Gary was surprised to learn that Wally had watched the League Conferences in which he had competed.
In the games, Wally is a frail teenager whose family forbids him from becoming a Trainer because of his poor health—yet he eventually proves them wrong.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga, he even helps Norman awaken Rayquaza to save the Hoenn region.
Most fans, however, remember Wally for catching a Ralts. Gary wondered if the boy in front of him already had one.
"I didn't expect you to be a Trainer who's won a League Conference, Gary!" Wanda said, eyes wide.
"Gary hasn't even competed in the Ever Grande Conference yet—how could he be a Champion?" Zinnia asked, baffled.
Gary winced. He had only explained the concept of League Conferences to Zinnia, he had never mentioned the other regional tournaments, let alone his victories.
"Gary won the Indigo Plateau Conference and the Silver Conference—the Kanto and Johto League tournaments," Wally explained helpfully.
"Oh, I see." Zinnia nodded and fell silent.
"Come inside, it's chilly out here," Wanda urged, ushering Gary and Zinnia through the door. She handed them slippers and led them to the living room.
Wanda's home was spacious. Her parents and uncle were present, all eager to thank the man who had saved Riley. Dinner would take a little longer, so everyone settled in front of the television while they waited.
Wally, however, could hardly take his eyes off Gary.
"Uh… Wally, is something wrong?" Gary asked. Being stared at—especially by another guy—made him uneasy.
"I… I really admire you," Wally admitted.
"I've only won two League Conferences," Gary said with a chuckle. "Honestly, you're old enough to become a Trainer yourself."
"Do you really think I could?" Wally asked, hope shining in his eyes.
"Of course. Anyone who's ten or older can apply for a Trainer's license. Didn't you know?"
"I know the rule, but I've been sickly since childhood. My family refuses to let me travel—and they won't even buy me a Pokémon," Wally said gloomily.
"If being a Trainer is your dream, you have to try. If it doesn't work out, you can always come home. But if you never try, you'll regret it forever," Gary said.
Wally bit his lip. "But my parents will never agree."
"They're only worried about you. Prove to them that you can take care of yourself."
"Prove… how?"
"Catch a Pokémon, train it, and handle everything yourself—cooking, laundry, the works. Show them you're responsible."
Wally's weakness, Gary knew, stemmed partly from overprotection. With regular exercise, the boy's health could still improve.
"Can I really manage that?" Wally whispered, almost to himself.
"You can—if you're determined. Start exercising, build up your strength, and your parents will come around."
"But I don't have a Pokémon, and my parents won't buy one for me."
"That part's easy. Meet me at the Pokémon Center tomorrow morning. I'll lend you one of mine while we go catch your first partner."
"R-really?!" Wally's face lit up.
"Really. But keep it secret from your parents—tell them you're just hanging out with me."
"Okay! Where exactly should I meet you?"
"The Pokémon Center, first thing in the morning."
Gary normally avoided getting involved, yet Wally's earnest nature might attract a Ralts—and Gary still needed a Gardevoir for his own team.
"All right, I'll be there." Wally clenched his fists, resolved to chase his dream.
"Dinner's ready!" Wanda called from the dining room.
"What had you two so excited?" she asked, noticing Wally's flushed cheeks.
"Oh, nothing—just talking Pokémon with Brother Gary," Wally said innocently.
Everyone took their seats. Zinnia focused on the food, leaving Gary to handle most of the conversation.
He chatted easily with Wanda's family—sharing stories from Kanto and Johto, and listening to tales about life in Verdanturf Town. By the end of the meal, both guests and hosts were in high spirits.