Chapter 37: Testing the troglodytes

Chapter 37: Testing the troglodytes

I would have loved to have sat down with Elm, his aides, and Stephen to pick their minds and and potentially set up excuses for future pokemon acquisitions. Sadly I couldnt do that. I had to focus on getting some food in front of my family and going through the nightly routine. I instead had to leave them to their own devices. Id planned for lunch, I hadnt planned for dinner with an additional four adults.

By the time that Id gotten through cooking dinner, feeding it to my siblings, cleaning up the kitchen, cleaning up my siblings and then reading some of them stories, I had no chance of catching up with the researchers at a reasonable hour to trade around ideas and pick their minds for ideas.

Heck, I still had to do some final gym sweeps having been rostered for this in the schedule. This entailed making sure everything was locked away. I finally got the chance to check in on the researchers only to find none of them in the communal area. The only person up was Rocko. Who was sitting in the communal space that the apartments shared playing on the Nintendo sixty-four. Id been about to turn around when Id spotted the game.

Is that Mario Kart? I said, unable to hide my interest.

Rocko turned and raised another controller. Want in? I grinned and leapt over the couch to sit next to Rocko. He had his Gloom out on the other side of him.

Tomorrow off? I asked as I selected Toad as my racer.

Yah, you know it! coughed Rocko as he lined up a race. I was crushing him on all of the maps until the end when we decided to do the rainbow road. There he seemingly leapt over the edge of the road only to land perfectly halfway along the course. I stared at him in slack-jawed awe.

No way you pulled that off! I shouted.

He grinned and we replayed the course only for him to repeat the feat from the first lap. I tossed the controller onto the couch in disgust. He chuckled.

Dont worry I can only do that one while Im sober, havent had any hits with gloom. Next to him, his Gloom gave a small groan of its name. I chuckled but Rocko grinned, Gotta get my buzz on before I really break the game.

I narrowed my eyes at him. How come youre not?

Rocko put down his controller. I got to talking with the researchers when we were having takeout. Didnt get the chance to, he said while catching a speed boost in the game. Nice work getting Bianca and Stephen to stick around, they seem like really smart people, he said as an aside.

Thanks, I said. I was very pleased to hear that while I hadnt been able to talk with them, Rocko had made conversation and gotten to know them.

Rocko rubbed his chin. So anyway, we were all munching down on some pizza, and they mentioned theyd love to see some of your pokemon fight. The ancient pokemon have been moving around a lot and they thought that was good, but theyd love to get some information on how they fight. He shrugged. I said Id mention it to you.

He tilted his head and eyed me. So? Need me to come in tomorrow?

No its fine, Ill tap Hmmm, might be good to get Forrest to fight against me. Ive been meaning to give him some one-on-one training. Might double up on it.

Rocko nodded. Sounds good, so still a day off for me?

Yeah, no change there, I said.

Nice! So want to see me break this game? he said lifting up his controller. I shrugged and gestured him to go right ahead. He grinned, sitting back and raising a hand towards his gloom that had been happily sitting next to him throughout.

Ready bro? Rocko said, rubbing Glooms head.

Glooooom, said his pokemon blearily.

I watched as Rocko relaxed even more, his pupils dilating in the sure sign of someone that was high. He cued up a race and proceeded to destroy almost every map. Some had simple shortcuts that I knew about while others saw him jumping his racer through walls or the ground only to be deposited right where he needed to, advancing his racer beyond anything you could compete against.

It was like watching a speedrunner from my first life. I whistled. Howd you work this out? Pokenet?

Nah, just messing around. He waved his hand at the screen. All sorts of dumb thoughts come to me when Im buzzed like this. I sometimes try them out. Turns out some of them arent so dumb.

I chuckled at that and rose, clapping him on the shoulder. Right, well later, enjoy tomorrow!

Night Brock, might come watch you in the morning if Im up.

