Chapter 70: Brock and Brawly

Chapter 70: Brock and Brawly

Brawly! I said, waving to the aqua-haired teen. Id found him merrily conversing with Missy, while Rocko and Dennis sat near them.

Brawly looked up and nodded. Brock! Hey! He gestured around the room. I might not want as big a gym as you have, but wow, this place has some nice features that make me want to reconsider that.

I chuckled at that. The lounge wasnt that special, in truth. There were a few glass bar fridges along one wall for snacks and free drinks for the trainers, along with some lockers where people could store personal effects in if they desired. There was also a microwave and a small kitchenette if people wanted to get fancy with a long table that could fit five or six people at once. Toilets for people to use were tucked away near both entrances.

The centre of the room had a ring of lounges that were spaced haphazardly, along with a number of beanbags and chairs.

I always liked that the roof was high enough that I could release Titan in here without him having to stoop. Something Rocko was making good use of, with his Kangaskhan happily seated beside him.

Missy had her Arcanine and Rhydon out as well, while Dennis only had a Geodude sharing his couch. Crystal toddled in from the receptionist area and made a beeline straight towards the fridges with the sugary drinks. I nodded to Dennis. How many of those has she had today?

This got a chuckle from the group as they smiled fondly. Rocko waved his hand. Relax Brock, shes on her second since this morning. No need to big brother her.

I raised an eyebrow at him, amused that he thought of it that way. I glanced to Dennis. And how many have you seen her have?

...two as well? he said, starting to see where I was going.

Missy popped up from the couch. Hey! No more sugar! Youll wreck your teeth!

Crystal spun about with the bottle firmly lodged in her mouth, huge bubbles glugging up and down like a bubbler instead of a small girl with a soda bottle. Missy ran across to her. Hey! No!

Crystal finished before she could be stopped and then dove between Missys legs. Ahahaha! Youll never catch me! Im all hyped up on energy! Raw unfiltered

Selene, I said calmly.

Selene, whod been following Crystal around, glowed softly, and Crystal rose up. Eh?! What? No! Selene! I give you the good scratches, dont betray me!

Lunnnna! warbled my pokemon as she deposited the small girl onto a chair in front of me.

Crystal looked up at me and pouted. Thats cheating!

No, its just good resource management. Now, Im not going to ask how much you've had. The answer is too much. However, I want you to know that youre not going to get access to those drinks if you cant control yourself.

Crystal squirmed in her seat, eyes not meeting mine. I will.

Good, cause otherwise I have to stop you from having any. And if you were to go behind my back, I might not want to let you borrow Selene.

Ill be good! Crystal said, much more earnest now.

Alright. Go find your mum, and tell her what we said, alright?

Crystal ran off at that. I huffed to myself before turning to find Rocko and Dennis sharing an amused look. Brawly rubbed his chin. Man, I thought they were joking but you really are a full-time dad type.

I coughed at that. Thats!... Im not that bad am I?

Rocko waggled his hand while Dennis shook his head loyally. Not at all Brock! Youre an inspiration with how you look after your brothers and sisters along with any young trainer that enters the gym!

I stared at Dennis. I felt like he was, in his own way, teasing me. Rocko glancing away while shaking in silent laughter only deepened my suspicion. Riiiiiiiight well, I waved a sheet of papers. Your chores, children.

Rocko laughed heartily at that, while Dennis broke into a smile. Missy leaned forward to look at the roster I had laid out. Brawly made a gesture that took a moment for me to realise meant, may I?. I nodded and he leaned in.

Huh, division of labour, with jobs everyone needs to do for the week. There are a lot of jobs on here.

I shrugged. Theres a lot to manage with this being a pretty big gym. We have a lot of facilities and a lot of pokemon to handle. Both our own and pokemon that have been stabled with us.

Huh nice. Get many rare ones?

I shook my head. Need to have a lot larger roster for those. The rarest pokemon around here are my Ancient pokemon.

