Chapter 99: No confidence

Chapter 99: No confidence

Its about damn time.

My words rippled through the listening crowd, and there were a few gasps delighted and shocked along with a few scandalised murmurs. I ignored them. They were a side feature of what was going on right now.

Instead, I looked straight into Wills eyes only to find myself looking into a mask. It was odd staring into a mask, as I couldnt know if Id actually locked eyes with him. Youve been lurking around my Gym and rookie-crushing for long enough. I should think youre more than ready to challenge.

Will tilted his head like a curious pidgeot. I beg your pardon!? he said in an affronted manner.

I huffed, and reached into my suit. When I withdrew my hand I had a Great Ball within it. Ace trainer Will. I shouldnt have to say it again. I accept your challenge. Did you have a time or were you hoping to get this sorted out here and now? Cause if so, Im down to rumble. I spun the Great Ball on the tip of a finger and smirked. Right here, right now.

The crowd snapped their heads from me to Will to see his reaction.

He stared at me. The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.

He hadnt been expecting me to be this aggressive, but Id suspected this as soon as I saw the stairs. From there, Id played with my knowledge of my past life to play out potential scenarios. Specifically dramatic scenes, like this was some soap opera. It shouldnt have held any bearing in my day-to-day life.

Except that, well, this was a world that did enjoy its drama.

Also, Will seemed the type to enjoy such acts.

Was it overthinking things? Probably. But in this case? I was right.

And so, now I was going to flip the table and reverse Wills expectations. If he wanted me to be on the back foot Id counter him instead. Id had more than enough of Will lingering around my Gym.

Sadly, he remained calm in the face of the pressure I was turning back on him. Ahahaha! Oh, a wonderful jest Gym Leader Brock, but I shall not deprive the people, nah! The REGION OF INDIGO! He announced loudly, while sweeping his arm out wide. There was some grumbling while others nodded and agreed.

I shall not deprive them the chance to see me battle! He smiled magnanimously while I glowered and clenched my greatball. He shook his head. No, I shall stick to the time I have booked, in three weeks. A Saturday match and the highlight of the month.

He put a hand to his forehead theatrically, Aie! Nah! The start of the season, I should think!

I clicked my tongue. The sentiment seemed to be shared by a few people, as a disappointed murmur broke out among the onlookers.

I was half tempted to steal his show by marching up the stairs and asking if people wouldnt prefer us to fight now. But it seemed like he was going to prevaricate. My own blood was running hot, but I just knew that Will wasnt going to stand opposite me tonight.

I could push the issue, but it was clear Will was going to be honourable. Or at least appear that way.

Part of me wanted to call him a coward. Another part warned that there had to be a reason that he was pushing for a later date. Did he want even more information? Or was he waiting to get a new pokemon up to strength?

Will was in the games as a psychic specialist of the eventual Gold/silver Elite Four. I recalled him having pokemon such as Exeggutor, Xatu, Jynx, Slowbro, Gardevoir, Grumpig, and Bronzong.

I suspected that he wouldnt have that last one, as that was supposed to be only found in the fourth-generation games, aka Sinnoh.

Still, there was potentially a lot of other pokemon that he could call upon to display his psychic mastery.

So, the challenge is set! Will sketched a bow towards the crowd. Dear friends, I hope you all will join us in three weeks to witness my ascension. Pewter will merely be the first step, but I plan to make it a grand affair! Thank you for your attention and I bid you good evening!

He bowed once more, and then as he rose, he vanished in a flash that signalled he had teleported away.

I scowled.

Really, all that drama and no action!? Urgh! Will was really starting to annoy me.

It irked me that I hadnt been able to lock eyes with him due to his wearing a mask, Id felt rather confident in calling him out and decided to do just that so I could deny him, only it hadnt happened. That was twice tonight. Was there something going on with Giovanni and Will? Or was that just my mind trying to make leaps of logic that didnt exist?

The crowd gasped as one at the psychic display of skill, but I wasnt impressed. Hanging out with Sabrina had made teleports rather commonplace for me. But for the layman, a teleport that was possibly unassisted by a pokemon was a loud declaration of his psychic prowess.

I merely marked it down on a growing list of issues I had to raise with someone now well and truly on my shit list.

I gave the stairs Will had teleported out on a lingering look. It would, if you didnt consider the logistics of such a move, seem rather innocuous or even, dare I say, impressive. But once you did? It became a rather damning detail of Mayor Jonathan setting this up.

