Chapter 111: Time for friends

Chapter 111: Time for friends

A Beldum? He gave you a Beldum? I said incredulously.

Forrest bobbed his head up and down. Yeah! Its so cool! I was speaking with a trainer from Hoenn, and did you know that Beldum is considered one of their strongest pokemon!? Its a steel type as well which will match my Onix when I eventually decide to evolve him!

Salvadore bounced on the spot next to me. Oh! Does that mean you want to specialise into steel types? If so, there are a number of strong pokemon like Magnemite, Skarmory, Aron Salvadore gained a pinched expression before perking up. Scizor!

I chuckled and patted him on the head. Steel types have a good showing with a number of pokemon. Mawile, Goodra, Registeel, Bronzong, Aegislash, and Empoleon were also pokemon that would be possible off the top of my head if Forrest decided on such a route.

Forrest nodded. Yeah, I know. Then he shrugged. But I dont know anything about making myself into a type specialist right now. I think Im just going to look into making up a strong team. He locked eyes with me. Im coming back as strong as I can, and then Im going to announce myself at the conference this year!

I raised a brow at that. He was certainly feeling more upbeat than he had when he left.

Yolanda giggled. Nice to see you got your spark back! Good luck with that first goal, big brother! Youll need it!

Im training every day; Ill have you know! Ill get there before the end of the circuit!

Cindy leaned into the camera. Brocks gonna win~! she said with a teasing tone.

Forrest set his jaw. Ill show you! Ill have a super cool team!

Im sure you will, I said placatingly. Where are you now?

Cerulean! Were getting ready to face Mistys sisters for our badges. Misty is joining us for her first match. He scratched the side of his cheek. Shes also uhmmm helping us skip the line a bit.

I raised an eyebrow. A bit?

Forrest coughed something that sounded like a weeks worth, which made me snort. Ah well, if thats how they wanted to run things, that was for the Cerulean sisters to handle. Their gym, their challenges, and their rules.

Well, good luck against them. Got a plan? I said.

Forrest nodded firmly, and I hummed. With Cerulean being so early, hed have a chance against their weaker team. By the time he got against Erika, hed have a tougher time with a type advantage and Erika using much more advanced tactics. Then I paused. Actually, Forrest could take Erika as his second badge if he was smart about it. Well alright, where are you going from there?

Surge next; Ill challenge him at a higher level.

Not Erika? I said.

Forrest rolled his eyes. Ash has been adamant about following the traditional path ever since he heard about the story of how the badges are laid out. That, and he forgot to try and challenge Giovanni.

Yeah, Giovanni wouldnt have entertained him anyway, I said with a chuckle. Forrest nodded and I grew serious. Tell me when you are headed towards Cinnabar or Viridian. Theyre not going to be easy on you, and you need to be careful in those matches. When Forrest nodded and huffed, I gave him a stern look. Im serious about this Forrest.

Forrest paused at that, searching my face as he registered that I was deadly serious. Alright why though?

Cause I think those are areas where youd be at risk. Giovanni and Blaine might be Gym leaders, but they also have fingers in some shady business. You present an opportunity in many ways.

I then coughed. Sorry to remind you about that. It sounds like youre doing great.

Yeah, sure, thanks bro, he said thoughtfully.

I caught Yolanda eying me. Salvadore had a far-off look, and the message had passed over the rest of the familys head. Flint nodded at me from off to the side. I signalled for Salvadore to take over the call and waved Forrest goodbye.

I surreptitiously slipped over to Flint. You also had some trouble with Giovanni and Blaine?

Blaine was a nightmare to fight against from what Ive heard And he wasnt much better with him on your side His fiery attacks could devastate entire battlefields, but you had to stay out of his way. The man was chaotic. I know of a lot of good people and pokemon that got burned badly by him.

Flint rubbed at his stomach. Giovanni he had a reputation for being a dirty dealer among the rank and file. If you were in his good books, you had good supplies if not sometimes you ran short and had to scrounge around.

Hmmmm, I said. I cant say Im surprised to learn about that. I shifted and worked my jaw. Bosco told me about Lolas situation.

Flint hissed in surprise. Ah that. Flint scowled at the ground. Yes, she had to fight her own family. It has made her very touchy about all of you. She doesnt trust herself around

I dont buy that, I said, shutting off that line of conversation. She had more than enough time to work on her issues. I almost said or not have us but I shut my mouth before then. Instead, I huffed through my nose. What happened to her family and her leaving us are not events that can be compared.

Brock thats not fai Flint said only for me to raise a hand and walk off. I didnt want to hear it.

Before I walked off fully, an idle curiosity occurred to me. Where was Lolas family house?

It used to be called the Granite Mansion and was out of town Nowadays, it's the pokemon academy Lola donated it when it passed to her, as she couldnt stand to live there or see it.

I blinked at that. Id been into the newer part of the pokemon academy but Id never heard that shed been the one to I shook it off. It wasnt important. So what if Lola could be charitable? Shes still abandoned her family.

I huffed and marched off.

