Chapter 80: The day after

Chapter 80: The day after

I woke up the next morning and rolled out of bed, smacking my lips and blearily reached for the water bottle I kept near my bed. The alarm had gone off and I needed to get up but today was one of those days that I just wanted to lay back down. The fact that it was a Monday only heightened that feeling. I groaned as I stood up, shaking out my limbs; Id need to be ready for an annoying day and starting off on the wrong foot wouldnt help. This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.

It was still early, no one else would be up yet, but as a Gym leader during the circuit that didnt mean much. If anything it meant I had more to do. Gone was my long break where I could do other things such as baseball or spending time at home during the middle of the day. Sleep-ins were something I only got on Sundays if I was lucky. With everything that had happened over the weekend, I felt like I needed another break to recover.

Not possible though; I had pokemon to feed, train, groom and check over. I clicked my tongue when I couldnt find my transceiver, only to spot it still on my arm. Why had I gone to bed with it still on?

Oh.

Flint was home.

I huffed and ran that thought over in my mind.

Flint was home, and according to the canon that meant I should head off with Ash.

But that wasnt going to happen. There was no way I could leave things as they were with Flint. Id made the Gym too big for Forrest. Just as the family couldnt be trusted wholly to Flint. Dumping that work on Forrest and Yolanda wasnt what I wanted to happen either.

My family wouldnt do well if I left as abruptly as Brock had in the cartoon. It might have been a nice break from family duties for canon Brock but I wasnt going to just ditch them. They had already experienced enough life-changing events that I wouldnt have been surprised if they developed separation anxiety. It was a minor miracle that they hadnt and I didnt need to tempt fate by walking off. Me, as their only stable source of family?

No, I thought to myself as I flipped through the transceiver's features to bring up the file I'd created detailing which Pokemon needed training today. I stopped when the names highlighted were my Elites.

Oh. I really was out of it if Id forgotten it was their turn. I hurried outside through the back of the gym, but not before knocking on Forrests door. Up, youre on roster for I stopped when Forrest emerged, rubbing at his eyes.

Im up, Im up. I was just getting changed. He yawned hugely before smiling sleepily at me. He perked up as his head swivelled to the room at the end of the hall. Do you think Dad would like to hang out?

I grunted. Maybe, if hes awake.

I turned and left Forrest to do what he wanted. See to the pokemon, I said firmly, glancing over my shoulder at him. He gave a vague wave back at me but continued to stare at Flints door.

I half considered barking at him but bit down the impulse. It wasnt his fault I was annoyed. Or was it? Barely back for a night and he was already No, that wasnt fair. Forrest was a kid and he wanted to spend time with his father. So, this was natural and to be expected. I exhaled as I stalked out of my home.

It was way too early for this much drama and introspection.

I gave the rocky area an inspection as I approached. While the Onix typically preferred to sleep in the tunnels that fed into the caverns under the plateau it wasnt unusual to find them sleeping out in the open either. Today just happened to be one such morning. Most of the other pokemon had huddled in next to them as living windbreaks that also gave off warmth. The Aron and Rhyhorn were happily dozing under one Onix, while Geodude piled up over the top of another.

The few shelters that I had built around the area were like rocky igloos but they were more used for pokemon to play around in than they were for actual resting areas. It was only when it rained or snowed that the shelters were used for their main purpose, but again most of my pokemon preferred the cave system.

Most, but not all. I did have to return some pokemon to their pokeballs when winter hit.

I made a detour over to the wall. Hey! Shrek! I called out. A series of squelching noises heralded that I had a pokemons interest. Time for training! I said.

A large ribbit preceded a blue and white form landing in perfect three-point superhero landing. Then she winked at me.

I scoffed at my Poliwrath. I was talking to Shrek, Hypnotoad. Youve been spending too much time watching television instead of training if this is how youre acting I said teasingly.

She whirled into movement, dropping to her knees to beg, eyes glimmering with desire to take part in the training. She cried out her name a few times and I rolled my eyes as she begged to test herself, to thrive, to be part of the team once more.

I made a show of thinking it over and then clicked my tongue. Alright, alright, you can come as well.

