Chapter 88: Prepare for Trouble!

Chapter 88: Prepare for Trouble!

Cindys sonata of awakening roused the pokemon the next morning and I started the routine warm up for them before jogging around the plateau. When I spotted the two rostered trainers on the breakfast shift, I jogged up.

Morning Daniel, Jackson! Ready to start up? I said loudly.

Both men nodded their heads, and Jackson stretched to the side. Which ones do you want me to take boss?

Ill give you the tougher job with the first badge pokemon for order practice and then have you limber them up. If any are too good though... I trailed off.

Jackson nodded, bump em up and make a note of it! Roger boss! Little ones! Youre with me. We got some fun games to work through. Come! he said while rolling his arms around.

Daniel bounced up and down. Whove I got boss?

Ill give you the fourth-tier badge pokemon to train, I said. Technically they were the easiest to train as you didnt have to hold back with them. Daniel grinned.

Ladies and Lads youre with me! Over to the plateau! he led his pokemon off for a simple warm-up drill and practising of moves. Some of them would be working on their Digs, their Stealth Rocks and then going through their special movies. Challenger, the Graveler that was ostensibly Scythers rival, was front and centre pushing to work hard.

I hummed and turned to the two and three badge challengers. Alright! Whos up for some trick moves? A few of these pokemon were starting to figure out how to work Sand Attack and Rollout together while others had Defence Curl into the traditional Rollout down to an art form.

This made them tough to close in on. I also had some of the stronger pokemon start to work Stealth Rock into their arsenal of moves while other pokemon like the Rhyhorn and Aron were working in metal moves or powering up their Tackles into Takedowns.

In a different area of the field, some of the Onix were practising a different form of securing Bind by straightening out and rolling like giant logs over and over. A smaller group of Aron and Rhyhorn got a workout in by jumping over them, making it seem like a big game to them. I joined in and was rather enjoying myself as well.

Lets join in Pikachu! shouted Ash.

I stumbled and had to throw myself over the next in a bit of an ungainly jump due to the surprise. A moment later I found myself joined by the pokemon protagonist as he and Pikachu leapt over the pokemon joining in on the training game I had set up.

What does this training do? he asked loudly.

It strengthens the legs, along with having them judge distances and timings! I said as I jumped over the next Onix.

Ash where did you oh I should have known, said Misty as she walked up to me. I waved at her and Greta as I performed another jump. Morning girls! Sleep alright?

Uhmmmm yeah? Misty said while incredulously watching me hop backwards or sideways over the oncoming Onix while Ash and Pikachu got caught on top of one.

They started running on it like one of those log tricks on a game show. Huh, I wonder if I could set up a gag game show for the trainers. Sabrina would find it funny. Maybe when the trainer surge settled down I could try it. Then again, it might make for a fun event with more people to take part in? I could do a charity event? Id pitch it to Rachel and see what she thought. She was keeping busy taking lots of pictures with trainers and getting out awareness of some of the matches that were taking place around the gym.

I kept hopping over the Onix while rubbing my chin.

Awah! shouted Ash as the Onix stopped rolling only to send him toppling over.

I drew out a whistle deciding that was enough for the warm up. A short burst had all the pokemon stopping and hurrying over to grab some food before they got put away. Jackson and Daniel saw to that as I collected the food for my Elite team. I made sure to include another large bucket of food for my new Elite Onix that had joined the team in their training.

Ash started to follow me, no doubt to hound me for a match only to get distracted as Greta started feeding an Aron from her hands Whos that pokemon? he whipped out his pokedex and got to scanning. I left him to it and saw to my own pokemons needs.

I found Titan sloughing off some mud while Bertha was happily wallowing in a mudpit that no doubt had to do with Hypnotoad or Shrek. I whistled. Breakfast! Bertha get rid of that mud or no meal! You know the rules!

She grumbled and hopped out of the mudpit to shake herself off like a giant dog. The other pokemon groaned as they copped some of the flying mud. Don screeched when he had to dodge around some, while Selene merely blocked the oncoming mud with a barrier. Titan tapped Selene on the shoulder and she turned her attention to the rest of the splattered mud. It rose up and was thrown back into the pit leaving the area somewhat tidy and my pokemon mostly clean.

I set out the meals on large metal plates onto a raised flat rock that worked as my pokemons table. I felt like a bit of a waiter like this. REally all I was doing was piling the food up on colour coded plates. When everyone had their meal Titan barked out a cry and everyone began eating. I stood next to him and started laying out the important information for the day.

Alright gang, theres only one Ace trainer challenge today. I think Ill be fighting them with Selene, Onix, and Don.

