Chapter 144: Aquatic showdown

Chapter 144: Aquatic showdown

The next day, I set up a few lounging chairs in the reserve along with a picnic basket. Yolanda deposited a few blankets and put Terra down next to Empress. Wills next match on his circuit was about to start, and I had just about finished setting things up.

Brock, do you think we packed enough snacks? said Suzie from within a very fluffy-looking Flareon onesie. My family had heard I was going to watch the next match with Yolanda in the reserve. Theyd taken that to mean that it was family time and that they were therefore invited.

I considered the picnic basket and nodded seriously. I think well be alright. Munchlax will just have to eat vegetables, or else he'll make the other pokemon envious.

Suzie reached over and pat Munchlax on the head as the gutsy pokemon sighed sadly.

A ping on my transceiver had me glancing at it. Id been expecting Sabrina to come around soon and was anticipating her message, only to blink in surprise when a message from Surge was shown.

I called him, and his boisterous face appeared on the screen. Heyo Brock! Thought Id check in on you again! Hows it hanging!

My eyes twitched. If I wasnt in front of my family, I'd give him the crude response he desired. Instead, I settled for a simple. Oh, alright, I suppose; Im with my family. I hurriedly added, Were about to watch the Cerulean Gym match.

Surge made a face. Urgh, dont know why youd want to watch that! Those girls are going to get stomped.

I shrugged. Might pick something up from watching Will, though.

Surge snorted derisively. Please! I got more of that assholes style and tactics from watching his match with you. That whole thing was FUBAR I tell you! I think he had to be pulling at least three sly ones on the down low!

I nodded and considered how to respond. Something must have shown on my face, or my silence was too suspicious, as Surges eyes narrowed. You know something! What? Did you catch him in the act?

I grimaced. Ive raised it with Lance, but there were a few details that stood out to me as being wrong.

Come on, man! Dont hold out on me! How much of a slippery Ekans is this asshole? Surge said. I sighed and sat down, relaying to him the evidence I had given to Lance.

When I was done, Surges expression was thunderous. Yeah, alright, hes an Arbok with a mean streak, raised by a group of Muk! Damn! And little Daisy is going to try to fight him? Poor girl doesnt stand a chance!

Daisy is the one whos going to fight him? I said. I thought they hadnt announced it yet?

Surge huffed. Shes the eldest, and she might be ditzy as hell, but shes got heart. She wont let her younger sisters take the beating thats coming her way. That and she likes to think shes chivalrous; its why she dresses like the prince in their little shows.

I stared at the transceiver. How do you know she does that?

Surge smirked. Their little shows are some fantastic first date options for me and the ladies. Gets them all wet! If you get me! Hahaha! He guffawed at his joke as I rolled my eyes.

He settled down and nodded. "Right, well, Im gonna hitch a ride over to yours. Been meaning to talk to you face to face like. Ill join you and your family in watching the match! he said casually. Tell Cadet Tommy I want to see his best salute! he shouted before signing off.

I glanced up at Tommy, who was bouncing in place while his twin, Cindy, groaned in annoyance, only to gain a sly expression as she sprinted into the house. When she returned she did so with a jar.

When Surge walked around the side entrance with Alexa, whom he was obviously flirting with, Tommy leapt to his feet. Sir! His arm shot up into a childish salute.

Surge turned away from Alexa and adopted a serious expression as he looked over Tommy, like this was a parade ground rather than my backyard. Hmmm good pose, nice straight spine, but when an officer comes around, you go into the standing pose unless theres a reason to salute, not before!

He stepped to one side. At ease! he barked before nodding as Tommy copied him.

Flint, whod been standing and watching this with a stiff expression, twitched.

Surge raised a finger to make a point. Remember, Salute the man, not the rank; anyone who says otherwise is full of shit!

Swearjar! shouted Cindy gleefully as she pulled out a jar that shed run into the house for. Shed been waiting to ambush Surge with this.

Feh! In the army, theres never enough swearing! he said only for Cindy to thrust the swear jar in his direction adamantly.

He sniffed. I suppose as an officer, I should set an example for the troops, he said.

He handed Tommy a ten-pokedollar note. As an officer, I dont handle dealing with civies. Cadet, pay the woman! he said.

Tommy nodded, drew out his wallet, put the note into it, and pulled out a pokedollar. He then shamelessly deposited it into the swear jar on Surges behalf.

Everyone collectively blinked.

Then Surge howled with laughter. Hahahahaha! Thats a good one! Nice going, recruit! Thats the sort of slippery thinking thatll see you doing well in the corps!

I think Id rather you not promote the military as a lifestyle choice to him, Surge, Flint said tersely.

