Chapter 55: Celebrating

Chapter 55: Celebrating

I loosened a sigh of relief. Ticking another item off the shopping list was a good feeling. With that picked up, I was finally done with todays shopping. Now I just needed to check out, go pick up Tommy and Cindys gift and then I should be able to get some me time. I chuckled to myself at that.

And to think, for a moment there Id entertained the idea of trying my hand at a Championship run.

Screw that. Life was already complicated enough as it was. I didnt need or want any more pressure. I just wanted things to settle down.

Brock! Getting ready for the circuit? Buying yourself some protein? shouted a man I had never met. In my head, I assigned him the name Rockclimber Chad.

As ready as Ill ever be! I said with a wide smile. This reminded me so much of a movie in my old life where the hero proclaimed his love to a random citizen. Ah Megamind, wonderful story.

It made everyone smile at least. For a second, I wondered if he was someone that was well-known in the city and if I was supposed to know him. Id have to see if I could spend some more time doing community work to learn about any names or faces that I really should know. That, or sit down with the Granny cabal and ask them to bring over some of their family albums. Theyd get me up to date like a student cramming for a final.

A ding from my transceiver indicated I had mail. I opened it to see Karen writing a message to me.

Brock. Ill be looking forward to our rematch when Im an Elite Four and you ditch the kiddy club. Watch Battlecast in a weeks time as Ill be fighting Danica then. We got a prime-time spot for the match! Should have her wrapped up before your bedtime!

Another message rolled in quickly.

Check your holopad for instructions to that rock-type trainer.

I hummed. They had been alluding to him for a while. Karen had shown me a few tricks, one of which I was tempted to pull out with the Gym leader meeting but with so many high-end trainers theyd probably notice it. Blaine being the most prominent in my mind.

A final message came, just as I was lowering my arm.

Thanks for letting me claim the spotlight for that Rocket raid. Even if you stole a bit of my thunder announcing that Rocket raid on Giovanni. Wild how that happened. I chuckled. She probably suspected something but I wasnt worried about her. While Agatha was cautious, Karen was typically more than willing to throw down.

I hummed. It really had cost me nothing to let her feature during the press conference. There were way, way more positives for me to take a step back. Then, Id be able to let the focus of public attention fall on other sources. Like Giovanni and Team Rocket.

The news had run with a ten-minute piece on Karens raid, only to then spend an entire hour discussing the ramifications of the assaults on Pewter and Viridian. They never mentioned the war again, much to my interest. I suspected the League officials had gotten involved and put some weight on the broadcasting groups to not bring that out during any prime-time shows. I did see discussions of it breaking out on some forums that Rachel kept me appraised of though.

I hadnt heard anything from Jenny, but then again it had only been two days since the raid so she might not have been able to crack Proton yet. I knew that a Lawyer had appeared, and offered himself up for Proton and the other Rocket officials on a Pro-bono deal which was far, far too clean to be anything but polished Tauros dung.

Id been hoping to learn a bit more this afternoon when Jenny swung around for the party.

For now, I had to bake two cakes. One in the shape of a zubat because apparently bats were in right now for Tommy, while the other needed to at least attempt a castle set up. They would both be chocolate, however, as that was both twins' most favourite thing ever.

I had thankfully been able to hire a small pokemon circus with an attached petting zoo. Kids loved having the baby pokemon around as they were typically the most cuddly. There were also the speciality bred and raised mini pokemon such as the tiny Ponyta and Miltank. Tiny purse Growlithe were also considered adorable. Completely impractical for any fighting scene. But adorable enough for practicality to be thrown out the window.

Gym Leader Brock! I challenge you to a My hand shot out and blocked a young trainer that was holding out a pokeball towards me.

Come back in a week and a half when the circuit starts. Before that, Im not accepting any challenges for recognition or badges. I straight-up walked past the trainer. He stared after me cluelessly.

Huh? Wait, you cant do that!?

Check the League rules! You have to wait like everyone else. Wait until the Monday after next! The gym will be open from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon to accept challengers. Until then, you can rent, or challenge some of the staff for practice or accept patrol or clear-out jobs from us but thats all the Gym currently offers! I called back.

This was something I had strangely gotten used to. It was like remembering the way you answered or left a message on the phone. The first ten might be a bit clunky but you got the message across in the end. Since that first year, it had become my go-to response when I was challenged outside of official times.

Could I do more?

Sure.

