Chapter 33: Tasty Treats and Tea!

Chapter 33: Tasty Treats and Tea!

We have nice black, green, white, herbal, or oolong tea to enjoy, said Erika, pointing to different compartments of her now seemingly ever-present bento tower with drawers.

Some black tea, please, I said, pinching my fingers together, A bit of milk as well.

Sabrina inclined her head. I will also have some black tea with milk.

Erika nodded and began to assemble a teapot for this. As she did this she glanced towards Janine. The small kunoichi was sitting stiffly upright. When she spoke, she did so in a lilting tone.

Grown up now,

More tea than milk,

My cup lightens.

Oh! A Haiku! Thank you for that, it was wonderful! Erika chimed. Which flavour would you like?

...black with some milk, Janine said after a moment of delay.

I hummed to myself and decided to see if I could spark some conversation. Do you like poetry, Janine?

It is a traditional practice that all should be familiar with. Historically, the gateway into Fuschia was known for its gate guards using riddles and poetry to test the entrants to the town. Some of the phrases are still located around Fuchsia if you look carefully. Janines shoulders curled forward and she played her fingers together. When she noticed Sabrina, Erika and I watching her she shot upright. That is to say! I enjoy the heritage of my city!

Huh, I said, rubbing my chin, Ill have to make more of an effort to see what things were like in Pewter. So you had slates hidden around Fuschia? Is it well known or something secret?

They are not hidden but they are difficult to reach, Janine said. You need to search through the safari zone for more than half of them, as Fuschia was originally much further north before the Great War.

Erika presented us all with our teacups. I thanked her and took a sip. Oh, nice, thank you. Then I looked back at Janine. Really? I hadnt known that Fuschia had to shift?

Not at first. It faced lots of immigration after the war. So while it was heavily damaged it had grown stronger but, in doing so, lost much of its heritage. Now that the Safari zone has encompassed the area, it is not as visited.

A shame. How did Fuschia end up that way?

Erika turned towards the conversation. Sabrina also showed some interest.

Janine spoke with a stern conviction, My father was called away to save another town, and then one of the Legendary Birds swept into the city. Instead of going to ground, a few trainers tried to fight off the Moltres. They only lasted long enough for half the towns population to evacuate. Janine stared into her cup of tea.

Open fires are still something many elderly people avoid where they can, and we no longer live in the forests with treehouses like we used to. Fuschia used to be more vertical than wide. Now we live closer to the water.

Huh, I didnt know that. I contemplated my teacup. I dont know if there was much damage done to Pewter during the war. Do any of you find that its strange that information about the war is restricted?

Erika shifted They try to restrict it from young minds so that people dont think that way. There has been some research done into the intent of pokemon moves resulting in different effects.

Intent? I asked curiously.

Janine nodded. If children fight with their pokemon and are trying to fight to the death, as was previously common, it results in attacks being sharper and more penetrative. It is supposedly due to the bond that we have with our pokemon. The pokemon interpret the intent and either soften or blunt their attacks. That being said, the tyranny of strength can still see injuries occur. Janine took a sip of her tea. It is why ancient pokemon, or pokemon taken from the depths of the wilds, require at least a few weeks of training before being OKed to use in matches. Their instincts are more primal.

Ah. Don used to be that way and is still rather dangerous to deal with as he doesnt like to hold back.

Just so, said Janine.

We all enjoyed our tea and snacks for a few minutes after that. There was a slight chill in the air but I was used to it, the warm tea helped us relax. I noticed that they kept holding their cups rather than setting them down though.

Sabrina takes the initiative to lead the next conversation. So, how did you meet Brock? She said while looking at Janine.

Janine merely sipped from her cup, unbothered by the scrutiny. My father asked him to foster me at his Gym. When Brock mentioned meeting me first, I came and was introduced to him. My father speaks highly of Brocks prowess as a Gym Leader and wants me to learn underneath him.

And who is your father? Sabrina asked with a suspicious tone.

