pallet Town? "Let's up the ante, shall we? You have to back off on the pursuit of your own woman whilst I work."

"You mean – "

"That's right, today's not going to be the day Ash Ketchum get's laid!"

"HEY!" Ash cried obstinately. "Who said anything about getting laid?" He said incredulously, upset, but not altogether surprised, that Gary seemed to think that was all he wanted from Misty. "And besides," he added as an afterthought. "I've – I've done it before," he said in a voice barely above a whisper.

Gary did not feel the need to reply to this remark. He was fairly certain Ash was lying, but he did not feel the need to press the issue. After all he had a bet to win.

"So you agree then, you can't talk to her for the entirety of the party?"

Ash bit his lip. He hadn't seen Misty in a long time; this party could be his only opportunity. If he let her get away again she'd be whisked off to the Cerulean Gym and who knows where he would be.

"What if she talks to me?" Ash said hopefully. "Then you ignore her Ashy-boy. It's like she's not even there!" Ash flinched. Misty would not like being ignored. Especially not after the lengthy interval he had been away.

"So let me get this straight," Ash started. "As soon as you declare yourself beaten, whether it be when the party is over or you give up," Gary gave a snort at this. Gary Oak didn't give up. "Then I get to talk Misty." Gary nodded his head.

"This doesn't seem right," Ash reasoned out loud. "If I can't talk to Misty all day, it doesn't matter if I win or lose – I'll still miss my chance with her."

"Okay hot shot, then this should make it worth your while. If, Mew help me, I lose, I will personally talk you up to her and tell her to find you after the party's over. That way you're not breaking the rules."

Ash considered this. A personal recommendation from Gary probably wasn't going to mean much to Misty. However, maybe if he could play his cold shoulder act as something else, perhaps he still had a chance. "What exactly are you going to say?" Ash questioned dubiously.

"What do you want me to say?"

Ash's brow furrowed as he relayed in his mind what he wanted Misty to hear. "You have to tell her that I've been avoiding her all day because I've been planning something extra special for her. A surprise! And tell her I've got something really important I want to say to her that needs to be said in private. And tell her if she wants to hear it, she has to meet me," Ash paused as a flood of nostalgia washed over him. He knew the perfect meeting spot. "She has to meet where we first met. Where she fished me out of the river. At midnight. The party should be over by then."

Ash wasn't sure why he was doing this. When had a little challenge turned into this? A win meant Misty, a loss meant letting her go. And all for a stupid bet with Gary. Ash frowned. He wasn't so sure he wanted to go through with this anymore.

"So you agree. If I win, you can't have any contact with her for the rest of the evening. If I lose I give you Misty on a silver platter?"

Gary noted Ash's hesitation. He must have really liked this girl. Gary couldn't help but think smugly he picked exactly the right terms to throw Ash off his high horse.

"C'mon now Ash," Gary coaxed. "You're not scared, are ya?" he said with mock sincerity.

"No I am not. I just don't know if jeopardizing my future with Misty is worth wasting on the likes of you," he spat.

"Oh come now Ash. Think of how romantic it will be," Gary said putting his arm around rival's shoulders. He put out his arm to gesture into some unforeseen future. "I can see it now. A broken-hearted Misty; her beloved friend hasn't said a single word to her all day. She doesn't even know why she's still here. And suddenly!" Gary turned dramatically towards Ash, making the shorter man jump slightly. "A handsome devil appears. Oh where has she seen this Adonis before? Why, could that be, the famous, handsome, fearless – "

"Would you cut it out?" Ash interrupted wrenching himself away from Gary's grasp.

Gary's narrative was undeterred by Ash's interruption. "Yes, it is! Gary Oak. The very bravest and handsomest of men. He asks the young maiden, 'Why are you crying so? This is a happy occasion!' But the girl continues to weep as chocked sobs whisper the name 'Ash.'"

Ash took this moment to roll his eyes. If Misty was upset with him over his frosty demeanor, she'd probably be more angry than sad.

"The wise young man nods his head knowingly. 'Ah yes, I know all about your young fellow. He hasn't said a word to you all day has he?' The wistful girl looks up. 'H-how could you know that?' she says, her bottom lip trembling only slightly. 'Because my dear, Ash is a deeply troubled young man. You see, he can't seem to find a way to tell you something terribly important. So he asked me, Gary Oak, to request your presence by the river, where he will reveal to you the inner desires of his heart.'"