Im patrolling the Rota route? I dont think I ever went that way before? Missy asked before glancing at me.

Ah thats a small route, youll pretty much have signage the entire way, but its a walking path that climbs up into the mountains. Check the files as youll have to take a climbing and tent pack with you. If theres anything that you own thats better than any of the gym gear, remember to lodge it with Dennis and Georgina. Dennis perked up at this, and when Missy had more questions she directed them at him.

I turned towards Brawly. Still want that tour?

Oh, for sure, man! Brawly shot up and waved to the other three trainers. Later dudes! Thanks for letting me chill here!

The other three all waved at him. Seeing their reactions to him, I couldnt help but be a little envious at how easily Brawly had inserted himself into the group and become fast friends with them. I shook it off, it wasnt something you could control. I liked being me.

Right, well guess Ill show you the inside stuff, and then work my way out to the back where the pokemon are.

Ah! Saving the best for last, eh? Brawly said. He trooped along next to me, his hands laced behind his head as he glanced around.

No, just that theres a lot more to see. Plus, if I time it right, most of the pokemon will be coming in for their evening meal. Forrest should be looking over it. I led him back out into the arena.

"Right, so you already saw the arena and the stands. I had this built with the latest features, such as the damage barrier casters that can catch multiple Hyper Beams should the referee trigger the need for such.

They actually hold against that much?

I nodded. Yeah, I made it a condition that Id have them installed and then would be putting those features to the test. Silph Corp practically has it as part of their standard contract.

Huh, thats kinda sweet. Do they actually stand up to it? Brawly said thoughtfully.

They stood up to Titan, Knight, and Onix all unleashing a Hyperbeam at once, back to back. I had the parts replaced, but I have a technician come in every weekend. They also have an on-call technician for particularly rough days.

Huh, nice. Hey, I noticed the grills of water around the arena, how come you allow those? Lots of other gyms dont allow something that will weaken their pokemon. Especially not with easy access to water for some of the bigger moves. No way I could use Surf easily in Chucks gym.

It makes battles more similar to those that will occur at the Plateau. These are mostly standard fields apart from the Rocks we have thrown about.

I gestured to the rock-strewn field. "The majority of people who come here are younger trainers, and they don't have the pokemon that would be severely hampered. Also, I want my pokemon to be exposed to their weaknesses. Its not so much about avoiding them as it is controlling them and coming up with methods to counter them.

Brawly leaned over the railing, eyeballing the grills of water. Huh, never thought Id find myself envious of Rock types' more physical-based weaknesses. Its almost easier to do it your way than it is for psychic types.

I merely nodded and gestured to the next series of rooms. Right, so the next lot of rooms are for admin with trainers having desks that are open for interaction while my senior trainers get larger spaces. Weve got filing cabinets and reference material in those along with some supplies. I walked through another door to reveal a hallway. My house is up that way, thats back to the arena, and this is my office.

Whats that door? Brawly said, pointing to a door that had black and yellow paint bordering it with a large restricted access printed across it.

Security and server hub. Or as I call it, the duckpond. I waved off Brawlys confused look. Sorry, its an inside joke.

I opened the door to my office, revealing a mess of papers scattered around with a number of seats both in the corners and in front of the main desk while a large office chair rested in front of dual monitors.

Brawly whistled, Damn, looks like you spend a lot of time in here.

I grimaced. I probably should have cleaned up a little. Especially considering I could have gotten rid of the mugs that rested around the place.

I see what they mean. Youre really like a parent. He pointed to a few toys stuffed in a corner, along with a nappy bag that had been shoved atop a shelf.

I scratched the back of my head. Ah, yeah. Kids always know to come here first if they need to find me and Im not home.

How come you dont have an office at home?

Oh I do, but it's smaller and I find I just get more done when Im not being interrupted all the time.

Man I hate to say this, but youre kind of a symbol to not get hitched before you have it all worked out. I cant imagine setting all this up while raising a family.

