Chapter 115: Hoenn represent!

Chapter 115: Hoenn represent!

I approached Steven and offered him my hand. Steven Stone, thank you for your gift. Im sure the orphans and medical staff will likewise be effusive with their praise.

He caught my hand in his and shook it firmly. Im happy to see the money go to people that need it. I might have bid harder on a few more pokemon if Id known that was the case. Alas, I thought I was merely working within my means.

I snorted as he let go. Your means? Arent you listed as one of the richest men in the known world?

He waggled his hand in a so-so gesture. Yes, but when I attend an auction like this, I set a limit on how much I am going to spend. I held back thinking that I would be able to nab the last Lileep for a rather substantial price and show off as sometimes thats what I get as much enjoyment from. He gave me a shrug with a what can you do look while I stared at him blankly. Im afraid auctions of rock pokemon combine my two vices, rare and powerful pokemon, and rocks.

Im not sure Id consider them vices, I said easily.

I rather enjoy it for how I get to indulge another's struggle. I enjoyed Young Master Oaks attempts, but it was in vain. Erika was a surprise, but upon reflection, it seems obvious that there was more than meets the eye with her, he chuckled before shrugging it off.

She has surprising depths, no? I offered.

Indeed, said Steven with a contemplative tone as he tapped his chin.

I glanced to the side and noted that a number of reporters and photographers were avidly documenting everything we said and did. I chuckled. Well have to get one of those large cheques done for todays event. I think this has been the most successful auction weve ever had. All of the pokemon sold. I just hope they went to good trainers.

I suppose there is that risk with the method of sale, Steven said. Not that youd have issues with your current popularity. I imagine many people will have come due to your name being attached to the pokemon. He glanced towards the door where the Celadon contingent had departed. The Lileep will be much higher value to come with both yourself and Erika showing interest in them.

Rachel hurried up with a large camera and joined the throng of people taking pictures to claim some of her own to go up on the Gyms pokenet page. I made a gesture towards the photographers and clapped Steven on the shoulder while shaking his hand once again while smiling for the cameras.

I was having a lot of deja vu with how things were playing out. This had happened twice now, and my choice of charity was being used to make me do something. Then again, Steven Stone had in one action, given ten times the amount that Mayor Jonathan had with his charity ball that had been a trap. I felt it was justified that I waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Shall we put on a show? I said, gesturing to the stage where the auctioneers were hurriedly making up two large novelty cheques. I was amused when they offered me a large calligraphy brush to sign my name. I made a terrible hash of it. The use of computers had ruined my handwriting. If I squinted, I could make out shapes in my ink blot of a signature that I really didnt want to read into.

Steven, of course, had an immaculate signature that looked like a work of art.

We held up both cheques, and the cameras went off like a firing line given free reign of their weapons. I was starting to feel my eyes water and my smile hurt after the first minute of holding the pose. The matron of the orphanage and the local hospital director trundled up, both of them looking pale. They accepted the cheque from me before the matron wrapped her arms around me and planted a huge wet kiss on my cheek.

She wailed into my ear about how thankful she was and I blushed, returning the hug.

When she broke off, she wiped her eyes quickly, only for Steven to offer her a handkerchief. She blushed as she used it only to lock eyes with him. More tears sprang up and then Steven found himself wrapped in just as strong a hug that he tentatively returned while murmuring comforting words to her.

When she broke that hug, he produced another handkerchief from somewhere for her, and then we stood with her and the still-stunned Director once more for photos.

I felt my smile relax and become more heartfelt. Steven might have been hitting a few pidgey with his Rock Throw by donating, but hed done good with his act. I felt I couldnt ignore that.

It took a while to wrap things up, along with another hug from the matron who sang our praises. I also had to handle a brief Q and A session with the media with Steven at my side.

The media that had been present for the auction loved having access to Steven and I after something momentous like this.

Brock! The Plateau has authorised you with the breeding colony for various ancient pokemon! Is this how youre going to treat them? As assets of the Gym to be sold off to the highest bidder?

The only pokemon that were sold were the excess pokemon for the colony with regards to the Lileep. Other ancient pokemon are still at the stage where there is a limited number that need to be used to establish a viable population. The Lileep that were sold today were merely the ones that have too close a genetic similarity to the rest of the colony. It is in fact, in our best interests to pass them along. Other Lileep are being paired with viable breeding partners.

