Chapter 176: Family downtime

Chapter 176: Family downtime

When the post-match wrapped up I checked my watch and was pleased to see that I still had plenty of time until my booked Teleport transport was due. I glanced up. There was another Ace match booked in but.. I had already gotten my fill of reviewing potential matchups and trainer fights for the day.

I wanted something else. I shot Yolanda a thoughtful look. She looked a bit tired but still had a bounce in her step thanks to the victory.

Want to head out to the entertainment area for some fun now that the match is done? I tapped my Xtransceiver. We still have another hour before we need to leave, I said.

Yolanda perked up before wilting. Oh, ummm, wont the locals still be giving us the cold shoulder? she said.

I grinned at her. I think, with how everything eventually played out, theyll be rather welcoming, you know?

Yolanda hummed but decided to nod. Missy and A.J. joined us, and I led us all out to the entertainment area of the pier that encompassed the stadium.

I had to give whoever designed this place some credit; the entire pier was rock solid and despite the moves thrown around in the stadium, there wasnt any shaking going on.

I shook that thought off and turned towards the surrounding entertainment area. A few of the signs still flashed with mine and Corvos faces but others had snapped onto showing highlights of our match with a caption of watch on battlecast for replay across the bottom.

I hummed and walked into the entertainment area.

A few people glanced in our direction and more than a few gained the light of recognition. Before any bad reactions could form, I tapped two pokeballs and released Gawain and Link. Both of them appeared and blinked in surprise.

Hey, you two! Great work today! I said. I waved a hand about us. Were going to have some fun, interested in joining us? I said.

Link and Gawain shared a look with each other. They were each the newest members of my Elite squad. They glanced around and then shared another look before each of them gained goofy smiles before they jumped and shot their arms into the air.

Vor! Fable!

When they jumped for joy I could only laugh as they acted their ages.

Yolanda perked up, realising what I was doing as the people that had been side-eyeing me perked up.

Hey! Thats the Clefable that just fought daddy! said a girls voice. He was really nice!

I grinned. While Johto was known for their cold shoulders they were also known for recognising kindness more than any other region. Link, without even meaning to, had thawed their response to us.

Thanks to him, all of the vendors that we approached were more than happy to let Yolanda, Missy, Gawain, Link, and I, to play their games.

I had to raise my Xtransciever a few times to take photos of Gawain playing the rubber psyduck game with the tips of his axes instead of the pole and hook provided.

Yolanda dragged the pair of pokemon with her and Terra to a merry-go-round where they all laughed happily. Missy disappeared for a few minutes and came back with an armload of fluffy toys that she shoved into my travel pack.

You want me to hold these? I asked curious about what she was doing.

Hmmm? Oh, no! These are for your little brothers and sisters, dont worry I have tons of toys like this. There are a few tricks you can learn if you spend a bit of time and way too much money on these things. Once you work out the tricks you can win pretty big, she said with a shrug.

Yolanda heard this and shot me a pleading look. I waved a hand. Care to show us rookies? I said, handing Yolanda some money to play with.

From there, we spent the rest of our time playing games with the goal of winning prizes. More often than not I ended up with the consolation prizes but by the end, Yolanda had won herself a plush Bulbasaur while Terra had a smaller plush Tyranitar.

Along the way a few locals who had watched the fight paused to take pictures with us. A few people asked for pictures with Selene and Don and I obliged them. Don seemed very pleased to get praise for how ruthless hed been during the fight.

Selene, while she was out, had spotted a photo booth and nudged me towards it where she demanded some pictures with me and the others.

By the end, everyone had some photos with Selene in various poses.

As I chuckled over a particularly silly pose of Yolanda and me with Selene held between us. Then I felt my wrist buzz. I checked the time and nodded only to frown as I realised I hadnt seen one person in our group in a while.

Hey wheres A.J.? I said only to roll my eyes. No, dont answer that, I know, I said.

We walked back to the beach and sure enough, we found A.J. locked into what appeared to be a doubles battle that he was rather handily wrapping up with his Beedrill and Butterfree beating out a Staryu and Tentacool.

Yolanda waved her hand. A.J.! You need to wrap things up! Were going to leave soon! she called out.

