Chapter 184: Advancing quickly

Chapter 184: Advancing quickly

I always knew? Yolanda read aloud.

She lowered the gossip magazine that had a photo of myself and Walker shaking hands after our match. His face was bare to the world. In the corner of the front page, a picture of Falkner was shown looking towards the reader with the quote hanging above him.

He looked remarkably composed.

I scratched my chin and nodded. Even if he didnt know, thats a good call he made. I have to give it to him, Im impressed he went for that option, I said.

Yolanda looked up. What do you mean?

I wobbled my hand lazily. What he tells the public doesnt need to be the truth. It shows a level of maturity to know that he doesnt have to present the truth.

So hes a liar, said A.J. with a huff.

I nodded. Possibly. I think chances are that he is lying, but honestly? Thats not a bad call on his part.

Its a white lie? Yolanda said with a thoughtful frown.

I nodded and made a so-so gesture. It doesnt hurt anything and it allows him to save face, while making Walkers transition into Ace challenges look more planned. That might not be the truth, but so what? Some personal things like whats going on between him and his father? They dont need to know.

Yolanda tilted her head. Is there any reason we couldnt do something

Not until she comes back. And our situations arent completely the same, I said, feeling like a heel as I saw Yolandas hope shrivel.

Why? she said, clenching the magazine like a paper shield before her from my arguments.

Because we have a much larger family. Everyone knows that Flint left with a large family to look after. Theres much more I paused to consider my words carefully. Acceptance for any excuses and rationales for Falkner might offer up more than there is for Flint or Lola. There is a sticking point for Flint, as it wasnt just the Gym but the entire family to look after.

Oh, said Yolanda. That makes a lot of sense.

I hummed and considered what else I could say. I could easily beat down on Flint or her, if I wanted to but that wasnt what I should go for. Instead, I sighed and sat up. Things might have been tough for a little while Yolanda, but Flints back now.

When do you think Mum will come back? she said quietly.

The rest of the people in the tent all shifted so that they were busy with something else.

Amazingly even A.J. realised he shouldnt listen in on this moment as he stood and strode out, dragging Missy, Greta and Rachel with him.

Yolanda blinked, having apparently forgotten that they were even here with us.

I sighed.

With the canonical knowledge I had of Lola. I wasnt expecting her back until the end of the second year of Ashs Journey. But I had no justification for that.

I stared at my hands. I Im not sure Yolanda. I think she will come back, and Arceus, when that happens? I shot Yolanda a suffering look. Things are going to be weird when she does return.

... She opened and closed her mouth.

I will let her come back Yolanda. Despite how much that felt like a mistake, I thought to myself. But, I think I need to draw some lines in the sand so to speak that she shouldnt cross. Flint he got a lot of my ire but he was here for us for a bit. Lola, Im not even sure what to think with her running off like that. I gestured from Yolanda to me. Normal families dont have to talk about stuff like this.

I held up a hand. That said, like with Flint, when she comes back, Im not going to ignore it. Im going to tear into her for deserting our family. We should be her top priority. Ignoring what she did is just inviting her to do it again and thats not healthy for us. And I dont want our brothers and sisters to learn to be pushovers. Sometimes the people we love can hurt us the worst, so respect must be part of the relationship. I felt myself tensing up just talking about her but I tried to control myself. Getting terse with Yolanda wouldnt help.

Zubat must have somehow detected my stress as she crawled out of my vests top pocket to nuzzle at me. I took her in my hands and started to rub her head, the action soothing my nerves.

I kind of hate that I understand what youre talking about, Yolanda said quietly while looking at the ground.

She then shot me a sardonic look. Did you ever talk to Forrest about this?

I snorted. Heh! Please! Who are you kidding? Forrest likes to pretend to be a mans man! He wouldnt talk about things like this! This is soft, sissy stuff, I said with a fake macho-sounding voice.

Zubats ears wiggled from me to Yolanda and her mouth stretched as she smiled. Hmmm she was a very aware little pokemon, wasnt she?

Hehehe, that does sound like him, Yolanda said as she wiped at her eyes.

I felt a stab in my chest at the sight before sighing. Yeah, hes being dumb. Its not sissy, its moments like this that often are some of the toughest situations you will find yourself in. It can be stressful and while you can be strong in other situations, you might be brittle when it comes to moments like this. I waved a hand around. You can lash out, or leave or do something most of the time. In really tough situations? You just have to be there and endure, talk it out where you can.

I gave Yolanda a sad smile and returned to petting Zubat. Its not very fun, I said. It can be hard though to learn to allow yourself to be soft when you need to.

