Chapter 26: Attorney at Law

Chapter 26: Attorney at Law

Id beaten the champion, but I found the looming audit of my books a far more terrifying challenge. Instead of sleeping I chewed my lip and rolled over and over in bed.

Id lost more sleep wondering if a misplaced decimal was going to spell my doom than calling out the Champion for a duel in two days.

Was that arrogance or practicality? Or was it a mania caused by lack of sleep? Was this what Flint went through after the twins were born? Why did the man keep having children? I twitched in bed before standing from my sleepless position.

What other options did I have? Could I contest this? Id need to ask my lawyer tomorrow when they came around.

Was this something I should talk to Surge about? Hed been a solid friend to me in the past, giving me a shoulder to lean on while I weaned into the responsibilities of being a Gym Leader.

I didnt want to run to him every time I had a problem though. I wanted to be able to stand on my own.

Sabrina was much the same. Shed definitely be able to help; she was so terrifyingly smart I couldn't imagine her not having a solution. On the other hand, she might just resort to intimidation with her psychic powers if she knew I was stressed out. I didnt want her getting in trouble and much like with Surge I also didnt want to trouble her all the time. She hadnt come around since the Exhibition match and most messages she sent were short. In Sabrina language that meant she was probably still tired from dealing with all the thoughts at the match.

Erika, I didnt know well enough.

I just needed to trust that I had this. Now if only I could go to sleep.

I tried stretching. I tried my normal anxiety management methods of methodically pressuring myself and releasing tension. None of it helped; I was left frazzled and out of sorts. The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.

I ended up stalking out of my room and into the kitchen, where I made myself a messy snack, glancing around guiltily when I mixed up the vanilla ice cream with some chocolate toppings before devouring it. It was amazing I hadnt had Munchlax storming in demanding some when Id opened the fridge.

I mentally patted myself on the back for getting away with it. I dropped the bowl off and made my way into the lounge room where I found Munchlax passed out. He reminded me of my dog from another life, lying spread-eagled on the couch with a dopey smile on his face. Not a care in the world.

He kicked out a little. Mun! Munch! Munch! he said in his sleep.

I snorted and sat down on another section before turning on the television for some late-night program.

The pokemon world had different shows at night than during the day. It was very much a restriction on appropriate television and content as I understood it. Anyone could learn about some very dark truths that were occurring in the world, but they either had to subscribe to receive an email each day about what was going on or they had to stay up and watch the late news.

an unlicensed fishing operation was seized today off the coast of Fuschia after the Carvanah nets broke and a nearby beach became dangerous for swimmers. Thankfully, a team of Rangers and Fuschias own Gym Leader were able to stop the pokemon swarm before anyone was fatally injured. Twelve were rushed to hospital and are expected to make a full recovery. On the screen, an aerial shot of water near a beach with a facility that reminded me of the old tuna fish farms rested, only this one appeared to be attached to a boat that had broken down. I narrowed my eyes. Or had it been sabotaged? It was dumb of them to enter Kogas territory.

Devon stock was shorted on today with international investors betting against Steven

I changed the channel.

when your woman isnt enough for a mans nee Another change, I didnt like the look of that Jynx winking at me. I knew what late-night ads for those typically meant.

the mating call of the I twitched and changed the channel again. I especially didnt want to know anything about what that Tentacruel was doing.

I ended up settling on what was the equivalent of the Pokemon history channel.

On the screen, a large Arcanine was shown in a cage. It paced around the small space before slumping down and whining lowly. I watched it for a moment, wondering what this show was talking about. I was just about to change the channel, but then I recognised the articulated voice of the narrator. Professor Oak.

During the latter half of the war, it was realized that pokemon trainers' deaths were not just affecting their families and communities, but also that of their pokemon. When their trainer died during the war, unless they were claimed by a person the pokemon recognised, they were usually aggressive to captors.

Or if the captors were rivals that the pokemon knew to be enemies? On the screen, the Arcanine narrowed its eyes as a shadow of a person fell over it. You could see the muscles ripple in preparation for the leap.

They became violent, Oak said just as the Arcanine attacked.

I settled back and watched the show. It wasnt as well understood by the layman, but pokeballs operated on linking in with peoples aura to capture and keep pokemon contained. When you ran out of pokemon you also typically found yourself passing out as the energy you invested in keeping them stable in their balls caused you to go into shock.

