UNIVERSE A
We open on Ash, who is sitting next to a small stream, apparently doing laundry.
He seems rather happy, humming to himself as he scrubs his jeans. Then, with some
crackling energy, he disappears for a split second, and is replaced instantaneously with
himself, our Ash.
ASH
Huh? Wha...
Ash stands, allowing the jeans to fall into the water. He looks around, seeing nobody.
ASH
Uh...Gary? Richie? Mom? May?!?
He frowns, looking somewhat worried.
ASH
Where *am* I?
He begins walking away, only vaguely familiar with the location he might be...
ASH
Home should be this way...
As Ash walks away, a Tangela approaches the spot where he left, sees the unfinished laundry,
and proceeds to look rather angry before running off into the forest the opposite way.
***
Fade to Ash and Pikachu jumping with joy as Vylette, Brock and May can be seen in the background.
POKEMON: <3SHI
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: THERE'S NO DISPLACEMENT LIKE HOME
ASH
(voice)
There's no displacement like home!
PIKACHU
Pikachuuuu!*
(Where am I in this episode? I'm calling my agent!)
***
UNIVERSE B
Richie looks around in true amazement. A library, far larger than any mall he's ever seen. Just
rows and rows of books as far as the eyes can see. As he takes it all in, he sees there are several random
people in the area, but they are far enough away that he is isolated.
RICHIE
Wow...where am I?
Richie looks down, and can now see that he isn't wearing the sexier clothes he just had on. These
clothes are a little bit more like the older seafoam green outfit he used to wear, only they are far
more professional. On his chest, is a nametag with Richie's image on it.
He clips it off, and reads it with bewilderment.
RICHIE
Library of Infinite Knowledge Staff.
Richie, Independant Consultant. Huh.
Richie sees a desk with several unused computers, and he goes to one. At first, he can't figure out
how to turn it on, until he sees a small black pad which reads "Thumbscan." He shrugs, figuring he has nothing
to lose, and presses his thumb to the plate. The computer hums to life.
COMPUTER
Access granted. Hello, Richie. How may I help you?
Richie spies a microphone embedded into the monitor.
RICHIE
Uh...I need information?
COMPUTER
Specify perameters.
RICHIE
What is this place?
COMPUTER
The Library of Infinite Knowledge. Established over seventy years ago,
is the foremost authority on knowledge, spanning five continents.
RICHIE
Well, I've never heard of it. Where are we?
COMPUTER
You are currently in the Delta Omega sector.
RICHIE
No, I mean....what country?
COMPUTER
This section of the library is located in Kanto.
RICHIE
Okay, definately strange. So, what is my job here?
COMPUTER
Accessing.....Richie, Independant Consultant. Your duties include
traveling the globe, collecting information on hard-to-find Pokemon for
data files. Other duties include cataloging, data share, and legendary
consultations.
RICHIE
Okay...um, can you give me information on Ash Ketchum?
COMPUTER
Accessing.....
A data file of Ash appears on the screen, with a photograph of Ash in the
corner. He looks rather different. His hair goes all the way to his sholders,
and he has two long blonde streaks. He also is sporting glasses.
COMPUTER
Ashton Ketchum, sixteen years old, raised in Pallet City, Kanto. Commercial
developer for Library of Infinite Knowledge outpost in Hoenn.
RICHIE
What about Gary Oak?
COMPUTER
Accessing...
A data file for Gary pops up, complete with a photo of a very professional-looking
Gary, wearing an Armani suit, and short, spiky hair.
COMPUTER
Gary Oak, sixteen years old, raised in Pallet City, Kanto. Currently holding a Management
position in the Mergers and Accuisitions division.
RICHIE
Is he nearby?
COMPUTER
Gary Oak is currently stationed 3 kilometers away. Psi Delta sector.
RICHIE
How about a Pokemon named Shi...or ShiShi?
COMPUTER
Accessing......
Without warning, the computer screen turns red and alarms begin going off.
COMPUTER
Access denied. Please wait for security to arrive.
Richie's eyes widen.
RICHIE
Uh oh!
Richie begins running, looking frantically for an exit.
***
UNIVERSE B
As Gary comes to his senses, he realizes that he is in a moving automobile.
He slowly blinks, and rubs his eyes, then his senses tell him that he is not
alone. He quickly turns to his right, and sees that his sister, Mai, is driving.
However, she doesn't exactly look like the Mai he remembers. She is wearing
punkish clothing, with torn blue jeans and sporting a black leather jacket with
a bright pink and blue shirt underneath. Her hair is shorter, almost a pixie-style,
with several large streaks of bright pink. Her nose is pierced.
GARY
Mai?
Mai continues looking forward.
MAI
What?
GARY
Wh....what's going on?
MAI
I'm in no mood to play your stupid little games.
GARY
Who says I'm playing? I don't know what's going on...
Mai rolls her eyes and lights a cigarette.
MAI
Listen brat, I'm only doing this out of family duty...but you
and I? I told you...we share parents and that's it.
Gary is silent for a moment, then sighs. He looks out the window,
wondering exactly what has happoned.
***
UNIVERSE A
Ash's confusion grows as he nears his home. The building is far more
run-down than he remembers seeing it earlier that morning, with no real
yard to speak of, now replaced by trees and outgrown shrubbery.
ASH
Mom?
He enters his house, and sees Deliah is washing the back window. She turns
with surprise, and stops to turn to her son. Ash notices she looks different.
Her hair is stringy, unkept. Her face is hardened, showing her age and
years of hard work.