All three pokemon perked up at this with Don puffing himself up. Selene merely bobbed her head while Onix leaned in and tilted his massive head. Ooooon? he said.

Yeah, Im going to back you now bud. I want to see what youve got. Advancing to this level means you will be called into action. I glanced at Shrek and Hypnotoad. I think I will come over here tomorrow morning to remind myself of your move pools. Hypno, you kept your Hypnosis practice up yeah? I asked the surf lifesavers that needed to borrow you to keep working that into your training for a reason after all.

Hypnotoad nodded her head and the swirl on her belly began to spin in a distracting manner that made me want to stare. I shook myself and nodded. Good, I think I will have you two back into the roster soon. Might bring you out with I glanced over my pokemon and pointed to Shin.

Shin perked up. Might go for a water-style battle to throw some people off, I said with a smirk.

I approached Titan. Any problems buddy?

Titan chewed his food while rubbing his chin. Ty, tyran tar, He pointed to Hypnotoad and Don.

They got into a tussle?

He nodded his large, scaly head, and I sighed. Course they did. Ill work on some training programs this afternoon and show them what I want them to focus on. Might have Onix work with Don to give them both something different to work on, should keep them distracted.

Titan grunted before going back for another mouthful from his plate. When everyone else was done I had most of them return to their resting areas. I returned Don, Selene and Onix for later though and also decided to keep Bertha with me today. I patted Titan as he returned to his cave earning a croon of goodbye.

When I returned to the other area Jackson and Daniel had also started returning the pokemon into their balls. I hummed as large swathes of pokemon returned and were then placed into set up racks that would make it easy for the gyms trainers to adjust which pokemon they needed depending on the challenge we were going to face.

Not as many gauntlet runs today so might be worth letting half stay out, I said before the boys could get too into it.

That so? Hmmmmm, Jackson looked over the group before shrugging. Reckon thatll do for them. He then pointed out three pokemon. Those ones need to spend some time with Chansey and rest up longer as theyre lame, he said, pointing out a Rhyhorn, a Graveler and an Aron. I watched the pokemon sheepishly try and hide their injury only to draw further attention to themselves.

Yeah I can see what you mean, I approached and started probing the rhyhorns front left leg. When he barked a cry and leaned away from me I grunted. Hurt his middle toe need to get that looked over. Might be out for the next few days. I stood up and dusted off my hands. Whats wrong with the others you think?

Jackson scratched his chin. Arons shell is cracked and Graveler has a rock mold I think Im gonna have to keep an eye on that in case it is infectious.

I snapped over to Graveller and saw the odd reddish-brown patch. Yeah good call, get em to Chansey to look over.

All three pokemon groaned. I rolled my eyes and clicked my tongue, pointing to the backdoors of the gym. Dont give me that sass! Go on now!

Jackson and Daniel laughed as they led the pokemon into the medical bay. I turned my attention to Ash, Misty and Greta.

So that eager to get out and train again eh? I said with a grin.

Ash couldnt sleep in, Misty said with a slightly heated tone, before glancing happily towards my water pokemon. But yes, watching your Poliwrath, Lapras, Swampert, and Kabutops train is just wonderful!

Ash nodded. Yeah! Also, I wanted to see if youd changed your mind at all! He clenched his fists. So have you, can I face you early? Ive trained a heap since I last asked! I could hear the sound of Mistys palm impacting her face along with Gretas giggling at Ashs obstinacy.

Nope! I said with no shame.

Awwwww, said Ash sadly. Pikachu patted him on the leg consolingly.

Give any thought on going to the next gym and then doubling back?

Ash straightened up. Nope! he said as though proud of not planning out his route a little more efficiently.

I rolled my eyes at him but it was obviously lost on him. What, are you trying to match the old Legendary Heros route by getting your badge here first?

Legendary hero? Ash said with a confused expression. Pikachu matched his trainer in tilting his head.

Pi pi ka chu?

I raised an eyebrow. Never heard that story? I said in surprise. Ash, Misty and surprisingly Greta all shook their heads causing me to make a little noise of surprise. Huh, usually they tell it to kids in school.

Misty tapped her lips. I think I remember something but its been years It was the founding myth of Kanto wasnt it?

I nodded and Misty scrunched her face up. Something about the route a young boy took to heal and bring together the land I think?