It was why it was always best to keep at least one strong pokemon on hand in any situation. If you went through a complete team wipe it typically left you dangerously exposed. If you could limp into a pokecenter with one pokemon? You could sleep it off.

It was interesting to see the issues this dilemma created during a war.

Id never thought of what might happen to my pokemon if I was taken out. I swallowed and continued to watch. Apparently, a lot of the pokemon, if they didnt get claimed, would pop out of their pokeballs and discover their trainers body.

Normal behavior for pokemon that have lost their trainers is very similar to most humans. They mourn the loss. Some struggle to understand it. Their minds are initially unable to comprehend the concept, but like children, they learn the harsh truth. On the screen, the Arcanine howls mournfully at the moon with tears trickling down its face.

I continued to watch as Oak outlined how entire teams of pokemon attacked trainers from any side of the war after a while. This led to large disturbances to the ecosystem they had found themselves in. As more and more pokemon trainers fell, more and more powerful pokemon eventually found themselves in the wilds.

This created pokemon that were wise to trainers tricks in capturing them, and often nature became the greatest hindrance against humanity's attempts to tear itself apart. Oaks voice was overlaid to a forest on fire as eyes that I could only describe as evil glinted out from the shadows.

And then the credits rolled. Muuuuuunch! said the pokemon that had crawled into my arms at some point during the show.

Mhm, I absently replied. I now saw why these shows were only shown so late at night. This was graphic horror fuel. It was meant for adults. It was darkly interesting. I now felt like I had a new reason why I wasnt going to fall asleep tonight.

I turned the tv off and carried Munchlax up to my room where I cuddled with him. Something about having the small pokemon in my arms helped me to relax. I felt a little bad that Id accidentally scared him, but I made up for it by helping him relax and going to bed. At least I felt that way.

He got me back by eating my shirt during the night. Apparently, there had been some chocolate on it.

It didnt bother me all that much. I was just thankful I had been able to get a halfway decent nights rest. Id made do on less before, but I was little better than a Slakoth as a result. Thankfully I had four hours in me and could now get on with my day productively.

I had slightly less time than before to deal with the looming audit.

I had a lawyer.

Not one on retainer, or anything as serious as that, but I did have a man that I consulted with. When Id originally returned home from my journey I had needed someone to investigate the legal status of the gym, and my right to take it over as Gym Leader from my father.

This had led me to the office of Lawrence Wright. Id almost dismissed Lawrence when Id first met him.

In my defence, Id never seen a lawyer with a mohawk.

It hadnt struck me as acceptable in a courtroom for one. But I was quickly proven wrong. In fact, no one else batted an eye at the man in a tailored suit with his outrageous mohawk when we walked from his office to my Gym to review my paperwork. Hed actually been highly recommended, and when the Grannies asked who was making sure things run smoothly they patted me on the head for hiring him and thought better of me.

It had been a very strange experience as a then thirteen-year-old. Id won approval from very tradition-bound grannies by hiring a man that looked like he enjoyed roaring up and down highways in leather and chains. It really hadnt made any sense to me.

I ended up just chalking it up as anime logic and shrugged it off.

I called the day before, but he sadly hadnt been able to come around yesterday. Instead, they booked him in to come to the gym today after lunch. This suited me wonderfully, as it gave me enough time to watch Celias next match.

He swaggered up the path, his mohawk bobbing with each step before rapping his knuckles on the front door. I opened it and gave him a wave. Yo Lawrence, thanks for coming.

Not a problem Brock, not a problem. As you should know, Im happy to help out.

Im sure your rate has nothing to do with that. I snarked at the man as I gestured for him to follow me to the office.

He put a hand on his chest in mock affront. You wound me Brock. He winked. I dont charge that much, don't worry. Although I certainly wouldnt mind having you sign a retainer for my services. Need some solid locked-in work. Then I could hire on others like youre going to be.

Who told you I was hiring anyone? I asked, thinking that the employment agency had yet to send out the advert.

Lawrence rolled his eyes at me. Youre young with a huge, state-of-the-art Gym. You dont dream small, Brock. He gestured towards the Gym properly. Youre making something big here.

I scratched my check self consciously. Ah well, I think I just had a case of my eyes being bigger than my stomach when I designed the place. Lawrence snorted at me.

Suurrre you did. Still, Id love to have a proper contract set up if youre interested. Now show me what your concerns are.

