Chapter 170: New targets

Chapter 170: New targets

I lay in my bed, my hands laced behind my head.

Id gotten in very well I couldnt actually call it late, or early, as Id ended up not coming home until Monday afternoon.

There were only a few annoyed trainers waiting for me but theyd accepted a reschedule easily enough. My team of employees had handled it well. They were getting quite used to adjusting for schedule shifts. I mentally marked them all down for another bonus.

When Id gotten in I hadnt been in any state to accept challengers and instead had retired to bed. Sabrina had turned up an hour later with Ralts tucked into her arm like a teddy bear to collapse on my bed.

Howd it go? I asked.

Sabrina sighed. Giovanni has one of the most disciplined minds I have ever had the unfortunate desire to read. He keeps his thoughts very tightly leashed and has been given top military training to this effect. Sabrina ran her hands through Ralts hair.

The League knows there are a lot of other resources that we should be locking down but as yet were not able to. So far anything that Giovanni has had a hand in either forming or supporting is being extensively reviewed, Sabrina said.

She shook her head, causing her long hair to flick about. Theyve so far had to raid eight charities that were only charities in name, two Battleclubs he sponsored, and a breeder.

I grimaced at the last site, only to pause and wonder if there werent more breeders under Giovannis payroll.

That... sadly enough tracks with what we know of him. Hes no slouch when it comes to spending big on himself. And as for the facilities Im surprised that there arent more, I said.

Those are only the ones that theyve found so far, Sabrina said.

Ah, I said. I reached over and began stroking Ralts hair as a yawn rippled through me. Im honestly amazed that he didnt escape, or that he hasnt escaped yet.

Hes had Lawyers trying to bog things up despite Lances declaration the other day as well. But you are correct, there are as yet no attempts that have been made. Lance is getting very concerned, considering that other Rocket members had people trying to break them out.

What? I sat up at that as alarm bells rang in my mind, my hands shooting away from Ralts horns. That doesnt make any sense! Daniel got hit squads and people trying to spirit him away within hours. I stared at Sabrina incredulously. Giovanni hasnt had anyone?

Sabrina nodded. Yes, it is very unnerving, and making the security around Giovanni tighter if anything. She put a hand to her chest. I got asked for identification and verification at least twice while I was there.

Huh I rubbed my chin. Do you think I should head back up there?

Sabrina pursed her lips before shaking her head. I think Lance can handle it. She eyed me for a moment and I knew that whatever she was about to say wasnt something I would like. I metaphorically got ready to sit on my hands.

Brock, she said hesitantly. She considered what shed say for a second before firming up. Brock, how are you feeling about Surge?

I clenched my fists. Betrayed, I said hotly.

Yes, I gathered that. Surge was your mentor as a Gym Leader.

I started to turn myself away only for Sabrina to put her hand on my shoulder. No, please dont close yourself off. Im sorry, Im handling this poorly.

No, I am, I said, before clapping my hands and exhaling slowly.

Sabrina didnt rush me and instead allowed me to inhale and force myself to let go. To unclench. I took the pressure off my hands and then simply took slow, deep breaths.

I allowed myself to flop back on the bed where I could stare at the ceiling as the fight went out of me.

Sabrina set herself next to me while Ralts moved into a position out of the way. I glanced at her and found her merely inspecting Sabrina and me. She must have been curious about all of this. It was a lot of drama, and as a young pokemon much of it would be foreign to her.

I chuckled, it felt like I had one of my siblings watching me. It made me want to be better. To do the right thing.

I hadnt had a feeling like this since

The Draw with Will.

I hummed. Whats the right thing to do in this situation? I said.

Whats right is whatever you decide. It needs to be right for you before anything else. Sabrina said her hand rubbing at my shoulder.

I stared into her eyes, a swell in my chest helping to keep me calm. I love you, I said before anything else.

Sabrina smiled and leaned down to kiss me. I know, she said smugly.

I waggled my eyebrows and waited.

She hummed, keeping me waiting for a moment more. And I love you. She then tapped my nose. But I also know that you meant to say, how did you get so good at this? she said, lifting her head faux imperiously.

I chuckled, Sabrina had seen right through my next question. If I wasnt so sure she couldnt predict me using her Psychic abilities, I would have sworn she read my mind or looked into the future.

I knew better though. She just knew me that well.

I grinned. Oh, I know how you got so good at all this. It was Alakazam I considered the other options before shaking my head. I would have said Erika as well, maybe not for this point Then I frowned. Actually, with what weve learnt about how things went down with her father and uncle and Silph Co. she might have a unique insight.

Sabrina nodded and kissed me again, not in a manner that would ignite any passion but in a simple romantic gesture of love.

