Nearly two months later I was looking down at my badge holder. Five badges were connected to it now and I only had three more gyms to take on to be qualified for the league. Since catching Hatenna, not only had she officially adopted Chesnaught as her pseudo-dad, but she had improved by leaps and bounds. She evolved into Hattrem right before I had taken on the Fighting type gym and with every training session we did, I could tell she was getting stronger and getting closer to fully evolving.

Besides Hattrem, my team was sporting some other new faces as well. An incredibly persistent Galarian Meowth had gotten me so annoyed that I battled him. When he put up a decent fight, I decided to catch it and it had come in very handy when I took on the Fairy type gym. He had even evolved into Perrserker during the gym battle and clinched the win for me.

Also new to the team was an adorably stubby Hippopotas. I had never trained a ground type before, and it was fun to research the specific minerals I should add to her poke food. She still had a long way to go to be compared to my other pokemon in stamina, but she hit hard, and I could tell she would be a force to be reckoned with once she evolved.

Even with my team of five though, the last spot on my belt was eating at me and I had decided to spend some quality time in the wild area to search for the final member of my team. It was incredible how the wild area could change from a desert-like area to lush green meadows, to a forest. I hadn't lasted long in the desert section since there were mainly ground and rock types there and after a week or so of meandering between training sessions, I had come to the Lake of Outrage. I had heard from some trainers I had challenged to a practice battle that there were some rare pokemon around this area, which had drawn me to it.

"What do you say, Hattrem?" I asked, glancing up to catch a glimpse of pale blue. Hattrem had taken to propping herself up on my shoulder and lounging on my head as we traveled around, which made it look like I actually was wearing a hat. I found it adorable though and welcomed her companionship.

"Haaaa," Hattrem sighed out as gently as a summer breeze. I chuckled as I looked at the waist-high grass that led into reeds that grew on the edge of the large leg. A few trees dotted the edge of the lake and I thought I could see the mighty head of a Gyarados swimming around farther out in the lake.

"Who knows? Maybe we'll find the perfect pokemon to finish up our team," I said as I stepped into the grass. It was a bit of a struggle to wade my way through the tall greenery, but as I walked I was surprised that I didn't scare up any pokemon right away. Remembering that the trainers I had battled had emphasized how rare the pokemon that lived here were, it made some sense that I wasn't finding anything right away.

"I wonder why they didn't tell me what pokemon was so rare to find here," I muttered as I pushed aside some of the tall grass to try and make a path for myself. "Maybe they were just having a laugh with me and there really aren't any pokemon that live in this stuff."

"Hattrem Haaa," Hattrem responded encouragingly from on top of my head as I continued pushing forward. I smiled, reaching up to pat one of the large tassels on Hattrem's hat that was resting on my shoulder and keeping her stabilized.

"You're right. No sense in giving up now that we've come all the way here."

I continued pushing my way through the copious grass surrounding the lake. There was no sign of any pokemon, which was odd. I expected to come across at least a Vileplume or two, but maybe with the lake being inhabited by a Gyarados other pokemon kept a safe distance? As I made a complete circlet of the lake my patience was wearing thin and even Hattrem seemed to be getting bored.

"Maybe we could find something in the reeds?" I sighed, glancing over to the edge of the lake.

Just when I had turned in that direction though, an unnatural shuffle in the grass to my right caught my attention. I immediately stood still, slowly glancing over where I had seen the odd movement. Again the tall grass rustled just in one patch and a smile broke out across my lips.

"You ready, Hattrem?" I whispered as I began to slowly make my way towards the rustling.

"Haaa," Hattrem responding softly, tapping my head with her tiny hands in a show of anticipation.

I crept slowly up to the rustling spot in the grass, excited to see what pokemon we were about to see. My excitement was growing as I went through all of the typings that I still needed to catch to complete my goal when I was finally standing right next to the rustling patch of grass. Since the pokemon hadn't made any move to come out or move away from my approach, I decided to help it along by reaching towards the rustling and parting the grass.

My entire body tensed though when a small body shot out of the grass and went right up into my face, letting out a creepy hissing sound. Three things raced through my mind at once. 1. I was an idiot for disturbing an unknown pokemon. 2. Hattrem was shivering so much on top of my head I could feel her loosening my ponytail. And 3. The pokemon in front of me was DEFINITELy a ghost type.

On complete autopilot, I leaped away from the tiny monster and backpedaled furiously out of the grass. The little green thing with an arrow-shaped head and Ekans-like body floated through the air, coming after me as I fled.

"Get away!" I choked out, nearly tripping as I continued to awkwardly run backward through the grass. Ghost types were my weakness and as much as it was making me burst out into goosebumps seeing the little green demon floating through the air after me, the thought of turning my back on it was even more terrifying.