DELIAH
Ashley...what are you thinking? You must get back to
the laundry right away!
ASH
Uh....why?!?
Deliah shows immediate concern, and walks quickly to her son, and
places her hand to his forehead.
DELIAH
You don't feel feverish. I don't know...perhaps you should lie down.
ASH
*What* is going on?!? What happoned to you and our house?
Where is Gary and Richie?
DELIAH
Okay...I think you *do* need to lay down. Come on.
Deliah leads Ash to an old, battered couch and practically pushes
him down onto it.
ASH
Please mother, you need to answer my questions.
DELIAH
Well Ashley, I don't know what to say...
ASH
What happoned to you?
DELIAH
Nothing dear! I'm the same as I was when you left to wash clothes.
ASH
But you're not the same! You've completely changed. Our house
looks so horrible! What happoned to Mr. Mime?
A shiver of fear goes through Deliah, and she clutches her son.
DELIAH
Mr. Mime?!? Did a Mr. Mime do something to you while you were out?
Ashley, tell me right now...
ASH
No...
DELIAH
Why would you mention that Pokemon if you hadn't...I mean,
what's wrong with your memory? Did you hit your head?
ASH
No. I was with Gary and Richie.
Deliah kneels down and faces her son with confusion.
DELIAH
Who? You aren't talking about Gary Oak are you?
ASH
Of course.
Deliah closes her eyes in agony, placing her folded hands to her mouth,
and Ash sees they are now shaking.
DELIAH
Ashley...have you completely lost your mind? Gary is a wanted felon,
if even one Pokemon spotted you with him, you'd be taken to Human
Reprocessing. Do you want that? Your father died in one of those
facilities, and you'd be so stupid as to make that mistake?
ASH
You're talking about Gary as if he were a criminal.
Deliah's eyes flicker, and she shows the briefest moment of compassion.
ASH
Listen Ashley, I know you and Gary are childhood sweethearts.
I know...no matter how many perfectly fine guys I introduce you to,
you'll never stop loving him. But Gary has defied Pokemon Law.
Just because he has developed a way to sneak around unnoticed,
believe me the day will come when he will be caught, and promptly executed.
Ash bolts up from his complacency.
ASH
EXECUTED?!?
DELIAH
Of course. We've had this conversation plenty of times.
Too many times actually. Gary is a high level enemy of
Pokemon, therefore he is a enemy of us. Now...who's this Richie?
Is he a cohert of Gary's? Another felon?
ASH
Okay...I think it's safe to say I am not in my proper universe.
ShiShi must have sent me here or something, because
this place is obviously a parallel universe.
Deliah silently stares at her son for a few moments before pushing
him back down.
DELIAH
Rest. If you're not better soon, we'll call Dr. Onward.
***
UNIVERSE B
Outside the Library of Infinite Knowledge, Richie is walking
at a swift pace, looking at a map as he goes. The area is strange,
consisting of nothing but apartment buildings and resteraunts. There
were no streets, no cars...apparently people traveled by other means.
RICHIE
Okay....this should be the Psi Delta sector...
Richie sees an older woman walking with her grandson, he approaches.
RICHIE
Excuse me...can you tell me where I might find Gary Oak?
OLD WOMAN
Why, of course! He has the largest penthouse in this sector! Just
enter that building there, and head up to the top floor!
RICHIE
Hey, thanks a lot!
Richie nods and quickly runs to the building she mentioned. Then the
old woman takes out a pocket microphone.
OLD WOMAN
This is Agatha. I just encountered a teenaged boy who seems to be looking
for Mr. Oak's penthouse. Not sure if he's the boy the Library is looking for, but
he was wearing green.
***
UNIVERSE C
Gary watches in silence as Mai pulls into a driveway of a modestly nice house.
A two-story Dutch-Colonial with white siding and green shudders, surrounded
by lush gardens and green foliage. A small duck pond rests in the backyard.
He was about to ask where they were, but stops when he sees the name 'Oak.'
carved on a sign, dangling from a lamp post. The two siblings exit the car.
Mai lights a cigarette.
MAI
Longest damn two hours of my life.
Gary looks the house over, and is distracted by the hydrengia bushes all over
the place, his favorite. The front door opens, and a boy no older than fourteen
emerges from within. Gary has to do a double-take, as there is a familiarity there.
He looks somewhat like Gary, but has the same color of Mai's brunette hair. He's wearing
a baggy bright red shirt, and short black shorts.
Mai half-smiles at him as he runs towards them.
MAI
Hi Andy.
GARY
Andy?
Andy runs up and hugs Gary tightly.
ANDY
Gary! I wasn't sure I'd ever see you again, big brother!
GARY
Er...we're related...?
Mai rolls her eyes, however Andy only nods in agreement.
ANDY
That's what I told everyone. You couldn't stay away forever,
because we are your family.
MAI
Don't get too sentimental, Andy. He didn't want to come.
I had to force him.
Andy backs away from Gary.
ANDY
Is that true? You...really don't want to see us anymore?
Gary thinks a moment.
GARY
I...really don't know what to say.
Mai takes another drag from her cigarette.
MAI
He's been playing the dummy card since we left. I don't buy it.
Gary, you have a lot of explaining to do. I personally am over you
and your issues, but Andy still holds you in high reguards. Hopefully
your time here will cure him of that problem.
Andy frowns at Mai.
ANDY
You're so mean, Mai. Be nice!
Mai throws her cigarette to the ground and sighs as she stomps it out.
MAI
Whatever. I did my part. Gary's here. I'm going inside.
Andy and Gary watch her enter. Andy turns to Gary and smiles.
