"Daaaaaaaammmmmnnnnnnnnnnn."
There was an echo for a moment as Sabrina paused in her walk. Yolanda grinned mischievously at me, but my brothers' heads bobbed up and down, eyes locked on Sabrina.Sabrina's lips twitched for a moment and then she smiled. Straight at me.My heart fluttered and I grinned back at her. "I said that aloud didn't I?"She nodded her head and Yolanda and my other sisters giggled.I hadn't noticed my family arriving. I was so caught up in Sabrina's entrance. I swallowed and nodded. "You look incredible." I found that a little lacking but Sabrina nodded showing she appreciated it.Her eyes roamed up and down my own tuxedo that I noted complimented hers wonderfully. I chuckled as I spotted that her earrings held the Marsh badge while my own cufflinks glinted with the symbols of the Boulder badge.I shot her a grin. "So, I hope you weren't just going to teleport us there."Sabrina tilted her head. "I was going to, yes?"I waved a hand back and forth. "I have something else in mind that I think will make for a more flashy entrance."Sabrina tilted her head and I watched idly as her hair cascaded across her shoulders. "I can teleport in flashily?"I waved a hand. "No, this is more about showing up with style."A harsh snort made me snap a glare at Flint only for him to flinch as his eyes flickered to Sabrina. I turned to her and found her nodding to herself and smiling at me. "Is it that important to you?"I coughed. "Well no actually, but this is something I think you'd like." I offered a hand to her and smiled as suavely as I could. "Trust me?"Sabrina bobbed her head up and down and I hummed as she placed her hand in mine.Then I blinked when I heard a camera lens rapidly firing. I turned to the side and found Rachel poised with a camera in her hands rapidly clicking away. Behind her, Rocko stood with a camera on his shoulder."How long have you been there?" I said incredulously. I hadn't even noticed them coming in."A while. We were hiding behind the couch!" said Rachel. She then let the camera hang and waved her hands together. "Alright! I think I'd like to get some shots of the couple together standing in front of the wall. Then we'll take some more candid shots with Sabrina on the stairwell. I think I got some great moments of her coming down but we can get some others as well!"I checked my watch and hummed. "Sure, we've got time until my surprise is here."Suzie and Cindy perked up. "What is it?" they said.I paused as I eyed them. "Something you'll like too!" I said."A Ponyta!" they both said, causing me to falter. They stopped as one and like Bertha discovering a mudpuddle she hadn't jumped in yet, their eyes turned predatory."IS IT?!" they bellowed, closing in on me. Sabrina inspected my strained expression."Brock, did you hire Ponyta for us?"I coughed. "Well not for us. I got us some Rapidash. I just thought it'd be a cool entrance." I kicked at the floor. "Just wasn't… Alright, I forgot that it would be their go-to answer!" I said flinging up my hands.Suzie and Cindy hugged each other and squealed with glee. The news that a Ponyta was coming for them to pet made them extra compliant and helpful when we were taking photos. They even wrangled Forrest off the couch where he slunk off between shots that didn't involve him.When Sabrina perked up I knew that our 'rides' for the night had gotten close."Brock those aren't just any Rapidash," she said as she detected a difference.I grinned and led everyone outdoors. Rocko made a surprised noise when the Rapidash came around the road and dashed past the house before loping around in a graceful run. Their blue, fiery manes flowed behind them as blue fire hoofprints were left in their wake. In the centre of their trio a normal Rapidash ran at the point of their arrow with a rider on their back."AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!" screamed Suzie, Cindy, Yolanda, and Tilly screamed when they noticed the pokemon cantering up to us. They arrived with precise grace and the rider dismounted with a flip.When she stood, she immediately dropped into a bow. The three Rapidash all dropped into bows of their own, their front legs dipping as they dropped their heads. The rider then stood in time with the Rapidash before standing and twirling.Once more the pokemon copied her by rearing onto their hind legs and twirling about.When they came back down the Trainer beamed at us. "Good evening! Thank you for choosing Andulsia Pony express! The fanciest, and fastest horse service in Indigo!"She pulled the cap from her head and put it over her heart. "I'm trainer Zoe and these three are Prancer, Dancer, and Lancer!" The three horses bobbed their heads at the sound of their names.Zoe then plucked a pokeball off her belt. "And this is Tinkerbell!" she said, popping the pokeball and revealing a blue flame Ponyta that stomped its feet and snorted before bucking its way around Zoe who giggled at the pony's antics.She then plucked a bag from her belt and held it out to us. "I was told there would be some young ladies that would like to pat and ride my pokemon before the finely dressed gentleman and lady departed for their event?"Suzie must have learnt teleport because she was so fast off the mark to appear in front of Zoe. "Me! Me! Oh! Me!" she said while waving one hand in the air, afraid Zoe wouldn't see her.Tinkerbell reared up behind Zoe and trotted around to sniff at Suzie. Suzie was handed a sugar cube which was in turn offered to the Ponyta.The other girls quickly filed up to get their own sugar cubes.Sabrina hovered her clutch purse onto my shoulder. "Hold onto this." She then joined the girls in petting the horses with a happy expression.The sound of furious photo-taking had me turning to find Rachel taking photos professionally, albeit with an expression of longing.I coughed, "I'll get some photos if you want to join the girls.""Oh, no… I couldn't… I should—""Look at how her feet tippy tap when you feed her!" squealed Cindy, ending any and all of Rachel's resistance as the camera was handed off and Rachel joined the girls.Salvadore approached with his notepad and curiosity in hand as he began asking Zoe questions. I dutifully began snapping pictures of the girls and Salvadore.Everything was going perfectly until my success proved too great. Suzie, Tilly, Yolanda, and Cindy all turned towards me with perfectly synchronised Baby Doll Eyes."Brock! Please can we have a ponyta like Tinkerbell?" they said in unison.My heart clenched and I cursed past Brock. He'd been too successful, and now present Brock, aka me, was suffering from his success!"Ahahaha, well we uhm…" I said looking to Zoe for a save only for her to be biting her lip and holding in a giggle. Sabrina was also ignoring me as she pet Prancer's snout.Flint spoke up. "A pokemon like Tinkerbell wouldn't suit the Gym."I started to nod. Then aborted the gesture as a wave of irritability ran through me. How dare he say I couldn't have a pokemon like that! So I opened my mouth and said, "Sure girls! I'll talk with Zoe later! For now, you enjoy Tinkerbell while Sabrina and I mount up."Flint shot me a disbelieving look, and part of me enjoyed his gobsmacked expression. I walked up to Lancer and Zoe pointed at where I should sit. I made sure Lancer was content to let me ride him first and he snorted his agreement. Zoe beamed at me."I'm glad you're not one of those sorts to just try jumping on his back!" She shook her head. "Had to train him not to dump people after the first client tried that."I clicked my tongue and rubbed his neck. "Comes from actually talking with a lot of my pokemon. They're not human but they can certainly communicate with us if you care to pay enough attention." I hopped up onto his back lightly and shifted around so I wasn't crushing anything delicate.Sabrina merely floated herself up onto Prancer. Zoe beamed. "Now there's a trick! I'd love it if more clients mounted up like that!" she put her hand on Dancer's neck and hopped up much more gracefully than I had.We took a few more photos with Sabrina and I on horseback and then I nodded. "Go ahead and post any photos you like when you can. Maybe post some good ones tonight to beat the media that's going to be at the mayor's ball."Rachel shot me a thumbs up, and Rocko gave me a mock salute. "Say hey to Dennis for us!" he said and nodded. Zoe then whistled and pointed causing our pokemon to slowly rear up and turn only to then slowly canter away.I barely had to grasp with my thighs to hang on; the motion was that smooth. As we raced along the countryside, Zoe leading us on a circuitous route I tapped Lancer on the side and gestured for him to approach Zoe."So how much would it cost to get a shiny Ponyta like Tinkerbell?" I said aloud.Zoe considered me. "Most people that ask me that, I say something ridiculous and get enough money to run my business for an entire year. I'm only going to ask for half that but!" she held up a finger and grinned. "I want any of your little sisters that are interested in horses to join my ponyta club and learn to ride!"I snorted. "Oh dear, that's going to be such a tough sell!" I shook my head in mock horror.Zoe hummed. "They're not fair-weather girls, I take it then?"I shook my head. "No. I might have to include another…" I paused and considered what I was about to say. "I'll ask one of my employees