ғʀɪᴇɴᴅs ᴛɪʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ

  “Being a Professor’s aide sounds like a lot of hard work … and yeah, I’m 18, so I reckon I’m a good bit older than you.” He blushed a little, grinning, clearly embarrassed. “Although I haven’t been a trainer all that long. So I still haven’t really figured out what I’m going to do. In that way, you’re more of an adult than I am!” He threw his backpack back over his shoulders, smiling cheerfully. He liked having someone to talk to other than his Pokemon. Not that he didn’t love them, they were just … impossibly difficult at times.

  “I’m hoping to take some time and explore this region a lot more, but it’s definitely colder than what I’m used to! I’m still working out what sort of Pokemon I wanna catch … although, so far, my Pokemon have all chosen me rather than the other way around. Rosa quite literally came charging at me screaming.”

Gary listened with interest “Oh yeah, I’ve heard of Bugsy. He seems pretty cool!” he nodded, straightening his over-sized lab coat and getting ready for the painful walk back to Rowan’s house.

“Trust me it is hard work! Professor Rowan’s really nice, but a tough boss!” he assured. “And 18 isn’t that young to start your journey, it’s never too late to start!” Gary said with a smile.

 “I haven’t been to any libraries in this region,” he commented cheerfully. “I’ve been hoping to read up on Budew … Me and the rest of my team are from Johto, I’ve never caught a Sinnoh Pokemon before!” He made a beeline for whatever books he could find on local Pokemon as soon as they got in the library - which ended up in him having to return his little Budew anyways as he ended up with several other books. He was hoping to catch a ghost type here, and it would be a waste not to read up on the local legends, and of course he should get a book about contests - before he knew it he had four books more than he intended, and figured he should stop while he was ahead before he couldn’t carry them all.

  He waited for Gary once he was done checking them out, finding himself eagerly flipping through the book on ghost Pokemon, leaning on the doorframe. It would be rude to call out his Pokemon, but he’d definitely want to get their thoughts on this … It took him a moment to notice Gary was done too, and he snapped the book shut. “Find everything you need?”

Gary nodded and lugged 6 heavy books to the check out, all at least 1,000 pages a peice. “I can’t believe I have to read all this before Monday, even I don’t read that fast!” Gary whined as the librarian gave a small chuckle, clearly well aquainted with Gary at this point- implying dashes to the library to check out required reading is a common activity of Gary’s.

“By the way, did you just call me Mr. Oak?” He tried hard not to laugh, but he ultimately failed and burst out in nasal laughter with a small snort. “I guess there’s a first time for everything. Dude, I’m only 13 years old! You can just call me Gary, everyone else does. I won’t get offended, promise. I’m, what? At least 6 years younger than you?” Another snort.

  “I mean, I don’t want to impose, but … well.” Gary seemed a bit overconfident, but for all Willow knew he was justified in that confidence. This was a good opportunity! “I’m no professor’s aide or anything, but, I’d be happy to help if you need it. It’s the least I can do after body slamming you back there. Oh, right! Sorry. I’m Willow.” He offered him a hand again, this time for a handshake.

“Okay, sure! I could always use some help!” Gary smiled. He’s grown a lot in the past year, and he’s much more open with people now. “We can walk this way if you’d like! I’ve got a lot of tasks to do, but I’m warning ya it’s all pretty boring! Before the day is over, I have to go out to the library and gather some books for Professor Rowan, and then I’m gonna have to spend the next week trying to read all of them. I mean I’m a fast reader, but I think Professor Rowan forgets I’m only 12.  I also have to spend the remainder of the day studying habitats outside.”  

“I’m going to start with the library, and just return the books to my dorm, then I can get to the habitat studying too. Feel free to come along.” 

  Willow yelped a bit , struggling to keep a hold of the already-wiggly Budew in his grip . It was no use - she escaped with a triumphant ‘Dew!’ and bounced a foot or two away from her trainer , beaming up at him . He shook his head disappointedly at her , but turned to apologize to the other man first .

  “ I am so sorry - are you alright ? I should have been paying more attention ! “ He flushed a bit , offering Gary a hand to support him . Rosa had returned to stand by his feet , and mimicked her trainer’s words in her own Pokemon-baby-babble , smiling blithely at Gary . “ Uh , well , “ Willow paused before carrying on , “ I’m so sorry , again , I don’t mean to be a bother or anything - Do you know where we are right now ? We’re a bit - well , lost . “ The purple haired trainer looked painfully nervous as he picked his baby Pokemon back up .

Gary tensed up seeing the man panic. “Woah, woah. Chill-” Chill? What kind of Professor uses terms like Chill. No-no. That’s something stupid people would say. He’s much more intelligent than that.  “I- I mean, it’s fine. I bumped into you! I was too eager to get to work on my field work.” What a nerd.

“Well, you’re in Sandgem Town right now.”  Gary said.  “We’re right outside Professor Rowan’s lab if you’re lookin to talk to him! I happen to work for him as an apprentice! I’m studying to be a Professor to; if all goes well I’ll be on the youngest professors in the buisness!” he boasted proudly, putting a hand to his chest to gloat. “I’m Gary! Gary Oak!” 

Professor Rowan was a decent man, but a difficult person to apprentice.

Gary was constantly running back and forth with loose papers, books, this and that. He was often wiped. He didn’t spend much time enjoying his youth anymore.

The youngest Oak was always hurrying along and rushing around Rowan’s lab. His favorite pair of loafers became worn. There no days off, and no real breaks until he’s allowed to retire for the evening.