Chapter 103: Trouble found

Chapter 103: Trouble found

So youre going to fight Steven Stone? I said over the holopad.

On the screen, the Guardians' various faces were shown, with the newest additions to the faces of the group also being present. Lucy looked a little out of her depth, while Janine held a cool stoicism.

Sabrina was in her own room with her Ralts sitting on her lap, receiving pats and rubs. Karen had instantly zeroed in on Sabrina and begun by shooting off a snarky comment, only for Sabrina to ignore her while I greeted the others.

Karen flicked her eyes from Sabrina to me and huffed. Yeah, it will be good for me.

I tilted my head. Doesnt it seem a bit presumptuous?

Karen snorted and raised a brow as though asking if I meant her. I sighed and directed my attention elsewhere.

Agatha cackled. Its a win-win situation for Karen, honestly. News of Wills challenge has been leaked to various news organisations, but were going to steal a march on him and have a bigger display with Karens match against Steven. It will play into our desires to test Steven, along with raising peoples awareness of Karen as a highly skilled trainer.

Even if she loses? I pointed out reasonably.

You think Im going to lose? Karen said with narrowed eyes.

Yes, Sabrina said immediately.

I pinched the bridge of my nose as Karens nostrils flared.

Sabrina continued before Karen could reply. Steven has allowed himself to face a greater number of challenges than Lance and remain unscathed. He has a diverse team. His strongest pokemon is his Metagross, who he has used to defeat challengers alone. His other pokemon are known Rock, Ground, and Steel typed with powerful options available to him thanks to the funding he has put into securing strong pokemon. His Aggron is considered top tier.

Houndoom can match those two thanks to their steel typing.

He will have other options, Sabrina said.

I tapped on my personal computer and drew up his public profile while comparing it to the Guardians listed teams. They were identical. He doesnt hide any of his acquisitions, does he? I said thoughtfully.

Koga shook his head lightly. No, he believes he does not need to hide anything. Also most of them are publicly acquired or bred for him.

Were certain theres not something he is keeping back? I said, thinking of something crazy like a Latios or Latias or maybe even a Legendary.

With his money and connections, it is not hard for him to change out his pokemon team. Not that he should need to with what he has. Koga replied.

I nodded. Reading through Stevens list of pokemon, I was interested to see that he had a Swampert, Blaziken, and Sceptile all listed on his team but their appearances were rather low. I clicked on a comment that was linked between all three pokemon on the Guardians file.

He gets negative press for owning all three starter pokemon? I read aloud.

Koga inclined his head while Karen snorted. It looks bad that he threw his money around so obviously and got himself something that is practically unheard of for most average trainers.

I hummed, that really made Ashs initial team of Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Charizard and co far more ridiculous in hindsight. I made a small note to do a check-in after Damian. He still hadnt signed back up for a rematch.

So if he comes against you seriously, hes going to have some powerful pokemon still, no? I rubbed my chin. So what if you lose?

Im not going to! Karen said with some bite. Agatha raised an eyebrow, while Janine flicked her eyes to her father as Koga shook his head minutely. Lucy licked her lips and shifted back and forth.

Karen sighed. But If I do, somehow she said testily, lose, its not a bad thing. It gets me more recognition for defending Indigo's interests and not being afraid to step up to the plate. Also, I might be able to get Blaine on my side and interested in training me to avenge him as hes been outright ordered to not cause a stir with Steven from Lance. I can get around that and still offer him a salve to his ego by representing him.

Ah, I said. What about the other Gym Leaders and the Elite Four that you still have to face in Indigo? Wont they be watching and taking notes?

Karen sniffed. Let them, I have more tricks up my sleeve than just what Ill use against Steven Stone. She rolled her eyes. I dont need a babysitter for this; I know whats at stake. Im surprised youre not thanking me, Brock. This steals the spotlight from Will and makes his announcement have way less splash than he hoped for.

Hmmm, Id thank you, but this is more for you than it is for me. I pointed out reasonably.

Karen smirked. Damn straight it is. If there was more time and you werent locked down with your Gym, Id spar against you as training against Steven. I notice theres a lot of cross-over pokemon there after all.

