"I've come to challenge the gym!"
The words echoed through the reception room. The trainer's words were a proclamation, intended to give pause to all who heard them. It cast the moment into people's memories. This would be the day this trainer would face the gym and hopefully overcome it.In truth, the words themselves were a formality from a bygone time when the cities of today were little more than small towns. Each their own hub of life that sheltered the residents from wild pokemon and others that might seek to harm them. From a time before the unification of Kanto.It was a period of history that was not very well understood but nevertheless espoused in history lessons. The trainer that was standing before us was the same one that I'd fought towards the end of the circuit. He'd obviously been in a rush back then with the circuit coming to a close. Now he stood before me far more confident. His gaze was intent to a degree that had Alexa sitting up unconsciously."Your match has been scheduled. To confirm, this was the Fourth badge Challenge, and you wanted to run the Gauntlet?" she said seriously to the young man.The trainer nodded. "Yes, I'm ready to start now. Who will I be fighting?"Behind a one-way mirror that was directly behind the reception desk I turned to Missy and nodded at her. "That's your cue."With that, Missy rose from one of the chairs in the lounge area for the gym's trainers while the circuit was on. It served to let them monitor the front desk as a backup if needed while also giving them a spot to relax in between fights. I sat with Rocko, Dennis, and Jackson."You know today is technically your day off, right?" I said to the extremely tanned teenager. Jackson grinned, his white teeth a stark contrast to his bronzed skin."It's fine! I want to feel the start of the circuit! It'll help me get into the swing of things." Jackson nearly vibrated in his seat. I chuckled at his enthusiasm. It was good to have the first trainer I'd sponsored back in the gym."So how much tanning lotion did you use?" Rocko said while wiping a finger over Jackson's arm. He then inspected the finger as one would when dusting a cabinet."Shaddup! I had beach babes offering to rub it into me! I wasn't going to say no! I like how I look anyway!"Dennis and Rocko shared a look before bursting out into laughter.I shook my head before waving them to join me in the other gym trainer area that overlooked the arena. Missy had been thrilled to be the opening match of the season, and I was looking forward to seeing how she handled her first match as a gym trainer.She moved to the podium and twisted while thrusting her chest out, pokeball in hand enlarging as she did. "Think you're getting through me? Think again!" she called out.The small crowd of fans that had gathered for the first fight of the circuit cheered at the banter."Oh nice, she's got some decent smack talk!" Jackson said happily. He nudged Dennis. "Remember Celia's attempts?""I thought she was just insulting them?" said Dennis with a slight frown."Yeah, I think she called at least three girls flat-chested and one woman a miltank accidentally," I said, remembering the way it had made the fights way more intense.The crowd began to become more engaged, and the cameraman that had been employed to catch this circuit's matches was giving a huge thumbs up. I chuckled at that. In truth, I could have had him out of the way in the video room, but then he'd have access to the other security features. I hadn't been expecting to be offered a television deal, but apparently fighting Lance in an exhibition match was worth the local station setting one up.I was still trying to work out how to get alerts sent out for people that wanted to stream the matches live. Some workplaces had no issues with showing matches on their televisions, so I thought it might be a good idea. It sort of reminded me of how things worked with rugby when I went to New Zealand in my old life. Everyone there got to watch their local clubs on the television. Why should this be any different?Plenty of people, both locally and regionally, would like seeing the small fries fight and I would be able to pay out better to winners with the buffer of more funding. It was a huge win for everyone. I might even get more takers for the Doubles battles and the Gauntlet runs. Those paled in comparison to Elite Challenges or Ace Trainer challenges though for popularity.Put those on television? Huge money makers.However, that was still in the works and would be something for the gym to work on. I looked to the referee podium and was happy to see Forrest in position. He looked at me and raised his hands when I nodded. "Challenger Gio! Are you ready?""Yes!" shouted back the challenger."Gym Trainer Missy! Are you ready?""Yes!" she said, flicking her hair over her shoulder."Release your pokemon and begin!""Go King!" a pokeball was flung forward and a Nidoking materialised with a roar. He impacted the ground and swung his tail about. His skin shone under the stadium lights, the air whooshed as his tail swept through it."Go Rhydon!" answered Missy. Her bipedal rhino landed with a thud that shook the ground. She rose up to her full height with a snort before Missy swept her arm forward."Rock Throw!""King, match it!" Rocks ripped from the stadium ground and began to hurtle away from each pokemon before impacting in the middle of the arena. Explosions of dust resulted, and within a few seconds a dust cloud was set up in the middle, obscuring the battlefield."Close the distance!" shouted the challenger. Nidoking surged through the dust, appearing suddenly."Mega Punch!" Only to meet a glowing fist that rocketed forward from Missy's Rhydon."Protect!" shouted the challenger. A globe of blue hexagons shot into existence and absorbed the hit causing Rhydon to stall out. As it reeled back to catch its footing, the challenger pressed the attack. "Fury Attack!"One-two-three hits landed with a furious tempo into Rhydon, forcing it further and further back. "Rhydon, leap back!" Instead of trying for a small space that Nidoking was crowding into constantly Rhydon heaved itself and gained some breathing room."Use Dig!"The challenger smirked, and I knew he'd come prepared for that this time around. "Earthquake."I chuckled before turning to Rocko. "Make sure to work more out of him. See if you can trip him up with the Protect timing with some fake out attacks. See if he's ready for that." Rocko nodded.It wasn't something that we advertised, but when you ran the Gauntlet you also had to adapt to the trainers you'd face next observing your fights and prepping their team. We also made up strategies to shake up their confidence. This wasn't something I got to do with people that were just going for the singular battles, for the real experience, it was always better to do the Gauntlet run.And not just for the payout if you won at the end of it. Trainers that typically challenged the gauntlets exclusively almost always ended the season ready to take on for the Ace pro circuit and start advancing up the duelling leaderboard.I watched as Missy's Rhydon proved why she had chosen it for the first match. Dragging Nidoking into another slugfest before falling finally. Interestingly, the Nidoking only looked more fired up from the fight. "Looks like he used that as a warm-up."Nidoking all but flattened the Onix that Missy chose to follow up with. It staked its claim on the arena with a tilted head and a roar that echoed.A few people that I recognised as serious fans of the Gym cheered the young man's success or just the good showing of a pokemon battle. I smiled fondly down at them from the rail I was leaning on. In another sporting arena, this would probably serve as a VIP area but I kept it rather utilitarian.I patted Rocko on the shoulder. "Your turn."Rocko went in with a practised swagger that just made trainers want to throw down on principle. Nidoking turned to watch Rocko make his way down and trade out for Missy. Missy departed with a forlorn look. I held in the chuckle.It never quite stuck with the new hires that they weren't supposed to win each fight. For them, it was as if the honour of the Gym was at stake with each showing. It would take a while, and I'd need to make time for them, but eventually, they'd understand it wasn't about winning but allowing the trainers the chance to grow."Hey, great show out there," I said with a smile when she made it to the Gym