We let a quiet moment linger between us as we just basked in knowing that our bond was strong? I wasnt sure what to call this. I just knew that it was good.

Eventually, Sabrina circled a finger on my shoulder, drawing me back to the conversation wed been having. So? What is the right thing to do with Surge?

Whats happening to him? I asked, deciding that I wanted to know how harshly the book was being thrown at him for being caught supporting Team Rocket. There must be a lot of charges levied against him.

Yes, although the League is also flummoxed by him.

Yeah, I cant say I expected to have him there. I counted off on my fingers. That makes four of the Kanto Gyms that will be out of I trailed off as Sabrina shook her head.

It seems once again that Surge has taken a good number of people by surprise, she said.

I frowned. Has he escaped? I said, with that being the first idea of what was going on coming to mind.

Sabrina merely shook her head.

I tilted my head and waved a hand. Alright, whats Surge done thats got everyone so out of sorts? I asked.

[/hr]

HE WHAT?! shouted President Kruger, coincidentally upending the last three hours of paperwork that hed done as he flipped the table.

Lance gave the paperwork an amused glance before giving the Leagues President a raised eyebrow. I said, he abdicated before he went to assist Giovanni, Lance said.

Kruger stared at Lance. And he thinks that will hold up? Thats nothing! No its worse than nothing! Its intent!

Lance nodded. It should have been. But well. Lance shook his head. He made sure to document everything, down to the minute of his changing Gym Leader for Vermilion and how he was being called to assist Gym Leader Giovanni, who he, coincidentally, had no idea was the leader of Team Rocket. He set up multiple fail-safes and made sure that the Gym remained within his clutches through some proxy Gym Leader, Lance said.

And his lawyers were at the League before we even knew he was being taken in! Lance said with a dead-eyed stare of one that has had to endure the cost of unparalleled success. Paperwork neverending.

Were doing a deep dive on him! Arent we? Kruger said, jogging Lance out of his waking nightmare. He has to have known! He has to have willingly colluded and set out to impede the police from detaining a criminal!

Until we arrived, that is not clear as nothing was announced publicly and we even called him in, but he said he couldnt come which now seems extremely suspect in retrospect, Lance said.

Lance shook his head. As for the mental deep dive? Surge was the recipient of a number of military additions that made it unwise to attempt to do anything mentally with him. There are chances that it will kill him, or him as well as the psychic that attempts it. Lance rubbed his eyes. Or, potentially, evencause an explosion that will take out the room at the very least.

Kruger sank back into his chair. He was one of the volunteers for the deadman button? Id seen reports on that but hadnt known he was one of the blacked-out names it makes sense that hed have been given a Gym if he was one of the survivors, Kruger said, rubbing an old scar on his hand. I wonder whatever happened to the other three

Kruger shook himself before coughing. So, hes put up a paper defence. Are we going to allow it?

Effectively Yes, we need Vermillion Gym to stay open.

And what about the person who has inherited the Gym? Who is it? Kruger asked. If theyre not suitable we will have grounds to strip them.

Lance sighed. Her name is

[/hr]

Visquez, Sabrina said. You may have encountered her in passing at Surges Gym, but it is doubtful.

She waved a hand back and forth. From what I have learned, Surge had her taking various tasks that saw her outside of Kanto quite a lot and she only came back recently. She was there to witness Surges battle against Will but we didnt meet her.

I rubbed my chin and considered what Id been told. For Surge to pull off what hed done, hed have needed to make her the new Gym Leader, and if he used the same old inheritance laws that impacted the older style Gyms Visquez is his daughter then? I said aloud.

Sabrina nodded. Indeed. She will be called in. She held up a hand. Surge he has asked for my own, and if you can, your support in helping Visquez take over the Vermillion Gym.

I blinked at that. You spoke with him?

After the difficulties with Giovanni, I was assigned to look over Surge but from what they implanted into his brain I wasnt confident I could do it without serious ramifications, she said.

Ah, right, I said. I now had a good idea of what was going on. I now knew what Surge had done. I didnt believe for a second that he didnt know in some manner that Giovanni was the Leader of Team Rocket.

Too many small moments in the past, such as where Surge sat during Gym Leader meetings or small innocuous comments were making my mind itch.

I had thought nothing much of it last time, as hed been trying to haze Grey, but he had still sat with them. Had he done other things as well? I worked my jaw. I think I should have punched him in the face while I could get away with it, I said aloud.

Sabrina nodded. Sadly, time didnt allow for that. You did get a rather good punch in on Will however, did it feel good?

I glanced away. ...yes, I said.

Dont mind her little guy, shes just excited to meet you is all, I said, petting the Sinnoh pseudo-legendary.