I blinked, running back through the events and realising that I hadnt mentioned who Janines father was. Merely that Id come to an agreement with her father. Technically, you could infer that Koga was said man, if you were considering it logically. But Logically, you wouldnt associate Koga as someone who had a daughter. He was a widely known Gym Leader, highly respected and often feared. But to consider him a father? I could imagine that only a close group knew of Janines relation to Koga. He had a mythos around him as being taciturn and hidden.

My father is Gym Leader Koga, Janine said with a touch of what sounded like pride to my ears.

Your father is Koga!? said Erika in surprise. Sabrina I suspected had been merely verifying, but Erika obviously hadnt put two and three together to come up with five. It seemed a simple enough inference, what with her ninja attire. But then again perhaps Erika, being closer to Fuschia, saw a few ninja each year or she just waved it off as eccentric fashion choices. There were weirder people passing through my Gym each circuit, once I thought about it. They were certainly better than the eccentrics who challenged me dressed like Pikachu.

Indeed!

Whos your mother? I asked, curious if Id know of her in any manner.

She was a retainer that caught fathers eye. She is no longer with us, unfortunately.

Im so sorry to hear that! My fathers no longer with my mother and I either. My mother didnt take his passing well.

Sabrina glanced around at us all. My mother and father are not dead, they are quite alive?

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Sabrina was obviously trying, but sometimes it was like she just kind of swung at pitches not even thrown her way. I decided to take the fall as well to reduce the awkward looks she was getting from Well, only Erika really. Janine merely nodded, not at all bothered.

My dads a deadbeat and my mum I honestly have no idea what shes doing with herself. I drained the rest of the tea. Wow, weve fallen into some morbid topics!

We did? Sabrina wondered.

I had not considered it so? Janine said with a tilt of her head.

Erika shared a glance with me. It would seem there were possibly two awkward ducks I knew now. I mentally made a note to myself that I would need to socialise Janine. If today was any indicator, I was going to be looking forward to a lot of awkward situations where Janines bluntness ran into things face first.

So are we looking to do much in the coming weeks? I said, determined to push onwards.

I will be training with my father! I was sensing a certain increase in engagement when Janine spoke of the topic.

Your father trains with you? On shinobi stuff, or pokemon? I mentally cringed at using stuff to describe Shinobi activities but I didnt want to show too much interest. I was trying to keep things light and casual.

We do both! My father is extremely knowledgeable and as his heir I need to learn as much as I can from him to safeguard in the future. I also learn how to use my pokemon to the best of their abilities!

What sort of pokemon do you have? I said. I glanced over to see Erika was rather amused while Sabrina flicked her eyes about the group. Shes happy to stay neutral for now but she must be taking cues from myself or Erika. Then again, shes probably reading Erikas mind for the analysis of the discussion so that should steer her in good stead.

I have an Ariados, Weezing, Nidorino, Golbat, Tentacruel, and a Venomoth.

Venomoths are useful due to the number of psychic abilities they have access to in their move pool, Sabrina said casually.

Erika shifted. No grass-type dual poison pokemon? Gloom or Vileplume are wonderful with poisons, as is the Victreebel line!

Roserade or This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

Erika frowned and interrupted me. Roserade? I dont think Ive ever heard of such a pokemon before? Did you mean Roselia?

I blinked. Wait? Had people not yet discovered Roserade? Was this something that was not widely known? Or was it outright unknown right now?

Janine leaned forward intent on watching me. Sabrina also seemed to sense something amiss as she was scrutinising me. I coughed. I thought I had encountered a different pokemon during the last circuit? Did that trainer not come around to fight against you? They didnt have a Roselia, Im pretty sure.

Noooo, said Erika with a frown. I dont recall anyone using a Roselia against my Gym I will have to review my records Perhaps I did face someone with such a pokemon, its tough to recall.

Father didnt face anyone with a Roselia.

Neither did I, said Sabrina.

Erika chewed her lip. Did the trainer say anything about their pokemon?

N-no, not that I can recall. I felt bad as I watched Erika wilt.

I will have to do some more research.

I decided to throw Erika a bone. Perhaps it has a stone interaction, like with a leaf stone?

Hmmmm, perhaps? She said, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

Nnnnnn suspicious, muttered Janine. I glanced over and raised an eyebrow. She continued to watch me.

