Chapter 2: Gary Oak vs. Sakura Kagusano

Sakura slept throughout the night thinking about her victory against Team Rocket. They and their Pokémon were no match for her and her Machop. Her dream was interrupted when her mother slapped her.

"Mom, can't you wake me up later?" asked the very sleepy Sakura.

"Sakura, your friend is here to see you," said her mother, "There he is. He told me that you're going with him on your training."

Sakura opened her eyes and found Ash standing in front of her bed. She freaked out immediately and covered her face with the blanket. Pikachu jumped on the bed and tried to calm her down. Sakura's mother said it was okay, but she lashed out on her.

"Mom!!! Why did you let him in at a time like this?!?" she yelled.

"Sakura, didn't you forget that I'm going to teach you how to catch Pokémon this morning?" asked Ash, "Now look at the time! You've overslept."

Sakura picked up the alarm clock on the desk beside her. She cannot believe she had forgotten about the meeting with Ash and set the time for the alarm to go off. Sakura immediately jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. On her way, she woke her Machop, who was sleeping on a futon in her room. She grabbed her clothes from the drawer and then ran into the bathroom to take a shower and brush her teeth. After she was done, she ran back to her room to find her Pokéballs and Pokédex. Her Machop emerged from the bathroom where he was brushing his teeth.

"Sakura, just calm down and take your time," said Ash.

Ash's Pikachu helped Sakura find her things, but Machop walked into the bedroom with an armful of Sakura's Pokéballs. He placed them on the mattress and showed Ash where he had found them by pointing at the study room next door.

"Machop," he said.

"Um.... Sakura, your Pokémon have found them," said Ash, "Didn't you put them in your desk in the study room?"

Sakura fell downwards with embarrassment. Even she did not remember that she put her Pokéballs and Pokédex in her desk. She threw her clothes out of the drawer for nothing. Pikachu wiggled out of the pile of clothes and helped his friend put them back.

After a while, Sakura took out a white headband from her pocket and tied it around Machop's forehead. She also have a spare pair of red gloves and put them on his hands. Since she knew that many fighters owned Machops, she had to ensure that she did not get the wrong one. She took the Pokéball that her Machop once contained, but he refused to return no matter how hard his trainer tried to coax him. He even punched Sakura in the face when she grabbed his tail.

"Sakura, I don't think your Machop don't want to be in his Pokéball anymore," said Ash.

"Why did he do that?" Sakura asked.

"Well, he is afraid that you might get rid of him once he was inside. That happened to me before when I tried to get my Pikachu inside his and I know this feeling."

"Pikachu...." said Ash's Pikachu in agreement.

Sakura looked back at her Pokémon. In his eyes, she can sense the same feeling. She placed the Pokéball back into her backpack and decided to give a condition to Machop.

"Machop," she said, "I won't put you back in your Pokéball. However, if you give me trouble, back you go. You understand?"

Machop nodded and started following Sakura out of her bedroom. Ash and Pikachu followed.

In a field near the city, Ash taught Sakura where to look for wild Pokémon and that she had to use her Pokédex first before she can capture it. A rustling sound was heard. Sakura looked around and found there was nothing. Ash signaled her that he saw something in the grass.

"Alright, Machop, get ready," said Sakura.

Machop ran into the tall grass. A struggle was occurring and a giant rat was flushed out. Sakura took out her Pokédex and it turned out to be a Rattata. Her Machop did a surprise attack from behind, weakening the wild Pokémon a little. Machop gave the Rattata a flurry of Karate Chops and kicks. Then he grabbed its tail and slammed it into a tree.

"Sakura, throw your Pokéball now!" Ash yelled.

Sakura tossed her Pokéball and managed to contain the giant rat into it. The light on the Pokéball flashed for while and then stopped. Machop raised his fist in victory.

"That's not bad," said Ash, "You managed to capture your first Pokémon."

"It was fun too!" said Sakura, "Can we do it again?"

While her training continued, Sakura managed to capture two more Pokémon; a Pigeotto, a bird, which Machop brought it down from the sky, and a Mariru, a water counterpart of Pikachu. As Sakura was about to capture more Pokémon, she suddenly stopped. Her Machop and Ash's Pikachu froze in their tracks and peered through the tall grass. Ash wondered what was going on. From a distance, a girl with blonde hair and a red outfit was arguing with a red-haired boy.

"Hey! That's Karin Kazama, my former rival," said Sakura, "Who is she arguing with?"

Ash opened his mouth in surprise. "I know him," he said.

"You do? Who is he?"

