Chapter 30: Celia's Triumph

Chapter 30: Celia's Triumph

I made sure the kids were out of the way for Celias return home to the Gym. It wasnt too hard with last nights snow. The kids had been eager to sprint outdoors. Id stood in their way in the mudroom carrying a small mountain of scarves, gloves, jumpers and beanies.

Broooooooooock! They whined as they each ran for the door only for my much longer arms to snag them and ensnare them with the missing articles of clothing for each child.

When Yolanda didnt appear I had to go looking for her. I found her in Forrests room cradling the incubator with a look of contented peace that I backed off instead of announcing myself.

When I was a few rooms away I rubbed my brow and played back the eggs arrival to the house. Yolanda had been not angry. Yolanda always remained composed, but she had been ruffled at the arrival of the egg. My gifting it to Forrest hadnt slighted her had it?

He was the next eldest in our family.

On the other hand, Forrests reaction to receiving a potential Pseudo-legendary, to use the game terms, had been extremely Well, lacking was perhaps the best way to put it. He hadnt been very enthused, and neither had he sought me out about how to look after a young Larvitar.

I tapped the wall and decided that this was not something that I should leave be. Instead, I was going to pry into Forrests thoughts. A tug at my pants had me looking down to find Munchlax with a scarf and beanie held out towards me.

Munch! he said with a big grin. I chuckled and set him to rights.

You go have some fun out there Munchlax, I said while patting the beanie onto his head. He hugged me and ran off. Amused by his antics, I walked to a window overlooking the front entrance. Munchlax ran out the front door and straight into a snowbank creating a perfect divot of his body before he popped his head up and trudged towards the closest family member. I snorted and headed towards the front of the Gym through the back of our house.

I settled into the trainer lounge and made myself a hot chocolate as I waited.

A few minutes later the bell at the front of the gym chimed and I walked out to find a shivering Celia at the doorstep. My big brother instincts kicked in without any conscious input, and I dragged her into the lounge to plop her down in front of a heater. A blanket swaddled her and a hot cup of chocolate was pushed into her hands.

T-t-t-t-thanks Br-br-br-brock! she said through chattering teeth. I patted her on the shoulder.

You flew from the conference? You know it might have been smarter to just catch the bus that would have come with the rest of the Pewter trainers, right? I said as if I didnt have blankets, a heater and a warm cup of cocoa already set up. When Id been told about the bus Id bet Officer Jenny twenty pokedollars Celia wouldnt be on it.

Ii-itit I held up a hand. Alright, you just worry about warming up before you worry about talking. I cant talk to you while youre shivering like a Dragonite in winter.

That got a giggle out of her rosy cheeks. While she was lulled into the warmth, I toggled my transceiver and fired off a quick message to Officer Jenny notifying her that Celia had turned up here while asking when the bus was due to arrive at the transit centre.

I traded a few messages back and forth and made some plans for later. When Celia perked up and let the blanket fall off her shoulders I stopped and sat up myself.

Alright, first of all, dont ever fly into the winter wind. Pokemon trainers that are experienced flyers are leery of doing it, and its the sort of idea that results in search parties out in the mountains. You got your flying license but dont think for a moment Im not informing Officer Jenny and making you sit through remedial lessons on weather conditions.

But! But! I wanted to come back as fast as I could, and Pride and I could take it!

I merely gave her an unimpressed look before making a show of sending off another message to Officer Jenny.

She pouted at me, but as always, it wasnt very effective.

I clapped my hands to snap her out of her pout. Right! With that chastisement out of the way for now, she slumped a little. Congratulations on making it to the top eight in your first tournament! You did incredible!

She shot back at my exuberant tone before beaming. You mean it? I thought you might have been playing it up since I was so She waved and made a vague pushing gesture that I took to mean her despondency after her loss.

Celia, I will say it again. You, a first-year trainer, making the top eight in your first big tournament that also features some master-level opponents, is beyond incredible. I held my stoic expression until she blushed and couldnt meet my gaze. Then I grinned. Now cmon. Tell me you didnt get multiple sponsorship offers from practically everyone!

Celia giggled before shaking her head, I cant, I got so many! I what am I supposed to do with all of them? She said waving her hands about.