I shook my head to Bertha and she slumped and settled for a wave at the tiny pokemon. Everyone, this is Gible, hes a new addition and I had him with the family. He was picked up during the raid with Team Rocket, where it was discovered that theyve been able to make contact with another region, so that will probably be something that happens soonish. We dont have a date on that however and it was determined that I would look after this little guy.

I held him out. Gible are known as the starting evolution to some powerful pokemon in their region though and if he is interested I would be happy to have him join us.

I gestured to Bertha and Don causing both pokemon to tilt their heads. Im already well experienced with strong ground, or draconic temperament pokemon after all. When he fully evolves, which will take a while as a dragon pokemon, he might be a match for some of my strongest pokemon, I said, indicating Bertha, Titan, and Empress who perked up in surprise.

Gible waved his arms and gnashed his teeth in excitement at this, and I smiled. Hes still months, if not years off from that thought. But if hes around during training sessions dont mind him. He will need to know what he's signing up for after all. I put him on the ground, and Gible advanced, only for Bertha to try and snatch him up again.

Gible dodged this and instead dove towards Empress who had Teddiursa sitting next to her.

Gible hid behind Empress and my second Tyranitar shot Bertha an unimpressed look. She then smirked as she reached down and stroked a single claw across Gibles head with intense focus. When Gible nuzzled into the claw firmly and didnt seem bothered, Empress became very pleased with herself. Bertha collapsed onto her hands and knees dramatically.

Rhhhhhhhhy! she said sadly.

I let my other pokemon greet the newest additions in their own way before continuing with what else I wanted to talk about.

Right! The other news I had was that I wanted to tell you all that I would like to continue the Ace battles weve been undergoing of late. I know I started doing these as just a method to keep ourselves sharp while running the gym, but I think we can do more.

Ty? Tar? Titan asked.

Yes, this means more high-end battles, I said, understanding what Titan meant.

Were going to be shifting around some of the pokemon that I use for this as well as continuing the training that we have had in the past. With Giovanni out of the picture I want us to be stronger than ever instead of watching our backs all the time.

I adopted a stern expression. That is not to say that we shouldnt expect some tough fights, however. There are still a lot of pokemon and trainers out there that will take us down if we let ourselves grow complacent.

I locked eyes with many of my pokemon. Weve tangled with two Legendary pokemon now, and so far weve driven each one off with assistance. I want that to be the bare minimum goal from now on, alright?

The group nodded, calling out their names in agreement as they did so. Gible and Zubat gasped in awe and their gaze tracked around the others, taking them in with more respectful gazes.

Bertha made a punching gesture. Perior! she said with a fanged grin.

I chuckled and signalled for her to wait before she could get too caught up in retelling the story of how she punched a Moltres out of the air.

The reason I want to keep going with the Ace battles is well its mostly for me; I want to keep getting stronger, and I enjoy the higher tier battles.

I once again looked around. I think I also want to make sure that I have a very large say in whoever wants to become an Elite Four using this method. I have a bit of a say in the rookie entrance method, with most people seeking out my badge. I dont have any say for those that are to be in the tougher regions with the Rangers, but I can impact this.

I grinned. "So, are you all interested in that?

I got a resounding roar of approval from my pokemon with Link, Teddiursa, and Gawain all hopping forward to punch their arms into the air.

I had thought that would be their response. I looked at Titan and saw him smirking.

He gave me a thumbs up and I chuckled. Alright, rest up today, light session tomorrow; we might find another Ace battle this week, but otherwise were getting ready for the Ace tournament next week.

I looked around. All of you will be fighting, I said firmly, I will make some time and have something set up, have no doubt. Just dont expect it to be every time, I said, eyeing the almost twenty Elite pokemon I now had.

I marched back into the Gym and rounded up the Gym Trainers, receptionists, and assistants I had with a group message. While I waited for everyone to come in, I toyed around with my new Xtransciever.

Ooooh thats shiny! said Rachel as she locked onto the new watch immediately after she walked into the room.

Thanks, I got it from that tour with Silph Co., I said with a shrug. Its pretty neat; its got a few more features and seems to be smoother with the user interface.

Rachel stared at me. You realise that means that you likely have one of the only models right now yeah? That watch wont be sent out for like Rachel waved her hands around as if searching for the word only to make a frustrated noise. Urgh! Like months or years even!

I was about to wave her comment off before I paused. Silph Co. was under investigation for a number of issues following the raid by Team Rocket. So, chances were that Rachel wasnt wrong.

Huh, neat, I said after thinking about it a little more.

Rachel twitched. You have one of the must-have items before anyone has one, and thats all you can say? she said.

Yes? I said, tilting my head.