I finally broke out of the tall grass and scrambled backward and sideways, trying my best to keep the creature in my sight while still running away from it. Suddenly though, my back smacked into something solid and I heard a loud grunt as whatever I had hit and I both tumbled to the ground.

"Well, that was graceless," a familiar voice chuckled. I was so shocked to hear it that I actually tore my eyes away from the pursuing ghost type to look around me. Sure enough, dark eyes and familiar spiky brown hair greeted me and Gary grinned teasingly from his spot under my back.

"Gary..." I breathed out in shock. The creepy hissing sound from before sounded though and my entire body stiffened. I whirled my gaze back to where the Ghost type had been letting out a squeak of fright when I saw that it had NOT given up its pursuit and was now within a few feet of me.

Forgetting all about the handsome boy I had crashed into, I awkwardly Krabby-crawled over his stomach and shuffled away from the advancing ghost type as fast as I could. Hattrem, who was naturally weak against Ghost types, seemed to join me in my fear of the tiny green demon and she clutched tightly onto my head, burying her eyes in my curly hair. I continued scooting through the grass until I suddenly found myself backed up against a tree.

Panicked out of my mind, all I could think to do was curl up into a ball and press my eyes against my knees. Creepie crawlies danced across my skin as the ghost type hovered around me, hissing out wickedly all the while. When Hattrem let out a wail of fear though, I finally was able to gather my wits enough to leap to my feet and wave my hands furiously towards the creepy pest.

"Leave us alone, already!' I called out before bolting away.

My progress was suddenly stopped though when I was yanked to a halt by an arm wrapping around my waist. I struggled against Gary's strong grip, but to my shock, he pulled me so my back was pressed against his chest and then placed a hand over my eyes. The last thing I saw before his large hand blocked my vision was the sleek shape of an Umbreon. My entire body was shaking as I heard Gary give Umbreon a command and a high-pitched shriek followed the sound of a small explosion. I hadn't realized that I was crying until Gary's hand had pressed against my eyes, but I could feel the liquid pooling between his fingers and my cheeks as I desperately tried to calm myself down.

"It's alright, Sayuri," Gary said soothingly with his voice pitched a little deeper than usual. "I knew you were scared of Ghost types but I didn't realize they got you this freaked," he said quietly and I could feel his breath tickling my ear. The sensation was lost on me though since I was still a shivering mess of nerves and trauma.

"My mom..." I choked out as I tried to compose myself. "When I was a kid a ghost type tricked my Mom into thinking it was me. It led her off a cliff and..." I choked slightly on my sobs, hardly believing what I had just said. I had NEVER told anyone about what happened to Mom. What the heck had gotten into me to spill the story now?!

Gary's arms stiffened around me, and for the first time, I realized just how close we were to each other. Hattrem had gotten knocked off my shoulders at some point and was holding onto my leg fearfully, but I could feel Gary's chin pressed against my head. Even though my eyes were covered by his hand, I could feel that he was hunched over, almost enveloping me in his embrace. It felt like he was trying to shelter me from everything evil in the world and I slowly began to calm down.

My hands were trembling as I slowly reached up and gently held onto Gary's arm and wrist. He let out a breath that ruffled the hair over my ears and then he slowly lowered his hand away from my eyes. He brought it to rest on my shoulder though, so I felt even more surrounded by his protective presence.

"I'm sorry about what happened to your mom," Gary breathed out softly as he squeezed me gently in his arms. "But just because one ghost type was evil doesn't mean they all are."

I frowned slightly, feeling guilty. My brain knew that what Gary was saying was true. Logically I had always known that my fear of ghost types was irrational... But I also knew that fear was rarely rational, to begin with, so that didn't really help me.

"I mean, look at this one." My eyes flew open, shocked to see that the ghost type that had been chasing me was hovering several yards away from us. It was giving Umbreon a wary look but glancing towards Gary and me every once in a while. I flinched as I felt its beady eyes lock on mine and I instinctively pressed myself even tighter against Gary's body behind me. He responded almost immediately by resting his chin on my head and rubbing his hand gently along my upper arm in a soothing gesture.

"C'mon, Sayuri. Don't you think it's kinda cute?" Gary asked softly and I could hear the smile in his voice. My hands tightened reflexively on his arm as I forced myself to look back at the ghost type that seemed to just be waiting on the edge of the tall grass. It was again regarding Umbreon with obvious unease so I took my chance to observe it.

The more I looked at the little guy the more it reminded me of a green, miniaturized, floating Ekans. Its head was much more arrow shaped than an ekans though and it was half the size of Hattrem, who was already small for a pokemon. Red scales framed its ears and I couldn't help but flinch when it turned its eyes towards me and I could see that they were clearly yellow.