lounge."I lost…" She gripped her opposite arm with her hands and almost huddled into herself.I shrugged, "And that's fine. You fought hard. I imagine that was a good experience for your Rhydon. She held up way better than our Onix sadly." I looked straight at her before tapping her on the nose, bonking her out of her depressive thoughts. "Hey, look down there; look at the crowd that are cheering and laughing. They loved the show.""Was that what it was about? Putting on a show?" she said hesitantly.I shook my head. "They're nice, but it wouldn't matter if the stands were empty, and this was just on an empty plain."I pointed towards the challenger. "That young man was horribly out of sorts last season. He came to this gym and only challenged for the singular challenge for his fourth badge. His showing was, in a word… rough." I turned my hand over as my smile grew. "But look at him now, he's evolved his pokemon and put some serious work into it. I'm looking forward to testing him, and that's what we're here for. To test trainers and help them grow, not smack them down or put on a show."I pointed towards her. "You put on a great test for that young man and he's going to remember it cause this is his new starting point for the year."Missy chewed her lip. I could still see the doubt. It had been the same with Celia when she'd tried her hand at being a gym trainer for the experience. Dennis watched from off to the side and let me do the talking, "Give it time and know that I'm proud of how you performed down there.""Thanks, Brock," she said before turning and moving off to work through her feelings on 'successfully' having lost.I turned back to watch Rocko. I laughed out loud when he threw down Onix as his first choice before making it use Bide. It wasn't something I typically used, but Rocko employed this method fairly often. It seemed to suit him in some odd way that just seemed right. I couldn't put my finger on why that was.Nidoking got a solid hit in and Onix did a great job of making it look like it did a lot more than it did before groggily getting up. Rocko grinned. "That's it! Hold in there buddy! One or two more and you can cream that Nidoking!"The entire stadium leaned forward to watch what would happen next. Gio's eyes dilated for a moment only to hiss in a breath of air. "King! Back off! They're bluffing!"Nidoking backed off with a leap that mimicked the earlier Rhydon only for Onix to charge in and pursue. Rocko leered from atop the podium. "You ain't getting away that easy boyo! Onix give it back!"Onix lunged, committing to the attack."Protect again!" The shield formed once more, but it did so with a small fluctuation in it. While he'd been allowed a few minutes for Rocko to strut down for the challenge, that wasn't enough time to let the weakness in Protect fade. It was still enough to stop Onix however.The rock snake slammed into it before keening out annoyance at being denied the hit. Rocko maintained his expression, however. "Pivot into an Iron Tail!"Onix turned, his head acting as the pivot point to let almost his entire length swing around. Gio saw this, "Leap forward out of the attack!" And responded the right way. His Nidoking leapt forward, dodging the glowing tail."Flex around Onix," Rocko didn't let it end there however and Onix contorted as Nidoking flew over his head.This time, Nidoking had nowhere to go and had to take the hit. The large purple pokemon flying into the barrier before rising with a growl. Onix returned to an upright position and matched its growl with one of its own.The crowd roared their approval at the exchange. Gio blinked at this, caught off guard by the noise."Dragonbreath Onix!""Eh!? Damn it! Nidoking, use Earthquake!" His pokemon slammed its paws into the ground and unleashed a powerful shockwave into the arena.The attack also silenced the crowd as they felt their seats vibrate. In truth, they weren't actually feeling the effects of the attack but rather mild vibration features I had installed to enhance the crowd's experience.The flame washed over Nidoking and he screeched in pain. Onix was tossed to the side only to rise up without too much issue."Damn it! Nidoking, use Toxic!" Gio flourished his hand out and Nidoking rose up with his horn glowing a sickly purple. Then he threw his body forward, flicking his horn and causing a splatter of purple to fly outwards and splash all over Rocko's Onix.Gio then raised his pokeball. "King! Return!"Forrest raised his hand. "The challenger has withdrawn his pokemon! He has five seconds to—""Go Poliwrath!"I whistled as another strong-looking pokemon emerged. Taking in the grimace and the quick glance he shot my way, I got an idea of his plan."I do believe he was going to hold onto that one until he reached me." I nodded at Rocko and Missy. "Also Missy, yours and Rocko's fight help set me up to look way cooler."That got a snort from her and a giggle from Crystal, who'd apparently just joined us."Swimmer! Use Aqua Ring!" The swirls on the pokemon's belly whirled around for a long moment. Rocko clicked his tongue."Use Bide!" Rocko said before clicking his tongue in annoyance. A shimmer went over the Onix. Gio gritted his teeth. It looked like he either had to bull forwards or he had to back off with the shimmer of bide in place.The poison ticking over on Onix made him make his move. "Swimmer, use Water Gun!"The attack hit and Onix reared back at the super-effective move before collapsing onto his side, unconscious. Gio pumped his fists only for Rocko to raise up another pokeball."Ready for the next round?" Rocko flicked his pokeball and a Graveler with small sparks arcing off it landed with a growl. I had to hope the cameraman's microphone wasn't sensitive enough to pick up on Gio cursing under his breath."Water Gun again!""Use Thunderwave," ordered Rocko in response. From the Graveler, a large arc of electricity shot out. It was slower than the water gun, and Rocko had to order a dodge, but the Graveler did so quickly enough."Swimmer! Roll under it!" said Gio. His poliwrath dutifully rolled forward, attempting to dodge only for its leg to get caught in the electricity. It went down with a spasm as electricity arced over its body."Graveler, use Discharge!" The attack hit and this time the challenger had to withdraw one of his pokemon as the Poliwrath went still as it fainted."Return King! Clean em up!" Once more his Nidoking returned to the field causing another burst of power. I noted, however, that it wasn't as strong as its first appearance. The pokemon was tiring."Rock Throw!" called Rocko to start this round off.Nidoking quickly matched the attack, much like he had against Rhydon earlier. Only this time when he tried to burst through the cloud, Graveler was counter-attacking with a charge of its own. Both pokemon slammed into each other, causing the dust to be blown apart from the impact.Nidoking proved to have more inertia however and the boulder pokemon began to be pushed back. Then it buckled lower and got the chance to grip into the ground with its smaller hands."Fury Attack! Loosen that pokemon's grip!" Gio called, ordering his pokemon to end the tackle and go for body blows that shook them both. Four rapid-fire hits impacted the Graveler, causing it to skid back. It stood upright shaking its head.Gio proved his offseason wasn't wasted, pressing the advantage. "Use Seismic Toss!"Nidoking gripped the Graveler, and before the extra arms could grip in once more, the pokemon was lifted like a weight in the gym before being thrown across the floor. Graveler landed with an almighty boom.It stood while cradling one of the smaller arms. I narrowed my focus on that and grunted, "Huh, landed awkwardly; it might have jarred or even dislocated its arm.""Thought you couldn't force a boulder pokemon like them to land awkwardly. They're mostly round?" Daniel chimed in, having just walked into the trainer area.."Nah, Graveler and Geodude can't retract their arms like Golem can. They're tough but they can still land poorly," I said before following up with, "How'd your patrol go?""Eh fine, there were no problems. Looks like I missed Missy's fight though." He glanced in her direction and she gave a small smile."She did fine," I said happily.On the field, Rocko raised his pokeball and withdrew his Graveler. I nodded when he shot a look my way before relaxing. He could have pushed on with the fight for more 'style' but he did the right thing by