I knew there were at least a few people circling and probing my defences, so to speak. I couldn't lock everything down but I certainly was going to be looking into tightening up some loose details.When I'd gotten home from my trip to Chrysanthemum Island, I had one of the gym's trainers, Dennis, subtly follow after my family while they were walking to school. I wanted to make sure that while these big, flashy actions and attention-grabbing issues were occurring, nothing small escaped my notice.I may have forgotten how… enthusiastic Dennis could be when given an order.I received two calls from the school asking about him leaping from bush to bush behind my family so he'd remain unseen. After that fiasco I had him tone it back down to merely walking distantly behind them. He still saluted this new order. This time I only got one phone call about his use of binoculars to sweep the grounds. Most parents that spotted him merely challenged him to a pokemon fight, which they lost, but they apparently earned some great 'cool' points with the kids.So… in a way, he had the parents looking out for the kids and the school a little more zealously…I made sure to make some calls around so that nothing was escaping me in other locations such as the stables, or the trainers that I had sponsored in the past. The chief of police had responded affably with my asking for anything suspicious going on in Pewter."There's nothing strange being reported, Gym Leader Brock. Things have quieted down wonderfully for the end of year, which is to be expected with winter approaching," said the man over the phone. "If you have any concerns, I can send Jenny around?""That shouldn't be necessary. I just wanted to know if anything odd had come up, thanks for your time," I said before hanging up.When Dennis returned he stood at attention before my desk."Brock!" He said as a private would shout 'Major' in the army. I rubbed my ears at his booming tone before gesturing for him to continue. Why had this man chosen my gym? Oh right, he had a wife and child that loved Pewter City. He was a dedicated trainer, just not the most creative of thinkers. "There is nothing major to report! I have continued surveillance and noted that while the Gym occasionally has some reporters swinging past there have been no significant concerns of anyone or any pokemon scouting out your family!""Anything else of note?" I asked."There was a rather scruffy-looking hobo that has been swinging around but—" I raised a hand to stall him out."That's… complicated. But rest assured that the…" I snorted in amusement, "Hobo, is not an issue. He's something I am hoping to address soon." I leaned back, pleased despite my paranoia being spiked.Everything was fine.I should have been able to relax. But I still felt an almost physical itch of wariness that wouldn't go away. It wasn't so much that I was waiting for the next shoe to drop, because I'd already had three all but thrown at me from different angles. It was more that I was trying to ready myself to dodge or catch the next throw, and throw something back myself.I was still able to get through all the work I had lined up for the day. Finishing a list of tasks, especially ahead of schedule, always felt good. I glanced through the spreadsheets that Georgina had reviewed and wrote back a message to Rachel regarding the Gym's pokenet page… and I was done. I stretched. I didn't need to stick around for any office hours with this being an off-circuit.The job as a gym leader was hard, but it was a rare day that I didn't find myself loving it.Despite my feeling of having accomplished a solid day's work, I felt like I still needed to do one more thing. So, I made a call to the Pewter Museum. "Is Director Crowley in?""One moment, who is calling, may I ask?""Gym Leader Brock," I said."... oh, I'll get him right away," the receptionist said before the sound of running feet reached my ears. She hadn't even put me on hold. Apparently donating money for the purpose of developing and locking in the ability to resurrect pokemon fossils made me a V.I.P. It still struck me as strange that the man insisted on not having a phone so that others wouldn't distract him.The phone was soon picked up. "Crowley here! Hello Brock! If you're calling for an update I am proud to announce that we were able to resurrect a plant from the ancient period!""Oh, well that's wonderful but I was more calling to make sure that no one had been bothering you, Director Crowley. The Gym's gone through some audits, and while I listed my contributions to the Museum as donations, I wanted to make sure everything is alright on your end.""Feh! Please! Most of the time people forget about us!""Oh, that's a sham—" "It's incredible! We get so much done without people bothering us! Brock! I want you to know that by the end of the next circuit, at the latest, I predict we will be able to resurrect a fossil without League oversight! As a private entity not affiliated with the League, we will be able to create a viable population before using any funds from the sales for more research! I have my own personal amber fossil ready for that day! When it occurs we'll be swimming in funding, but we shan't forget your contributions! It has made a world of difference! I shall keep you apprised. Also! I will need to schedule a time to make some more videos for the ancient pokemon. There has been some discussion of showing them alongside the museum's current displays.""Well you're welcome to come down anytime—""Many thanks!" he said before abruptly hanging up.I snorted to myself, pleased that he seemed to be unbothered. If he held up the deal, once he had the machine I would have two Aerodactyl which would mean I'd have more chances of breeding stronger pokemon.Relying on ditto only worked in games. You could do it, but it was known to produce weaker pokemon until a diverse enough pool of the pokemon to build up from was established. That took years. I'd seen some discussions regarding my own pokemon with this in mind. I was hoping I'd have some more options soon. I still hadn't been able to find the Helix or Dome fossils despite scouring Mt. Moon multiple times over these past few years. I quickly fired off a message to Lawrence, my lawyer, to verify that the League wouldn't be able to interfere with the little deal I had arranged with Crowley."Broooock!" called Suzie from down the hall. "We're out of chips!"I glanced at the clock. I still had to go shopping. My job as a Gym Leader might have been over, but now I needed to pick up the reins of full-time parent. I exited my office and lifted Suzie into my arms. When I swept into the lounge room to find everyone watching tv I adopted a wide smile."Who wants to come shopping with me?"I got no response beyond Suzie raising her hand. I glanced from my siblings to the tv, seeing that Furret Samurai was on. "Is it really that good?""Shhhh!" all my siblings said as one. Their eyes tracked the Furret as it bounced over the screen with a stick screaming its name. Huh, it did actually look— Suzie pinched me before I could sit down."Oh right! Shopping. Forrest, hold down the fort." I got a grunt in reply as I left the room. Good enough I suppose. When I stepped outside I gave Suzie a conspiratorial smile. "So, think we should get some lollies while we're out?"She gave this due consideration before another warm body rushed up to my back. "Munchlax!""Yes!" translated Suzie somewhat redundantly. I chuckled and carried pokemon and little sister to the store."Three cans of sweet corn." I scratched another item off the list, then paused to reread the label. "Which is the kernel type?" I gave a glare towards the nearly identical labelled cans that had the same colouration right next to the corn I wanted. The label of 'creamed-corn' innocently glinted back. I'd fallen into that trap way too often.I couldn't help but feel those were supposed to be in an entirely different aisle at least."Brock, I think there is a difference between lollies earnt and lollies just given," Suzie chimed up around a mouthful of candies. Munchlax nodded seriously from his spot next to her in the shopping cart. "These ones taste better."I nodded along not having a clue what she was talking about. I chalked it up as 'things kids say' and was merely thankfully she wasn't accidentally swearing.She tilted her head. "Can we stop for ice cream as well?"I continued to search the shelves for the groceries we needed. "I'm not going to be held hostage to those demands. Also, I already gave you a treat for coming with me." Suzie pouted adorably at me. Her little arms crossed over her chest as I continued to ignore her."Do you want this to be a dip or a taco mix tonight?" I said more to distract her, I already knew what she'd say after all.I secretly stashed two of each as she held up another box in each hand, her head whipping back and forth. I could almost hear her little mind cogitating the decision."