A.J. waved back. He collected some winnings from the two trainers hed been facing before marching up to us.

Yolanda stared at him. Youre smiling? You never smile.

A.J. continued to grin, I smile, he said undaunted by Yolanda questioning him.

Yolanda tilted her head. Are you sure? Usually, you just sort of grump, she said, using her fingers to scowl deeper than she could normally.

A.J. huffed at her. I just won a lot of really good matches against some decent trainers, he said. He shot me a look. I think I like the idea of travelling around like this now! he said.

I snorted. Of course, you went and got into some fights, but never mind. Good work finding your own fun. Come on, gang, its time to head home, I said, leading them back to the transport hub where a Hypno would be ready to take us for a multi-legged hop.

As I entered the transport hub, a dark-haired man leaning against the wall kicked off it. Gym Leader Brock! he called when he spotted that Id seen him.

I looked him over and realised that while Id never met this man, I knew who it was. Norman right? Or should I call you

Norman raised a hand to his lips. Ah! Sorry, that hasnt been announced to the public yet! The champion is going to release it soon.

Ah, I said.

Norman waved his hand back and forth. No worries I thought Id come meet you before things get too hectic for me.

Hmmm yeah, you will be busy soon. I said.

Norman bobbed his head in a lopesided manner. Well about that, I checked the logs and goldenrod has already seen a number of challengers but I thought there might be a need to Norman rolled his hand about. Demonstrate my skills to the public at large, I know Im seen somewhat as an academic to most people so I wanted to ask a favour if possible.

I nodded, having an idea of what he wanted. You want to have a friendly match against me? I said.

Norman nodded Gym match? So our typings only? He asked.

I paused and I considered him.

Hmmmm that would make it a touch tougher but also more interesting. Normal versus Rock.

That wasnt a bad idea for him.

Heck, I should probably propose it to Visquez. Norman challenging me made sense, hed be able to demonstrate his skills to the best effect.

Yeah, Id like that. I think we can work something out in the coming weeks, I said, finding myself locking eyes with him and an itch forming as my mind clicked hope that I was facing a challenger.

Norman grinned. Excellent! Ill arrange a date! Oh! Maybe bring your family with you! I know my family would love to meet some more kids their age.

I nodded, that was right, May and Max were going to be of similar ages to Salvadore and Cindy or Tommy, werent they? Although they might get on better with Yolanda and Salvadore in truth.

That sounds nice, I said. Next to me, Rachel was brimming with energy at the potential showdown that shed get to work on.

Norman nodded once again, I wont hold you up, good match earlier by the way, he said as he tossed a wave of farewell over his shoulder.

I watched him go feeling an odd stirring in my chest. Id never gotten to fight the Petalburg Gym during my journey, but in a way that would be sort of like challenging it. I chuckled and waved my group towards the teleporting berth wed be using.

It would take another hour or so with the relays that we needed to do with other Teleporting stations, but soon enough, we were back home.

Im home! I announced loudly.

You were incredible! shouted Cindy as she stormed towards me.

I raised my hands in readiness for a hug only for Cindy to duck the hug, grab Links pokeball from my pokebelt and to release him.

She then slammed herself into him. Eiii! The commentators were all going on about how mean Goldenrod people were being booing Brock like that but then you just made them love you! she said while clinging to him.

Clefable? said Link with a tilt of his head, the only part of him he could currently move.

Were home with gifts! shouted Yolanda into the house.

Flint, whod been in the kitchen emerged with a washcloth in his hands. Ho? Gifts? he said even as a stampede erupted from deeper in the house.

I shot Flint a look. I thought the kids would have been in school during the match?

Flint smiled. I made sure to record your match. You did wonderful despite Corvo trying to anticipate you.

I grinned. Thanks, I said, only to brace as both sets of twins slammed into me. Brock! Brock! Big Bro! Brother! they all chimed over the top of each other

Sabrina nodded her head, and I smiled. Id seen her twitch if Munchlax had committed to a leap but the bond between Suzie and Munchlax meant they didnt have to worry about hurting each other.

Sabrina hovered Gible into her arms for a quick pat before handing him off to me. Ill be having a shower before coming out to watch the movie, Im done with any League assistance for the next week at least, she said.