But if there was one thing I learnt from my last life, it was to work when you were supposed to work and set aside time for yourself or your family for the rest of that time. This was not an absolute, however. They often intermingled.

In the offseason, I was much more focused on me time. I tried to let things be as slow and relaxing as possible. I was both dreading the return of the circuit and super excited about it. It was easily the busiest period of the year for the gym. Then wed slowly drop off until the last two months, when it wouldnt be considered out of the norm to see a only single trainer challenge the gym a week.

The start of the season typically meant Id end up facing off against around two to three hundred trainers in the first two months. That typically boiled down to seven matches a day on average.

These matches could be exciting, terrifying, boring, or any other emotion. It might be a bit of a snore-fest to schedule first badge trainers all in a row, but it was consistent. I didnt have to alter my mindset. I had tougher days when Id jump between various skill levels. Those took more out of me.

By the end of the circuit, you could typically chalk up something close to five hundred trainers having passed through the gym on the low end of things.

But this year promised to be much more different due to two major inclusions.

Gary Oak, and Ash Ketchum.

Both had officially registered and been accepted. As a gym leader, I had access to their unfinished trainer profiles, which would be filled out as they earned more badges and pokemon.

This was a new development by the League and something that was still being filled out for active trainers, but would hopefully see a lift in overall trainer skill levels as they became able to access more information.

Id be checking on them at the start for the Squirtle and Pikachu that should be registered to each.

And then, well, I suppose Id have to see Ash for myself. It would be weird to see the kid that I spent so many hours watching in a past life in person. Id never been to Pallet Town before, but now it wouldnt matter. Ash was going to be coming to me.

I unpacked the groceries and deposited the treats for the later party while my mind worked on other thoughts. My body preheated the oven, and I laid out the recipe card for todays chocolate cake. Yolanda was going to be able to handle breakfast for me, so that was a task I didnt have to worry about. The work distracted me enough that I was able to ignore the thoughts that nipped at me like a pack of growlithe.

I cracked the eggs, mixed the flour, poured in the cocoa, and deposited Tilly on a bench seat to watch. Tickled Billy, and sent him after Munchlax whod had made off with the packet of chocolate chips. Then I reached in and grabbed another packet, knowing how that chase would end. I made sure to share one with Tilly, then I continued with baking.

When Billy returned with the empty packet and chocolate around his mouth, I gave him a pointed look.

He was too quick for me! he said as though the chocolate around his mouth wouldnt melt in his mouth.

I stared harder at his mouth. Billy tried to whistle. I knelt down.

Billy, are you lying to me? He shook his head. Billy Id be really sad if you lied to me, cause it would mean I couldnt trust you. So I want you to reeeeeeally think about what you just told me.

I gave him a moment to take in what Id just said. Was it a lie?

I made sure to stay low and neutral. I didnt want to stand over the little guy. It was also important to let him work through the process to reinforce good, ethical behaviour. I ignored the slight sound of rustling up on the bench for now.

Billy thought hard about it before slumping. Sorry.

Thats alright, thank you for apologising. Can you go clean your mouth and help Yolanda set up for the party? And remember, dont lie. Billy nodded before going off to do as I asked. I stood and sighed to myself before patting Tilly. She had more chocolate around her lips.

Did you eat the chocolate chips?

Yes! she said without any guile. I paused at that. She hadnt lied. Ummm, alright, she wins this round?

"Well,alright then. I grabbed one for myself and popped it into my mouth. And now cause we ate something, we need to clean our mouths and hands. That way were clean while we cook!

This was accepted easily, and she happily returned to the bench to watch me set up trays for kids and parents that were coming as the cake baked. I checked over the expected guest list and plucked a few small signs that indicated what was what for the people with allergies.

Graveller! I called out into the yard. The nanny-like pokemon trundled in with a small apron wrapped around her front.

Grav?

Do they have the tables set up? She nodded with her whole body. Right, start taking this out and put the covers over it. Then Ill get you and Sanchez to stand guard over it so no Pidgey make off with it before the guests turn up. I got another full-body nod before she took two trays and ambled off. Tilly chose to follow her.

I swatted Munchlax away as I checked on the cakes. And now I was all set to hurry up and wait. I sat on the bench and I popped my lips. I had just enough time for it to be annoying but not so much time I could go off and do anything.

I grabbed Munchlax as he made another swipe at the food. Hey, go check if everyones ready. If everyones ready for the party, Ill give you a bag of veggies?