I walked past my other siblings and patted Yolanda on the head. She continued to eye me thoughtfully, her gaze shifting to Flint as I passed her by. Had she been listening? I wasnt surprised when she got up and approached Flint with an intensity that told me she wasnt going to be deterred from asking questions.

The sound of the fridge being opened made me adjust my course from my room to the kitchen. I found who I expected, with Munchlax caught in the fridge. The surprise, however, came in the form of a shocked-looking Eevee who had some cream around her face. She stiffened when she saw me and chirped a warning to Munchlax. Munchlax jolted and shot me a sheepish look.

Munch Lax, Mun mun munchlax? he said.

I merely huffed and pointed to the lounge room. Go report yourself to the rest of the family and Nanny Grav. No more free access from now on. I shot a glance at Eevee. No leading him astray like that. Hed been doing well with controlling himself. If Yolanda or Cindy are too busy to feed you, then be patient or ask someone else. No raiding the fridge like that.

She curled in on herself and whimpered. No Baby Doll Eyes on me either, I said firmly. If thats your fallback, you need to get way stronger. Eevee looked up at me and squinted fiercely at me. I smirked at her, only to chuckle as she stuck her tongue out and ran off.

I paused when a thought occurred to me. Had she been teasing me and my family about our narrow eyes or inspecting me?

Now I wasnt sure

A buzz on my wrist made me glance down to see a message from Sabrina.

I will be attempting to start training with the Megastone. Can I have you observing me?

I fired back an affirmative, and she appeared in the kitchen and put a hand on my shoulder. I smiled and kissed her. When we broke the kiss, we were at the entrance of her Gym in Saffron, and she was sporting a delightful blush.

I inclined my head inside, Shall we? I said. Sabrina nodded and led me through the front doors. I hummed. It wasnt normal for her to lead me around like this. Was she showing off her Gym to me?

Or was I being shown off to her Gym?

The main doors opened into a foyer that hadnt been here when Id challenged her during my journey. I noticed that there was a reception desk off to the side with a number of tasteful double-sided couches for people to rest. A number of trainers perked up at our entrance only to blanche when they noticed I was walking at Sabrinas side. We walked past the line of trainers and made our way straight down a large hallway that could have easily allowed Bertha and Titan to walk next to each other without stooping. I could see the seating of the arena that Id sat in a few times since Sabrina had it installed.

Along the sides of the hallway, training rooms were visible through long panels of glass.

I noticed a number of people in one room staring fixedly at a spoon in their hands with pokemon like Hypno, Drowzee, and even Kadabra walking among them. Sabrinas father, Saul, was amidst them, giving out pointers. I watched one older man glare at a spoon, only for it to slowly bend in his fingers without touching it. He shot to his feet and cheered, causing others to flinch and glance over.

Excuse me, Sabrina said, vanishing in a teleport to appear in front of the man, startling him.

Sabrina glanced at the spoon and then at the man. She nodded once and then teleported back to me. Sorry, I needed to give him some praise. Hes been working on that for quite a while.

Saul, I said in greeting, nodding to him. He paused and got a worried look, only to relax when he checked Sabrina and me over. I blinked for a moment. Waitwhat had he thought we were doing in here?

He tried to shoot me a glare, only for me to ignore him as my attention slipped to the other person that walked in slightly behind him. Oh! Hello Erika! I said.

Sabrina nodded at both. Father, Erika, it is good to see you.

Saul searched the room, his gaze was still suspicious, like many a father across the universe that just walked into a room that their daughter and boyfriend had been in. What were you up to in here?

We were training, Sabrina said.

Erika stayed quiet while Saul eyed me. I rolled my eyes, but he didnt understand the gesture. Sabrina did, though, and when she copied me she did so with glowing eyes, which was an interesting effect.

Saul gained a sheepish look. Ah, it seemed Sabrina had chastised him and told him we werent doing what he was thinking psychically.

Erika bit her lip. Is now a bad time?

Sabrina shook her head. Brock can stay; I believe he has some things that might be good to discuss with you. I can train your pokemon on their psychic moves.

I tilted my head. Grass-Psychic? Oh you mean Exeggutor?

Erika shook her head back and forth. Not just him! I have been working on a few of my pokemon and some of them have moves that would help them a great deal such as Rest!

I tilted my head. Wouldnt Synthesis be stronger?

Erika wobbled back and forth once again as she tapped some pokeballs, revealing her Exeggutor, Budew, Seedot, Bellosom, and a Chikorita. The last pokemon made me pause as it tippy-tapped on the spot only to lock its eyes on Ralts.

Chiko! It cried, darting forward and running around Sabrinas feet while looking upwards. It obviously wanted to play with Ralts. Ralts tightened her grip on Sabrinas shirt and shot Sabrina a look.

No play for now, Chikorita. You need to work on your Rest, said Sabrina with a small twitching smile.

Chikorita chirped at that and hopped into position. The other grass pokemon trooped up, and I hummed. Why these ones? I asked.

Erika gestured at them. Synthesis is a good move for Grass types but it can also be affected by if the pokemon can deploy roots, and the landscape itself. Grassy terrain that is bountiful gives the best results, but some environments make it tougher, or outright impossible to regain health. The only pokemon that I have that can ignore this are Cacnea and Cacturne Erika licked her lips and looked a bit sheepish. Theyd try and get into fights if I brought them here they also dont need this training.