Perfectly reasonable, I replied, sending out the order, minus the extra pizza that Suzie had ordered for Munchlax.

Within a few minutes, Sabrina returned with a towel around her hair in her pajamas. She settled in next to me and yawned.

Hmmm Detective Pikachu and the mystery of the unknown? she said. I nodded. Id watched this twice already but the little kids loved it so it was fairly common to see. Sabrina could recognise the scenes as and so she just focussed on getting comfortable and relaxing.

When the pizzas arrived they came with a small herd of Rapidash and Gawain and Link led two of the horse pokemon and their trainers around the back to dish out the pizza to my Elite team with me.

I had to stop a feeding frenzy from occurring with Don being adamant he needed three pizza himself despite the specialty pizza being much bigger than a standard human pizza. I distributed them and returned to my own family to find them in various states of food coma having gorged themselves.

Flint looked far too amused, and Sabrina looked too tired to care that some of the kids had rather swollen stomachs. Munchlax was still working his way through the pizza while Gible was devouring the pizza boxes.

Should he be eating those? Flint asked worriedly.

I shrugged. Eh, its mostly paper and pizza oil, hell be fine, I said without too much concern. Only to then have to stop him from eating the next five pizza boxes.

Thought you said he could eat those? said Flint as he watched on from the side with a smirk.

Some of them! I said. Not all of them! Moderation is key cause hes tiny! I said, shoving my hand into Gibles mouth fearlessly to draw out the pizza box.

When that was over and the youngest kids were being sent to bed, Suzie marched up to Sabrina and me. Can you read the book to me, Sabrina?

The book? Sabrina said, making sure to give the word enough gravitas.

Suzie nodded and presented Sabrina with a very particular book. Sabrina inspected the book seriously. The great book of poop? She read aloud.

Suzie grinned. Its great! she said, and I had to smile. Shed recently lost one of her front teeth and it made her look rather cute with the gap in her smile as her.

Sabrina shot me an amused look while Flint facepalmed. Youve been reading this to her?

Yup! I said shamelessly. Readings a good habit to get into, so what if the topic is silly.

Sabrina nodded and marched off to read a book about poop to a four-year-old. I watched her go and felt my heart swell a little.

When she came back, I led her to the kitchen. The other kids were happy enough watching another movie so I spent some time with her enjoying a cup of cocoa.

So, the League got pushy again? I said.

Yes, and they raised several good points for my assistance, but this time Ive told them to just do it the old-fashioned way. I was running into walls with how much everyone knew and it was becoming a bit too much for me.

I cant imagine the conditions would have been good for it, and well the act itself?

Sabrina sighed. It is taxing but it also it becomes a bit too easy after a while of doing it over and over. I started to reflexively do it on the guards when they stepped in. The situation was getting to me so I told Lance no more.

Good, I said firmly, wrapping my arm around her and kissing her on the temple. She sighed and leaned into me.

She then peered up at me. I didnt get to watch your match against Corvo, can we go watch it in your room? Id like to see how it went.

I smiled, knowing shed like seeing Selene do well, and Links showing was sure to give her some more energy. Sure thing, I said, standing to walk, only for Sabrian to Teleport us both.

I chuckled at that before cueing up the match on my tv.

When the match was over Sabrina pointed out the rough spots and also the good adaptations Id made to the team and my planning. Youre getting stronger, and smarter about this, she said, giving me a kiss.

It takes a lot of different skills than being a Gym Leader, thats for sure, it also I twirled my hand about. You need to be more fluid in your thinking and more ready in case things change. I tapped on my chest. You cant just rely on the same pokemon and the same tricks that were great at the Gym circuit, most people have seen those, you really have to start thinking about how people are going to react to your tricks and plan accordingly. Its.. a lot of fun.

I noticed, you were smiling during the match a lot and youre smiling now, Sabrina said. Its good to see you smiling like this.

I chuckled. Well thanks, but now I feel bad because with how tired youve been I havent seen you smile much lately.

Sabrina allowed herself a softer smile. This is how Ive been smiling. When you ran the bath and left me with it without bothering me, with how youre happy for snuggles and hugs without pushing me when Im tired. I know youve made me smile a lot. she kissed me then. Dont worry, Im not helping the League out any more. In fact I will make sure to have some time set aside to come and watch you next week in Celadon.