I glanced at Greta to find her humming. I know the first bit which is that the Hero of legend emerged from the south during a time when the land and people were fractured. They thought themselves whole but they were closed off from others and in their own minds

She chewed her lip. I know Im garbling this horribly but I think the Hero loses a friend to the conflict and at first he wants to vow revenge only for his friend to be a gentle soul that asks for him to not cause more hardship but instead heal the land and people The Hero then sets forth with their pokemon, which most people think was a Bulbasaur, while some others think it might have been a Rhydon for some strange reason. Greta shook her head.

I smirked to myself having an inkling as to why Rhydon could potentially have been one of the first pokemon thought of for the Legend.

Others claim Squirtle or Charmander of course but its not really well known. What is known is that he first challenges Viridians leader to see his way only for the leader to reject him and cast him out believing that no one would follow him. The Hero then comes north to Pewter only to have to flee through the forest and the pokemon reject him. The Leader of Pewter however arrives and saves the Hero. When he asks what the hero is doing the boy explains his goal. The Leader of Pewter laughed at the boy's dream and rejected it only for the boy to challenge him and lose. The Leader of Pewter at the time however is not unkind and advises the young boy how to grow stronger. The boy learns from this and challenges him again, this time winning and earning the Leaders respect.

She then coughed. At least thats how I think it goes? It was really long and I didnt have as much interest in it back then

Oh it was long and boring! said Ash with a fist meeting his palm as he understood why he probably hadnt heard of it. I probably fell asleep during it! Cue another facepalm and groan from Misty.

I merely shook my head. Well there are probably story tellers and songs about it being performed if you wanted to learn more. I think some of the older ladies like to do recitals in the park. Youre not wrong that it's a long story, but it's good. I smiled at Ash. You can pick up a lot if you pay attention to it, I said leadingly.

Ash shrugged. Yeah, I think Id rather battle some other trainers. Poetry is sissy stuff!

I shrugged. I wouldnt call it sissy. Its not useless to have a clever turn of phrase ready to use that rolls off the tongue. I rather enjoy it despite my lack of talent. But if youd prefer to get into some trainer battles then go nuts, but just watch out cause some of them will be much stronger than the others. Id recommend training up or catching another pokemon perhaps?

Ash frowned and I watched him. Or, if you want, you can also sit in the stands today to check out some of the matches?

It seems Ethan truly had done his research into the first-tier team I typically assembled. He just needed to spend more time training if he was so reliant on one pokemon. As that last move had been very rough.

Despite taking the hit, Totodile straightened up. Ethan leaned forward and grimaced before raising his pokeball. Thats enough Totodile! Well hold you in reserve! I nodded at the move as Ethan returned his pokemon.

He soon tossed out another pokeball to reveal a Mankey. It hopped from foot to foot as my pokemon growled.

Youve done your homework, I said.

Ethan grinned at me. Im leaving here with a badge, Gym Leader Brock!

Well Im not giving them away! I said loudly back. Aron, Growl to weaken it!

Close in with Karate Chop! Ethan replied with.

My pokemon growled and then leapt to the side as I ordered it to roll to the side. When Mankey overcommitted I punched forward. Tackle again, Aron!

Take the hit and use Karate Chop to end it! said Ethan.

His pokemon did so causing the two pokemon to exchange hits with Aron coming off slightly worse for wear.

Growl again! I didnt really want to make this a slap fight but thankfully I had more options than just Tackle and Growl available to me.

Aron, use Rock Tomb! beneath the Mankey rocks ruptured upwards and threw Mankey up into the air before he was sent crashing down.

Uh! Mankey hold on! Ethan said in shock. Mankey got up and shook its head only to slap its face a bit and screech in anger. Ethan grinned, Hah! Thats it, use your Rage!

Rock Tomb again! I said only for the hit to end up launching Mankey towards us. Aron gave a metallic yelp as the Mankey came down atop it and began hammering its fists into Arons metal body.

I raised my pokeball knowing how this would end. Thats enough! Return, Aron!

The small dog vanished from its beating causing Mankey to twitch its body side to side in search of its foe. When it spotted me standing with the pokeball it screeched and made to charge me. Thankfully I didnt need to punt a raging Mankey as Ethan quickly returned his pokemon and I nodded at him.

I marched up to Ethan and looked him over. He seemed about Ash and Forrests age but he had a bit more maturity to how he stood. Like he was confident in what he was.

Congratulations on your victory and good match. That was a good showing out there. You really showed that you understand type matchings with the moves you used. You would have been able to do a lot of damage to my pokemon with Totodile. I handed him the boulder badge and he grinned.

Want some advice? I said carefully. Some kids got sort of touchy about beating you and then you offering advice. Ethan perked up though.

If you have any for me, please! he said happily.