I snorted. Accept, reject, and send back emails with your own counter-offers if you have them. My shoulder shot up and down as I sat back in my chair.

Well, its just that I want to stay with you and the Pewter Gym She shot me a shy look, watching for my reaction. I rubbed the back of my head.

Well thanks, I was worried cause I dont doubt that you would have a ton of great offers now. I tilted my head. Are you sure this is the best idea for your own growth?

I shifted back and forth. I cant really ask you to share what offers you got because thats very much a con I stopped as she reached into her pack and began to lay out a pile of written notes and offers. And you're just going to give them up to me, I said with an amused tone.

Thats very loyal of you Celia, but sometimes it might be better to keep some of your cards closer to your chest for future negotiations, yeah?

Celia scratched her cheek. Ehehe? But I know you wont take advantage of me?

I sighed at her. Thats not the point, you should learn how to handle discussions like this. Not that I could talk as it did please me to have such a loyal trainer attached to the Gym. Id still have to teach her to negotiate for her own good. It wouldnt do to stifle her potential.

I gestured to the pile and when she nodded her assent I began to read through a few. I reached out and grabbed a notepad I had sitting next to my, now cold, drink. I began to note down the various offers and sponsor deals that she was receiving, organising them into a few different piles based on topic. I pointed to one pile.

You might want to think about some of those first. Offers for sponsorships with clothing, equipment, cosmetics, or even a small appearance in a television show would be a great idea to look into. I tapped the pile. Its probably something that we should talk with Rachel about.

Who?

I blinked before remembering that I had hired on, technically, three new employees for the Gym with Rachel, Lawrence, and Georgina.

Well, after I got audited I hired Rachel as a Public Relations Manager. Shes really switched on about the job and has some great ideas. Shed love to go through these with you, and there might be some synergy for the Gym as a whole that makes this more appealing. I pat the stack affectionately. When I didnt get a reply I looked up and found an enraged-looking Celia staring at me.

When were you audited and why is this the first Ive heard of it!?

I chuckled at her reaction. Huh guess I have a lot to catch you up with. I scratched my chin. Right, well it all started with a knock on my front door

By the time I was done regaling Celia about what had happened and how it was all wrapped up nice and neat now, she sat listlessly.

I cant believe you were audited!

Its fine, the battles were no trouble. I was honestly more bothered by the audit of the accounts.

As if they could have canned the Gym because of that! The whole idea that the Pewter Gym needs an audit after you beat Lance is ludicrous! You could have failed it ten times over and it wouldnt be possible to uphold the ruling!

I pointed a finger at her, shaking my head. Now that thought is exactly the type of thinking that we need to make sure doesnt sneak in. Its complacency and pride speaking, and it has no place with the good management of my Gym.

Celia was flabbergasted a moment but ducked her head. Sorry.

I waved it off before gesturing at the other stacks. The rest of theseif youre serious about sticking with Pewter, Celia shook her head frantically so I continued pulling out a notepad and jotting down some notes regarding each as I read through them. are probably not something you need to look into. Its more interesting to see who offered you sponsorships. Theres a pretty compelling offer from Growing Strong Stables; a free years stabling rights for twenty pokemon is nice. Combine that with another offer from one of these corporate Brock! Im not going to accept those deals! Celia said hotly.

I raised my hand Sorry! Sorry! Just pointing things out. I rifled through and selected a paper that had stood out in light of the recent news Surge had mentioned. Its just very interesting to see an offer from them. Neon Citys Gym is now one of the twelve accepted badges that allow qualification for the Indigo Conference from Kanto.

Celia growled rather cutely, likely misreading my comments of interest as trying to push her off on these other Gyms. I waved a hand at her. No, it's just interesting, I swear! I learnt about them getting their new status yesterday thats all.

I put the paperwork back on the pile and turned my attention fully onto her once more. Right! With that said, the circuit is over but your work is just beginning. Now comes the time to consolidate the lessons youve learnt over the entire course of not just the Conference but also the circuit in general. I turned the notepad over to her along with a pen.

