Hard Enough Interlude - Pewter Gym pokemon history

Interlude - Pewter Gym pokemon history

Jormungandr worked himself into the sand, luxuriating in the feel of it. It polished his body and worked itself into the links between his segnts. With his body in position, he began a slow roll, turning the sand over his body and allowing the sand to do its work.

After a few minutes of just rolling and indulging himself, he raised his head towards where Slugma stood to the side. Alright, lets try the hot sand now, he said. Despite being assured by Bertha, he was still worried about the fire touching him and cooking him.

For that purpose, Shin was sitting to the side, ready to cool the sands if it got too hot. With his tail still exposed, Jorm let himself relax as much as possible.

The heat around him slowly increased until he twitched his tail. Slugma must have stopped, as the sand stopped growing hotter and Jorm shifted slightly, allowing the hot sand to move around. It was rather nice; it was well before it would grow painful, and that allowed him to slowly relax.

Eventually, his eyes grew heavy, and he dread.

He dread he was larger than any Onix hed ever encountered before. He had never encountered a Steelix before, but surely he trumped them as well?

His form was glorious, sparkling with gems as he cast shadows about the land. Atop his head, Brock pointed, and they soared into the sky, Jormungandr worming his way up into the very stars themselves.

There he encountered Moltres and felt no fear in his heart. Instead, he roared his challenge and watched as the puny god of fire quavered with his approach.

It did not flee but instead t Jormungandr head-on as he should have.

The fire rely swept over Jorms form as he lunged, his fangs glistening with dark intent as he crushed the god and cast him from the skies. Brock roared with Jormungandr in their shared victory.

Jorm word his way onwards, looking for greater challenges.

Then he felt sothing tap him lightly on the head.

Jorm, its ti to wake up, said a calm voice.

Jorm opened his eyes and found Shin standing in a hole in the sand, his blades raised to tap Jorm on the head. Shin tilted his head. Are you feeling alright? I was surprised when you started snoring.

Ah, rumbled Jorm, surprised at how relaxed hed been.

Shin twitched in such a manner that Jorm knew the older pokemon was amused. You were twitching while you slept; you almost buried Slugma; I had to dig her out, Shin said. It was a good dream?

Jorm nodded. The best of dreams, he said, recalling the feel of Moltres falling under his and Brocks shared might.

Then he sighed. It is a sha; it was just a dream, Jorm said. Shin waved a blade, indicating that he was listening. Jorm shifted. I had done it; I could feel the link between Brock and . I was glorious in my ga-evolution form. Titanic in size and so powerful, he said wistfully.

Shin tapped the back of his blade against Jorms head. Do not worry, you will reach your goal; you and Brock are making progress. I think your agitation is caused by how close you are. I know Brock feels much the sa way, Shin said.

Hmmm, I feel like I am wasting his ti; he spends much longer with than the others and I Jorm began to say, only for Shin to ram his broad, flat head against Jorms jaw.

No, do not let such thoughts intrude on you. Each of us has had ti when we were prioritised. You are rely the latest to receive this attention. The sa has been true of Link, although he has forced Brocks attention with his Shin trailed off, trying to find the right word to use.

Heart? Jorm said, recalling the talk theyd had last night.

I was weighing up if recklessness was the correct term to use, Shin said, the crook of his arm rubbing at his chin in a thoughtful pose theyd seen Brock do a few tis.

Jorm huffed a laugh and rose from the sand, shaking himself as he did so to lose so of the sand from his joints. Shin darted back before even a speck of sand could fall on him, his agile body reappearing level to the ground.

Jorm turned his head around and found no sign of the Slugma beyond a trail of burnt earth indicating where it had gone.

We have a eting? asked Jorm. Shin shook his head, and Jorm tilted his in confusion.

Brock is inspecting us; so of us will be going with him tonight, as he suspects that Sabrina will face so interference, Shin reported, shifting his blades back and forth in anticipation only to wilt.

Jorm glanced at his teammate in surprise. You are worried that Brock will not select you?

Shin shook his head. He has better options with how he has recalled Hypnotoad and Tide into his team, Shin said with a slight bend to his body. I enjoy fighting, but I must recognise that Brock has better options than I, as far as water types go, said Shin, beginning to march towards the Elite training area.

Jorm swept after him, sand trickling from his body as he weaved his body forward.

When they arrived, they were so of the last to do so. Brock gave Jormungandr an appreciative look as he reached out to rub at Shins head affectionately.

Hmmm shiny, said Brock with an odd, amused lilt entering his voice. Jorm knew it wasnt ant in a an way, and as a complent, he rumbled back a greeting.