... If I'm good and I do Cindy's chores at home, then couldI get ice cream?""You could try to bargain with Cindy for her ice cream but I don't think she would agree to that deal." The wheel on the trolley jerked slightly but I held it steady instead of letting it crash into the shelves. "Now, we need some seasoning.""No! No spicy food! It's yik!""Yik?""Mhm! Yik! Spicy stuff makes it no good to eat!" Suzie said as the resident expert of 'yik'."That's alright then I will just make a bit of it for myself and set it aside for Forrest as well. He likes it." I mentally said a prayer to Arceus in thanks that none of my siblings had allergies or needed specialised diets. I once had a friend that was allergic to lactose. I loved her as a friend, but I hated having to buy party foods for her. Grocery shopping was already hard enough with there being nine children to buy for plus myself.I still made sure to print and stuff a 'suggestion' of having a pokenet shopping online option into the market suggestion box every time I shopped."We should buy Graveler some make up!" Suzie decided as we passed the toiletries aisles. I considered that for half a second before shrugging and grabbing a cheap 'learn-to' kit that was for young girls. That should be a fun afternoon for the girls and Graveler."Anything we should get Munchlax?" I already suspected the answer to be—"Chicken pops!" Suzie said with another serious nod. Munchlax perked up at that and hugged Suzie happily. I paused."Not ice cream?""No! That's for us!" she then tilted her head. "Well, he'll eat it as well but he actually prefers chicken popcorn," she said while hugging the greedy little pokemon back. He purred into her side.I considered that before narrowing my eyes. "And how do you know he likes those exactly?""Salvadore has been running tests to determine Munchlax's favourite food. I helped!" she said proudly.I glanced down at the trolley that was already stacked high. I slumped a little, resolving to come back tomorrow after checking how much had been given over to Munchlax from our freezer for 'science'. Honestly, this small mountain of food for my siblings was just a normal shop for me. I really shouldn't have been surprised by the unexpected angle of having to buy more food. I'd make do.What made it more than a little unusual was how the lettuce heads seemed to have a camera sticking out of them. Or how two or three shoppers kept holding cameras directed at me with focussed looks that were more like Mightyena waiting for a Tauros to be separated from the herd so they could feast.These were obviously not local reporters, as I had gotten familiar with all of those when I'd first become Gym Leader. They'd gotten a pretty good run of stories with the drama of my family, before I proved myself locally. The announcement to rebuild the Gym had certainly surprised them, but it had also won me a lot of popularity in town.It felt a little ridiculous to be honest. I got to watch locals stare at the weirdly acting photographers as they 'hid' using fruit stands and more all over the shop. A clerk had an uncaring, minimum wage look of apathy as he merely trundled out a mop to wipe up a spill of broken jam. I gave the reporter that had caused the accident a pointed look.The man gave the clerk a note that the clerk pocketed without comment. I snorted at the byplay. I didn't have to report them for their antics. I was a Gym Leader, not a Jenny. Also, I was not on the clock."Hello, Brock! Hello, Suzie!" Chimed a local mother that I knew from Tilly's kindergarten. Instantly cameras snapped into action and a chorus of murmurs broke out as reporters spoke into handheld recorders.The woman blanched. "Uhm? What're they doing?""Inventing torrid fictional tabloids most likely. Congratulations you might feature in such literary giants such as 'This week' or 'Expose!' magazines," I said sardonically. This was met with a weak chuckle that died off when I gave her a small apologetic shrug."Are you serious?" She glanced from me to the photographers."Yeah, I checked and when I'm out in public like this they're allowed to follow from a distance. If they make too much of a disturbance I can call Jenny on them, but until then they get to follow me.""Oh, I guess it's not all glam and living the life when you're the hot topic?" She asked as I began to load up the groceries onto the checkout."No. Also, Hot Topic's reporter is hiding over in the lettuce, I think." I pointed at the location and the mother of my sibling's playmate perked up."Oh! I have some questions about last month's article!" She happily skipped up to the man which made me shake my head and look at Suzie."At least someone's enjoying it, hey Suz? Also, put that chocolate back. You're not ruining your appetite." This earned me another pout. Thankfully those have long since become ineffective against my 'older brother typing'.I finished up my shop, paid and packed my bags into my backpack which swelled as I added more and more into it. I lifted Suzie out of the trolley, and stored it before setting her down. Munchlax scrambled up to the top of my backpack. She grabbed my hand and we departed the shop.A bang accompanied with a round of cursing had us both turning back to the amusing sight of the reporters getting stuck in the shopping centre's door. A small brawl broke out and I lifted a small camera I'd started to carry around to snap a picture of the reporters growling at each other.The same minimum wage employee prodded them outside with the application of his trusty mop. From there, it devolved into the standard practice for two disagreeing parties as pokeballs were drawn and a pokemon fight broke out in front of the shopping centre. I'd been kind of tempted to stick around and watch. Only in the pokemon world would such an occurrence appear. Truly, having your rabid stalkers settle into a soft brawl before deciding to resolve it with pokemon was a strange sort of civility but, somehow, it made sense.Sadly I couldn't stick around to watch. I'd denied Suzie some ice cream during the shopping and if she learnt I'd allowed the family's share to melt she'd do worse than pout. I'd be in full tantrum territory. So I got out while the getting was good. It was actually nice to just walk home without having to worry about the reporters for once. Suzie picked up on my better mood."Can we stop at the park?" Which meant she was going to try and leverage it. Damn young kids and their perceptiveness.I allowed Suzie five minutes on the swings which turned into ten. I then only had to threaten no ice cream once to get her to walk home with me where I began making up dinner early. I was just about to start chopping the onions when my transceiver rang. I leaned away from the chopping board and picked up the call. "Brock here," I said as a way of greeting."Good evening Brock, it's Erika. How are you this afternoon?" I paused and gave the transceiver a look to see that it was indeed projecting Erika's tranquil face to me. I rearranged it to where it was at a better angle to talk."Uhm, hi there? I'm pretty good, currently making up dinner for my family. How about yourself?""Uhm well I am in a bit of trouble as I have been audited… so I find myself in a spot of bother. Sabrina must be busy, as she has not called me back yet, but I was… hoping you'd be willing to hear me out?""They audited you as well?" I asked. That surprised me. Then again as I thought over the situation I felt a suspicion build in my mind. "Hey, hold on, I'm going to add Surge to the call. See if he got audited as well."I pulled the phone away and looked to my transceiver for Surge's number then I set up the call to be a group call. It rang for a few rings before Surge picked up."It's Surge, who's this?!" He barked into the phone like it had offended him."Surge, hey, it's Brock. I've got Erika on the line as well. We got