Which are?! said another reporter.

I tapped on my transceiver. "Apologies, I need a moment to look up the report from our Breeding expert. I flicked my fingers a few times, and a small attached report that Id been privy to along with Oak and Elm was presented.

So far, the indicators are that Lileep is part of a water subset breeding group with them showing the most interest in my Omanyte, Omastar, and Corsola. At the moment, there is only a limited number of Corsola at the Gym. The others are of course, limited themselves, but there will be attempts to have them increase their numbers.

Steven Stone! How are you feeling after being beaten by Gym Leader Erika!?

Steven offered a pleasant smile. Im feeling wonderful. Erika played a wonderful game with her auction and I wasnt expecting such opposition. I might have played a different strategy if I had known how things would play out.

Couldnt you have just outbid her? Are you not considered one of the richest, most eligible men in the world? said one reporter.

Steven waved his hand back and forth. I dont know about most eligible, but I know Im not the richest. I know of a few gentlemen that have that pleasure.

One reporter, a kindly local reporter directed their microphone towards the Matron who had gotten caught up in the press conference and wasnt sure how to leave. Maam! What does it mean for the Orphanage to receive such large donations?

It means the world to us! Well be able to renovate a number of facilities with an eye towards practicality and further improve the education of any child that enters our care! Well be also looking to see if other establishments, such as Cerulean or Viridian orphanages, can also benefit!

Would you say this is thanks to Brocks work? said one man. I narrowed my eyes. The question seemed innocent enough but the way he was leaning in and smirking rang alarm bells.

Oh course! said the Matron happily.

So he does a better job than other Gym Leaders such as the Cerulean of Viridian Gym? Are they shortchanging their com

I think now is a good time to talk about my upcoming match with Ace trainer Karen! Steven said quickly.

Instantly, everyone dropped their interest in the Matron and the line of questioning as they turned to Steven.

I jolted in surprise. Had he just? Steven made a gesture towards the Matron behind his back and she nodded. She bowed politely and muttered something about seeing to the children and telling them the good news before hurrying off with her novelty cheque. The kids were in for a shock.

I think I will need to use my Metagross against her; shes demonstrated through her matches in the past that shes a willy opponent, and I will need to bring my best pokemon.

Dont you think it is bold to announce which pokemon youre going to use?

It isnt a secret that my Metagross is my strongest pokemon. If I were to not use it, I would be snubbing her as a trainer, Steven said in a swift response.

What do you say to the allegations that you dont train your pokemon? said one reporter.

Steven shrugged. Its no secret that I have many demands on my time with being Champion, CEO of Devon corp, along with my numerous geological pursuits. My pokemon and I have an understanding, and I am able to have dedicated trainers on my staff assist with maintaining my pokemon at a certain standard. When I need to raise a new pokemon I cut back on other duties but I am the one that raises my pokemon to the required level. The maintenance is something others can handle, as my energies are best spent in other areas.

I turned my head in surprise. What? nôvel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.

The crowd of reporters twitched and made a shifting motion, which alerted me to the fact that Id been the one to just ask that question. It took me a moment to recover. I made to wave my hand in apologies only for Steven to turn towards me.

Surely you must have your Gyms trainers work with your elite pokemon no? Id recommend it in fact!

No. I then shook my head. I mean, no. That I licked my lips. I have my Gym trainers work on the Gyms pokemon yes, as theyre too many for me to maintain in the varying states of strength and awareness that are required of us as a Gym, but for my Elite team, I raised a hand and started ticking off my fingers. I am the one that sets the timings, the periodisation, the planning, the nutrition, along with coming up with strategies. I do most of it with my starter Titan and he leads them through various training regimes on off or light days, but I work with them all the time, I dont hand it off to another trainer

Hmmm, perhaps you should try it. Do you find you handle the strain well at the moment? I imagine its rather stressful, with your family, the Gym and such. The words were innocent enough, but still rubbed me the wrong way.

I bristled. Its not a perfect solution, but Im only human. I make plans and organise as best I can but I cant account for everything. The recent surge has put me under a lot more pressure but my processes are still intact.