I waved a hand outside. Common consensus is that this will be something learned through your Journey. It usually manifests with needing to ask for help from people. There are usually trainers that are wandering around keeping an eye out just to offer new trainers support.

What happens if people dont go on their Journey? she asked.

I tilted my head. Whered this question come from?

I just, never really thought about it till now, but not everyone gets to go on their journey, do they? A lot of people talk about their Journey and how great it will be but then, some of them cant go, or they pull out after a while.

I grimaced. Hmmm good point, I am a bit biased as I had a good start and that can mean the world for a young trainer. But youre right. There are plenty of folk that dont or cant go.

I rubbed my chin and considered how it went for me in my past life. It wasnt a one-to-one comparison, not with the lack of pokemon but Maybe they sort of float around a bit more and struggle. Some of the life lessons would be missed that some people are going to assume you know.

I looked up. Yolanda had potentially hit on a rather large sticking point for a lot of our society. Not everyone wanted to or could be pokemon trainers through no fault of their own. Some jobs didnt require it, but being a pokemon trainer was held up as the golden standard.

I think Id need to ask around a bit more to learn about it, which might be a bit odd as a pokemon Gym Leader, I said.

Ah, I just thought of some of the kids in my class, and also our siblings. What happens if some of them dont want to go on their journeys.

I opened my mouth to jokingly say something crass-like, We push them out the door with a handful of pokeballs and a random pokemon, but that wouldnt go over well. So Instead I shrugged. We just support them as best we can, I suppose. It might be a different sort of support than you, or Forrest have received. but that doesnt mean well leave them behind.

I stood and moved over to her to put a hand on her shoulder, Zubat shifting to my shoulder to watch. Hey, this is some pretty heavy stuff were talking about here. You shouldnt have to worry about it.

I kind of feel like I have to somedays, otherwise people just ignore it, she said bitterly. I leaned down and hugged her.

Dont be looking too shouldering too much. Its not a good thing to have to grow up too early. Keep some childishness and wonder of the world.

Wonder for the world? she said with a chuckle. What does that even mean?

Well, allowing yourself to feel wonder can be important. Ive been taking you older kids up to Mt Moon for ages and usually, I just sit there and dont really feel much at the moment. I blushed and broke the hug looking away. Then I took Sabrina up there and got a reminder of just how special moments like that are, and I relaxed. Then Link walked up and said he wanted to be my pokemon.

Oh, Yolanda said. She shot me an amused look. I knew that you and Sabrina going up there had resulted in you getting Link, but you hadnt mentioned that part. Did you and her smooch? she said gleefully.nove(l)bi(n.)com

I sighed. And with that statement, I knew that my little sister was feeling fine now. Yes, we did, I said with a roll of my eyes.

Awww! Yolanda said happily.

I made a show of rolling my eyes at her again and she stuck her tongue out. Terra, whod been sitting quietly waddled up and bumped herself into Yolanda to show she was happy her partner was feeling better. The little Larvitar shot Zubat a thoughtful look, hmmm she might have learnt a thing or two just now.

I walked to the tent flaps to see if the others were lingering only to find Rachel rocking back and forth on her heels while chatting up the towering form of Trixie.

Rachel, Trixie, I said with a nod to both of them. I was a little surprised to see Trixie here, but then again she was Rachels girlfriend. The girls waved back as I looked around for the other three. They went and got into some fights? I asked.

They went and got into some fights! confirmed Rachel with a nod.

Even Greta? I said with a touch of surprise.

Especially Greta! said Rachel with a huge smile.

I huffed, amused by this turn of events. I waved to the two girls. Come on in, were going to talk shop about the next matches I have coming up.

Initially, Trixie stood in the back performing what looked like calf raises as she shifted from foot to foot keeping her mouth shut. You can join us if youd like? I prompted, gesturing to a spare seat.

Trixie liked her lips. Im not a trainer for the Gym though?

Eh, I employ you and youre good people, I said casually. I very much doubted anyone could copy Trixies constant need to perform some form of exercise. She took a seat and even as Rachel sat in her lap to keep her down she pulled out a grip strength trainer from her pouch.

Trixie looked over Clarences roster of pokemon and chewed her lip. A fighting type pokemon or two would work? she suggested, earning a giggle from Rachel.

I shook my head, having expected as much. Still, it wasnt a bad suggestion and Hypnotoad was a good addition.