Brock looked around and found that all of the other Elite pokemon, along with the trainees, were present. Teddiursa stood near Empress, his tiny paws lashing the air.

and then I was like, take that! And I won again! said Teddiursa.

Jorm watched as Empress indulged in listening to the small bear pokemon with an amused smile on her scaly face. She looked rather motherly like this. Knight, whod sat next to the pair, clapped his hands together and applauded Teddiursa.

A might battle by the sounds of it! Well done on erging the victor after being tested so much! he said, shaking his head. He then turned his tal head towards Jorm and indicated the position next to himself. Jorm! Sit with us! he rumbled.

Jorm moved from Brock and claid the spot next to his fellow steel type.

Brock chose that mont to clap his hands. Alright, gang, its good to see that youve been engaging in light training or relaxation this morning, tonight I am expecting that were going to be getting into a fight.

All the pokemon stiffened at that, but Brock rely nodded. Now, before that, I need to assign pokemon that I know will be able to hold down the fort here.

He waved a hand expansively. The others and I can only fight as we do, knowing that there will be sothing to co back to. My family will be here as will the other pokemon. For that reason, I am entrusting this task to the pokemon that I know are up to the task.

Knight, Cradily, Link, Hypnotoad, Tide, and Sanchez, Im going to be counting on all of you to hold down the fort, Brock said, locking eyes with all of the pokemon.

Shin stiffened, and hope entered his eyes as Jorm smiled for his friend.

That ans I will be taking Titan, Empress, Bertha, Jormungandr, Don, Zephyr, Gawain, Selene, Shrek, and. Shin, Brock said, looking around.

Brock nodded to himself and tilted his head. Yeah, that seems like a good team set-up in case we end up fighting in a building. Shin can link up with Gawain and Shrek pretty well and they have good counters for grass type Brok nodded and smiled. Yeah, well go with that.

A screech had everyone looking up to find Zubat flapping around, only to dart off in an excited manner. Brock frowned, watching it soar off only to sigh. Damn, I need to go check on her. Ill introduce you all to her later.

What about ?! shouted Teddiursa, puffing up cutely.

Brock paused and looked back to the small pokemon. You want to guard the house or the reserve? Brock said with a twitch of his lips.

Teddiursa frowned and looked to Empress, who shrugged.

Bertha grinned and leaned in. The girls will dress you up in cute ribbons if you guard them! Make sure you get pictures!

Teddiursa snapped his head to Brock and pointed at the ground. Outside! he said instantly, causing Brock to frown before he worked out what had been said, as everyone but Bertha laughed. With Brock heading off everyone slowly broke off into their own groups.

Jorm made sure to nudge Shin. Looks like you were worried for nothing, said Jorm with a wide grin.

Heh! So it seems. Fighting inside eh? I had forgotten about how I was suited for that.

You are suited for more than that teacher! said Gawain whod ambled across to talk with Shin.

Would you care for a light spar? Gawain offered, brandishing his axes. Shin seed very pleased with this, and Jorm bid his friend a good match before moving off to find a good place to lay in the sun.

He made a long circuit around the reserve, passing a number of Onix, so of whom looked at him with respect while others ignored him. Onix paused when he spotted the older Onix that had been spoken about last night around the campfire.

Jorm took in the scars along the dark-toned Onix with new eyes. Which of those had he gained during the war?

When the Onix looked towards him, Jorm bowed his head in respect. The Onix didnt say anything, rely nodding back and continuing to slither around, his gaze sweeping over the fence line.

Jorm watched him patrol, realising for the first ti that that was precisely what this Onix was doing. When Jorm had first co here, he had joined in with the Onix patrols, and it had simply been a thing that was done.

Now he knew where this habit had started.

It wasnt just training endurance as Jorm had originally assud, but training to guard the ho.

It changes things, knowing... doesnt it? rumbled Titan from off to the side.

Jorm stiffened, not having heard Titan approaching.

Ah! Yes, it does, said Jorm, inclining his head to Titan.

You dont have to do that, you know? Titan said, bobbing his head back.

I feel like I should, said Jorm. He shifted. I feel like a fraud sotis, a glass shield as so people have said.

Do not listen to the crowds that jeer at us, said Titan sternly. You are no glass shield. You stood up well against Will. Lift your head. You are an Elite of this Gym, Titan said firmly.

Jorm found himself buoyed by this but still he squird. Yes but, he trailed off, unsure how to have this conversation. Knowing what to say to get his point across he wasnt sure. It wasnt like you could receive training for such things.

Titan observed him for a mont and nodded. Ah, you are worried that you are infringing on Brock and I with how you are training to gaevolve first?

Jorm nodded. Yes! That! said Jorm, surprised, but at the sa ti not, that Titan could say what Jorm had been tripping over; Titan the Tyranitar was Brocks starter and it showed in monts like this.