I turned my back on the stairs as the lights came back on. Giovanni and his date were observing me from the side. Giovanni raised his glass to me.

I wish you good fortune Brock. I think Id rather like to see an upstart humbled in a few weeks time.

I nodded back and muttered something vaguely polite as I turned to Erika. Sorry about that. I worked my jaw back and forth as I considered what I should do next. The stairs and the notice and even the lighting were all nails in a coffin of confirmation for me.

Brock? Whats wrong? Erika said. Sabrina hovered slightly with a pinched expression.

I flicked my eyes to Giovanni and then jerked my head to an alcove that would offer some privacy.

Erika followed Sabrina and me to it with more than a few people watching us carefully. When we paused I made sure to reject anyone approaching me with a firm head shake. Sabrina turned her body slightly and her eyes glowed, making more than a few people back further off.

Erika swallowed. Whats wrong Brock? I know it was rather rude to have a challenge laid out like that, but it's not unheard of. Lots of people have done it in the past.

Guess it just feels different having it done to me. I chewed my lip. Also I dont like that the Mayor obviously had something to do with it. I clenched my fists. I need to respond to this. I just I wasnt sure what would be best. Could I get away with slugging him in the face?

Erika tilted her head as she considered what I said. She perked up. Youre right! she said snapping me out of my dreams of punching Jonathan.

He should be supporting you not another contender. She tapped her hands together like a nervous Bellossom would to primp their flowers. He needed the dark energy emitters to be coded for his inclusion to teleport in. This is rather damning she chewed her lip and glanced up at me. What would you like to do?

I clenched a fist. I think I want to punch Jonathan for being such a slimy politician.

"Well, you cant do that. Erika shifted from foot to foot before coughing. However, if you want to really cause some problems for the man You should go talk with your Lawyer friend if hes still here, Erika said, standing up on her tiptoes to glance about. With her shorter stature, it didnt help much.

Hes still here, Sabrina offered from my side, her eyes still glowing. What do you need him for?

Erika relaxed. "Oh, its not him that youre looking for. Its all the legal workers. He will be spending time with them. Your Lawyer is your excuse to talk with them. Youll just She made an underhanded throwing gesture. Toss him some questions."

She pointed to her ears. There are usually always people from that group that were candidates for Mayor or are thinking about running for mayor in the next election. If Im not wrong, Jonathans term is almost up for vote soon isnt it?

I nodded, calming down with Erikas suggestions making my mind work instead of lingering of the ever distant dream of dropping Jonathan with a punch. That that could work as a starting point.

Erika nodded. Well, just ask your Lawyer to meet up later. Maybe see what else you can do as a Heritage Gym. You have a louder voice than the normal Kanto gym, no?

I ran a hand down my face. Id been aware of the possibility, I thought Id had longer. I hadnt wanted to jump into that pit of Ekans and Seviper it seemed that wasnt enough to avoid being bitten. I had to act on it, however reluctantly. I havent done anything like that before but yes I think youre right. I shot her a smile. Thanks Erika, youre good at this.

She perked up before pouting. And other things!

Sabrina nodded. Yes, you are. That got a much more heartfelt smile as Erika beamed at Sabrina who offered back a small smile.

I tilted my head towards where Id last seen Lawrence. Well I should be able to handle that.

Erika hummed and leaned in. Its easy, all you need to do is she then proceeded to coach me through what I needed to do and say with quiet, simple steps. When she leaned back I was left wondering about this girl.

Talk slow, keep on message with a few points, and breathe? I repeated the most stand out points shed coached me on.

Erika bobbed a bow. Of course! Just speak slowly and confidently to them. Theyll be more interested in what you have to say! Oh and good luck! And I look forward to watching you fight Will! She held up her hand hurriedly. Oh! Oh! Make sure to slip in something about you having no confidence in Jonathan! Its a very particular phrase that Lawyers will really read into!

I gave Erika a searching look as she beamed like she was sitting directly in a beam of sunlight cast by a Sunny Day. She really was in her element here, wasnt she?

I nodded to Erika while Sabrina moved to my side and gestured forward with her chin. Lawrence is over there, she said.

I nodded. Right then. Thanks for the advice Erika, I think I have to speak to my lawyer. I said in a carrying tone. Erika smiled up at me and stepped away.

I could practically see all the waggling ears as people kept an ear out for potential gossip. More and more partygoers closed in on us as I headed to Lawrence.