looking after the pokemon.Rocko raised a hand openly to Forrest and Forrest blinked before remembering the meaning of that gesture. "Rocko has conceded Graveler! The Challenger wins!"This round didn't get as much applause due to the rougher ending. Rocko made sure to bring Graveler back out to the side of the podium. I watched as he explained to the pokemon why he didn't keep fighting. Graveler seemed annoyed but eventually nodded, still cradling its arm.On the field, Nidoking watched on before snorting and nodding his head at his prior foe. This got some more applause, which continued when Graveler was led out of the arena and into the medical area. He'd be back up by this afternoon in truth, but we'd still have him off to Nurse Joy to have it checked before he fought again.I let Gio have a few more moments before pushing a button that dimmed the lights. Then I strode to the staircase. I activated the microphone and spoke, "So, you've returned to challenge me have you?" Lights focussed on my position while also highlighting Gio and his pokemon.Gio stood tall and looked up at me. I grinned down.And just like that, two trainers locked eyes.In moments like this, I wanted to have proper gym music start up. Or something iconic like 'we will rock you'. I still hadn't found a good enough rock band to interpret my frankly terrible memory for music though. They all waved it off as a bad idea.Instead, I marched forward as the crowd cheered my name. When I reached the arena I didn't cross the floor but instead leapt up onto the podium in a display of strength. The crowd loved it. I stayed focussed on Gio."You've returned." I made a show of looking over Nidoking before selecting a pokeball. "Let's see how strong you've grown, Go! Graveler!"The Graveler that just so happened to knock out this Nidoking last time emerged with a solid thump. It rose and locked eyes with Nidoking. It seemed to recognise him despite his evolution. And like the perfect heel, he smirked and raised a hand in a 'come get' gesture.Nidoking snarled, and the battle began. "Rock Throw!""Stone Edge!" I ordered. This time, instead of rocks floating up into the air from both sides only Nidoking's rocks floated upwards. On my side, a trio of rocks jerked up as if ripped by my pokemon. Graveler grinned before hitting them at Nidoking with an open palm. They shot straight at him as though blown out of a cannon, and it was all Nidoking could do to throw himself to the side and roll away from the attack.Nidoking's own attack shot forward much more diminished, only to have Graveler idly roll to the side. The attack was cleanly evaded with far less movement being needed."Toxic!""Quick underground!" I ordered my pokemon, the order specifically designed to have him skimming low.Gio gasped before clenching his hands and ordering an Earthquake. I watched him, not saying anything as I knew my pokemon was taking a lot of damage.Then Gio stopped, and instead of ordering the move again, he gained a shrewd look. "Continue to cover the arena with Toxic, King!"That got a nod of approval from me as his pokemon used his poison move to trap the field. When Graveler emerged, it had no choice but to slam into Nidoking before bouncing back into the small ring that Gio had created around the centre.Perfectly in range of his brawler of a Nidoking. "Fury Attack once more!""Defence Curl!" I ordered once more. Graveler dug in forcing the hits to impact but not allowing Nidoking to follow through with Seismic Toss like he would have on his previous foe.Three hits landed. "Again!""Another Defence Curl," I ordered, more than happy to build up stages of defence and make his attacks weaker. With his blows petering out, Gio clicked his tongue. "Finish spraying the field with Toxic!"This time my Graveler took the hit with nowhere else to go. Gio then ordered the Nidoking to close in once more."Use Dig," I said, deciding I wanted to put down as much damage as I could. I was already formulating a potential second pokemon to take over. I had one that could outright ignore the poison 'field' he'd set up, while another would make things much rougher. The first sadly would probably be a bit much for a trainer, even one challenging for their fourth badge.Maybe if he'd gone Elite level, or if he was going for more than his fourth badge I might have called out my Quirina. The Solrock serving perfectly to ignore his trap field with his ability to levitate."Swift!" ordered Gio, making my choice to go under the earth cost me further. I was glad to see he still had a lot of the moves up to some degree of skill from our previous fight. I hadn't seen anything for buffs however.Graveler leapt out to tackle Nidoking from the earth, looking much worse for wear. Nidoking happily accepted the tackle before rolling them through the poison that was on the ground. One of Nidoking's arms got free, and Gio used that to deliver more Fury Attacks into my Graveler's side. Graveler locked down with his front arms and used his upper arms to punch back, turning the fight into a brawl.Even with Nidoking's earlier fights exhausting him however, it was my pokemon that fell first. I withdrew him, and nodded at Gio and his Nidoking. The Purple pokemon heaving in huge lungfuls of air. I grinned as my eyes spotted the tunnel Graveler had shot up out of. That spot didn't have any poison on it due to upturned earth."Go Chou!" I shouted releasing my Omanyte onto the field. The crowd ooh'd theatrically at the ancient pokemon appearing. I waved my hand forward. "Use Surf!"The attack drew on the small grated water channels around the arena edge but also some of my pokemon's energy to create a large tidal wave. A wave that swept the poison off the field before dropping ontop of King.This time, King went down for the count."BROCK!" WOAH!" "ANCIENT POKEMON FOR THE WIN!" My little Omanyte happily trilled at the praise before posing with fake muscleman poses for the crowd.Gio glanced around at the roaring crowd. I looked over to him. "Hey, don't sweat the crowd Gio. This is little compared to the big leagues. Ignore them and focus on what you came here for." I crossed my arms and gave him a smirk, allowing him to focus on me, his goal. I was his barrier here and now.He nodded, hand sliding to one pokeball before stopping. He blinked before chewing his lip in thought before selecting another pokeball."Go Raticate!""Raticate!" shouted the pokemon as it appeared. I hummed with interest, he hadn't had that pokemon the last time he'd faced me."Raticate! Use Thunder!""Dig," I replied instantly. Before my pokemon could be touched, it vanished into the earth. Gio looked at that before looking up at me. "It doesn't have an earth type! It has a Rock-Water typing doesn't it?"I smirked. "Who knows?""Raticate! Use Focus Energy! Be ready! We'll end this in a single attack when he emerges!""Chou, use Rock Polish." I said with a shout.That got a click of his teeth from Gio. I raised an eyebrow as he chewed his lip before ordering another Focus Energy."Chou, use Water Gun to take him out!""Raticate use Assurance!" Gio crowded as Chou shot out of the ground using Water Gun to propel his body backwards at speed. Raticate turned in time to take the hit on the side instead of the back of his head. Then, at the moment that Chou would have shot past, Raticate's entire body surged with dark-type energy. The energy lashed out and struck Chou down, inflicting double damage.My smallest ancient pokemon hit the ground and fell unconscious. I raised my pokeball and withdrew him. Then I looked at Gio. "Looks like you've grown up very well indeed." I hit a button and to the side, the screens that showed the fight exploded with the words 'Challenger wins' shooting across them.The front of the podiums opened, and Gio threw himself at Raticate. "We did it! You did it! You were amazing!"I grinned at the kid's antics. It was always good to overcome a challenge that had previously stopped you flat. I made sure to walk slowly over to the kid as the crowd cheered for him. Forrest's referee podium lowered, and he met me next to Gio with a small case in hand."Congratulations on your victory Gio. I'm more than happy to confer onto you the Boulder badge. You earned it."Gio looked at me and then the badge before accepting it. He took it and cradled it close."Thank you!" he said reverently."No thank you for the great match." I then gestured over my shoulder. "Also, now the crowd is all