Pokemon: I am Gary

On January 18th, the weather is clear.

At Indigo Plateau, in the Indigo Stadium, staff members are bustling about early in the morning preparing for the event.

Today marks the opening day of the Indigo Conference!

As challengers ascend the mountain path step by step, the sacred Pokémon League calls out to new challengers.

The solemn and majestic Pokémon League badge shines brilliantly under the sunlight.

Pokémon trainers from Kanto and around the world, those who have earned eight or more badges, gather at this moment.

Deafening cannon fire ascends into the sky as Pidgeys fly overhead as peace doves.

The grandest event in Kanto is about to commence.

Trainers who have worked hard to reach this place look at the battle arena with various expressions.

"I must bring glory to my family!" A passionate boy vows to the arena.

"I want to prove that Bug-type Pokémon can be powerful too," says an older bug catcher with dreams in his heart.

"Hmph~ As long as I win, I'll become even more famous," boasts a narcissist dressed in purple silk dance attire, looking foolish.

No matter what their dreams are, once they arrive here, there's only one possibility: strength speaks for itself!

In the lounge area, Gary is holding a guitar, making final adjustments with Golduck and Gengar.

"Everything okay? Don't be nervous~" Lorelei holds a cup of coffee, kindly accompanying Gary as he waits for his turn.

Soon, when the sacred flame is lit, it will be time for his opening theme song.

"It's all good, Lorelei," Gary smiles. "These two showy guys love to perform; the bigger the stage, the more excited they get."

"Guba~" Golduck, wearing sunglasses, gives a thumbs up coolly.

"Gengar~" Gengar laughs so hard it can't contain itself.

"Phew~ I hope the sacred flame arrives safely." Lorelei sighs in relief as she looks toward the main passage of the venue.

"Mm~ It will," Gary nods.

He has already arranged for his friends to rent booths; they shouldn't disturb Ash as he runs with the sacred flame.

Knock knock knock~ At this moment, a Miss Jenny walks in.

"Miss Lorelei, I'm here to return the Pokédex to contestant Gary. His registration for the competition is complete," she says with a smile while handing over the Pokédex.

"Thank you for your trouble." Gary expresses his gratitude with a nod.

"No need! We're all waiting to see your performance," Miss Jenny blushes slightly. "By the way, I'm Jenny from Rainbow City; all my sisters are your fans. We hope you release an album sometime!"

"Huh?" Gary is taken aback but then responds with a smile. "I'll definitely consider it if I get the chance!"

"Well then, I'll return to my duties." During the league competition, Miss Jenny is one of the busiest people along with Miss Joy.

After all, when things get big, there's always a lot to handle…

"Gary little brother, I've noticed you're becoming more popular with girls," Lorelei says while resting her chin on her hand and giving him an envious glance.

"Ah~ That's not true." Gary waves his hand dismissively. "They're just fans…"

"Is there no one you're interested in?" Lorelei continues to ask.

"Uh~ My standards are high; they have to be at least as pretty as you," Gary replies seriously after a moment of hesitation.

"Pfft! You little rascal! Always teasing your sister!" Lorelei proudly tosses her head back before turning to head towards the door. "I'm going to check on the sacred flame; see you later."

"Oh, Lorelei! My contestant village key…" Gary reminds her.

Lorelei shakes her keys in her hand. "I have a house at Indigo Plateau…"

"Fine~" Gary gives up resisting helplessly. In Celebration Square, which is at the center of Indigo Plateau and next to the main venue and four sub-venues, Meowth, unable to contain its laughter while covering its mouth, observes the dense crowd. "Thanks to our leaders for coming early; we really managed to rent an inner booth."

"Yeah! This time we're going to make a huge profit!" Jessie clenches her fists excitedly.

"No problem!" James adjusts his glasses. "Besides selling beer and ice cream inside, I've also designed special commemorative badges for this event!"

"What a great feeling…" As the sun gradually descends, spectators begin entering the venue for observation.

Suddenly, cheers erupt from afar.

It's the sacred flame! The torchbearer has entered!

Holding up the torch of sacred flame alongside Pikachu, Ash charges into the venue confidently.

Following him are Jenny and league staff members providing security.

"Hehe~ Hello everyone!" Ash waves at the audience proudly.

Then a staff member takes over holding the sacred flame; soon other professional athletes will complete the lighting ceremony.

Ash hums a tune happily as he registers his participation information before joining other trainers for the entrance ceremony.

Arriving at the contestants' preparation lounge, Ash looks around curiously. "Strange; where's Gary? I wanted to show off my moment as torchbearer!"

Seeing that Gary hasn't appeared yet makes Ash sigh helplessly.

Don't deny me my chance to show off!

As night falls gradually, fireworks shaped like various Pokémon explode in midair.

Amidst dazzling lights and shadows, old man Goodshow takes to the stage cheerfully and raises his microphone. "Please welcome our sacred flame!"

Amidst cheers and blessings from spectators, representing Moltres, Ash throws the sacred flame into its pedestal where it burns brightly—this three-colored sacred flame symbolizes protection over contestants and Pokémon during this event.

The audience erupts into thunderous applause once again.

"Next up, please welcome our theme song performers: Gary and his band!" Old man Goodshow puts on sunglasses and gets ready to hype things up…

Thump thump thump~! Accompanied by passionate drumbeats, a circular lift rises from center stage.

Gary appears with Golduck, Gengar, and Togepi!

"Wow! This is really the original singer! I'm blown away by this theme song!"

"Yes! Yes! The new theme song is so intense!"

"As someone from Pallet Town, I feel so lucky!"

"Let's all get hyped up!"

Raising his microphone high, Gary loudly greets everyone: "Pokémon fans from all over the world! How are you!!"

"Good!!"

"Tell me! Do you love Pokémon?"

"Love it!!"

Dressed in a black sleeveless shirt with a white hooded coat paired with cargo pants and white high-top sneakers along with dragon claw style accessories hanging around his neck, he raises both hands high above his head.

"I've got Pokémon! Let's go together!!"

The audience and trainers waiting in line shout together,

"Gotta Catch 'Em All!!"

"I want to be the very best

Like no one ever was

To catch them is my real test

To train them is my cause~…"

…In the waiting area, Ash dances excitedly. "Did you know? I'm from his town too! Friends—we're all good buddies!!"

Pikachu gives Ash an annoyed glance. "Pika? You really dare say that; now we're good buddies? Didn't we just compete against each other?"

After an intense performance of their theme song ends, Gary gasps slightly before shouting loudly: "Indigo League! We're here!!"

As he descends from the lift again with Eevee by his side following behind other trainers into the venue,

Old man Goodshow begins his speech as chairman: "Um—let me say something—oh ho ho! I can't take it anymore—I forgot my speech notes—so please enjoy this grand feast of Pokémon battles!"

Finally, amidst laughter and joy, the opening ceremony concludes successfully as Pokémon League's Indigo Conference officially begins