if her daughter would like to take part as well. I might also buy some slots for some other kids." I already donated to the orphanage in Pewter but they likely didn't spend it on anything but what they considered essential. How many girls and boys would like to try the Ponyta club?I'd give a few the option at least."How much would ten slots cost?"Zoe's eyes practically became pokedollar symbols. Then Sabrina coughed. "I would also like to join."I whipped to look at her, daintily sitting on Prancer with her soft smile. I grinned as Zoe shot Sabrina a pleased look.When Zoe told me the cost, I was suddenly glad for the income that would be generated from the upcoming sale of some of the Lileep. Those spots, along with one shiny Ponyta for my sisters, wasn't going to be cheap.Still, it would bring a lot of smiles to little faces and lifelong memories.It was with this thought firmly locked in my mind, that we arrived at the Mayor's manor. Tonight it had been done up with banners and streamers and there were a number of fancy cars letting businessmen and their wives strut down a long red carpet. On either side of the carpet, with only a small red tape fence holding them back, the media was in a frenzy as tens if not hundreds of cameras swiveled about.Some reporters drew men and women in for brief commentary and there seemed to be a few famous faces strutting down the carpet and posing.Our own arrival went only momentarily unnoticed, with Prancer, Dancer, and Lancer all skipping the queue of cars to trot up to the front. I had half a desire to simply keep riding them past the media with a smile and a wave. But then I remembered I needed to be nice. So I dismounted and walked around to offer my hand to Sabrina.I wasn't sure who said something but the audible whoosh of all the cameras in the area swivelling in mass towards us told everyone someone of importance had just arrived.The people on the red carpet all turned their heads as the cameras suddenly ignored them.I was only peripherally aware of this as Sabrina accepted my hand and slid off Prancer.With all eyes on us, I raised her hand to my lips and gave it a kiss. Sabrina gained a smug look and she drew her other hand around to catch my face in her hand. She drew me up and gave a chaste peck on the cheek. The thunder of cameras behind us announced that not a moment was being lost as Sabrina and I's status was 'revealed' to the public.I led Sabrina to Zoe and gave the still-riding Rapidash trainer a polite half bow, then I pat each Rapidash on the nose and side of the neck before turning to the crowd."Time to smile and wave," I said to Sabrina as we proceeded down the carpet."I think they'll want more than that," she said, still radiating contentment as she linked her left arm and fingers with my right."Suppose we can talk a bit with them." I turned randomly and had a moment to smile before three reporters were practically lunging over the red rope barricade."GYM LEADER BROCK! HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND GYM LEADER SABRINA BEEN TOGETHER!"I chuckled. "Oh, who can say?" I said playfully.Sabrina leaned forward. "Three years, ninety-two days and sixteen hours."I shot her a bemused look. The reporter gasped and whirled back to her cameraman. "You heard it here first folks! This power couple have been dating for years secretly! Illicit romance or shy love only now ready to announce itself!?"She turned back with her mic already in position for another question, only to find we'd moved along.I knew there were going to be a lot of questions like that. I wasn't going to get bogged down. I'd give each reporter a few minutes and then move along. I was here for a party, not a gauntlet of interviews after all.As expected, the questions mostly focussed on Sabrina and I's relationship. People had been astounded to not know that two Gym Leaders were dating. I heard more than one reporter refer to it as the secret romance of the decade more than once, which seemed more than a little melodramatic.Oddly, the fashion reporter was the most bearable interviewer as she asked after the designers and makers of our outfits. I was more than happy to praise Monique's haberdashery.When I encountered the Battlecast reporters they nodded, told me 'nice outfit and date, and then asked how I felt my last Ace challenge had gone. Considering I'd won it, it was an easy interview.The Lifestyle magazine had lamented that my true love with Lance was apparently a thing of the past. Then they'd stared at me as if expecting me to deny them and announce that such a thing could still happen. I'd frowned in confusion and began to inch away. Sabrina must have picked up on something the reporter was thinking as she gave me a kiss on the cheek."Nope, all mine," she said into the camera. She'd tossed her hair in a slightly aggressive fashion that had me chuckling and leading her into the party proper.The doorman bowed politely and accepted my invitation before opening the door with exaggerated hospitality. "Welcome sir and madam, please enjoy the Mayor's spring ball!" he said gleefully.Then he led us into the house and gestured to various rooms, explaining what functions they would serve for the evening. He pointed out the bathroom facilities and the off-limits areas, which were mostly upstairs, because they were the private rooms of the Mayor and his family. The man also pointed out the lounge, the conservatory, the library, the billiards room, and the smoking den as all places we could enter as we wished for the evening.I nodded in acceptance, and we eventually made our way to the back room which was in fact a proper ballroom. The entire room was encased in stone and the floor was black and white marble in patterns with a glossy finish. Halfway along the hall, a platform had been erected with a band playing music for the guests that were mingling, drinking and eating as waiters carried silver trays around.I also spotted that there was a single staircase that was roped off leading upwards. I eyed it thoughtfully.Now if I was a pretentious git that wanted to make a spectacle…I clicked my tongue and Sabrina glanced at me. I shook my head. "Just a thought."Sabrina glanced at the staircase with a frown before nodding in acceptance. I turned my attention to the people in the room as our guide bowed and walked back to his post at the front.No greeter announced our names, but a small amount of quiet did occur as we stepped into the room arm-in-arm. More than a few ladies gasped and murmurs broke out. I spotted someone I recognised and waved."Erika!" I said happily. "I should have known to expect you here!"She offered a polite bow in greeting to me and then to Sabrina. "Hello! I should say I am the one to be surprised to see you here. I have attended balls like this for years and have never seen you." She glanced at Sabrina. "Either of you." Her eyes then took us in. "It's a shame for certain, you both look amazing!"I inclined my head in thanks at her compliment before gesturing to her own, more traditional kimono. "You look incredible tonight as well. As to not coming? I can't say I've had the time in the past."Erika blinked before blushing. "Oh! I'm sorry that was terribly rude of me! Of course, with your family, you would have chosen to look after them rather than attend events such as this." She tilted her head. "Are they old enough now to be left alone for the evening with a nanny?"I nodded and made a so-so gesture. "That and Flint has come back.""Oh?" Erika said before blinking. "Oh! Oh…" she said as she bit her lip. "What does that mean for you… and Pewter Gym?"I waved a hand and shook my head. "Nothing. I am the Gym Leader and that's the way it's going to stay. Flint… He's mainly reconnecting with our family now."A waiter walked past and I reached out to snag a drink for myself and Sabrina only to have the tray twist and a fruity drink find its way into my hands. The waiter smiled commiseratingly at me. "A good attempt sir but we do have the police chief here tonight, and serving yourself alcohol is a felony." He then retreated with a bow.I blinked. I hadn't even thought of it, I'd just reached out. Not really out of habit, but perhaps my past life's instincts had made me reach for a drink to keep my mouth moist and my hands full for the amount of talking I was about to do.Erika giggled. "Brock you can't drink here!"I smiled sheepishly. "Ah, would you believe I thought it was apple juice? I hadn't even thought of it being alcoholic."Erika giggled at my excuse and shook her head. Sabrina merely accepted her glass and sipped it, cooly. I hummed when I noticed some older gentleman being offered shots of what I thought was port only for the bottle to read 'Shuckle wine'."Hmmm, I need to get myself a Shuckle," I said aloud.Erika followed my gaze only to sigh. "Brock!""No! Seriously they're not bad for certain styles of fights! Not because of the Shuckle wine, I swear!"Erika gave me a look of serious doubt. Sabrina merely sipped at her juice watching Erika and I banter with each other.I was about to ask her how she was feeling when a large man joined our group. "Gym Leader Brock! Names Patrick Pebbleman! My wife and I own, and work the quarries of Pebbleman co!""Nice to meet you," I said politely, my smile coming out a bit forced. "What can I do for you this evening?"The man