yours. Give them a wave."Gio looked up, surprised to find that I was right. The crowd that had gathered at the start of his gauntlet run was now much bigger. They chanted his name and his pokemon's name. He cried fat happy tears before raising his Raticate up onto his shoulders, where the pokemon grabbed his head. He then raised the badge aloft as the pokemon grinned happily. Hmmm perhaps he had this pokemon and hadn't brought it out against me last time… That or he'd really developed a bond with the pokemon in the threeish months since I'd last seen him.The crowd cheered louder.I let it go on for a few minutes before raising my own hand. "I will now complete the less fun paperwork. Thank you all for coming and watching Gio's matches! Our next scheduled match will be in half an hour if you'd like to head out or stick around!" I gestured to a doorway. "Let's get your winnings. Interested in some feedback as well?"Gio nodded his head. I led him into the room. "Well, first off, you were right in that Omanyte wouldn't have handled Thunder at all, so good read on him not having the earth typing. His water typing would have seen that being a one hit k.o."I then made a circle. "You'll need to get used to using the Gauntlet runs for trainers to scout you out. I imagine your Poliwrath was going to be your ace against me, but instead Rocko dragged him out early. This is much like a smaller tournament. Every method you use can be adjusted for. This is worse than the tournaments, as you can't change out your team of six so be ready to have something tailored against you and know how to adjust for it."I tapped away at the computer before looking at him. "Cash or digital?""Cash… if it's all the same to you." I nodded and punched in the amount. The computer whirred to life and from a chute, a tube of money with the exact amount popped down to me.I inspected it before laying it out, casually counting it out. Gio stared at it. "That's… more than last year.""I too had a very successful off-circuit," I said smugly.Gio laughed before nodding. "Yeah, you were crazy… I wasn't game to try your Elite Challenge."I waved my hand. "You'd only get the prestige badge on the first challenge, but the payout might have been worth it if you managed it on the third or fourth. It would have been a different beast. As strong as Chou and my Gravelers are, it's a different climb up a much steeper mountain for trainers when I'm using one of my top pokemon.""Any other advice?" he asked, looking at me hopefully. This caught me slightly by surprise, people usually only accepted the first few pieces. Perhaps my win over Lance had other benefits with my street cred being high enough that people would actually listen when I spoke.That'd be a weird sensation."Well, I mainly thought I'd repeat that you did a good job getting your team to that level in a few months. I think your Nidoking is seriously stronger, as is Poliwrath and Raticate. That's the beginning of a solid team." I considered him for a moment. "How's your stable situation?""I had to lose access to them. I'm restricted to just six pokemon… I currently only have five that are up to strength." He chewed his lip and gave me another furtive look before swallowing. "I… don't suppose my showing here was good enough that I could apply to be part of your 'stable' this season?"I sat back and considered that. "Your showing was good… however you are a trainer that has been out for a year now. You've had a few runs at gyms." I brought up his battle history and looked it over. "You've got a fairly even win-loss ratio on here with a lot more wins piling up, but that might change as you move around."I rubbed my chin. "You got two of your now four gym badges from 'small' gyms." I turned that over in my mind before deciding, "Tell you what, win another two gym badges through the gauntlet from the big eight without losing a match on any of the runs and I'll offer a partial sponsorship. Sounds fair?"Gio grimaced. "I really regret taking Cerulean and Celadon off my list of potential gyms. That will only leave Surge.""It will depend on your strategy for sure. You have Surge, Giovanni, Blaine, Koga or Sabrina to overcome if you want stabling rights from me.""Urgh, no way am I challenging Sabrina!" Gio shivered. "She's scary! I tried her for my fourth badge and she was so powerful! And skilled! I've never seen psychic pokemon do the stuff she got them doing!"I nodded in commiseration. "There's a reason why I sparred with her in the lead-up to my match with Lance. She's strong."Gio considered that before sighing. "I can still get two from the smaller gyms… but that'd be the easy way out."I stood. "Well it depends on what you want to get from this. You've won a hard fight from me. You don't absolutely need more than six badges from the big gyms to make a good showing at the Indigo Plateau but it would help. Look around and see what your options are, but most of all keep your end goal in sight."Gio nodded, walking out to the front desk. "Now, let's smile for the camera. You are the first trainer to earn their badge for the circuit this season!"Gio looked up in surprise to see Rachel ready with a polaroid camera. With a quick photoshoot, Gio departed.I sighed. "And off he goes into the world." I looked back to Rachel. "Alright then, who's next?"And just like that, I moved on with my day, preparing for the next challenger to earn their badge.I only had two that day, but it was a nice start to the season. I personally chalked up another win by having no-one knock on my door in an attempt to challenge me.It was a small win, but I'd take it. I knew it wouldn't last, sadly.In the end, Missy won the first part of the bet she'd made with the others as I got a challenger knocking on my door late at night, exactly four days into the circuit. I sent them scampering off and resigned myself to having this happen much more frequently from now on.I just hoped she didn't also win the second part of the bet.
58
I tapped the board behind me and the kids all dutifully wrote down what I had projected onto it."As you can see, you need to account for your budget for things such as medicine in the field, food, tents, and more when you leave Pewter. For now, I know you have the tents that I gave you, but those need to be assembled correctly. I have a trainer available to lead an expedition for any that might have gotten rusty on setting up camp."Dennis, who was standing to the side, straightened a little and nodded seriously to the kids. I gestured at him. "This is Dennis and for the next two days if you have any desire he can lead an expedition around Pewter and give you a little more of a safety net. He'll also practise with you, both here, and when you're out and about."The kids looked a little relieved to hear this and I chuckled."Yeah I know a lot of this was covered for you last year in school, but the refreshers help. Especially now that you have pokemon to help you. Now with the busy work and announcements out of the way, let's talk about local pokemon and pokemon team compositions."The kids sat, if possible, more upright, their pens poised."Alright, so the foundation of your team is always going to centre around the pokemon that you got as your starter. It, along with you, are the beating heart of the team. You should expect it to be your most powerful, or versatile, as it is the pokemon that will have the most experience. If this is not the case I will be shocked.""Now at Pewter, we start with a pokemon that don't have any large risks such as if you started with a fire or electric type pokemon." I gestured around at the rattata, pidgey, geodude, nidoran—both male and female— and finally an aron that was happily nudging Humphrey in the leg for attention."Aron, come on buddy," Humphrey whispered as he rubbed along Aron's head.I hummed. Everyone thought that Humphrey would have it better having been given a 'stronger' pokemon. The truth was that he'd need to also work harder to draw out that potential. It also would mean that he'd need longer to evolve his pokemon compared to someone like Mia with Silly Mouse. She could have her Raticate within a few weeks if she wanted to, and be ready to work on perfecting a style of fighting with him by the time the mid-circuit tournament came around. This would see her hopefully gaining momentum while others were playing the longer game."Now, if you are looking to create a team that will make things easier