ANDY
Okay, she's gone. Now come on...tell the truth...you do miss us all, right?
I know you had your reasons for running away...I mean, I miss Gramps too...
but you're my only brother, and I love you. Cindy still loves you, even if she
can barely remember you. Mai...deep down I know she still loves you even
if she won't admit it. You just...you hurt her feelings! The things you said to
us all before you took off...
Gary is still reeling from seeing a sibling...a sibling that simply *couldn't*
exsist as far as he's concerned.
GARY
Uh...we're brothers...
Andy smiles, and nods.
ANDY
Now and forever.
GARY
And Cindy...
ANDY
She just turned ten...wait till you see her. But she does remember you.
GARY
...she's my sister...
Slowly, a realization is coming to Gary.
Andy scrunches his eyes and cocks his head.
ANDY
You...must have had quite an adventure since you left home. I'm
betting you're scared of seeing Mom and Dad again, but...
Gary's mouth opens wide as he gasps.
GARY
Mom and Dad? T-They're H-Here?!?
Andy nods once.
GARY
They're alive...
Before Andy can reply, Gary is running for the front door. He runs inside, and
immediately begins calling loudly.
GARY
Mom!!! Dad!!!
Gary turns when he sees motion out of the corner of his eye, but it's only
himself in a mirror. He's startled at first, seeing how differently he looks. His hair
is very long, going almost to his mid-back. And pulled into a tight ponytail. He's
wearing all black clothes, tightly. He has a large tattoo coming up from under his shirt,
and trailing to behind his ear.
From the kitchen, Darrin and Saffron Oak emerge. Darrin has short,
slicked-back brown hair, brown eyes, and a square jaw. Saffron has
fiery red hair, blue eyes, and is dressed rather elegantly. Both seem rather
shocked to see their eldest son, and stand motionless. Gary, also, stops
dead in his tracks when he sees them.
SAFFRON
...Gary...
Gary, unbeknownst to him, begins shedding tears.
GARY
Mom...dad...
He runs to them, embracing both in a large hug. His tears are flowing
freely.
GARY
I've wanted this my entire life...
Saffron is now crying as well.
SAFFRON
Oh son...your father and I are so sorry...you don't know
how sorry we are...
DARRIN
We never should have said those things. We were afraid we'd lost
you forever.
Gary squeezes harder, not wanting to let them go. A genuine smile
comes to his face.
***
UNIVERSE A
After napping, Ash sits up on the couch, and sees his mother is sitting on
a rocking chair, knitting.
ASH
Mom?
Deliah looks up.
DELIAH
Ashley, you feeling better?
ASH
Uh...I guess. I was actually hoping this was all a dream.
DELIAH
You are acting so strangely...I do wish you would tell me what happoned.
ASH
You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
DELIAH
Well, you should go back to the stream, collect the clothes, if you're feeling
okay. If a Pokemon comes across them, and thinks you littered them there,
there's no telling what could happen.
ASH
Uh...okay...
Ash stands, and walks to the front door. He opens it, looks outside,
then looks back to his mother.
ASH
Uh...why are all these Pokemon out here?
Deliah, startled, quickly stands and runs to the front door. She peers out,
and sees that their front yard has dozens and dozens of rather angry looking
Pokemon. Glooms, Vileplumes, Rapidashes, Beedrills, Butterfrees, Kadabras,
Tangelas, Persians, and one very angry looking Alakazam.
DELIAH
Oh no...it's too late. They know.
Alakazam clinks it's two spoons together, and sends a telepathic signal to
the Humans.
ALAKAZAM
(voice)
You shall remain here until an arbitor arrives. Any attempt at escape will
result in death.
Deliah, in a sudden state of panic, takes two steps out to the porch.
DELIAH
Please...my son is not well! He must have hit his head! He's...
Alakazam looks furious, and his spoons bend.
ALAKAZAM
(Voice)
SILENCE!
With a sparkle, Deliah is motionless, frozen in place like a statue. Ash
can only watch in disbelief.
ASH
Mom? MOM?!?
Suddenly, a high-pitched ringing can be heard, and every Pokemon...including
Alakazam...barrols over in pain. Then, from the bushes, Ash sees Gary Oak, holding
a device of some sort.
ASH
Gary?!?
Gary, looking very disheveled and gauntly, rushes past the agonizing Pokemon and
towards Ash's front door. Ash notices he has a large scar from just under his right eye,
that leads down to his chin. He's wearing a black shirt, and khaki pants. A large duffel bag
is draped over his sholder.
GARY
Ashley, we need to leave now.
ASH
But...but my mom!
GARY
I'm sorry, but there's no time.
Gary extends his hand, and after a moment's hesitation, Ash takes it. The two flee into
the woods, and moments later the Pokemon begin to recover.
ALAKAZAM
(voice)
After them!!!!
The Pokemon quickly search the nearby forest, but to no avail. They were unaware of
a secret trap door leading to an underground chamber. A chamber where the small, but
growing, Human resistence movement is residing.
***
UNIVERSE B
Richie enters a golden elevator on the ground floor.
ELEVATOR
Please state the desired floor.
RICHIE
Uh....top floor, please.
ELEVATOR
Top Floor, Penthouse. Affirmative.
The elevator wizzes up swiftly to the top floor, and dings when it stops.
ELEVATOR
The elevator doors have opened. Please leave.
Richie walks out, and sees there are two doors in the hallway. He approaches the
first, and sees the name 'Oak' engraved in gold. He smiles as he raps quietly on it.
