Hard Enough Chapter 137: The day after

A mocking laugh had turning to find Will standing on a ridgeline. His hand was raised in front of his face in the most prissy manner I could imagine, and he cackled at . I frowned. What was I doing here? I was standing in the midst of a broken landscape that No. Not just any broken landscape; this was the battlefield after our match.

I glanced further around and felt a weight settle on , with a crowd of faces leering down from the stands. Judging as a cold voice announced Wills victory. I glanced around for my pokemon only to not see them. I ran my hand along my pokebelt only for nothing to be there.

I reached for Titans Greatball only to find nothing.

A cold sweat broke out over .

Will opened his mouth and an alarm tone blared out of it.

I shot into an upright position, sleep abandoned, as I lashed out with a rock-empowered fist.

The alarm clock squawked once more and fizzled before falling silent. I sighed and rubbed at my forehead.

Wow, way to go . You sure showed that alarm, I said. What if that had been one of my little brothers or sisters? Was I going to swat them as well? I felt an ache run through . Urgh, I was apparently a bit sore from overusing my aura yesterday. Hmmm, that was a fun discovery.

Brock? said a voice. I glanced back and found Sabrina blinking blearily behind .

Hey, morning, I said wondering if I could hide the broken alarm clock before she noticed.

Her eyes flicked over to it and nodded. Good you got to it before I could, she said without a hint of sha in her tone.

Her eyes returned to . You look unwell you told everyone that you were fine yesterday. She wet her lips. Do you want to talk about it?

Just more of yesterday and a stupid dream. I said with a sigh, falling back into bed. Sabrina lifted herself up telekinetically and repositioned my arm so that she was curled into my side with my arm around her without any input from her. She lay her head on my shoulder and looked up at .

I played with her hair and enjoyed the warmth that bled from her into .

Its alright to be bothered by this. Rember, weve spoken of handling losses. This is just a draw. Youre very good at letting the small things wash over you.

Doesnt feel small, what if my lo I stopped that line of thought as I felt Sabrina frown at . Draw, I bit out. What if my draw lets that dirtbag Will get enough recognition to do as he wants? Claim a spot on the Elite Four? I said knowing that, according to so canon references, thats what hed achieve.

There are still quite a few hurdles ahead of him. While the Cerulean sisters Sabrina made a face. Well, Surge will be a strong match, I have no doubt. And you shouldnt discount Erika either. And Brock, if he tries to pull off a Psychic terrain against ? Ill make him regret it.

Yeah, he wont be able to use the sa tricks, but I think thats part of the trouble I got into. I underestimated him and what he was willing to do to win.

Sabrina nodded. Thats fair. Would you change anything if you could have?

Maybe If I had my entire team, things might be a bit different Selene, Bertha, Don, Sanchez I wouldnt have been able to use all of them but still

They fought very well against that Moltres, and none of them are permanently injured. In fact, I think most of them are now back to full health, no?

Yeah, yeah they are. Sorry for backsliding like this, I said rubbing a hand over my face.

Dont apologise, Sabrina said smiling up at . Feelings are important things.

I chuckled. Its silly I guess now that Ive said it aloud I toyed with her hair. It was nice having everyone co out to talk with like they did after the match theyre good people, I said.

Indeed they are, Sabrina said. She shifted. What will you do today? I know the press are champing at the bit to interview you.

I grimaced. I could just imagine how that was going to go. Urgh, so many smug reporters. Would they be accusing of failing or pitying ?

Yesterday hadnt seen having much energy after the match. Id passed out from over using my aura for most of the afternoon, only to wake up for dinner. I ate, spent so ti with my family, checked in with my pokemon, and then tried to settle down, only to find myself restless.

Sabrina had helped keep my mind off yesterday rather marvelously and tired out enough to keep in bed. I lifted the sheet and saw that we were still naked.

Down, Sabrina said as she saw where I was looking. I grumbled and settled for a stretch while squeezing her shoulder.

I was thankful that today was a Sunday. It would probably be a slow news day if I did the press conference. So of them might be snippy about having to wait an entire day, but I needed the ti to recover and check in with my pokemon.

So, are what are your thoughts about yesterday? Sabrina said probingly.