Steven assessed me before offering a nod. I see, I apologise if I overstepped.

The reporters jittered at that, and then there was a clamour of questions that made for an avalanche of noise. I hummed. Yeah, I was done here.

I surged my Rock energy and clapped my hands.

It was like having two boulders slam into each other as the clam resounded outwards, silencing everyone.

In the shocked silence, I smiled and spoke up, I think that about wraps up todays discussion. Id like to thank everyone that came out, but now I must ask you, politely, to leave. I made sure to show some teeth.

The reporters nodded and began packing away their things. I stood and thanked all the auction staff before giving Greta, Missy, Dennis, and Rachel their thanks as well for the days work.

Then I guided Steven to my office, where I sat. I wanted to exhale in relief, but I didnt think that possible with Steven. Thank you for donating that money once again.

He waved a hand. It was no large loss on my part. Consider it a whim and greedy theft of prestige rather, he said with a shrug.

I had no idea what to make of that, so I nodded. Well, thank you anyway. I offered him an open hand. Did you wish to discuss anything else?

I cringed internally. I was not handling this or the ending of the conference well at all. I needed to spend some time with Erika and learn some social grace. In social situations, I really was like a thrown rock.

Gary snorted. Sounds like you need to hurry up! Some of us are up to our fifth badges!

Mia rolled her eyes. You challenged Manny and Sophie for your fourth and Fifth badges, everyone knows the Big Eight are the ones to get Gary!

Gary huffed. Im working up to the big Gyms for a full set of twelve from Kanto, he said quietly.

Thats good to hear, I said. I nodded at him approvingly only to pause and look around. Aren't there a bunch of ladies with you usually? His bodyguards were being a bit lax was that due to Mia being around? Was this a sign of trust from them?

His girlfriends! teased Mia.

Dont hate the player! said Gary defensively. Brawly nodded seriously and offered Gary a fist bump while the girls in the room rolled their eyes.

Gary coughed. The girls are taking the time to get their hair seen tosomething about needing to freshen up their look after being in the wilds for so long.

This had the girls, minus Sabrina, nodding along. Yolanda noticed this and shifted. Did you not go to the hairdresser when you were on your journey?

Sabrina blinked. I had Brock cut my hair. I coughed and felt my face reddening as Yolanda turned with a vicious smile.

Thats soooo cute! What else did he do?

I had him brush my hair, and when we stayed in towns, we always stayed in nice hotels. After the Hoenn desert we even went on a couples spa day. Alakazam and Titan were even able to join in.

Titan sure enjoyed that heated rock massage, I said, remembering that trip. Flint had called part way into it

Oh, we have that in Lavaridge! Hot springs and massage treatments are the selling point of Lavaridge apart from my familys Gym!

Raaaaaaaalts! growled Ralts in my direction. I drew in my dark energy and pat her on the head which she tried to grapple with, only for my hand to retract too quickly.

Yolanda giggled. Why have I never heard of this?

I shrugged casually. Never really got around to talking about it I suppose?

Huh, Yolanda said with a tilt of her head. Maybe I should get you to write a blog as well?

Im sure Rachel would love that, I said with a chuckle.

Yolanda nodded. Lots of people would be interested in reading it.

More than a few people perked up and nodded along making me hum thoughtfully. I glanced down and noted that everyone had a drink and some snacks in front of them. I relaxed, man Yolanda was way better at being a host than me. I gave her a meaningful look and nodded while flicking my eyes at drinks and snacks.

Yolanda blinked before stiffening. Oh! Yeah! Sabrina helped me out as well!

Oh, now I really felt like I was lagging behind. Well done. Sorry for not considering that myself.

I eyed the trays of snacks that had been set up. This really was more than Yolanda would usually put out. Man, even Sabrina was better at this than me, was this Erikas influence?

You have a lot of demand for your time. Yolanda said, waving it off. "Thank goodness you have some free time this week."

Oh! Oh! Your journey! And this week! Brawly said sitting up. Youve got this week for checking out new pokemon yeah?

Amoung other things, I said carefully.