for you as you travel I would highly recommend getting yourself a flying type such as Pidgey or Spearow. Their final evolutions will not only allow flight, but they are also powerful pokemon in their own right with a versatile set of moves. But if you're looking for a comfort pokemon that will help around the camping area, and in the battling arena, then I think you need to go with the risky pokemon."The kids tilted their heads.I smiled at them. "I'm talking about a Fire type. Now if you think about it, the two easiest pokemon to catch in all of Kanto. Who are they?"I waved a hand about and Mia shot her hand up. Silly Mouse glanced at her before copying her. I pointed at her. "Oh! OH! Oddish! Weedle! Caterpie! Goldeen! Zubat! And… and uhmmm oh… Pidgey?" she said while biting her lip.I nodded. "That… was much more thorough than I was asking for, but you're correct. Ten points to Silly Mouse House," I said, feeling rather ridiculous myself.Humphrey raised a tentative hand. "I thought Magikarp was the easiest to capture?"I pointed at him. "Point to the Aron trainer, you're correct. However in the context of you having to face such a trainer, then unless they've put in an obscene amount of training, the Magikarp is sadly not going to have the strength. Its evolution is what makes it amazing but you need to really dig deep or fulfill a real niche emotional sweet spot depending on that specific Magikarp's temperament. If someone throws out a Magikarp and you keep your guard up for a trick then you should walk out of that fight with an easy win."I then grabbed a black pen and wrote in huge letters.NEVER TOY WITH IT!I then underlined it. "If you all only take one thing from this lesson today? It is that you should; Never, Ever, Ever! Spend time smacking around a Magikarp, and lording it over the trainer for their pathetic choice. That is one of the best methods that people using Magikarp have to get an evolution from them and for you to suddenly face a fish that just leapt from a puddle to an ocean in terms of strength."I underlined it again and then spent a moment locking eyes with every child in the room."I get stories about this every year, and I have to say, the trainers that force this? Well, they had it coming. There is no better irony than having that happen. If you see it happen back up and watch from a safe distance of roughly fifty metres and stick around in case the newly evolved pokemon can't be controlled by its trainer. If that is the case you might need to help them or get that trainer out of there."The kids all swallowed tightly at that. I smiled at them."But, I was talking about Fire types. And what do we not want a fire Fire type to face?" I said leadingly."Water types!" chorused the group. I nodded, pleased. I gave out booklets to everyone who participated in the tournament, but some people thought they were too good to read the matchup list."Good! Now obviously, fire types need to be monitored in places such as forests, grasslands, and caves if they're using their fires. Pokemon like Ponyta and Charmander will always have a fire on them, so be aware of this. High-emotion states will result in the occasional spray of fire. For all of you, the perfect pokemon to get yourselves if you find them, is a Growlithe or a Vulpix."I clicked the projector and began to extol the virtues of the pokemon. Both of them were easy to train and had the potential for strong fire moves with other skills. This made them high value to people that I taught as they came with minimal risk but high growth potential.One of the girls raised her hands. "If… If I don't want to go for a gym circuit what should I do?"I nodded at her. "Good question, and I'm glad you're thinking about that sort of thing. If you haven't thought about it, this year is pretty much entirely about considering what you want to do. No one will demand anything of you."I raised a finger. "However! This is also a good time to open some doors and experience some new things. I would recommend trying to at least get four badges; that way, you'll have had a good trip around Kanto. Also, this will look good to any prospective employers looking to hire you.""Also," I waved a hand around. "You get to spend it with other people that are in the same boat as you! The bonds you form on your journey with people and pokemon can last a lifetime!"Humphrey raised his hand. "What if we do want to go for the end-of-year circuit?" This had more of the room perking up.I chuckled at the greater show of interest before replying, "Well, find a way to train yourself and your pokemon as much as you can. Do it in the wild and against other trainers. You'll need as much experience as you can because there are going to be people that have had their starters for longer. However! With your minds and dedication, you can overcome this! The circuit lasts nine months and for some people, that's going to be a whole new lifetime."Humphrey coughed sheepishly and ducked into himself. "Oh thanks! But I meant… what pokemon should we catch?"I shook my head. "That's not for me to tell you. I will caution against trying to just get a perfect team with a 'pokemon for every situation and type match up'. That doesn't work out as well thanks to being able to swap out pokemon or having an initial bad call. Create a team that you can work with and identify your strengths and your weaknesses. When you start getting more than four pokemon I will be in discussion with all of you to help you specifically identify what your team has and lacks."The kids shared smiles at that. I heard the boy with the Nidoran outline how he'd get a pikachu first, then a growlithe, before getting an exeggcute before he broke into mumbles on pokemon and moves to create a great team. I coughed to refocus the kids."Alright! That is it for the talk today. Remember that we're going to have another two of these, and then I have you all locked in for a match with me in two weeks." I grinned evilly as the kids swallowed."I'm putting you under the pump here, but if you're not up for it then just swing by and tell the receptionist. A deadline will just help keep things in perspective." These kids obviously didn't know what to make of this, so I just waved them off."Remember that Dennis is available for anyone wanting to go on an expedition to brush up on their camping skills. Otherwise, make good use of the battlecourts out in front of the gym."Mia tapped one of the girls with a Geodude on the shoulder, and they both got a look as they locked eyes. I chuckled and stuck around to answer some simple questions while avoiding the one boy's request to help him create the perfect team for his journey.Eventually, I was done with the morning session. I was walking to my office when I was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder. Janine smiled at me with a hint of pride shining through.I blinked at her in surprise. "Oh…"She stared at me and a small frown marred her aura of smugness. "Oh?""I just… well, I had been expecting a message for when you were coming around but this…" This made so much more sense. What had I been expecting? Koga to call and set up the date and time and have a drop-off with his daughter. I really should have known better."You're not surprised to see me? You… Your response to this is rather sub-optimal. Where is your flinch response?" she said with a scowl.I scratched the back of my head. "I think it got conditioned out of me?"Janine stared harder at me. "Hmmm, I see I have my work cut out for me then," she said with a sigh.I grunted noncommittally. "Hnnn, say how long have you been around?""Since you have been advocating Growlithe. That is a suboptimal pokemon. They should catch themselves a pokemon like an Oddish. They are easier to care for and some of their spore moves can be used as fire starters."I considered her for a moment. "Eh, that's not something I knew. Maybe I could get you to hold a lecture in future?"She tilted her head. "But you are supposed to be teaching me?""Sometimes you learn best from teaching others," I said sagely. Then I shrugged. "Anyway, I can't know everything, some things certainly, but I think your father merely wanted me to show you a different way of doing things." I looked her over and noted a large carry satchel that was hanging over one shoulder."Got everything you'll need there?""Indeed! I am ready to camp out!"I shook my head and checked my watch. "Hmmm I can't give you the tour