I scrolled through the list again. I note that he doesnt have a Tyranitar or a Dragonite listed on here despite the other powerful pokemon he owns. I continued to look. Or any of the major three ancestral starters from another region.

Koga huffed. Outwardly, he claims that is because he has no interest in them, but in reality, some of his business rivals have put out paid bounties to ban him from gaining them. I doubt it has stopped him, in truth. Its merely a cost his rivals have to bear while he doesnt field those pokemon. I had to nod at that. It made a bit more sense.

Koga rubbed his chin. He has collected a sizeable host of pokemon and for all that he spends more time running his familys business than he does as Champion, he is still a powerful trainer with a tactical mind.

I flicked to the top of the list and whistled Two hundred and eight pokemon? I paused when I noted that Crystal Onix was listed there. Heh, I knew that buyer was him when I sold that pokemon, I said with a smirk.

Agatha cackled. Raised quite a bit of interest when that pokemon appeared, and we learned that it wasnt from one of his mines. She shot me a grin. I was glad to see you were getting your pokemons worth!

I shrugged noncommittally, not willing to point out that Id probably be able to sell another egg soon. Jackson had checked in on the cave when hed been in the Orange islands and an egg had been present. Id leave it to eat the crystals and gain a different body composition before making any sales or having it appear at the Gym.

I decided to move the topic along. So any news regarding the Viridian facility?

Koga and Agatha shared a look while Lucy, Janine, and Karen all leaned in, interested in this topic.

Were still waiting for their security features to be reduced. While no further Rocket facilities have been raided they will slowly relax. We know their movements. Dont worry Brock.

I shifted. I cant help but worry about Team Rocket. Theres been a lot of pushing from us but no pushback from them.

We have reason to believe that Team Rocket and Giovanni have a good deal of their attention diverted to the other region that they have made contact with. This has been confirmed through a number of the Rocket members and data that we have been able to gather from raids.

Huh. So theyre going to have access to other regions. That means other pokemon, no? I asked.

Agatha and Koga nodded. Indeed. The stability of the route is still extremely tenuous, as we have determined they are losing a number of their teams.

I drummed my fingers on the desk in front of me and decided to bite the bullet. What should we do if Team Rocket gets their hands onto a Legendary pokemon?

Agatha sniffed dismissively. Legendary pokemon are some of the hardest to use, let alone befriend or capture. Impossible! You have a limited time frame with most Legendaries as they can grow stronger as they age!

Lucy squirmed. I dont think it is so impossible, having interacted with Brandon and Noland. Both of them are strong personalities that were able to impress their pokemon or she trailed off as Agatha shot her an annoyed look.

I think Lucy is right. Were also not considering that they might be rearing infant Legendaries with how they have access to Blaines resurrection facility. What is stopping them from creating one of their own? I said leadingly.

Agatha looked like shed sucked on something sour, but Koga had a stern expression. If they have such a pokemon then they will be a much greater threat. Facilities that hold particular danger will need either Agatha or I to oversee the raids on. He nodded to Agatha. We are, after all, the only people present to have survived against a Legendary pokemon.

I hummed. ... You fought a Moltres once, yes?

... Kogas eyes turned distant as he looked away from me. Janine stepped forward and nodded for him before indicating I shouldnt ask any more questions. I decided to drop the issue.

Instead, I glanced at Agatha. She sniffed. During a raid on a region that had attacked us, I fought a pokemon known as Cobalion Agatha rubbed at her chest. That fight opened my eyes in many ways and left me changed.

I frowned and ran that name through my head. Cobalion thats a pokemon from Unova, as it was called?

Agatha blinked at me. Youve read the histories?

I nodded slowly. At the same time, that wasnt where I had learnt the name, I had in fact been reading through some of the historical texts the Guardians had regarding the war and more. Agatha tilted her head like I was a particularly interesting child that had just shown a new talent that surprised her.

I glanced between Koga and Agatha. Sure I cant come along for this raid?