Brawly bounced around. Like you have time for a mini journey yeah!? You should come with me and check out the ocean for pokemon like that Relicanth you mentioned once! Or that Corsola! Yeah!?

Hmmm I was actually thinking of getting caught up on some work, climb Mt Moon, head into Mt Silver on the way to Mahogany town, then check out the Diglett tunnel. I raised my transceiver and checked my schedule.

Oh nice! said Brawly. How long you going to take for that?

Two or three days, I say casually.

I will be going with him on a few trips, said Sabrina with a small puff of her chest.

Ooooohhhh Brock and Sabrina~! Yolanda said teasingly. I flicked some cake at her which splattered on her nose.

Yolanda narrowed her eyes. Dont try me big brother!

I opened my mouth to tease her back. Humphrey~!

She grabbed some cake and threw it at me. I ducked only for Brawly to take the hit. The cake slid down his face and he licked it before grinning and grabbing his own slice. Food figh

An entire platter of cakes rose telekinetically and hit everyone as Sabrina perked up. I win, she said.

I snorted and channelled a small amount of dark energy into an eclair before smushing it into her face.

Yolanda gasped. Brock thats your girlfriend! You cant do that!

I just did, I said.

Sabrina nodded as the cream slid down her face. Indeed you did. She then narrowed her eyes and levitated into the air. Which means this is war.

Everyone scrambled to grab some food and hurl it at anyone else. I received the brunt of the attacks as Sabrina, Ralts, Yolanda, and Terra teamed up against me.

Brawly likewise received a battering from Flannery and Roxanne, but Gary helped him out, only to be ambushed by Mia in turn.

When Steven and Flint returned, we were still throwing food. Roxanne and Flannery stopped with handfuls of food held aloft. Their eyes bulged as Steven paused in the doorway. Brawly shot a half-torn cupcake at Flannery, hitting her in the face and making her twitch.

Huh, looks like everyones having fun, he said before nodding at me. Ill bid you good day. Flint, lets stay in touch. He clapped Flint on the shoulder and nodded to Salvadore who was staring at the messy kitchen. And like that Steven Stone departed.

Roxanne and Flannery slumped to the ground as soon as the door closed.

I cant believe we acted like that with Hoenns champion in the house! Ohhhhhh we look like children! Roxanne said, mortified at her actions.

Brawly laughed. No way! You look like youve got personality! Thats more important than being a stiff! Relax! He didnt mind at all!

Roxanne threw her handful of cake and the food fight restarted. Munchalx eventually investigated the commotion and was able to end the fight by eating all of the ammunition.

"Brock?" said Steven, poking his head back in and causing Roxanne to make a 'meep!' noise. He ignored her and instead held up a Lileep. "Is this Lileep alright?" he said holding aloft a rather lively-looking Lileep. I nodded, grabbing a small tag from the kitchen to wrap it around a frond to make it easier to pick out later. It wriggled and tickled my hands while I did so.

Steven nodded amicably at me and the others once again. "Brock, Ladies, Gentlemen, Flint," he said in farewell.

Everyone watched Steven leave once more. I felt rather bemused by how whimsical Steven appeared to be. Gary and Roxanne watched on enviously, their eyes locked on the Lileep until it was taken back to the garden and the rest of its brethren.

Brawly, Roxanne, Flannery, Gary, and Mia left after that with the promise theyd be back later. Roxanne had looked like shed wanted to say something more but had swallowed her words and instead left meekly. I watched them depart thoughtfully.

I made a note to investigate how Gary was going. I had made a promise to him about earning a pokemon hadnt I? So far, he was the only one to inquire about earning himself one which was surprising.

I hummed and turned back to the kitchen, which, while shiny, was not the sort of shiny you should eat anything out off. Munchlax groaned happily from the corner as Yolanda checked his fur for any stored food.

I glanced at Flint whod been quietly thoughtful ever since Steven left. You alright?

Flint nodded seriously, and I hummed when he didnt say anything. Looks like I was worried over nothing.

I shared a smile with Sabrina, tomorrow was going to be all about catching up on some odd jobs.

Then I could go for a look around some caves to see about some new pokemon.

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A.N. Thanks to all my Patreons. My usual team of Betas have been busy with IRL so this is unbetad. Sorry for any errors that seem obvious!