audited—" "Huh you guys too huh? How'd you go?""I had a lawyer look over things. Initially, I rejected the audit as I knew they needed an actual warrant ordering them and allowing them access," I lied. They didn't need to know I had totally flubbed that initial meeting. I moved over to the window looking out to the garden."Oh Bellsprouts! I could have done that?" Erika said. A chopping sound began behind me and I gave what I believed to be Yolanda a thumbs up without looking."Yeah… the Lawyer also recommended that I get their details and a few other things for future reference. Then my lawyer had an accountant look over my books.""Didn't think to do that little missy? Huh, I would have thought you'd be better set up in Celadon." Surge murmured. There was a scratchy noise as Surge rubbed at his chin.Erika tilted her head. "What is that on your face?" I bit my lip at her innocent question.Surge bristled and the camera panned out to show all of his face. "It's my off-circuit beard! I grow one every year!" he said with a growl."It looks like a lawn that only gets watered… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude!" Erika said her camera's view swinging about as she swept her arms about. I laughed, which only made Surge glower harder."You young punks have no appreciation of a man's pride. Brock, I doubt you're even old enough to grow something like this!""Eh, I'm good being smooth," I said while smiling widely. I knew from experience that the man liked to grow a beard during the off-circuit period so his appearance hadn't been a surprise but I always forgot how poorly it initially grew in. By the end of the circuit he would sport a mountain man's beard, but right now? It was kind of sad to look at.Surge coughed and redirected us so he wouldn't have to endure our teasing. "Listen, Brocko is right. You need to get yourself a good lawyer and a good accountant. Now if you messed up, the League can fine you and, with them likely having a weedle crawling up their skirt, they're going to hit you with what they can. I'm gonna hang up and call around, see if the other gyms have been hit too.""K, thanks for answering Surge," I said in farewell.Erika replied with a more heartfelt, "Thank you!""Erika, did this just happen, as in today?" I asked."Oh! Yes! Just now! I was so flustered! I let them in!" I groaned a little at that. Erika muttered something before saying, "I think I better go make some calls to get myself some help. I have an uncle that usually handles this sort of issue. I think I better talk to him?""That sounds like a good idea," I said.I glanced up at the ceiling before dialling Sabrina's number. My transceiver rang only for a similar tone to sound out immediately behind me. I whipped around to find Sabrina telekinetically dicing up the onions I had left out. She gestured and they floated into the taco mince."Sabrina…hey?" I stared at her."Hello Brock," she answered blandly like she hadn't just snuck in. At least, I hoped she'd only just snuck in on me. It worried me that I couldn't say it wouldn't be abnormal for her to be lurking around for longer."Welcome, I guess. How long have you been there?""I arrived a few moments ago," she said before indicating the mince. "I wanted to get that out of the way. Sometimes mother cries when she chops them. She shouldn't, they are just vegetables that give off chemicals. With even her psychic abilities she should be able to do as I do, but she often forgets… It has become a habit of mine to sometimes assist her.""Oh, that sounds nice," I said before thinking through what she'd said and who I was saying it to. "Sabrina… do you move the knives around while in the same room as her?""I can do it from the other side of the city if I needed to, but I mostly do paperwork at the same time so I am in my office. It doesn't distract me."I put my hands together. Sometimes I got really frustrated with Sabrina's parents… and then there were moments like this I got a small inkling of what they had to go through. It made me commiserate with them."Maybe set up in the kitchen with her so she realises it is you helping her. It's a touch scary when the knives start flying around without knowing why they're doing that." Sabrina gave me a long, slow blink."I see. That would explain why she screams."I decided to put that to the side. For later. I certainly wasn't going to forget about that."Ah well, thanks for chopping that up for me. Did you hear what I was talking about with Surge and Erika?""Yes," was all she said.I swear, it feels like I'm yanking teeth sometimes…"Did you also get audited?""Yes, but they didn't find any issues with my Gym. There are none and I would never allow there to be," she stated placidly."Were they on the up and up?" she frowned at me. "I mean the auditor. Were they legit and not just trying to find dirt on you?""Yes, the woman that inspected my Gym was very professional. I checked her memories and she had no dubious intent.""You know… Actually, never mind," I said, not really feeling like I should bother chastising her. If I had the ability to read, the PIA financial auditor's mind I totally would have. Then again that sort of man would probably only have numbers and methods of torturing the innocent in his mind. Damn Timothy… protecting his mind with numbers and… dark arts? I mentally shook myself out of my thoughts. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a good idea to read people's minds? I was already prone to getting lost in my own head as it was.Sabrina merely lifted a single eyebrow. Right, I'd been quiet for a while. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You've always had a good handle on most aspects of being a Gym Leader."Sabrina turned away and gave the wall a fixed look. "Most?" I felt the room drop in temperature slightly but I ignored it as I laid out the tomatoes. The knives lifted off once more as I approached them. I stepped back to let Sabrina help."Yeah, the whole moving things around the gym from other rooms tend to scare trainers… also you tell people answers to questions they haven't asked yet which freaks them out. Apply that to matches and things really ramp up in difficulty." I knew it was better than it might have gotten but there was no good way to comment on a possible future so I let the issue drop.I ran my tongue over my teeth. "Who gave her the order?" Sabrina gave me another look that, for her, was a harsh stare. "Sorry, but I'm curious. I had Nurse Joy come around and test me and she didn't think her orders were on the up and up. I also had someone try and take Tide from me that was supposedly acting on my orders."Sabrina nodded, "Orders you obviously never gave. This implies someone is targeting you."I nod my head in agreement. Before I can say anything else my phone rings. Upon answering, "Hey Brocko, it's Surge again.""That was quick, who'd you call?""I called the others, couldn't get hold of Sabrina but Giovanni, Blaine, and the Cerulean sisters all got audited as well.""Oh… how're the sisters?""They're blubbering messes. Absolutely incoherent." Surge nodded slowly, "I think they did bad." I stared at the transceiver stunned at Surge's blunt statement. He was being sarcastic right? I think even Forrest, who could sometimes be emotionally thick, would realise something was wrong when a girl became a blubbering mess.Surge continued on, "I've set up a meeting with all of the Gym Leaders in a couple of days. Or at least I've sent a message out. You know how it is with Koga." I nodded. Most of the time the man didn't attend. "Can you make it?""Yeah, yeah I can," I said before tilting my head. "Do you think the smaller Gyms got audited as well?" I didn't say anything about Sabrina being here with me. Surge would just read into it way too much."Hmmmm, don't know. I only ever really talked with Kong, and after Sabrina drubbed him he's been like a spitting Ekans to any of the eight that approach him. Reckon I could get that new Gym Leader in. Think his name was Grey?""Did someone new get put into the minor four? Who got relegated?" I asked with interest."Yeah, Silph Co. has been pushing a corporate-sponsored group for a while now. The League gave them approval, and they went after Kaz, with his Dark City Gym, 'cause he had a huge downturn. New gym is based out of Neon Town. They're going to try and make it a Steel-type Gym."I scowled at the transceiver at that. "Can't say