Chapter 54: For every action...

Chapter 54: For every action...

When I sent out the call to all the Kanto gym leaders about this meeting, I knew I would have a strong response. But I hadnt expected everyone to message or call me back almost immediately upon receiving the message with their confirmation.

I had all three Cerulean sistersViolet, Daisy, and Lily, Erika, Surge, Kong, Grey, Koga, Blaine, Giovanni, and the two gym leaders Id yet to meet in personManny and Sophiarespond within half an hour. Sabrina, of course, had already committed herself to attend. Shed been my sounding board for my plan.

Shed been the one to throw three giant boulders through Giovannis gym doors. She really was the best friend a guy could ever want. Need a giant boulder thrown through your eternal enemys only known residence? Done. No questions.

That girl Damn.

I shook my head and focussed on what I should be focusing on. I had a few hours before the gym leaders came. Now the issue with what I had planned was that I needed a space to house the meeting. I didnt want to have it in a hall or room away from the Gym. I wanted it to happen at the Gym so I could convey a sense of strength, something that was especially important with Blaine and Giovanni attending.

It was just that none of the rooms were naturally set up quite the right way.

So instead, I was planning to compromise. I had my pokemon clear out the rock field in the center of the arena and instead have them raise up a round, circular table that I had polished and cleaned up, with Shin and Scyther styling the table. The chairs were slabs of stone that I had formed into something like thrones. Rachel had added small pillows atop each.

I then set the fifteen thrones around the rim. While I waited, I finished up all the jobs I had to do. This now included reassuring my siblings that I was fine and that the gym was fine. Theyd been very anxious upon learning that the gym had been attacked. That had almost caused me to call Sabrina up and demand that she teleport me into the middle of Giovannis gym, but I retained my cool and focussed on the plan.

The kids had departed for the day after Id pinkie-promised them that everything was fine. Missy and Celia, as one of her last duties for the Gym before she departed for Hoenn, took the kids to school. So I was able to stick to the plan.

It was a good plan.

Id spoken with a number of people after announcing the Gym Leaders meeting. Id also written down my thoughts into a hopefully concise and compelling argument about Giovanni to Koga and Agatha while attaching it to the documents Id been reviewing about said man. Hopefully theyd read it and agreed. If not, Id need to find other options.

For now, I focussed on setting the stage. When the table and chairs were ready I had the usual light snacks and glasses of water set out in case anyone needed something. Then I had Rachel set up in the reception area to meet and greet and lead them in.

Twenty minutes before the meeting was set to start, Sabrina teleported to my side and claimed her seat to my right.

"Hey, Sabrina, I said, having expected her.

Brock, Im sorry for being late. Mother was... well, she was rather anxious with everything that happened yesterday.

Oh, but youre not late? I said, tilting my head to the side.

Sabrina shook her head slightly. "No, I was supposed to be here much earlier, but as I mentioned, my mother. She was being very emotional... I had not known that I used to have an uncle

I noted the past tense and gave a grim nod. Well, thanks for coming and for, well, yesterday.

Sabrina perked up. And by that, I meant she straightened and gained a certain air of smugness. I was happy to help. You should call on me for such issues more in the future.

I chuckled. Alright, alright, youre right. I will try to remember in the future.

Sabrina stared at me. I could see the disbelief written plainly across her face. I coughed and looked away. "Yeah, alright, I will! I wont just try!! I said.

She made a satisfied noise and I shot her a smile which she returned. She was getting good at bantering. She must be spending a bit of time with Erika. I just hoped she wasnt no it wasnt for me to say what she could and couldnt adopt for herself. Id been with her for years and shed barely had as much progress as shed had of late.

Her development and growth were good.

BOOM BABY! shouted Surge as he kicked in the doors leading into the arena. Rachel trailed after him, flapping her arms about.

Ah! You didnt need to do that! she said, gesturing toward the doors, only to be ignored by Surge.

Surge grinned at me, his face now cleanly shaven instead of sporting his off circuit beard. But I wanted to! Hup! He jumped over the side instead of taking the stairs. I wanted to roll my eyes at his dramatic entrance, but then again I did pretty much the same thing during the circuit to create a drama-filled moment for the trainers.