In the end, I went with Zephyr, Hypnotoad, Gawain, Knight, Shin, and Shrek. An unusual assortment to be sure but I was confident in Shrek holding down the anchor if I needed it from him. It was a fairly good diversity of pokemon as well.

I decided to roll with it. The next match wasnt as high stakes with Clarence being even lower than my first two challenges.

Hed had a lucky run so far.

When we reached the stadium I could see that he knew it as well. There was a slight slump to his shoulders and no spark in his eyes when we locked gazes.

The referee performed the usual pre-match routine and I hefted my first pokeball.

Go Sunflora! he said, sending out the best chance he had at this match first. I had to give it to him. He might not have the will to fight, but he still had good insight. Chances were that theyd usually do very well against the majority of my pokemon.

Just not this time. Go Zephyr, I said with a slight grimace of apology sent to Clarence.

His eyes widened as he instantly recognised how terrible this match up was. Sunflora! Return!

Calm Mind, I said placidly.

Clarence held his pokeball for a long moment. His hand switching from pokeball to pokeball, before he growled and went for one at the back. Go Graveler! he shouted.

I whistled in surprise. That, had been one of the pokemon wed assumed he would avoid using. With it coming out I knew what I had to look out for.

Hypnosis, I said quickly. Zephyrs eyes started to glow and Clarence stiffened.

No! Go for Self Destruct! he called only for his pokemon to fall on its face as it fell asleep. Urgh! No! he called. Wake up buddy! I need you up and fighting!

I felt a little bad for him but that didnt stop me from pointing at the downed pokemon. Feast, I said to Noctowl and he beat his wings and hovered as psychic energy built up and swept from him to Graveler before coming back. Gravler twitched in pain but remained sleeping.

Again, I said, committing Zephyr to Dream Eater. He devoured yet more energy from Graveler and a moment later the other pokemon stopped snoring and very calming rolled over to show that it was well and truly out of the fight.

Return buddy, said Clarence. He ran his hands over his pokebelt for a few moments as he lost himself in thought.

For my part, I called Zephyr back to my side of the field. That hadnt been a great showing on his part. I glanced about, eying all the people watching.

Was one of them noting down anything specific, my mind couldnt stop itself from recalling earlier matches that had been

No.

That situation wasnt playing out. People were probing me, but it was nothing like what Will had set up with his specialised challenges.

Go Flaaffy! he said, sending out another pokemon that would do well against Zephyr.

I nodded, respecting the choice. Id seen this on his roster and once again thought it had a low chance of appearing. It was a pokemon that wasnt fully evolved. Also, I had a lot of video recordings of Zephyr beating down and enduring electric-type pokemon.

Thunderbolt! said Clarence, starting things off quickly.

Steel Wing into Psychic, I replied. Zephyr happily dove into the ground, his wings glinting as he stabbed them into the earth before the electricity could impact him.

With his body earthed only a fraction of the damage was done with the thunderbolt. Zephyr quickly snapped his head up and fired off a Psychic that resulted in Flaaffy being hurled across the field.

I blinked in surprise. That had been a lot faster and harsher response than Id been expecting from Zephyr. Zephyr himself seemed surprised. I hummed. Ah, Clarences Flaffy wasnt up to strength, its thunderbolt was weak compared to a lot of what Zephyr was used to dealing with from Sanchez.

Moonblast, I said, deciding to work Zephyr through a different move than he was used to. He didnt falter from the unexpected command and a moment later had a powerful pink orb launched at Flaaffy.

Dodge! called Clarence and his pokemon leapt only to be struck by the edge. It flailed and hit the ground with a tumble before shooting back to its feet, baaing angrily.

Thats it! stay in the fight Clarence started to say only for a white light to shine up around Flaaffy.

Oh damn, I said in surprise as Flaffy started to evolve in response to how tough a fight Zephyr was putting up. A moment later a glistening Ampharos stood ready to keep fighting.

Just as Hyper Beam hadnt ended the match for me though, Leaf Storm wasnt enough despite the type advantage. Tide was too strong and was more than able to tank the blow. He emerged damaged but more than ready to keep going. So I committed him fully. Ice Beam, I said, causing him to once more shoot a beam.

This time Fifi didnt try to block the attack. She instead went for a dodge. Vine Whip Leap! she called. Her pokemon smashed its vines into the ground and launched it into the air.

Tide merely tilted his neck, correcting his angle of firing and kept up the Ice Beam, coating Vileplume in ice as she was unable to dodge.

I exhaled in relief. That had been a bit closer than Id perhaps wanted but then again I was brute forcing this match.