By now, Gary was in full character. His monologue was filled with many grandiose gestures and dramatic pauses. He was going to milk this to the very last drop. He was really itching for the opportunity to get competitive again. This bet with Ash was the first game he'd had in months.

"She arises swiftly, her eyes on the horizon. 'Yes,' she says. 'I will go to him!' She scampers off into the woods, chest heaving, eyes glowing, loins –"

"Gary…" Ash warned dangerously. Gary made the decision to skip over the part where he graphically details the goings on of this young woman's body.

"And there he is! Our hero standing on the banks of river, reminiscing fondly about days of yore. And then! What's that? There in the water!" Gary pointed an eager finger towards the ground. "Her reflection! She's come for him." Gary used this moment to lovingly wrap his arms around his torso. "'Misty!' he cries as he embraces her, gently sobbing into the white chiffon of her shoulder. 'I love you. I always have. I could not find a way to tell you, for I was insecure and felt terribly inadequate next to Gary – "

"GARY!" Ash fumed, his fingers balled into a fist. Gary took that as a note to wrap up.

"," he smiled proudly and crossed his arms. "Now isn't that a whole lot better than whatever you had in mind?" he pointed had to admit, Gary painted a pretty picture. Although he knew the reality of it would likely be far less melodramatic, it did seem as though he had a situation where Misty couldn't say no. And besides he thought wickedly, there's no way I can lose!

"All right Gary, you got yourself a bet!"

…

Gary could not believe what he had gotten himself into. With a single hand shake he had ensured his undeniable doom. It had scarcely been a few minutes into the bet and already he was near certain he would lose. How had he not seen it coming?

Ash had finally agreed to the terms of the bet and now all that was left was to know which one of the bunch Ash would be picking. Gary was almost certain that Ash was going to take the obvious route and pick one of the uggos. But Gary had no problem with that; he could charm a Primeape if he put his mind to it. He also considered Ash might pick out someone very old – again a cakewalk. Older women loved Gary. He thought Ash might even go for someone married or attached; a wise thought but it seemed when it came to Gary most women were not so concerned with fidelity. And yet Ash had managed to avoid every single one these types. Instead, Gary found himself pleasantly surprised when Ash's finger was pointing to the curvy girl with the apricot waves Gary had been admiring from afar.

At first Gary was elated. The first thought that sprung to mind was that he'd be killing two pidgeys with one stone. He couldn't wait for the opportunity to approach her.

"Well," Ash said impatiently. "What are you waiting for?"

"Relax Ashy-boy, these situations require a degree of finesse, something I'm sure you know nothing about." Gary ran a hair through his hair and casually strode towards his target. She was engaged in deep conversation with Brock at the moment, so he intended on casually bumping her shoulder and then apologizing profusely. She didn't stand a chance after that.

This tactic had never failed him before. Except today. The moment Gary's shoulder collided with hers there was an instant recoil and an accusatory voice saying, "Hey! Why don't you watch where you're going?"

She whirled around to face him; indeed she was lovely. He was immediately drawn to her blue green eyes; the color of the ocean. He could almost see Starmies dancing in those pools of cerulean. And that skin! It was fair like that of a porcelain doll and equally flawless. The way those waves of amber framed her features; it was all Gary could do to control himself. Damn Ketchum, he found himself thinking. Excellent choice.

As soon as their eyes met a frown fell across her features. "Gary Oak," she said flatly. "I should have known."

Gary furrowed his brow. Did they know each other? Admittedly something about her oddly seemed familiar but, he couldn't recall ever meeting her. She must have seen me in the papers, he reasoned in his own head. Of course! Who hasn't heard of Gary Oak?

And now it was time for his performance. "I'm terribly sorry Miss. Please excuse my clumsiness, it's just that I was so distracted by your exquisite beauty I couldn't see where I was going."

He expected a blush. A shy smile. A stutter. Nervous laughter. Anything. Instead, she narrowed her eyes and raised a single tawny eyebrow. "You're joking, right?" she said, crossing her arms.

Ah, the skeptical type. He'd just have to be a little more aggressive. "Please don't think me forward but, if I may say so you have the grace and splendor of an Articuno. I'm sure you have a name equally as lovely to match."

The woman laughed derisively; not exactly the reaction he'd been expecting. "Do you really not know who I am?"

Damn it! Gary's mind raced. Who is she? Is she a conquest I'd casually forgotten? No, Gary dismissed that thought. There was no way in hell he'd forget a woman this stunning. Where the hell do I know this woman from?