It took all of ten minutes of looking through my accounts for him to drop two files on the table. Then he stared at me before speaking, Brock, I can tell something has been plucked from these files. Theyre very sparse on details, and theyre also notably different from everything else here. Both are land titles outside of Pewter. Theyre not investments and there is no rent or returns listed in your accounts. He stared at me, his mohawk now pointed right at me. What are you trying to hide? My hesitation to speak made him sigh. Client privilege Brock. If its something illegal No, its just sensitive information I dont want to be known.

Well thats good to hear. I was worried for a second that you might not be as aww shucks of a good guy as you appear! he said with a laugh. He leaned back in his chair amused as I shook my head.

Im not seen that way by people am I? I said with a splutter.

He shrugged. By some around town. Youre like a slice of nice apple pie. Humble young man that listens to his elders, while still looking out for his family. Good local lad. The stains on your record are more others making than your own. And yet youve held up mighty fine indeed. He tapped the paperwork, Now, no more diversions. Care to read me in? He raised one report that I had redacted. I relaxed a little at that, not too worried about that site. I didnt own it after all. It was Ranger preserve land.

Mt. Moon Its got a colony of Clefairy and also fairly often has meteors that hit. Ive gained a number of Moonstones that I occasionally sell off. I had previously listed off the site as I take my family up there and also check in on the local pokemon.

Huh. Yeah, I can see how that getting out would be troubling. Lots of trainers and bounty hunters would sweep the place if it got out as common knowledge. Still got the documents for how much youve earned? I nodded and sent the nanny Graveler out to get the files from my cabinet. Lawrence snorted at that. At least its not as cliche as under your bed! He tapped his chin. Anything else at Mt. Moon?

Nothing Ive actually profited on, from Mt Moon. More of a hope for the future. Lawrence considered that before clicking his tongue.

Usually I would consider that good enough, but Im afraid Im going to have to push. You have two land claims here Brock. He raised both deeds up to me. The first one that is glaringly obvious to me as being something different. Thats due to its location. So, Brock. What is on this tiny bit of land on Sunburst island?

I worked my jaw back and forth. I didnt want to talk about it. I wanted to be as secretive with this as possible.

During my travels I discovered that pokemon can have larger variations than most understand, a lie, but a plausible one. If I was going to confess to owning some land I was going to establish an alibi now.

Sunburst island is where I found a rare cave that is entirely made of crystals. I discovered an Onix there that was entirely made of said material. I have since been keeping female onix there to mate and lay eggs with the other Onix. I own it, but I keep it in the area. Any eggs that I can hatch I raise in the area so that they can develop with hides made of crystals. Its something Ive only been able to get one crystal Onix from as yet, however.

Lower fertility rates? he asked. I shrugged. Lawrence nodded his head. Alright, thats actually a damn good idea. He made a circle with a finger. Id bring in a professional on the matter however, for all you know it might be an easy fix.

Yeah, I nodded slowly. If I looked at it a little, perhaps this audit could be a good thing by forcing me to be more active with Sunburst island.

And then you beat him! cheered Billy which most of my siblings cheered at. I grinned at them and thought about mentioning all the tricks Id used to come in stronger.

Forrest shot me a look. So are you going to be a champ or an Elite Four? As a Gym Leader you have the right to challenge once every two years, yeah?

I nodded at him, pleased hed been doing some reading on what came with being a Gym Leader. Yeah I could. I shrugged. But I dont want to, Ive got enough on my plate looking after the gym and you guys. Im happy riiiiiiight here! I grinned at them and reached out to tickle Billy and Tilly who squealed and rolled away. Munchlax hoovered up their dropped candy before running away as they gave chase.

For a moment the living room got loud as they shrieked and ran about. I watched them fondly only to feel a gaze boring into me. I looked over to find Yolanda staring at me. I wiped my mouth. Got something on my face?

She gave me half a smile and shook her head. She looked to the tv without saying anything.

I tapped her on the shoulder. Something wrong?

No, nothing is wrong, she replied before glancing away. She glanced at my side before tapping Cindy whod claimed the spot to my left. Can I sit there for a bit? Cindy leaned over and pushed Timmy out from my right. Once she had secured that spot she clambered over without a care for her foot placement. Yolanda slid into a cuddle at my side.

It would have been a nice sweet moment, if not for Tilly and Billy shrieking loudly and for Cindy having stepped on my groin.

Being a pseudo parent really had a lot of drawbacks sometimes.

