Chapter 155: Set up and curiosity

Chapter 155: Set up and curiosity

The workout with Trixie had everyone gasping and sweating by the time we were done. I collapsed into a chair for a quick discussion with the team and watched as everyone else staggered, dragged themselves, or were carried in.

A.J. glared at everyone from the corner, his body barely functioning as Trixie deposited him. Hed tried to keep up with Trixie and when that didnt work, hed tried to keep up with me. Then hed settled for Dennis. Eventually, hed had to settle on hanging as close as he could to Yolanda. Most people laughed at his surly expression.

Rachel glowered right back at A.J., surprising a few people, but I just rolled my eyes. She could be so petty when she thought people were getting too close to her girlfriend.

It wasnt Well, actually, it very much was A.J.s fault that he was too exhausted to walk and therefore needed to be carried, but I dont even think girls registered to him in that way.

A.J. nodded at Rachel in respect, but that only made her glare harder.

Yolanda giggled from where she was sitting as I shook my head. Poor kid didnt realise that Rachel thought he was trying to get carried by Trixie like she was, instead of just being a training maniac.

A.J. turned away from her, obviously confused as to why the usually bouncy and bright Rachel was almost hissing at him. I swiped my face with my towel and clapped my hands. Alright team, brief one today. Im hoping then we can enjoy the rest of our Sunday!

This got a ragged cheer from the group.

I glanced down at the meeting minutes. First off, Bianca has some news?

Bianca stood up and lifted up a tray that held a trio of pokeballs. Ladies and gentlemen of the Pewter Gym! I give you the first success of the breeding program! She pushed the button on the front of the first, and a young Kabuto was revealed.

Everyone in the room straightened up despite their fatigue, understanding the significance of the trio of pokeballs. Another opened to reveal a new Omanyte that sank back into its helix-like shell.

The last pokeball opened and a young Aerodactyl was revealed. It hopped onto the table and raised its wings to roar in greeting. Aero! it screeched.

The ancient pokemon eggs you gathered are starting to hatch?! Stephen said, somewhat unnecessarily. Bianca raised two fingers up to form a V.

Yes, they are! Elm is going to be so happy when I send in the documentation! Brock! Youre soon going to be the owner of another four Kabuto, six Omanyte and two more Aerodactyls, counting these few!

Bianca put her hand on the aerodactyl on the table. It crooned and rubbed its head into her palm. This little one is a girl and the daughter of Don! She adjusted her glasses and smiled.

But there's more! Crowley has been working with the samples Brock secured a few months ago and will be sending through another two pokemon from each of the samples he was granted by Pryce! So were getting a new bloodline to use to truly start setting up proper bloodlines and breeding groups! she said.

I beamed at her, feeling suddenly much more energised. That is fantastic news! I would like two to be allocated to the gym. Well train them up, and I think they will be great additions. The Aerodactyl, due to their rather draconic tendencies, I cant see them as anything less than a fourth-tier challenge. That will open up a lot of opportunities for Gym trainers fighting at that level to use some truly different pokemon.

A.J. perked up at that. We dont have to use those weak Zubat? nice!

I snapped my fingers to return attention. I will be reminding anyone that wants to take part in training the new Aerodactyl that you need to have a certain mindset typically with them. They will otherwise try to run right over you. Give them an inch, and they will take a mile from you. There are some texts on raising dragon pokemon in our computers and the bookcase, they will be required reading for anyone looking to ask me about it, I said firmly.

Rocko raised a hand. Ive read those books, and Id like to point out that Im a good example of a trainer that doesnt mesh well with Dragon pokemon and their training methods. Im too lax. Rocko waved a hand to Dennis.

Dennis blushed in a pleased way before coughing. My methods can be more palatable for dragon pokemon, but remember theyre not true dragons, so you wont have to stick too much to the training methods outlined in the books. Dennis chuckled. Its not like were expecting to get a rock-dragon pokemon after all!

A few people chuckled, but I smirked to myself. I couldnt wait to find a Tyrunt, then wed see some reactions. I chuckled to myself; I could just imagine how green with envy Lance would be if I beat him to find one.

I coughed and shook off my thoughts, returning to the moment.

Yolanda was squinting at me and I waved a hand at her, worried that my sister was onto me. She might not have mind-reading powers, but she probably had the best read on me of the people in the room.

Excellent news. Were starting to get a solid group of ancient pokemon, I said, before circling the point on the form. Ive been toying with the idea and I think it might hold some interest for people but Im thinking of offering a challenge for just Ancient pokemon.

I smiled and waved my hand expansively. Im thinking of calling it the Jurassic challenge? I glanced around the room. Thoughts?

A.J. grunted. Eh, will they be stronger?

I sighed. Theyd be the same level, just with ancient pokemon.