He shot me an angry look, and I raised an imperious eyebrow. I could see where he was coming from, but he wasnt here to help me get through the hurdles of being a Gym Leader. Surge was.

Surge rubbed a thumb over his nose. Yeah? That so? First, Ive been told not to, he said casually, looming by dint of his unusually tall frame. He eyed Flint, and a glint entered his eyes. Private Flint, right? You were a reservist, werent you?

I made corporal before the end of the war. Some of the kids watched this back and forth curiously.

For a few years, Surge had been like a well-meaning uncle who got too rambunctious. To see him and Flint talking like this was probably strange. I, personally, was finding it a bit too cathartic to stop. If anything, Surge was being downright polite.

Flint shook his head. But that doesnt matter. I just go by Flint now, Flint said, locking eyes with Surge.

Surge nodded slowly. Right, right. We never really got to talk. Im Lieutenant Surge, Gym Leader from Vermilion. Never did get to meet face to face did we?

No, there was one video link meeting before Brock took over.

Hmmm, yeah took over, thats one way to put it. Reckon we should talk about that one day. Surge flicked his eyes around and recognised how many small, curious eyes were watching him. Just you and me in a bar, yeah?

I think I know what youre going to say, said Flint, his jaw tightening.

Yeah, Im sure you do, but its worth saying out loud, said Surge. I felt a rush of gratitude toward the taller man. Somehow, for all his rough edges, Surge was a good man.

Flint nodded tightly, and Surge relaxed. He glanced around and winked at the kids before turning back. Dismissed! he said to Tommy, who turned and played at marching off to the side for three steps. Then he raised his hands and ran around.

Woob woob woob! said Tommy, running back around Surge. I got ten pokedollars! he said tauntingly to Cindy, who gave chase.

Not for long you dont! That was supposed to be mine! she shouted.

I snorted, and Surge grinned. Cute kid! He winked at Alexa. Feel like making an honest man out of me and making a few of our own?

Alexa snorted. Thats not the worst pickup line I've heard, but it is far from the best. She waved a hand over her shoulder and walked away. Surge watched her go.

He turned back with a satisfied expression. I hate to see them He paused suddenly his eyes widening dramatically. Brock do you got two Tyranitar or is the beer I drank earlier off?

I glanced behind the chairs to find Empress and Titan standing behind us, watching the big screen we had set up earlier. No, shes joined my team. Surge, this is Empress.

Surge whistled as Empress inspected him before turning her head away. Daaaaaaamn! Now youre talking! Youre gonna flex on Lance hard when you make your run for Champion!

I snorted, and he shot me a look. Oh come on! Youd be great at it!

I waved a hand at him and rolled my eyes. Im good here.

Urgh! Greatness is going begging, man! he said with a shake of his head.

I waved for him to take a seat, and he did so, but not before reaching into a bag he had at his side and pulling out a can of beer. He cracked it and chugged it. Ah! Nice cold one fresh out the cooler! He raised his drink in my direction. You want one?

I waved him away, amused. Flint scowled at him and opened his mouth, only to close it and slump a little. Surge noticed and considered Flint. You want?

Flint shook his head. I think I should abstain going forward. Need to stay on the ball with the kids.

Huh, Surge said before grunting and finishing his beer in a few chugs. He glanced around. You got a Steel type thatll recycle these?

Lairon! I shouted. When Knight whined, I shot him a look. No, Im not feeding you beer cans. Youre one of my Elite pokemon. None of that for you!

Hes big enough, aint he? said Surge as he cracked open another beer.

I shook my head. Hes actually younger than Lairon. Hes very much still a juvenile for his species. Hes still growing.

Hmmm, righto then. Surge tossed his crushed beer can into the waiting maw of Lairon. To console Knight, I handed him some metal offcuts I got from the foundry which I used for snacks for him.

When the actual match started, I was interested to see Daisy square off against Will. I felt a spike of anger at seeing him flounce around. What pokemon do you think he will lead with? I offered up.

Surge eyed Will with narrowed eyes. If his Exeggcutor was in fighting shape, Id be shocked. It got pretty bodied against you. Also, the way he blew it up will have it feeling pretty rough. Not sure hell even get the chance to use it against me.

Hmmm, good, I said, happy to hear that it had cost him. Most of my pokemon had almost been up and about the next day.

Which pokemon will he use then? said Yolanda thoughtfully, a notepad out.

Hypno or Espeon? I offered.

Hed be the sort, Surge grunted. But also a Slowbro, Xatu Surge scratched his chin. Dont think a Gardevoir could stand him though.

Grumpig? I replied.

Surge snapped his fingers together. Oh! I know! Hed have to have a Mr Mime! Those are creepy mothers they are!