Yeah? I asked, Thatd be great.

Sabrina nodded before gaining a much more predatory smile. Her hand on my chest started to glide lower. Now, I can think other ways you and I can smile, she said huskily

I was entirely down for this sort of night time activity.

In the morning, I stretched luxuriously and kissed Sabrina as we lay entwined.

Morning, I said. Sabrina grumbled at me and then rolled over. I huffed and took a shower before heading out. With a later start, I hurried out to feed my elite and check on the reserve.

All of the pokemon were there and looking very pleased with themselves. Theyd really liked their pizza snack after the last two days of a controlled diet for their matches. Zubat looked a bit swollen so I assumed she must have gotten her fill of the pizza and then some.

Right, sorry to say that you wont be getting too many more treats like that, I said, knowing full well that there was an ice creamery in Celadon that served pokemon.

Titan shot me a wink, well aware of said cafe.

I coughed and continued. As long as Bertha didnt learn about it, I would only have to take the group a few times.

Now, until next Monday youre all on light duties, Ive spoken to you before but were going to have to stay fairly dynamic with which pokemon get to fight, when there are restrictions to consider. I will need to blend things pretty well. I then turned to the single Cradilly and Lileep in the training area.

That being said I can devote a bit more time to both of you as neither of you are up to the Elite level as I deem it just yet. Everyone else is to go through a light warm up run, then some stretches with light sparing. Tomorrow well have some games to play instead to keep things as risk free as possible.

Don screeched angrily at this and Bertha pumped her fist. I rolled my eyes. That does mean the inflatable headgear, yes, I said.

For Zubat that meant she'd become a floating orb that would bounce into people and then off them. I was expecting a comedy of error with her wearing protective gear.

I then shot Don a look. You dont have to take part, remember? You usually just sit on the side and mock everyone! I said.

Don paused and then grinned realising that was what he usually did. I decided not to bait him into doing something stupid while his daughter watched on but Bertha had no such restraint.

Rhy Rhy Perior she started to say. I didnt need to speak pokemon to know what she was saying. I lunged over and put my hands in front of her mouth to shut her up.

AS I WAS SAYING! I bellowed.

Bertha laughed and thankfully shut up instead of pushing the point. I detailed how things were going to go and then shifted focus onto running through a light session before working Cradily and Lileep. For part of this, I referenced a journal article Erika had written up for me.

It was strange to have to blend Rock type training methods with grass type. A lot of this revolved around strong defence with the potential for quick, vibrant regrowth that started days, if not weeks prior with good pokemon care.

It was a different sort of challenge and I had some doubts that Id have Cradily ready to enter my Elite team for a while yet, Id just have to keep her on the fourth badge tier team for a while for some experience. When she started feeling a bit too overpowered I could try otherwise. It was that, ori engaged in some more simple friendly matches just for a bit of pocket change with some of the battleclub locals.

Both ideas had merit.

Then again, everything I did with Cradily that worked I needed to repeat with Steven Stones pokemon. I wasnt about to trade off a pokemon that was weak after all.

Actually, now that I thought about it, it was strange that Steven hadnt contacted me, or Sabrina at all about her mega evolution.

Perhaps he would when I eventually revealed to the public that Jormungandr was capable of it as well.

For now, I got stuck into work with my grass-rock type ,stretching and bending with them, testing how quickly they could bend and twist themselves to get a feel for their actions before having them lash out their attacks as practice.

When it reached breakfast time Yolanda and Sabrina walked out to meet me.

It felt like a good start to a lazy weekend that would lead into a frantic week.

Brock, Lance is giving a press conference, Sabrina said.

I blinked, realising exactly what this would mean.

Well, I can still have a lazy weekend but theres going to be a lot of attention sent our way on Monday, isnt there?

Sabrina raised an unimpressed eyebrow and I sighed. Alright, Ill call Rachel up and see if we can release our own press statement. I rolled my shoulders and waved the girls into the lounge room. Not that it will reduce the attention we get, I grumbled.

Damn, Id forgotten about this.

Maybe Lance wouldnt mention me?

I straight away knew those were short odds.