In the coming days, Im going to have you talk with Rachel about some of these offers. Im also going to have you write up a report for each of the three quarters that the circuit takes up. What did you do well during these periods, what could you improve on, and what would you avoid doing in future? Im very interested in your thoughts with the entire years perspective. Some things that might not have stood out to you in the moment, might do so now with the benefit of hindsight. I rolled my hand about, Well focus on that for now and then in a few weeks well start considering where to go for next year, alright? I stood and clapped my hands together, finishing my impromptu lecture. Until then, youre on light duties with the Gym if not outright on holidays to let yourself relax. Youve done it hard for a long time, and now it's time to just sit back and recover.

Celia grinned at that. I like the sound of that!

I chuckled. Before you go running off for a nap, I need you to get changed into some cold gear and join me for a walk into town. Theres one more thing we have to handle.

Celia promptly tossed the blanket aside and slipped into a bigger jacket that she had stashed away in a nearby locker. I resisted the urge to wrap a scarf around her neck and pat her on the head. Instead, I settled for a nod and waved her to follow me out of the Gym. Outside the Gym, a number of snowmen had been assembled while Id been busy.

Celia glanced around looking for my family, but I could tell they werent around. The tire tracks leading into town gave away the culprit, but Celia didnt notice them. Or if she did she didnt make mention of them. Instead, she happily bounced along next to my much longer strides. The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.

When I led her into the middle of town she perked up as we walked past a number of cafes and restaurants. Her mind was obviously turning back to her previous reward of a huge snack. Ice cream wasnt something Id suggest in this weather, but what I had planned should be even better.

It wasnt much longer before we reached a building that connected to the main road for buses and trucks to enter the city. I spotted a certain cross-looking Officer Jenny standing in front of the transit buildings doors with her arms set at her hips.

Celia continued to bounce along for another few meters, her eyes locked onto the cafes. How come all the cafes are closed? They should be open! She said petulantly.

They all have somewhere to be, I grinned.

Celia turned her head to frown at me but in doing so spotted the scowling Officer watching our approach. Celia stiffened like a Vulpix that had just encountered a Mightyena. When Officer Jenny didnt advance on us but held her ground and waited for us to continue approaching, Celia whirled onto me with huge, watery eyes that would make an expert of Baby-Doll Eyes proud.

Brock! I said I was sorry, I wont do it again! I cant believe youre making me do this on the day I came back!

I pinched my side to stop myself from laughing. Despite this, my face twitched and I had to struggle not to smile as I said stoically. This is for your own good Celia. Face the consequences of your actions.

But-but-but-! She whined plaintively before reaching out to grasp at my arm to tug me away. I was amused that she wanted to run off but she didnt even think of doing so on her own, instead trying to have me forgive her and offer her protection.

Officer Jenny saw this and turned her head away to snort before looking back. We both shared an amused look before she gave Celia a stern expression.

Celia Shardness! Do you have any idea what you might have done, young lady? She demanded.

Celia wilted, turning to offer a meek. Im sorry! I was just so excited to get home

Jenny approached her and loomed over her. Young lady, there are a lot of people that were extremely worried for you when you flew off like that. She held her stern expression for all of a moment before breaking out into a smile. We were so worried we wouldnt get to hold your welcome back party!

What? I didnt have time to clean it!

I held the expression and shook my head. If I had time to shower two sets of our siblings, then dry them off and read them stories I shook my head again. Whatever. Get it clean by tomorrow.

Sure, sure, he said, shifting in his seat and turning around to face me properly. So whats up? What did we need to talk about?

I clicked my tongue a little and sighed before directly looking at him. Do you actually want that egg? I said pointing towards the Egg that was sitting in the only clean corner of the room in its incubator.

For a moment Forrest sat without really comprehending what I was saying. Then he blinked and leaned back. Yes! Of course I do! His eyes wouldnt meet mine. Whod give up a pokemon that could one day fight a Dragonite?

Alright Lets say thats so, how come you havent been walking around with the incubator?

I dont want to seem lame around my friends! He said.

Your friends would die of jealousy if you ever turned up with an egg that you knew contained a Larvitar. I gave him an unimpressed look. Whats your next reason?

Its heavy?

You regularly carry Backpack around, and hes just as heavy and way more awkward to lift cause he fights against you, I stated, ruthlessly striking out his second excuse.