Thankfully, Munchlax as a species mostly care about quantity rather than quality. If he had a choice hed go for his preferred meal, but just getting food was a win in his book. This made it easier and cheaper to fill them up, at least temporarily.

With only a bit of time, I started doing some call-ups on my transceiver from the kitchen. First, I checked that everyone was settling in with the new hires.

Daniel was still moving in with his wife, a woman much like him, young and very skilled with pokemon. She was also very pregnant. She expected to have the baby in another two or so months.

Missy had already set up her room with posters featuring motivational quotes and rock stars. Id been rather touched that she had a picture of me on the wall facing off against Lance. In high resolution as well, as our starter pokemon emerged from their pokeballs.

Rocko took the day off to visit his stepsiblings and assist them with their new pokemon.

Dennis was coming with his wife and their kids.

Granny Bethany, who Id hired on as one of my receptionists, was bringing her grandchildren, some of whom were my age. If I heard the tone in her voice right, I was pretty sure she was going to be trying to set them up with me as some grannies were wont to do.

My other receptionist, Alexa, wasnt coming today. She probably knew, correctly, shed end up having to herd around the kids that had been in her care for the last few years. Apparently, they were rather devastated that she was not staying on and had taken to following her around town like baby Farfetchd.

I didn't have to call Rachel because she marched in and reported on how things were going with the petting zoo and the performers. She also informed me that shed wrapped the presents Id gotten that morning from the shops. I sent her back out with some vague orders, but it honestly felt like she had things well managed.

Stephen had gone on a hike up to Rota. Bianca had stayed around, and it turned out was already at the party, but she was in the middle of questioning the circus on their petting zoo and how they managed the mini-pokemon.

Just as I was hanging up on by her, Munchlax reported in with a dirty Suzie and Timmy. What were you two doing? I asked as I eyed off their cobweb-ridden forms. Both had dirt all over them.

We thought we saw a rare shiny Ratata run through some bushes so we chased it! But then we lost it said Timmy enthusiastically.

I nodded along. Of course you did, well, bad luck, but now you both need to have a shower. I said before letting loose a whistle.

Graveler returned, saw the trays and the dirty children, and picked up the easy option. I barked a laugh as she walked out with the two trays of food. The twins watched her go, starting to follow her, but when I clicked my tongue, they stopped and grumbled. I sighed and rolled my eyes at them, just as the oven timer went off.

Munchlax perked up from his stool, where he was happily crunching away on his veggie bag.

Munchlax? he said, pointing at himself and looking hopeful. I shook my head at him before looking at my two grubby little siblings.

Do I I stopped to stare at them before looking at the clock. Who am I kidding of course I need to go with you or else Ill be pulling you out of the bath in an hour blue and shivering and in no way ready to play.

Were just going to get dirty anyway! They both cried at me.

Yes, but Im not having you filthy when the guests arrive! Now hup hup! Into the shower like good little Staryu! I clapped my hands and then mimied hopping forward into the staryu position.

Im probably going to leave soon, she said.

The group of children all shouted as Cindy revealed her new bicycle.

Sabrina grimaced. I need to get used to this. I dont want to keep avoiding parties. Agatha dropped off a holopad for me and we have spoken of my shortcomings.

I huffed; I doubted Agatha was as polite with her point, but sadly, she wasnt wrong.

Well, try to not throw yourself in the deep end. You can take small steps. Taking on too much cant be good for you. Its your mind taking the hit, not something like your muscles.

Sabrina nodded. I know. Its my mind after all.

I watched on as both Cindy and Tommy tore into my gifts to them. Revealing rather nice necklaces with what appeared to be their birthstones in them.

Oh! Thats a nice gift, Sabrina said, only to perk up when the twins lifted up the giant toys theyd each gotten. They then proceeded to fight each other with the giant dolls.

I glanced at Sabrina. Can they thank you for that? Or should we hold off?

Sabrinas grimace was answer enough. She shook her head minutely.

Sabrina continued to hang around for a while, she got part of the wing of the zubat and seemed to enjoy the icing the most. She must have been doing something to make people ignore her, as she was far too pretty to be ignored easily. She eventually tapped me on the shoulder and shook her head, signalling that shed had enough before vanishing.

I shot her a message congratulating her on staying for l most of the party. Shed done well to last through the party with such a large crowd of excited children.