I like the idea of a corporate Gym getting approval like that.""Heh, them's the Pidgey's, Brocko. I'm gonna call around. Might get the other two… but I doubt it. Grey should come. Then I can haze the hell out of him as the rookie! Heh! Be like old times when I made you—" I hung up before he could continue.Sabrina gave me a long stare. "What did he tell you to do?""Tried to tell me I had to announce myself from the town square and accept all challengers for a day… I didn't do it.""Good." She flicked her eyes and the tomatoes soared into the mix.I stayed quiet and pondered over what had been revealed to me. Had this round of audits been an attack? It seemed a bit too widespread to be targeted at me."Who ordered the audit for you? Did you get many details?" I said to Sabrina quietly."It was considered a standard review from the auditor that approached my Gym. They didn't have to do anything but put in the order. None at the inspection agency considered it strange from the accounting team. I did learn that this was something pushed by the secretary, however.""Hmmm, good to know, I did see her name on the paperwork. Ever… talk with her?"Sabrina shook her head and I hummed in thought.I set the mince to cooking. Sabrina didn't say anything more but that wasn't unusual for her. Merely enjoying the moment of quiet. She did quirk an eyebrow when Munchlax sauntered in, opened the fridge, got himself and the others a packet of juice and waddled back out. I merely waved after him, "New playmate for my little siblings."She accepted that and I returned to my musings. If it had just been Erika, Surge and Sabrina it would have been suspicious. Or was that the purpose? Start a wide fire to hit a specific point without being obvious about it?I turned that over for a bit more. When the mince was done I tapped Sabrina on the elbow. "Feel up to staying around for dinner?"I watched, not saying a word as she gave the offer due consideration. She shook her head. "No, you enjoy your family dinner." She still scooped up a pair of tacos. I grinned at her. "Know why pirates are bad at reading?"She blinked at me. "No?" she said, not understanding where I was going with this new line of conversation."They couldn't learn the alphabet properly 'cause they kept getting stuck at C."Her lips twitched upwards and she giggled before coughing once and levelling a tepid glare at me. I opened my mouth for another joke but she flashed away in a teleport. So I typed the message into my transceiver and sent it to her. Then I looked towards dinner for the rest of the family.I noted that she had selected the spicy mixture to take from. I tilted my head. Had she been aware of that? I don't think she was around when I mixed that in. I didn't think she liked it? I couldn't recall her ever positively speaking out when we'd been 'dating'."Kids! Dinner!" I shouted into the house as I began to plate up food.I mentally added another marker to my schedule as I turned over what I'd need to take to a meeting of Kanto Gym Leaders.I also still had Celia's return from the Conference to handle."It's snowing outside!" shouted Salvadore as he passed the window. I looked up. Huh, looks like I'd need to make sure my free range area was all set up for the coming winter. I merrily crunched on my spicy dinner and smirked when Forrest egged Salvadore to take a bite.For now, things seemed to be fine. I'd gotten through the audits with a bit of stress and a —most likely— Team Rocket probe on some of my interests that were not close by with Tide. I could take the events as they came, it felt like I had some time to breathe.
30
I made sure the kids were out of the way for Celia's return home to the Gym. It wasn't too hard with last night's snow. The kids had been eager to sprint outdoors. I'd stood in their way in the mudroom carrying a small mountain of scarves, gloves, jumpers and beanies."Broooooooooock!" They whined as they each ran for the door only for my much longer arms to snag them and ensnare them with the missing articles of clothing for each child.When Yolanda didn't appear I had to go looking for her. I found her in Forrest's room cradling the incubator with a look of contented peace that I backed off instead of announcing myself.When I was a few rooms away I rubbed my brow and played back the egg's arrival to the house. Yolanda had been… not angry. Yolanda always remained composed, but she had been ruffled at the arrival of the egg. My gifting it to Forrest hadn't slighted her… had it?He was the next eldest in our family.On the other hand, Forrest's reaction to receiving a potential Pseudo-legendary, to use the game terms, had been extremely… Well, lacking was perhaps the best way to put it. He hadn't been very enthused, and neither had he sought me out about how to look after a young Larvitar.I tapped the wall and decided that this was not something that I should leave be. Instead, I was going to pry into Forrest's thoughts. A tug at my pants had me looking down to find Munchlax with a scarf and beanie held out towards me."Munch!" he said with a big grin. I chuckled and set him to rights."You go have some fun out there Munchlax," I said while patting the beanie onto his head. He hugged me and ran off. Amused by his antics, I walked to a window overlooking the front entrance. Munchlax ran out the front door and straight into a snowbank creating a perfect divot of his body before he popped his head up and trudged towards the closest family member. I snorted and headed towards the front of the Gym through the back of our house.I settled into the trainer lounge and made myself a hot chocolate as I waited.A few minutes later the bell at the front of the gym chimed and I walked out to find a shivering Celia at the doorstep. My big brother instincts kicked in without any conscious input, and I dragged her into the lounge to plop her down in front of a heater. A blanket swaddled her and a hot cup of chocolate was pushed into her hands."T-t-t-t-thanks Br-br-br-brock!" she said through chattering teeth. I patted her on the shoulder."You flew from the conference? You know it might have been smarter to just catch the bus that would have come with the rest of the Pewter trainers, right?" I said as if I didn't have blankets, a heater and a warm cup of cocoa already set up. When I'd been told about the bus I'd bet Officer Jenny twenty pokedollars Celia wouldn't be on it."Ii-itit—" I held up a hand. "Alright, you just worry about warming up before you worry about talking. I can't talk to you while you're shivering like a Dragonite in winter."That got a giggle out of her rosy cheeks. While she was lulled into the warmth, I toggled my transceiver and fired off a quick message to Officer Jenny notifying her that Celia had turned up here while asking when the bus was due to arrive at the transit centre.I traded a few messages back and forth and made some plans for later. When Celia perked up and let the blanket fall off her shoulders I stopped and sat up myself."Alright, first of all, don't ever fly into the winter wind. Pokemon trainers that are experienced flyers are leery of doing it, and it's the sort of idea that results in search parties out in the mountains. You got your flying license but don't think for a moment I'm not informing Officer Jenny and making you sit through remedial lessons on weather conditions.""But! But! I wanted to come back as fast as I could, and Pride and I could take it!"I merely gave her an unimpressed look before making a show of sending off another message to Officer Jenny.She pouted at me, but as always, it wasn't very effective.I clapped my hands to snap her out of her pout. "Right! With that chastisement out of the way for now," she slumped a little. "Congratulations on making it to the top eight in your first tournament! You did incredible!"She shot back at my exuberant tone before beaming. "You mean it? I thought you might have been playing it up since I was so…" She waved and made a vague pushing gesture that I took to mean her despondency after her loss."Celia, I will say it again. You, a first-year trainer, making the top eight in your first big tournament that also features some master-level opponents, is beyond incredible." I held my stoic expression until she blushed and couldn't meet my gaze. Then I grinned. "Now c'mon. Tell me you didn't get multiple sponsorship offers from practically everyone!"Celia giggled