Lawrence saw my approach and raised a hand in greeting. His eyes flicked about my form before he relaxed, but his eyes remained watchful.

Brock, that got a bit out of hand Id say! he said when we got close.

The group of judges and lawyers he was with all stepped back and made way for Sabrina and I to join them. I gave a polite nod in greeting to the men and women that I was once again sharing a circle with. I took a moment to consider what Erika had said and how I wanted this to play out.

When I spoke, I did so calmly, like I was a mountain with a spring wind blowing over it, uncaring and immovable. Yes, I cant say I was expecting that when I came to the ball. I suppose I was expecting a rather duller affair and instead I became the entertainment for some I let that sit for a moment before noticing Erika hovering.

She made a grabbing gesture that had me reaching out to grasp a passing glass of water from a waiter. I took a bracing sip and mentally patted myself on the back.

Nailed it; that must have looked smooth.

I looked up to find Erika facepalming, Sabrina was biting her lips. Erika raised two fingers.

Right! Right! Point two!

It does strike me as odd though, I said in such an innocent way that you couldnt fault me for what I was about to say. I was the flower atop the mountain now. Pristine and untouched by man. The stairs were set up as off limits to everyone for the event, only for Will to make his announcement?

Already, I could see people connecting the dots. Some merely nodded, as if theyd already recognized such connections. Those clever few watched me all the closer, their focus on trying to see through me and work out where I was taking this conversation. It was a strangely powerful feeling to have such people caught on to your every word.

Only one man leaned back and caught sight of Erika coaching me along. He chuckled into his glass but turned back to the conversation, his perspective now much larger than everyone else. He had been the lawyer or judge that looked like a clown. I had already forgotten. It hopefully wouldnt matter.

One younger-looking man stepped forward. But wouldnt Will simply have teleported in? Bypassing the whole fenced-off area?

I hummed in amusement.

Trust a Lawyer to argue a point, Erika had anticipated this however, and I had a reply ready. Well someone will have to tell Mayor Jonathan that his security needs some shaping up then. A man teleporting in that usually is not as precise as a pokemon.

Lawrence, Howard, I said, unsure how to address the man.

He had no issue with the casual form of address though and merely nodded. Gym Leader, he replied as his eyes roamed across the various pokemon I had in the reserve. This is quite impressive.

Its taken a lot of work to get here. I looked over the reserve and found that it was rather idyllic with how the pokemon lounged and roamed around. I felt myself relaxing somewhat. I imagine others would consider it a rocky dust bowl but it was perfect for my pokemon. Bertha broke the moment of serenity when she stalked past us. Her body low to the ground. I watched her dubiously as she stalked up to a sleeping Sanchez only to pounce on him and throw him into Titan and Knight who dragged him off to play a game.

Titan paused to inspect my group and snorted once before charging in to play some rough-and-tumble game of football where the ball was a team unto itself.

Scyther teamed up with Onix by riding on the larger pokemons body and pointing to where the ball was when it got lost in the press of bodies. With the quiet loss, I made a gesture to the side. Shall we head inside to talk?

I got a few nods and after a little bit of a walk we had a teapot boiled for myself and cups of coffee for Lawrence and Howard.

Howard set his coffee down and exhaled happily. Ah, that was wonderful! My compliments to the artist! I glanced to the side where Nanny Grav, the housemaid Graveler, was flapping her hand in an ah shucks manner.

I chuckled. Shes pretty great at making cups of coffee and a few other simple meals. The kids like her.

The kids drink coffee? asked Lawrence.

I shook my head. Nah, while they're at school, Nanny Grav goes into the gym and sticks around the Trainer lounge. If they want something made up she does it for them these days.

Huh, thats a perk. Ill have to find someone like that for my Law office, Lawrence said with a thoughtful expression. Then he shot Nanny Grav a sly look. Unless youre interested in working for someone else?

She waggled a finger at him and marched off with her nose in the air. When Tilly and Billy tried to run into the kitchen she snatched them up. Howard chuckled as the twins were deposited into the lounge with the rest of the kids to play around and watch television. I could see Flint in there as well and he was looking happy.

Hed shot me some worried looks when Id walked in but Id waved for him to stay in the room. Hed given Howard a look before relaxing back down which made me wonder if there was a history there.

Howard and Lawrence had both noticed my silent order to Flint, but they hadnt commented on it.