I think I handled that as well as I could have I suppose, all things considered I glanced over at the wrecked clock. Urgh Ill need a new alarm clock as well.

Its alright, Sabrina said.

Its Id rather not lash out like that but I had a nightmare and lashed out. I said, feeling annoyed at myself.

It happens, she replied easily. I huffed at her but she tapped on the chest. Also, you wouldnt do that, Sabrina said. I shot her an unamused look.

She t my gaze easily. Do you rember? I was much the sa initially. What did you say when I got startled and broke that tree?

That it was alright and you could control yourself I replied, recalling the incident in question.

Sabrina tapped my nose. Correct, and the sa will apply here. You will control yourself and not hurt those you care for. Also, that alarm was annoying.

I chuckled. I an, it was supposed to wake up; its not supposed to be to quiet.

You can find better ways to get up.

Oh yeah? I said yawning. It worked pretty well. You have a better idea? I said teasingly.

Sabrina shot a smirk and leaned up to kiss on the lips. She then leaned close to my ear. Brock, ti to get up, she whispered into my ear.

She was right. That was a much better way to wake up.

[/hr]

After the morning's activities, I had a shower and freshened up. I gave Sabrina a kiss before I headed out.

Im glad that got you feeling better, she said sardonically from in front of the mirror as she ran a few combs through her hair all at once.

Ah yeah, that certainly helped. You coming out with today? I asked, jerking my head towards the reserve.

Sabrina started to nod, before a thoughtful expression took over her features. In a little while. I think Im going to look into a few things first. Ill et up with you again later.

She pulled in for another kiss and smiled. Dont get too caught up in your draw, please? she asked.

I nodded. Ill try, I said. She let go then, but her eyes continued to search my face. I departed, feeling rather upbeat.

I got all the way to the kitchen before my mood went up in smoke when Flint stepped forward. I watched him like one would watch a stray Growlithe you werent sure about.

Brock, I'm sorry about your match yesterday. That match was the most rotten affair Ive seen in years.

Ah, I said intelligently. I cast around for what to say to him. Thanks? I ended up settling on. He shifted, and I flicked my eyes around.

I thought you were incredible out there, he said. All of the family were really proud of you.

Yeah thanks for that, Flint, I said. Im gonna go and check in with my pokemon.

Ah yeah, you should do that if you want to talk Im always here for you, he offered with an open hand.

I I considered him for a mont. The way he was looking so hopeful. A part of wanted to lash out at him for approaching while I was down in the dumps, but I knew that wasnt what hed been trying to do.

I decided to try a little for the family. I know that youre always there to talk, and I appreciate the gesture, I told him. I considered telling him that I had others that I would rather talk to, but that would just co from a petty part of . A part that wasnt wrong, but it wasnt a part that needed to be spoken aloud.

I edged my way out of the kitchen, nabbing a piece of fruit as I did so. Im gonna go check in with my pokemon. I ignored how his smile dropped a fraction and his shoulder slumped a little. Instead, I got out of there and made my way past the garden of Lileep.

Haha! I knew camping out would lead to catch you unawares! shouted a trainer that sprang out of the bushes.

I raised the piece of fruit and was about to toss it at them, only for Nanny Grav to walk around the corner with a small watering can in her hand. Without breaking stride, she grabbed the trainer in one arm and tucked him under her arm like an errant child which he pretty much was.

She walked away after giving a polite nod. I blinked in surprise before relaxing and taking a bite of fruit.

Huh, so that hasnt stopped yet I said to myself as I kept walking. When I got into the reserve I nodded to a number of the Gym trainers who were already up, feeding and working with a few pokemon.

Greta was leading a small pack of Aron around with one hand on a link of chain while her other held onto her pokedex to docunt the ga.

I went deeper and found a number of my Elite pokemon sitting around talking with each other. They looked like they were having a pretty deep discussion. I walked past Tit I paused when I realised I wasnt just walking past Titan but in fact his mother, Empress.

Oh, hey there, Empress, morning, I said, carefully judging her mood.

She stared down at before looming in to sniff . She locked eyes with , and I held her stare, but not in a way that would cause her to feel like she needed to fight. It felt more like she was feeling out.