before shaking her head, "I can't, I got so many! I… what am I supposed to do with all of them?" She said waving her hands about.I snorted. "Accept, reject, and send back emails with your own counter-offers if you have them." My shoulder shot up and down as I sat back in my chair."Well, it's just that… I want to stay with you and the Pewter Gym…" She shot me a shy look, watching for my reaction. I rubbed the back of my head."Well thanks, I was worried 'cause I don't doubt that you would have a ton of great offers now." I tilted my head. "Are you sure this is the best idea for your own growth?"I shifted back and forth. "I can't really ask you to share what offers you got because that's very much a con—" I stopped as she reached into her pack and began to lay out a pile of written notes and offers. "And you're just going to give them up to me," I said with an amused tone."That's very loyal of you Celia, but sometimes it might be better to keep some of your cards closer to your chest for future negotiations, yeah?"Celia scratched her cheek. "Ehehe? But I know you won't take advantage of me?"I sighed at her. "That's not the point, you should learn how to handle discussions like this." Not that I could talk as it did please me to have such a loyal trainer attached to the Gym. I'd still have to teach her to negotiate for her own good. It wouldn't do to stifle her potential.I gestured to the pile and when she nodded her assent I began to read through a few. I reached out and grabbed a notepad I had sitting next to my, now cold, drink. I began to note down the various offers and sponsor deals that she was receiving, organising them into a few different piles based on topic. I pointed to one pile."You might want to think about some of those first. Offers for sponsorships with clothing, equipment, cosmetics, or even a small appearance in a television show would be a great idea to look into." I tapped the pile. "It's probably something that we should talk with Rachel about.""Who?"I blinked before remembering that I had hired on, technically, three new employees for the Gym with Rachel, Lawrence, and Georgina."Well, after I got audited I hired Rachel as a Public Relations Manager. She's really switched on about the job and has some great ideas. She'd love to go through these with you, and there might be some synergy for the Gym as a whole that makes this more appealing." I pat the stack affectionately. When I didn't get a reply I looked up and found an enraged-looking Celia staring at me."When were you audited and why is this the first I've heard of it!?"I chuckled at her reaction. "Huh guess I have a lot to catch you up with." I scratched my chin. "Right, well it all started with a knock on my front door—"By the time I was done regaling Celia about what had happened and how it was all wrapped up nice and neat now, she sat listlessly."I can't believe you were audited!""It's fine, the battles were no trouble. I was honestly more bothered by the audit of the accounts.""As if they could have canned the Gym because of that! The whole idea that the Pewter Gym needs an audit after you beat Lance is ludicrous! You could have failed it ten times over and it wouldn't be possible to uphold the ruling!"I pointed a finger at her, shaking my head. "Now that thought is exactly the type of thinking that we need to make sure doesn't sneak in. It's complacency and pride speaking, and it has no place with the good management of my Gym."Celia was flabbergasted a moment but ducked her head. "Sorry."I waved it off before gesturing at the other stacks. "The rest of these—if you're serious about sticking with Pewter," Celia shook her head frantically so I continued pulling out a notepad and jotting down some notes regarding each as I read through them. "—are probably not something you need to look into. It's more interesting to see who offered you sponsorships. There's a pretty compelling offer from Growing Strong Stables; a free year's stabling rights for twenty pokemon is nice. Combine that with another offer from one of these corporate—" "Brock! I'm not going to accept those deals!" Celia said hotly.I raised my hand "Sorry! Sorry! Just pointing things out." I rifled through and selected a paper that had stood out in light of the recent news Surge had mentioned. "It's just very interesting to see an offer from them. Neon City's Gym is now one of the twelve accepted badges that allow qualification for the Indigo Conference from Kanto."Celia growled rather cutely, likely misreading my comments of interest as trying to push her off on these other Gyms. I waved a hand at her. "No, it's just interesting, I swear! I learnt about them getting their new status yesterday… that's all."I put the paperwork back on the pile and turned my attention fully onto her once more. "Right! With that said, the circuit is over but your work is just beginning. Now comes the time to consolidate the lessons you've learnt over the entire course of not just the Conference but also the circuit in general." I turned the notepad over to her along with a pen."In the coming days, I'm going to have you talk with Rachel about some of these offers. I'm also going to have you write up a report for each of the three quarters that the circuit takes up. What did you do well during these periods, what could you improve on, and what would you avoid doing in future? I'm very interested in your thoughts with the entire year's perspective. Some things that might not have stood out to you in the moment, might do so now with the benefit of hindsight." I rolled my hand about, "We'll focus on that for now and then in a few weeks we'll start considering where to go for next year, alright?" I stood and clapped my hands together, finishing my impromptu lecture. "Until then, you're on light duties with the Gym if not outright on holidays to let yourself relax. You've done it hard for a long time, and now it's time to just sit back and recover."Celia grinned at that. "I like the sound of that!"I chuckled. "Before you go running off for a nap, I need you to get changed into some cold gear and join me for a walk into town. There's one more thing we have to handle."Celia promptly tossed the blanket aside and slipped into a bigger jacket that she had stashed away in a nearby locker. I resisted the urge to wrap a scarf around her neck and pat her on the head. Instead, I settled for a nod and waved her to follow me out of the Gym. Outside the Gym, a number of snowmen had been assembled while I'd been busy.Celia glanced around looking for my family, but I could tell they weren't around. The tire tracks leading into town gave away the culprit, but Celia didn't notice them. Or if she did she didn't make mention of them. Instead, she happily bounced along next to my much longer strides.When I led her into the middle of town she perked up as we walked past a number of cafes and restaurants. Her mind was obviously turning back to her previous reward of a huge snack. Ice cream wasn't something I'd suggest in this weather, but what I had planned should be even better.It wasn't much longer before we reached a building that connected to the main road for buses and trucks to enter the city. I spotted a certain cross-looking Officer Jenny standing in front of the transit building's doors with her arms set at her hips.Celia continued to bounce along for another few meters, her eyes locked onto the cafes. "How come all the cafes are closed? They should be open!" She said petulantly."They all have somewhere to be," I grinned.Celia turned her head to frown at me but in doing so spotted the scowling Officer watching our approach. Celia stiffened like a Vulpix that had just encountered a Mightyena. When Officer Jenny didn't advance on us but held her ground and waited for us to continue approaching, Celia whirled onto me with huge, watery eyes that would make an expert of Baby-Doll Eyes proud."Brock! I said I was sorry, I won't do it again! I can't believe you're making me do this on the day I came back!"I pinched my side to stop myself from laughing. Despite this, my face twitched and I had to struggle not to smile as I said stoically. "This is for your own good Celia. Face the consequences of your actions.""But-but-but-!" She whined plaintively before reaching out to grasp at my arm to tug me away. I was amused that she wanted to run off but she didn't even think of doing so on her own, instead