Sabrina frowned at him. Surge, she said in greeting.

Yo Sabrina! He waved at us as he rose from his crouched position. Brocko! Long time since we all got together! He shot finger guns at us both. Sabrina, you should come hang out in Vermillion some time since youre pretty close!. He turned to me. And Brock! I know I sent you invites to my world-famous smoked barbeque!

Your weekly barbeque? I asked with a tilt of my head.

He dropped into the chair on my left and grinned. Yup! World famous!

In a good way? asked Sabrina flatly.

Surge frowned. Its world-famous! he said, as if that should obviously mean good.

Sabrina merely stared at him languidly, as if she shouldnt have to explain herself. I snorted at them both before speaking, Well, regardless, things here have kept me busy. Ive been cloystering up certainly, but thats part and parcel these days.

Ill say! Surge made a show of looking around the vast room with the seating areas and large doors leading to the gym proper. Damn sure looks better than that old boulder gym you used to operate out of. Fancy without being too slick or.. What do they call it? Gucci? he said, rubbing his chin.

Garish I think you mean, I said.

Eh! Surge shrugged. Same, same! He waved me off.

He then sat up and adopted a more serious pose. But for real, Brock, are you alright? I heard in the news that Rocket didnt get anything, but is that for real? Or just a stunt? Giovanni claimed pretty much the same.

I nodded. They never got into the buildings or stole any pokemon away. Ive done the counts and checked all the areas. They didnt get anything beyond a swift kick in the backside and then some. I considered it for a moment before continuing. What about Giovanni? Heard anything there?

Surge leaned back .I aint heard nada about it. Which has me worried those reporters werent wrong that multiple gyms, and big ones at that, havent been attacked like this since the war. Surge ran his hand over the top of a few scars on his hands and his eyes got a faraway look.

I dont think it will get that bad Surge. Thats what todays meeting will be about mostly. Team Rocket are getting too brazen, I said, reaching over and patting him on the shoulder.

He gave me a tight smile before nodding. Then he swept his eyes around the room. ... got a few too many chairs dont you there Brock? Or are you inviting the unofficial gyms Like Kaz and Yas as well? Is everyone showing up?

He grimaced. You didnt invite Manny, did you?

He did indeed! called out a gleeful voice as a man that was brightly dressed followed Rachel out. Sabrina perked up, and it took me a moment to realise why she was reacting so positively to the man.

He was a middle-aged man with a huge bald spot, rosy red cheeks and nose, and brightly coloured clothes He looked somewhat like a clown. He walked with an unusual gait, almost swinging his hips around. I half expected him to tumble and rise up juggling some pokeballs or something else, but he did no such thing.

Much to Sabrinas disappointment, I suspected, judging by her tiny slump when he sat down.

Hey Manny, said Surge with a very reluctant tone, like hed rather not have to sit across from the man and was forced to be polite.

Manny grinned at Surge. "Hello, hello from Cremini town! Thank you for the invite, and Im terribly sorry for the need to have this meeting! He looked at me. Is there anything I or my pokemon can do to help?

I shook my head. No, things are handled. I tilted my head. Sorry for the question, but what sort of gym do you run? Its rare that we get to speak in person, and you didnt attend the last meeting.

There was a meeting? I never heard of it? What was it about? said the man as he leaned from side to side.

Surge glanced to the side and whistled childishly, as though his feigned innocence didnt make him look more guilty. I shot him a look. The audit that a lot of us went through.

Oh, I had my accountant and lawyer handle that. No issue. Auditor Timothy was rather quick and straightforward about the whole thing. Very complimentary of my gym! This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

Which is in Cremini town, but what sort of gym is it? I asked, trying to nudge him back to the other question I had asked while tucking away that wed had the same auditors. Had that been by chance, or was it Agatha at work once again?

Oh sorry! Normal type! I have a team that features the Meowth line, Ratata, Lickitung, Cleffa, Igglypuff, Eevee, Tauros, Teddiursa, Sentret, Snubbull and such. It makes for a pretty fun fighting style with me being able to whip out so many moves with my pokemon! he said with a chuckle.

