Chapter 76: Shopping

Chapter 76: Shopping

Girls could be a unique mystery. When I had first met Sabrina shed been a girl that had avoided going out in public as much as possible. It wasnt that she couldnt, but more that it was uncomfortable for her. Something wed struggled with a fair bit during our time together when wed been younger. Id given her some help by being a safe zone she could be around to stop thoughts flooding her mind. Back then, she would have stayed very close or been skittish going through towns. Nowadays she openly walked next to me and spoke of going out with Erika, or her mother, and I had to wonder how much Id really helped at all.

I must have done something as obviously she was better than what she would have been like according to the anime but still I felt a little envious that she seemed to have made better strides of late with others than she had with me when wed been younger.

Shed been increasingly able to handle time with my army of little siblings.

Shed also seemed perfectly happy to sit with my little sisters and play dolls with them until Id come back.

She appeared to be going out of her way to be nice to new people. Or, at least shed reacted well to Rachel.

Rachel, who was walking along with a pleased little smile on her lips, all without Sabrina acting like a Meowth rubbed the wrong way. During our journey, Sabrina had reacted worse to anyone that tagged along. Perhaps it was a matter of maturity or just that Sabrinas tolerance had grown. Or maybe Rachel was just a nice girl according to Sabrinas senses.

I sent another glance towards Sabrina, shed been playing with my siblings for at least an hour by the time Id gotten home. This was followed by us walking in public instead of teleporting directly to the venue. I couldnt see any slumped shoulders or tiredness from her at all.

Still, it might pay to ask. Hey, you alright?

She turned her head and observed me as we continued along into town.I am perfectly well. Are you alright?

Bit tired from all the battles Ive been going through this last week, but I feel good having gone surfing. It was fun despite all the times I wiped out. Sabrina tilted her head and her eyes flicked up and down my body.

I waved a hand back and forth, Im perfectly fi I cut off the word remembering that Sabrina associated fine with a cry for help. Well. I am doing well.

She bobbed her head and continued to walk along. I looked back to find Rachel watching us with a happy smile on her face. I shook my head at her and she merely smiled wider. I huffed at her. So, where are we going?

I looked around for the best tailor in town that does suits! They actually reached out to the Gym first, but not about their suits. Rather they wanted to know about the contests that youre going to run Brock!

Im not running any contests, I said.

Right now youre not, but you did have some plans to set them up, no? Rachel said logically.

Maybe. I rubbed my eyes in irritation. Things have been rather hectic with the gym. I considered the other part of what Rachel had said. So theyre tailors that enjoy Contests? Who are they?

Rachel grimaced. Oh well Im sort of going against the girl code here but

I snorted. Theres no such thing as the girl code.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. And youd know this how Mr Brock? she said pointedly.

Id know, I said firmly. I looked at Sabrina. Back me up

I cant tell you the girl code Brock, she said without inflection.

I flicked my eyes between them both. Youre both messing with me right?

There was no such thing. I was sure I would have picked up on it before this. The guy code sure, but the girl code? Id lived two lives and I was sure Nah, youre messing with me.

They continued to walk along and Rachel sighed, her head shaking in a sad what can you do way that made my guts squirm. Alright, apparently I was wrong and it was a thing at least in this lifetime.

And somehow Sabrina knew about it? Sabrina? The girl that hated having to deal with most people!? I eyed her suspiciously. Sabrina notably didnt meet my gaze. I hummed and glanced between them. Alright so there might be a girl code, but Sabrina probably hadnt known about it until now when she drew it from Rachels thoughts.

So it might also just be something Rachel thought up.

But now Sabrina was going to think it was a real thing which would probably see it spreading if it wasnt already a thing.

I knuckled my forehead. This kind of thinking always gave me a headache.

Why would you be going against the girl code to talk to me about them? I said, deciding to get back on topic.

Oh, you used to go to school with one of them.

One of them being a girl obviously? I said scratching my chin and trying to recall any notable names or faces that had shown an interest in tailoring and/or contests, but coming up blank.

Rachel nodded while Sabrina now had her head turned to watch my reactions. I shrugged. Cant think of them sorry. What was her name?

Rachel sighed sadly and shook her head. Solidad, Brock, remember her now?

Yeaaaaahhhh. Nooooo? I said slowly trying to dredge up why that name did ring some bells. I couldnt think of a reason though.

Rachel gave Sabrina a look that was supposed to be a moment of shared female commiseration. Sabrina made an attempt at looking understanding but it looked more like she had a facial twitch.