Rachel sighed. Dont let too many people know, or they will try to steal that just for how much of a power statement that is.

I considered that. Would this be like getting the latest iPhone in my previous life before the latest model came out only for I sighed. Yeah, it was pretty much exactly like that.

Right, Ill be careful, I said.

Rachel gave me a dubious look and I frowned. What? Whats that look for?

Brock, you let things slip all the time, maybe just dont mention it to your siblings?

I sucked my lips in and looked away. Yeeeeeeah? Salvadore was there, and he got one with me.

Rachel slumped. Youre doomed; prepare to be challenged by some tech dweebs or something for your watch.

I chuckled, knowing that was probably going to play out. I glanced around and noted that everyone was here with Bianca walking in with Jennifer.

Brock! Great news! The volcano is ready for ignition! Jennifer said. This drew an appreciative round of murmurs from everyone and I nodded.

Thanks, can you shut the door? I need to read everyone in on what happened and why I wasnt here today.

Rachel pinched the bridge of her nose. Brock should we know about this?

I shrugged. You work for me and were impacted by this, also, it is going to be in the news very soon. I pointed right at her. You and Jennifer more than anyone else need to know what happened.

Rachel perked up, adopting a serious expression as Jennifer wheeled herself over and closed the door before returning.

I rolled my shoulders and decided to just dive in. Alright, so things have been building since Team Rocket tried to break in and Daniels reveal as an Agent of Team Rocket but things have come to a head. I smiled. Thankfully the good guys won.

Rachel bounced in her seat and I grinned.

It started yesterday when Lance approached Sabrina and I I then detailed how the last twenty-four hours had gone for me, barring some additional information, such as the Guardians leaking information about Giovanni to the League, or how Id battled a Legendary pokemon.

The reveal that Giovanni, Blaine, and Grey were all Team Rocket members was a shock. When I told them Surge had been there, Dennis groaned.

Noooo! Not the Lieutenant! He was a pillar of Kanto! The muscle-bound man shook his head. Im so tearing his poster down! he said. I cant believe he was a Rocket!

I raised a hand. The League is a bit confused on that, as while he moved to assist Giovanni he has stated he isnt a Team Rocket member. His daughter has also stepped in to take over the Gym.

This caused a round of murmurs that were mostly versions of Surge had a daughter?

When I finished there was a long silence. You will hear some of this in the news as it is too big not to be released. It is also a gigantic win for the League but there will be some shifts. We will anticipate some of this

Holy shit! Mayor Jonathan is fucked! Jennifer whod been quietly listening, suddenly swore and I soon realised that she was correct.

Huh, I said. I hadnt thought of that but yeah, hes going to be politically toxic now isnt he?

Jennifer nodded. Him, and anyone that accepted cash or support from Giovanni or his intermediaries. Jennifer licked her lips. Theres going to be a huge shake-up across Kanto due to this.

Indigo, I said offhandedly, my mind elsewhere. They also caught a few others in Johto affiliated with Team Rocket acting as Gym Leaders, I said.

This caused another stir and Rachel whistled. Alright, seems like weve got some work ahead of us planning how things are going to go. She tilted her head. Are you still going to do the Ace tournament next week?

Yes, I want the points, Ive decided Im still going to go for as high a position as I can in the rankings, I said.

A.J. grinned at this and Missy perked up. This would be very good news for them due to their interests. I waved a hand.

Make some time for Missy this week, another Ace match, a visit or two with the League, and then the Ace tournament next week.

So keeping busy hmmm? It will be good to have the Gym closed for next week though, Rachel said.

I hummed and tilted my head. Whys that? My eyes scouring the schedule and pausing on next weekend.

Rachel rolled her eyes. The contest you set up months ago? That is scheduled? Weve had flyers and posters set up around town and in nearby towns along with posting on the pokenet. We have a lot of interest so far in the tough contest.

Rachel waved a hand at my sheepish expression. It makes sense you forgot with everything thats been going on, dont sweat it.

I nodded and swept my eyes to the week after which had been blocked out for students from the Pokemon Technical Academy followed by a lecture there.

Brock, you also have some requests from Celadon University? Alexa said.

Hmmm do that the week after, I said. It seemed I would be returning to being quite busy after the tournament. I would still have some time to build points though with the dedicated slot for Ace or Fourth tier challenges around lunch.

I nodded and turned my attention to other things, my mind already turning with everything I had to do this week. Somewhere in there, I wanted to start returning to walking my siblings to school occasionally, but that would be out of work hours.

I chuckled. Despite Team Rocket being gone, I was still as busy as always.

I rolled my shoulders and felt myself shift into the flow of running my Gym. It was good that I was busy.

I wouldnt have it any other way.