Im just going to be playing around with Forrest, I said over my shoulder.

Yeah, that's where good ideas start. Plus its always nice watching you fight! You make it fun!

I chuckled and walked out. Before bed I shot off some messages and knocked on Forrests door. I even held off barging right in.

Come in! Forrest said gruffly.

I opened the door. Hey, Elm and crew want to see the ancient pokemon fight. I need you as a training partner tomorrow morning.

Aw! Bro! He said with a whine Can it be someone else? Im going to go biking with the guys!

I gave him a look. No, it can be you. The guys can wait until later. Itll barely take half an hour, if that, and then you can go. I havent had a pokemon fight with you in a while, time to see how strong youve gotten! I shot him a wink, but his response of hunkering in on himself did not inspire confidence.

You have been training, right? I said, a tone of accusation dripping into my words.

Just been busy He said to his desk.

Riiiight, youve been busy, I said. He grimaced and I nodded. That was right, him talking about being busy to me was laughable. I sniffed. Arena floor, you and me tomorrow. You can use your usual gym team.

... He grumbled something that I didnt care to hear.

I waved my hand at him. Do some research, cause Ill be throwing some curveballs at you, alright? See you in the morning. Night Forrest, I said, deciding to give him some space.

When morning came around Forrest and I faced off on the gyms arena floor, both of us standing in our own podiums. There was no referee for todays match since I didnt anticipate needing one. In the stands, Elm and his team were set up with cameras and notepads at the ready.

Oak had been content with me supplying him the playbacks through the gyms own camera feeds, but hed still set up to watch our battle in person. Around him his own research team was also set up, ready to catch every detail. Notably, Daisy was not here today. I chose not to read into that too much. She probably had other things to do.

With my own family and Rocko, with what looked like a breakfast burger in hand Forrest and I had a small audience for our match.

So? You think to challenge me? I said, sweeping my hand out like a bad-pokedrama actor.

Forrest groaned. Brooooock! Were not practising lines for you to say during the circuit! Lets just fight! He tossed a pokeball and an Onix took the field.

I sniffed. Spoilsport. I tossed out Omanyte and she appeared on the field on my side.

Water pulse! I announced to start things off. Omanyte fired off a ring of water in front of himself and Forrest was caught on the backfoot.

Oh shoot! Onix dig! Sadly his order came too slow and the water pulse hit before Onix could burrow down fully. Onix still tunnelled underground though so it wasnt a knockout blow.

I rolled my shoulders and let myself relax. This was what I did day in and day out for most of the year. It was like riding a bike.

Omanyte get ready to go on the defensive! My pokemon nodded and called out his name. I watched the field while keeping aware of where Forrest was looking. He knew to flick his eyes around and not linger on any one spot. While he might not be as dedicated as some, he still had the skills needed to be a good trainer. Most of the lessons I gave to Jackson, and then Celia, had come from teaching him to be better during his matches.

Supposedly he had a streak going on with local challenges outside of the gym. Which couldnt be true now as hed lost the other day against that hiker, but then again

Onix surged out and I opened my mouth to give the order only for Onix to suddenly launch itself to the side of the field instead of attacking.

Forrest and I both blinked at this strange turn of events.

Onix?! Shouted Forrest. I tilted my head, realising what had occurred.

Water Pulse wasnt a super damaging move, but it did have the potential to cause confusion. Usually you needed to get a headshot to increase your chances, but sometimes the pokemon moves had that little extra oomph in how they were formed when a pokemon set up the move.

Onix! Knock it off, he's over there! shouted Forrest.

I mentally marked Forrest down for not realising what the issue was. I couldnt expect him to recall all of the moves and their effects. Very few people could do that. I might have a chart in my office listing off possible moves and the impacts they had, but I only had even odds in recalling everything despite my constant exposure to moves and their effects.

Still, he should have been able to understand that this was a confusion status playing out. That he was taking this long was a sign he hadnt been battling or reviewing battles.