Lame, said A.J., deciding he wasnt interested anymore.

Stephen was much more animated, however. It would be an excellent draw for the Gym and highlight the work that were doing!

Bianca coughed.

That we researchers are doing! Stephen corrected.

Bianca coughed again.

That Bianca is doing, Stephen said.

Bianca beamed happily.

I chuckled at their antics, but otherwise looked around the room and found general support otherwise. When I got to Georgina, she looked like she was bouncing some figures around.

It would be a good idea to limit the number of spots But that could also be a prestigious challenge; we should charge more for it as some people might try to exploit it by knowing precisely which pokemon can be used instead of the wider stable.

I raised a finger. That is a lot of good points to consider, actually. I checked with the others and found thoughtful faces but no one with anything more to say. Ill leave it up as a point on our internal systems and have it up on the wall for people to write any comments they come across.

Rachel leaned to the side. Use the pokenet! Its the future! Go digital! she said, pointedly looking at Dennis as she said this.

He sniffed. Putting it up on the corkboard means everyone will look at it!

Rachel groaned and mumbled something about an old man, which made him huff in mock indignation.

I snorted at their banter and waved my hand to indicate that I was moving on. I have a note here about the Pokemon Technical Academy. What is this about? I asked, looking around.

A giggle ripped through Georgina and Alexa, with Alexa taking a moment of fake coughing to regather herself. The Pokemon Technical Academy called back, and they want you to do a lecture. Along with blocking out some of the slots next month for their students to challenge the Gym as part of their assessments like you did in previous years.

Oh, I said, tilting my head. Dont they usually organise that earlier in the year? Did the surge push them back?

Alexa had a very smug look on her face. I believe the issue was that I called them at the time to inform them of how busy you had become.

I and a number of others blinked slowly, expecting him to say more. When nothing more came, I tilted my head further. Rachel was the first to understand what Alexa was saying.

Oh they didnt! said Rachel.

Yolanda and Greta all nodded knowingly. Crystal, who looked lost, hurriedly copied them, only for her mother, Georgina, to lean over and whisper something.

Those pricks! said Crystal, at whatever shed been told, earning her mothers ire and a pinched cheek.

I raised a hand. And may the rest of the class know what the issue is? I said like I was the teacher with a group of whispering schoolgirls.

Alexa coughed and smiled. They thought they were being snubbed because I was the person to reach out to them to tell them about the issue.

I tilted my head as the girls in the room hissed in solidarity. I frowned. What was the issue with that exactly?

That I reached out, a mere personal assistant, instead of you, Alexa said, spelling it out for me. This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.

Oh, well I toyed with the idea of pushing back the applicants, but at this point, it would put the students out more, some of whom would be trying to test out for the circuit at the end of the year. When are they booked in? I might have a word with the Principal about it.

Dont; I have an idea how to handle it, Alexa said with a smile that promised the man would be embarrassed, and she was looking forward to it. I decided to nod and accept it.

Salvadore raised his hand. How do the Pokemon Technical Academy tests match up to earning a badge? I thought they didnt need to do that?

Ah, that is a common misconception. They have a longer period of studying, but they still challenge at some Gyms. We merely have to test them at higher levels as a sort of validation process for the Academy, I said, waving my hand back and forth slightly.

The matches are more for the Academy if anything, despite being a valuable experience for the students by giving them practical experience. The Academy doesnt need to do it every year, but they like to hold themselves above the standards set by the Pokemon League. They wont be able to claim that, however, if they dont set up these challenges. It is something written into their advertising and curriculum, which will get them in hot water if parents have to ask why they didnt organise something this year for their children.

League Standards? What does it determine? Salvadore asked.

It determines how valid the graduation from the Academy is. If a certain percentage of the students arent able to pass a standardised test, the institute usually has to undergo a review to be recertified, and they need to have their teaching methods overhauled or intensified, I said.

I shook my head. I dont expect it to happen, honestly. Pewter Academy is a very well-established facility that I eyed Alexa, usually has their heads on right with teaching students how to fight with a myriad of pokemon and situations. They do like to expound the type-advantage match up a bit too much in the early segments of their teaching, however, so expect that.

Crystal sat forward. Hey, Alexa? How are you going to mess with them?

I considered saying that wasnt something we should pursue, but I decided to hold back to hear what she had planned before I decided anything.

Alexa smiled, It might cause the Principal to get a bit nervous if his less academically inclined students were scheduled first.

The youngest people in the room all tilted their heads in confusion but I chuckled as I understood the issue. It would create the perception among people that his academy was at risk of failure and have him sweating, no? I said.

Alexa nodded, and I rubbed my chin in thought. That wasnt too evil, was it?

He nodded furiously and skipped back and forth, much to Chanseys annoyance. She made a show of clicking her tongue and pretending to read a magazine. Sadly for her it was upside down, and I could see her eyes tracking Clefairy as he hopped from side to side.