trying to have me 'forgive her' and offer her protection.Officer Jenny saw this and turned her head away to snort before looking back. We both shared an amused look before she gave Celia a stern expression."Celia Shardness! Do you have any idea what you might have done, young lady?" She demanded.Celia wilted, turning to offer a meek. "I'm sorry! I was just so excited to get home…"Jenny approached her and loomed over her. "Young lady, there are a lot of people that were extremely worried for you when you flew off like that." She held her stern expression for all of a moment before breaking out into a smile. "We were so worried we wouldn't get to hold your welcome back party!"Celia blinked. "I… wait, what?"Jenny turned to the side and waved a hand towards the doors of the transit building. I nudged Celia forward and she stumbled a step. When we reached the doors Jenny and I dropped back so Celia could tentatively open them herself, entering into a large watching area that usually served as a waiting room with rows of chairs. The chairs had been stacked neatly to the side and in their place a crowd stood under a banner."CONGRATULATIONS!" Shouted the crowd at Celia's entry. Celia took a step back and gaped as the horde surged forward to drag her into hugs and pats on the back, all while a babble of noise washed over her. Trainers that had taken the bus or flown and likewise been directed to the transit building were all grinning at Celia. Around them, locals and notable people for the community were mixed in such as the Mayor, Nurse Joy, and a few workers from the pokemart. My own family were some of the fastest off the mark and Celia was almost overwhelmed as my siblings swept over her.A number of people that couldn't reach Celia instead clapped me on the back. I glanced up at the banner that read 'Congratulations Pewter City Trainers!'. I chuckled and shook some hands in introductions as people mingled with the newly returned trainers that were still walking around, many of them still stunned at the reception they'd gotten upon coming home.Celia seemed the most stunned. When she eventually got to emerge from a group of people that wanted to shake her hand minutes later, she hovered next to me. "This is crazy. I barely know half these people!""Welcome to fame. You don't know them, but a lot of them know and like you. These are your fans, Celia." I swept an arm about, gesturing at large to the banners, the balloons, and the small stage that had a DJ whom people could request music from. And of course, the tables that were stacked with food around the edges.The few elderly that had come had claimed a corner for themselves with chairs and tables while sending out younger relatives to either gather choice selections of food or bring someone over to talk with them.I snickered when most of the relatives disappeared into the three hundred-plus strong crowd and only returned much later.It featured people such as the wealthy gentlemen and ladies that liked to experience a bit of excitement with high-stakes matches with young up-and-comers, the local bug enthusiasts, and the hobbyist parents that liked to try their hand with friendly matches. They and more had all been invited openly with a community billboard announcement along with a quiet word in the right ears. Celia and the other trainers deserved this for their wonderful showing. If we did it right, we might have more of these in future.Having a breather, Cela was finally able to take in the room with an air of wonder. "I can't believe this was organised for us…"I patted her on the head. "You're not the only person who can surprise people by rallying the hometown." I shot her a wink. She stared at me before grinning. She opened her mouth to say something else but was cut off as someone tapped a microphone, the loud reception cutting through the air."Alright, people, alright!" Shouted a voice into the microphone. I turned and sighed explosively as I spotted Mayor Jonathan standing atop a small platform that definitely hadn't been there a few minutes ago."Who gave him a mic? People should know better with a politician." I stage-whispered to Celia. The people around me heard my less than subtle comment and laughed at my joke.Jonathan beamed out at the crowd, happy as only a politician can be when they're handed a microphone, a crowd, and an agenda to fulfill. "Alright, folks, we're all here to congratulate the young trainers that have collectively brought pri—" I sighed and settled into having to listen to Jonathan as he waxed on about the importance of Pewter coming together to support its young trainers and how this boded well for the future. A future that he would certainly support. I turned my attention away to people watching.Maybe a quarter of the crowd of people actually stopped what they were doing and listened to the Mayor. Everyone else treated it like background music and continued as they were. The DJ hadn't stopped either, I noted with amusement.A tap on the shoulder got my attention, and I turned to see a smiling Nurse Joy. "Oh hey, Nurse Joy," I said, happy to see she wasn't avoiding me after the last time we'd talked.I glanced around and saw a number of rather amusing reactions from my family that were nearby. All of them waved so she must have left them with a good enough impression to overshadow the 'horror' of her being an auditor in their minds. Celia was giving Nurse Joy a rather weak glare from the midst of the crowd that was congratulating her. I… hadn't told Celia that Nurse Joy was an auditor, had I? I hummed to myself but didn't get the chance to play it back over in my mind as Joy stepped up next to me."Brock! This is a wonderful event! I'm surprised we haven't done something like this before!""Hmmm, I don't think we've ever had a group of young trainers come together like this year's group. I agree there is something here though that I'd love to see continue.""Oh? What were you thinking?"I began to outline some ideas of having training camps in the lead-up to the League along with some generalised mini-tournaments with breakdown discussions and lessons. Joy pointed out a few areas I'd need to tighten up or expand on and I found myself rather liking the idea. I made a mental note to jot all these suggestions down when I got home. I'd have to set something up towards the middle of the circuit next year… I hummed to myself and shook my head. That was… If I was even still here with the next circuit."Something wrong?" Joy said, suddenly leaning in to inspect me. I blinked, realising I'd begun frowning."Just… started thinking some heavy thoughts is all… I'm fine." My words did nothing to calm her and instead her eyes squinted a little more in suspicion. "Joy, really, I'm fine. Just some stuff coming up that will be resolved. One way or another.""Ah… you've seen him, then?" I didn't need to clarify who 'him' was referring to but I didn't want to talk about that now. So instead I grunted and nodded. Thankfully a distraction presented itself in the form of an approaching Officer Jenny. In each hand, she held a plate."Can I interest you in some cake?""Don't think I'll say no to that!" I said cheerfully. For some reason, Joy turned her head away and giggled into her fist. Jenny gave the nurse a glare while I spooned some of the delicious cake into my mouth.Joy giggled to herself. "Oh Jenny, you know it's rather forward of you to offer up—"Jenny groaned "Oh Ho-oh! Is this about that stupid nickname?! I told you that privately! How about you don't bring it up this time yeah?"I glanced between the pair of them. "So this is some in-joke?" I got the impression that Jenny didn't mind it being brought up, more that she was used to it, if in an irritated way."No." "Yes!" said Joy and Jenny over the top of each other.Jenny glared at Joy. "It's not all that interesting so don't worry about it."Joy grinned as she turned her focus to me. "Enjoying Jenny's cake, Brock?"I blinked before a lightbulb flashed on as I realised the nature of the joke. I grinned and Jenny blanched as she saw me swivel onto her, joining Joy in teasing her."Is there something special about your cake?" Enjoying the turn of phrase as much as I enjoyed Jenny's now red face.Jenny coughed and mumbled something about winning a prize in the local fair for it only to then learn she'd also won a vote on best 'cake' in Pewter city as voted by her fellow officers. She'd only learnt of this when she'd encountered a form detailing who people could vote for."