Chapter 56: Crossing t's and dotting i's

Chapter 56: Crossing t's and dotting i's

Alright gang, for todays training session were going to be working through the moves that you should have. I looked over the small classroom that I had in the depths of the gym. The trainers that had signed on watched with various postures and expressions.

Rocko was laid back; for him, this was old news and more of a refresher with some small updates. He could probably deliver this speech himself next year, and I might even promote him to do just that. Hed probably hate how reliable hed become.

Dennis, however, sat ramrod straight with a notebook set up before him, pen poised to document my every word. He also sat next to the camera, which would serve as a reminder and review for myself and the rest of the trainers who wanted to check in on expectations.

Celia wasnt here, having departed a few days ago. In her place, Jackson had arrived. The man now sported a darker skin tone than ever before, and he had also apparently decided to frost his hair since the last time Id spoken with him. Apparently, the Orange Islands and Sevii Islands really agreed with him.

I kept expecting him to invite me to "flavor town" or to perform a famous song.

Crystal was also joining us, with today being a day off from school. Georgina was in the gym but not present; she was just happy to let her daughter sit in and learn about rock-type pokemon.

Crystal had passed the training course Id asked of her. Now she was practically vibrating in her seat with another small booklet opened that detailed trainer strategies commonly used. Ultimately, shed not be expected to ever step up to fight for the gym, but with her young age, these were good skills and knowledge to have regardless. This would be an amazing start for her journey.

Her career would be one Id follow very closely. Along with some notable others in her age group, specifically my sister.

Stephen, Oaks assistant, was also here. He had a table of his own but was merely listening for now. Bianca was still out back doing her work and had said she was hopeful of getting some eggs from my ancient pokemon soon.

This lecture was primarily focused on the new hires who would be competing. Daniel and Missy would need to be able to either use their own pokemon or the gym pokemon with set moves that to a lesser degree represented the gym.

Yolanda wasnt present today as I had her in-charge of the rest of our siblings with a Granny helping out at home. Forrest sat in the back and appeared to be writing notes, from what I could see.

As a Rock-type gym, most trainers will be expecting us to have a solid defence, a simple offence, and be rather slow. This will indeed be the norm for any trainers that face us for the first two badges. However, as soon as they start trying to get the third badge with us I expect moves like Rock Polish, Dig, Endure, Detect, Sandstorm, and even Fissure towards the higher levels. I gestured towards each move as it appeared on the powerpoint for this lecture.

Fissure? gasped Missy, who was now leaning across her desk. We get to use pokemon that know Fissure? I thought that was restricted!?

It is. I smirked at them, For other people. As trainers of this gym one of the perks is that you will be allowed to utilise this move in battle. As a One hit K.O move it is something that is not offered to most fresh circuit trainers. It has to be earned through your pokemon, or as an award with the recipient being monitored for their use of said move.

I looked straight at Daniel and Missy as their eyes widened. "This move is known by two Rhydon, three Golem, and one Onix in the gym. You will be expected to learn when to use these moves. "I don't want trainers coming in complaining about Fissure being spammed on them." I glared out, arms crossed in my signature pose.

Missy nodded seriously. Dennis underlined that twice. Crystal peered at me through her bangs. Daniel licked his lips.

After a moment of glancing between them, I nodded. I want this to be a move that throws off their tempo. They should be building up a head of steam before we throw them off their game. Fissure is a great method to do just that. It can be a devastating opener that will drop off in reliability unless you perform setups with specific moves. You will not be allowed to use substances or drugs on any of the pokemon prior to a fight.

Crystal raised her hand. Why is this move considered restricted?

For the reasons that I previously stated. This move has a lot of chances for abuse as the power overloads a receiving pokemons natural defences and typically knocks them out at least. Some trainers have been known to load up their pokemon with the aforementioned drugs, or buff up moves, then quickly challenge a gym or a pro to a match hoping for a big payout. If this move is ever used on you, I considered that before amending my statement, Or any, one hit K.O moves, report the trainer so they can be watched by the league as this method does result in extreme damage to the pokemons health.

Crystal chewed her lip, People do that? I nodded and decided to list another example.

Ever been to the pokemon races or Fighting type matches? The pokemon are always on display in an open area or with video feeds in their rooms for an hour in the lead-up to the event. This stops buff-ups or drugs from being used. When money is involved people can go to great lengths. I had to sit through this myself against Lance only recently. Crystal accepted that with a firm nod.