She nodded once. Then she grinned and leaned closer to swipe my bit of fruit. She swallowed it and then smirked. I got the impression she was teasing , which was a novel experience. I snorted in amusent at her antics. Without really thinking about it, I reached out and rubbed her snout.

Good to see youre feeling better, Empress. I decided to leave while the going was good and she was confused. She touched her nose where Id rubbed her in bewildernt, shooting a confused look.

Hey gang, I said, causing my pokemon to perk up. Sanchez bounced onto his feet and waved both arms ecstatically. Bertha smiled widely. Titan nodded stoically, and the others trumpeted their own nas. I moved around and hopped up onto a segnt of Jormungandrs body.

I looked them all over. Nurse Joy and Chansey had done well to get them all back to fighting fitness, and while they were sore, I knew that wouldnt be enough to hamper them.

I locked eyes with all of them and noted that there was a glint in each of their eyes. A feeling that was just waiting to be tapped into.

So, I said, shifting my gaze, assessing my pokemon and considering them and myself. That match sucked.

My pokemon nodded. So slumped. Others growled in annoyance.

Yeah, that had to be one of the most annoying matches around. We did a lot of prep work for it and then had so of the worst buildup to it with having to fight one of the strongest pokemon around.

I continued to shift my gaze. But we held them off despite having to defend pokemon and people that were injured. Not an ideal situation for us; otherwise, I think we might have plucked that flaming chicken, I said, not holding back.

I gave Bertha a huge grin. You nailed that feather duster, Bertha, and then I saw so great work from others both defending and blocking hits that would have seen a lot more injuries if we hadnt been so on the ball. I nodded to Hypnotoad, and she puffed up.

We didnt go into Wills match with all our options, but we still had a very solid team with the pokemon I picked. Gawain, your debut is stealing the hearts and minds of a lot of people; you stood up and really demonstrated your skills and grit. Knight, Tide, they had to use so seriously underhanded techniques to take you both out as you were solid powerhouses during that match.

Shrek, you traded hard in a matchup that you were hugely disadvantaged against. I bowed my head towards him. You then held the line with the final trade of blows despite how spent you were.

Shrek nodded his head before marching up to . He put a huge hand on my shoulder. And squeezed it. Swampert, he said with a nod.

I nodded back, feeling a bit lighter.

Titan, you took so serious abuse with them dropping the biggest cheap shot of the match into your face, but despite that, you still drew a lot of attention and forced things back into our control. Titan raised a claw in a thumbs up.

Jormungandr, I said patting the segnt of his body I was sitting on. You did amazing, you were holding them off and able to grow during that match to get way, way stronger. You surprised everyone with your endurance and your versatility.

I looked at all six of the pokemon I selected. Id be hard-pressed to pick six pokemon better to have faced Will if I had my entire roster. You all stood up and did great.

The positive energy had them all perked up and smiling. I let my own smile drop away. In the end we drew.

Instantly, the positive mood was cut off, but instead of being sullen and depressed, they looked to .

And that, sucks. I sat up and looked around. None of us are here to lose or draw. Were not weak, we didnt train for hours on end to just falter. We fought a Legendary and walked out of it with only mild injuries, I said indicating Bertha who pumped her fist.

Were not done with how strong we can get. We can reach higher.

I put a hand on my chest. I can be smarter and more aware. I smiled as the others tried to wave their hands. I ssed up a few tis.

Rhy! Bertha barked to silence . She then mid picking up Knight and lifting him off the battlefield. Everyone nodded at that, and Titan shot a huge thumbs-up.

Knight ducked his head.

Ah you saw that, did you? I asked, scratching at my cheek in embarrassnt. Id forgotten about that mont when Id lifted Knight. I chuckled, Did it look cool?

Bertha nodded her head, and Sanchez pumped his arms.

I grinned and adjusted my sitting position. So, I have an idea that I wanted to run by all of you first. My pokemon perked up.

I laced my fingers together. With us forcing a draw with Will he may or may not have to face us again. I dont want to leave it up to him. Lets force the issue by actively advancing up the ranks of the Ace trainer circuit.

Rhy! Golem! said Bertha and Sanchez.

Yes that would an youd get a wider audience, youd also have to train more and fight more. This isnt sothing I have been able to do and there will be changes in how the Gym operates to allow us to do this but with Flint ho and looking after the kids.