Nobody answers, so he knocks again. Moments later, the door opens. However,
an elderly lady greets him with a smile. Her aged, wizened face belies a kind nature,
showing a genuine thruthfulness around her eyes. Her black and white dress is of
the classic housemaid variety, and she's holding a feather duster in her right hand.
RICHIE
Uh hi...I was looking for Gary.
The elderly lady raises her eyebrows.
ELDERLY LADY
Gary?!? My my...you must know him quite well to address him by his
first name. Mr. Oak is currently taking a business call. Please, come in.
She opens the door wider, allowing him to enter. Richie is at first taken back by the
tastefully decorated interior, swirls of cream-color mixed with baby blue and violet.
Bright boquets of flowers on several tables. Carpeting the color of royal blue, with
matching draperies adorning the windows. The visitor from another universe realizes
he's focusing too much on his surroundings and quickly looks to the woman and smiles.
RICHIE
I'm Richie.
ELDERLY LADY
I'm Enid. My, you are a handsom one. Definately Mr. Oak's type. I
assume you two met at the office. He has impecible taste, I will admit.
Richie goes over what she just said, then blushes.
RICHIE
Well gee, thanks.
Enid winks at him.
ENID
Please, make yourself at home in the lounge. I'll inform Mr. Oak of your
arrival.
RICHIE
Okay.
Richie sits on a comfortable plush sofa while Enid briskly walks down a hallway.
ENID
(voice)
Oh Mr. Ooooak! You have a gentlemen caller!
Richie laughs lightly to himself, taking a liking to the maid. He looks around,
and sees a photograph on the coffee table. It's of Gary and his sister Mai.
The two are standing at Oak's laboratory, however oddly enough Mai has
sholder-length cherry red hair, while Gary's hair is very light auburn, almost brown,
with random blonde streaks. The two are smiling widely, with Mai holding up her index
and middle finger. Gary looks to be a studious youth, holding several books in his right
arm, and sporting rather blandly-styled clothes.
RICHIE
Hey, it's Mai!
Moments later, he can hear voices from down the hall, nearing him.
ENID
(voice)
But he says he knows you, Mr. Oak.
GARY
(voice)
I'm not expecting anyone...haven't met anybody new lately!
Suddenly Gary is rounding the corner and looks rather angry. Dressed in
an emaculately posh Armani suit, with a blue undershirt and a purple tie. His
dark auburn hair is short and spiky, and he apparently works out. Richie
quickly stands.
GARY
Who are you and why are you....
Gary sputters out on his words as he takes in Richie's beauty.
GARY
..you....uh...hello...
Richie smiles, and takes several steps forward.
RICHIE
Hello Gary, you don't know who I am, huh?
Gary, almost blushing, shakes his head.
GARY
I don't believe I do, Mr.....
RICHIE
Call me Richie. And it's kind of a long story.
Gary smiles slightly.
GARY
Well, lucky for you I have the afternoon off. Please...
join me in my office.
The two exchange glances before Gary leads Richie away. Enid
watches them leave, and giggles pleasantly to herself.
***
UNIVERSE C
Gary sits at a rather large dining table, directly across from his parents.
His eyes can barely look at anything but them, as they eat. He can barely
touch his food. Sitting next to him is Andy, who seems mesmerized by the
return of his older brother. At one end is Mai, who seems completely
disinterested in the whole affair, the other end is Cindy, a ten year old who
looks like a miniature version of Mai, but has a colorful array of beads strewn
throughout her brown hair, and a pinkish suit on. She seems rather bemused by
her brother's sudden return, but processes it as if a distant family relative is visiting,
for she doesn't know Gary in the slightest.
SAFFRON
Gary, please...tell us about your time away.
DARRIN
There's so much we don't know, son.
Gary looks down to his plate, thinking of what to say. He could lie to them, but he
wanted to be honest to his parents. But how could they possibly understand?
SAFFRON
Before you left home abruptly, you spoke of attending a university.
GARY
Well...
MAI
I can tell you where he was when I found him. He lives in a squalor of
a home. With the Ketchum boy and another. I only saw one bed.
Quickly, the smiles fade away from Darren and Saffron. Gary takes a deep
breath, and manages to speak.
GARY
I...guess you all don't like Ash very much.
Darrin and Saffron look at each other, dismayed. Gary can sense that his
mother is heartbroken, and his father seems somewhat angry.
SAFFRON
We had hoped that you would have seen the error of your ways. Gary,
with all the love and support we offered you...we still can't see where we
went wrong.
Darrin nods in agreement.
DARRIN
And if we didn't, how could we miss whatever it was...something so tragic in
your childhood that it allowed you to develop this way. To think that you could
love a man the way I love your mother.
Suddenly it hits Gary. Hard. His parents...at least his parents in *this* universe...
were against his lifestyle. If his counterpart had indeed run away from home, Gary
now knew why.
GARY
I see. So this whole thing is about how I love Ash.
Darrin suddenly grows angrier.
DARRIN
Don't say that, please! *We* love you. Nothing will change that. But don't
dishonor us by lying. Love is a sacred thing, and two men cannot possibly
love each other the way a man and a woman could. It's just not conceivable.
SAFFRON
We have nothing against Ash Ketchum. I like Deliah just fine, but we always told
her that being a single mother would have grave consequences on her son and
it did. With you...we are still at a loss for words as to how this could happon.
Gary can't believe it, but he's starting to feel defensive. Defensive to his
own parents who he's never met before in his life.