As Gym trainers, we have lots of trainers that will be coming to fight against us. Youll probably end up fighting more trainers this year than you would in three years on average. You dont get as much for winning against them as they do for beating you due to the gym contract you all signed, but there are certain rewards, obviously, for good results. The tough part is staying within the range of acceptable strength for the trainers that will be coming. Id suggest sticking with gym pokemon for the lower badges unless youre training something new but keep it at least related to rock type or rock environments..

I checked the room to see if there were any more questions before tapping a different move on the powerpoint list that I had on display. The most important move that you will learn to defy peoples expectations of us as Rock-type users will be Rock Polish. It very much plays to our strengths but you should be able to use it alongside other moves to make your pokemon move at much faster speeds. A click of my finger had the slide changing.

The move Rock Polish is shown to increase speed by roughly ten to twenty-five percent. This is a huge boost, but it does require a pokemon to pause for a moment. We will, for ease of reference, refer to them as Stages. This allows a widespread word for discussing moves that improve or lower a pokemons abilities.

Another click, another slide.

I have trained some of the pokemon to be able to use it with Dig so they will go down for longer than normal, pause, boost up and then emerge much faster.

Crystal raised her hand, Why didnt you demonstrate this against Lance?

Because taking too long in the ground against Lance would have been a huge slap in the face if Id pulled it off. However, the true reason would have been that the chances of pulling it off against Elite trainers drop away as they can counter it with any move that breaks up or destroys the ground. When youre simply above ground using Rock Polish, your pokemon will take at most five seconds. During a dig? That becomes ten at least.

Another slide ticked over. Factors that can change this time can include the amount of damage a pokemon has taken, various status effects, and most importantly, the pokemons starting level of strength. A pokemon that has trained for this move combination with no damage can pull this off in ten seconds but they would be a sitting Farfetchd or the opponent could perform two to three buffs of their own in the same timeframe.

I then clicked another slide onto the screen behind me to show how things added up. If we are just focussing on the speed you can see how moves like Rock Polish grow for set stages with each pokemon when used more than once. This boost can also stack with those from other moves such as the Aqua Jet I used with Shin against Lance. The slide now showed graphs with Shins estimated base speed before showing how he increased at each stage.

Now, there is a drop-off point after two initial uses of Rock Polish. The rate of return becomes more like five percent to seven percent after two uses. With the pauses it takes in battle, Id therefore recommend not using the move more than that. Its better to use other moves with the potential payoff being higher.

This had most people writing down the information apart from Rocko. Stephen raised his hand.

Ive never heard these numbers used before, why isnt this more well-known? he said.

This is more related to battle strategy. I have seen trainers base their whole attack patterns on this method, but it is something that most researchers wouldnt focus on. It also falls in and out of popularity depending on what ends up televised with the big matches. Its a meta in and of itself.

Meta? he asked.

A popular strategy that is well known. It can be something that falls in and out of favour depending on what the top contenders are seen to be using. The current Meta with Lance on top of the League is very much focussed on power, over speed or technical orientated metas. I began ticking off my fingers. I could also reference hyper defence, trap setting, delay and distract, debilitisation methods and finally fake out methods.

I tapped out the moves Id listed off behind me. We will be going into the following moves today and in the lead-up to the circuits start so that we have you all on the same page. These sessions should outline potential uses along with discussing the meta that they apply well to. Rock Polish is a set up/speed type meta obviously. For our pokemon you should I began to lay out how this could play into strategies with Gravellers and Golems using Rollout against others.

The next move Id like to have you aware of is using Sandstorm. This is a field effect that means you will be limiting visibility along with causing a slow corrosive damage due to the way the sand will whip at pokemon that arent Rock, Steel, or Ground types.

I continued the lecture from there detailing the need to have delaying tactics ready with some of the pokemon. When I was finished with the mornings lecture I settled back into a relaxed pose atop the desk at the front. Alright, any questions regarding the lecture so far?

No one had any questions about this so I turned my hand over. What about in general?

Daniel raised his hand. How much will we be able to use our own pokemon during trainer battles?

I hummed. I did mention that, most of the time I would ask that you restrict yourself to only fighting with one pokemon not set to the gym. As a Gym employed trainer, you will get the chance to use them to make sure people stay on their toes while also giving your own pokemon way, way more experience. I will ask that you only do that for team-based challenges. If it is a simple one-on-one and no more then dont use your own pokemon. Use the Gym pokemon.

I raised a finger. The exception to this rule is for the double team challenge. If you are challenged in this manner feel free to use your own pokemon. Trainers choosing that option need to know their business so some of the restrictions related to weaker trainers are lifted.

I wagged my hand in a so-so gesture. Again, if theyre new trainers however use only badge-level-appropriate pokemon.

Daniel nodded at this.