I spread my hands wide. Its an option. Are you alright with putting in more hours though? The fights will be tougher, well need to be strategic in how and when we fight. The Ace circuit is sothing weve only dabbled in but it is still sothing that weve still risen up. I want to stop dabbling and claim a spot at the top. Weve been seen as a standard people need to match, lets cent that!

Tyranitar! Titan bellowed imdiately. He lifted his fist and the other pokemon copied him, unanimously roaring their own approval before even a shred of doubt could co in. Clefairy leapt up and punched his tiny fists in fury. Bertha raised her huge arms and pumped them up and down. Sanchez sparked. Tide lifted his head and crooned hopefully. Selene bustled to the front and got in my face.

Luna! Tone! she said insistently.

You want to lead the charge girl? I asked. She nodded quickly, and I rubbed my chin. I have been holding out on sending you out havent I? I said thoughtfully. Id used her in the friendly match against Lance but she otherwise hadnt seen a lot of action I nodded. Lets make it happen. Youll be locked in for whoever I challenge next, alright?

Selene trilled with happiness and this caused my other pokemon to crowd in. all of them wanting to be locked into the next fight. I raised my hands and gestured for them to give room. I need to find soone to fight first. Well set sothing up, dont worry! But first we need to gather information.

This caused them to settle down but I saw there was a fire in their eyes now.

In the anti, theres going to be a lot of training happening to upskill what we can. Before we throw ourselves into it I think well take so ti today. For todays training, Titan, I want you to lead a round of reflection and ditation. Bertha slumped and grumbled at this apparently hoping for so hard work.

For the new mbers, I want you to ask the others about their experiences fighting Moltres, or Wills pokemon. I gave Bertha a look. Yes, that does an story ti. That had her perking right back up only for Sanchez to put a foot on Jorms tail like he was an adventurer about to set out.

Golem, go, go, lem, lem, he said not waiting to start his tale of what appeared to be woe and hardship. Clefairy and Teddiursa, were drawn in and Bertha, seemingly despite her annoyance, was also drawn into the tale.

I snorted and looked at the others. I might also look into acquiring so new pokemon to add to the team. While we have so new pokemon coming up, that doesnt an we cant look to the future as well. Yeah? I said.

The others nodded, and I looked to Zephyr. ans more trips for you and buddy.

He hooted at this rather happily.

I clapped my hands and decided to leave it there. Titan took over with the other pokemon, but before I left I laid out so snacks for them all.

Id need to have a serious think on what sort of pokemon I wanted to add to the team. I could probably easily train up a Lileep and get a strong Cradilly. Or I could go in another direction entirely. Get sothing different that people wouldnt expect to have. What gaps exist in my roster right now?

I hadnt wanted Will to get past . Id wanted him to break on what I had thought was a wall of strength. Turns out my wall had so gaps he could exploit.

The question beca, how did I handle those cracks. Did I seal it off by broadening my pokemon roster or train my pokemon specifically against it? Lay traps for anyone trying to exploit the sa thod with strategies? So of the gaps only existed due to my roster being depleted from fighting Moltres.

A niggling doubt word its way into my mind, and I moved through the gym. I headed straight for the security room. When I entered, I found things as they should be.

The guard looked up from his desk with a small mug of coffee. Gym Leader, rough shake yesterday, he said with a nod.

Thanks, were you on yesterday?

He shook his head. No Jules was on yesterday. Is sothing the problem?

Im not sure; I just want to check things over. Yesterday it didnt sit right with on multiple levels.

The thing that stood out the most to was how many different specialised techniques his pokemon seed to have. Theyd taken moves beyond the norm. Alakazams Ally Switch being one of the pri examples, along with Jynxs an Look. Sabrina didnt have that many. Did that make him a better trainer than Sabrina?

A better Psychic?

I just couldnt believe that. There had to be sothing else going on.

I brought up the security log and found nothing from either the security guard or the Porygon that circulated the Gyms internal systems. I flicked through the outside caras and played out the ti during the match.

I found one overlooking the gym from a distant hill. If my mory served this was the hill that Id caught footage of Jessie, Jas, and owth on before they approached the gym. It was ant as a passive wide scan view of the front of the gym. It had helped discover the fate of Officer Jennys bike.