My grip tightened even further on Gary's arm when the ghost type did a strange jig in the air and then began streaking straight for me, letting out its weird hissing like before. Umbreon jumped forward and gave a warning bark, which halted the ghost type in its tracks. I was surprised when it met my eyes again and I thought I saw sadness in its expression.

"I think it likes you, Sayuri," Gary said encouragingly from above my head while patting my shoulder. "People say the best way to get over your fears is to confront it head-on."

"Pah," I breathed out, still unable to make any words escape my throat. Gary chuckled and I gasped when he slowly started to rock our bodies side to side. The slow-motion was oddly relaxing and I could feel my muscles loosen from their fear-induced tensing.

"Who knew all it took was a ghost type to bring the proud Sayuri to her knees. Can't believe I actually bragged that you were my rival to Professor Magnolia," Gary said with a smirk in his voice. I blinked mutely, repeating Gary's words several times in my head before finally responding.

"You really bragged about me?" I asked, wincing when my voice came out reedy and strained.

"Sure," Gary said with a shrug that I could feel as his arm around my shoulders shifted for a moment.

I licked my dry lips and forced myself to look at the pokemon hovering beyond Gary's Umbreon again. It was looking at me with an almost pleading expression and I frowned slightly. Titling my head at an angle, I thought I might understand why Gary had called it cute...

"How should I... confront it?" I asked, forcing myself not to let my teeth chatter as cold sweat trickled down my neck while I forced myself to meet the ghost type's eyes.

"Catch it and train it, obviously," Gary responded immediately. I felt my mouth drop open at this ridiculous suggestion and I quickly shook my head, causing Gary to pull his chin off of me.

"No way!" I whispered fiercely. A sudden chill went through my body as Gary suddenly let go of my waist and clapped both his hands on my shoulders. I spluttered in protest as Gary forcefully moved me up to where his Umbreon was standing, making sure the ghost type didn't make any sudden movement. It started zipping around in excited zigzags through the air when I started to approach though and I could feel myself relaxing a little.

"You... really think it likes me?" I asked nervously, drawing strength from Gary's firm grip on my shoulders.

"Duh," Gary said with a chuckle. "Ghost types love scaring anyone, but especially people or pokemon that they like."

I could feel the blood rushing to my head from that comment. Gritting my teeth, I firmly planted my feet into the ground, halting the forward momentum Gary had built and causing him to bump into me.

"I don't know if I can handle that..." I said sincerely as I watched the floating demon spin around in excited circles.

"Oh, come on, it'll be good for you! Like shock therapy," Gary said encouragingly, pushing me hard until I took a few final steps and came up next to Umbreon. I glared over my shoulder at Gary and wasn't surprised to see him flashing me a smile. "You can use Umbreon to battle him if you want," Gary said encouragingly.

I glanced down at his Umbreon who was standing like a well-trained soldier, never taking its eyes from the ghost type a yard away from it. My eyes flicked over to Hattrem though who was still clutching onto my leg so tightly that she had come along for the ride as Gary had forced me closer to the ghost type.

Taking a deep breath, I bent down, stroking the top of Hattrem's hat soothingly and prompting her to look up at me. "I'm scared too," I whispered to her as I gently stroked her hat. "But Gary thinks it would be good for us to catch and train that pokemon. Will you help me?"

Hattrem's little eyes widened as far as they would go at me before she glanced over at the floating ghost type across from us. I could see her go through a mental battle as she clutched tightly to my leg, but eventually, she turned back and gave me a hesitant nod. I let out a sigh of resignation since I had secretly been hoping Hattrem would refuse so I would have an excuse to not go through with this. But if she was prepared to face her fears, then so would I.

"Hattrem and I will battle it," I announced over my shoulder to Gary. He raised an eyebrow at me but then nodded, not saying anything about how Hattrem was obviously at the disadvantage of being a pure psychic type.

Taking a calming breath, I stepped past Gary's Umbreon and brought Hattrem along with me. When we were only a few feet from the ghost type, who was floating up and down with obvious excitement as we approached, I looked down at Hattrem and she reluctantly let go of my leg.

"Hattrem," I said quietly, pulling her gaze from the little ghost type. "We haven't practiced it much, but do you think you can pull off the new move you learned last week?"

My little friend blinked up at me but then a slow, relieved smile spread across her face and she nodded her head. I tried to appear encouraging as I smiled back at her and then steeled myself to face off against my worst fear. My dad had never told me which ghost type had led my mom to her death, but as I looked at this little thing floating in the air I highly doubted it was capable of creating illusions.

Squaring my shoulders, I pointed straight at the little ghost type. I frowned when I saw my handshaking, but I still forced myself to say, "Hattrem, Dark Pulse!"

The little ghost type's yellow eyes went wide and it zoomed to the left as a pulsing beam of dark energy shot from between Hattrem's little hands. Hattrem's aim was way off the mark and I had to jump back when she started swinging the beam of dark energy back and forth crazily, nearly hitting me in the process of her trying to get the dodging ghost type.