I I He slumped. I wanted Dad to give me my starter I remember he used to be really bummed out when he didnt get to give you an Onix. He had one selected and everything and then you came back from that camp with Titan

Oh, I said, not really sure whether I should strike that down or let it stand. I shifted on the bed. I knew he wanted to gift me an Onix, but Titan was a way better fit for me.

And its not that I dont want to have a super-strong pokemon one day Its just I want Dad to give me my starter. I can just rent pokemon from the Gym until hes ready to give me my own personal starter pokemon, yknow? Forrest flexed his hands. I know its dumb cause who gives up one day having a Tyranitar? But He gestured helplessly and I nodded understanding the dilemma he was facing.

I kinda get it. I didnt hold as much stock with Flint, but I could recall trying to reach out to my dad from my past life. Id offered simple things like asking to learn how to shave, or how to polish boots only to find he didnt have the time right then. It had stung. It hadnt been about just learning the skill. It had meant to be about having something that brought me and my dad together.

Forrest nodded slightly. He probably thought I had some similar experiences with Flint. Sadly he was wrong, and for some reason that made me want to squirm. I didnt though and instead, I looked to the side, recalling how sometimes it was better when talking to another male to not look them directly in the eyes when talking through sensitive topics. Sometimes you needed to lock eyes but right now we needed the perception of space. To look past or away from each other instead of being overly conscious.

At least that was my reading of Forrest right now.

This egg, I waved towards the egg in its incubator. It was a surprise for me as well. I went to Mt. Silver just to give Titan something nice after his victory. He appreciated it, but his Mum She might have been way more impressed with me and him than I really understood at the time. I think she wanted to offer the same to one of my siblings, in the hope her children would each grow strong The timing though It really put me on the spot.

I scratched at the back of my head. I half thought of sneaking in the back and hiding it, but then that would have been like me saying I didnt think you deserved this.

Oh, he muttered eloquently. I grunted back at him. We let the quiet moment linger before I decided to speak up once more.

I do think you're capable, I said before rushing out the next words, Of raising a strong pokemon like Tyranitar But I think your idea isnt that bad either. Having something like that with him

Forrest sighed and I could tell that he preferred the idea of not having to claim the egg as his starter. The clinical, cold part of my mind wanted to scoff, but the emotional side understood where he was coming from. Giving a starter to another was a big deal and they, at the very least, would always remember the day. Theyd remember the person, what they wore, and how it all played out in their memories for the rest of their lives.

In a way, I had denied Flint that chance to do the same for me when Id staggered home with Titan.

Not that I could ever regret finding and taking in Titan all those years ago. He was the first and best thing to happen to me upon arriving in this life.

I coughed to signal that I was done getting lost in my thoughts. Forrest also jolted before chuckling nervously. So what should we do? I dont think it would go down well if we gave the egg back, would it?

I gave him an amused look. Forrest, think about this for a moment. You might not want the egg, but whos shown a lot of interest in it since its arrival?

Forrest blinked at me, not comprehending what I was getting at.

Arceus, had I ever been this slow? I didnt think I wanted to know. Perhaps all young teenage boys were this sluggish in their processing? I could almost hear the cogs in his mind thunking along. He squinted at the egg.

Yolanda?

I nodded. Yolanda, I agreed. I grinned at him. You know what might be really cool for a big brother to do? He tilted his head at me as I stood, taking up the incubator. I placed it into his hands. Be the one to give it to her.

His eyes widened and he stared up at me. But! But-youre!?

Im the eldest, yes, and I gave it to you. And you have thought about it and come to an admittedly very mature and well-reasoned decision. Do you agree with me that Yolanda deserves this?

Yeah, yeah she does! He said standing up. I grinned at him and let him lead me to Yolandas room. When we reached it I knocked on her door.

Forrest stopped and scowled at me. Whyd she get a knock?

Its different for girls, I argued.

You dont knock on my door but you do for her? Thats not right! he whispered hotly.

Youll find it is, little bro. Youll find it is, I said, putting a hand on his head and ruffling his hair. He glared at me, obviously not understanding the difference. I didnt elaborate.

Come in! said Yolanda.

I opened the door and prodded Forrest to enter first.