I nodded at him while noting that a good number of his pokemon would probably be re-categorised in the future as fairy-type and not normal-typed. If he stayed in Kanto, he might end up as a fairy gym rather than a normal type. If he got some Marill, Mr. Mimes and Ralts hed have a fairly strong lineup.

The other pokemon line hed mentioned that sparked a memory was otherwise Teddiursa. Get that pokemon some peat block and a full moon and hed have a variant for himself. But that might end up as one of Giovannis pokemon and I was loath to hand him any potential information/advantage.

Which reminded me of another pokemon with interesting evolutions that I wouldn't mind giving to people I trust.

Stantler would need to be taught Psyshield bash and then trained for speed. Something that might be possible if I bought one of the young racer Stantler that were used for the winter races hmmm I liked the idea of that. Perhaps I could make it work. Id already shown that variant evolutions werent dependent on residual energy as some would claim in my old world. Id just have to try and see if it worked for Stantler.

Sabrina telekinetically nudged me and I shot her a small nod for drawing me back into the conversation.

falling for your tricks? Surge was saying to Manny.

The brightly coloured bald man smiled whimsically. Oh indeed! They have no idea how to handle it when I use Trick Room, or Gravity, or Baton Pass! He laughed to himself. I have an entire wall of peoples reactions when I use it on them the first time, and I go from a simple Jigglypuff coming down on them under gravity to a Snorlax!

Surge winced before nodding. Oooooh, I like it!

Oh!? Well be my guest and come on over any time Surge, said Manny with a slight tone that I couldnt put my finger on.

Surges eyes widened as though hed just remembered something. I suspect it was linked to why he didnt invite Manny last time. Im actually super busy! Maybe some other time! Surge blurted out.

Sabrina leaned forward. Perhaps Manny can come to your world-famous barbecue Surge? she said neutrally.

I stared at her. Sabrina was acting too innocent. Shed picked something up from Manny. I knew she couldnt read Surge, but if she had his reactions and Mannys thoughts... What was going on here?

I think Id love to try that! I do enjoy my meat! said the man as he laughed and smiled happily at Surge who now looked a little ill.

Oh. Surge was being flirted with.

Manny shot me a wink, and I realised Manny understood what was going on and he was messing with Surge. Heh, turns out Surge couldnt handle a little compliment and teasing. I looked away and bit my lip so I didnt give the game away.

Sabrina glimmered with amusement, and I smiled. It was nice to have Surge, ever the bombastic one in our group, on the back foot. I was so inviting Manny to these things in the future.

ORA! shouted a voice as my tunnel doors were punched open. They slammed harshly into the walls and I rolled my eyes as Kong announced himself. Sabrina gave a little huff of annoyance as he strutted in, glowering at her. He set himself down across from her and right next to Manny. The bald man happily watched Kong huff and flex at Sabrina impotently.

He apparently wasnt going to turn down a free show.

Following directly after Kong, and notably more quiet in their approach, Erika led the Cerulean sisters into the arena with a polite bow of greeting. She claimed the spot next to Sabrina, leaving Daisy, Violet, and Lily to claim the next seats on Erikas other side.

Hey Brock~! Daisy and Lily waved at me, and I nodded back in greeting. Sabrina leaned forward slightly, and her eyes narrowed at the pair, but they didnt notice as they smiled at me. Lily played with her hair.

Like thanks for all the help you organised for us!

I waved my hand through the air. I really didnt do anything. I spoke to the Rangers once and mentioned talking with you and the Lapras reserve but thats it.

Yeah but I got a super cutey in Babe! Shes such a darling pokemon! We went down there last month to talk with them and I saw your Tide! Hes huge! Lily tilted her head. Any chance we could get him on loan? We can talk about it later!

Psst Brock! Surge leaned in subtly to whisper at me but his giant frame made it obvious what he was doing.

I glanced at him. He nodded slowly, mouthing behind his raised hand. Do it and her! He shot me a thumbs-up. I shook my head at him and he narrowed his eyes. It didnt stop a stray gust of wind causing some dust to blow into his face. I turned back to find Daisy and Lily likewise having to clean their faces.