Another form leapt over the wall and a second later a heavier body thudded down. This time on all fours. When the large frog-like face glanced back I rolled my eyes. You two bored? Youre not usually this enthusiastic. Or are you looking to show off to Hypno? I put my hands up when Shrek barked a warning at me. But I noted he shot Hypnotoad a careful look as she perked up and fired off some punches. I chuckled and put my hands on both of them, patting them happily to show Id just been playing around.

They ribbited happily and leaned into the touch. You guys sure you wouldnt prefer me to set you up with some breeders or

Shrek tilted his head in thought, only for Hypnotoad to latch onto him. Her arm wrapped around his neck. Shrek locked eyes with me and slowly shook his head, a dopey grin on his face.

Hypnotoad relaxed.

I chuckled at her antics. When Id gotten her during my first journey Id thought the name Hypnotoad was rather clever with how shed used her Hypnosis to lead lots of pokemon on in fights.

Shed even retained the move after evolving twice into a water-fighting type. If Id known she was going to take one look at Shrek and fall in love, I would have called her Fiona.

Sadly, she hadnt let me rename her despite liking the idea of being named for a famous couple that had transcended all boundaries as a couple. She identified herself as Hypnotoad and would remain so. She was also why pretty much no one who tried to go through the swamp knew about Shrek.

She either hypnotised them, or she used her forget-me-fist that usually made people not want to come back any time soon. I glanced up at the only now brightening morning sky.

I popped a pokeball and Zephyr emerged with a silent flap of his wings. When he swung around his face took on a happy tinge as he saw Shrek and Hypnotoad out. He landed and hopped in front of them, hooting out his greetings and talking as we walked along. I let them continue for a while before clearing my throat.

Zephyr, I want you to do a sweep of the skies. I have some training to do with all of you and a discussion that is going to be centred on some things that I dont want people learning about. So no eyes or ears on us while were training, alright?

He bobbed his head and took off. I raised up my transceiver and began flicking through it until I reached the recorded music section. Shrek and Hypnotoad sat down and adopted relaxed poses. I hummed a refrain of what was to come and then hit the play button while holding my arm up high.

A song performed by an inexperienced flautist was heard from my arm. It stumbled and dropped away in some parts, but it was more than enough to be used for the purposes of awakening my elite team. The song was a bit on the nose with my having adapted it from another of Nintendos series, but in my defence what could be greater for waking giant pokemon up? The Sonata of Awakening was just what I wanted.

The earth moved underneath me as I felt large bodies stirring. From where Id come, the Onix raised their heads only to lower them in supplication as Sanchez walked out of a cave, his iron beard being stroked into a Fu Manchu moustache. His signature grin was wide as he jogged up to me. When he reached Shrek and Hypnotoad, he dropped onto his backside and sat like a kid in his favourite class at school.

Shin was the next to emerge, low and careful as he watched the skies. Selene descended from the top of the plateau. Don rocketed out and up only to circle me in lazy swoops as the halting melody continued to play.

And then, from the depths, Titan stalked out, a gentle expression on his face; Bertha and Knight followed in his wake. They walked up and settled down for the last part of the song as it piped off slowly. Then the recording ended, but not before my little sisters voice started. There! I did the song is that what you the recording stopped there and I chuckled.

I could have edited that out, but it felt wrong to do so. Instead, I kept it and it never failed to make my pokemon and I smile. Yolanda originally performed the flute piece. Since then Cindy had taken over as Yolanda dropped the flute for the guitar. It still embarrassed her that my Elite pokemon loved hearing her play to them above anything else.

Titan yawned, and when he did, the term hugely definitely applied. Within his maw, a pokemon could only make their final prayers due to the sharpness of his teeth. He sniffed and shook himself off. Knight rolled his neck, producing a chorus of metal plates sliding and grinding against each other.

Every other pokemon shrunk back at the noise only to then glare at Knight as he smacked his lips. When he noticed the looks he coughed sheepishly and offered them a shrug, as if to say what can you do?

Bertha stalked over to a shelter and leaned down to call her name out. A moment later, a bleary-eyed Scyther darted out and followed her.

Titan huffed at him but left it be, instead, he stood and barked once to signal that the team should be going through their training exercises. He then pointed to a distant rock. Tyran!

He started jogging towards it, and soon the others were following or running past him. Sanchez rolled but he did so with his face sticking out the side instead of retracting himself into a ball of rock. Go! Go! GO! he shouted at the morning.