—I didn't even realise what people were voting for until a week later when I realised that Joy's never baked a thing in her life!"Joy giggled. "Oh, you're so innocent." I laughed along and finished my treat."Soooo, out of… professional interest, who else was listed on there?""I'm not dignif—" said Jenny only for Joy to tick off her fingers as she listed off names, "Myself, Jenny, Macey Meadows, Mary-Sue Lonlon, Trixie, Samantha Summers…" Joy clicked her tongue. "I think those were the serious contenders?"Jenny groaned, her hand cupping her face. "Why!? Why am I friends with you?""I make your life interesting in the best of ways!" chirped Joy without a hint of shame. I chuckled at them, more than happy to be included in their back and forth.I eventually was dragged away to talk with other people. I made sure to talk with each of the trainers that had completed the circuit and congratulated them on making it to the conference and being wonderful examples of Pewter City trainers. I liked to think that they left these conversations with their heads held high from the praise, but also with a few ideas of things to work on that would see them grow.Eventually, the party had to end, and I had to lead my family back home along with Rocko, and Celia who lived in the Gym's accommodation built for live-in trainers."Bye-bye!" said Suzie as she walked backwards away from the transit building. My big brother instincts, honed to a razor's edge from having so many little siblings, flared up and I leaned down in time to catch her before she could trip and fall more than a short distance."Careful now!" I demanded, using my hand to spin her about which only made her giggle. She decided to continue the spin and began to twirl as she walked. I sighed as my instincts demanded that I stay close and catch her when she inevitably fell again. Sadly her antics inspired the rest of my family to join in. Yolanda spun like a graceful ballerina past me with her tongue stuck out. I huffed when Salvadore tried to copy her, only to trip instantly.I lunged and grabbed him before he hit the ground, shaking my head at their antics. He got up and continued without so much as a 'thank you'. I threw my hands up. If this was how they were going to be then it was time to let them fall and let the tears come.Forrest merely walked along next to me, 'too cool' to take part in twirling around like his brothers and sisters.Seeing him reminded me that I had a very pressing issue to talk to Forrest about. I grimaced and searched around for a method to break the ice. Sadly not finding any, I had to resort to the standard big-brother/parent mode of making conversation."Did you clean your room before you left for the party?" I asked. Mentally facepalmed.He spluttered at me and grumbled something inaudible."Hmmm, what's that? An excuse? I'm sure Backpack the Geodude will love to listen to those tomorrow morning!""I said I couldn't 'cause Yolanda was in there!" I nodded, thankful for the link. Then my mind connected some dots as to what Forrest would need to clean up that he couldn't while she was in the room.I swatted the back of his head. "Hide your magazines better in the future." He blushed and didn't meet my eyes before I clapped a hand on his shoulder. I swallowed and sighed to myself.He gave me a confused look when I squeezed his shoulder lightly. This next part wasn't going to be fun."Also… we need to talk."It was rather telling how young and innocent he was that he didn't blanch at the mere use of those words. No one that has gone through their teenage years likes hearing 'we need to talk' said to them.Ever.He gave me a clueless look while I internally cringed."Alright? What about?" he asked, watching me.I gave his siblings, still pirouetting around us and miraculously without casualty, a pointed glance. "Can you stay up? I'll come to talk with you about it before you go to bed, alright?""Sure, no problem," he said with a careless shrug. I nodded and upon reaching home set about bustling through the various tasks that I had to do. I made up a light snack to curb any hunger for my family. Then it was into the shower. Then bed and story time for the younger siblings.This time I had a new book to show support for Samurai Furrett. All the kids loved the story, and I was more than happy to encourage them to read. When I swept through the rest of my siblings' rooms, it was to give a perfunctory check-over. They didn't have anything that needed handling and so I finally entered Forrest's room."Brock!" He said, jerking in surprise while sitting at his desk due to my entrance. "Knock next time!" I heard something thrown underneath his desk but chose not to comment.I made a show of sniffing haughtily. "I'm your big brother, I don't have to." I pointed at him. "Also, this is my house!" That got some grumbling from him and I rolled my eyes and nudged him over to make some space on the bed. I swept my eyes over the room. The room featured the typical features of any teenage boy. He had some band posters, a provocatively posed trainer reclining next to a pool in a bikini. I let my gaze linger on the unmade bed, the discarded clothes, snack wrappers, and what looked like a stack of books with some homework that still needed to be finished.I gave him a very unimpressed look."What? I didn't have time to clean it!"I held the expression and shook my head. If I had time to shower two sets of our siblings, then dry them off and read them stories… I shook my head again. "Whatever. Get it clean by tomorrow.""Sure, sure," he said, shifting in his seat and turning around to face me properly. "So what's up? What did we need to talk about?"I clicked my tongue a little and sighed before directly looking at him. "Do you actually want that egg?" I said pointing towards the Egg that was sitting in the only clean corner of the room in its incubator.For a moment Forrest sat without really comprehending what I was saying. Then he blinked and leaned back. "Yes! Of course I do!" His eyes wouldn't meet mine. "Who'd give up a pokemon that could one day fight a Dragonite?""Alright… Let's say that's so, how come you haven't been walking around with the incubator?""I don't want to seem lame around my friends!" He said."Your friends would die of jealousy if you ever turned up with an egg that you knew contained a Larvitar." I gave him an unimpressed look. "What's your next reason?""It's heavy?""You regularly carry Backpack around, and he's just as heavy and way more awkward to lift 'cause he fights against you," I stated, ruthlessly striking out his second excuse."I… I…" He slumped. "I wanted Dad to give me my starter… I remember he used to be really bummed out when he didn't get to give you an Onix. He had one selected and everything and then you came back from that camp with Titan…""Oh," I said, not really sure whether I should strike that down or let it stand. I shifted on the bed. "I knew he wanted to gift me an Onix, but Titan was a way better fit for me.""And it's not that I don't want to have a super-strong pokemon one day… It's just… I want Dad to give me my starter. I can just rent pokemon from the Gym until he's ready to give me my own personal starter pokemon, y'know?" Forrest flexed his hands. "I know it's dumb 'cause who gives up one day having a Tyranitar? But…" He gestured helplessly and I nodded understanding the dilemma he was facing."I… kinda get it." I didn't hold as much stock with Flint, but I could recall trying to reach out to my dad from my past life. I'd offered simple things like asking to learn how to shave, or how to polish boots only to find he didn't have the time right then. It had stung. It hadn't been about just learning the skill. It had meant to be about having something that brought me and my dad together.Forrest nodded slightly. He probably thought I had some similar experiences with Flint. Sadly he was wrong, and for some reason that made me want to squirm. I didn't though and instead, I looked to the side, recalling how sometimes it was better when talking to another 'male' to not look them directly in the eyes when talking through sensitive topics. Sometimes you needed to lock eyes but right now we needed the perception of space. To look past or away from each other instead of being overly conscious.At least that was my reading of Forrest