I wiped the table and ground, checking for dust. Sorry about that, I thought I cleaned the room. Oddly, on both swipes, my fingers came back clean. I sat up and frowned before shooting Sabrina a look. She was pointedly not looking at me. I rolled my eyes at her before looking at Lily as she finished wiping her face for dust.

Sorry, but Im thinking of maybe featuring him this year in my Ace Challenges along with some of my other pokemon that dont get as much battle time. I shot Sabrina an unamused look when she telekinetically pat my head. How are your new trainers otherwise?

Koga laced his fingers together. This seems a wise course of action. He glanced at Sophia. If you are unsure how to train your pokemon and yourself in a more chaotic style, then by all means drop in for a chat. I have much experience in this.

Surge sniffed. Im more used to shock and awe with fewer pokemon but Ive got some tricks if you want em.

Sophia, Erika and Manny relaxed at this while the Cerulean sisters all shared looks. Like uh, well talk about it ourselves, but we might go with another option.

Rather than looking disappointed with the sisters, Lance seemed relieved that not everyone was going to be arming up. He nodded, and the girls all preened at his attention.

Lance, said Koga before any other items could be raised.

Lance glanced at the leader of Fuchsia gym. Koga inclined his head and hummed before nodding sternly. I will tentatively voice my support for your international police force. I think there is a need. I would like to work with you on this.

Lance grinned and I smiled. I had thought that Koga might not enjoy the idea with his position on the Guardians, but it seemed he was going a different route by making sure he had a say in how things developed. At least it seemed that way to me.

I leaned forward. Im not great at investigative work, but if you need someone to break open some doors Im more than willing to help out. I held in the smirk as I made sure not to look at Giovanni.

Surge slapped me on the back. That makes two of us! But like Giovanni said. Ill be reading all the fine print! he said, pointing two fingers at his eyes before turning them onto Lance.

He chuckled at Surge and nodded. I hope to make this as transparent an organisation as I can, I assure you.

Yeah well see. Surge leaned back and crossed his arms while shooting me a wink.

I held up a hand. Is there any chance the cap on Arcanine in the Police force could be raised from five per city?

Lance considered that before nodding. I can look into that. That would help I think. Johto will of course see the same with Houndoom or other equivalents. He gave that some thought. Blaine grinned at that and it took me a moment to remember that with the Cinnabar islands hed probably be the primary seller of fire stones.

There was a moment of quiet where no one else spoke up. I leaned forward, deciding to prompt things along. Well, I think we have covered a lot of potential solutions so recent events dont repeat themselves. Was there any other business to discuss?

Lance shot Koga a look and the man nodded once.

Lance coughed. I may as well use this moment to make the announcement that with Shafners retirement from the Elite Four, started Lance, only for Surge to cut him off.

You mean he didnt run off all butt hurt cause you beat the pants off him with just one pokemon? Surge tilted his head as though asking innocently, but I could see the way his lips were twitching.

Lance coughed while the Cerulean sisters giggled. Erika shot Surge a glare that was about as effective as a normal move on a ghost.

As I was saying, due to Shafner stepping down, there has been a position available on my Elite Four. A few notable eyes shot towards me, and I felt a stirring of pride at that response.

Lance however, turned to Koga. I can think of no one better suited to upholding the position than Gym Leader Koga from Fuchsia, and after this circuit, he will become one of the Elite Four officially. I will also be looking for other trainers that have the skills for another, future opening.

Blaine leaned forward and leered at Lance. Getting rid of that little ice maiden are we?

Lance stared for a moment, but shook his head. Not as yet. Lorelei is a strong trainer and will remain with us. I was instead speaking of Agathas desire to step down.

Blaine snorted so loudly that the sound echoed for a moment. Everyone stared at him.

He waved his hand across his face. My apologies, the dust in here must be affecting my sinuses. The Cerulean sisters all nodded in understanding, but I thought I heard Blaine whisper under his breath. That or all the Tauros dung hes shoveling at us.

Lance gave Blaine a pointed stare that the bald man had no trouble matching. When it looked like they werent going to stop, I coughed pointedly.