Yeah well guess it just worked out? I said with a shrug.

Ill say, man, you ever get to relax? Part of me instantly felt like I knew what was coming. I raised my hands instinctively only for Brawly to speak up. You want to go surfing this weekend? I found some good spots and we can be there and back again, easy!

I lowered my hand. Id Well, Id honestly been expecting something like what Surge would have said.

I cant, I have a lot of work to do, I said out of reflex. Surfing didnt sound like something Id usually do, but it did kind of sound nice.

Work will be there for work hours man!

I chuckled, hadnt I said as much to myself earlier today? Ah, well yeah well see, come on Ill show you the temporary infirmary we have then lead you out to the back.

Infirmary? Brawly stiffened. Why do you need that?

Cause accidents happen sometimes. Youd be surprised... Well, if youve spent time with Chuck, you probably have a better idea than most, but lots of trainers like to overestimate themselves. I like to brag about never losing an Elite challenge but I do have the odd trainer attempt it, when they really shouldnt have. But those are rare and my pokemon are honestly great at controlling themselves.

I opened a door and lights flicker on to reveal a sterile room that I know from past experience can hold an Onix comfortably. Most of the injuries in the Gym occur to my pokemon nine times out of ten. Sometimes, I need to stabilise them before getting them to Nurse Joy.

Ah, People sandbagging and choosing fights easier than they should?

Yeah. I didnt have to say anything else about the room and instead shut the door and led us out through our gymnasium which was rated for pokemon and personal use. Brawly was a bit more impressed with this.

Nice! You got all the gear that you want to stay fit! Urgh, this big complex is messing with my dream for low budget low fuss! Theres so many features that I want! he said as he picked up some of the padded headgear that could be used for training pokemon.

Well this took a few years to put together, Im not going to lie. Maybe you can build from a basic set up?

Nuh uh! I shook my head at her antics.

Im not getting into that with you, I said, choosing the higher ground. And I have other friends. Friends youve never met! A pokemon journey did make you interact with a lot of different people after all. I smiled towards Selene and Quirrina as they floated down towards me. Also, I have my pokemon.

Well yeah alright then, Yolanda grumbled, unable to refute that. I set up some dishes for my pokemon and she checked over her egg. Brawly merely sat off to the side turning slowly to take in the landscape.

Did I see the egg jump just now? I asked.

Yolanda bounced up and down. I knew I wasnt imagining it!

I grimaced. That just means its out of the first stage of being hatched. The third, and final will be pretty annoying. It'll move around a lot. Have you been talking with Bianca?

A little, shes in and out so often that I dont get to talk with her much. She did give me a good list of books to read over for when it actually hatches. I dont say anything more to that. Instead, I tilted my head.

Wheres Forrest by the way? He was supposed to feed the pokemon today. If he wants to use them for some of his matches eventually or get a feel for them hes going to need to feed them and get used to them. If he cant do it he needs to tell me so I can take over. I said with a grumble mostly to myself.

Yolanda hopped up. I think I saw him riding off to look for she trailed off and her eyes flicked to Brawly before giving an awkward smile. Well anyway, I didnt know it was his turn but I can do it! She hopped up and Quirrina spun to the other side of her to make sure she didnt fall off the ledge.

I shook my head. Ive taken care of it. I just this is getting a bit ridiculous. Im going to have to talk to him.

Yolanda had a momentary smirk that vanished faster than a stray chip near some Winggull.

Yolanda merely nodded again before hugging her egg tightly. I sat down on the edge of the plateau, when Quirina was done he floated into my side and provided a nice warm body to hold. For long minutes, no one spoke. We merely watched the world pass on by as pokemon returned home to roost and people began to come home as lights in Pewter city grew brighter.

The mountains around here are pretty big. We dont have anything quite that big back home.

Mt Chimney right? I said, trying to recall the exact landmark in question.