opened his mouth only for what must have been his wife to brain him with her clutch purse. "Patrick Pebbleman you rude man you! Don't just invade another's group like that!"Patrick rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, sorry, dear. Yes dear!" he bowed to us. "Sorry! I was just looking to bend your ear Brock! I know you did great work with your trainer Celia last season and the kids have really talked up this year. Our son, Pete Pebbleman? He's started his circuit."I frowned. "He had a Growlithe and a Shellder I seem to recall? Came by…" I rubbed my chin in thought. "A week ago?" Something about this kid had sparked a memory, but I couldn't quite understand why. Pete Pebbleman. Was that someone significant? It didn't ring a bell.His parents were apparently well off enough if they'd been invited, so they must have been big names in the community. A quarry in Pewter was a good start I supposed.Patrick beamed. "That was him! Reckons you really taught him a thing or two! He stuck around to watch a few other matches that day and saw you fight some different badge levels and was super impressed. Wanted to train with you before the circuit was over! We're confident he can make it all the way to the League but with the news of the flood of trainers he's lost a lot of his confidence.""I see." I nodded. "I'll definitely be running a few training camps this year as it has been a concern. I want our trainers to have a fighting chance against trainers from other regions."Patrick beamed. "Excellent! I'll tell Pete the good news! When you have dates please, by all means, send us a message and we'll tell him to make it back home for some training with you!" He then fished out a business card and offered it to me with both hands sincerely.I accepted it with both hands, an interesting cultural expression that I had noticed carried over from Japan. If I'd merely taken it with one hand I would have insulted Patrick Pebbleman. By using both hands and bowing lightly, I'd shown him respect.Patrick stood with a smile as I put the card in my breast pocket. He was about to say something else when his wife dragged him away with a polite thanks.Erika giggled. "Oh dear, I think a lot of people saw that and are going to be after you for a good while now!"I glanced about and noted a lot of businessmen and women and regional bigshots eyeing me.I hummed and turned to Sabrina. "Care to dance?"She smiled winningly and nodded. I grinned. There, that would keep them at bay!Sadly, I didn't account for people trying to 'cut in' on us.Thankfully, those people didn't account for Sabrina. We became two dancers in a circle of calm as others that had positioned themselves close to us and that had been about to make an abrupt cut in suddenly found themselves stumbling.I beamed at her, and we danced our way through a few songs before departing the dance floor. I led Sabrina over to one of the windows. On the way, I snagged us some snacks that we chewed on. I nodded politely as we made our way through the crowd but didn't pause. I found who I was looking for standing next to a seated, much rounder form."Dennis," I said with a nod.The man pivoted and bowed politely. I grinned at him. He cut a sharp figure in his suit that was as close to military as he probably could get away with. The man really loved that style, then again it helped with all the paperwork. He was one of my best trainers for a reason.I noted his jacket was around the woman sitting down. I nodded to her."Nike, how are you and the kids?" I said to Dennis' wife.The woman waved politely and we exchanged some pleasantry. Dennis occasionally spoke up but he looked incredibly awkward. Nike sent him off for water and food when her stomach growled.Sabrina turned her attention to the other woman's swollen middle. "When are you due?"Nike smiled. "Still another four months. This one is twins. I think I might have to stop after this. It'll bring us up to four and that's enough for me and Dennis." She then turned to me and swallowed. "Brock… Dennis, he told me about Daniel. Sorry for that…" She offered an empty gesture knowing likely it wasn't worth much.Dennis returned with food and water for his wife and I nodded. It was a stark difference to see how Dennis acted with his family and how … How Daniel had acted.I glanced away as I felt a dark mood come over me. Nike patted me on the hand and Sabrina leaned into me. Dennis coughed. "I should have said something."I shook my head. "I wanted to believe the lie. It was a perfect fit, which I think is what bugs me the most. Makes me feel dirty, like someone picked through my life and had crafted the ideal way to manipulate me." I clicked my teeth and shook my head.Nike leaned back and put her hand on Dennis. "Yeah, I'm still not sure what to make of it. Helen… I met her a few times, you know? She seemed normal, and that strikes me the most. I want to make her out to be a villain but…" Nike shrugged. "Part of me understands. If you wanted more for your kids well…" she left the rest unsaid, and I nodded.Nike clapped her hands. "Sorry for being such a sour-meowth, but I'm rude like that!" she flicked her eyes between me and Sabrina. "So what's this surprise?" She grinned widely. "You tell me what I should say to the press and I'll have women by their droves coming up to talk to me!"
I huffed. "I think I can—" I stopped talking when she pouted. "You want them to surge you?""Yes! Since I started to show most of the people I talked to avoid me as they all assume I have none of the juicy gossip! Please! Also, I can't work the room like this!" She gestured to her swollen belly. "Much better to have the room come to me," she said.I gave her an amused look before nodding. As Dennis' wife, I could humour her. I leaned in and pretended to whisper something in her ear before leaning back. "Don't let anyone know about that though… yeah?" I said while watching her eyes glimmer with glee."Thank you Broc—I raised a brow as Sabrina decided to plop herself down in a chair next to Nike causing Nike to startle."I would actually like a moment to rest if it's all the same." Sabrina gave me an innocent smile, that let me know she was up to something. "I'll rejoin you in a while. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed."I gestured outside, and Sabrina shook her head. "This will do for now. You best go talk with some of the other guests. There are a lot of people looking to talk with you."I eyed Sabrina and Nike. Nike looked extremely pleased by this turn of events, while Sabrina looked slightly more relaxed. I eventually nodded and departed with a nod to Dennis and a pointed glance at Sabrina. He nodded back seriously and stepped slightly in front of his wife and Sabrina like he was a guard more than Nike's husband.Sabrina shot him a bemused look while Nike gave his back a fond smile.He gained a harried look when the first people to approach the seated ladies were the Cerulean sisters. Their gaze was locked solidly through Dennis, and on Sabrina. Sabrina shot me an exasperated look but waved for me to keep walking as the Cerulean sisters descended on her.I turned and waded into the crowd to start talking with the various people that were simply dying to talk with me.I pressed the flesh. I shook hands and smiled genially at various local and regional businessmen and women. Names came and went, and I felt certain I'd barely remember a quarter of them in the hour I'd been making the rounds. I tried to only spend ten minutes at most with any one group, but that made it harder to remember who was CEO of which company.When I passed the gardens, I was amused to find a number of gentlemen and ladies engaged in pokemon battles. They seemed quaint scuffles more than proper fights. The pokemon themselves were more bark than bite, but it seemed to get a few people's blood up if they were watching or taking part.There were people I was genuinely interested in talking with, such as Lawrence's group of Lawyer friends. Of them, he appeared the most thug-like. I couldn't stop staring at the man with a blue afro who was wearing suspenders and a small yellow bowtie. Apparently, he was another local lawyer. Next to him was a much older man with a flattened afro who was his father, and apparently a Judge for the local courts.Suddenly, Lawrence didn't look quite as silly with his sweeping mohawk. They were all happy to toast Lawrence's success and his new 'hog'. Apparently, with all the work I was giving him, he was making a tidy sum and had purchased himself a motorbike to ride along some of the speedways made for such racers. Lawrence's girlfriend clung to him and seemed rather bored with the talk of motorbikes and law that invariably was thrown around.I left them to find a new group after a bit, moving to talk with Erika. She'd been very interested in the news that I had some Lileep up for sale alongside the ones being gifted to a few research labs. Erika's group actually got the most attention as they were all young women that owned their own businesses. Amusingly enough Trixie was here representing her own fitness brand but looked extremely shy in her long dress."You alright there Trixie?" I said to her as she tugged at the sleeve of her dress while her other hand scrunched something in her purse.Her hand worked furiously causing a squeaking to continue as