GARY
It doesn't just happon. Looking back, I pretty much knew I was different
from a very early age. I didn't ask for it...didn't search it out. I pretty much
fell in love with Ash the first time I saw him, when you and Mrs. Ketchum used to
get together to watch daytime soaps. I spent my childhood obsessing over him
silently. I tried denying it when we started our Pokemon journey, but at the end
of the day it always came back to Ash.
MAI
What's a Pokemon journey? Some sort of gay sex thing?
Gary half-closes his eyes as he glances to his witchy sister,
while Saffron turns to her eldest daughter, upset over her words.
SAFFRON
Mai! We don't use that language at the dinner table.
DARRIN
Or in this house. Period.
GARY
I love Ash. Nothing can ever change that. And I love Richie...
Gary turns to Mai.
GARY
(cont.)
That would be the other you saw at my residence, Mai.
Darrin and Saffron are besides themselves.
DARRIN
We don't want to hear about your depraved lifestyle, son.
And obviously talking about it won't help. We want you in our
lives...but you'll simply have to keep that element to yourself
when around us.
GARY
So your saying you love me...
SAFFRON
Unconditionally.
GARY
...But you don't love who I am...what I am.
DARRIN
Precisely. We'll simply act as if it isn't there. That way
when we reintroduce you to our friends and relatives,
they won't feel dishonored by your presence.
Saffron manages a smile.
SAFFRON
I have been wanting to introduce you to all my friends
at the charity house. And your father's boss looks
favorably on employees who have large, close-knit families.
Gary drops his fork.
GARY
Wow. It all makes perfect sense now...why I ran away.
Do any of you really think I could be happy being in your
lives this way? You say I dishonor you, but really you all dishonor
yourselves let alone me!
SAFFRON
There's no need for attacking us, hun. We truly love you.
It tortured us when you left, we just...well we just want to
take care of you, help you, nurture you the best way
we know how.
GARY
But it's not love mother. You love the idea of me. The idea you
have in your heads about who I should be. But it's not me.
It's a delusion that, frankly, I can never live up to.
Darrin is slowly growing angrier and angrier.
MAI
Our parents created us, Gary. We owe them our lives. I don't
exactly fit the mold myself, and they don't agree with all of my
choices, but I would never dishonor them the way you do.
Gary turns to Mai, growing tired of her verbal barbs.
GARY
Mai, you dishonor yourself in the process. You're nothing like
the Mai I know, she followed her dreams as far as she could
possibly reach, and she certainly would never let hatred overcome her...
blinding her so badly.
Mai finds herself at a loss for words.
Andy finds himself quite excited by this turn of events. Ideas and
thoughts racing through his brain at breakneck speed. He's never
seen such a display within his family before, and it makes him idolize
his brother even more.
GARY
Besides, Gramps never seemed to care. Apparently he knew I loved
Ash even before *I* did.
DARRIN
Oh, is that so? My father died when you were nine, and last time I
checked, he didn't approve of that lifestyle anymore than I did.
I, too, once had a gay friend named Rory. I thought I could ignore
his ways, until your grandfather found out he was secretly infatuated with
me. We promptly expelled him from the house, and our lives. I fail
to see the logic in your words, dear boy.
Saffron stands, and centers herself. She raises her chin.
SAFFRON
I'm heading to bed. I think it would be best for all of us to clear our
heads tonight, and attempt a more...civilized discussion tomorrow...
over a nice breakfast. Andrew, be a dear and clear the table tonight.
And with that, Saffron heads off to her bedroom. Darrin stands, and looks
pointedly at his eldest son.
DARRIN
You'd be wise to not make these mistakes tomorrow. And I will not
tolerate you dishonoring my father's name in vain. In case you forgot,
he died saving yours and Mai's lives, the very least you can do is *honor*
his memory...his legacy. Good night.
Darrin storms off, leaving the siblings to look around at each other. Mai looks
at Gary, frowning.
MAI
I'll never understand you, little brother. I guess I never will.
Mai stands, and walks to the front door, and leaves. Cindy races to her cell-phone,
calls her friend and immediately begins a gossip-session. Gary feels faint, but
can't help but notice Andy seems even more energetic.
GARY
Uh...sorry you had to witness all that.
ANDY
Are you kidding? I had no idea, big brother. No idea at all.
I used to beg mom and Mai to tell me why you left,
but they would never tell me. I had no idea you were gay!
Gary grimaces. This isn't exactly a great way to come out to
a family member that doesn't even exsist in his reality.
GARY
Yeah, well, I suppose you're grossed out and mad as well, it's
okay. This universe obviously isn't favorable to people like me.
I won't be offended if you don't want to know me, or should I say
the real me.
Andy looks around quickly, making sure the two are alone. He then
leans closer to Gary and speaks barely above a whisper.
ANDY
No! In fact you're the very first person I'm going to tell this to...
I'm gay, too. I like boys, and I've been terrified to bring it up
to anyone around here. Especially mom and dad. I...guess it's
a good thing I didn't, huh?
And with that, Andy wraps his arms around Gary and hugs him, tears
beginning to flow from his eyes. Gary is shocked, his eyes wide with
disbelief. All he can do is place one arm around his brother, with sympathy.
***
UNIVERSE A
Ash cannot believe the massively large underground world. It must have taken
*ages* to build. And there are large numbers of Humans, all wearing tattered
clothing. Most of them are skeleton thin, obviously malnurished and possibly
dehydrated. Many stare at Ash, taking in yet another amongst their ranks.
Leading Ash through the crowds was Gary, holding his hand gingerly.
ASH
Wow, this place is strange...
Gary turns back to face him, half-grinning.