right now."This egg," I waved towards the egg in its incubator. "It was a surprise for me as well. I went to Mt. Silver just to give Titan something nice after his victory. He appreciated it, but his Mum… She might have been way more impressed with me and him than I really understood at the time. I think she wanted to offer the same to one of my siblings, in the hope her children would each grow strong… The timing though… It really put me on the spot."I scratched at the back of my head. "I half thought of sneaking in the back and hiding it, but then that would have been like me saying I didn't think you deserved this.""Oh," he muttered eloquently. I grunted back at him. We let the quiet moment linger before I decided to speak up once more."I do think you're capable," I said before rushing out the next words, "Of raising a strong pokemon like Tyranitar… But I think your idea isn't that bad either. Having something like that with him…"Forrest sighed and I could tell that he preferred the idea of not having to claim the egg as his starter. The clinical, cold part of my mind wanted to scoff, but the emotional side understood where he was coming from. Giving a starter to another was a big deal and they, at the very least, would always remember the day. They'd remember the person, what they wore, and how it all played out in their memories for the rest of their lives.In a way, I had denied Flint that chance to do the same for me when I'd staggered home with Titan.Not that I could ever regret finding and taking in Titan all those years ago. He was the first and best thing to happen to me upon arriving in this life.I coughed to signal that I was done getting lost in my thoughts. Forrest also jolted before chuckling nervously. "So what should we do? I don't think it would go down well if we gave the egg back, would it?"I gave him an amused look. "Forrest, think about this for a moment. You might not want the egg, but who's shown a lot of interest in it since its arrival?"Forrest blinked at me, not comprehending what I was getting at.Arceus, had I ever been this slow? I didn't think I wanted to know. Perhaps all young teenage boys were this sluggish in their processing? I could almost hear the cogs in his mind thunking along. He squinted at the egg."Yolanda?"I nodded. "Yolanda," I agreed. I grinned at him. "You know what might be really cool for a big brother to do?" He tilted his head at me as I stood, taking up the incubator. I placed it into his hands. "Be the one to give it to her."His eyes widened and he stared up at me. "But! But-you're!?""I'm the eldest, yes, and I gave it to you. And you have thought about it and come to… an admittedly very mature and well-reasoned decision. Do you agree with me that Yolanda deserves this?""Yeah, yeah she does!" He said standing up. I grinned at him and let him lead me to Yolanda's room. When we reached it I knocked on her door.Forrest stopped and scowled at me. "Why'd she get a knock?""It's different for girls," I argued."You don't knock on my door but you do for her? That's not right!" he whispered hotly."You'll find it is, little bro. You'll find it is," I said, putting a hand on his head and ruffling his hair. He glared at me, obviously not understanding the difference. I didn't elaborate."Come in!" said Yolanda.I opened the door and prodded Forrest to enter first."Forrest? Bro—" She fell quiet when her eyes landed on the incubator in Forrest's hands. If it hadn't been extremely obvious to Forrest now he must have fully realised how much Yolanda wanted that pokemon. She licked her lips. "W-what's up guys?" She said while letting her face fall into a placid expression to cover up her prior expression.Forrest shifted from foot to foot. In doing so he drew Yolanda into a ready state. I could see she was coiling up in readiness in case he slipped with his grip like the first day. I decided to progress things along.I clapped Forrest on the shoulder. "Forrest and I have been having a talk about how things played out, and we've come to a decision. Forrest would like to say something.""Huh? Oh right… Yolanda, I've decided that… I don't want this egg." I held in the grimace. That was a poor choice of wording. He barreled on, not realising his slip. "But you do, and you deserve it. I think… I think it would be better suited if you raised this little fella," He raised his hands and offered her the incubator.Yolanda didn't say a word but she did raise her hands and take the incubator. She drew it in and smiled hugely. "Girl, it's going to be a girl." She stared at it for a long moment before looking up. "You really mean this Forrest? You're giving up this egg for me?""You wanted it, right?" I squeezed his shoulder in warning."I think he means you deserve it, and it would be a wonderful starter that he wanted to give to you." She giggled at my interruption. Forrest merely gave me a confused look, obviously not understanding how what I'd said was different in any way. I held in my sigh. I'd talk him through it later."So," I waggled my eyebrows, "You looking forward to training with me on how to handle the Tyranitar evolution line?"She beamed a huge grin. "Yes!" She said. She didn't leap up to hug us like she wanted to but she did stand after putting the egg safely to the side. Then she gave Forrest the biggest hug I'd ever seen her give him. He blushed as she whispered into his ear."Thank you so much for this Forrest! I love you, big brother!""It's nothing." I rolled my eyes at his words. Yolanda giggled into his side knowing what he was like. I held in the urge to cuff him. The book on parenting was adamant I not cuff him about the head, no matter how stupid his words were.Yolanda broke the hug and rocketed in to hug me. "Love you too Brock,""Love you too Yolanda." I leaned down to whisper into her ear, "I'm sorry I didn't offer it to you first… I was dumb. I didn't mean to hurt you by snubbing you.""No, I understand," she whispered back to me.I patted her on the back and stood. Forrest watched us and I nodded to him. "Well, I'll leave it to you but we'll talk more about this tomorrow, hmmm?"Yolanda's head bounced up and down, whereas Forrest merely grunted. I let him exit first. Before I departed, I watched Yolanda curl her blankets and pillows into a pseudo-nest for herself and the egg to be cradled in. I chuckled and waved at her. "Night Yolanda, sweet dreams.""Night Brock." She called out to my back. I walked back to Forrest's room and knocked on his door frame.When I opened the door a second later Forrest was on the bed looking at me. "Now you knock? What is up with you?""You showed some maturity so I think you deserved it," I said offhandedly, not wanting to admit I'd done so out of habit. It also sounded wise and played into reinforcing positive behaviour. I nodded at him. "Good work." I decided not to mention how he'd been too rough in his delivery, I'd do that later. For now, it was better to stick with the positives."Thanks, it felt good. She'll be great with that as her starter, and with dad coming home I won't have long to wait for my first pokemon. Think dad will have something strong?"".." I held my thoughts to myself before adopting a smile that felt all too fake. "He might, yeah." I walked over and clapped him on the shoulder. "Still, nice work tonight. Have a good night bro."I turned and in doing so spotted what he had hidden under his desk that was hidden with most of the litter around his room. I turned around. "Also? " He gave me a curious look, "Clean your room little bro." I pointed at the magazines with ladies in various states of dress or undress, clearly visible. He blushed hugely and I waved off his splutters."It's a friend's and I'm holding it for him!""That just makes it kinda grosser. I don't want to know. Just… clean your room and hide your magazines. Yolanda was in here earlier. The other little ones probably wander in here all the time as well. You want them reading that willy-nilly?" I shook my head and chuckled at how things had turned out.I fell asleep just as another body pressed itself into my side.It reminded me of another night's sleep almost a month ago now. The sleep was at least as good if not better. Once again though I woke up to only an indent. I shook off the mild feeling of loss and instead fired off a message to Sabrina. She was obviously feeling better. I'd be seeing her in an official capacity soon anyway.