Suddenly the Pewter City Gym leader injected himself into the conversation, seemingly amused by what he was hearing. "Gary, you remember Misty, don't you? She used to travel around with Ash and I all the time in the old days. She and her sisters run the Cerulean City Gym."

Gary had stopped listening after the first sentence. He wasn't sure, but his heart may have stopped. His only thought: Oh shit.

"Speaking of Ash, where is he?" Misty said with a hint of eagerness in her voice. Her head swiveled as she scanned for him. "I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet and – " suddenly she spotted him. "Oh there he is! Listen, we'll finish up this conversation later, Brock," she said. She was just about to head off when she added blandly, "See ya around, Gary." And she was across the yard before he could speak another word.

His mouth fell open. He couldn't believe what had just happened. Ash, by the looks of it, had scored a major babe who – given Gary's past behavior had earned him a first-class brush off. Damn it, this is going to be harder than I thought, he rued. Beside him, a jovial Brock was chuckling to himself.

"What are you so happy about?" sneered a disgruntled Gary.

"She sure is something isn't she?" he said comically. "It's hard to believe that she's the same little girl who used to pick fights with Ash. But I'll bet nothing has changed," he added as he watched her cross the yard to her destination.

There was hope! When Ash refused to speak to her she would be venomous! Gary decided to catch a front row seat to the show. He expertly maneuvered himself through the crowd and situated himself on a nearby chair. He deftly grabbed a drink off the tray of a speedy little Mr. Mime and took a swig. Ahh this is going to be good, he relished as he watched the scene unfold.

Ash thought it best to avoid Misty by engaging in conversation with anyone else. He was currently speaking to Tracey Sketchit and was pretending nothing in the world could be more fascinating than chiaroscuro shading. Misty made no effort to be sneaky; after years of not seeing her best friend she wasn't about to be coy.

"Ash!" she exclaimed , vigorously waving her hand back and forth to get his attention. Gary could tell it was taking Ash's every ounce of willpower not to acknowledge her shouts. Instead, he pretended not to hear her and continued to talk to Tracey.

His companion noticed the inconsistency with Ash's behavior. "Ash?" he interrupted the Pokemon Master's empty words. "I think Misty is calling you," he pointed to her approaching form. Ash snuck a desperate look at Gary; Can I tell him what's going on? he silently begged. Gary shook his head. This is between us, Ketchum.

Ash decided to switch up his tactics. "Uh Tracey!" he said perhaps louder than he normally would have. "I need to - go – help my mom out in the kitchen. We'll - We'll talk more about trompoy later!" he said hurriedly as he dashed off into the house.

"That's Trompe l'oeil," a confused Tracy called after him. Meanwhile, Misty made it to the spot just seconds after her friend disappeared.

"What was that all about?" the outraged water-Pokemon trainer fumed. "Didn't he hear me shout 'Ash' from across the yard?" she put her hands on her hips a made a 'humphing' noise.

"I don't know Misty," replied the soft-spoken Pokemon watcher. "He was acting really funny. He was pretending to actually be interested in my sketches. Maybe he's not well," he suggested, scratching his head.

Misty sighed. "Maybe," the defeated girl began. "I guess I just thought not seeing me for such a long time he'd be a little more excited."

Gary knew to take this as his cue. She was jilted, vulnerable. The perfect prey. He slowly ascended from his seated position and decided to fan the flames a bit more. He made his way over to the pair, meandering slowly so as to not look over anxious. He had no intention of conversing with Misty directly at this point, he merely wanted her to hear what he was saying. He looked for the right bait; ah, there she was! He spotted a woman gossiping very nearby to Misty and Tracey and made a Beedrill line for her.

"Excuse me, Miss," he said offering the unknown woman the drink that he snagged from Mr. Mime. "Would you be interested in taking my drink? I thought it was something else when I grabbed it," he made sure to speak loudly enough that he was sure Misty would hear him, but not so loudly it sounded unnatural.

The effect was immediate. The woman's eyes lit up. "Oh my gosh! You're Gary Oak!" she squealed bringing her hands to her cheeks. If she wanted the drink, she was far too star struck to accept it. "I've read all about you! I'm such a huge fan!" she continued to gush.