Are you okay? Yolanda said when she saw me biting my knuckles to keep in a groan.

Never better, I said hoarsely. Billy! Tilly! Sit down, the match is about to start! They broke off chasing Munchlax and hopped onto the couch. Munchlax staggered to the front of the couch and collapsed tiredly in front of us all, too tired to beg for scraps. Id give him some more treats later. A small soft pokemon like him was great for burning off my siblings' energy.

Charles Goodshow, much like he had for my match, took center stage with two flags in hand. Alright! On the northern side of the arena, Celia Shardness from Pewter City! The crowd and my family cheered loudly as she rose on her podium, her ginger hair was tied into a ponytail today and she had a stern look on her face while she held a pokeball in her hand ready to be thrown forth.

On the southern side, Howard from Bluefinland! My siblings sat down and didnt clap but the crowd on the tv continued to cheer.

A teenager with long wavy blue hair appeared and smiled widely. He waved at the crowd and received a louder cheer and a scoff from Forrest for his efforts. He selected a pokeball from his belt after eyeing Celia for a moment.

Trainers! Shouted Charles with both flags raised. Are you ready? Both nodded and Charles dropped the flags. Begin!

Go Boomer! Celia called revealing an Electrode as she released her first pokemon.

Howard was halfway through his toss but I could already see him flinching Go Tentacruel!

Yolanda shot to her feet. Yes! Nice match up to start with! I nodded along with the other siblings while Yolanda sat back down on the edge of the lounge.

Boomer use T W! She called.

Screech to weaken it up Tentacruel! Commanded Howard. Tentcruel opened its beak and released a shriek that was only mildly annoying to listen to across the tv. Celia grit her teeth, revealing it was more than just an annoyance on the field. You could almost see the air ripple as soundwaves radiated towards Boomer, only for the grinning white and red sphere to blast out electricity with a harsh zap that reminded me of a noise from lightning hitting a faraday cage.

The blast of electricity overwhelmed the supersonic scream and cancelled out the noise only for the electrical waves to continue out and zap Tentacruel. It spasmed before growling and standing upright.

Rain dance! Declared Howard. His pokemon twitched but released a gout of water that exploded above the pokemons head to cause rain to fall over the entire field. The tentacruel notably relaxed as the raindrops touched it.

Must have a restorative ability if its gaining health from being in the rain.

Thunderbolt! Was Celias answer.

Wait! Wait! Now! Throw yourself to the side Tentacruel! the pokemon leapt to the side only for the paralysis to kick in. Instead of trying to stay upright however the pokemon let itself fall which served to help as it flopped to the ground, avoiding the attack.

Water pulse!

Thunderbolt again!

This time Tentacruel shot three rings of water at the Electrode as lightning raced across the field. Both attacks slammed home. Boomer shook off the attack and leered at his foe. I leaned forward and stared into the electrodes eyes. Was one a slightly different size than the other that would mean

Fight on Tentacruel! Tentacruel rose slowly with trembling limbs that grew more controlled as the rain continued to fall.

Finish it with thunderbolt Boomer! Shouted Celia. Boomer nodded and shot a bolt of lightning. It missed. Eh? Boomer again!

Tentacruel use Toxic spikes! While Boomer fired and missed, Howard made the most of the situation and began scattering spikes all over the field.

Whats going on? Shouted Salvadore. Yolanda chewed her thumb in annoyance leaving me to point out what Id noticed a few moments ago.

Boomer is confused. That water pulse has knocked him around and hes not able to accurately judge distances right now like he should. Notice how his eyes are different sizes? Everyone in the room leaned forward; Munchlax lifted his head up slightly.

Eh?! Thats wrong! Hes an electric type! said Forrest.

It happens sometimes, pokemon can take a bad hit. Its why you have to go through a lot of toughening up. It can still happen in the higher ranks of pokemon battles.

I gestured towards Celias look of annoyance. But its rare and youre rolling dice when you try it. You have better consistency with your victory percentage if you dont rely on lucky hits disorienting your foe. It was actually supposed to be better odds but I knew Boomer should have been strong enough to shrug that water pulse off.

Howard had gotten extremely lucky and he knew it. Toxic spikes! He called as he ordered the field filled. When he ordered another round I shook my head.

He should have tried to put more hits onto Boomer instead of going for a fourth round of spikes. Three field effects are more than enough before it drops away.

Yolanda and Forrest nodded seriously; Salvadore drew out a notepad and wrote what Id said down.