You say something? I said, unsure if I had actually heard her. She shook her head. Riiiight, I said doubtfully. What were we talking about before that?

Pokemon that would be good for Janine! Erika said. You really cant go wrong with a grass-poison typing! I remember when I went against Koga, he loved using poison in his strategies along with confusion effects. I was able to stop one part of that approach with my Ivysaur

Hmmm, I will have to acquire some of these pokemon. She looked to me. While I am working under you, may you Erika twitched and Sabrina stiffened a moment later before narrowing her eyes at Janine. Janine, sensing that something had occurred, glancing between them both. Is something the matter?

I looked between the blushing Erika who was shaking her head while Sabrina continued to look annoyed. I wanted to sigh and rub my head as I played back the last few moments. Apparently, Erika couldnt always be trusted to keep Sabrina from thinking wrongly.

Never mind that. When youre working at the Pewter Gym, I said pointedly so as to not create any more accidental double entendres I could help with what were you going to say?

My Nidorina. How would I go about evolving it? Father has been most circumspect, but he assures me that you know and would be willing to help once I prove myself. Your Gym sponsored trainer Celias Nidoqueen makes this observation obviously true.

Oh, sure, Ill make sure I stopped myself from saying work for it and instead chose to say, You learn all about it when youre at Pewter. I could also help out with your Golbat, I said without thinking.

You know how to evolve my pokemon into Crobat? She said eagerly.

Oh, thats easy, I said, much more confident in this answer being common knowledge. Friendship.

... Janine stared at me. ... Are you sure it is not eating a rare fruit or using a stone of some sort?

I raised an eyebrow. No? Its all about making your bond with Golbat strong. This isnt just about making your pokemon strong, but also fostering a positive and supportive relationship. You do groom it regularly and share the occasional meal, right?

I had not considered that useful for our training. I am very doubtful in this method you are sure I must become better friends with my pokemon?

I scratched my head and found Erika staring at Janine in pity. Yeah? Most pokemon dont really become as strong as they can be unless youre friends with them, otherwise youre just making them work out and battle.

Hmmm, She crossed her arms and tilted her head before slowly nodding. I will meditate on this. She then raised her teacup up to indicate that she was done with the conversation.

I got the impression she was embarrassed and didnt want to keep talking about why she might not have done what was such a basic step for other trainers.

I clapped my hands and stood firm at the end of the hallway. No buts! Especially not nudey butts! I said pointing at Tilly who glowered. Eevee wont like naughty children! Now, I also have some guests so lets get this place cleaned up! Salvadore, lounge room! Forrest, entryway with the shoes! Yolanda!

Already in the kitchen! She called out.

I nodded before sweeping up Tilly and tickling her.

It still took another ten minutes to have things put to rights. I then approached the door and opened it to find two bemused girls staring at me while Sabrina grit her jaw. All sorted ladies! Now lets introduce you before the main attraction arrives!

We entered the lounge room, which was the only room large enough to hold the entire family plus guests. The children were all sitting happily munching on some snacks. Munchlax was between Suzie and Billy with his own juicebox. I nodded at him and then smiled at the group.

Alright everyone, this is my good friend Sabrina, I said, deciding to introduce her and then move things along so their focus shifted. And this is Erika. And this is Janine!

Sabrina and Erika nodded politely while Janine dropped into a bow while forming a hand seal.

The boys instantly zeroed in on her. Are you a ninja?

She straightened and darted around behind them in a blur of movement before leaning in. Am I? They shrieked in surprise.

Shes a ninja! They cried. I blinked. That hadnt been that fast, had it? Then again you needed to be able to track faster-moving objects in a pokemon battle at the Elite level. Did that mean Koga moved even faster or was there something else at play?

I shook that off and found the girls approaching Erika, who smiled beatifically at them. They complimented her dress and hair and got kind words back.

Only Suzie approached Sabrina, and she did so with Munchlax holding her hand. Even the little gutsy pokemon was intimidated, however, and he quivered as he walked. Sabrina regarded them both coolly while I watched on.

Hi! said Suzie quietly.