"Thanks, it's always nice to someone who appreciates my work," he attempted to sound gracious, but he couldn't help but doubt the fact she was a fan so much as she was merely Rhyhorny. She was very typical of the type of girl that Gary would take home. She was tall and slender, though Gary noticed with much disappointment, pretty much completely flat. Her hair was dark like his Umbreon's fur and traveled all the way down her back. Some of it was pinned up on her head in an ornate hairdo that he suspected had cost a bundle. She wearing an inordinate amount of jewelry too; two bulbous earrings, a long strand of pearls and rings on every finger. Gary had to assume this girl was probably rich. He also suspected she was dumb as a post.

"We have a lot in common," she now said coyly, wrapping a loose lock around her finger. "I read your bio in the April edition of Pokehunks magazine," she clarified upon noticing his quizzical look. "You and I are both Scorpios and love spicy food," she informed him.

Gary didn't even know he was a Scorpio, but he took her word for it. He was sure that the people over at Pokehunks had probably done their research. Not that it really mattered, everything written in that magazine was useless drivel anyway. He didn't know why they even bothered writing articles in the first place. The only reason anyone picked one of them up was to salivate over semi-clothed Pokemon trainers.

"What are the odds?" Gary said in a smooth-as-silk voice, pretending as hard as he could to be interested in what this woman was saying.

"I also read," she said, now averting her eyes. "I heard that you are quite popular with the ladies," she began to laugh shyly. "Is that really true?" she must have been trying to look innocent because she flashed him a pair of Bambi eyes. Gary, in turn, wanted to roll his own. This is how these things always began. 'Oh I heard you're a real player, but that's not true is it?' they'd always say, while running a hand up and down his bicep flirtatiously. That false admonishment! Who were they kidding? They wanted him to be a womanizer. It meant they didn't have to go home alone.

"You can't believe everything you read," he laughed as he said it, but it even sounded fake to him. He realized he was losing his train of thought. He coughed a little and raised his voice just a notch louder. "Though I will say, I never knew Ash Ketchum had such game."

The effect was immediate; out of the corner of his eye he could see Misty's head had turned ever so slightly. She was listening.

His statement also seemed to pique the interest of the woman he was talking to. "Really?" she said craning her neck some. "Where is he, now anyway?" she finished when she was unable to find the guest of honor anywhere.

"I just saw him putting the moves on some gorgeous blonde," Gary said casually as if the whole thing were terribly uninteresting. "Who knew, right?" he said shrugging it off.

His dastardly plan had worked; a furious Misty stalked away from Tracey likely to find out if the salacious rumor was true. Gary quickly excused himself in an effort to follow her. The woman, now completely caught up with Ash, didn't seem to mind his hasty retreat and instead turned to a nearby companion to dish about what a hunksicle Ash Ketchum was. Gary, on the other hand, had more important things to worry about. He needed to stop Misty before she actually did find Ash decidedly not putting the moves on the hypothetical blonde.

He could see her walking around the side of the house so he decided to cut her off by walking through. Once inside he caught a peak of Ash sitting in an arm chair, hiding out. Like a coward, he couldn't help but note. He dashed by Ash and made it to the side door. He sneaked a peak through the window; indeed Misty was tromping through the grass right on schedule. He pulled open the door, purposely did not look either way and allowed her to plow right in him.

It was a jumble of bodies and limbs. Gary was instantly knocked to the floor and a flailing Misty came tumbling after. Gary's drink, which he now realized was never taken by the woman he offered it to, somersaulted into the air upon impact. In matter of seconds Misty was drenched in the foul smelling liquid. The glass just had time to shatter on a stepping stone when the shouting started.

"WHAT THE HELL?" She immediately vaulted herself off of him to identify her assailant. "Oak? What, is this a habit with you?" she snarled angrily.

"You're the one who ran into me," Gary pointed out getting to his feet. He stopped a moment to examine his handiwork – boy was she pissed! Her porcelain cheeks were flushed, red like a Charmeleon. Her seafoam eyes narrowed into slits and her full lips were pulled back revealing her canines. Not only that but he let his eyes travel down a bit. The white button down that she was wearing trimming was clinging to her in a distinctly flattering manner. The drink added a translucent quality to the material that he was sure she would not be pleased about when she noticed. He gulped.

"Well stop getting in my way," she shot back. She looked down to access the damage done to her shirt. She was horrified. If she walked back out there everyone would think she had just come from a wet T-shirt contest. "Goddamn it, Oak! This is just what I needed," she folded her arms over her chest; her blue Psyduck bra was now visible through the fabric.