she spoke, "Nope! I think I look ridiculous! This was a terrible idea!" I glanced at her purse, was that a grip strength trainer in there?I gave her dress a look and had to grimace. It wasn't a style that suited her. It covered her up and made her look rather… frumpy. It was strange to see her in a dress as I always thought of her as 'eternally in fitness wear'.Another woman in the group shrugged. "Maybe just come in fitness gear next time? Lean into your brand?"Erika hummed in consideration, but Mary Sue Lonlon shook her head. "Shucks, don't say that! Then she'll start doing it! You know how hard it was to get her into that dress!?"I rolled my eyes and gestured to Trixie. "You don't look very comfortable in a dress. Maybe try a suit next time?"That got some thoughtful looks and even a blush from Erika. Trixie blinked a few times in thought. I bit my lip and stopped myself from suggesting Trixie rip off the sleeves of her dress. I was about to suggest Monique, only for said woman to appear at my side."I heard my name?" she said gleefully as I blinked in surprise."Uhm no?" I said, only for Monique to ignore me as she locked onto Trixie."Oh, dear. Whoever chose that dress did a terrible job for you…" She shook her head and ignored Mary-Sue as she spluttered. Monique nodded. "Alright, come with me to the bathroom and we'll make it sit better, give you some more room in your stride.""I heard you do suits? Do you think I'd look good in one?" offered the strangely shy Trixie as the squeaking emitting from her purse slowed.."Darling with your figure, suits would gain a whole new meaning of great, let alone good!" said Monique as she stole away the Amazonian woman from us.I shared a smile with Erika while Mary-Sue sighed. "I just wanted her to try something new… That was the first dress I could get her to agree to since her second year of school!"I patted Mary-Sue on the shoulder. "There there. You were just trying to be a good friend."I was about to suggest something else to Mary-Sue to help Trixie when Jonathan, the mayor, happened upon me.The man swept his arm around me and tugged but I pushed rock energy into the ground and he lurched as I became entrenched. I frowned at him as he blinked in bewilderment, only for my gaze to turn to the arm slung over my shoulder.He coughed and patted me on the shoulder in a friendly way to cover his slip. "Ah! Brock! I heard you caused quite a stir with your arrival! Oh! Hello ladies!" he smiled before wagging a finger in my face. "Brock you're off the market! Don't go teasing the ladies now!" he said jovially.I frowned deeper. "We're all friends actually," I said frostily."Of course we are!" he said. I let some dark energy seep into my glare"Now, I just wanted to say hello, as the host it is expected of me after all! Enjoying yourself? Going to stick around a while?" he said.I gazed about. "Nothing seems disagreeable. I might seek out Sabrina in a bit though and see how she's going. She's not used to heels." It was a lie. I was more worried about the various thoughts of the crowd bothering her, but I didn't need to rub Sabrina's status as a psychic in people's faces. They got leery about that when they remembered she could,at any given moment, read their minds."Hmmm very good," Jonathan said only to nod at Erika. "Good evening to you as well, Miss Erika." Jonathan stepped away only to bark a greeting."Giovanni, you cad! I hadn't seen you yet! Come to talk with your fellow Gym Leaders!?" boomed Jonathan.I stiffened and turned to find Giovani himself standing at ease with another woman about his age, a scotch glass in hand.Giovanni inclined his head politely at us. "Indeed." He eyed Erika and myself before nodding to Sabrina who was suddenly stepping up next to me. Mary-Sue didn't get a nod as he ignored her to lock eyes with me.Instead of there being a link that made my pulse race and my hands itch he looked at me in such a placid way that I felt nothing. I blinked in surprise. That wasn't what I'd been expecting. I'd been expecting some form of challenging glint in his eyes and a need to throw down to come over me.None of that happened, and I felt oddly out of sorts. It was like someone had just used Trick Room on me.Giovanni seemed unbothered and instead proceeded to drink from his glass, as cool as a Dewgong in icy water. "You seem to be handling the flood of trainers very well, Gym Leader Brock. My congratulations. It seems all the uproar over the flood hasn't played out.""We took a lot of steps to mitigate and spread it out. I think the impact just hasn't been felt as much. We'll all find the bill coming due towards the end of the season. When there are more people closer to gaining their eighth badge."Erika stepped slightly forward holding her smile as she did so. "I have also had to handle an increased number of pokemon trainers. It will be a long circuit indeed."Giovanni inclined his head. "Just so. When two Gym Leaders have similar experiences, I'd be a fool to ignore their predictions." He paused as though a thought had just occurred to him. "I heard that both you and Erika were involved in some unusual business with criminal activity?"Erika puffed up like a Bellosom under a Sunny Day. "Yes! We received a worrying tip about Team Rocket activity in my city. I led a raid with the police and Janine from Fuchsia!" she said proudly.Giovanni inclined his head as though impressed. "Well done! I imagine you did well then. The news said it was the Games Corner? That would have cost Team Rocket a pretty pokepenny." HE rolled his drink around only to pause. "Shame they went unnoticed for so long."I frowned. He was taking this far too easily. Was it because it had been almost a week now, and he'd reconciled the loss? Or was it something else? It took a moment to notice the dig he'd slipped in at the end there, as Erika wilted only to regather and straighten up.Sabrina spoke before Erika could, however, "Erika has many duties but the assessment of gambling establishments and their monitoring is not one of them." Erika shot Sabrina a smile.I opened my mouth only for a sultry giggle to come from the woman next to Giovanni. "Oh, it's admirable to see the young ones coming together like this. You're all so… supportive."I flicked my eyes to her. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.""Madame Bossue," she said with a strange inflection at the end. I tilted my head. Where had I heard that name from? Her answer had told me nothing but her name and with her being Giovanni's date that didn't mean a lot."How are you enjoying your evening? Giovanni showing you a nice time?" I said leadingly.Giovanni, who'd been mid-sip of his drink suddenly choked as his eyes bulged out and he shot me an incredulous look. I could only frown. What had I said?Madame Bossue giggled into her hand, and Giovanni opened his mouth only for the lights to suddenly be cut.I inhaled and moved back to Sabrina and tugged Erika to my side, getting ready for what was to come next.Around the room, voices cried out in shock and surprise only for a clear-cut note of a wineglass being tapped to ring out.Everyone turned their gaze towards the sound. A single light turned on with a 'thoom' to reveal a sharply cut man wearing a mask that had whited out eyes. His purple hair draped down the sides of his face. He flicked his head to clear his face in that oh-so-obnoxious way that some men do when they refuse to wear their hair any other way but loose."Ladies and Gentlemen, I beg your forgiveness for interrupting this wonderful evening you're all having," Will said from atop the stairs.I sighed and stepped away from Sabrina. I had a feeling I knew what was about to happen."I thought I'd offer my own humble announcement to spice things up! Pray, do forgive my audacity to make this announcement!" he tittered as I rolled my eyes.The crowd settled, obviously used to the antics of young men. Some people even murmured excitedly, enjoying the man's showmanship."I, Will of no notable city of origin, am here tonight, a humble Ace trainer to announce that I will be making a run for the Champion's challenge! I intend to go all the way! To start, however, I must throw down the glove!" Another light turned on right as he said the words.I found myself lit up and in the centre of one of the only two beams of light in the room. I scowled up at him as he pointed down at me."Gym Leader Brock! I shall begin my run by challenging you! What say you?" His words echoed about the room as people turned to me.I chuckled and shook my head. "What do I say? I say this!" I adopted my pose with my arms crossed over my chest as I glared up at him."It's about damn time."
99