Nanny Grav shut the door for us, and I glanced at Lawrence. Lawrence shifted towards Howard, and the man set his cup of coffee down.

Well, I suppose we should get to discussing last night shouldnt we?

He rolled his shoulders. First of all, thank you for indulging me in hearing me out Brock. I was, as I mentioned, a mayoral candidate running against Jonathan. That said, there were quite a few of us. Im merely one that has since bowed out of politics.

His lips twitched. I do, however, keep a finger on the pulse, and your little display last night has many people sitting up and paying attention. Having the Pewter Gym Leader showing an interest in politics is a shift that hasnt happened since before the war. He gestured towards where Flint had been sitting. Flint was entirely hands-off with his duties.

Howard watched me as he stirred his coffee. I asked some questions to feel out the crowd. With your previous showing there is quite the positive sentiment for you to step into that role or speak out more. I grimaced at the thought of taking on another task right now. Perhaps during a normal circuit but this circuit no.

Howard hummed before inclining his head. I thought it might be nice for you as the Gym Leader to have a fuller picture from me.

He inclined his head to Lawrence with a smile. Not to say that you wouldnt have found this out yourself eventually, of course. Im merely expediting it by inserting myself in, for my own amusement lets say.

I ran a hand down my face. I might be new to wrangling these types of snakes but I doubt youre only doing it for amusement. I rubbed at my temple and decided to just lay out what I wanted. I need Jonathan out of office. Right now hes a pebble in my shoe, I said.

Howard spread his hands to show there was nothing in them. It wasnt his hands that I was concerned about though.

It was his mind. Perhaps he just enjoyed playing with some threads of power in the background. Id been touching base with the Guardians on any information he gave me later but Id hear him and see what he had to say.

In any case, Jonathan, with your announcement, looks unable to mount a successful run for another term. Those without Gym Leader approval instantly lose ten percent of the vote to others. I blinked at that statistic. Howard nodded. It is a statistic that is very well established, even the Gyms that dont have the larger remit have this power. Such is the weight of having a Gym Leaders approval, or in this case disapproval.

Howard turned his coffee cup around. However, this might not be an issue for him as I toyed around with some thoughts of what his goal might be and I happened upon an article that reminded me that being a Mayor for a successful region can be a stepping stone for higher roles. If Jonathan wished he could use his past success to vault into a very high position within the League.

Howard raised a finger. And it just so happens that the Indigo Presidency is up for election at the end of the year.

I clicked my teeth. And if he has a friend in the Elite Four, hed be a popular candidate for that, wouldnt he? I gnashed my teeth. Hes hoping to get a promotion.

I drummed my fingers as pieces in the grand chessboard of politics started to make sense to me. Not that he might even need that. Is Kruger that popular right now? Theres been enough scandals that Jonathan can use.

Hmmmm, it also doesnt help that Kruger has let the position get to him, Howard said simply.

I raised an eyebrow. He seemed prickly and petty when I last saw him.

Howard grimaced. He used to be the Mayor of Chrysanthemum town, which is now Chrysanthemum City. so that should tell you what his track record was. Its one of the fastest-growing and best-managed cities in Indigo. That was thanks to Kruger. He had a hand in developing all aspects of it from what I hear. Running a town and its surrounding areas and running the League however Howard shook his head. The League is a very different beast. I shouldnt be surprised that Kruger has changed, it happens.

I huffed. Well, I dont like Kruger with how his League has acted towards me, but I also cant stand how Jonathan is acting.

Thats politics, but it might be something you can use if you wish. Im sure Kruger doesnt want an empowered Jonathan challenging him for votes. While he wont have your endorsement, that wont matter to the regions at large as they will subconsciously associate Pewter and your own success to Jonathan.

So what youre saying is, I rubbed my temples, is that Jonathan might try to skip out on any ramifications of his actions and if he can get Will as an Elite Four hed have a strong case.

Howard narrowed his eyes. You keep saying only Elite, you dont think this Will can challenge for the champion position?

I snorted. Agatha and Bruno would eat him alive. Unless he waits for Agatha to retire. But then her replacement I trailed off. Karen would be an even worse match up for him.

Howard leaned forward imperceptibly. If I hadnt been watching for it I wouldnt have noticed. You know something? he said faux-casually.

I smiled innocently and took a sip of my tea. Howard nodded slowly and took a sip of his own.

Lawrence cleared his throat. So, while things will get rougher for Jonathan in the short term, he will probably know he cant mount a campaign for another term. You can stop part of his plan by smashing Will.