Brawly bobbed his head up and down. Its about the size of Mt Moon over there but we dont really have such big mountain ranges is what I meant. He gestured widely to the north, Whats out that way?

Only place weve kept contact with is the Kingdom of Rota which is really a singular city nestled in the valley of the ranges. Has a nice little ecosystem that we send patrols up to pretty often. Not a large place but it is very traditional. They have a Queen running the Kingdom right now. Queen Ilene.

Huh cool. Anything else?

Only the wilds that weve found so far. The ranges themselves havent been crossed in any meaningful way apart from out west which is Johto, but the route around Mt Silver is much easier to travel through.

Crazy that theres so much of the world out there that we dont know about, or cant reach. Some of it is right there in front of us.

Coming from the man that surfs the oceans, I think youd have a good grasp on that.

Brawly merely hummed, while Yolanda glanced between us. Huh you are actually friends arent you? I reached over and rubbed the top of her hair, messing it up. Brock! she slipped my hold and brushed her hair out before giving me a stink eye.

I clapped my hands together. Want to head down now?

Brawly agreed, his eyes looking around the plateau. Do we have to go back down the stairs?

Nah, we take the express route. Selene, if you would please? I drew in my dark energy as tightly as I could. Around me, a film of blue light grasped hold of us and lifted up Yolanda, Brawly, and myself.

Woah!? Brawly said before pausing as we were rapidly lowered over the side and back to the entrance of the cave. Huh, thats neat.

Bit faster way of getting around, when Im not leading people around I usually just have Selene lift me up before gliding down the stairs.

Nice! Brawly rubbed at the back of his head. Well Im gonna head back to my accommodation and get an early sleep, then Ill be able to get out in time for tomorrow's peak waves. Any chance youd come on Sunday with me man?

I dont

Hed love to! Yolanda said. I gave her a look. Was she trying to get me out of the house for something?

What are you up to? I asked suspiciously. She shot me a flat look.

Brock you go out and have fun with your friend! her tone was spot on and with her egg in her arms she gave off just the right motherly vibe to make me want to agree with her. I held her gaze before slowly turning to Brawly.

Alright, what time? Brawly whooped and gave me his transceiver number to send me the information when he found out himself.

Later that night, I made another call.

Hello? Kanto Lapras reserve, this is Hermoine, how may I help direct your call?

Hey Hermoine, it's Brock. I was wondering if I could come to collect Tide for this sunday, Id need to come in late.

... one moment please. I heard some rustling before Hermoine returned. Sir what is your pokemon trainer I.D number and may we also have she opened an envelope and read it. The name of the first girl you kissed?

I rattled off the number before glancing around carefully, ... and Elizabeth.

Your details check out! Alright, well have Tide ready for you, when did you want him?

Think Ill grab him on Saturday. Ill be arriving by teleport. And with that done, I shut off the phone and headed into the lounge room to enjoy an evening movie with my siblings.

What movie are we watching? I was fully expecting Macho Machamp from the boys

Furret Samurai!! shouted Tommy and Timmy together.

No Macho Machamp? I said in surprise. I noticed the girls perking up as well and was more surprised.

The boys nodded and started to make cutting actions like they were wielding swords. Yeah! Furret is a samurai that has to wander all over and save people!

I merely nodded. Well alright then. I eyed the strangely excited-looking girls.

This didnt sound like something theyd typically like. If you dont want to watch play with these.I gestured to some gameboys but no one but Forrest picked one up. When no other takers happened I checked the room once more making sure all my siblings and the essentials were present for a good movie night.

I paused on a missing detail. No one made popcorn yet?

Instantly Cindy threw herself over the couch towards the kitchen. Munchlax, no!

I huffed. One day theyd learn. And that should have been the last notable event of the evening. The movie was rather odd with the main hero being a small, adorably fluffy, Furret that toddled around in some instances before stalking like a honed warrior in others.