GARY
See? I told you. I knew it wouldn't be too long before you
joined me down here. I...I'm just sorry I couldn't do it earlier,
so your mother could be here with us.
ASH
Do you think she'll be okay?
Gary doesn't answer right away.
GARY
Perhaps. My psychic friend told me only you were in danger for
abandoning your duties, and leaving clothing in the forest.
Gary stops and spins around.
GARY
Seriously Ashley-boy, what *we're* you thinking? Going against
the laws we were taught since we were knee high?
Ash shrugs once, staring into Gary's eyes. He realizes this is a
completely different Gary than the one he knew, but that same spark
is still there. He smiles faintly.
ASH
Thanx for rescuing me.
Gary grins back, trying to keep his cool.
GARY
Did you ever doubt I wouldn't be there to do it?
When I make promises, I keep them!
Ash grows closer to Gary, and begins closing his eyes. A fleeting
thought crosses Ash's mind...is this cheating? This isn't really Gary,
at least not the Gary he knows and loves. This Gary belongs to another
Ashley Ketchum, the one who properly belongs here. However, his thoughts,
and the upcoming kiss, are interrupted when a band of children scurry past them.
GARY
Heh, kids.
Ash smiles.
ASH
So where are you taking me?
GARY
My place, of course.
Gary turns and continues leading Ash.
GARY
(cont.)
We'll have lots to talk about when we get there.
Ash nods.
ASH
Oh, for sure. I can't even begin to tell you how much.
***
UNIVERSE B
Richie finds that he is impressed with Gary's personal office, which
boasts a jacuzzi as well as a space designated for Yoga. And as he sits
across from Gary, seperated only by his desk, he can't help but feel
the same level of attraction he has for his own Gary. He has just explained
who he really is, and how he came to be in this universe. Judging by
the varied looks on Gary's face, he's not sure if the taller teen believes him.
RICHIE
...And so, that's how I found myself here. Since Ash is in Hoenn, I didn't
know who else I could trust but you.
Gary is certainly mind-numbed from hearing the beauty across from him,
telling him tales of paralell universes, mystical islands, and torrid romances.
GARY
Very interesting. I'm predisposed to write you off as insane...but...you've
said one thing that is proof to me that it's all true.
Richie raises his eyebrows, waiting for him to continue.
GARY
I've loved Ashton Ketchum since I was a kid. Never told a soul about it,
certainly not to him. Nobody would have guessed, either. I kept it very
hidden, and as a result kept away from Ashton all together.
RICHIE
Well, more or less you almost made the same mistake in my reality
as well.
Gary smiles, bewildered.
GARY
To think...Ashton and I really *could* have been together
all these years...I had no idea he was capable of feeling that way...but
you're also right about one other thing...I am...very...attracted to you
as well. Was from the moment I saw you, in fact.
Richie grins widely.
RICHIE
I know. It was written all over you. It's amazing that we worked
so closely at that bizarre library for so long yet never crossed
paths.
GARY
So are you here...forever? Will you be returning to your Earth?
Richie's smile goes sour.
RICHIE
I...I don't know. I *hope* so! There's two lucky men back there I plan
on marrying! I guess it'll depend on how ShiShi's attack works.
GARY
ShiShi...that's odd...I once remember my grandfather...he's a Pokemon
archeologist here...talking about some rare Pokemon named Shi...
RICHIE
That's his pre-evo form.
GARY
But my grandfather was silenced about unveiling his findings...even to me.
The library boasts infinite knowledge, but in truth it holds many secrets.
It's best not to dwell on it, however. The library is very powerful.
Richie nods.
RICHIE
I've noticed. I love libraries...but this is too much...
Gary smiles as he stands, and walks over him. He carefully
places his hands on Richie's hips. He leans down and plants
a soft kiss on the smaller teens lips. When it's over, he pulls
back and a look of euphoria has swept over him.
GARY
Amazing. I...I've never kissed a guy before and felt this way...
Richie keeps his gaze on Gary, placing his hands to Gary's hips.
RICHIE
Your soul has been starved for true love. It's obvious. If only
Ash was here...but...we'll just have to make due.
Gary seems purplexed by this statement.
GARY
Huh? Wha....
The taller teen is cut off by Richie as he gives him a full-blown kiss, practically
knocking him over. Within moments the two are scrambling to remove each other's
clothing, trying not to pry each other from the hot kiss in the process...although Gary's
tie is proving to be troublesome for Richie.
***
UNIVERSE C
Behind the Oak residence, Gary sits in silence, swinging slowly on an old
tire swing. Near him, sitting against a tree, is Andy. Both are gazing up at
the moon. A warm night breeze lightly sweeps over them, and the older
brother finally glances down.
GARY
So...how long have you known?
Andy continues looking upward.
ANDY
Since I was ten. At first I got very sad
over it...but I realized it's a part of me
just as much as my love for art, anime,
video games and books.
GARY
Well, I already know why you don't want
mother and father to know...seriously they
should consider taking some enlightening
classes.
ANDY
I will probably take the cowardly way out
and just move far away and never tell them.
Gary nods slowly.
GARY
Who knows? Maybe having two gay sons
will wake them up! Make them realize
they have to deal with it.
Andy stands, and stretches.
ANDY
I dunno...
Gary watches Andy begin to walk away, so he gets up and
walks swiftly over to him and places his hand on his sholder.
GARY
Andy, I know things seem bleak, but you
have to remember our parents do love us.
They're just...kinda lame about it.
Andy nods slowly, then looks up to his big brother with a smile.