"That's my rival Gary Oak. I managed to beat him and become a Master trainer. Even after all these years, he still want to fight me."

"So, he haven't grown out of it."

Ash nodded as he cannot believe that Gary had not learned his lesson yet. Suddenly, Sakura's Machop ran off to help Karin. Sakura tried to stop him, but was too late. Machop appeared out of the grass and kicked Gary in the groin. Gary winced in pain. Sakura appeared from the grass and apologized to her former rival about what just happened.

"That's okay," said Karin, "but what your Machop did served Gary right."

Pikachu appeared along with Ash. Karin said that there was no problem, but said of a problem with Gary harassing her. Machop stood in a defensive position as Gary stood up.

"So, Ash, you want to take away my girl, huh?" Gary asked.

"I am not your girl!!" said Karin, "You should know that I hated you a lot!"

"Karin, I will get you for this. You'll be sorry!"

Gary turned around and left. Sakura wondered why Gary was harassing Karin and wanted to do anything to help her. Karin told her and Ash to come to her house so she can explain everything. At the Kazama Mansion, Karin told how she met Gary and that he liked her very much that he kept on giving her presents. When he found out that she wanted to be a Pokémon trainer, he gave her a Growlithe, a tiger-like Fire Pokémon.

"So, why did Gary kept harassing you?" Ash asked.

"He wanted me to be under his guidance," Karin replied, "A week later he tried to force me into evolve the Growlithe with this Fire Stone. I don't think she's ready. I haven't trained her yet."

Karin showed the Fire Stone to Ash and Sakura. Sakura looked around and spotted Karin's Growlithe eating nearby. Karin called her Pokémon to come as she closed the chest containing the Fire Stone.

"The problem is when I tried to train the Growlithe," said Karin, "Gary was following me everywhere and spying on me. Even my Pokémon was worried sick too."

"Don't worry, Karin," said Sakura, "We'll know a way to stop this once and for all. It seemed he was stalking you."

"I wanted to be a Pokémon trainer, but I can't do that until Gary stops following me around."

Karin's Growlithe growled when she saw a figure hiding in the garden. Karin looked outside and saw a flash of red hair running away. It was Gary. Once again, he was stalking her.

"That nerve of that Oak kid!" said Karin, "Can you guys help me stop him?"

"Did you try a restraining order?" asked Ash.

"Tried it, but a piece of paper won't do me any good."

"How about some bodyguards?" Sakura asked.

"Tried it, but Gary can easily slip through their fingers. "

Karin tried everything to stop Gary from following her around. Even if she was rich, she cannot bribe him as he cannot accept it. She even tried calling Professor Oak about it, but he never listens to anyone, not even his parents. It seemed there was no way for Karin to train her Growlithe in peace. Sakura thought of a way to stop Gary. She started strolling in circles around the living room. Her Machop was sitting on the couch, watching her until he gets dizzy. Pikachu was trying to help Sakura, but she cannot understand what he was saying when he mentioned his plans.

Outside, Gary peered through the bushes and watched Sakura and Ash discussing with Karin. His eyebrows curled. He knew they were up to something like Team Rocket would do.

"So, those butt-heads are trying to keep me away from Karin," said Gary to himself, "Well, we'll see about that."

After a while, Sakura and Ash accompanied Karin to her limousine. Karin told them about a phone call telling her that her parents were at a meeting with an attorney and can discuss a way to keep away from Gary. She thanked them for trying to help and climbed in with the Growlithe in her hands. Gary then barged in.

"Gary, I told you to go away!!" yelled Karin, "I keep telling you. My Growlithe isn't ready to evolve! Now leave me alone!"

Karin's Growlithe growled at Gary. Sakura and Ash yelled at him to leave Karin alone. Gary even tried to present her with flowers, but she did not accept it. He gets frustrated and dares Karin to challenge him in a one-on-one Pokémon battle. If she wins, he would leave her alone. If she loses, Gary gets her. Karin was shocked at the revelation as she knew her Growlithe was not trained yet.

"Gary, that's a stupid thing to do!!" yelled Ash, "Karin's Growlithe isn't trained yet. She wasn't able to train her because of you following her around."

"Yeah, that's unfair!" yelled Sakura.

Gary smiled. "Exactly. So, I win! Okay, Karin, you're mine now!"

"Gary, stop!! Let her go!"