I wanted this fight to drag out for Forrest and the researchers, so instead of going for the kill I ordered, Rain dance!

From out of the water channels that were just within the marked-off rectangle for the field, the water rose up to form a series of interlinked clouds that began to drop water at an increasing rate. Onix roared in annoyance and charged forward.

Yes! Thats more like it! Slam into them! Forrest ordered. This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

Omanyte use defence curl, I said. Omanyte ducked into his shell while around him a small glow formed up making it even harder to damage him. In truth, this was almost a fusion move with withdraw coming in but it didnt take much training to combine them unlike with other moves such as I had created. Berthas impact driver alone had been a nightmare with endure, bide, and horn drill being worked together.

Onix came down on my pokemon and when it raised up I wasnt at all surprised to see Omanyte coming out of his shell without any ill effects.

Tch! Use Iron tail this time!

Brine, I said to stop Onix in its tracks. Omanyte raised two tentacles and fluttered them causing water to splash out in a much less controlled manner than moves like watergun or hydropump. The splashes of water were no less damaging however and Onix toppled back from the empowered attack.

Oooooon! It cried. It slammed into the ground to rise back up with feverous twitches to assume a ready pose.

Yes! Nice work Onix! Use Dig to escape its attacks! He said. I clicked my tongue. Not liking that he was pushing Onix further. I could see that he was spent, and this wasnt a fight where you needed to draw out everything to win.

This was a training match and I had the advantage along with an easy answer for when he tried to rise up. I settled in and Omanyte copied me, more than willing to follow my lead.

When the ground near him broke up I repeated the earlier defence curl and once more he took little to no damage. Onyx reeled back and I clicked my fingers. Brine once more Omanyte.

Huh so most people dont gain aura because you need to be sensitive to it either through exposure or being born to it Which is something pokeball creation has only allowed for in more recent years?

Yes. It is perhaps something we will see more of. The ancient tale of the hero travelling and uniting Kanto features a boy capable of wielding aura. Some of the feats of strength and skill he performs it could be implied that he had access to his aura and on some level controlled it. Aura itself is a rather recently created term. Only a hundred years or so it is tough to judge as many of the old buildings and records were destroyed during the war either through man or pokemon.

He stared away from me before adopting his more relaxed, thoughtful expression. Theres not really a number for how many people possess it right now, but I have estimated it as less than one in a hundred thousand. After that, there is no way to accurately know. Machines as yet cant measure it. Just as they can not emit it. It remains something intrinsic to man and pokemon. Its why we are able to form bonds with pokemon and is perhaps at the heart of my study into the relationships of pokemon and humanity.

That made a lot of sense with everything that I knew. What about the people that can use it? I said, turning to the other looming issue I was facing.

The people that can use it are relatively rare, and usually have to be working with pokemon often.

How do you train it?

That is one of the issues that is not well understood. Most people need to be constantly using it. He smiled. It is another facet of our world that is so poorly understood, but open to so much.

Agatha noticed me using it, I said, testing for a response.

Oak sighed, his head dropping slightly. She would have, wouldn't she? He ran a hand across his face. Agatha Agatha is someone that has let the world shape her she and I grew up to the tensions and the harsh times. She saw the world how it was, and adapted to it. Shes not a bad woman, and if she has offered to help you then she will help but

He grimaced. Shes very jaded. Im not really able to talk with her much as she and I have a history that makes communication rougher than it should. He chewed his lip. Brock, if you train with her, make sure you keep that in mind and be prepared to duck when she throws something unexpected at you. Her intentions are good, but her delivery He raised his notepad. Well it needs some work that she doesnt care to do. He clapped me on the shoulder, If youre interested Id like to talk more about this in the future. Ill put together some research I have on the matter and send it over, if youd like?

I nodded at that. I had gotten a lot more than I bargained for and was slowly working through the information. Oak smiled Well, I think that was a very interesting talk but I really should be getting back to my team lest they send someone after me.