Forrest? Bro She fell quiet when her eyes landed on the incubator in Forrests hands. If it hadnt been extremely obvious to Forrest now he must have fully realised how much Yolanda wanted that pokemon. She licked her lips. W-whats up guys? She said while letting her face fall into a placid expression to cover up her prior expression.

Forrest shifted from foot to foot. In doing so he drew Yolanda into a ready state. I could see she was coiling up in readiness in case he slipped with his grip like the first day. I decided to progress things along.

I clapped Forrest on the shoulder. Forrest and I have been having a talk about how things played out, and weve come to a decision. Forrest would like to say something.

Huh? Oh right Yolanda, Ive decided that I dont want this egg. I held in the grimace. That was a poor choice of wording. He barreled on, not realising his slip. But you do, and you deserve it. I think I think it would be better suited if you raised this little fella, He raised his hands and offered her the incubator.

Yolanda didnt say a word but she did raise her hands and take the incubator. She drew it in and smiled hugely. Girl, its going to be a girl. She stared at it for a long moment before looking up. You really mean this Forrest? Youre giving up this egg for me?

You wanted it, right? I squeezed his shoulder in warning.

I think he means you deserve it, and it would be a wonderful starter that he wanted to give to you. She giggled at my interruption. Forrest merely gave me a confused look, obviously not understanding how what Id said was different in any way. I held in my sigh. Id talk him through it later.

So, I waggled my eyebrows, You looking forward to training with me on how to handle the Tyranitar evolution line?

She beamed a huge grin. Yes! She said. She didnt leap up to hug us like she wanted to but she did stand after putting the egg safely to the side. Then she gave Forrest the biggest hug Id ever seen her give him. He blushed as she whispered into his ear.

Thank you so much for this Forrest! I love you, big brother!

Its nothing. I rolled my eyes at his words. Yolanda giggled into his side knowing what he was like. I held in the urge to cuff him. The book on parenting was adamant I not cuff him about the head, no matter how stupid his words were.

Yolanda broke the hug and rocketed in to hug me. Love you too Brock,

Love you too Yolanda. I leaned down to whisper into her ear, Im sorry I didnt offer it to you first I was dumb. I didnt mean to hurt you by snubbing you.

No, I understand, she whispered back to me.

I patted her on the back and stood. Forrest watched us and I nodded to him. Well, Ill leave it to you but well talk more about this tomorrow, hmmm?

Yolandas head bounced up and down, whereas Forrest merely grunted. I let him exit first. Before I departed, I watched Yolanda curl her blankets and pillows into a pseudo-nest for herself and the egg to be cradled in. I chuckled and waved at her. Night Yolanda, sweet dreams.

Night Brock. She called out to my back. I walked back to Forrests room and knocked on his door frame.

When I opened the door a second later Forrest was on the bed looking at me. Now you knock? What is up with you?

You showed some maturity so I think you deserved it, I said offhandedly, not wanting to admit Id done so out of habit. It also sounded wise and played into reinforcing positive behaviour. I nodded at him. Good work. I decided not to mention how hed been too rough in his delivery, Id do that later. For now, it was better to stick with the positives.

Thanks, it felt good. Shell be great with that as her starter, and with dad coming home I wont have long to wait for my first pokemon. Think dad will have something strong?

.. I held my thoughts to myself before adopting a smile that felt all too fake. He might, yeah. I walked over and clapped him on the shoulder. Still, nice work tonight. Have a good night bro.

I turned and in doing so spotted what he had hidden under his desk that was hidden with most of the litter around his room. I turned around. Also? He gave me a curious look, Clean your room little bro. I pointed at the magazines with ladies in various states of dress or undress, clearly visible. He blushed hugely and I waved off his splutters.

Its a friends and Im holding it for him!

That just makes it kinda grosser. I dont want to know. Just clean your room and hide your magazines. Yolanda was in here earlier. The other little ones probably wander in here all the time as well. You want them reading that willy-nilly? I shook my head and chuckled at how things had turned out.

I fell asleep just as another body pressed itself into my side.

It reminded me of another nights sleep almost a month ago now. The sleep was at least as good if not better. Once again though I woke up to only an indent. I shook off the mild feeling of loss and instead fired off a message to Sabrina. She was obviously feeling better. Id be seeing her in an official capacity soon anyway.