I chuckled at his antics and watched as Dasiy and Will stepped up to their podiums. I frowned when I noticed that the battlefield was the aquarium. Howd they get the right to use that for the Ace challenge?

Daisy shifted from foot to foot as the hail started to stop falling. No! Gyarados I need you to listen to me! she said plaintively. Use Hyper B

Psychic! Throw that pokemon out of the water! Will ordered causing his pokemon to glow with Psychic energy. Then Gyarados glowed as it was lifted despite its size and hurled out of the water like a giant angler had snagged the serpent and was pulling it ashore. It slammed into the side wall and cracked into the wall. Gyarados slumped after the hit, and Daisy matched it dejectedly.

Urgh the girl has dropped her head, shes letting him get to her. Shes lost her fighting spirit. Surge shook his head and took another drink. This wont last long, he said.

He was proven right when Daisys Starmie, Golduck, and Cloyster failed to last against Wills Alakazam or Hypno. Daisy slumped with each defeat.

Surge stood after it was all done and shook his head. Girl needs to stiffen her spine a bit. She was still in the fight.

Most of her pokemon werent as strong as that Gyarados, Yolanda pointed out carefully.

Doesnt matter; she could have had a freshly caught Legendary pokemon following him out, but it wouldnt have mattered. She wasnt in it. Shed lost already up here. He tapped the side of his head. She stopped trying to find a way to win after she lost that Gyarados. You cant let that happen in battle; otherwise, you may as well have your grave already dug.

Flint coughed pointedly, and Surge blinked. What? They get what I mean! he said waspishly.

Suzie yawned. Its alright; Sabrina will beat him.

Surge huffed. You wound me, Suzie girl; you wound me.

Youll live, she said as she patted him on the leg and then offered him a hug goodnight.

I rounded up the other kids and they gave Surge a hug before heading in with Flint. Surge bid his own goodbye and I waved him off.

Then I turned to Empress. So, what do you think?

She warbled a tone, and I keyed up a replay. Right so one of the best things that gets demonstrated here is the importance of following commands. See how Will exploited Gyarados for using Crunch? Daisy was actually right in calling out Dark Pulse instead of Crunch. By going for Crunch against a pokemon that can Teleport, he put himself in a weaker position.

Empress considered this while Titan nodded. Sanchez spoke up and waved his hand around, and I grinned. Good, my pokemon were talking about it. I glanced at my team of Elites, who had all stayed up to watch the match. I had to admit to feeling very pleased with myself.

It was a loss for Daisy and the Cerulean Gym, but it was going to work out great for me.

With Wills victory, the gleam in their eyes had returned.

It was good to have a target in sight for them.

I was proven right the next morning when my team put in a spirited training session where I could practically feel them getting stronger. Empress herself was extra attentive to my orders and seemed to accept them a bit easier as I had her hop and jump around, only to start unleashing some of the extremely potent moves she had learned during her years in the wild.

I sent Daisy a message to congratulate her on her strong showing and she sent back a series of emojis that had me chuckling.

Way too many winkie faces, I said to myself as I shut it off and headed towards my first match of the day. With the next match of importance being Surges match, I was going to be ready to help out the moment something went down.

Id gotten confirmation that my challenge had been accepted by Gavin so now it was time to do a final check over before I selected my team. Id also need to have a team ready for this weekend when Will went against Surge.

If Will tried to cheat against Surge, Id be ready to fall upon him like an avalanche.

Daisy shook hands with Will. He smiled charmingly at her, and for a moment she wondered what he looked like underneath that mask. The rest of him certainly looked attractive enough She shook herself. No, no, she wasnt going there.

Wills lips twisted downward, and Daisy almost giggled. She stepped back a moment later as Jeffrey, her big, loveable guard dog of a gym trainer stepped in to put a delicate hand on her shoulder. He was such a knight in shining armour.

"Alright, fuck off lad, said Jeffery gruffly.

Daisy pretended to swoon. Such a shame. If only he wasnt old enough to be her dad.

It was like having a battle-scarred Arcanine of an uncle who looked and sounded fierce but was so soft when there was just family around. Sort of like her Gramps.

Wills lips twisted into something ugly, and Daisy shook herself again, taking a step back. Thanks for the match, she said, bowing her head. Good luck against the other gym leaders! she said chirpily.

She turned and waved to the reporters and fans still hanging around. Wills crowd of supporters were chanting his name, and Will waved to them magnanimously. Will! Will! Will!

Bad luck out there Daisy! We love you! cried one voice during a break in the group's chanting.

Daisy perked up and beamed. She gave the crowd another wave and stepped forward to talk with the reporters. She held her smile and pretended to let all the thinly veiled insults slide off her.

What were you thinking when you stuck to the aquarium set-up? said one.

Did you think it would give you a fighting chance? sneered another.