The ghost type suddenly darted towards Hattrem, spooking her into losing her concentration and her Dark Pulse pittered out. The ghost type zoomed right into Hattrem's face, covering his eyes before making a creepy face and using Astonish. Hattrem FREAKED and immediately began running wildly around me with the ghost type following after her. Cold sweat ran down my neck even though I knew this was a weak pokemon if all it had was Astonish. Gritting my teeth, I scooped Hattrem into my arms and took a step back before lifting Hattrem up like Rafiki showing off Simba to the animal kingdom.

"Use Dazzling Gleam!" I yelled, closing my eyes tightly to keep myself from losing my nerve. Even with my eyes closed, I could still see the light of the sparkling fairy type attack pouring off of my trembling pokemon. A strange noise between a squeak and a shriek sounded. Once the light from Hattrem's attack died down I slowly peeked one eye open. My jaw dropped when I saw that not only had the move hit the ghost type, but it had fainted on its back in the grass.

"But... why...?" I wondered out loud.

"Catch it, Sayuri!" Gary called out encouragingly, causing me to jump.

I quickly place Hattrem on her preferred spot on my shoulders before taking out the empty pokeball on my belt and tossing it at the fainted pokemon. The ball only shook once before the ding of a successful capture sounded. All the adrenaline that had been coursing through me suddenly dried up and I flopped down to the ground, breathing hard.

"We did it, Hattrem..." I gasped out as I wiped my forehead against my jacket sleeve. "We caught a ghost type."

"You okay there?" Gary's voice pulled me from the numbness that had come after the battle had ended. I blinked up at him to see he was looking at me with a smile, but I thought I could see the concern in his expression.

"Fine," I responded breathily, running my fingers through my curly bangs and grimacing when I could feel the beads of sweat along my hairline. Quickly wiping my hand against my pant leg, I forced myself up to walk over to the pokeball of the newest member of my team. After scanning the pokeball my eyes widened when the picture of the ghost type came on and I discovered that it was NOT a pure ghost type.

"Ghost dragon, huh?" Gary asked, peering over my shoulder to look at the Pokedex entry. "I've heard of Dreepy's, but it's pretty rare to find one by themselves. Usually, they stick close to their pack so their stronger evolved forms can take care of them."

"Is that right?" I asked as I looked over its stats. Honestly, its attack and speed stats were pretty good for a first evolution, but its stamina was practically non-existent.

"I guess you won't have to worry so much when you evolve, Hattrem," I said as I looked over Dreepy's Pokedex entry. "Half of his moves won't even affect you when you are a dual fairy type."

"Haaa," Hattrem said with a soft sigh.

"Not so scared now that you know he's a dual type?" Gary asked, knocking his elbow against my arm gently. Suddenly the memory of Gary holding me tightly from behind invaded my mind and I could feel heat exploding across my cheeks and into my ears. I looked up at him helplessly and he blinked in surprise, seeming confused by my reaction.

"What's this? Did all the excitement give you a fever?" Gary asked worriedly, reaching out and resting the back of his hand against my forehead. I jerked away and shook my head before lowering myself into a bow.

"I am SO sorry you had to see me like that," I said, trying to battle back my mortified embarrassment. Luckily I heard Gary laughing loudly and I slowly straighten up, not being able to keep an embarrassed frown from my face.

"Seriously? You're worried about it now?" Gary asked, wiping at the corner of his eyes as he slowly calmed down. "You were more freaked out than I thought if you're getting this embarrassed about it after the fact."

I tried to act haughty and give a huff while folding my arms. But I couldn't even begin to express how embarrassed I was and soon my arms fell back to my sides as I bowed my head pathetically. Hattrem patted my head soothingly, but even that couldn't take away the mortifying embarrassment that was eating away at me.

"It's really not a big deal," Gary said from somewhere up above me. "But how about you cook me dinner to make it up to me."

I blinked and raised my head, puzzled at this odd request. For one thing, it was barely past noon, and for another, didn't people usually ask for someone to treat them to a meal? Not cook one for them? Gary looked expectant though, so I shrugged and nodded my head.

"If that's what you want," I said hesitantly and he nodded.

"How many badges do you have so far?" Gary asked, changing the subject completely. I held up my badge holder to show him instead of saying and to my surprise he held up his own to show he had the same badges.

"Looks like I caught up to you," he said with a grin. "Wanna head to the next gym together? You still owe me a battle with my Dracovish."

My mouth dropped open in shock at this unexpected invitation, but even though I was still thoroughly embarrassed there was no way I was going to let this opportunity go.

A/N Just one chapter left for Gary's route! No choices to make since this is the final happy ending. Hopefully, you have enjoyed it so far. The last chapter probably will not be what you are expecting :P