I shook my head and twisted about, only when I felt limbered up did I dart after them. Titan had started them off and typically always led the morning routine. When wed started out Id explained to him that as the starter, he was something like the team captain, leading people and maintaining morale. I was, of course, the coach, calling the plays, substitutions, and training program.

Hed taken that to heart, and ever since Id caught my first Geodude, hed been there leading the charge. Well, apart from those few months where he was a Pupitar, but that went without saying. During those months Sabrina had been very amused to see me running around with my pokemon with Titan slung over my shoulder or held aloft like a trophy. It had gotten too tiring for him to propel himself with the small bursts of movement a Pupitar could manage.

Id never had the issue of having to earn Titans trust and respect when he evolved; I think those many, many hours of me carrying him when he wasnt able to stuck with him.

Shed been fighting them nearly constantly when shed learnt how far the divide was between herself and Sanchez. Finding out that he was technically the weakest of my pokemon, or at least the newest to reach the Elite status had shaken her. But then shed started trying to challenge the likes of Shin, Don, and on one memorable occasion, Bertha. Only to be smacked around harder by them.

Bertha in particular had been all smiles right up until the Graveler was laying down her challenge. Then Bertha had backhanded her straight into the plateau where shed been embedded. She must have said something to piss Bertha off to get that reaction. Whatever it was, Challenger hadnt tried climbing that particular mountain since.

Then again, it might have also had something to do with Scyther scoring a win against her. Id have to talk with her cause shed been very depressed with that turn of events.

Next to Forrest, Flint was indicating a number of things on the Challengers body. I approached carefully.

see how she has a lot of sand built up in between her rock shell? Those need to be scrapped out when youre caring for pokemon like her otherwise it can irritate them.

Forrest nodded as he used the tool to clean out Gravellers rocks. We usually have the pokemon Harden and then use a hose.

That usually weakens their shell though and lowers their ability to withstand stronger blows, Flint said with a raised hand.

Thats why they have to use Harden first, I said, announcing my arrival. Flint glanced back and smiled at me.

Morning! So He gave me a playful smirk, Finally up eh Brock?

I cocked my head to the side before narrowing my eyes. Ive been up for a while now. He stopped smiling and coughed.

Oh, I hadnt realised I was just teasing

I grunted at him and glanced back over my shoulder where Id been for the last hour. My elite team were rounding the plateau and a number of the Gyms pokemon were noticing. Challenger perked up only to look down at the ground and kick the dirt, grumbling as she did so.

I got closer and was surprised when Forrest kneeled next to her face, getting on her level. Hey, youre doing great with your training! You just need to have time. Its been great having that drive but youre trying to leap a gap too large right now. Im gonna start giving you building steps from now on.

She grumbled, but he reached out putting a hand on her. Hey, you know youre a lot stronger than you were, right? I read a report about Missy taking you out only to have you take out a roaming swarm of Beedril no? Could you have done that a few months ago?

She shook her head. Forrest leaned in and clenched a fist in front of Challengers face, Well trust in me that youre getting stronger. Youre getting a lot more experience, and it is showing! In a few more months youll probably be a powerful Golem!. She perked up at that and Forrest nodded. Yeah, keep that goal in sight, and well re-evaluate where youre at then yeah?

She raised her arms and bellowed her agreement at that. Forrest pat her on the head. Now let me and Dad pamper you. You deserve it.

Flint hummed in an approving manner while Forrest leaned in to work on cleaning Graveler out the old-fashioned way with a wire brush that Challenger seemed to like. I frowned, oddly conflicted at how Forrest was falling into what Flint told him but also proud that he was showing good skills with pokemon. I just hoped he realised that when you had more than three Gravelers or Golem to work on it was demanding too much to wire brush them all. You had to find other methods for treating sand in the cracks. I huffed and I let him do as he wanted.

Instead, I checked over the other pokemon and then called out to Forrest that I was going to cook breakfast. Forrest waved back in a manner that let me know hed barely heard me while Flint didnt react at all.

I rolled my eyes. Fine, if he wanted to be like that I didnt need to chase him around. He was an adult.

I quickly whipped up breakfast and had the family up and eating. Yolanda appeared with her egg in hand and a beaming happy smile that died a little when she looked around and didnt find who she was looking for.