You know you have a lot of potential Clefairy, I said when he settled down. Once youve evolved I think Ill add some puzzles and other training methods for you. You have eight moves already and you might be a pokemon capable of more than that. Lets see how far we can take you. So no slacking off once you evolve, alright?

Clefairy! he said, his eyes practically sparkling.

I nodded back at him. Youve put in some hard work these last few weeks, buddy; I think its time to start using you in Ace matches after next week. I made a mental note to also take him along to the Guardian training sessions I would have in the mornings. More experience would be great for him and hed be a wonderful x-factor. Sort of like Koga owning a Charizard.

I stood and nodded to Chansey. When I left, Clefairy was already trying to run out the door, ecstatic at the news. I mentally started shifting gears, contemplating my other pokemon

Teddiursa would work to get a wider list of moves, and then Id also have Cranidos and Tirtouga to work on, as well as Anorith.

I rolled the potential roster of pokemon Id be able to lay claim to around, and toyed with the potential training timeline for achieving said team. As I did this I ambled towards the trainer lodgings I had in the gym. When I reached the common room I wasnt surprised to find Rocko and Samuel already there, locked in an epic fight with what looked like Mariokart.

No! No! You will not beat me with Bowser of all people! screamed Oak as Rocko leaned back, completely at ease as he lazily thumbed the joystick on his controller.

I glanced at the screen and found that it was Samuel as Mario versus Rocko as Bowser.

Good versus evil? I said as I sat next to them.

Yuuuuuup, said Rocko as his racer came up on the final straight. Evil for the win, he said with a grin.

Not today! screamed Samuel with a manic expression, as his racer gained a blue shell. It fired off, and Rocko groaned as it smashed into him, stopping him from claiming the win as instead Samuel streaked across the finish.

Ha! Yes! Victory! shouted Samuel Oak like a maniac.

I snorted and picked up a controller, only for Rocko to grimace. Sorry, bossman, were on something of a marathon showdown right now, he said, gesturing to a board that showcased the entire racing list of the Mariokart world. It also listed off the positions they achieved and which racer they used.

This seems a little extensive, I said neutrally. I glanced at Sam. Does Daisy know youre here?

He nodded as he pointed to Rainbow Road. That one! Ill take Peach for this race! he said, ignoring the question. I shrugged. He was an adult after all. I put the controller down as Rocko put his hand on his Gloom and rubbed its head, his eyes growing a little more lidded.

I should demand that you play sober, Sam grumbled good-naturedly.

You know he plays better stoned, right? I pointed out.

I know! And thats the problem! Sam said, as Rocko selected his racer.

I watched them fight for another race, and when Rocko jumped over the edge to land ahead of Oak on the last lap to win, I stepped in to stop Sam from throwing a tantrum.

I had a question for you if you dont mind, I said, my tone serious.

Rocko glanced at me. Should I step out for a bit? he said, glancing from me to Sam. I shook my head and gestured for him to stay seated.

Oak set his controller down and made it clear he was listening to what I had to say next.

I shifted and rolled my thumbs a little before just biting the bullet and asking. What was Damiens story? I asked, unable to repress my curiosity.

Samuel sighed and sat back, lacing his own hands together. Damien, yes. That boy is an interesting case. Did you know that his situation marks one of six failures on my part with handing out traditional starters to a trainer? Id like to think those are good numbers considering that Ive given out over a hundred and fifty such starters.

He waved a hand. Some years I give out more than just three if I think the students are particularly skilled and at risk of missing out. Ash Ketchum was one such boy. He just barely missed out on his grades, but he scored highly in other fields, and I saw potential in him.

Rocko and I nodded, both of us having seen it ourselves. Ash was a quick study, able to work out tactics on the fly and adapt. I knew there was potentially even more with that on account of some time travel that may or may not be a factor. I had no idea and wouldnt ever ask.

Samuel gestured into the air. Damien is the son of a young businessman who was constantly away for his work, but there were expectations placed on him. Expectations that he seemed to be achieving. He scored exceptionally well at school thanks to tutors assisting him, and he worked hard during the parts of the camps that we graded. He had a cadre of boys that were his friends, but there wasnt anything untoward.

Samuel stared into the distance. I think the issue came when his father was fired earlier this year. Momentum carried him over the line to achieve one of the starter pokemon His relationship with his father soured, however I wont share the details, but the father is in prison and I have tapped the same police to take care of Damiens situation. It doesnt excuse how he treated Charmander, but it does explain it. Ive interceded on his behalf, and he will most likely be sent to a rehabilitation facility to care for pokemon injured by criminal organisations.