I bit my lips to hold in a laugh. Rachel was obviously fully on board and Sabrina was cheating by using what she could see from Rachels mind but she certainly wasnt used to doing commiserating looks. Sabrina shot me a glare that I ignored.

It really was the equivalent of her pouting at me in truth. So all it achieved was making it harder for me not to laugh.

Alright, so Solidad, who I went to school with. So, its been years since I saw her, right?

Yeeeeah but you know you really shouldnt just forget a school friend like that Brock.

I shrugged. Sorry Ive had a lot happen since I was at school. That got a silence that was much heavier than I was expecting.

I grimaced as I realised Id pointed out the whole Brocks family ran off on him tragedy that I seemed to be tripping over so much of late. Oh, sorry, I didnt mean it like that, it's just, yeah. Ive been busy so yeah.

No, no, I understand, but yeah. Guess I just forget sometimes that youve had it rough.

I waved a hand. Eh, I handled it. Lots of people have it worse than me.

Sabrina and Rachel shared another look. Sabrinas look was more like a grimace but it was progressing. I decided to move things along. Alright so is Solidad home? Shes not on a circuit herself is she?

Yes she was, but when I confirmed your booking they mentioned her. So theyre expecting us. I explained that you are merely here for the suit but I dont doubt that theyre going to ask about the Contest announcement that you made when we had you on the radio.

Hmm, alright, Id like some more heads up on this in future though, I said firmly.

Rachel coughed and blushed. Sorry about that. I only got the heads up from them about Solidad this morning and youve been in and out.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

I hummed. Ah, thats fair.

Gym Leader Brock! I Challenge you!... A trainer emerged from the streets and pointed his hand straight at me before his gaze slackened. Then he frowned as his expression turned introspective. Oh shoot! Did I forget to turn off the oven when I left home? The Vermillion fire department is going to be so mad! The trainer turned and sprinted away from our group.

Rachel stared after him. What What just happened?

I looked at Sabrina who had adopted an innocent expression. Just trainers being weird, nothing that strange. Say how long till we reach the tailor shop?

Oh its right there on the corner! she said as she pointed right at a rather nice-looking shop with dresses and suits in the front window.

I whistled as I got a good look at their styles. They had tuxedos with black and white tie styles, then they had business suits, classical suits, and even some very nice looking casual clothes for men and surprisingly also for women. I glanced at the suit mannequins and found they had styled the women very nicely as well. The dresses took up another half of the shop so there was a clear divide. I spotted a couple of people lingering around some wedding dresses. They also had more evening dresses and some more risque little red numbers on display.

Overall I had to give my approval, I liked what I was seeing.

She laughed. Inspired Brock! You are rather more thoughtful of these things than I thought you would be. I merely meant the colour styling! I was going to suggest a brown with metallic trim but taking it further into. She swaggered her shoulders and hips in a fake macho way. Tough!~ I love it!

With a fire in her eyes, she nodded. We will have to come over and continue planning things soon! Solidad will be our main liaison for this!

Solidad perked up. Heh! Itll be just like old times when we hung out after school and little league!

I gave her a slow nod and she picked up on it. Brock you do remember me right?

I remember, I remember! I said hurriedly.

Solidad frowned. What position was I on the baseball field then?

Pitcher? I said throwing blind.

I was the catcher! she growled. She stared at me. Brock! Are you telling me you forgot me!

A little? I said before I could stop myself. I was already kicking myself as she snarled and stormed away in a huff. Monique and Matthew both gave me very unimpressed looks.

Matthew coughed. Shall we settle the bill now? he said cheerfully.

He produced an invoice and handed it to me. I stared at it in shock for a moment. Then I looked up. Im really sorry about making her cry but this is a bit cruel isnt it?

He snorted a laugh. Brock, I am displeased that you have not remembered my daughter spending time with you in the past but I am a professional. He gestured around the store. I create great suits. That, he pointed at the invoice, Is the cost of making such suits.

He then chuckled. If I was petty Id have doubled it. But not to worry, shell get over it and come back determined to make a stronger impression so you cant forget her next time. Trust me.

I laughed nervously as Sabrina stopped leafing through her magazine and inspected Matthew and me critically. I suddenly felt like I was in danger.

Ill have your suit made up in three days. I have all the materials and my pokemon will be able to help out. He tapped a pokeball and an Ariados appeared with a happy wag of its legs. Can you call around oh at least Thursday evening after your matches are over?

That would work wonderfully, I said while paying for the suit.

Rachel bounced up to me. Cheer up Brock this is tax deductible! Its practically a write off!

