The Roulette of Destiny: Reincarnated in the Pokémon World

As Ethan strolled through the vibrant paths of the resort, taking in the sea breeze and peaceful atmosphere, he spotted a familiar figure leaning against a palm tree.

It was Gary Oak, casually flipping through a Pokédex with his trademark smirk plastered across his face. His six-member cheering squad, dressed in matching outfits, stood nearby, chatting animatedly.

Ethan approached with a faint smile. "Gary, didn't expect to see you here."

Gary glanced up, recognizing his childhood friend immediately. "Ethan! Fancy running into you here. Didn't think you'd have time to relax between your battles."

"Could say the same about you. I thought you'd be too busy boasting to anyone who'll listen," Ethan replied, keeping his tone light.

Gary grinned. "Boasting? Nah, just telling the truth. You know how it is."

Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice calling out.

Both Ethan and Gary turned to see none other than Professor Oak walking toward them, accompanied by Delia Ketchum, Ash's mother. The Professor waved enthusiastically.

"Gary, Ethan! What a pleasant surprise!" Professor Oak greeted as he approached.

"Gramps, what are you doing here?" Gary asked, genuinely surprised.

Delia chuckled softly. "We're here for the Pokémon performance competition in three days. Professor Oak was invited to oversee it, and I decided to tag along for a little vacation."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "A Pokémon performance competition? What's that about?"

Professor Oak adjusted his glasses. "It's an event where trainers showcase their Pokémon's unique skills and creativity. It's less about battles and more about presentation and teamwork."

Gary smirked. "Sounds like something right up Ash's alley—he's always more about flashy antics than actual strategy."

Before Ethan could reply, another familiar voice rang out. "Mom! Professor Oak!"

Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu arrived, looking refreshed after their chaotic adventure. Ash immediately rushed over to hug his mother, grinning ear to ear.

"Mom! What are you doing here?" Ash asked, his excitement bubbling over.

Delia returned the hug warmly. "I'm here to watch the competition, sweetie. I thought it'd be a nice change of pace."

Professor Oak smiled at Ash. "And it's good timing, too. You and your friends could enter and show off your Pokémon."

Misty clapped her hands together. "That sounds perfect! I'm definitely in!"

Brock nodded. "It could be fun. Plus, it's a chance to show how well our Pokémon can work together."

As the conversation flowed, Gary leaned back with his signature smug grin. "Well, if it isn't Ashy-boy. Still trailing behind everyone else, I see."

Ash frowned, his temper flaring instantly. "Gary, you're here too? Why don't you mind your own business?"

Gary shrugged nonchalantly. "Just calling it as I see it. I mean, I've already caught twice as many Pokémon as you. And I didn't have to rely on beginner's luck to win a badge."

Ash clenched his fists. "Oh yeah? Why don't we settle this with a battle right now?"

Gary smirked. "Why would I waste my time battling an amateur? Besides, you'd just embarrass yourself in front of everyone here."

Ethan, standing to the side, tried to suppress a chuckle as the tension escalated. Misty rolled her eyes. "Oh, not this again. Can't you two go one day without acting like children?"

Just as the situation seemed to spiral, Brock stepped forward and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder. "That's enough. Save it for the competition if you're so eager to prove yourselves."

Gary chuckled as he crossed his arms. "Fine by me. Not that Ash stands a chance, anyway."

Ash glared but said nothing, clearly biting back a retort. The group eventually dispersed, with Ash and his friends deciding to prepare for the competition while Ethan wandered off to consider his next steps.

Far out on the tranquil blue waters, a sleek ship cut through the waves, heading toward the same resort island where Ethan, Gary, and Ash were currently staying. Onboard were two trainers, Green and Pink, who had become close friends through their shared adventures.

Green leaned on the ship's railing, the salty sea breeze blowing through her hair. Her Bulbasaur rested comfortably by her side, occasionally glancing up at her. "So, Pink, what do you think about this Pokémon performance competition? I hear it's a big deal around here."

Pink, sitting on a deck chair with her Charmander curled at her feet, smirked. "It's not the competition I'm interested in. It's the prize. Did you hear what it is?"

Green nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "An Aerodactyl fossil. If we win it, we could revive it into an actual Pokémon with the right technology. That would give us a serious edge."

Pink chuckled. "Exactly. I doubt the other trainers even know about the prize. Most are probably just here to show off. Meanwhile, we're here to win something worth more than bragging rights."

The ship's captain announced their imminent arrival at the island, and the two trainers quickly gathered their belongings. Green returned Bulbasaur to its Poké Ball while Pink did the same with Charmander.

As they disembarked, the lively resort atmosphere welcomed them. The docks were bustling with trainers and tourists alike, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore blended with the chatter of the crowd.

"This place is busier than I expected," Green remarked, scanning the area.

Pink adjusted her bag. "It's perfect. The more distracted everyone else is, the better chance we have to focus and prepare."

The two headed into the heart of the resort, taking in the sights while making mental notes of potential competition. They spotted a few trainers practicing with their Pokémon on the beach and others handing out flyers about the event.

"I wonder if Ethan or Gary are here," Green mused as they walked. "It'd be fun to see how they're doing."

Pink shrugged. "If they are, we'll deal with them like everyone else. This fossil is ours."

Their conversation was briefly interrupted when Green's Bulbasaur and Pink's Charmander popped out of their Poké Balls. The Pokémon seemed curious about the bustling environment and looked around excitedly.

"Looks like they're ready for action," Green said with a laugh, patting Bulbasaur's head.

"Good," Pink replied, smirking. "Because we're not leaving this island without that fossil."