Right now it show Nothing

At least nothing appeared there. I huffed and toggled it to fast forward at double ti.

Nothing happened until a shadow moved.

I frowned and replayed the video. The guard sat up, catching what Id seen. What was that?

I scowled as the video played at half speed. On the cara, an armoured limb rose up from offscreen and gestured towards the gym.

It glowed with a blue energy that I recognised. That is sothing using psychic energy, I said. I lined up a video of the match and synchronised the ti to match it to the video.

At the start nothing seed, but when the first Psychic Terrain occurs the area near where the the limb ca from glowed, lighting up the area slightly. I frowned. It starts supporting Will when he has Psychic Terrain up?

I frowned in thought. Why would he do that. I played through the videos and noted a few more monts. I noticed so movent in the gym and paused it to reveal Brawly and Jackson moving about inspecting people with other gym trainers. I rewound it and found Sabrina twitching in surprise.

I drumd my fingers in thought. Gradually, a suspicion ford in my mind.the Psychic terrain empowered his pokemon but what if it was ant to do more than that? I said aloud.

The guard frowned and opened his mouth, only for to raise a hand. Sorry, Im just talking aloud. Sounding out a theory. He nodded and I continued to toss the idea back and forth.

Sabrina would have had more trouble with the battlefield saturated in psychic energies of multiple pokemon. Will created a saturated field first!

I fast forwarded the video to when Titan had Alakazam in his jaws and was thrashing him back and forth. Next to the guard pumped his fist. Get im! he said as though he hadnt seen it before. I chuckled and replayed it again, enjoying the video of Titan whipping his head back and forth to slam Alakazam into the ground. It was extrely cathartic.

I stopped the video eventually when it ca to the point of ti when Alakazam apparently glowed and stopped himself in midair. I then synced up the video of the outside and the match inside to the sa ti.

Sure enough, the armoured limb rose up and gestured. Both movents were perfectly tid that I couldnt unsee the link.

wtwo, had helped Will.

I clapped my hands together in front of my lips and breathed as I glared at the video, which continued to play. It showed Titan taking hits that he should never have had to deal with. Hed had Alakazam to rights.

That bastard, I said through grit teeth.

Motherf Jeff started to say only to cough. Sorry, shouldnt say that, he glanced around. Little ears might hear, he said before indicating the video. Thats clear evidence of interference, though right?

I wanted to gnash my teeth. A glow and a limb raised up with glowing psychic energy? Was it enough? I wanted to say yes, as I could see how it linked together. Was it clear cut however? No, it was not. I shook my head.

Jeff frowned. Wait a minute! Howd a psychic outside the Gym impact inside with the Dark emitters? Did he know how to slip through? That takes specialised attunent and readings! He rolled to a system that was separate from the others and opened it up. The lights on the system didnt even turn on even as Jeff ran through a number of boot-up options.

I could only scowl as another piece of the puzzle slipped into place. The entire system has been overloaded, I said.

I grabbed the radio. Den I stopped rembering that I told Dennis to spend ti with his family. I raised the radio back up. Missy, I need you to do a sweep of the dark emitters that we have around the gym. Do you know the codes to access them?

When she replied in the negative, I rattled off the codes. I then walked to the wall and slid a panel out of the way before keying in the code to a manual lock. When it popped open, I was greeted by a blackened, dark emitter.

I swore, and Jeff hissed in surprise. There wasnt a sll or nothing! I would have thought wed at least sll if they burned up like that!

I sighed, rembering a small trivia fact Id picked up from reading about the war. Theyre too secure for that. Overloaded dark emitters used to cause fires and were a thod used by so combatants during the war to burn down structures. Emitters therefore had to be robust but fizzle out without causing fires. I tapped the blown-out machine. They would have had to do it fast with overwhelming force, otherwise an alert would have sounded.

In my mind, the facts all slid into place with this clinching it.

Will was in bed with Team Rocket. He had to be. I ran the events leading up to the match through my head.

Not only was the attack on Mt Silver a raid for rare pokemon, but it was likely a thod of drawing out and getting to commit to a fight that was out of my League.

Heck, it was out of most peoples League!

That gave pause.

I felt a sudden chill run down my spine.