Gary tried to stifle a chuckle. Her crossing her arms had brought his attention to it. "Psyduck?" he managed to say before the laughter overtook him. He knew he'd pay dearly for laughing at her expense, but he couldn't help it. In a way he found it almost charming. He was so very tired of the red lace panties and the black leather thongs. It was a refreshing change. He just hoped she had a pair of underwear to match. Maybe a pair with Squirtles too.

"Shut up!" she spat. "This is your fault!"

"Look I'm sorry, I really am," he said still trying to hold his laughter back. "But they're awful cute aren't they?" he continued to stoke the flame. She was just so cute when she was mad.

"Asshole!" she shoved him out of the way. Hard. Gary, stumbled backwards from the force and immediately his laughter ceased. "Like I care what you think," she said over her shoulder before taking off again.

"Hey wait up!" Gary knew he couldn't let her get away now. "Where ya goin'?" he said eagerly, pulling alongside her long, graceful strides.

"Get lost," she replied.

"Hey, come on," he reached a hand out and took a hold of her arm, stopping the fuming red head dead in her tracks. He wasn't sure if she felt it, but all of sudden the heat from her skin sent little thunderbolts through his skin. Jeez, he couldn't help but think. She is something else. If Misty felt the thunderbolts too, she certainly did not show it. Instead she opted for the classic stare down.

"Let. Go." She said it simply, with no emphasis, but Gary could tell she wasn't messing around.

"Listen, I am sorry for the drink thing. If you would just calm down and let me make it up to you – "

"Maybe you didn't hear me," Misty interrupted. "I said, LET GO!" she wrenched her arm away. She was surprised how difficult it was though; he had a very strong grip. Once she had freed herself from his grasp again she made a noise that sounded distinctly like a "humph." She turned again to make an exit.

Gary was too quick though. Years of stalking Pokemon had made him more agile than even he realized. He was blocking her path once again.

"Move," she insisted.

"I was just thinking, you're not going to want to walk back into the party like that," he started to say as he began to peel back his black blazer. Underneath he had purple T-shirt that was form fitting, perhaps overly so. "Why don't you put this on instead?" he said holding the jacket out to her.

Misty eyed the black material wearily. The only thought in her head: Why the hell is Gary Oak offering to let me wear his clothes?

"Why are you doing this?" she said it almost accusingly, but Gary could tell her anger was quickly transforming into genuine curiosity.

"Doing what?" he said innocently, his hand still outstretched towards her.

"This." She gestured towards the shirt. "Everything. Acting like we're friends when you've never spoken more than two sentences to me before today? What's your angle?"

"No angle," he lied through his teeth. "Isn't it possible I've matured since then?"

"Unlikely," said a skeptical Misty. Gary couldn't help but somewhat admire her. She was a sharp girl and she was not for one minute taken in by his nice guy routine. This was a challenge indeed. "Judging by way you're described in the paper, it sounds like you're every bit as stuck up as before."

Gary realized this was a jab, but he couldn't help but smile victoriously. "So you've read about me in the paper, have you?"

"Yes," Misty said plainly. "Togepi was housebroken thanks to those articles." Her lips curled into a smirk at the sight of his face falling. It didn't last, of course; Gary's confidence was quick to bounce back.

"C'mon Misty. I know you're dying to know if the rumors are true," feeling bold, he took a step towards her. As kids, they were the same height. Now he towered over her by at least seven or eight inches. This seemed exaggerated when he came closer to her. "I'll tell you if you ask nicely," he was now using his seduction voice. Close contact, smoldering eyes, soft, heated voice. Misty was trapped.

"Okay," she agreed, letting her voice drop as well. "I am curious" she said as she mimicked his mannerisms, her eyelids dropping ever so slightly and her voice taking on a breathy quality. " – Exactly how many STD's do you have?"

It took a moment for Gary to realize what had just happened. He was flabbergasted! No woman had ever resisted the sexy voice before! Misty could tell she had just caught him off guard. "I happen to know for a fact you have Krabbies," she taunted. Gary did in fact have more than one Krabby; Misty knew this from her visit to Professor Oak's lab many a year ago. But of course, he knew what she was driving at.

In one foul swoop she had grabbed the blazer from his flaccid grip and pulled it on over her soaked shirt. "Thanks for this," she said, though it was clearly not sincere. She was obviously still upset about him spilling drink all over her in the first place. She retreated back towards the party without another word.

Gary was left standing like a couldn't help but wonder if for once Ash Ketchum had outsmarted him. No! he thought stubbornly. If Ash Ketchum can score a babe like that, so can I. He just needed a new strategy.

…

To Be Continued...