Ah sure, I said, leading him back to the cave system that housed my pokemon.

The rest of the morning and afternoon passed with the research team and myself in the cave system once more.

We eventually got to looking over the electric Golem line I had. Bianca had been extremely animated here as well as rather interested in how Id used a generator to create an faux natural faraday cave that the pokemon were encouraged to spend time in. The use of treats and small alcoves where the pokemon could avoid the zaps had helped make the habitat and minerals they absorbed slightly more charged than any other cave system on the property.

Sanchez woke up when Elm almost ran into the electrical field, and he stood posing in the middle of the cave while electricity arced around him. He played around with the shape of his moustache and beard.

Oak had been highly interested in that. How is he doing that?

Salvadore perked up. The moustache isnt hair but actually small iron shavings that hes collected, he can reshape it into various styles of beard and moustache. He looked to me hopefully and I waved a hand.

Salvadore grinned as he gave the order, Sanchez! Muttonchops! The shavings on his face rearranged onto his checkers with a chin peeking out. Salvadore made another command.

The verdi! The cheeks receded and the moustache twirled around under his nose.

The handlebars! Winter beard! The researchers were all watching and Salvadores grin was huge as he swept his hands out in a flourish one last time. The gentleman! I tilted my head. I hadnt created a look for that.

The iron shavings shifted around until a circle that vaguely looked like a monocle encircled Sanchezs left eye while his moustache twanged up and out. Go-go-golem! He said as he mimed drinking something with his smallest finger extended.

I laughed at that while the researchers applauded the show and took pictures.

Eventually, they returned to actually studying the habitat, which was of most interest to Elms team. Or more specifically Bianca.

This is so interesting and is a proof of concept that its not just Eevee lines that can adapt quicker than expected to their environments. This is a literal energy adaptation evolution that links up with your work Professor Elm! said Bianca. That had gotten a lot of interest from Elm. Apparently, my rather rudimentary set-up would work wonders in providing evidence to a number of theories they had postulated in the past.

When shed begun suggesting other potential typings that might be possible due to a golems environment I had weighed in with Ice, grass, and fire. Not because I knew they existed, but I knew that I needed to lay some tracks now while obfuscating what my intentions were.

If I could get an Avalugg Id have an ice-rock typing ready if I had everything set up. Growlithe should have been the easier achievement, but I needed ready access to a volcano. Which might have me talking with Blaine.

Berthas habitat near Titan saw us going much deeper into the cave system. With her being the only one of her species the research team were quick to make their observations and recordings. She was interesting as a case study and proof of concept, but none of them asked how I had evolved her. Not even Oak.

When I led them back out to the front of the gym, Elm and Oak were profuse with their praise in the habitats I had set up along with thanking me for letting them in.

Youve really helped advance a number of my research papers! I have evidence that supports so many of my theories now! Theres going to be a lot more support for proposed changes and potential experiments in future! So thank you! And thank you for agreeing to take Bianca on! Elm said as he shook my hand.

Oak shook my own Excellent work, Id be interested in talking with you anytime you feel interested in doing so. He tossed out his Alakazam and smiled. Then his whole team bar himself vanished in a teleport. Elm tilted his head.

Uhmm professor you missed your teleport? he said.

Oak grinned. Oh no, I didnt miss my teleport. He turned to me. So, wheres Rocko? I believe I made a promise with him?

I nodded to Elm. Later Professor! I then led Oak and a highly confused Salvadore into the living quarters of the trainers. Rocko was slouched down on the couch and on the screen he had Starfox chasing after what looked like Samus with a hammer. He connected and she went flying off.

Oak took off his lab coat and sat next to Rocko. Oh hey Professor, decided to come after all?

I never back down from a video game challenge!

Rocko grinned and quit his game to set up a multiplayer game. He glanced back at me and Salvadore. Want to join?