I wasnt sure why, but I had a tension in my shoulders that came with an itch in my neck.

Like I felt something was going to go wrong, so I had to get through it as quickly as possible.

With that in mind, Tide had suffered.

I frowned at him and decided now was a good enough time to call him back. With Vileplume down and out Fifi had to send out her next pokemon. She chose her Vaproreon once again and I just knew she was going to switch out to get a more favourable match up if I didnt send out something favourable.

So I decided to tempt her.

Go, Don, I said, sending my rock-flying type out.

Fifi paused at this and seemed pleased to let this play out.

I smirked. She wouldnt know what hit her.

Rise into DD! I called, Don flapped his wings to ascend and begin twisting as a glow of energy built up around him.

Hydro Pump! shouted Fifi, stabbing a finger towards Don.

Evade! I called, and thanks to the height Don had, he was able to twist and tuck evading the long-range attacks. When Vaproen stopped he made sure to waggle his legs and screech obnoxiously, obviously taunting his foe.

Dive into Stone Edge! I called, and Don plummeted out of the sky. With his wings tucked up he was able to blitz Vapoeron, peppering it with a wave of large rocks causing it to flinch.

Skip around and catch him with Surf! Fifi called, eagerly apparently seeing a chance.

I also saw a chance as her pokemon committed the attack.

Ascend and be ready to dodge!! I called, letting Don know I had a plan. I watched carefully and just as Don was about to avoid the oncoming wave Fifi made her move.

Vaporeon blended with the water of the Surf but it was childs play to fly over the attack close enough to tempt Fifi.

Take him out with Aqua Tail! she called.

Vaporeon leapt from the wave, its tail arcing around with glowing blue energy.

Tuck a wing, I said lazily. Don did so, evading the strike and leaving Vaproen to fall back to the ground, no longer in the water.

I pointed and didnt even need to give the command.

Don opened his maw, eyes glinting malevolently. From his mouth another Hyper Beam swept the field, blowing Vaporeon away.

This time when the dust settled Vaporeon was revealed, but unlike Vileplume she wasnt getting back on her feet.

Damn! What is this a Beam show or something? Calm down! Fifi called as she tugged on her hair in irritation, her hand questing for her next pokemon as she eyed Don who was quickly regathering himself.

I smirked. I did still have the option of other pokemon still. If Id wanted to make a statement I could have used Empress.

Fifi went with a Persian next but I, feeling the niggling doubt come back, returned Don.

Huh, if youre going to oblige me like that, then Nasty Plot! Fifi said, boosting her pokemons special attack.

Go Sanchez, I said, glad to send him out once again and keep things controlled.

Seed Bomb! said Fifi, quickly disabusing me of that idea.

Dig! I said, making Sanchez dive to avoid the explosive seeds that Persian spat out. Unlike Exeggutors attacks, the blasts were much smaller.

Sanchez was able to get under Persian and flick her into the air with a loud call of. Golem!

Persian, caught in the air, yowled. Fifi snarled, and punched her fist forward. If you want a Beam Attack take this! Hyper Beam! she called.

Persian, still falling, locked its head onto Sanchez and opened its maw to reveal a glowing build-up from the back of its throat.

I didnt panic, despite the pressure I felt I was under. Protect, I said, happy to let this exchange play out. I could probably dodge with Dig, but it might also shake up the ground enough to hurt Sanchez.

Better to go for the guaranteed denial.

The Hyper Beam scorched a circle in the ground and shook the stadium causing a round of gasps from the crowd but I merely leaned into the shaking.

When Persian was done it landed lightly and panted only for Sanchez to march up to the Persian with a friendly smile. Go lem! he said encouragingly, like they werent in the midst of a fight.

He clamped one hand on the exhausted pokemon and the smile vanished as he lit up with a Thunder from point-blank range, knocking Persian out of the fight.

Urgh! Damn youre being brutal today! called Fifi. I blinked and found her looking at the scoreboard with the time passed indicating that we still hadnt reached five minutes despite all the change outs of pokemon wed had.

Id also yet to lose a pokemon compared to her four pokemon down. By this point the match was a foregone conclusion.

Huh, I was sort of forcing this wasnt I?

I shrugged. Sorry, guess my eyes are just looking past you, I said.

For some reason that didnt feel right though. It wasnt a lie per se, but something about this situation had me on edge.

It took me until Fifi sent out a Starmie with a scowl that I realised what it was.

I was expecting something to go wrong, something to get in the way of my advancing.

This it would be the furthest Id ever made it through an actual tournament I knew that though so

Oh.