Rocko rubbed his chin. Im surprised we havent had any challengers yet. I snorted and Rocko gave me a smile. Well the gym itself. Youre a gym leader, thats different.

I truly wish it wasnt. I deadpanned back at him.

Missy frowned. Wait, youre already taking challenges?

Nope. Im merely getting challenged. I wont be expecting any actual challenges for the first few days. Serious contenders typically wait at least two weeks. Theres also travel time to consider between cities. I havent yet had anyone try beating down my door to challenge me.

Rocko, instead of nodding along at this information as the rookie trainers were, looked to Dennis. Two weeks, he said with a grin.

Dennis chewed his lips as the other trainers glanced between them in confusion. Dennis narrowed his eyes. One and a half.

You won the rest of your matches. Im aware.

Her mouth clicked shut before she blushed. Sorry, she said to her shoelaces. Silly Mouse nuzzled her consolingly.

Not to worry, I can understand. This is a big step up. Its a little rough, cause you dont get to enjoy it as much with me having to make my offer now. I gave her a tight smile. The circuit is going to start in two days, and I, therefore, need to submit your information for you. I looked down at Silly Mouse, Including which pokemon is going to be your starter.

Silly Mouse went stiff in her arms. Mia stared at me before looking towards the pictures I had behind me. I had deliberately put up pokemon such as Pichu, Ekans, Psyduck, Shellder, Sandshrew, Drowzee, Staryu, Seedot, Wurmple, Poochyena, and finally an Aron.

She tightened her grip on the small rat in her arms. I think Id like to stick with Silly Mouse if its all the same to you.

I nodded. Thats perfectly fine. The other prizes that I can offer for you is a TM from the following list or more funds to set you up for your journey.

She looked at the listed amount of money and licked her lips before lifting up the list to read through it. Your pokemon as a normal type will have the most chances to draw from this list.

I can teach Silly Thunder? I nodded, and she rattled off the others as her eyes dropped down the list. Dig? Blizzard?

Yes, I said aloud. I hummed for a moment before considering if she had met the standard for me to offer her a full sponsorship. I eventually decided against it. If youd like, you can take this list outside. Im going to be talking to a few others and informing them that Im willing to sponsor them for the coming year.

Mia smiled at that. Was that why Angie was sticking around?! I smiled, nodding. Mia turned and sprinted out of the tent. Angie! Brock said youre also going to get a year for your journey!

I chuckled at her antics. Shed pretty much stolen the news out from under me. I really couldnt blame her though as she was only eleven after all. I opened the tent to point at the six new trainers Would you six like to join me?

It really made me feel good to watch them stumble forward as their hopes for this tournament came true. They might not have won, but theyd certainly leave this tournament much better off.

First of all, congratulations." I beamed at them all, You six had the characteristics that I feel more than justify my sponsoring you for the years upcoming circuit. You may each keep your pokemon, however, you will be assigned six more pokeballs to begin filling out your team. This will entitle you to a monthly stipend along with the ability to take jobs in any city. If you complete the circuit with eight badges you will obviously be able to take part in the tournament. Do well this year and you will no doubt be offered a number of lucrative jobs or be able to apply for them. I will be listed as your advisor so you will be able to call the gym for advice from pokecenters or from a pokewatch if you own one.

Gym Leader Brock? asked a tall boy who seemed to do everything to make himself smaller than he was.

"Humphrey, wasnt it? I said after taking a moment to recall his name.

Yes sir! he said, straightening up and causing himself to tower over the other kids.

What was your question? I said carefully.

He shifted from foot to foot before looking up only to look back down. What should we do if we didnt we didnt get along with our starter pokemon? I tried working with Spearow, but it was a struggle, and I think I dont think we want the same things

I kept my face as placid as possible. This was a serious issue; if I frowned, hed probably spiral into a bigger mess than he already was. Your pokemon and you didnt click after a week? I tilted my head. You won three of the matches in your pool before entering the final knockout rounds. You were very concise with your orders, your spearow followed them perfectly well for your level as a trainer.

I talked with Spearow, and they said they didnt want to battle but instead return to the forest. I asked them to stick with it just for this tournament. Humphrey shot me a nervous look.

I looked down to the Spearow that was, unlike the other pokemon with the kids, still lingering near the door. Is this correct Spearow? Youd rather return to the forest instead of battle or be a companion for this trainer? The small bird nodded once.

I see. Spearow if you wish, you can leave now. I reached over to a pokeball that I knew to house the Spearow. I triggered the release pokemon feature, and a small beam shot out. When it was done, Spearow nodded again at me before turning and bobbing its head at Humphrey. Then it flew off.