Most of the cast were pokemon, and the dialogue beyond the pokemons names was nonexistent. And yet it was captivating enough to have everyone in the room watching it. Even Forrest completely ignored whatever was on his gameboy to watch the movie.

The smallest of my siblings fell asleep halfway through and had to be deposited in their rooms when it was over. Then I pushed the others off to clean up for bed before returning to potter about cleaning up.

Before I went to bed, I knocked on Forrests door, Hey little bro, what was up with you ditching out on feeding the pokemon? You know I dont want Bertha getting grouchy and breaking into the shed for her dinner. Shell stop after eating her fill, but some of the other pokemon wont.

Oh! Oh I left a note? he said sheepishly. I gave him an unimpressed look and tapped my transceiver. Alright, I went biking with my friends. I was hoping to find dad.

I gave him a slightly less stern look. You should have organised that after feeding the pokemon. It doesnt take long and you know that. A sat on his bed and levelled a look at him. Whats up recently. Youve been well youre dropping your game on a lot of tasks and forcing others to pick up on you.

He clenched his jaw. I just know dad is out there is all. And youre too busy!

I raised a hand forestalling what must appear as a justified argument from his point of view. Forrest. I have Janine, Sabrina, and Jenny all keeping an eye out for him. I know he liked to lurk around the Gym, and have been keeping an eye out. But that isnt a reason you can ditch your duties.

It just feels more important! Dads out there somewhere! he said with a snap.

I stared at him as he glared at the floor, not willing to meet my gaze. I inhaled and exhaled to get rid of the urge to snap back at him, something Id likely regret. I felt the darkness stirring within me and so I pulled on my Rock energy to sooth myself. When I was calm I spoke, Forrest, it might not seem like it because youre so focused on one thing but if you lose sight of everything else youre going to be in a terrible position. Do you want Flint coming back to things in shambles?

Forrest grumbled something that I took to mean no I dont want that before plowing on.

Good. you can do both things but it means you need to be more earnest in finishing one before running off. Unless hes right there at that exact moment, all youre going to be chasing after is an idea. What I was saying rang certain bells, and I once more considered if I needed to get someone in to talk with the older kids. Heck, Id probably need someone to check the younger ones as well.

So, Flint not being here is not an excuse you can use. Without a sighting you're just tearing off and making problems for people. If you want to trade duties, talk to people, dont just assume it is going to happen.

I scratched my chin. Was now a good time? I hesitated and felt my reluctance kick in only to pause. I was channelling my Rock energy. Therefore I was going to be more patient than good. I dropped the energy and exhaled before deciding to just rip the band aid off.

Forrest, Im not going to make you run the Gym. I dont think it would be good for anyone, the Gym, you, me, or our family to do that.

His head snapped up and I held up a hand. The Gym is big, Forrest. I didnt notice it as much having been the one to build it so I know how literally everything works and why it was built the way it was but dumping that on you is irresponsible of me. If youre worried about that, I want you to just relax and reconsider. One day you can take things over but we need to teach you the skills first.

Forrest got a conflicted look before he nodded. Alright, he eventually said tightly. Im sorry Ive been messing up.

Alright. I hope this news takes some pressure off. I almost mentioned how he obviously hadnt handled it well but that wasnt the right thing to say. I was already being brusque about this.

So instead, I nodded.With that out of the way, tomorrow you can make it up to me by cleaning Berthas cave. I wished at that moment that I had a camera as his face morphed into a look of horror.

What!? Brock no!

Brock yes! You messed up, and that means you need to make it right. Clean her cave, and make sure you use the oran berry spray. She likes it the most. If you dont and shes annoyed Ill tell her it was you. And no using your pokemon or any of mine beyond spraying the cave down.

Urghhhhhh! he said with a groan. I grinned.

It looked like my job as his older brother and his boss was done here!

I departed feeling much better having hopefully given him the kick and the relief he needed to grow. Witness the debut of this chapter, unveiled through Ñôv€l--B1n.