Karin's Growlithe bit Gary's arm as he grabbed her trainer. Gary yelled in pain that he let go. Sakura and her Machop laughed as he gets what he deserved. She knew that was an unfair game Gary had offered. Gary looked at the other two Pokémon trainers. He particularly focused his eyes on Ash. Even at his age of eighteen years, he still did not grow out of his rivalry with him, so he asked for a Pokémon battle. Ash had beaten him before and thought he can defeat him again.

"If you win, I'll leave Karin alone," said Gary, "If you lose, I get the girl!"

"Deal," Ash replied.

Karin and Sakura were surprised. "Ash, what are you doing?" asked Sakura.

"It seemed Ash Catchem doesn't have a choice," said Gary, "Okay, Catchem, I'll meet you at the Toyama High School playing field on Saturday at 4 PM. Remember the bargain."

Ash nodded.

Gary walked away leaving the two bewildered girls behind. Ash's Pikachu and Sakura's Machop cannot believe Ash had made a very stupid bargain. Sakura had no idea what might happen next. What if Gary had Pokémon more powerful than Ash's? She hoped nothing would happen to him or Karin. Karin's Growlithe looked worried. The Fire Pokémon brushed her head against Sakura's legs. Her sad looks made Sakura wished she can help, but because she was a beginner she did not have enough experience to fight Gary herself.

Ash and Sakura started walking home with their Pokémon. Sakura was a bit angry with him as he made such a stupid bargain.

"Ash, I can't believe you're doing this," she said.

"I have to," said Ash, "It's the only way to save Karin."

"But I am worried that something bad might happen. What if you or your Pokémon got hurt?"

"Don't worry, my Pokémon had built enough experience to fight him. If I defeated him once, then I can defeat him again."

Machop and Pikachu looked at each other. They knew something would happen to Ash. However, they knew Gary will probably do something to make him lose the battle. The two Pokémon jumped up and down to beg Ash get the bargain off.

"Why? Should I?" asked Ash.

Pikachu and Machop were talking at the same time, so it was hard to comprehend what they were trying to say. Sakura grabbed his arm.

"I think they begged you not to battle," said Sakura, "I don't want you getting hurt. You should put off the fight. Just look at Pikachu and Machop. They are worried about you."

"I guess you're right, Sakura," said Ash, "But what about Karin? Gary won't stop harassing her."

"I should battle Gary."

"What? Sakura, I don't think you should that. You're still a beginner and you haven't trained your captured Pokémon yet."

"I know, but I can still train my Pokémon that way. After all, Karin and I are friends now."

Ash hesitated. He gave a thought first then made his decision.

"Okay, but I have to warn you. Gary is very stubborn and self-centered. He won't stop at anything to beat anyone in Pokémon battles."

The day came and the two Pokémon trainers appeared on the school grounds with Karin and her Growlithe. Gary was there with a mob of cheering girls. He took out his Pokéballs as Ash and his friends showed up for the battle.

"So, Ash, are you ready?" Gary asked.

"I'm going to call off the fight," said Ash.

"What's the matter? Afraid of losing?"

"No, I'm going to take his place," replied Sakura.

Gary was surprised. Everyone was surprised. Karin knew Ash had beaten Gary once, but why did Sakura decided to take his place? Her Growlithe smiled in anticipation. Sakura took out her Pokéballs. She may have only four, including her Machop, but that is the best she can do.

"So, a novice, eh?" Gary asked.

"Hey, novices need a chance you know," said Sakura.

"Okay, so get ready to get creamed!"

Gary tossed a Pokéball. "Charizard, I choose you!"

Sakura felt nervous. She cannot make up her mind to choose which Pokémon to battle Gary. As her hand shaped around a Pokéball, she immediately tossed it. It opened as it hit the ground, releasing a blue water mouse.

"Mariru!!" it said.

Gary laughed. "A water mouse!! It looked weak, compared to my Charizard. Charizard, Flamethrower!!"

The dragon-like Charizard blew fire at Mariru. The little Mariru panicked and ran off to dodge the fire. Ash nudged Sakura to use her Pokédex to see the abilities of her Mariru. Sakura opened it and tries to determine which ability her Mariru should use. She knew Fire Pokémon was weak against water, so she commanded her little water mouse to perform a move.

"Mariru, Water Gun!!" she yelled.

Mariru stopped in her tracks to spit water out of her mouth. Knowing that he was weak against water, Charizard dodged it. Sakura tried using a Bubble Gun against it and Mariru blew a huge bubble. It flew very slowly in the sky. Gary laughed as he saw that it was a very useless move. Charizard popped it and then water fell on him. He screamed. Mariru then performed her most powerful move, the Hydro Pump. A huge jet of water came out of her mouth, weakening Gary's Pokémon.