Hello, replied Sabrina.

Suzie smiled, stepping closer, I like you, she said.

Sabrina blinked at that. Thank you small child. Suzie nodded at that before skipping away.

Sabrina watched her go. What is her name? she asked as she watched Suzie sit down and bounce on the couch instead of approaching either Janine or Erika, who had their own fans to deal with.

Thats Suzie, shes four. For some people that would be enough to explain her behaviour.

Sabrina crossed her arms, set her feet and nodded seriously. She is my favourite, she said like one would a grand proclamation. I blinked at her.

Uhm, Sabrina, shes four?

Yes, I heard you, Sabrina said. And I have decided that Suzie is my favourite.

Uhmm Theyre not like pets, you know? I said, wondering if I should really bother. Sabrina didnt listen and instead marched over to sit next to Suzie. Munchlax watched her do so with large eyes.

I raised a finger but was unsure what to say. Across the scope of potential outcomes, this was perhaps edging towards the best possible option. Sabrina had never wanted to meet my siblings before, but perhaps having Erika and Janine here alongside her helped to divert the focus.

I could tell she was straining herself whenever one of the boys exclaimed loudly about something cool Janine had shown off. Speaking of

I looked over to find her doing a handstand while balancing a vase of flowers on her foot.

We dont use vases as toys in this household, I said, projecting my best parental voice. Janine hurriedly caught it and offered a bow.

Just to check, I made sure Erika wasnt also doing anything strange. She was merely sitting and happily chatting on the couch with the girls. Yolanda with her Larvitar incubator had the place of honour at her right hand and looked extremely pleased.

Well, that looked innocent enough.

Then Cindy set off a bomb with a loud, Are you Brocks girlfriend?

Sabrinas head swivelled around and, even if they hadnt been interested before, all the boys peered over their shoulders. Janine wasnt as overt but I could see her ears twitching like she was straining them to catch the answer.

No, Im a friend and fellow Gym Leader.

Oooooooh! said the girls. Cindy hummed with a faint frown on her face. But do you want to date him? she said without letting up.

Erika blushed. Ah-uhm, I dont think that would be wise for either of us right now. Im not looking to date much. If she hadnt added that last part she might have escaped further scrutiny. I weighed up whether I should save her only for the doorbell to ring.

I checked the camera feed and sure enough, a man was at the front with a suitcase.

I ducked out to get the pokeballs.

Gym Leader Brock? The man asked, checking over his forms. Sign here please, and provide identification.

I handed over my trainer badge and signed for the package. The man unclipped the suitcase from his wrist and handed the entire thing, now without handcuffs, over to me.

One Scyther, one Chansey, and one Eevee, all healthy specimens with no breeding restrictions. They are now yours. Scyther is in the fastball, Chansey is in the luxury ball and Eevee is in the premier ball. Good day, sir, he said before hustling away, not waiting for a reply.

I shut the door and opened the suitcase to find all three pokeballs in question sitting on soft cushions. with a card from the auction house Id bought the pokemon from which thanked me for my services. They also included an itemised bill of their services which made me snort. The pokeballs theyd used were specifically the more expensive specialised sort that you really didnt need, but they had seen a chance and taken it.

Getting all three pokemon so quickly was a bit fortunate, but then again with the auction house I only needed access to a pokenet computer and the rest was easy.

The kids lost all interest in Janine and Erika when I entered with the three pokeballs. I pointed at the couch. Nope! Go sit down on the couch and then I will release them one by one! Scyther alone is a pokemon that should not be crowded.

Janine nodded along, agreeing with this as she sat next to Salvadore. I blinked at her and then realised that Erika had likewise joined my family in sitting patiently. I eyed Sabrina, she wasnt looking too good with how she was rubbing at her temples. When I gave her a questioning look she grimaced. Apparently, the thoughts of nine excitable children were a bit much for her to handle. I gave her a smile and continued on. She'd know when to leave if she had to.

Alright, first off, come on out Scyther! In a flash of light a green pokemon with large blades for hands appeared. The boys all gasped in awe and Janine looked like her eyes were lighting up.