ANDY
Tell me about what it's like where you live!
Gary pauses, as he actually knows nothing about where Mai found him.
So, he decides to just describe his own universe.
GARY
It's very different from here. People are
preoccupied with other things. While being
gay isn't exactly universally accepted there
either, it's definately a better place to be.
ANDY
So you know a lot of gay guys?
Gary smiles.
GARY
Oh...yeah. I've met so many, I've lost count.
ANDY
If that's true, then why don't you let me come with you!
GARY
Huh?
ANDY
There's nothing for me here, big brother. I don't want to
live in hiding. I want to find a boyfriend. I want to be free
in the sun. I'm ready to leave home, I promise. Just
like you.
GARY
Uh...Andy...that's a really big step. We should at least
confront mom and dad. Together. I'll be with you, it'll
be alright.
ANDY
You have more faith in them than I do, I guess.
GARY
I have to. They're my parents!
ANDY
What if they won't accept me?
He ponders the question a moment.
GARY
Well, then you'll be coming with me.
Andy smiles at his big brother, and gives him a giant hug.
***
UNIVERSE A
Ash is suprised to find that Gary's residence was, in fact, a cave. Sure,
it was sparcely decorated with spartan furnature and livable, but he had
a hard time imagining anybody living here, let alone Gary.
GARY
Welcome home. I know it's not much, but it has a comfy bed I swiped
from an abandoned mansion up above.
Ash smiles.
ASH
Wow, Gary. You really live here?
Gary nods, slightly hurt.
GARY
I know...you deserve better. I used to live in one of the buildings we passed,
but I let my sister have it when she got married. Living here keeps me from
growing soft...I'm always ready to fight no matter the time of day.
Ash looks around, and sees there is a photograph nailed to the wall. It's a
photograph of this universe's Ashley and Gary, inside Deliah's house. They
are no older than ten, and are standing side by side, each with an arm around
the other's waste. They both are sporting cheesy grins, and Ashley is missing
one of his front teeth.
ASH
We were so cute!
Gary walks up behind Ash, and rests his chin on Ash's sholder, then places his arms
around him in a soft hug.
GARY
It seems like a thousand lifetimes ago. Since that picture I've had to kill
so many Pokemon. Even some Humans that were Pokemon sympathizers.
Do you know how I've managed to stay alive and sane through it all?
ASH
No.
Gary straightens up and turns Ash to face him.
GARY
Thinking about our last kiss, and how we promised we would
do what it took to survive to find ourselves back with each other.
Ash slightly gasps as he feels Gary tighten his grip around Ash's
waste.
GARY
I love you, Ashley.
Ash sees that despite the tough exterior, he *is* the same Gary Oak
deep inside. He smiles gingerly, closes his eyes, and leans up to
give Gary the sweetest, softest kiss he's ever had. Before long, the
kiss becomes more forceful and the two begin running their hands up and
down the other's bodies.
Neither noticed someone enter the cave, watch the two for several moments,
until he coughed rather pointedly.
Ash broke the kiss, and looked to see none other than Richie! But wait...this
was obviously the Richie that belonged to this universe. His hair was buzzed short,
and he was very dirty. His clothes were soiled with mud, and he has bruises of various
colors all over his body.
GARY
Richie!
Richie snarls, and reveals a 2x4 with nails jutting out of it.
RICHIE
Gary. When Todd told me he saw you with someone else, I knew
it couldnt be true unless I saw it with my own eyes. Well...now it's
time to pay for cheating on me.
As Richie raises the 2x4, Ash takes a step forward.
ASH
Richie! It's me...Ash!
Richie smiles.
RICHIE
Hello Ash, I'm Richie. Now, preprare to die!
As Richie begins inching closer, Gary lightly places his hands up and smiles
GARY
Richie, this isn't what it looks like...this is *Ashley*!
Richie stops, and takes a closer look at Ash.
RICHIE
You're the one Gary grew up with...
ASH
Uh huh.
Richie lowers the 2x4.
RICHIE
Okay. Fair play, Gary. We did agree that our ship would sail
once you got your prescious *Ashley* back. I'll honor that
promise. You'll never see me again. Good bye.
Richie turns and begins walking to the cave's entrance. Ash quickly
runs to him.
ASH
Wait, Richie! Stop!
Richie spins around, and watches Ash as he bolts to him.
ASH
Please....don't go.
Richie slightly cocks his head to the side, trying to figure out the stranger's
deal.
RICHIE
...why?
ASH
Because you and Gary found each other in this crazy universe. That's awesome!
Richie momentarily glances to Gary, then back at Ash. He had to admit the guy was cute.
RICHIE
But you're here now.
Ash smiles.
ASH
Exactly! Now we can all be together! Like it should be!
A few moments pass, and Gary and Richie both sweatdrop simultaneously.
***
UNIVERSE B
Richie and Gary both let out exasperated sighs as they arise from Gary's bed.
GARY
Wow...that was...intense.
Richie smiles and winks at him.
RICHIE
It was! You definately know how to work that tongue.
Gary smirks, and lightly blushes as he stands, nude. Richie eyes his bubble butt
as the taller teen walks to his closet and retrieves his robe. He then grabs a
second robe, and tosses it to Richie.
GARY
Here, put it on. There's some delicious chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream
in the kitchen, I think we should split it.
Richie smiles as he stands, and places the robe around himself. He then nods.
RICHIE
Sounds good.
The two teens exit the bedroom, and as they enter the livingroom, they see Enid
the housekeeper running towards them in a panic.