I shook my head and led her out into the now-dark street. Remind me to have Georgina explain tax write-offs to you. I looked over to Sabrina who was still leafing through the fashion magazine.

Did you enjoy yourself, Sabrina?

She nodded slowly and gave me a small smile that I knew was the equivalent of something huge and heartfelt from another person. Yes, that was I like shopping when theres not too many people I can relax more. She nodded to Rachel. Thank you for your advice.

She then looked back at me with an expression that I couldnt quite place. I will talk to you later, have a good evening. She stilled and I expected a teleport flash to occur only for her eyes to narrow as she stared into the distance. Youre going home after this, correct?

I nodded. Yeah? Why? I said, suddenly worried something had happened.

Sabrina shook her head. I think Forrest has it handled. Youll see. Ill leave it to your judgement and check in later tonight, she said cryptically before flashing away.

I hummed. Well Im actually not sure what to make of that.

Shes shes rather different from how I expected her to be, Rachel said tentatively.

Oh? What did you expect? I said putting emphasis on the last word.

She has a rather distant personality and is infamous for being very inhospitable to people that come and challenge her. Shes also known to be very powerful and very scary. Most people say to avoid challenging her gym because of it.

I hummed. She just comes across that way. She tries in her own way, but her strength is, in its own way, the biggest weakness for her.

What do you mean by that?

Its not something I should say more on but I considered it for a moment more. Rachel, she actually seemed very relaxed around you. Usually, shes not like that. She had to take time to warm up to Erika whos a little flower thats polite to everyone she comes across. If she comes around maybe just try to be nice and see if she wants to be friends. I scratch my head. She could use more friends.

Youre really good together, she said, watching me closely.

I couldnt stop the blush even as I shook my head. Were not like that. We dated when we were kids, sure, but thats nothing big. She just needed a friend and well I was young so yeah I said, trying to play it off as the innocence of being a young boy. Most young boys wouldnt have thought it meant anything to be boyfriend and girlfriend; it probably just meant you hung out together more. It wasnt something I could ever claim in this second life.

Rachel didnt seem to be buying what I was trying to sell her. She merely hummed and skipped along.

Hey! Gym Leader Brock! I called my mother and checked! I didnt leave my oven on, so now I demand a challenge! I shut my eyes and groaned while Rachel goggled as the trainer from before emerged.

I glared at him. Make a booking! I dont accept challenges in my off time!

Oh come off it! You could fight me here and now! Just make an exception!

I shook my head and continued to walk back home. Oddish I heard the pokeball popping behind me. I looked straight over my shoulder and channelled dark energy into my eyes before expelling it straight at the revealed Oddish.

The little pokemon stiffened as I gave it a Mean Look. Its eyes flickered around before pausing on me and quivering in place. The trainer gaped at the reaction and I turned my head away and kept walking.

Huh, damn that was intense. Rachel said as she eyed me. I huffed at her and rolled my eyes. She blinked at me and I remembered that she wasnt like Forrest or Yolanda who knew when I did that. I waved her off.

Night Brock, see you tomorrow! shouted Rachel as she turned for her own home.

I waved back and rolled my shoulders. I was already running through the checklist of chores Id need to do tonight. If I was quick about it I might even I stopped in front of the main gym doors, half-turned towards the hedge to the side where Id enter my familys home.

Someone has left the lights on in the gym? I said aloud.

I turned that over in my mind. That shouldnt have happened. No one had done that in a long while and the security guards usually walked around with flashlights when they made their rounds.

I frowned as I saw the lights flash slightly. I turned fully to the Gym and entered it. When I pushed through the doors next to the reception desk leading into the arena proper I found myself spectating a battle proper.

What in Moltres name was going on here?

I flicked my eyes from Forrest on one podium with an Onix in front of him. To the other podium.

Upon it stood a boy that could only be Ash Ketchum with his Pikachu standing on his side of the arena.

In the middle, in the referee box, Misty stood tall with an exasperated look on her face.

In the stands a bunch of boys that I knew were Forrests friends sat cheering for the fight. They were immaterial though.

Of more importance was Flint who was sitting front and centre in the stands watching Forrest and Ash fight.

I blinked.

For the life of me, I had no idea what was going on. None of this made any sense. I wanted to storm in and demand answers but the fact Ash had slipped into my gym had me rather stunned.

There had to be a story as to how this developed. I stood in the shadows and decided to watch on as things developed.

Id wait, for now, but Id be asking a lot of questions to find out how this whole situation came about.