Scyther! The pokemon declared as it swept its hands aside and then performed a kicking action that broke the vase Janine had been playing with earlier. The kids all winced and Scyther huffed smugly. I reached over and grabbed his shoulder.

When were inside we dont break things, understand Scyther?

Scy-scyth! He said with a nod.

Good. Now, no cutting anything or hurting the kids. Be gentle and Ill get you some strong pokemon to test yourself against. Sound good?

Scyther! he said. Then he oriented towards the kids and brandished his blades into a resting pose that would have them out of reach unless someone reached for them.

Alright kids. Come up slowly, dont spook him, I said. The boys instantly shuffled up as quickly as they could while sticking to the letter of the law I had laid down. Janine squirmed, not willing to be addressed as kid but obviously interested.

Want to join them, Janine? she nodded and hopped up to pet the green pokemon. I watched for a few minutes and then turned to the still waiting girls.

Alright, everyone. Dont spook her. Come on out Eevee!

In a flash of red light, a small fluffy pokemon appeared at my feet. Eev! It trilled. It cast its eyes around and saw all the waiting girls. Eev! it said and instead of them coming to her, she leapt up onto the couch and began nuzzling into them.

Awwwww! The girls cooed as one. I hummed, pleased that interaction seemed to be starting off slightly better. I had expected them to launch onto the fluffy pokemon. Instead, she launched onto them.

The final pokeball wasnt going to get as much interest for now but it might later on. I approached Sabrina. Lets see if this pokemon can help. I opened the ball and a Chansey appeared. It looked around with a vaguely hopeful look.

Cha!

Did that Chansey just click its tongue? I asked.

Sabrina stared at it then her eyes glowed. Chansey looked at Sabrina and tilted her head before sniffing pointedly. She waved her rounded limbs vaguely but eventually gave her egg to Sabrina with a sniff.

Uhm? I said eloquently.

Your Chansey is disappointed that there is no 'proper' work for her, Sabrina said by way of explanation. I stared at her. I was about to ask what she meant when another voice spoke up from Sabrinas side.

Are you Brock's girlfriend?

Sabrina swallowed her egg. Brock and I once dated but we are currently not dating, She said to Suzie.

Suzie tilted her head before nodding. "Oh! OK."

Sabrina! Don't tell her that! I hissed. Shes four! I said as a way of explaining that she was never going to keep that to herself.

Yes? And shes my favourite. Said Sabrina, swinging and missing at the point that I was trying to emphasise completely.

I facepalmed, then knelt down to Suzies level. Hey Suzie, thats, ahhh, something I don't talk about, alright? No telling everyone, please?"

Suzie considered that before shrugging and crawling back to the Eevee petting group. I groaned. That was totally going to bite me in the backside.

I am feeling better, but still very tired. I will depart now, Sabrina said. She graced me with a smile. I enjoyed today. Thank you for inviting me.

I straightened. Thanks for coming. I looked around the room. Erika, Janine. Sabrina is leaving now.

Erika looked up guiltily while Janine looked conflicted. Eventually, they approached the girl. Janine gave Sabrina a suspicious look.

Thanks for coming ladies, I said. Two of them offered bows while Sabrina merely inclined her head. Suzie waved at them all while the rest of the kids gave disinterested murmurs of goodbye.

They vanished in a flash of light a moment later.

Argh, its sharp! shouted Salvadore, waving around his hand.

Chansey! Shouted my nurse pokemon. Who rushed over and poked the wound. Chansey? She continued to poke.

Yes, it hurts! Can you fix it?

Chansey nodded before waving her limb about, giving what appeared to be a lecture. Chansey! Sey Chan! Chan Chan! Chansey! Her limbs moved from Salvadores cut to Scythers blade. Occasionally she poked Salvadore's cut. He seemed to be regretting his decision to test Scyther's blade now, at least

Eventually, she healed it with a glow of soft green energy. Then she sniffed pointedly and marched off but not before patting Scyther on the head.

Well, I doubted Salvadore would grab something sharp again without remembering this incident.

Maybe having this Chansey as a nurse wasnt a bad thing? It'd be educational at the very least.