A dark part of me was pleased for half a second before I realised how horrible that was. Sorry, Yolanda, Forrest has our guest bailed up out in the pokemon area.

Yolanda blinked a bit and scowled. He does? But her eyes flickered around at the other kids before she sighed explosively. Thats so what he would do, wouldnt he?

I nodded and ignored the way my guts wrenched as she slumped into her seat. Salvadore sat up. Is Professor Oak here?! he asked.

I shook my head. Nah, I dont think he is I trailed off. There had been that one time Id come to ask Rocko something early in the morning about a report only to find him and Oak acting like zombies on the couch while playing on the console. Apparently Oak had challenged Rocko to a marathon match challenge or some such.

Anyway, Forrest should be along with our guest soon enough and then they can take you to school I said. We then proceeded to go through the normal morning routine.

Stop touching me! Brock! Billy is touching me! screamed Suzie.

Billy denied this straight away. No, Im not! Im touching around you!

Leave your sister alone and finish eating your food, I said to them.

I dont want eggs! said Timmy, only for me to give his meal to Munchlax and for some cereal to be placed in front of Timmy. Timmy gaped at my solution as Munchlax happily devoured his second breakfast.

Salvadore raised his hand. Hey Brock in this part of the book theyre talking about standardisation as being important for electrical systems. Why is that?

I stared at him. I havent got a clue little brother. I reached for the book and gave it a read only to find myself quite lost. Maybe keep reading and come tell me if you find out the answer?

With a family of seven siblings to deal with for the morning, I barely got to watch the clock as it ticked down. Eevee was also in there darting around sticky or wet fingers to greet everyone. Nanny Graveler took up a spot near Billy and Tilly with a napkin to rub at their faces when they messed themselves up.

Yolanda was the only kid that didnt have any issues. She instead was going out of her way to be helpful while keeping an eye on the clock. When it reached five minutes until the kids needed to be out the door, I felt like a heel as part of me was glad Flint had messed up. Another part was raging at him. I rubbed my temples and clapped my hands.

Alright! Looks like Forrest wont be able to take you to school today! Yolanda! I looked at her meaningfully. Can you please take them? Ill talk to Forrest about this. I made sure to emphasise Forrest so that she knew I meant Id be talking to Flint about this.

From the front door, a knock sounded out and Yolanda sprang into action. Hi there Da oh, hi Daniel Yolanda said as she slumped off to grab her backpack and lead the kids out the door.

Uhhhh hey there Yolanda? he said, obviously unsure at her reaction. He looked to me and I grimaced and shook my head. Just a thing. They have to get to school.

He pointed after them. Need me to escort them?

I shook my head. Nah, dont worry about it. Theyre safe enough. Nanny Graveler rolled after them. Eevee tried to slip around her to follow the kids to school only for her to be deposited in my lap as the kids left. Eevee cried out for them but then settled down when I pointed out Munchlax was still here to play with.

She darted off to do that. I directed my attention to one of my most recent hires as a Gym trainer, Daniel.

He eyed the door with a thoughtful look, but I coughed. What brings you around Daniel? We still have oh we only have ten minutes now Urgh damn it, Flint, I said as I stood and waved Daniel to follow me. He did so while taking in my home. I led him to the door that attached to the Gym from my house.

Even from this side a keycard was needed to enter the Gyms facilities. Surprised it needs that, Daniel said curiously.

I huffed. Kids will get into all sorts of places you dont want them. Youre going to learn about that soon, trust me.

Heh, guess I will! he said with an amiable laugh. I marched through to the others waiting for me before loading up the first profile on the schedule.

Huh, girl from Pallet by the name of Greta Evergreen, then two gauntlet runs, followed up by a single challenge match before we have our showpiece for the day with the Ace challenge before lunch?

Alexa nodded her head, and I hummed, falling into the role of Gym Leader as I checked everyones roster for the day and what we had scheduled in. I found Daniel lingering nearby and I looked up at him. Arent you on referee duty for the first match?

Oh! Right! Sorry boss! he said before darting off.

I shook my head. Good to see Im not the only person a bit frazzled from the weekend. Alright, time to face one Greta Evergreen.

And ignore anything to do with Flint for the moment. Yeah, that sounded pretty good to me.