Thunderbolt! This time Celias order resulted in a hit. And this time Tentacruel went down. Howard wasnt worried though. If anything he looked very pleased with how his pokemon had performed. I sighed and sat back. That Had not been a good start for Celia. Unlucky? Extremely so.

It seemed her foe was going to take that tiny moment though and run with it. When Howard called out a Dugtrio, Celia answered perfectly with a Gyroball. It would have worked out wonderfully as Dugtrio were typically speedy pokemon and that would have resulted in a smaller gap for more damage with the gyroball.

Earthquake! Sadly Howard had the moves to stop it dead in its tracks.

Boomer went down. Celia growled and weighed up two pokeballs in her hands. The decision of which pokemon to throw out right now playing out in her mind. I sat up. Come on Celia, you can do this.

Go Spunky! she called out. I sniggered as a gloom took to the stage. Yolanda and Forrest huffed at my sniggers.

Salvadore gave me a confused look. Whats so funny about Spunky?

Spunkys Rockos friend! I said, aware that they wouldnt get the reference. I had no doubt Celia thought I might have been teasing Rocko when I had suggested the name. It was anything but a tease against Rocko in truth. Sometimes knowing shows from a past life was amusing, but referencing such shows only ever got you strange looks.

Yolanda shook her head. She probably thought I meant Rocko the gym trainer and his habits with his own gloom that Id spoken to her about a few months ago.

Salvadore looked confused. Forrest just patted him on the shoulder. Big Bro is weird sometimes. And that seemed enough of an answer for Salvadore as he turned back to watch the toxic spikes have no effect on Spunky.

Sleep powder! said Celia.

Dig! Dugtrio vanished into the ground. Celia leaned forward. For all intents and purposes, she appeared to be studying the field but I could see from her body language she was paying a lot of attention to where Howard was looking on the field.

Wait for it! Wait for it! Just as some rocks shifted near Spunky she swept her hand out. Leap up with Vine whip!

Gllllloooom! shouted Spunky as he leapt upwards. Dugtrio followed after him for a bit revealing its mole-like body, only to startle as it realized it had left the earth. It scrabbled at the air to no avail.

Spin to constrict your vines! Ordered Celia making her still soaring Gloom turn about. The vine closed around Dugtrio. Spunky landed roughly, but Celia merely grinned. Use Megadrain while its in your clutches!

That was enough to take out the Dugtrio.

Yes! Yolanda pumped her fist. Shes got this.

I nodded. Not willing to voice that I thought it would have been better to send out Lizzie, her Nidoqueen. Both Lizzie or Spunky could ignore the toxic spikes, yes, but Lizzie had the moves in her arsenal to handle the field-effects permanently. She might have fallen into the trap of a trainer holding back their starter pokemon too long out of pride.

I hoped I was wrong.

Sadly I wasnt. Right as the rain gave out Howard tossed out a Rapidash to blitz through Spunky. Instead of sending out Lizzie to answer, Celia held back her starter and sent out Stylish, her Wartortle. The little guy took a face full of spikes only for Howard to withdraw his pokemon and send out an Ampharos which the announcers reported as his starter pokemon.

I clicked my tongue at that. Forrest scowled. Is that allowed at this level?

In the finals, yes. Its no restrictions on withdrawals. Its clunky but you can still do it. You cant do it to dodge a move, but if youre quick and set up a lull between moves it is allowed. I said. In truth, there was a lot more to it, but Howard was using his right to change out his pokemon well.

Well enough that he was able to beat Celia.

Lizzie held out against the Ampharos, and the Rapidash, only to fall to a still fresh Victrebell.

Celia slumped down with the loss and a collective groan went through the room at her defeat. Tilly and Billy both threw themselves onto Munchlax. Noooooooo! Its not right! Shes not supposed to lose.

Munchlax instead of crawling out from under them to eat their dropped food, consoled them as they cried into the pokemon. I mentally gave myself a reminder to give the little guy a big treat later on as I let him continue to soothe them. They eventually calmed down and watched Celia accept her defeat by shaking hands with Howard.

Both of them looked spent. I doubted Howard would advance past the next round, unless he had some stronger pokemon still in reserve. Celia waved to the crowd and they cheered her on despite her loss. She walked out and I stood from my seat.

It wouldnt be good to leave her to stew in her loss.

I made my way to the office to let her know we were all proud of her.