"It's about damn time."My words rippled through the listening crowd, and there were a few gasps— delighted and shocked —along with a few scandalised murmurs. I ignored them. They were a side feature of what was going on right now.Instead, I looked straight into Will's eyes only to find myself looking into a mask. It was odd staring into a mask, as I couldn't know if I'd actually locked eyes with him. "You've been lurking around my Gym and rookie-crushing for long enough. I should think you're more than ready to challenge."Will tilted his head like a curious pidgeot. "I beg your pardon!?" he said in an affronted manner.I huffed, and reached into my suit. When I withdrew my hand I had a Great Ball within it. "Ace trainer Will. I shouldn't have to say it again. I accept your challenge. Did you have a time or were you hoping to get this sorted out here and now? Cause if so, I'm down to rumble." I spun the Great Ball on the tip of a finger and smirked. "Right here, right now."The crowd snapped their heads from me to Will to see his reaction.He stared at me.He hadn't been expecting me to be this aggressive, but I'd suspected this as soon as I saw the stairs. From there, I'd played with my knowledge of my past life to play out potential scenarios. Specifically dramatic scenes, like this was some soap opera. It shouldn't have held any bearing in my day-to-day life.Except that, well, this was a world that did enjoy its drama.Also, Will seemed the type to enjoy such acts.Was it overthinking things? Probably. But in this case? I was right.And so, now I was going to flip the table and reverse Will's expectations. If he wanted me to be on the back foot I'd counter him instead. I'd had more than enough of Will lingering around my Gym.Sadly, he remained calm in the face of the pressure I was turning back on him. "Ahahaha! Oh, a wonderful jest Gym Leader Brock, but I shall not deprive the people, nay! The REGION OF INDIGO!" He announced loudly, while sweeping his arm out wide. There was some grumbling while others nodded and agreed."I shall not deprive them the chance to see me battle!" He smiled magnanimously while I glowered and clenched my greatball. He shook his head. "No, I shall stick to the time I have booked, in three weeks. A Saturday match and the highlight of the month."He put a hand to his forehead theatrically, "Aie! Nay! The start of the season, I should think!"I clicked my tongue. The sentiment seemed to be shared by a few people, as a disappointed murmur broke out among the onlookers.I was half tempted to steal his show by marching up the stairs and asking if people wouldn't prefer us to fight now. But it seemed like he was going to prevaricate. My own blood was running hot, but I just knew that Will wasn't going to stand opposite me tonight.I could push the issue, but it was clear Will was going to be honourable. Or at least appear that way.Part of me wanted to call him a coward. Another part warned that there had to be a reason that he was pushing for a later date. Did he want even more information? Or was he waiting to get a new pokemon up to strength?Will was in the games as a psychic specialist of the eventual Gold/silver Elite Four. I recalled him having pokemon such as Exeggutor, Xatu, Jynx, Slowbro, Gardevoir, Grumpig, and Bronzong.I suspected that he wouldn't have that last one, as that was supposed to be only found in the fourth-generation games, aka Sinnoh.Still, there was potentially a lot of other pokemon that he could call upon to display his psychic mastery."So, the challenge is set!" Will sketched a bow towards the crowd. "Dear friends, I hope you all will join us in three weeks to witness my ascension. Pewter will merely be the first step, but I plan to make it a grand affair! Thank you for your attention and I bid you good evening!"He bowed once more, and then as he rose, he vanished in a flash that signalled he had teleported away.I scowled.Really, all that drama and no action!? Urgh! Will was really starting to annoy me.It irked me that I hadn't been able to lock eyes with him due to his wearing a mask, I'd felt rather confident in calling him out and decided to do just that so I could deny him, only… it hadn't happened. That was twice tonight. Was there something going on with Giovanni and Will? Or was that just my mind trying to make leaps of logic that didn't exist?The crowd gasped as one at the psychic display of skill, but I wasn't impressed. Hanging out with Sabrina had made teleports rather commonplace for me. But for the layman, a teleport that was possibly unassisted by a pokemon was a loud declaration of his psychic prowess.I merely marked it down on a growing list of issues I had to raise with someone now well and truly on my shit list.I gave the stairs Will had teleported out on a lingering look. It would, if you didn't consider the logistics of such a move, seem rather innocuous or even, dare I say, impressive. But once you did? It became a rather damning detail of Mayor Jonathan setting this up.I turned my back on the stairs as the lights came back on. Giovanni and his date were observing me from the side. Giovanni raised his glass to me."I wish you good fortune Brock. I think I'd rather like to see an upstart humbled in a few weeks time."I nodded back and muttered something vaguely polite as I turned to Erika. "Sorry about that." I worked my jaw back and forth as I considered what I should do next. The stairs and the notice and even the lighting were all nails in a coffin of confirmation for me."Brock? What's wrong?" Erika said. Sabrina hovered slightly with a pinched expression.I flicked my eyes to Giovanni and then jerked my head to an alcove that would offer some privacy.Erika followed Sabrina and me to it with more than a few people watching us carefully. When we paused I made sure to reject anyone approaching me with a firm head shake. Sabrina turned her body slightly and her eyes glowed, making more than a few people back further off.Erika swallowed. "What's wrong Brock? I know it was rather rude to have a challenge laid out like that, but it's not unheard of. Lots of people have done it in the past.""Guess it just feels different having it done to me." I chewed my lip. "Also I don't like that the Mayor obviously had something to do with it." I clenched my fists. "I need to respond to this." I just… I wasn't sure what would be best. Could I get away with slugging him in the face?Erika tilted her head as she considered what I said. She perked up. "You're right!" she said snapping me out of my dreams of punching Jonathan."He should be supporting you not another contender." She tapped her hands together like a nervous Bellossom would to primp their flowers. "He needed the dark energy emitters to be coded for his inclusion to teleport in. This is rather damning…" she chewed her lip and glanced up at me. "What would you like to do?"I clenched a fist. "I think I want to punch Jonathan for being such a slimy politician.""Well, you can't do that." Erika shifted from foot to foot before coughing. "However, if you want to really cause some problems for the man… You should go talk with your Lawyer friend if he's still here," Erika said, standing up on her tiptoes to glance about. With her shorter stature, it didn't help much."He's still here," Sabrina offered from my side, her eyes still glowing. "What do you need him for?"Erika relaxed. "Oh, it's not him that you're looking for. It's all the legal workers. He will be spending time with them. Your Lawyer is your excuse to talk with them. You'll just…" She made an underhanded throwing gesture. "Toss him some questions."She pointed to her ears. "There are usually always people from that group that were candidates for Mayor or are thinking about running for mayor in the next election. If I'm not wrong, Jonathan's term is almost up for vote soon isn't it?"I nodded, calming down with Erika's suggestions making my mind work instead of lingering of the ever distant dream of dropping Jonathan with a punch. "That… that could work as a starting point."Erika nodded. "Well, just ask your Lawyer to meet up later. Maybe see what else you can do as a Heritage Gym. You have a louder voice than the normal Kanto gym, no?"I ran a hand down my face. I'd been aware of the possibility, I thought I'd had longer. I hadn't wanted to jump into that pit of Ekans and Seviper… it seemed that wasn't enough to avoid being bitten. I had to act on it, however reluctantly. "I haven't done anything like that before but yes… I think you're right." I shot her a smile. "Thanks Erika, you're good at this."She perked up before pouting. "And other things!"Sabrina nodded. "Yes, you are." That got a much more heartfelt smile as Erika beamed at Sabrina who offered back a small smile.I tilted my head towards where I'd last seen Lawrence. "Well I… should be able to handle that."Erika hummed and leaned in. "It's easy, all you need to do is—" she then proceeded to coach me through what I needed to do and say with quiet, simple steps. When she leaned back I was left wondering about this girl."Talk slow, keep on message with a few points, and breathe?" I repeated the most stand out points she'd coached me on.Erika bobbed a bow. "Of course! Just speak slowly and confidently to them. They'll be more interested in what you have to say! Oh and good luck! And I look forward to watching you fight Will!" She held up her hand hurriedly. "Oh! Oh! Make sure to slip in something about you having no confidence in Jonathan! It's a very particular phrase that Lawyers will really read into!"I gave Erika a searching look as she beamed like she was sitting directly in a beam of sunlight cast by a Sunny Day. She really was in her element here, wasn't she?I nodded to Erika while Sabrina moved to my side and gestured forward with her chin. "Lawrence is over there," she said.I nodded. "Right then. Thanks for the advice Erika, I think I have to speak to my lawyer." I said in a carrying tone. Erika smiled up at me and stepped away.I could practically see all