It wasnt just an opportunity for stealing pokemon. It was a targeted attack on . I barely registered Missy calling in and reporting that other dark emitters were blown out. I rely had her continue checking them and any other security asures we had in place. I grabbed at my rock energy and thodically began to work through what needed to be done, starting with checking in on the guard from yesterday.

I tapped Jeff on the side. Get soone over to Jules house theres a risk he might have been compromised if this was a psychic attack. Jeff stiffened at that but made a hurried call to do just that. I made another call to get so security technicians in here and make a report on the dark emitters.

I called Flint as another issue occurred to . If theyd attacked the Gym, what about our house?

Flint answered, his image appearing on my transceiver. Brock? he said looking surprised. Where are you?

Im in the duckpond. When he gave a clueless look, I realised he wouldnt understand the reference. In the security room of the Gym. I need you to co over so we can talk about sothing. He nodded and quickly bustled over.

When he knocked, Jeff opened the door and checked him over before leading him to .

What's the matter Brock? he asked, his eyes darting around.

I indicated the screen and pressed play, showing off the video for the few key damning monts. Flint frowned. That is a very worrying video, as it implies quite a bit. Especially... he trailed off and glanced at the still exposed blown-out emitter.

Interesting, he knew to look for those straight away.

I nodded. I need you to check the ones in the house. Theyre on a separate circuit to the Gym as it was a recomnded security feature. I worked my jaw back and forth. I think were going to need to increase our security as this is most likely Team Rocket.

Team Rocket?! said both Jeff and Flint together in surprise.

I nodded and tapped the still fra of the armoured limb. I saw a pokemon that looked like this antagonise the I glanced at Jeff, the League had been clear with not to announce that Id fought a Legendary. The dia would have blacked out the interview if Id said anything but I should be able to tell Jeff without him setting off a panic.

I fought a Moltres after a pokemon like this angered it. Flint looked alard.

You fought a Moltres! he hissed.

I shrugged. With Sabrina. That was during the Mt silver incident. Which Hank and I suspect was caused by Team Rocket as so poachers were found stealing large amounts of pokemon. A good number of them were found to be part of Team Rocket, but not all.

Flint shifted. And you and they have been trading blows for a while now with your raids and their probing your Gym He rubbed his jaw. I think I might ask around for so friends to watch over the kids from now on He ran a hand over his face. Ive never regretted having so many kids before I shot him a sardonic look that he didnt seem to notice, because keeping them all safe is going to be a nightmare.

This might just be Team Rocket setting up against and making the most of Will, I said, voicing a thought I didnt trust. I couldnt and wouldnt trust Team Rocket to leave things well enough alone.

Theyd escalated.

Worse theyd escalated in a way I wasnt sure how to answer without calling Giovanni out. I doubted that would end well for anyone.

Doesnt matter, Flint said unknowingly mirroring my thoughts on the subject of Will. We need to keep it from happening. He sighed. I really wish your mother was here.

I twitched in annoyance. I very much did not want her here of all people. What will your friends do? I asked, changing the topic.

Ill have them hang around the kids' schools with the schools awareness, he shot an amused look. Dont want any more incidents like when Dennis was monitoring them.

I huffed in surprise. You heard about that, did you? I sat in front of a computer nd started typing up a ssage to one of the security companies Id contracted to work on the gym.

During a Parents and Teachers night, yes.

I missed that? I asked, pausing in my ssage.

Flint nodded. I took over; youre busy enough, and I wanted to do that.

I decided to leave that alone and settle for just a nod. It was normal and good to have him taking on that role. It was what he was supposed to do.

It only irked a little.

Youd best see if any of them have kids themselves if theyre going to be watching over little ones. Tommy and Tilly like to explore after all, I said.

Flint rely nodded. He turned to and indicated the video that was repeating of Titan thrashing Alakazam back and forth. Hmmm I might get a videoclip of that made. Make it one of this world's first s.

I wondered about that at the ti. Hes far too strong for an Alakazam to escape in the manner it did.

I tried to repress the smile, but it still ca through. Thanks, it still ended up costing . I sighed as the cynical part of reared its head. I waved a hand at the video. Sha this is all a bit too circumstantial It casts doubt but doesnt definitively prove anything.