Both of them shook their heads. We will need to train you in certain threats. You dipped your toe into the problems that come from raiding a base with Surge but this will be a different kettle of Magikarp. Best to keep you disconnected from this. One of the benefits that we have as Guardians is that our organisation structure and membership are not known. Agatha grinned. The same is not the same for Giovanni and Blaine!

I swallowed my protests and accepted it with a nod. Very well. Was there anything else that needed to be discussed regarding this? I asked before bowing my head. I was doing something important last night, sorry I couldnt answer.

Sabrina perked up, and she and her Ralts gained an air of smug superiority, which Janine certainly didnt miss as she shot my girlfriend a searching look. Lucy shook her head while Karen leered towards Sabrina. Care to spar with me?

Sabrina tilted her head and hummed. Im sure I can help train you, she said before disconnecting.

Karen sniffed and copied her. Later!

Lucy chewed her lip and glanced around. She meant train pokemon right?

Janine spluttered, only for Koga to reach over and disconnect Janines screen before nodding in farewell. Brock can explain that.

Agatha pointedly didnt disconnect and made a show of getting a cup of tea that she loudly drank from. I sighed and shook my head.

Those two have a history, I said to start off the explanation. Somehow I just knew that this would be a recurring role for any other new faces the Guardians took on. Me explaining awkward situations while Agatha watched on like this was her daytime television show.

Lucy had a number of other questions that I was able to answer before I had to disconnect. I exhaled and shook my head before stepping out to deal with the day that was to come.

BROOOOOOCK DAD BURNT THE PANCAKES! wailed Tilly when I walked into the kitchen for breakfast.

I glanced at said pancakes and noted there were a few black patches on them. Flint rubbed the back of his head. Theyre not that bad? I offered him.

My youngest siblings all looked at him doubtfully before turning towards me to see how I would correct this situation.

I hummed. You know crepes can be a bit burnt due to needing a stronger flavour to go with the cream and fruit, yeah? I said. The younger kids all tilted their heads.

Flint frowned. Crepes? But thats just a des Flint stopped when I made a chopping action at my throat. I was already fixing his mess. He nodded slowly and whipped around. Of course! These are crepes, not pancakes! Cream and fruit for all!

Oh youre still going to go ahead with that? asked Jackson as he scratched at his head.

I nodded. Yeah, I am. I think itll be something fun. Im in talks with some locals to help host it. Which reminds me. I fired off a message to Alexa to arrange a time to meet with them after the Gym was finished sometime this week. Then I straightened up. Im thinking biker jackets for our Geodude and some dark colouring on our Gravelers and Onix to set the theme for entrants.

Thatd be cute! said Missy.

Jackson huffed. Theyre supposed to be tough Missy, not look cute. He tilted his head. Maybe give them some fake scars?

Missy snorted. I think that will still be seen as cute by some people.

Jackson put a hand over her mouth. Dont listen to her Brock she doesnt understand manly aesthetics is all! Missy shot him an amused look and I was about to say something when Rachel announced the next challenger. This one a direct challenge for me to face.

I raised a finger. Im gonna come back to this, I said as I marched out only to stop and stare when I realised who it was.

I have returned! announced the fop that had already failed twice in the last few weeks. I stared at him. Id forgotten about this kid. It had been a good time.

How many bookings did you make in advance?! I said from where I stood. Some titters from the crowd let me know some of my more dedicated fans were aware of the situation.

The boy grinned without shame, and I sighed before clambering over the railing, my energy for this match suddenly vanishing. Alright then lets do this, I said as I hopped over to the podium.

Crystal raised both flags before pausing and shifting as she stared at the prompter. She chewed her lip before pushing a button that had Jackson jogging down to her stand. I tilted my head. What could cause her to act like that?

Jackson stared at the prompter before nodding and gesturing for Crystal to step aside. He took the flags and took over the referee position. The crowd, alerted to the odd behaviour by the lack of matches starting as normal, stirred at this odd occurrence.

Jackson cleared his throat. Apologies everyone! Were in for a treat today! Challenger Harold has locked in a doubles battle!