the waggling ears as people kept an ear out for potential gossip. More and more partygoers closed in on us as I headed to Lawrence.Lawrence saw my approach and raised a hand in greeting. His eyes flicked about my form before he relaxed, but his eyes remained watchful."Brock, that got a bit out of hand I'd say!" he said when we got close.The group of judges and lawyers he was with all stepped back and made way for Sabrina and I to join them. I gave a polite nod in greeting to the men and women that I was once again sharing a circle with. I took a moment to consider what Erika had said and how I wanted this to play out.When I spoke, I did so calmly, like I was a mountain with a spring wind blowing over it, uncaring and immovable. "Yes, I can't say I was expecting that when I came to the ball. I suppose I was expecting a rather duller affair and instead I became the entertainment for some…" I let that sit for a moment before noticing Erika hovering.She made a grabbing gesture that had me reaching out to grasp a passing glass of water from a waiter. I took a bracing sip and mentally patted myself on the back.Nailed it; that must have looked smooth.I looked up to find Erika facepalming, Sabrina was biting her lips. Erika raised two fingers.Right! Right! Point two!"It does strike me as odd though," I said in such an innocent way that you couldn't fault me for what I was about to say. I was the flower atop the mountain now. Pristine and untouched by man. "The stairs were set up as off limits to everyone for the event, only for Will to make his announcement?"Already, I could see people connecting the dots. Some merely nodded, as if they'd already recognized such connections. Those clever few watched me all the closer, their focus on trying to see through me and work out where I was taking this conversation. It was a strangely powerful feeling to have such people caught on to your every word.Only one man leaned back and caught sight of Erika coaching me along. He chuckled into his glass but turned back to the conversation, his perspective now much larger than everyone else. He had been the lawyer… or judge that looked like a clown. I had already forgotten. It hopefully wouldn't matter.One younger-looking man stepped forward. "But wouldn't Will simply have teleported in? Bypassing the whole fenced-off area?"I hummed in amusement.Trust a Lawyer to argue a point, Erika had anticipated this however, and I had a reply ready. "Well someone will have to tell Mayor Jonathan that his security needs some shaping up then. A man teleporting in… that usually is not as precise as a pokemon."I smiled and put a hand on Sabrina's forearm. "Present company not included, of course. But it should have been easier to stop that from occurring in the first place. The system should already be in place after all."The group flicked their eyes to Sabrina and she merely inclined her head. "I can tell you that the Mayor's security is, in fact, still operational."And now the pokepenny dropped for the younger group. I could see people still puzzling over it from outside our circle. The older, wiser, or sharper judges and lawyers all watched me with smiles. They'd seen how I'd led people to certain conclusions, and seemed to approve of my actions if the small nods and raised glasses I got from a few were any indication.Did Erika do this at her own social events? She was the most outgoing of any of the Gym Leaders apart from perhaps Giovanni, and was known to frequently rub elbows with the movers and shakers of Kanto. I felt like I'd just been shown a different side of Erika than I'd…No, I had known about it.Knowing and seeing it in action though… It was impressive.Lawrence watched me with a small smile. "Want to outline what you need from me? I know you're busy." He tilted his head and caught sight of Erika before grinning at me.Ah, right, he would know me well enough to know this was out of character for me, wouldn't he?Lawrence made a show of looking around at the other people in his circle. I could see him marking off the people that thought they knew what was going on, the one man that knew and didn't speak up, and the people that were still in the dark entirely. "I might need to pick up someone else with all the work you've been sending my way lately."I shrugged. "Sorry, not sorry. You have my confidence," I said pointedly. Had I said that right or had I flubbed it?Lawrence considered me for a long, long moment, as around him, everyone inhaled sharply. The people listening in stirred, aware that something with the potential for gossip had occurred but unsure what."Me in particular?" Lawrence said. "You make it sound as though others have… lost your confidence… or perhaps your vote," he said leadingly.Ahhhhhhh, now I understood what Erika was getting at. I nodded and made a show of looking around at the room, not the people in it. But rather the building at large. The pokepenny dropped for a few more people. "Can't say I've been too pleased with how tonight has been run. After all, if this is how he runs a regular social party…" I trailed off and flicked my eyes to my speech coach. Erika wobbled her hand and then made a gesture that I took to mean, get out while you look good!I nodded politely to the group and finished my glass of water in what I hoped at least looked suave. I turned to Sabrina. "Well, that's a conversation for another day. For now, I think I might like to dance off some of this tension Will has left me with." I smiled at Sabrina. "If you would allow me the honour, my Lady?"Sabrina smiled and nodded.We walked back out and claimed the dance floor. Some people that had been lingering moved in on the lawyers and struck up idle conversations. I knew a hundred and one rumours would be the result, but the people in the know? The wise, clever movers and shakers of our community? I could only hope they'd know that I just implied that Jonathan had lost all of my confidence.I was going to say as much to the press soon, and he would come under a lot of scrutiny. I'd need to talk to Rachel as well to deliver maximum shock when I spoke up.This little play of his was going to backfire, and I was going to start shopping around for the next mayor. Jonathan only had a year left in office, and without my nod of approval, candidates weren't even considered by the public.I'd kept my hands clean of politics when I'd taken over.It hadn't mattered to me in the face of other larger events. I'd had some reporters ask what I wanted from local politicians and I remember saying something straightforward. Simple things, like lowering the cost of living, healthcare, education, and utilities, as a major consideration for their platforms and promises. I'd re-evaluate them when it came time to campaign.Jonathan hadn't needed my approval; he'd been voted in while Flint was Gym Leader. Or had it been the person he'd succeeded? Hadn't he replaced Mayor David due to illness? Hmmmm, good thing he kept the same term limit.I started to hear a whisper pass itself around the room as people rushed to and fro while Sabrina and I danced unhindered; alone in a circle of controlled calm amidst chaos.It seemed that it really didn't take long for my annoyance with Will and Jonathan colluding to be worked out. Perhaps having Sabrina in my arms might have helped with that. A psychic specialist challenging a man dating another? I could only imagine the rumours that would arise.When we broke from the dance a few people looked at me askance as if I should have left already with my part in the drama over. But I ignored them, and instead made the most of the night.I spoke with Erika once more and got some more cues of what to say to some people. I might be busy but that wasn't an excuse anymore. I needed to be proactive with the Ekans and Sevipers not staying in their pit… well, in this case, City hall.I needed to act yesterday.I couldn't change my inaction, however, and now I needed to be the boulder rolling downhill. I needed to be so much faster than Jonathan and Will predicted me to be.Right now, I only trusted Erika and Lawrence to steer me correctly. With Lawrence busy I had to rely on Erika to coach me through some quick conversations. She eventually led me into a conversation with a positively ancient-looking woman that I couldn't understand the need to talk with. One Madam Pennywrong? It turned out she was the head of the Pewter High Tea Society.Which… was a thing?I did catch the woman nodding almost imperceptibly to Erika as I moved away. I glanced to Sabrina for answers, and she merely indicated the dance floor once more.I shrugged it off but noticed that other people had spotted the conversation, and more rumours flew as I danced with Sabrina a third and final time for the night. Sabrina only had to trip six people this time from trying to cut in.When we left the dance floor Sabrina had a wonderful flush that let me know she was tired but that she'd enjoyed herself immensely."Shall we call it a night?" I said to her."I think that would be wise." She pulled her transceiver out of her clutch and dialled up the Rapidash to take us home. When we walked towards the front doors, Mayor Jonathan suddenly appeared in front of us."Ah! Brock! Hope you had an entertaining evening! I see you tore up our dance floor!"Sabrina gave the dance floor a pointed look. "Should I?" she