Did you, heh, forget how electricity works? another said with a raised hand, as if that was enough to hide the laugh of derision.

Daisy kept smiling. If she let herself cry, theyd be like Sharpedo in bloody water. Oh! We just thought wed keep things the same, you know! Like, why change things around? This is our Gym, water battlefield, and all! she said like she hadnt given it much thought.

What were you thinking bringing out that Gyarados? It obviously doesnt respect you! said another.

What were you going to do if it rampaged?

Daisy huffed and rolled her eyes exasperatedly. Like, I had it under control! Grampys Gyarados was just grouchy to start things off. Hes something of a heritage pokemon so hes got his quirks! He did great through! Daisy felt her eyes sliding toward Jeffery, who had been ready to step in if Gyarados hadnt been willing to listen to her.

Challenger Will! Thats two of the Gyms now; are you going to keep this up?

Of course! Theres a wonderful symbolism in challenging in the order that I am! I know what people will be waiting for! Will said with a charming smile.

So Pewter or Cerulean? Which match did you prefer? The heart-wrenching struggle that ended in a draw? Or the one-sided match?

Daisy continued to hold her smile, although she felt like dropping it when Will glanced over at her appraisingly. She felt dirty as he smiled at her.

Well, I have to say I preferred todays match. My dance partner in Pewter left something to be desired with how it all ended up going down.

Daisy held her smile and didnt snort in derision. It wasnt something shed be able to get away with; shed lost rather convincingly after all.

When it was all said and done, she waved the crowd goodbye, sent Will off, and marched back to the private lounge. There, she found her family waiting for her. Violet had her boyfriend with her.

Daisy collapsed into a chair with a long groan. Like you all owe me big time for stepping up and fighting that guy! she complained. Jeffery approached with a bottle of sparkling water and a lemon slice. Daisy shot him an appreciative smile.

Violet and Lily nodded. Yeah! Thanks big sis! That wasnt a match I wanted to undertake!

Whyd you accept it though? asked Violets boyfriend. I thought Cerulean didnt take Ace Challengers, unlike the other gyms?

Daisy shrugged. I guess I just wanted us to be taken seriously. Jeffrey patted her on the shoulder. You did that lass, you got one of his pokemon which is a great showing.

Daisy smiled weakly, finished her drink, traded some verbal barbs with her sisters, prodded Violets boyfriend for any hotties he knew, and then retired to bed.

She sat on the edge and resisted the urge to curl up into a little ball. She instead keyed a number into her transceiver.

Misty answered quickly. Hey Daisy said her little sister.

Daisy almost called her out for sounding so hesitant. The tease was on her lips, but then Daisy remembered what Erika had said to her when shed mocked her sister the last time theyd had tea together. Her sister wasnt like Lily and Violet. They were sisters, but that didnt mean she should treat Misty the same way.

Misty was her own woman.

Hey, Misty, she said, allowing some of the tiredness to show. She wasnt a rookie trainer who would white out from having her team wrecked like that, but it still wasnt fun.

Misty remained quiet for a long moment. Thanks for accepting that challenge, she said eventually.

Anytime little sis, Daisy replied, flopping back onto her bed. She yawned. You still want the Gym after your journeys done, yeah? Its the least I can do to not give you a place people think is only a minor gym.

Y-yeah thanks. Howd you I mean Misty started to say, only to rethink her words.

Gosh, Misty was such an awkward ponyta, she was still growing into her hooves, it seemed. Daisy knew shed be beautiful one day, but damn if she wasnt awkward right now.

Howd you get Gyarados to listen to you? Misty said eventually.

Oh, Ive been trying to work with him, getting him used to me I think I almost have him interested in doing a show with us. He doesnt want to be the bad guy, though, so I think I need to rewrite the script I had planned.

Oh? Youre thinking of adding him to your show? Mum and Dad would have loved that, Misty said.

Daisy rubbed at her chest, where an old, familiar ache was. Yeah, yeah, they would have, and Grampa would have been all like, Urgh! you know?

Misty giggled, and Daisy found herself enjoying the sound. She yawned again. Well, I have to admit Im pretty wiped.

Oh, yeah! Good night then!

Yeah, but before I go! Have you kissed him yet!? asked Daisy with an amused lilt to her voice.

Bwah! What sort of question is that? No! No, I have not! I mean, were not like that!

Ooooooh, but youre thinking of it, arent you? said Daisy with a grin.

Argh! Just! Go to sleep! snarled Missy before she hung up.

Daisy giggled before remembering she wasnt supposed to be teasing her sister. Oops. Oh well, shed get used to being nice to her eventually, or Misty would learn to tease back.

Wouldnt that be a day? She thought as sleep claimed her.