I stiffened, remembering that yes, Alexa had informed me of this only for me to forget. I reached around to the two pokemon I had selected for this match. Suddenly, I was much more interested in this match, despite the person I faced across from me. This would be a proper test of my skills regardless of Harolds previous showings.

Go Onix and Aron!

Both pokemon appeared and I smiled as they appeared, took in their surroundings and nodded at each other only to glare across the field at Harold as he released his pokemon.

Go Pidgeotto and Weepinbell! I felt my brow twitch. Damn this kid. He was just tempting me with giving me half-hope at this point.

Jackson nodded and went through the normal routine, only when he dropped his flags I had two pokemon to command instead of one.

Pidgeotto, use Sunny Day! Weepinbell, use Solar Beam! commanded Harold.

I stiffened at that one-two punch. That that was a good opening move.

Get on Onixs back Aron! Onix use Protect! Both pokemon complied and Onix took the Solar Beam head on to his protective shell. I swept my hand forward. Aron, use Rock Polish! Onix, use Rock Throw on Pidgeotto!

Weepinbell, use Vine Whip on the Rocks! Pidgeotto, use Twister!

The rocks my pokemon hurled were intercepted handily, and then a small hurricane was unleashed towards my pokemon. Both use Dig! I ordered causing my pokemon to dodge the oncoming Twister as they dove into the ground. When they emerged, they did so right next to each other once again.

Weepinbell, use Razor Leaf!

Wide Guard, Onix! Aron, use Rock Polish! I said causing a barrier to form up around Onix once more and defend against the wide area of effect attack.

Harold cursed as his move was blocked only to curse again as he looked to Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto, reposition with Aerial Ace! Split them up!

Aron! Go on the offensive! Use Iron Head on Weepinbell! I then pointed at Pidgeotto. Onix use Rock Throw on that bird!

Onix whirled around and once more hurled his load of rocks. Only for Harold to show some skill once again. Aerial Ace and intercept Aron! Weepinbell, use Solar Beam again on Onix!

Dig! I ordered, causing the Solar Beam to just miss as I made my Onix evade the attack hed have not been able to block so soon after the last use of Protect. Aron was dragging along a Pidgeotto that had his claws locked onto his back. The Pidgeotto tried to stop my Aron but the little guy had too much steam built up and he slammed himself and Pidgeotto into Weepinbell causing them all to go tumbling into the ground. I had half a moment to grin to myself before Harold threw his arm up.

Pidgeotto, get out with Aerial Ace to behind Weepinbell! Weepinbell use Stun Spore! With My Aron basically on top of him I couldnt even order my pokemon back before he was sprayed with the spores.

Pidgeotto spread the spores with gust! Harold said. My Onix had just enough time to come up from his Dig only to fall victim to the spores.

Harold punched the air with glee. Twister on Aron and Solar

I withdrew both pokemon and stared at the kid as he floundered at the sudden abort I had pulled. Hey! I was about to win! he said.

I shook my head. You just did win; I concede. I wasnt about to make my Onix face a Solar Beam head on. Also, you got me fighting way more seriously than I should have, which is impressive kid, I said, raising my hand and gesturing to Jackson, who swept his flag up.

Brock withdraws his pokemon, meaning Challenger Harold is victorious!

The crowd, whod been silent for the match, suddenly rose to their feet and roared their approval. I joined them in their applause, and Harold whod just started to come to terms with the announcement of his victory, flinched at the sudden wall of noise he was hit with. He stared up at the cheering crowd and seemed stunned to see them so animated. I lowered the podiums and marched across to him with Jackon holding the case with the Boulder badge in it.

I loomed over the kid, and he looked up at me with a hesitant smile. I.. did it? he said as though surprised.

I snorted. Where the hell was that sort of tactical thinking and on-the-fly planning weeks ago?

He shrugged helplessly. I dont know. I just had too much to think about.

And you didnt have that here? I said incredulously.

He shrugged again. I just felt like I had to move and make orders, I didnt have time to stop and think about what I was supposed to do. I read all of my brothers notes and so much of it I had to forget.

I held up a hand. Well, you need to do more of that. Cause what you showed today? That was promising. You used some great setups and pokemon that should have been weak here in great ways while working them in conjunction with your other pokemon. If youre like this for doubles battles, Id work on making this the norm for you because youre a natural at this.