I nodded at him. Your pokemon tactics arent bad but I think you need to work on them a bit more before you come into a match. You had two for your Totodile it seems, but you need a bit more adaptability. There is terrain your pokemon could and should have used during our match. I point at the water and the rocks.

It sort of feels like you settled for merely good enough before coming to this match.

He laced his hands behind his head. Hahaha! You got me there! I was too eager to get here but I'm glad I did, cause any longer and I might have had to wait an entire month!

I nodded at that before pointing out the last flaw I had seen. You also try to charge your way through hits too much. Dodge what you can because youre not always going to know the effects of certain moves. I saw some good blocking and some attempts but then you dropped it to have Mankey just charge on through. Mankey can be a great berserker pokemon but dont fall into that trap and train them to contain themselves as much as you can before it becomes a Primeape. If not, you might find it pounding on you much faster than youre ready for.

Ethan nodded his head. Hmmm yeah thats I hadnt considered that. Thanks!

I smiled. No problem. Youre a promising trainer and I think if you keep showing this level of thought youll do well.

Not great though? he said, catching my word choice.

Youre gonna have to dig deep for that, I said firmly. I rubbed my chin. Think of coming back for the Elite challenge towards the end of the circuit and see how far youve come and how far you still have to go.

He nodded. Ill think about it.

I hummed before taking a picture with him and his team. The Mankey tried to kick me only for me to slide my leg out of the way and for the Mankey to eat dirt. The flash went off perfectly and I chuckled knowing that would make a rather candid moment. Ethan seemed happy enough with it as he decided to accept it as it was instead of retake it.

Then he was off.

I returned to the podium.

One down. At least five more before lunch.

I settled in as the clock ticked down.

And waited.

.

And waited.

And waited.

I glanced at the clock and the restless crowd. Then I looked to the referee stand. The man shook his head and spoke into his mike. Around the gym his voice rang out.

Would the next challenger to the gym please step forward for your allocated time?! the man squinted at the form he had and then looked at me.

Brock, I cant make out this persons name. His voice boomed around the gym and I chuckled as he sheepishly toggled the radio from gym-wide to just me.

Well lets give them another few minutes then just call it a forfeit from no show, I said. It wasnt common and I would have thought people would have been much more zealous of their time slot due to the trainer surge.

In the stands, I could almost see Ash twitching to throw himself down to fill the slot. Him and most of the crowd in truth.

The time passed and the crowd continued to grow more restless. I sighed as people started calling out that theyd fill the slot. I looked at them and shook my head. I looked to the ref. Call it from a ten count.

Alright. The Challenger has ten seconds to appear or their match is forfeit by League rules! Ten!

I glanced around and looked for anyone that was hurrying. In the tunnel Missy was looking around but she glanced back with a shake of her head.

Four!

Three!

The crowd had taken up the chant.

Two!

Stop! We got them here! shouted Rocko as he emerged from the doors at the back of the gym. I frowned at him as he waved his hands behind him. The doors opened and from them, Daniel emerged and at his side the startled-looking trio of Jessie, James and Meowth stared at the arena they found themselves in.

I blinked. What the hell were they I trailed off as I felt a dark emotion surge through me. Had they been looking to steal from me? Id known they were going to be no good thieves that sometimes stepped up to the plate when they had to but they were still crooks.

Especially at the start of the story.

I gritted my teeth and leaned forward. What is going on? I said.

Damn it all I had been trying to be more active. I was trying not to be passive about things only to have this slip past my notice with the surge, and Ash, and Flint damn it that was no excuse though!

My tone must have conveyed how very close I was to anger as Rocko took a step back in surprise. Daniel, less used to me, stepped forward.

Hahaha! Sorry boss, I was showing around my old friends here! I didnt realise they had challenged the gym!

What?

Daniel knew Team Rocket? That instantly sent my mind burrowing after small instances that I had been ignoring in a fevered mad conspiracy web plot. Everything hed ever said and done now became questionable.

Jessie, ever the Leader of the trio, stepped forward when Daniel made to wave them forward.

Hello! Im sorry I am Jessadia! Your Challenger! she said confidently.

I narrowed my eyes at her. There was a long tense moment where I ignored the crowd, ignored the others and stared into Jessies eyes. She held my gaze despite quivering slightly. If anything she slowly became firmer in her stance and more resolved in her conviction to fight me.

Interesting.

Very well, step forth onto the podium, I said after giving it a moments thought. Perhaps it was madness but I did want to see what she was made of. Id decide what to do with her while we fought. Jessie didnt understand what was about to happen but her very character was about to be tested by this fight.

She better not leave anything in doubt.