I grinned as I took up the old to me, but new to them, controller. Oh I think I could play around for a bit.

When Salvadore accepted as well, Rocko straightened up and returned his gloom. I gave him a thankful nod.

Sadly when I got to the character select screen I learnt that because I was in the pokemon world they didnt have Pikachu or even Jigglypuff. Must have been because the developers of this Nintendo didnt want to make things too on the nose.

Guess Im playing as Kirby then, I said.

Whos good? said Salvadore. I think Ill try this space guy called Samus! He looks cool!

I opened my mouth to correct him only for Oak to beat me to it.

Actually, Samus is a girl! I was shocked when I reached the end of the game and it was revealed to me! Stunning bit of story! Never suspected it! Oak bounced in his chair, Im trying Donkey Kong! said Oak like a gleeful child.

The round started and I let them learn their moves before batting them off with a few well-placed hits. When Rocko came after me with Fox I showed him no mercy.

Hey whats this baseball bat for? said Salvadore

I grinned and felt the darkness stirring within me. Let me show you, little brother, I said.

Within two rounds of the game Oak, Salvadore and Rocko were teaming up against me. Not that I expected any less. Id grown up with this game and the best inevitably drew challengers. I dispatched them with ease before they demanded I play someone else. So I played as Mario and thumped them around. Then I had to play as Starfox.

I was just starting a new game as Samus when Daisy trotted in with Yolanda. I turned to address them only for Oakl to sneak attack me. Yes! Yes! The hammer is mine! Prepare to be crushed!

Ah! Stay away! screamed Salvadore as he tried to evade with Donkey Kong. I huffed in annoyance at Sams antics.

Can I help you ladies? I asked. Yolanda watched on in confusion while Daisy looked amused.

Daisy shook her head. I can wait till you're done. Grandpa looks like hes having fun.

I looked back to see Oak half standing and leaning to the right. Get him! Get him!

I saw my own character go flying again and decided Id given him enough of a handicap.

When the round was over and I was announced as the victor Daisy tapped her grandfather on the shoulder. Come on Gramps time to go home.

Oh! Yes! Did you see me Daisy? I almost won that one! He said before he remembered to bow towards us. Until next time gentlemen.

Yolanda hopped from foot to foot. Its dinner time.

I stood at that and left Salvadore to enjoy fighting with Rocko. I hummed a little as I walked back to our home with Yolanda, she watched me with a giggle.

What? I said.

Nothing, its just you looked like you enjoyed yourself.

Heh, yeah I was. It might have been nostalgia speaking, but the game was as good as I remembered it being. I stretched and went about my chores for the evening.

Id gotten a lot more out of letting Oak and Elm look over my pokemon than I had been expecting. Tomorrow Id I stopped what I was doing as I recalled what someone else had penned into my calendar.

I started making dinner and worked through my normal procedures. Talking with Oak about Agatha had relieved most of my worries. But I still wanted to batten down some of the hatches. So, before bed, I put Dennis on notice to be on guard around the gym, along with giving Yolanda and Forrest a heads up about tomorrow night.

I even went as far as to hand Quirrina over to Forrest. The Solrock would serve Forrest well if anyone came knocking that wasnt meant to be here. I toyed with the idea of marching up to the swamp and recalling Shrek, but he was a hidden ace. It only looked like I didnt own the swamp with how Id built the wall around the back free-range area. From the swamp, hed be able to spot anyone that didnt belong and be in his element.

I reminded Yolanda and Forrest to feed him.

I flicked a message to Sabrina just in case I needed to bring a little more muscle beyond pokemon

Then again, perhaps the destination was chosen with her in mind. Sabrina wouldnt be at her strongest in Lavender town. Calling Sabrina into a place known for its ghost pokemon was going to be setting her on the back foot, so so it wasnt going to be something I did without a damn good reason.

Having that option available did make me feel better though.