Well, I for one think that deserves a celebration both for Kogas accession and another for Agathas retirement. Will there be a party for Agatha? I said, deciding to give Agatha another chance to needle some people. The girls in the room, excluding Sabrina, all perked up. Sabrina did so after glancing at them and reading something.

I looked to Koga and started to clap, resulting in the others following suit. Surge took it a step further by standing and punching the sky. Wooooooh! Yeah, Koga! he bellowed.

Koga inclined his head. Thank you for your kind words. He shot me a look before nodding again to Lance. I assure you I desire no party.

Lance gave a noncommittal hum that had Koga narrowing his eyes. When Koga shot me a look, I pointedly looked to the side, not meeting his gaze.

Surge, having stood up, clapped his hands on the table. "Well, thats a good enough ending to this meeting. If anyone wants some tips to shock some punks getting too frisky with you, by all means call me. Otherwise, I should be getting back. He winked at me. I got a Graveller to keep training!

With nothing else keeping us there, the meeting broke up. Lance made his way around to my seat.

Thank you again for inviting me today, Brock. This has been something I have been hoping to present for a while but the climate never seemed right. He bobbed his head. Im sorry that it took your gym coming under attack for people to take Law and Order funding more seriously at the League. He softened slightly. I have heard it said that everything was fine apart from cosmetic damage, but that does not mean it hasnt affected you or your family. Are you well?

I stared at him for a moment before smiling. The kids are fine. I spent a good while talking with them yesterday afternoon. Forrest was a bit freaked out as was Yolanda but everyone else was just like of course Brock chased them off!.

Lance laughed. It must be nice having such support.

I returned a wry smile. Just gotta keep working hard to live up to it I suppose.

He reached down and squeezed my shoulder. Youll do more than that, I have no doubt.

A small squeal of delight had Lance and I looking away from each other to find the Cerulean sisters lingering and shooting us hopeful looks. Sabrina stood up, and the chair that should have been unmovable scraped loudly on the floor. When the girls glanced at her, she shook her head before inclining it to Erika.

Erika, Sophia,... and Daisy, Lily and Violet, we should have something to eat, together. She looked to Sophia who looked startled at the sudden attention.

Erika perked up. Oh, tea perhaps?! She glanced over to Sophia who still had slightly red eyes. Would you like that? When Sophia nodded the Cerulean sisters formed up around her. The group of girls then all looked at Sabrina.

Uhmm, are you not coming, Sabrina? Erika said.

Sabrina offered a small smile. I need to discuss something with Brock first. I will try to come along soon.

The girls accepted that and left. I glanced around and noted that everyone else had also departed.

Lance clapped me on the shoulder. My thanks once more, Brock. Call me if you need anything. He then made his way out with a wave over his shoulder.

Good vigilance, said Koga from next to Sabrina. Sabrina didnt react, and I held back my twitch. Sabrina put a hand on my forearm as I stood up.

I have realised I need to keep an eye on whats important, she said while looking at me.

I coughed and blushed at her attention. I pat her hand. She meant that in so many more ways than just that she was going to help me out, didnt she? I did not want to open that can of weedles right now.

Instead, I directed Koga and Sabrina to my office. Agatha and Karen were seated comfortably in front of my desk, with the screen turned towards them. On it, the arena wed just come from was shown from multiple angles.

I stepped around the table after nodding at each of them. Sabrina came with me instead of claiming a seat and leaned on the wall behind me. Koga smiled while Agatha tittered. Karen narrowed her eyes.

Yeah I was positive Sabrina had meant what she said in so many different ways now.

So? Whatre your thoughts? In a way, I was ceding control of the conversation, but in another, I was prompting them for their thoughts while keeping my own as close to my chest as I could.

Agatha smiled and inclined her head. Very well played. When you contacted us with your plan for this meeting, I thought you were being a touch too daring, but She tapped the screen. I dont think Blaine or Giovanni suspected a thing. Lance appears to think this is all his idea even. You have them thinking of many things, but certainly not you.

She sat back. After all, everything you raised was perfectly reasonable and justified from what they understand of you. She exuded satisfaction.