I flicked my eyes to the rest of the kids that were listening in raptly. Did anyone else experience similar issues? They shifted about before looking at each other, apparently waiting for someone else to offer themselves up.

To be clear, Im not mad or in any way upset. If anything, Humphrey, Im impressed with your ability to still get a reluctant pokemon to follow your orders, even if for a limited period of time. So, did anyone else experience issues, like this, or something different?

The kids again looked around before, one by one they shook their heads. I considered everyone before nodding. Are you all happy to stick with your pokemon as your starters? This time they nodded quickly. At their feet or shoulders, the pokemon puffed up happily.

Mia stepped forward. Brock if its alright, can I offer Hump my prize for a new starter pokemon. That made me stop. I had been considering other methods. I wasnt so restricted with my funds this year. It did speak very well of Mia though.

I chuckled and ran a hand over my jaw. Well, I wasnt expecting that, Mia. No, you dont need to do that. Humphrey, Mia, with how youve both acted, I have to admit to being very impressed.

I gave them a big smile. Ive advertised the reward for this tournament as a partial sponsorship which only allows you to stable six pokemon with me. However, partial doesnt mean you cant upgrade it. Mia, Humphrey, I will be offering you a full sponsorship for the year. That means you get twenty stable slots. Do well and well see about extending that beyond a year.

Both of them straightened. I could see this meant the world to them. Ill be watching both of your coming circuits with great interest. Mia, you and Silly Mouse still have a decision to make. Humphrey, heres a list you can look over.

He took it and looked over it only for his eyes to lock onto one pokemon name. Is the Aron from your Knight?

I nodded and he shot the list straight back at me. Id like Aron, please!

I threw my head back and laughed. Haha! Alright, then let's get you all signed on for the coming circuit! Then I waved Humprhery on, And lets get you introduced to your new pokemon Humphrey.

When I had all the paperwork squared away, a new pokemon in my new sponsored trainers hands, and a few photos with the kids, I got to put my feet up for the day.

Munchlax! The small glutton pokemon sprinted around the couch, Suzie, Eevee, and Timmy in hot pursuit. I watched them play chasey. When they cornered Munchlax they tapped him on the face lightly.

Tag! They then sprinted away leaving Munchlax to point to one of them before giving chase. I watched on. That wasnt how the game was supposed to work, but it was keeping them entertained. If Munchlax got upset, Id step in, but for now, they were having fun.

Yolanda entered after the twins game saw them tearing down a different hallway to continue in another section of the house.

Hey Brock. She moved around and sat on the couch with me. I leaned forward to turn the television on. I glanced at the egg chamber she was carrying before dismissing it.

Hey, do you know Mia and Humphrey from school?

They were two years above me at school, but yeah, I did know them. Howd they go with the tournament?

They did excellently. Really surprised me. I ended up offering them full sponsorships for the year.

Oh, thats good Humphreys a really nice guy! I gave her a look that made her blush. Hes just nice alright!

Do I need to have a different conversation with him when he comes to pick up Aron tomorrow?

No! Hes getting an Aron? she said before coughing as I smirked at her. Its not like that hes just nice.

Nice looking? I asked with a slight tease. Yolanda threw a pillow at me. I caught it and chuckled before waving at her that I wouldnt keep teasing her.

We sat for a little while, on the tv a news anchor discussed the early reports from various gyms around the region and how things were shaping up for the coming circuit start this monday. Theyd later pitch some potential names to be on the lookout for such as Gary Oak and other trainers with high pedigree/background. Surprisingly, after Id finished my little tournament a reporter had approached the kids for information on whod been taken on. The fact that I had five partial and two full sponsorships would probably be brought up.

Celias results from last year meant people were going to be paying some attention to the stable she called home, aka our Gym. Kogas full sponsorship, if there was one this year, would also get a good degree of attention as a trainer to watch for.

For most people, this wouldnt mean much, but for trainers that wanted to challenge the best, theyd seek out these trainers as up-and-comers. Some of the residents of the cities not part of the actual circuit would also seek to test these trainers.

It wasnt uncommon to see a little old granny currently readying her pet Growlithe or helper Graveller for a few quick and easy fights with young trainers. It was a fun little past-time for the most part. Some people liked to target the younger kids and while technically wrong it wasnt anything actually punishable. Punks and even Ace trainers could often nab some pocket money this way if they desired. It was all part of the journey to learn when to accept and when not to accept.

Or more importantly, when not to wager big.

I looked towards the television. With two more days until the circuit started I couldnt help but wonder how things would look in a month.

Gary Oak would be coming soon, and then so would Ash Ketchum.