It might still be worth ntioning to people. They already know Will is a sneak with how he fought. But not how big of a sneak he truly is.

I nodded and brought out my transceiver to make so calls starting with Lawrence. Then I might call Lance. Flint stood. Ill go check the houses emitters, and Brock?

I glanced up. Yeah Flint?

Sothing I learnt during the war? Dont trade blows with your opponent. Ghost them where you can without letting them hit you back. When you get the chance to land a blow make sure it's a good one they cant recover from. Hamr them until theyre well and truly down and out or running with their tails between their legs, he said this with his eyes cast down.

It took a mont for to realise he wasnt proud to give this information. It revealed a side of Flint Id never considered. Flint was a war veteran. One that must have seen combat.

Thanks, thats good advice, I said. I waved a hand at the armoured arm on display. Sadly Team Rocket arent going to make it easy for to hit them back.

Yeah, so fights are like that. He nodded and left.

I watched him go, suddenly much more curious about what hed been through, before returning to sending off so ssages and making so calls. I wasnt sure it was a talk Flint would be interested in ever having. I wouldt push.

Lawrence was quick to bustle up to the Gym and look over what Id found. His grimace didnt fill with any hope.

Well docunt it all and have a technician look it over. Get signed reports on all of this along with testimony. I can build a case on this but it's circumstantial Lawrence sighed his hand running through his mohawk. Will can just cry foul that he was a victim as there isnt a solid link. Its certainly beneficial to him but he can pretend to be a target of a sar campaign if he even talks with a half way decent lawyer.

Those exist? Jeff snarked from around a mug of coffee.

Lawrence, rather than getting offended, smirked and winked playfully. He then indicated hed like a cup himself. Jeff happily set about doing so as Lawrence turned back to to keep talking.

Also, its not sothing that usually even the League will handle after the event. If it is caught during, theyd back you, but afterwards, it becos much more iffy. Also, it was a draw so nothing eventuated from it. Lawrence drumd his fingers on the table. There is also the risk that Will, or Team Rocket might have demanded an investigation into the match if youd won. Then theyd be able to claim the interference wasnt in fact beneficial.

I snarled at that, and Lawrence nodded. Yeah it would be dirty but it would cast doubt, and is a play they could make with your dark emitters being blown out.

Lawrence sighed and accepted a mug of coffee from Jeff. The rules about discovering interference are usually sothing handled with the referee there hasnt been a high-profile case and no-one has successfully pulled off interference like this Lawrence chewed his lip. That we know of

Well it seems Will is bringing a whole host of League shortcomings to light, I said knowing full well Lawrence was right that this level of interference was unprecedented. That or it was occurring and just not being caught out until now. How many people had state of the art Gym facilities with dark emitters, a high-stakes match, and security surrounding their gym.

My transceiver buzzed and I raised it up to find Lance calling .

Champion, I said in greeting.

Gym Leader, he said back with a nod. He then relaxed. That match was rough Brock. Thank you for sending through that information. I will be having one of my G-n collect a copy. The information is Im sorry to say

Its too circumstantial? I said cutting over Lance.

He nodded, his lips tight.

I sighed. Lawrence just said the sa thing, I said indicating my lawyer.

He is correct, Lance said. He then laced his fingers together. That does not an we arent going to act on this new information. It is clear there is so link between Will and Team Rocket. This will not be an official League operation but one that I turn over to the G-n. Will is going to be monitored as closely as possible for any and all links. If we find sothing, we are going to act on it, and Will is going to be detained.

I shut my eyes, relieved despite it not being the answer Id hoped for. Lance was going to do sothingpossibly even the smartest thing. Good, thats good., I said simply.

Lance nodded. Im pleased to hear that Brock. Youve done well all told. Ill take it from here with the G-n. Well let Will have enough rope to hang himself, and then well take him into custody.

I humd. So of those people hes going to be facing are my friends, I said. Im not going to just stand by. Ill be watching him I toyed with my idea. Maybe I might also make so moves of my own

Lance looked troubled, so I told him my idea. He smiled, but I noted he also had a slight pinching in his lips like he was worried about sothing for a mont. The expression didnt last and vanished after a mont, so I decided it was nothing.

I decided to voice another thought. Any chance you could just take him in for an interview now? I said.