Eventually, the kids started to crash as well, and parents or older siblings moved in to cart them home. As the host, I had to deal with clean up instead of worrying about travelling home, but everyone left with a small treat bag that featured the childs favourite pokemon from my gym.

The girls typically liked Lunatone, while the boys were divided between Titan, Knight, or Sanchez. I decided not to make a big deal of it when I spotted one or two parents taking more than one for their kids.

Jenny hung around and approached while her own cousin continued to play. Hey Brock, great party, thanks for inviting us!

Its no problem. Little Jenny I said leadingly. Officer Jenny nodded to show I had the right name. Is pretty good friends with Cindy.

Little Jenny stood next to Cindy as my sister coached her through a dance move. I snorted at their antics as they tried to make the snorlax doll do the move while Munchlax copied along.

Jenny laughed before coughing. I also have news, sadly.

I nodded and gestured for her to continue.

Proton lawyered up and hasnt said a word that isnt vetted by his Lawyer. We held him and have been able to nail him with a large number of fines, but hes going to walk with community service and minimal jail time if Im reading the wind right. Someone has paid out big for him. I applied for psychic readings for truth detection that could lead into deeper investigations, but the lawyer was quick to file for a medical exemption.

Thats a thing? I said. This had never come up when Id spoken with her before, but then again, I never really wanted to poke the issue of how legal or illegal it might be for Sabrina to read someones mind. Apparently, it was something employed by the police but only in certain circumstances.

Yeah, mostly for people with mental disorders or illnesses as people claim the psychic energy can be felt and disrupt their state of being. For every study that is produced that disproves it, theres another two produced that prove it! said Jenny while gnashing her teeth.

I mentally held in the urge to correct her by stating support and not prove but held it in.

Why do I get the feeling its not just criminals that would prefer psychics arent able to gather evidence that would be admissible in court.

Jenny snorted loudly and chuckled before nodding along sadly. Politicians and businessmen not that it stops some of them.

I hummed thoughtfully. Any chance of following the money? I said.

Jenny shot me a thoughtful look. Its a shame youre such a good gym leader, cause youd make a great detective Brock. I got a feeling that was high praise from a Jenny.

I shrugged at her, and she nodded. Were already on that, it just takes time to connect the dots. I got a front company footing the bill for the Lawyer which is something but not much. They're supposedly based out of Goldenrod but thats baloney. These people arent lazy about what they do, and most of the time money is scrubbed and washed through intermediaries that still act according to Team Rockets orders.

She shifted her weight and glanced around. About ummm that raid I did some digging on anyone that I told about moving on the Rocket warehouse I think I found a lead on who sent the message.

I raised an eyebrow. And youre not nailing them to a wall because Jenny got a sheepish look. Its someone important isnt it?

No. Theyre not important. Who theyre related to however? Jenny grimaced. Officer Andrews is the nephew of Saffrons mayor and is currently a lieutenant on the force. Its gonna cause some waves. Jenny gained a determined glint in her eyes. But Im going to do it!

I felt my respect for Jenny rise a few notches. Well, Ill be backing you, I said with a smile while mentally making a note to send a note to Agatha and Koga to help Jenny not get sidelined for doing the right thing.

Jenny shot me an amused, if disbelieving look. Her little cousin marched up and yawned hugely. Im tirrrrrrrred Jenny! Can we go home now? she said with a whine.

The older Jenny snorted and scooped her up, accepting the gift bag as she adjusted Jennys position on her hip. On her hip little Jenny mumbled something that could have been a sleepy thank you.

Jenny grinned at the girl before looking back at me. Walk me to the front door?

I glanced around, the pokemon could clean up most with Munchlax all but vibrating in anticipation. I pointed to some foodstuffs I wanted in the fridge before releasing Munchlax on the rest.

As we walked to the front, Jenny whispered to her little cousin and got some grumbles.

I hummed in thought, glancing at the little Jenny. Probably shouldnt say anymore now, should we?

Jenny shrugged. Jenny knows not to talk about mine, or any of my family's work.

I glanced at her and her little cousin. How is it there are so many women that look alike? You and Nurse Joy must have a shared secret.

Jenny grinned before using the hand not holding her cousin to fan herself. Why Brock, if you want to find out how Little Jennys come about youll have to do more than buy me a coffee~.

Im not seventeen for another two months.

Jenny wiggled her eyebrows. Im sure theyll go fast enough for you with the circuit starting up. Anyway, Im only eighteen! She winked. Ill be in touch! I watched her go before a thought that wasnt how nice she looked in her short skirt popped into my head.