I smirked at Lawrence. Oh I plan to. Despite how it would have gone against my rule of not fighting outside of challenges I would have gladly faced him last night. If it wasnt a fight after all I trailed off with a dark smirk.

Lawrence chuckled. All while wrecking Jonathans garden?

That might have played into it a little, I said with a smile. The other men chuckled, and we made some more small talk. Howard presented his business card to me, and I took it with a polite bow and thanks. Lawrence remained and I shot him a questioning look.

Sorry for having to bring in Howard, he wasnt wrong that it would have taken me a lot longer to get that information.

I nodded. Well still verify it. Whats his angle? He had to have one.

Hmm? Oh, hes got a son that might make a run for Mayor next year. Hes making nice with you and establishing connections, he knows how important those can be.

I nodded and took another sip. They really are, I said, thinking of how much Erikas coaching had netted me. I tilted my head. You dont happen to know anyone that can help out with this do you? Or should we suss out his son?

Suss out Judge Howards son, Lawrence snorted with amusement. He chuckled a little. Hell be clean at least but there might be others. No need to go with just the first to offer their services. We have time to shop around a bit. Lawrence pursed his lips before waggling his hand in a so-so gesture. It would be best to try and step into it yourself honestly but I know youre busy

Seeing as how that was been going for me, perhaps I need to step in for that and to not make a fool of myself I think I need someone to teach me. I sighed and scrubbed at my face. Urgh, just urgh. I shook it off for now, Id work through this and endure like always.

I glanced at Lawrence hopefully. Want to have a casual spar? I need to blow off some steam.

Lawrences eyes bulged, and he coughed. Uhm, yeah I dont think I could match anything you had sorry Brock! he said quickly.

I chuckled. Ill go easy? Promise?

He shot me a disbelieving look before pushing his mug away from himself. Ill make some inquiries for someone we can trust.

Lawrence! Come on! I said playfully.

I didn't spend all that time at Pokecollege for a fancy bit of paper, Brock! he said as he packed away his pen and paper. He nodded in farewell before tilting his head just before the door. You realise that this would mean youd need to attend more balls and social events, right?

Ill deal with it, I said with a roll of my eyes, which he didnt notice, so instead, I waved him off.

When he opened the door to leave, my siblings launched themselves at him, apparently having decided to ambush him.

Pidgeot man! they cried as they tackled him.

He gave a bird-like screech and flapped his arms before falling to the ground. Billy sat on Lawrences chest. Rock beats bird! he said proudly.

Tilly flicked her head around. Whered the fairy man go?

Flint approached sheepishly and tried to offer Lawrence a hand. Sorry about them, and Tilly theres no such thing as a fairy type.

All the kids turned and looked at him sceptically. Then they shook their heads.

Oh, youre so old, said Billy sadly. The other kids nodded along.

I chuckled and pulled them off Lawrence only for him to start playing with them. I waved him and Flint into the lounge room to contain the mess just as a message from Agatha buzzed on my transceiver.

It read, we have some time free to perform the rite with Sabrina, are you able to attend?

I grinned. Miss throwing down with my girlfriend? I wasnt going to miss that! I paused as I considered how that sounded in my mind. Would it have been weirder saying it aloud or would it make sense. I was still thinking on it when I marched out to my elite pokemon.

Shrek, Hypnotoad, Titan, Bertha, Knight, I then turned my attention to my Onix and Scyther. I pointed straight at Onix. Jormungandr. Your name from now on is Jormungandr, or I might call you Jorm for short.

Onix squirmed like he was dancing while the others shouted their own congratulations. I nodded. I think Ill start looking into a proper metal coating for you as well. For today, all of you are coming with me cause were going to get into a fight!

That got another chorus of cheers. I withdrew them into their pokeballs and paused when I noticed Scyther was looking sad. I raised his pokeball. Whats with the sad look? Youre coming too. Itll be good to see how the best in Kanto fight, make sure you stay light on your toes.

Scy! he cried out happily as I returned him.

I nodded to the other pokemon. Enjoy your day of rest gang, I said to the rest of my still watching pokemon team. I turned and released Zephyr to carry me to the area the Guardians and Sabrina would meet up at.

After being denied by Will, I was looking forward to getting into a scrap. Once this little fight with Sabrina was done I might also push to have a fight with Agatha or someone else to bleed some tension.

This was going to be fun.