asked innocently.I coughed. It had sounded innocent, but I knew Sabrina wanted to get her own back at the man. I shook my head while biting my lips. I coughed again to get rid of the urge to laugh and instead leveled a stern expression at Mayor Jonathan.Erika had also spoken about this moment. She hadn't thought Jonathan would take this long to reach me, however. Perhaps he was having to put out fires he'd caused?"I can't say I enjoyed all aspects. I am not used to being a guest and being… so… used." I let my voice carry. "It makes me wonder how other events have been run. I think I shall seriously consider any further invitations you offer." I stepped past him only to pause. "Oh, and Jonathan. I hope tonight was pleasant for you." I held off saying that he wouldn't be enjoying what was to come.Some of my tone must have given away my feelings as he smiled benignly. "Broooooock, it's just business!"Sabrina sniffed and I glanced at her. She shrugged. "Sorry, but I find it rather trite when a man uses that phrase. It is known to be only used to excuse some moral or ethical malfeasance."Jonathan stared at her, and I chuckled. People weren't used to hearing Sabrina talk and it always caught them off guard when she opened her mouth and revealed just how smart she actually was."My goodness," said a man that looked like a clown. My memory vaguely recalled being introduced to him … Howard? I thought his name was. I chewed my lip. I thought that was right, but I couldn't be certain.Thankfully he didn't greet me. Instead, his eyes were locked on Sabrina. "That was paraphrased from the book of arguments made in court, I do believe?""Chapter seventeen, page four," Sabrina said.The man nodded. "Well, I am impressed." He said that while looking at Sabrina but also swept his gaze to me. He offered me a bow. "I won't delay you, my interest was purely personal. We didn't actually meet earlier, I am… or rather was, Chief Justice Howard, of the Pewter courts and judicial system."He gave Jonathan a wide smile and I watched the man's face lose colour as Howard spoke. "Lawrence wondered if you might let me talk with you. Sometime next week, he mentioned?""What's this about?" I asked.The Judge, or former Judge, turned his gaze to Jonathan who looked pained. "Oh, Jonathan and I were old running… buddies. You could say."I nodded. So he was a former contender for mayor and was interested in getting in early to talk with me. Lawrence was working fast.I nodded. "I'll think about it," I said, enjoying the way Jonathan's face twitched. I then inclined my head towards the door. "Until then, I shall bid you both a good evening."Jonathan opened his mouth, only for something to fly into it and shut him up. Sabrina and I walked out without any more drama thankfully. Prancer and Lancer, our Rapidash rentals for the evening, were waiting for us and when we mounted up we rode off without delay.We didn't go straight home however and instead enjoyed a night ride around the city before making our way back home.When we dismounted Sabrina did so with a stumble that made me reach out and catch her."Oh, careful. Are you alright?""Just tired," she said as she held my arms. Then she smiled up at me. "I had a wonderful night, Brock.""Me too, for the most part," I replied.Zoe seemed to realise now was a good time for discretion as she and the Rapidash wheeled away and left without even kicking up any dust.I barely noticed them as Sabrina smiled up at me.I then realised how this must look. A young man and woman after a night out on the town. Alone on a doorstep? It was pretty much like a typical date ending in a movie, wasn't it?Sabrina leaned in.I grinned. She'd taken over the guy's role in the plot. Then again, she never did seem to care about traditional gender roles. I smiled as I closed the distance and kissed her on the doorstep to my house. When we broke apart she had a wonderful breathlessness to her and a wide smile."I'm glad," she said before moving in for another kiss.I lost track of time as I enjoyed it with her. Then she broke it off and smiled. "I'd come in, but… your family is waiting for you and Ralts is waiting for me."I glanced towards the front of the house only to find Yolanda sitting at the window with a tub of ice cream that she was sharing with Munchlax.The smug look on her face told me she'd seen everything.I rolled my eyes at her and made a shooing gesture. She shut the curtains a little but continued to peek. I sighed and leaned down to give Sabrina a final goodnight kiss before she teleported away.I didn't keep track of how long that kiss took either.All things said it was a good way to end the night.Before I let my head hit the pillows, I made sure to send Erika a very thankful message. I would probably need to lean on her in the future if tonight was any indication.The next day saw me relaxing with my pokemon out back behind the gym. I had played tug of war with the Aron. Then Knight had joined in and it had become a game of chase.I spent a bit more time working with the Lileep that were new to the gym. Don still seemed affronted by their inclusion in the grotto but he was coming around to them as they didn't move or take up much room. They migrated out of the grotto at dawn to take in some sunlight, but otherwise were content to linger around the pool of water in the cave system.They had some interesting moves and I was still working out how to use them. What I was learning seemed to highlight that they had a lot of potential.I was just turning to start training some Alolan Geodude for proper fights when Rocko escorted Lawrence and the now familiar former judge Howard to me."Lawrence, … Howard," I said, unsure how to address the man.He had no issue with the casual form of address though and merely nodded. "Gym Leader," he replied as his eyes roamed across the various pokemon I had in the reserve. "This is quite impressive.""It's taken a lot of work to get here." I looked over the reserve and found that it was rather idyllic with how the pokemon lounged and roamed around. I felt myself relaxing somewhat. I imagine others would consider it a rocky dust bowl but it was perfect for my pokemon. Bertha broke the moment of serenity when she stalked past us. Her body low to the ground. I watched her dubiously as she 'stalked' up to a sleeping Sanchez only to pounce on him and throw him into Titan and Knight who dragged him off to play a game.Titan paused to inspect my group and snorted once before charging in to play some rough-and-tumble game of football where the ball was a team unto itself.Scyther teamed up with Onix by riding on the larger pokemon's body and pointing to where the ball was when it got lost in the press of bodies. With the quiet loss, I made a gesture to the side. "Shall we head inside to talk?"I got a few nods and after a little bit of a walk we had a teapot boiled for myself and cups of coffee for Lawrence and Howard.Howard set his coffee down and exhaled happily. "Ah, that was wonderful! My compliments to the artist!" I glanced to the side where Nanny Grav, the housemaid Graveler, was flapping her hand in an 'ah shucks' manner.I chuckled. "She's pretty great at making cups of coffee and a few other simple meals. The kids like her.""The kids drink coffee?" asked Lawrence.I shook my head. "Nah, while they're at school, Nanny Grav goes into the gym and sticks around the Trainer lounge. If they want something made up she does it for them these days.""Huh, that's a perk. I'll have to find someone like that for my Law office," Lawrence said with a thoughtful expression. Then he shot Nanny Grav a sly look. "Unless you're interested in working for someone else?"She waggled a finger at him and marched off with her nose in the air. When Tilly and Billy tried to run into the kitchen she snatched them up. Howard chuckled as the twins were deposited into the lounge with the rest of the kids to play around and watch television. I could see Flint in there as well and he was looking happy.He'd shot me some worried looks when I'd walked in but I'd waved for him to stay in the room. He'd given Howard a look before relaxing back down which made me wonder if there was a history there.Howard and Lawrence had both noticed my silent order to Flint, but they hadn't commented on it.Nanny Grav shut the door for us, and I glanced at Lawrence. Lawrence shifted towards Howard, and the man set his cup of coffee down."Well, I suppose we should get to discussing last night shouldn't we?"He rolled his shoulders. "First of all, thank you for indulging me in hearing me out Brock. I was, as I mentioned, a mayoral candidate running against Jonathan. That said, there were quite a few of us. I'm merely one that has since bowed out of politics."His lips twitched. "I do, however, keep a finger on the pulse, and your little display last night has many people sitting up and paying attention. Having the Pewter Gym Leader showing an interest in politics is a shift that hasn't happened since before the war." He gestured towards where Flint had been sitting. "Flint was entirely hands-off with his duties."Howard watched me as he stirred his coffee. "I asked some questions to feel out the crowd. With your previous showing there is quite the positive sentiment for you to step into that role or speak out more." I grimaced at the thought of taking on