"Charizard, return!" said Gary as he took out his Pokéball.

Mariru jumped up and down in victory. However, Gary said that the battle was not over yet. He threw another Pokéball and released a Gyrados, a serpent-like water Pokémon. It started chasing Sakura's Pokémon around. Sakura took out her Pokédex to see what a Gyrados was.

Gyrados, an evolved form of a Magikarp. It was both water and flying abilities. It is known to have the abilities of a Dragon Pokémon.

"Mariru, return!" said Sakura as she took out her Pokéball, "Machop, it's your turn."

"Machop!" said Machop.

Machop tightened his headband and gloves and ran to fight Gary's Gyrados. Gyrados was commanded to perform a Dragon Rage on him. Machop managed to dodge it, making his opponent slam her head to the ground. Gyrados shook her head and swung her tail to knock Machop away. Machop landed on the ground. As he tried to get up, Gyrados fired a laser-like Hyper Beam at him. Machop screamed in pain as he was sent flying to the ground.

"Machop!!" said Sakura, "Don't give up!"

Machop got up on his feet. Gyrados tried to tackle him, but Machop leered at her and then punched her in a very unique fashion. Gyrados was sent flying into the air and then landed on the ground. Sakura was surprised that her Machop had just performed a Dragon Punch.

"Pikachu! Pikachu!" cheered Pikachu.

"WOW! Your Machop had just performed a Dragon Punch just like you," said Karin.

"I've been told that Machops can sometimes take up the same attributes as their trainers," said Sakura.

"Hmmm... I wonder if I should get myself a Machop."

Gyrados got up again and tried to tackle Machop. Sakura panicked and commanded her Machop to perform the Focus Energy. Machop leered at Gyrados and then threw a powerful Hadoken, sending her directly into Gary. Gary got up and fold his Gyrados unconscious and cooked. The air around him was filled with the smell of cooked fish. He got mad at Sakura and released another Pokémon. Six egg-like creatures surrounded Machop and hypnotized him. Sakura took out her Pokédex to see what they were.

"Exeggcute?" Sakura asked, "Isn't it supposed to be a Plant Pokémon?"

"Oh no!" said Ash, "Your Machop is weak against Psychic Pokémon! Exeggcute is not only a Plant Pokémon. It is also a Psychic Pokémon as well."

Machop was bewildered and confused. He just stood in the middle in a hypnotic state. Growlithe jumped out of Karin's arms and tried to help.

"Growlithe, no!!" said Karin.

Growlithe stopped and then spit fire at Exeggcute. Once burned, Machop was freed from their spell, but Growlithe did not realize that she accidentally burned him as well. The six Exeggcute hopped back to their trainer, whining in pain. Sakura then knew Plant was weak against Fire. Gary got angry again and tried to throw another Pokéball, but Growlithe growled at him and blew fire, burning him and the girls who were cheering for him.

"Machop, are you okay?" asked Sakura as she tend to her Pokémon.

"Machop," said the Fighting Pokémon.

Growlithe growled at Gary and then tried to breathe fire again. Gary begged her not to do that again and promises that he will not harass or stalk Karin ever again. He and the girls ran off, never to be seen again. Growlithe sat down and barked.

"Growlithe, that's a good girl," said Karin, "I thought I would never get you trained."

"It seemed that she was a Guard Pokémon," said Ash.

"Now, that Gary's gone, you can train her in peace," said Sakura.

Growlithe rubbed her head against Sakura's leg. Sakura thanked her for saving her Machop and then helped her defeat Gary.

"Sakura, I think she likes you," said Karin, "I think you should be her trainer."

"Me?" Sakura asked, "You mean you're giving her to me?"

Karin smiled.

"Oh wow," said Sakura, "Now I got a fifth Pokémon! Welcome to the team, Growlithe."

Sakura took the Pokéball that Machop was once contained in. As she threw it, Growlithe leapt up and went inside. Now she have a Fire Pokémon in her repertoire.

"Now, I can go to Professor Oak and get my first Pokémon," said Karin, "What should I get? A Machop?"

"The choice is yours, Karin," said Sakura, "It depends if it is useful to you."

Ash and Sakura waved goodbye to Karin and started to part their ways. Sakura admired the Pokéball with the Growlithe inside. She knew the it cannot go to waste after Machop refused to return inside. Now that Mariru's experience was built up, not she had to use her other three Pokémon in other battle. There was more battles to fight and more Pokémon to capture. Sakura cannot wait to see what was in store for her.