straight away as I have a match against an Ace trainer for some Championship points, so stick around for that. Then let's do a tour.""You're holding matches already?" Janine said as I walked towards the arena."Oh yeah, we start taking all challengers from day two of the circuit starting up. Does Koga not do that?"Janine shook her head. "There is a week blocked out where Koga spends it on this circuit's apprentice. He will be doubly sure to train this one better!" She shot me a look as though I had said I would doubt that.Then I recalled that Celia had in fact knocked out Koga's sponsored trainer in the group stages to advance. "Ah, well, you just saw my gym's selections this year.""You're taking six of them?" she said, glancing back. "That seems ambitious.""I want to give more to the community. If I had my way it'd be way more than that." I pointed to a set of stairs that would lead us up the back to the trainer area overlooking the arena. "Right, hang tight up here. If you want a drink, feel free to take something from the fridge. Bathroom is through that door. I'll have a break after this."I stepped to the edge of the trainer area that was sectioned off with a low-rising wall that looked like stone on one side but sported a simple railing that you could pull a chair up to if you wanted to watch the fights going on below.I toggled a microphone to a private channel. "Alright Missy check if we have the challenger yet?""Roger Brock! Challenger Himiko Hess is ready. We're just getting through a few spectators, and then I'll ask Rachel to do the introductions.""Roger," I said as I began to toy with the pokeballs on my belt. With this being an Ace trainer match I wasn't restricted to just pokemon that represented the Gym. I had the option of other pokemon as well.When the time came, Rachel ran out. Her pink hair acted like a banner to draw people's attention while a jacket that was way too big trailed after her with the gym's symbol proudly on display. Instead of stopping to hype up the crowd, she did a half-hop into a flip. She spun once in the air and then landed in a perfect gymnast finishing pose. She grinned as the crowd cheered.She must have had her microphone set for the gym trainer group, as I heard her whispering to herself under her breath. "Hell yeah, those Trixie sessions paid off! Go me!"I snorted. "Change to the gym-wide broadcast before you start talking Rachel," I said helpfully.Rachel flushed red enough that I could see her from where I was standing before regaining her composure admirably. Her hand dipped to the radio at her side as she did just that. She held her huge smile though as she waved to the crowd."Hello! Hello! People of Pewter! Welcome one and all! Today we have a truly spectacular battle awaiting us with the first Ace challenge of the circuit! The contender, a trainer that has been a hot topic for quite a while and is known for their fiery personality! Give it up for Himiko from Kasado City!"A tall willowy woman swept into the gym and glanced around at the crowd as she sped down the stairs to her podium. Her dark black hair hung over each shoulder and hugged her body before being tied off behind her back in a strange style. Perhaps it was something cultural?Rachel swept her arm towards me. "AND NOW PEOPLE OF PEWTER! TO FACE THE CHALLENGER FOR AN ACE BATTLE WITH POINTS ON THE LINE! GIVE IT UP FOR YOUR GYM LEADER! BROCK!"Lights slammed on and from long practise I avoided looking up and blinding myself. I held my pose and let my eyes adjust before marching down the stairs.Rachel made a sign and from the speakers music that was oh so close to Queen's famous we will rock you began to belt out."PEWTER GYM ARE YOU READY!? WE, WILL, BROCK YOU!"I almost stumbled at that. I had to bite my lips to not burst out into laughter at the horrible flub as she tried to lead a 'Brock you!' chant that really didn't have the backing it should.When I neared her I shot her a small shake of the head. She gave me a confused look, but I waved her away. I'd talk with how… cringe I felt that chant was later.When I reached my own podium I crossed my arms. "Welcome Himiko. As this is an Ace challenge, depending on your placing on the Ace board you will win a different amount of points. I will remind you that I am not restricted to only Rock or rock-themed pokemon.""Rock themed?" Himiko muttered under her breath, then she shook her head. "I understand and am prepared!""Very well!" I said. I looked to the side and found Rocko already standing ready as the referee. Forrest had tried to argue with me over fulfilling the position, but with it being in the middle of the morning I had instead sent him off to school with his friends. He'd have plenty of time to sit in and watch me fight more experienced trainers than the norm as that was one area that we expected a lot more challengers from for the year.Rocko went through the usual ritual of checking that we were both ready before dropping his flags. "Begin!""Go Medicham!" "Go Zephyr!"On the field a Medicham and my Noctowl appeared. Himiko blanched at the pokemon and I could hear her cursing the poor first match up."Medicham return!" she said as her opening move.I grinned, "Calm Mind!" Zephyr's eyes glowed and his head twitched in a rather creepy manner. With Himiko pulling out her first pokemon she had given me a free set-up move which she was already cursing herself for, but to be fair, it might be the best move available to her."Go Raichu!" she said, tossing out another pokeball. I whistled as the orange electric mouse appeared and began sparking instantly."Rai!" growled the little mouse.I grinned at it, more than ready for this match up. Just as Shin had his own methods of dealing with Electric pokemon I hadn't skipped Zephyr's lead-up to the circuit."Attack it with Steel Wing!""Raichu use Thunderbolt!" Himiko ordered.My pokemon swept forward from his low position as Raichu lit him up. The Calm Mind became useful straight away as the attack didn't do anywhere near as much damage as it should, much to Himiko and the crowd's apparent confusion. Then Raichu suddenly had a faceful of angry owl. The wings swept in and slammed it away before stabbing into the ground and earthing any charge that was still coursing through him."Raichu up! While he's grounded use Quick Attack!"I watched carefully and let Noctowl remain where he was. Without my order Noctowl stayed still. This hold served to let all of the electricity be ground out as well as giving Himiko an apparent weakness to exploit.Only it wasn't a weakness. "Hypnosis," I said firmly. Noctowl snapped his head to the side and locked onto Raichu.Instead of charging into the Hypnosis, Himiko swept her arm to the side. "Circle around to take it from the back!" she said.I chuckled as instead of being caught out, Zephyr's head twisted around as only an owl could. By the time he reached two hundred and seventy degrees of rotation, the Raichu had notably slowed before collapsing into sleep just shy of a full rotation."Tch!" she raised a pokeball and withdrew her pokemon. Her next pokemon was quickly tossed out to reveal a Ninetales that had everyone in the crowd oohhing in appreciation. I chuckled and raised up my own pokeball."Return for now Zephyr!" I said as I pulled him out.A few people in the crowd made noises of surprise only for their neighbours to helpfully remind them that as an Ace challenge, I was not restricted in withdrawing or the tactics I could use."Go Sanchez!" I said.That got the crowd on their feet as the pokemon that had the most toy sales of the gym took to the stage. He waved expansively like the great hammy actor that he was.Himiko was not willing to play to that script though as she stabbed her hand forward. "Attract!"I groaned as Ninetales sashayed and flicked her tails in a 'come hither' manner. Having just withdrawn a pokemon I had to either endure or pull a move off myself."Sanchez show off for her! Rock Polish!" Sanchez obviously thought that was a great idea as he began rubbing at his body quickly to get it to shine.Himiko sniffed. "Show this suitor he's not worthy! Fire Blast!" she said. From Ninetales's maw, an inferno shot forth straight at Sanchez in the shape of a fire symbol.I punched forward and roared my own command, "Show her your passion by blasting it apart like a stylish man!""GO! GO! GOLEM!" said Sanchez as he lit up and blew apart the oncoming attack causing lightning and fire to clash and explode