Hey! If you see a homeless guy lurking about can you Tell him to come back home? I said, offering up one of the twins take-home baggies. Jenny gave me a searching look.

That, is an oddly specific request. There was an unspoken question there.

Yeah, my father, I said stiffly, has been hanging around, and we havent seen him in a while. Weve gotten sick of waiting for him though and were going to talk. I said the last few words with a clench of my hands and a glare to the side.

Something clicked in her head as she got a look of realisation on her face. Perhaps shed seen him loitering? Oh! I see. Her look darkened. If I see him Ill bring him to you!

Yeah, well thanks, the others they want their dad back, I said waving behind me as I pointed glared to the side.

Jenny reached out and put a hand on my arm. Hey, she said in a tone that made me look at her.

Youre an amazing gym leader and an even better big brother Brock. I felt strangely touched by the honest statement. Maybe it was because I felt like I couldnt brush it off like I would someone that didnt know me. Jenny and I had worked together for a few years now. Which raised the question of how young had she joined the police force? I thought they only took sixteen year olds? Hadnt she been on the force for a few years now?

Still what shed said. It felt nice to hear it.

Ah, thanks. I looked away and rubbed my nose. Jennys continued assessment only made me more self-conscious. I felt another pair of eyes watching me, and I looked down to see little Jenny watching our interaction.

I waved and stepped back with a cough. I should let you go. Thanks for coming around, and thanks for the presents.

I watched her go and settled my emotions before returning to the cleanup. By the time things were done, it was time for an early bed for most of my brothers and sisters with them having spent most of the afternoon playing with other kids. Eevee was likewise wiped out. When I gave her dinner, shed almost faceplanted into the food before Id cleaned her up and deposited her with Cindy for the night.

I returned to the lounge room to find that Yolanda had happily claimed the couch for some television with her egg at her side. Forrest meanwhile, was playing his Game Boy off to the side.

I lay down on Yolandas right, my body easily able to stretch out along the couch that usually housed five smaller bodies. My body was unclenched even as my mind continued to spin about, like a Hitmontop until I finally settled on one topic to ponder.

Yolanda perked up and began to tap me. Oh! Oh! Your ad is on! she said.

I looked up before chuckling. Its not my ad, Im just in it.

Yolanda shushed me and Forrest perked up as the ad that began with Lance standing atop a tower looking out monologuing about the next group of trainers being ready. He spoke of the challenges theyd face. On screen, wild pokemon attacked the trainer, then they swam across a river with a weak looking oddish in their arms. They raced into a pokemon centre. They scaled mountains and walked through caves. Then views that were majestic in nature opened up and quiet moments of having lunch with pokemon were shown. Lance monologued again about the ones that wanted more needing to rise to the challenge. The screen turned dark only for a single light to shine forth. I was shown looking away. I looked over my shoulder at the camera and grinned.

So, are you ready? I said with a cocky smirk as a pokeball enlarged in my hand.

The screen cut away, and a huge banner crossed over the screen announcing the start of the circuit in the coming week.

Yolanda bounced up and down. You looked really cool!

I rolled my eyes at her. Thanks, they cut it down a lot more than I thought they would though.

I remembered having Rachel approach me about this a few weeks ago. It had taken a whole day of filming, and they only used ten seconds of it? Urgh, was that show biz? I shook my head while Yolanda huffed at me as I continued to think.

What would the circuit bring for me?

Gary was a given but what should I do with Ash fast approaching?

I glanced at Forrest. He really wasnt going to step up and well I should probably tell him that I wouldnt be leaving.

The whole leaving or staying dilemma I didnt think I could leave now Not if I wanted what was best for my family.

What of Ash? In more than a few movies, he had been called on to save either the world or regional areas. Wasnt there something with time once as well? If he wasnt strong enough would that mean he would fail? I couldnt ignore that Brock in the series had served as an older voice that helped teach Ash the ropes. He also made sure Ash and co didnt starve.

If I didnt go with them would I be dooming the world by not acting as a supporting role to Ash?

I sat and thought over and over on this before eventually sitting up.

Im going to head to bed. Might as well grab some sleep. Circuits not far off. Might enjoy my sleep while I can.

Yolanda paused with a look on her face for a moment. She looked like she wanted to say something but then settled with a wave and murmured "goodnight."

Forrest merely grunted.

I went to bed wondering if I was ready for what was to come and the decision I would have to make.