"As Night Follows Day" by Annisoptera (PG-13)

[kuruk]

Fandom: POKÉMON
Pairing: Gary Oak/Ash Ketchum, Gary Oak/Jared
Length: 8056 words
mochamochawhipAuthor Website: FanFiction.Net account
Why this must be read: This is quite the emotional read. Centered on Gary Oak, Ash Ketchum's first rival from the anime, this piece explores the development of his character while following his changing perception of and feelings for Ash. To me, this is one of the quintessential fics for the pairing. It is also a very good read on its own: the pacing is pretty exquisite, and it makes for an excellent character study.


Excerpt:

He is playing together with Ash in his grandfather's laboratory. Gary watches from the sidelines as Ash splashes his hand in the water tank out back, trying to provoke the Pokémon inside.

"They're like the Goldeen from the creek," he observes. "We should put them together so they can play."

Professor Oak smiles. "We can't do that," he explains gently. "The Pokémon living in the creek are wild; those there belong to a Trainer."

"What's a Trainer?" Ash asks him. Professor Oak talks about how people sometimes go on journeys, collecting Pokémon and raising them for battles.

"They fight?" Gary asks, wrinkling his nose. "That sounds bad."

"It's all in friendly sport," Professor Oak says dismissively. Gary is unimpressed, but Ash is captivated.

"Can I be a Pokémon Trainer?"

"Someday, of course," Oak chuckles. "When you're old enough to leave home, come and see me, and I'll be happy to get you started."

His face lights up as though he's just been handed the world. He beams at Gary.

"Gary! Let's be Pokémon Trainers together!"

Gary smiles.

"Okay."



"As Night Follows Day"