ENID
Master Oak! The L.I.K. Security is here, I couldn't keep them out.
Gary and Richie stop, confused.
GARY
Huh?
Suddenly a team wearing navy blue suits walk around the corner. Gary focuses in on the leader.
GARY
Koga?
Koga, the team leader, stops and stares at Gary.
KOGA
Gary! Er...Mr. Oak. I didn't realize this was *your* apartment.
GARY
What's the meaning of this?
KOGA
I have orders to retrieve this young man.
RICHIE
What?!?
GARY
Why?
KOGA
He was attempting to obtain knowledge about a Class Seven Pokemon.
RICHIE
Y-You mean ShiShi?
KOGA
The Library Administrators wish to interroga...interview this young man.
Since you appear to be an accomplice, I have no option but to obtain you
as well.
Richie and Gary look at each other with trepidation.
***
UNIVERSE C
Gary awakens to the sound of knocking at his bedroom door. He stumbles
out of bed, and makes his way to the door. When he opens it, he sees
Andy, smiling widely.
ANDY
Morning, big brother!
Gary offers a soft smile.
GARY
Mornin' Andy.
Andy enters and shuts the door behind him.
ANDY
Mom sent me to wake everyone up for breakfast. I'm...so excited!
All last night, I kept going between excited and terrified, but now
I know it's the right thing to do!
GARY
Well, if your sure then I'm sure!
Andy opens the door, and leads Gary down the stairs to the table.
Mai, Cindy and Darrin are all sitting at their places.
DARRIN
Morning son. I see you chose not to flee in the night, so it would
seem you are willing to compromise with your family.
Gary half smiles as he sits.
GARY
I'm still here.
MAI
Oh, happy day.
DARRIN
Mai...
Before Darrin can continue, Saffron exits from the kitchen, holding
breakfast entrees on a large tray.
SAFFRON
Breakfast is served!
Saffron places the tray down and sits.
***
UNIVERSE A
Gary and Richie both sit on the small cot, listening to Ash as he explains
his entire story. Both seem quite stunned to hear the tale.
ASH
...So really, I'm not the Ash that belongs in this universe. I don't think
I'll be here much longer, but I *know* if I was sent here for a reason,
it was to brong the three of us together!
Richie smiles weakly at Ash.
RICHIE
That story is too crazy to be made up.
GARY
Imagine...all these universes out there...all of them with...*us*, or...versions
of us. I guess we got the short straw of the multiverses.
RICHIE
To think I actually *train* a Pikachu. A couple of years ago, I met a Pikachu...
in a Human re-education center. It thundershocked me hundreds of times.
I...enjoyed killing it slowly.
Ash widens his eyes and grits his teeth.
GARY
Do you think there's a way we would be able to go with you?
ASH
I don't know...I...don't think so.
Gary and Richie both look down a moment.
RICHIE
It would be nice to escape this place...wow...up until this moment I never
even realized there *was* a better place.
GARY
Technically, it doesn't exsist...in this reality.
RICHIE
But still...imagine a world where we could live in happiness...in the sunlight.
ASH
Well...maybe you can't escape this world...but that doesn't mean you
can't work towards making this world better.
GARY
How? A multitude of humans have tried making peace with Pokemon...
it doesn't work.
ASH
I refuse to believe it's impossible. Besides there *is* a way you can make this
world a little better right away...
Ash lowers himself between Richie and Gary, grabs their heads and moves them towards
his for a three-way kiss. Both shocked teens immediately melt as the kiss begins.
***
UNIVERSE B
Richie and Gary, both still in their robes, sit in a very plain room with their hands tied
behind the chairs.
The door opens, and a man enters, wearing a slick pinstripe suit. Richie gasps,
as he definately remembers this guy...at least a paralell version of himself.
MAN
Good evening, I'm Lance. Chief Administrator of the Library of Infinite Knowledge.
I've reviewed both of your employee profiles...nowhere does it mention either
of you have intimate knowledge of Pokemon higher than Class 4. I'd be interested
in knowing how either of you know about ShiShi.
Richie looks angrily at Lance.
RICHIE
First, I have a question for you. Aren't libraries supposed to represent free
knowledge, for all to learn from? Why the suppression of knowledge?
Lance doesn't even flinch at the question.
LANCE
Because very few people are worthy of the knowledge. Class five and higher
Pokemon are prescious and to allow them to be known by commoners is
sacrilage.
Richie stares at him for a moment.
RICHIE
I don't suppose it has anything to do with the fact that you like sleeping
with Pokemon and your ambition is to bed as many legendaries as possible.
Silence, as both Gary and Lance sweatdrop majorly.
LANCE
What?
RICHIE
If you're anything like the Lance I know...you enjoy the company of Pokemon
in a very intimate way. Not that I particularly frown on that, but I *know* a lot
of people wouldn't approve.
Lance begins sweating.
LANCE
How...how could you know such a thing?
RICHIE
Because I'm smart. I know a lot for a boy my age. Now, how about you release
us, and we'll keep quiet about what you like to do with Dragonite!
Lance gasps, and quickly turns around to face away from them.
LANCE
I would be ruined. The Board of Directors would have me removed.
RICHIE
Sorry, not my problem. You can avoid it by letting us go.
GARY
We'll keep your secret. No one has to know.
Lance half turns, contemplates the deal, then sighs with defeat.
LANCE
Fine. Just don't go around digging for information about high-class
Pokemon. I see no reason not to let you go.
Lance walks behind them and unties the ropes.
LANCE
I'll escort you two out.
Richie nods as Gary smiles at him with amazement.
***