He nodded and took the badge with a thoughtful expression. I clapped him on the shoulder. The Pidgeottos actually yours isnt it? Not just a pokemon lent to you yeah?

He nodded, and I smiled. Yeah, it shows. Keep finding more pokemon of your own cause youre better with them. Stop trying to be your brother. I said. He smiled up at me at that and then accepted a picture before marching out with his head held high.

I watched him go with some hope that hed actually turn out alright after all. I sighed. Well that was fun, I said before turning to Jackon and clapping him on the shoulder. Good work with taking over for Crystal.

He grunted and rolled his shoulder. Nice way to end the day at least.

I blinked and checked my schedule to find he was right. I wanted to grumble a little, that last match had actually amped me up a bit and gotten me excited. I shrugged and made towards the back hoping to use this energy to train with my pokemon.

On the way, Greta ran up to me. Brock! I wanted to talk to you! she said hurriedly. I nodded and indicated I was free to talk. She marched up and wavered for a moment. I want to sign on to be a Gym trainer for Pewter Gym! I think there is a lot that I can learn here! I cant offer a lot of skills and work history but I am serious about worki

I accept on certain conditions.

ing here and I can learn quick! I was able to place well in She trailed off as she caught on to what Id said. Huh? Oh really?

Ive seen you poking around. Youre an insightful young lady and youre dedicated. I think youre making a good call. I then grimaced. Now due to reasons, my Gyms security features have increased since the start of the year. I probably shouldnt waive the need to have a Psychic review you but I dont want to set a precedent.

I have no problems with that! she said quickly before tilting her head. Any other conditions?

I winked at her. Maybe also call your parents, yeah?

Ah! she said before bowing. Ill talk to her!

I nodded and held up a hand. Also to make sure youre not going to be stagnating, especially with regards to your starter pokemon, I think you should do an exchange with Erika and maybe Janine as well. Give your Grass-Poison a workover so that Bulbasaur can be the best he can be. I dont want to hamper your growth by restricting you. Its why I send all my sponsored trainers out onto the circuit instead of sitting on them. You can learn a lot at the gym but not all of it can be good. Falling into bad habits is something I want you to avoid.

She nodded slowly at that. I hadnt thought about that.

Youre not expected to, I said easily. I considered talking up Surge or Sabrina, but both of them wouldnt be good fits for further training. Maybe for a chat? I dont think Greta would do well with Surge for a long duration. I gestured with a lazy wave. Go talk with your mother about this and if youre still interested, then talk with Alexa, send the forms through to your mother and Ill talk with Erika and Janine. Both are trainers I know youd do well working with for a stint of time. Im just the first Gym trainer youve encountered. I shot her a smile. You might click with them even better you know? Dont settle for the first option.

She nodded thoughtfully. I see what you're saying. She shot me a polite bow and then walked off her head tilted in thought.

I watched her go with a hum. I had suspected shed consider sticking around with me. Shed do well here, or at least I believed she would, but I didnt want her to just settle down, that wasnt what the journey was about.

Jackson approached and nodded to Greta as she walked past. He raised some forms for me and I rolled my eyes at him. I considered telling him to dump it on my desk and to come out back to spar with me. Sadly it was then that my transceiver started to buzz, making me eye the message with a dubious expression, only to relax when I saw it was Officer Jenny.

Hey Officer Jenny, hows your day going?

She gave me a pained smile and told me precisely how her day was going.

I inhaled sharply as Jackson swore. Then I hung up and told her I would be there momentarily.

Want me to take over the jobs you were gonna do this afternoon? Ill get Salvadore or Yolanda to feed the Elite?

I nodded tightly and sent a message to Rachel and Alexa informing them of the situation before calling for a Granny to come around. Then I paused, considered what Id been told, and shot off another message to Lawrence.

Then I marched into my home to find Flint.

The entire time, I kept thinking about how Forrest really, really didnt understand the level of trouble hed just found himself in.

He better be alright.

And he better have a damn good reason to be arrested!