in a firework. Sparks and embers flittered down and I grinned. I'd picked that use for Thunder from watching a contest.As the firework cleared, I caught Himiko scowling at me. I looked down to Sanchez. "Still like her, Sanchez?" I asked.Sanchez dropped to one knee. "Go! Go! Lem Lem go!" he said like one would recite poetry."Riiiight, alright boy, take a break she's not that into you," I said as I returned him before Himiko could push her next move."So, Attract?" I said. Himiko grinned at me."Most boys like having male pokemon!" She shrugged and gestured with her arm. "I merely make use of that weakness!"I grinned as I selected my own female pokemon. "Go Bertha!"Bertha landed and snorted as she locked eyes with the Ninetales. She was clearly unimpressed with what she was seeing.Himiko growled and glanced at the sideboard where her withdrawals were listed.At the Ace level to stop it from just becoming who could switch out pokemon to find the best match up there was a limitation on the number of withdrawals that you could use. Moves such as Roar, Baton Pass, and others that enacted changes, were not counted towards this limit but it was rare to see them used. I could tell from Himiko's expression, she apparently didn't have a pokemon that knew any and with how I was pressuring her she needed to be wiser with her substitutions.Also, anyone who'd seen Bertha fight Lance knew that you couldn't give her time to build up in any way shape or form."Tch! Use Psychic!" she said, deciding to try her hand against Bertha with her Ninetales."Earthquake!" I said to show her the error of her ways.Psychic energy built up and slammed into Bertha, but she barely flinched as she stomped and caused the ground to buckle underneath her.Ninetales was thrown up, and when she hit the ground, she landed awkwardly only to be tossed up again as the shaking continued. When she landed the second time she did so with a limp thud that indicated she was out cold."Bertha! Stop!" I ordered not wanting to ragdoll throw a limp pokemon and potentially injure them. Bertha stopped, allowing Himiko to quickly recall her pokemon out of danger.I swallowed and watched as Himiko checked her pokeball for any warning lights that indicated the pokemon that was within was injured. She relaxed, and a collective sigh of relief was released by everyone in the room. I shot her a chagrined smile."Sorry for the scare!" I said.She merely nodded and selected her next pokeball with a determined glare. "Go Medicham!" And once more the fight was back on.I grinned. "Stone Edge!"The crowd roared their approval at the move, having watched it be used to great effect against Lance. Huge slabs of stone shot forward at Medicham."Medicham! Use Detect and weave your way through the attacks!"I grinned, amused at her method of closing the gap. Ah? So you needed to come closer? By all means then. I thought as I watched the pokemon gracefully dance her way through the attacks. When she got close I smiled."Earthquake!" I shouted. Bertha once more stomped her foot down."High Jump Kick!" Himiko responded quickly enough and her pokemon leapt high with her pokemon soaring with its leg raised in preparation."Dig!" I ordered as fast as I could. Bertha pulled a hard twist from her planted foot and threw herself into the ground, causing it to be ripped open as she created a giant hole."Medi!" cried the Medicham as it suddenly came down with no pokemon to dampen the blow. It cratered the ground where it landed but grimaced in pain. I exhaled in relief. Whew, I definitely hadn't wanted to take that hit. Medicham hopped back from where it impacted only to fall to the ground.Himiko raised a pokeball to use her next withdrawal option, only for Bertha to emerge in all her glory and smash into Medicham from the side. Medicham went flying into a wall and just like that, two of Himiko's pokemon were down for the fight."Urgh!" she said, pulling her pokemon out for good as Rocko signaled the knockout.The crowd cheered, and Bertha grinned before rolling her shoulders and getting ready for the next match."Go Blastoise!" she said as a signature giant blue turtle took to the stage.I chuckled. She obviously thought she had a good match up here."Earthquake," I said to start things off."Surf!" said Himiko. From behind Blastoise a huge wave rose and bore him skyward where he grinned at Bertha as she stood with her foot planted once more. This time she wouldn't be able to dodge with a well timed Dig as I could see the wave was deep. I just shook my head. They'd obviously forgotten the other move that Bertha had used to great effect."Ice Beam the wave," I said. Bertha blasted a beam of blue energy that froze whatever it touched.Himiko tossed her head slightly. "Blastoise, don't worry! You're resistant to it! Push through!"I chuckled as Blaistise tried to do just that, only to find himself overextended and toppling from the wave. "Blas!" he shouted. I watched him fall and waited for the next order. There would be a window here… I just needed to have Bertha ready for it."Blastoise withdraw into your shell!" Himiko ordered before her pokemon could slam into the ground. He tucked his legs, head and water cannons in and slammed into the ground causing a great wave to blow outwards."Move in, Bertha!" I said.From the dust a large form rose up only for another to charge straight up to it. "Finish it!" I said suddenly, and just as the dust dispersed the crowd were treated to the sight of my pokemon in close range with one arm cocked back just as Blaistosie was fully standing.The Blastoise spotted Bertha just as she smirked.Her arm spun up and launched forward to impact into Blastoise. Then he twisted as though a giant hand had grabbed him and started him on a cartwheel only instead of rolling to the side he was blasted backwards while spinning around. He slammed into the wall and was knocked out signaling the third pokemon down for the count.Himiko stared. "Darkrai… what did I sign myself up for?" she said quietly enough that I doubted the crowd would have heard her. I merely grinned at her.She must have thought she could come in here and stomp me like others had when they came for their first badge. It always amused me when people had a mental disconnect between my first badge team and my Ace/Elite team. It also surprised me that my showing against Lance hadn't made her more cautious coming into this match."Go Cloyster!" she said for her next pokemon. I nodded. A good pokemon to use in this situation and she obviously had a number of her pokemon 'ready' for me. She just wasn't ready for the actual divide in strength my pokemon had over hers.I whistled and raised a Pokeball straight away without a hint of shame. "Return Bertha, and let's go Sanchez! Redemption time!"With the quick return of pokemon, I was still at risk but obviously in a much better position with an electric pokemon on the field against her Cloyster. Sanchez looked around hopefully before making an 'oh shit!' face. He knocked himself on the side of the head and laughed before adopting a much more serious pose against his new opponent.Himiko growled and swept her arm forward to resume the match. I grinned as I set to work dismantling the rest of her team.When she only had her Raichu left she made a sign to forfeit instead of sending them out. I nodded and Rocko raised the flag in my direction. "Gym Leader Brock is the victor!""Brock!" "Pewter city!" Brock you!" cheered the people that made up the crowd. At that last chant, my burgeoning smile became forced. I really hoped to nip that 'Brock you' chant in the bud. I mentally made a note to correct it with Rachel and give her a few lyrics from what I could remember.Coming into a gym match with the crowd chanting 'we will Brock you'? Yeah no. That was way too much cringe.I marched across the arena and shook hands with Himiko. "Hey thanks for the match! Good luck this season."She sighed and nodded. "Yeah, thanks… I think this will serve as a good wake up for me… Urgh I'm going to lose a few points for this."I hummed. "Oh? You were higher on the list than me?"She shot me a bemused look. "You didn't check my ranking?"I shrugged. "I don't really keep track of it. I get a few Ace Challengers each year, so I know I'm on the board in the… five hundred range?" I said sceptically. "Again, it isn't what I focus on. I have a gym to run and young trainers to test. The Ace battles are mostly fun for me.""Fun for me, he says," she muttered under her breath. She shook her head. "Well, I was four hundred and fiftieth on the chart… I think with this loss I will be dropping a good number of spots."I hummed. "So that will net me… six Ace tournament points?" I said carefully. I wasn't sure of the exact mechanic. You could win more points for taking part in Battleclub tournaments and from beating trainers higher than you but after about a hundred places difference there was no worth in challenging a trainer as you only got one point for a victory. Most people looking to soar up the ranks had to either pony up a lot of money to make it worth a higher-ranked trainer's time or meet them in a tournament and beat them there.Fighting and winning against a Gym leader added a small addition to the points you could earn but you only got one shot at it each circuit period. When I first started out I lost a few matches but my wins versus losses ratio was very strong these days. It would be further tested with the upcoming circuit."