Lance shook his head. As a Psychic specialist, he would be resistant to any invasive thods, and there would be an uproar. He has made himself high profile with how he challenged you. He also does have Mayor Jonathans open support. For all that the public disapprove of how he fought they would not simply accept him being taken into custody. It would be too much of an over-correction. Let him wander for now. Well be watching and well catch him out, I have no doubt.

I huffed. Sha, I said, thinking I would like to have Will to myself in an interrogation room. I might even invite Surge. I shook those dark thoughts off and nodded to him. Thanks for listening to , I said.

I trust you Brock, thank you for this information. He signed off after that.

Lawrence tapped away at the keyboard next to , enhancing the armoured limb. Hmmm I hadn't considered the public perspective, Lance was right. He shot a look. What are you going to do?

I think Im going to hold a press conference, I said.

Hmmmm, Rachel will be happy to hear that, Lawrence said. He straightened and stretched. At least youre not like Surge, or Blaine If they suspected Will did this against them Lawrence mid an explosion. I gave a snort but nodded.

I cant say that Im not going to seek out so fights of my own, but I think Im going to have to be smart about them. I have so gaps to shore up as well that Ive been dragging my feet on.

Less pleasing to hear, Lawrence pointed out. What gaps are you thinking of shoring up?

I toggled the information I'd had for a while but not used. Old Jenny the forr police officers profile, shot up. I glanced it over and humd thoughtfully as I made the call.

Gym Leader Brock? said a woman who looked, and sounded like the Officer Jenny that I was used to. Only this wasnt my Jenny. This Jenny was sitting in a wheelchair and where mine had a fresh eagerness of youth, this woman had lines where age and hardship had worn her down.

Jenny, Ive been aning to reach out to you for a while but I just noticed sothing about your current employnt. You breed and raise security Growlithe?

Its not hard, Growlithe have it in their PNA but yes I have a select breeding facility.

Could I purchase so? I asked innocently.

Sure thing! How many of them you need? she said bringing out a notepad. I have a selection of twenty pups right now.

I smiled. Ill take the lot.

She blinked at . All of them?

All of them, and a mont of your ti if youd please? I said pleased when she gaped at .

I can do that? she said. Want to bring them around?

Please, et out the front of the Gym in a few hours? Also, dont worry, the gym is wheelchair accessible.

She nodded mutely at that, and I hung up, amused at her reactions.

Twenty Growlithe? Lawrence said with a raised eyebrow.

I nodded. Its a starting point, I said as I put together a ssage for Bianca, our resident Breeding specialist.

It's ti to nail a flock of pidgeys with a single rock. After that I called Rachel. Can you get the dia inford that were going to hold that press conference? I said.

On it boss! she said in a chipper tone.

I humd and tapped the table. Alright, those were set up. I just needed to find soone

u and everyone else are Brock simps these days. Wah wah wah! Brock had so questionable tactics used against him. So what! said a voice into the quiet.

I glanced up and found Jeff nervously turning the volu down on a television show that had been playing in the corner.

What is that? I asked.

Jeff nervously shuffled his feet back and forth. Just a rerun show from yesterday that I have off to the side while I work. Its just background noise I swear! Things get a bit too quiet in here during my shift!

I waved a hand. Im not worried about that. Its fine as long as youre not drifting off. Im curious about the show, I said.

Oh, said Jeff before turning back up the volu.

s strength right there, said one of the hosts.

The big man from earlier sniffed derisively, and I noticed he had a very punchable face. Hed had his pokemon use Autotomize. That ans it wouldnt have weighed as much.

I sat and listened in silence. When he got into a fight with the female anchor, I humd and looked up his trainer's profile. Gavin Glady, ranked forty in the Ace Circuit currently.

Noted for his contentious takes on Battlecast.

I humd and watched a bit more of the show. I listened to him spew bile. Jeff and Lawrence shared a look when I didnt react at first.

Eventually, I surprised them by smiling so wide a Sharpedo would have been nervous approaching .

Oh, hes perfect! I said a dark feeling of glee fill up as I started to inspect his pokemon team.

I headed out to the press conference with a worried Lawrence flanking .

This Gavin fellow was just the perfect recipient of so age-old wisdom from the schoolyard.

Talk shit, get hit.