Ah, I said. That was a lot more than I was expecting. Id been expecting a very different story. It would have been easier in some ways if he was just a bad kid, end of story, but that wouldnt have been the truth. Sorry if I overstepped.

Im not, said Sam, surprising me. Im glad that youre curious about cases like this rather than being judgemental.

... I opened my mouth before shutting it. I dont know what to say about that.

Samuel merely smiled. You dont have to say anything. DO try to remain curious Brock, its a wonderful thing, curiosity.

He picked back up his controller, And now I shall reclaim the lead against you Rocko! Samuel said, dropping the serious expression instantly and returning to being a fun-loving nerd in an instant.

I snorted and stood to leave them to their gaming marathon.

I made my way out to my home, where I found my family lounging around with various activities. I plopped myself down next to Tommy. What are we doing? I said, and he grinned as he told me what he wanted from me.

For the rest of the day, I slowly spent a bit of time with each of my siblings. When it came time for dinner I had most of them happily bouncing in their seats and looking forward to a fun evening.

Flint smiled at us all, and for a moment I almost felt like things were right, in a way that they hadnt been for so long.

Then Flint opened his mouth. So, I was thinking it might be nice to go camping on Mt Moon soon? I hear that you take your siblings up there all the time? If you can come along, I think we can make it a family trip all at once.

I paused. Ah, I wont be able to I paused. With my schedule easing off, I did have time Heck, it would actually work out really well with Clefairys evolution that I was planning as well. A nice symbolism.

I still frowned. Im not sure it's a good idea to take the kids during the week with it being a school night.

Nope! said Suzie happily. Its not school time right now! Were on break for the next week!

I blinked. You are? I glanced at the calendar and realised that they were right. That was weird. Usually, my break lined up with Oh right, the surge of trainers had forced me to move it earlier in the year and my week break didnt line up with the school holiday.

Id forgotten then. Oh, sorry, I hadnt realised, I said, feeling oddly ashamed.

Suzie kicked her feet. Thats okay! Youre busy! We understand!

I chewed my lip and looked up to find that Flint was looking a bit dejected, as were some of the others, like Cindy and Billy. I licked my lips. How about we do it? Head out during the week and stay the night? I couldnt guarantee any Clefairy I trailed off.

Actually, that was a lie, I could probably get my Clefairy to lure out some of his family to play with my siblings He might like the chance to reconnect. Well huh, I could do that as well. I looked to Flint. Hows Thursday or Friday sound?

Flint beamed at me. Sounds great son! he said.

I gave him a hesitant smile and ignored the weird feeling at hearing him call me son.

Instead, I turned my attention to Tilly, who was trying to feed Munchlax her meal. When I spotted Yolanda giving me a megawatt smile, I rolled my eyes at her.

Sabrina didnt make an appearance, but I traded messages back and forth with her before going to bed. When the bedroom filled with a flash of light, I adjusted so that she could slip into my arms and fall asleep without a word being said.

Before the sun rose I once more was out training with the Guardians before making my way home to train some more with Yolanda and my pokemon.

I paid special attention to Teddiursa and the little guy seemed to delight in the attention. I had my elite pokemon rest up and like theyd done for the workout theyd gotten to watch, theyd laid down and watched the others train. It rather reminded me of people laying on divans watching gladiator matches, especially with how Bertha waved her hand about and warbled for Titan to fetch her some water and berries. She only got a flat, unimpressed look before he turned away, ignoring her antics. Sanchez decided to join her game and took up fanning her with a Lilleep until I caught him at it and had him release the grass type.

In the meantime, Quirrina worked with Clefairy, who Id need to think up a name for fairly soon.

After breakfast, I strode into my Gym feeling good about the week. I had a plan and was making serious strides in improving myself and my pokemon. Most of the big names had come through the Gym, and things were starting to wrap up while my own personal goals were being reached.

I accepted the schedule from Alexa and saw a list of names and challenges listed off, only to stop as I realised I wasnt done with interesting people.

There was a big name here that I recognised.

Ritchie from Frodomar City, huh? I said out loud.

This would be another of Ashs future rivals making an appearance. I tilted my head. This was the kid that had a Pikachu, a Charmeleon, a Butterfree what else did the kid have? I felt like there was something else that made this kid interesting, specifically to me.

Why was that? What made this kid interesting?

Oh! This trainer has also requested some time with you this afternoon. Theyve even paid for one of their pokemon! said Alexa, having noticed my attention on Ritchies name.

Yeah? Thats rare for a trainer to pay the fee for time with me. What pokemon?

A Larvitar! Alexa said.

I stopped. Oh damn, that was right. Ritchie had a Pupitar in the series, didnt he?

Tell Yolanda to sit in on this tutoring session; she might have some good pointers to add, and she might enjoy meeting another Larvitar trainer. I tapped Ritchies name once again.

Well, that certainly made today much more interesting.