—you'll get seven points, all things considered," Himiko said, making me tune back in. I nodded as though I had been paying attention to her and not lost in my thoughts."Hmmm, that's nice. Hey out of curiosity, your Raichu. It knew Iron Tail right?"Himiko blinked at me. "It did not, as a matter of fact."I hummed. "Might be a good move to look into for him for fighting rock and ground type pokemon. I think you need more moves that defy expectations of type match-ups ready."She blinked at me. "Oh, thank you?" she said tilting her head.I chuckled and waved my hand back and forth "Sorry! Force of habit."I turned and gestured to the camera that Battlecast had. "I'd keep an eye out for tonight's broadcast. I think we might have been live locally, but there will also be a run down later tonight."Himiko perked up before wilting. "Oh… my first Battlecast appearance is a defeat."I shrugged at her, "It's still something." I led her off the arena floor and returned to the trainer area. Thankfully I didn't have any other trainers booked in so far. I quickly checked my transceiver for the schedule and relaxed when that was still the case.I walked back up the stairs to the trainer area. A number of fans approached and spoke to me for a while before I eventually broke off. I tapped Rachel on the shoulder and gestured to the side for a quick chat."Hey, so I think in future maybe stick with we will, we will, rock you? Brock you is…" I coughed and shook my head. "A bit on the nose…"Rachel squirmed. "Sorry! I was working on this to surprise you, but I should have tried it out earlier."I chuckled. "Just try a stomp, stomp, clap next time?" I then looked at Himiko, who was talking with a few people from the crowd. "It seemed to have gotten her off balance anyway, so there's that going for it. But let's try and get rid of that for now, yeah?" I patted Rachel on the shoulder and moved back to the trainer-only area.Leaning on the dividing wall Janine watched me with an inscrutable expression.
"So? First match! What do you think?" I said, happy that I got to put on a good show for everyone."Your gym…" she eyed the crowd of people milling about with some talking with Rachel who was rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. Everyone had smiles and there was a lot of laughter. I spotted that Himiko had gotten dragged in front of the camera by a reporter and she was being interviewed. "It is very different than the Fuchsia gym.""It's so lively, and… modern. Everything is a big show but the fights are still well done…" She eyed me. "That use of Thunder? How did you know Sanchez would accept the attack order? Usually, besotted pokemon refuse to even potentially harm the target of their affections."I smiled. "It's all about knowing how your pokemon reacts to certain things like that. Sanchez likes showing off, so as long as I make it so that he is doing that for his new 'love' then he will follow the order. It's all about how the order is given."I waved a hand toward the back door. "Come on, let's give you that tour." I led her through the gym and introduced her to Rocko and Dennis. Rocko happily took the rest of the afternoon off and when I found him sprawled out on the couch in the common area, I wasn't surprised to find him playing on his game console.Janine gave him a disapproving look that he ignored.I opened a room halfway down the hall and gestured inside. "So! This room will be yours to treat as you like. It has an attached ensuite for privacy. Sometimes I rent these out for trainers that want to work with us as part of the package or people that are looking to stay the night when the Pokecenter is full."A door opened behind me and I turned to find Daniel and his wife staring at me and Janine. Daniel was in fact openly gaping.Janine offered them a bow. "Hello I am Janine from Fuchsia! I have the honour of attending your gym for the next few months to learn your ways. It is a pleasure to meet you!"I hummed. She'd been just as formal when meeting Dennis, but she'd been notably more distant with Rocko. So she had meant that as a snub then?Daniel sketched his own bow. "Ah! I'm uhm, Daniel and this is… my wife! Yes! My wife!""Helen!" said the woman as she continued to stare at Janine.I gave Janine a look over, Helen and Daniel must be weirded out by her ninja attire. "I think we're going to have to get you a change of wardrobe. The ninja look… might not be so smart for Pewter…"When she frowned at me I raised my hands. "Or do your own thing. I don't mind. I just think that some of your clothing choices might see you… freezing your toes and fingers off. This isn't Fuchsia after all."She relaxed at that. "Ah, I understand… I will consider changing my attire."She stepped into the room and deposited her satchel. "There. I am unpacked.""Cool well, I'll show you the back of the gym where you can let your pokemon roam. That's where we will do most of our training. I happen to do it in the morning with my pokemon so if you'd like to join me by all means. It's not a requirement though."Janine looked mildly scandalised by this. "Trainers should join the Gym Leader in training!" she said with a firm stomp of her foot.I shrugged. "We're more relaxed here." I began to lead her out."Oh Daniel, throw me that report on your tour around Pewter later alright?" I said over my shoulder. When we stepped out into the common area once more Janine stiffened."Professor Oak!?" she said in surprise.Oak spared her a glance only for a clobbering noise to herald his character being hurled off screen. "Tch! Cheap move Rocko!" he said cuttingly.Rocko merely smiled and patted his Gloom. "All's fair in video games, Sammy my bro!" he said with a dazed tone."Pro… Professor Oak?" Janine said again weakly. This time Oak ignored her as he squinted and furiously began to mash buttons.I tapped Janine on the shoulder. "Hey, just to get ahead of you. Yes, that is Samuel Oak. He likes to come around to.. Well he tells his granddaughter he's checking in on the breeding program and his assistant he left here, but he mostly comes to hang out with Rocko, me, or Salvadore to play games."Janine rocked back as though I'd just struck her. "Huh?! How does that…" She held a hand to her head. "I think I must request that we pause the tour here for now… I am… I feel unwell.""Oh, uhm, sure thing," I said, leading her back to her room where she promptly sat on the bed. "I'll come check up on you in a bit yeah?" She nodded, her eyes staring fixedly at the wall.I then walked back out. Rocko smiled and raised the third controller. I grinned and accepted it. As we were selecting the battlefield I checked my schedule and paused."Your Grandson is booked in," I said aloud.Samuel grinned. "Wonderful! I'll hide in the crowd and watch on!""Why do that?" I asked, slamming his character off the screen.He clicked his tongue. "Kids these days don't want their Gramps hanging around looking lame." He looked a bit sad by that."Maybe he's just saying that?" I said reasonably. "Cheer for him anyway." I grinned as Oak considered that for a moment. Rocko and I focussed on each other and left him be until he tried to sneak attack us. I relaxed fully, more than ready to enjoy the next hour or so.Janine poked her head out and seemed more startled to find me playing along with Rocko and Oak without a care. I barely won the few games I played.I was honestly more caught up in the thought of having Gary Oak turn up.He'd be first…