Sabrina coughed once and then nodded her head to Alakazam. Alright, would you like to take it from here?

Alakazam nodded and flipped another whiteboard to reveal a number of pictures of various pokemon and what looked like Is that a list of moves that they have learned? I asked incredulously.

Sabrina and Erika nodded. Alakazam is very meticulous.

I could only nod. Sabrina turned to Saul. Would you mind getting our guests some tea and snacks?

When Saul held his position, eyeballing me, Sabrina coughed, her eyes glowed, and her hair lifted up. Father, our guests are thirsty; we dont wish to be poor hosts, do we?

Erika coughed, and I suspected she was hiding a giggle as Saul nodded hurriedly and ducked out, only to return a minute later with a tea tray and a few cookies and crackers. I smiled politely at him, and he grumbled a little as he retreated, understanding that Sabrina didnt want him hanging around.

Sabrina set the tea up to heat on a small cooktop that came with the cart and then turned her attention to Erikas pokemon which were all focused on using psychic abilities. The Chikorita is an interesting new acquisition.

Erika nodded. I was able to get one from a Johto breeder recently. I think she has a lot of potential. Shes very upbeat and eager to train whenever I work with my pokemon. Shes already up to a second badge level.

Huh, she might be part of the team that will fight my little brother when he comes around, I said with some interest. Chikorita, sensing our attention, glanced in our direction only to receive a light tap on the head from one of Alakazams spoons.

Chiko! she said as she looked ahead and returned to the class.

Your brother is going to be challenging soon? I will be on the watch for him! she said.

I nodded and took a bite before recalling how Ash had been forced to challenge Erika. I chewed slowly as a thought occurred to me. On the one hand, I should just let things play out. On the other Say, think you could mess with him when he challenges you?

Erika tilted her head, and when I made my suggestion, she tittered and nodded. Do you want photos?

Yes, yes I do. I said evilly. The work of a big brother is never really done.

Sabrina smiled at our plan and then tapped my hand. Wasnt there something else you wanted to talk to Erika about?

Oh, right! So lately there has been this issue with Mayor Jonathan, as you know. But since then I detailed what had happened to Bosco and what he had suggested. I then mentioned I was considering some candidates for the position of Gym representative.

Erika nodded slowly. It sounds like you have some prominent candidates from that list. She considered me. What will you do to determine who will be best?

Oh, was she testing me? I put down my teacup and gave her question some serious thought. I started to feel like I was drawing a blank until I had a lightbulb moment. Oh! I know I interview them all and then have them offer up suggestions for the others! Like do a fake out on who they think would be better than them! Ill get lots of informa

A small silver spoon tapped me on the nose, with Erika holding the other end. She sighed and shook her head. Oh, Brock, no, just no.

I pouted with the spoon still on my nose. Its... not a bad idea? I think it has potential

No Brock. This is not a spy thriller story or movie where these people will not talk with each other. Some of them are friends, and they will talk with each other. Its ridiculous.

She shot Sabrina an exasperated look. Sabrina nodded seriously, and I frowned. Why did I feel like I was being bullied?

Erika coughed, You dont need to interview all of them. I nodded slowly to show I was listening.

You can eliminate a few of them straight away. Im going to state some points. Lawrence is too busy with the League, and the Gym right now. Mrs Harridan and Madam Pennywrong are a touch old, and that will bring with it some views that are going to be different than you might like. And Judge Howard? He will have a potential conflict of interest if his son runs for Mayor next year.

I considered what shed said. Ah, I said eloquently. So that leaves Jenny or I search for some others.

Erika shrugged. Meet with Jenny first; that's my suggestion.

I bowed and clapped my hands together. Thank you, Erika Sensei! She bonked me on the head with the spoon again with a giggle, and I straightened up with a grin. If I have some more questions, can I come around this coming week?

"Yes, you can. I will look forward to it! she said happily.

A moment later, Alakazam announced that the training was finished by teleporting to the spare teacup Sabrina had set aside for him. Chikorita wasted no time charging in to throw Ralts on her back before cantering away.

Erika giggled at the sight before giving me another look. What else will you be doing for your rest week?

I sighed happily. Catching up with friends. I then smirked. Also, I have an auction coming up for some rare pokemon.

Oh? said Erika with a feigned nonchalance that had me looking at her closely. I hadnt realised that was this coming week.

I narrowed my eyes. Yeah yeah it is you might be interested in some of the pokemon Im putting up for auction.

Im sure Ill make an appearance, Erika said innocently.

I stared at her and then rounded on Sabrina to fill me in. Instead of smirking and spilling Erikas secret, however, she had a stoic expression and lightly shook her head. Alright girl club secrets?

Alright then. Ill just see what happens. Deciding to drop it, I instead teased what I was going to do tomorrow. Im also going to be visiting the foundry. Its time to evolve my Onix and truly make him part of my Elite team.

That sparked some more interest. I grinned, detailing how it was going to go, I had it all lined up and ready to go. It was time for Jormungandr to become a Steelix.