another task right now. Perhaps during a normal circuit… but this circuit… no.Howard hummed before inclining his head. "I thought it might be nice for you as the Gym Leader to have a fuller picture from me."He inclined his head to Lawrence with a smile. "Not to say that you wouldn't have found this out yourself eventually, of course. I'm merely expediting it by inserting myself in, for my own amusement let's say."I ran a hand down my face. "I might be new to wrangling these types of snakes but I doubt you're only doing it for amusement." I rubbed at my temple and decided to just lay out what I wanted. "I need Jonathan out of office. Right now he's a pebble in my shoe," I said.Howard spread his hands to show there was nothing in them. It wasn't his hands that I was concerned about though.It was his mind. Perhaps he just enjoyed playing with some threads of power in the background. I'd been touching base with the Guardians on any information he gave me later but I'd hear him and see what he had to say."In any case, Jonathan, with your announcement, looks unable to mount a successful run for another term. Those without Gym Leader approval instantly lose ten percent of the vote to others." I blinked at that statistic. Howard nodded. "It is a statistic that is very well established, even the Gyms that don't have the larger remit have this power. Such is the weight of having a Gym Leader's approval, or in this case disapproval."Howard turned his coffee cup around. "However, this might not be an issue for him as I toyed around with some thoughts of what his goal might be and I happened upon an article that reminded me that being a Mayor for a successful region can be a stepping stone for higher roles. If Jonathan wished he could use his past success to vault into a very high position within the League."Howard raised a finger. "And it just so happens that the Indigo Presidency is up for election at the end of the year."I clicked my teeth. "And if he has a friend in the Elite Four, he'd be a popular candidate for that, wouldn't he?" I gnashed my teeth. "He's hoping to get a promotion."I drummed my fingers as pieces in the grand chessboard of politics started to make sense to me. "Not that he might even need that. Is Kruger that popular right now? There's been enough scandals that Jonathan can use.""Hmmmm, it also doesn't help that Kruger has let the position get to him," Howard said simply.I raised an eyebrow. "He seemed prickly and petty when I last saw him."Howard grimaced. "He used to be the Mayor of Chrysanthemum town, which is now Chrysanthemum City. so that should tell you what his track record was. It's one of the fastest-growing and best-managed cities in Indigo. That was thanks to Kruger. He had a hand in developing all aspects of it from what I hear. Running a town and its surrounding areas and running the League however…" Howard shook his head. "The League is a very different beast. I shouldn't be surprised that Kruger has changed, it happens."I huffed. "Well, I don't like Kruger with how his League has acted towards me, but I also can't stand how Jonathan is acting.""That's politics, but it might be something you can use if you wish. I'm sure Kruger doesn't want an empowered Jonathan challenging him for votes. While he won't have your endorsement, that won't matter to the regions at large as they will subconsciously associate Pewter and your own success to Jonathan.""So what you're saying is," I rubbed my temples, "is that Jonathan might try to skip out on any ramifications of his actions and if he can get Will as an Elite Four he'd have a strong case."Howard narrowed his eyes. "You keep saying only Elite, you don't think this Will can challenge for the champion position?"I snorted. "Agatha and Bruno would eat him alive. Unless he waits for Agatha to retire. But then her replacement…" I trailed off. Karen would be an even worse match up for him.Howard leaned forward imperceptibly. If I hadn't been watching for it I wouldn't have noticed. "You know something?" he said faux-casually.I smiled innocently and took a sip of my tea. Howard nodded slowly and took a sip of his own.Lawrence cleared his throat. "So, while things will get rougher for Jonathan in the short term, he will probably know he can't mount a campaign for another term. You can stop part of his plan by smashing Will."I smirked at Lawrence. "Oh I plan to. Despite how it would have gone against my rule of not fighting outside of challenges I would have gladly faced him last night. If it wasn't a fight after all…" I trailed off with a dark smirk.Lawrence chuckled. "All while wrecking Jonathan's garden?""That might have played into it a little," I said with a smile. The other men chuckled, and we made some more small talk. Howard presented his business card to me, and I took it with a polite bow and thanks. Lawrence remained and I shot him a questioning look."Sorry for having to bring in Howard, he wasn't wrong that it would have taken me a lot longer to get that information."I nodded. "We'll still verify it. What's his angle?" He had to have one."Hmm? Oh, he's got a son that might make a run for Mayor next year. He's making nice with you and establishing connections, he knows how important those can be."I nodded and took another sip. "They really are," I said, thinking of how much Erika's coaching had netted me. I tilted my head. "You don't happen to know anyone that can help out with this do you? Or should we suss out his son?""Suss out Judge Howard's son," Lawrence snorted with amusement. He chuckled a little. "He'll be clean at least but there might be others. No need to go with just the first to offer their services. We have time to shop around a bit." Lawrence pursed his lips before waggling his hand in a so-so gesture. "It would be best to try and step into it yourself honestly… but I know you're busy—""Seeing as how that was been going for me, perhaps I need to step in… for that… and to not make a fool of myself… I think I need someone to teach me." I sighed and scrubbed at my face. Urgh, just urgh. I shook it off for now, I'd work through this and endure like always.I glanced at Lawrence hopefully. "Want to have a casual spar? I need to blow off some steam."Lawrence's eyes bulged, and he coughed. "Uhm, yeah I don't think I could match anything you had sorry Brock!" he said quickly.I chuckled. "I'll go easy? Promise?"He shot me a disbelieving look before pushing his mug away from himself. "I'll make some inquiries for someone we can trust.""Lawrence! Come on!" I said playfully."I didn't spend all that time at Pokecollege for a fancy bit of paper, Brock!" he said as he packed away his pen and paper. He nodded in farewell before tilting his head just before the door. "You realise that this would mean you'd need to attend more balls and social events, right?""I'll deal with it," I said with a roll of my eyes, which he didn't notice, so instead, I waved him off.When he opened the door to leave, my siblings launched themselves at him, apparently having decided to ambush him."Pidgeot man!" they cried as they tackled him.He gave a bird-like screech and flapped his arms before 'falling to the ground. Billy sat on Lawrence's chest. "Rock beats bird!" he said proudly.Tilly flicked her head around. "Where'd the fairy man go?"Flint approached sheepishly and tried to offer Lawrence a hand. "Sorry about them, and Tilly there's no such thing as a fairy type."All the kids turned and looked at him sceptically. Then they shook their heads."Oh, you're so old," said Billy sadly. The other kids nodded along.I chuckled and pulled them off Lawrence only for him to start playing with them. I waved him and Flint into the lounge room to contain the mess just as a message from Agatha buzzed on my transceiver.It read, we have some time free to perform the rite with Sabrina, are you able to attend?I grinned. Miss throwing down with my girlfriend? I wasn't going to miss that! I paused as I considered how that sounded in my mind. Would it have been weirder saying it aloud or would it make sense. I was still thinking on it when I marched out to my elite pokemon."Shrek, Hypnotoad, Titan, Bertha, Knight," I then turned my attention to my Onix and Scyther. I pointed straight at Onix. "Jormungandr. Your name from now on is Jormungandr, or I might call you Jorm for short."Onix squirmed like he was dancing while the others shouted their own congratulations. I nodded. "I think I'll start looking into a proper metal coating for you as well. For today, all of you are coming with me cause we're going to get into a fight!"That got another chorus of cheers. I withdrew them into their pokeballs and paused when I noticed Scyther was looking sad. I raised his pokeball. "What's with the sad look? You're coming too. It'll be good to see how the best in Kanto fight, make sure you stay light on your toes.""Scy!" he cried out happily as I returned him.I nodded to the other pokemon. "Enjoy your day of rest gang," I said to the rest of my still watching pokemon team. I turned and released Zephyr to carry me to the area the Guardians and Sabrina would meet up at.After being denied by Will, I was looking forward to getting into a scrap. Once this little fight with Sabrina was done I might also push to have a fight with Agatha or someone else to bleed some tension.This was going to be fun.