I shook my head and refocused on ending the match, the sense of impending certainty that something, anything, had to be about to go wrong causing me to push Sanchez for a fast close.

Discharge! Lets end this match! I called, going for Fifis throat.

Surf, but slide back and use Ice Beam! Dont let that Golem get you! She responded. Her pokemon moved quickly only to still be clipped as she hopped backwards a wall of water forming up only for a Ice Beam to freeze it solid.

Hmm she must have done her research enough to know that Sanchez could dodge Surf, so instead she was going for another tactic.

I decided I didnt care. I punched the sky and barked out, Thunder! to Sanchez and he cackled as he launched a bolt of lightning up and over the frozen wave.

Damn it no! shouted Fifi, with enough heartfelt emotion to know that Id gotten it down to the final pokemon.

Feeling whimsical I returned Sanchez, and called out Tide for the last exchange.

My large lapras appeared with a clap of his flippers and an excited gleam in his eyes, it was rare that he got to be the last pokemon out, usually he tanked out other pokemon.

Fifi sighed, and sent out her last pokemon. Go Nidoqueen! Use Sludge Wave!

Counter with Surf, I said, not missing a beat. From Nidoqueen a purple wave of poison shot forth whereas Tide unleashed a huge wave of water.

Fifi stared at the oncoming wave as her move was washed away. Now! she called and her pokemon dove into the ground.

I whistled in appreciation. It was rare that a trainer who hadnt been a part of the Gym could pull off a Surf dodge with Dig. Nice, I said before pointing at her pokemon. Ice Beam, I countered, catching the still surprised Nidoqueen from behind.

When she froze over, Fifi was quick to shoot her hand up. I withdraw Nidoqueen! she called and I nodded.

I gave the crowd another look over and tried to relax but found I just couldnt.

I kept looking for what would go wrong soon. I searched the skies and the stands, expecting a splinter cell of Team Rocket to attack, or Mewtwo to descend only to blink as I recalled that Nidoqueen was Fifis sixth and final pokemon.

I glanced up and realised Id just swept her without losing a pokemon.

I looked down to find Fifi looking sad but still standing tall.

Id barely given it much thought, merely calling orders out distractedly.

When it came time to shake hands I found myself wondering what I should say to her.

The girl shook her head. Damn, that was fast, she said.

I merely grunted. My heart not in it.

A flash of hurt crossing Fifis face made me pause and shake my head. Sorry, this is the furthest Ive ever made it in a tournament, having never reached the finals before I licked my lips. I kind of expected something to go wrong.

Fifi blinked at that before tilting her head. I mean I guess for a Gym Leader this season, thats valid? she said.

I nodded, talked a little shop with her and then marched back to my group. Yolanda met me, her expression showing that she knew something was wrong but not what.

Whats going on Brock? You were kind of out of it there at the end, she asked.

I grimaced and told her what Id said to Fifi.

Then I perked up. My family!

Of course! Something would go wrong there that would require me to come home! Flint would have split town again.

I quickly called home only to find the family all waiting for me with huge grins.

Brock! called my siblings. All of them looking healthy and hale. Flint was in the background with an apron on as he mixed up a healthy snack for the kids.

Oh, huh, they were fine.

I spoke with them for a bit, hiding my anxiety throughout the mundane chatter.

When I was done I felt a small amount of relief. Alright, things were fine at home, for now at least.

Brock, I think you need to do your clap thing, Yolanda said.

I blinked at her and realised that her suggestion had merit. I was being anxious, something that hadnt happened, but rather a probability of something happening.

I clapped my hands and exhaled slowly. Then when I felt a bit of a burn I opened my hands, releasing the pressure and exhaling.

Yolanda licked her lips. Better? she asked.

I nodded. Yeah, yeah. I guess I just got in my head a bit. I rubbed my chin. This is the furthest Ive ever gotten before, I said.

Yolanda nodded and I elaborated. Guess it just got to me a bit.

A.J. snorted. Your mental game is off! From what Ive read, thats one of the most important parts of a match! You need some distractions! A.J. said.

A.J. grabbed the others and pulled them into a huddle. Team, what we should do is keep him busy and away from stress for the final match! he said, far too loudly.

I chuckled and shook my head as they, rather cutely, in my opinion, workshopped methods to get me ready and on my best form for tomorrow.

I found myself rather looking forward to whatever they would attempt, and they werent wrong either.

I did need to have my head on straight.

Tomorrow Id be fighting for the trophy, and a small giddy part of me delighted in that.