Willing to admit you were wrong about Giovanni and that he is an issue? I said, popping a water bottle open and taking a drink. Sabrina grasped the bottle when I was done and took a sip herself. I rolled my eyes at her and left her to her little games with Karen. The other woman seemed to be locked into a staring contest with Sabrina who wasnt deigning to acknowledge her.

I decided to remain focused on Agatha.

Agatha sniffed. Wash your mouth out! Me? Wrong? The sky will turn green before that day! I got the impression shed still deny it even if the sky shifted through all the colours of the rainbow and more.

She sniffed. Still, just because I was not wrong doesnt mean you dont also have a valid point. I will revisit my previous decision regarding Giovanni. I will be slipping a few more operatives at Team Rocket and having some people try and rise up the ranks to keep tabs on what is going on. She tapped her cane on the floor.

Giovanni has gotten too bold or hes losing control of his organisation. Both are unacceptable.

I brought up an image that had been caught on camera during raids. What do you make of this pokemon? I dont recognise it. Do you? Does this mean that Giovanni has access to another region than just Fiore or was this a pokemon from Fiore? I knew it wasn't, but they didnt know I knew that.

Agatha shook her head. No, and thats another telling sign of his growing influence. She glanced at the screen. Lance is certainly showing his draconic nature by trying to establish an international police organisation. Hnnn, it was good that you gave us a lead on what you were planning Brock. Now Koga will be at the forefront of the organisation.

I smiled. I'm surprised you didnt try and stop me.

I'm not going to try and stand in front of an avalanche Brock, even with my mastery of Ghost-type energy.

Karen broke off staring at Sabrina to shoot Agatha an incredulous look like she couldnt believe what the woman had just said. I caught Sabrina perking up in the reflection of my monitor at beating Karen.

Agatha turned her attention. Usually we are also the ones inviting others into our organisation. She flicked her eyes at me and then Sabrina.

I shrugged. She got tired of waiting for you.

A cough sounded from Koga that sounded like a laugh.

Agatha sighed. No respect for traditions. She tutted before grinning. I shall have to organise a match against you and Karen. Or perhaps Ill step in myself! What do you say to that, girl?

Sabrina raised her chin. If you must amuse yourself, dont expect me to go easy on you.

Agatha laughed. Good, good! Well, with things being rushed along I might as well do that. She glanced at Koga. Well need to start inviting your daughter as well. Get her ready to swim in the deep dark waters.

Agatha stood at that. "Well, these old bones have had too much excitement for today. I shall be off.

She paused in the doorway and glanced back at me. Youre riding a wave of success right now Brock. Dont let it get to your head. The crash is worse the higher one goes after all.

With that final warning tossed out she departed. Karen followed her out. She nodded to me and sniffed at Sabrina. Koga sketched a bow before vanishing in a blur. A moment later the door closed itself quietly.

I sat back and sighed.

That had pretty much gone to plan. I could chalk that up as a win and a very convincing one at that. There were just some loose ends to tie up.

Sabrina can you sense my father at all in Pewter? I didnt want him wandering around Pewter anymore. Hed become a potential liability if he was kidnapped by Team Rocket. I didnt think theyd go to those depths but still... It was possible.

Sabrinas eyes glowed and her lips turned downwards and I sighed. She gave me a grimace. Im sorry Brock I I can't sense your father at all within my radius. Ive only sensed him a few times but he did stand out to me in the past. It is more difficult with distance involved.

I leaned back. Was he like me? With his aura showing through? I had to wonder if what Karen had warned me about with rock-type energy didn't also apply to him. Sabrina had been able to notice certain things such as Blaines mind being particularly poor to read as it could burn her with his energy.

To a degree from what I can recall. I I didnt pay any attention to him when I visited in the past.

I leaned forward and put my head in my hands. Damn it Flint. I stared down at the table for a long moment. A hand slowly patted my shoulder before it stopped awkwardly.

Brock would you like a hug? she asked carefully.

I leaned back and turned. Yeah, yeah, I think I would. She stepped in and gave me a hug. It was still as awkward as I remembered. She could cuddle, but hugs still seemed to come off wrong with Sabrina for some reason.

It was still nice.