Brock has said that is not the case to you many tis, no? said Titan, scratching his chin in thought.

Jorm glanced away and Titan huffed. So, it is not sothing that you have internalised or heard, eh?

I have heard it! said Jorm worriedly. Did Titan think he didnt listen to Brock?

Titan shook his head. No, I dont an like that. Titan waved a claw around. Sotis it is not enough for soone to just say sothing for you to understand. To internalise a ssage and accept it is different. Sotis you need soone else to say it to allow understanding to set in.

Jorm blinked. Oh, that thank you? said Jorm uncertainly.

Titan shook his head, Hmmm, dont worry, you will see. Also, I have had a long ti to acknowledge that I will probably not be the first of Brocks team to ga evolve. He has ntioned it to before we even had a plan to go and look for Tyranitarite, you know?

Jorm blinked. No? I thought he only ntioned it months ago when that silver-haired man ca?

Steven? Titan asked before nodding. Indeed, to most of the team, he only ntioned it then, but he has spoken to of the heights I and others could reach. I suspected Shrek might be the first, honestly.

Jorm shifted. You said Brock planned to look for your ga Stone; did you not find it?

We never got the chance to look. Brock was hoping for more ti in Hoenn, Titan said, staring off into the distance.

Hoenn? Jorm said, tilting his head.

Titan waved a hand. It is a different place, on a different continent. Brock had started the second year of his journey, and he had been drawn into the desert in hopes of looking for so rare rock-type pokemon with Sabrinas help. Thanks to that, we ended up finding Selene and Quirina.

Ah, said Jorm. Where had they been planning to go after that?

Lavaridge, specifically to a place called Jagged Pass, even though Brock did not hold much faith in that location he thought he might as well try. Titan shook his head. Regardless, Flint called off Brocks journey, and Brock had to return ho instead of searching Jagged Pass as he wished to. Perhaps we will go there in the future, though?

Jorm considered this, and Titan scratched his chin. Jorm shook himself. Do you regret Brocks original Onix not being in my place?

Guybro? said Titan with a blink.

Jormungandr blinked, having not realised that the other Onix had been nad. It made sense that Brock had done so.

Guybro? Jorm said, sounding out the na. What does his na an?

Titan coughed and glanced aside in a sheepish manner. Well, actually, Brock had jokingly asked for his family to help na Guybro and that was the na Cindy put forth Guybro loved it, and Brock couldnt change it after that, as he was too attached to it.

Titan chuckled. I think Brock was rather embarrassed about the entire thing.

Jorm blinked, stunned at this revelation. He hadnt been expecting that, but it made a degree of sense. Oh, thats still nice?

Titan nodded. Guybro was very nice; he was extrely calm and very slow to anger, but still a strong Onix with natural talent. He didnt have as much drive as you do, but Brock had him for a lot longer, which forced Guybro to work hard.

Jorm shifted again. How did Brock handle losing one of his pokemon?

As well as can be expected. Much of the team was morose after learning of the fact. I Titan clenched his claws and snarled. I had wanted to hunt down the trainer that had done it It felt so pathetic to only report the other trainer and have him fined for how he had fought. We were all very sad for a while, and Brock had to also handle his family learning about Guybros passing while himself being devastated by the loss.

Titan shifted and looked down at the ground. He rather struggled at the ti I rember. Sabrina helped out a great deal but it took Gym Leader Surge kicking a fuss to get us out of our funk.

Ah, said Jorm. do you Once again, Jorm lacked the words to say what he felt needed to be said.

Titan snorted. Do not sell yourself short. You have exceeded Guybro many tis over. You have filled his gap well and are exceeding his mory. If you want to honour him, try making yourself available to play with Brocks family. They would like that, I think.

Titan then rubbed at his face before he smirked. Just be ready for them to put their hands in places hands arent supposed to go.

Ah, said Jorm, suddenly rethinking the idea before reaffirming it with a nod. I think I will still try, said Jorm, glancing towards the house.

Before he could put words to action, another thought occurred to him. What of Brocks original Geodude? I dont hear much about him."

Titan grinned broadly. Ah, Dwayne? Hes still around; he is old however, and Brock didnt have the knowledge at the ti to realise quite how old he was when he caught him as a Geodude. He held up well and evolved all the way to being a Golem, with Brock learning a lot from training him.

So he is still around? What does he do? I dont think Ive t him, or seen him about the reserve.

Titan coughed. Well, Brock needed a lot of eggs to test his theory about how to get electric-rock typed Geodude, you see? The Researcher Bianca is very familiar with him, you could say. He does co out occasionally, but mostly only during feeding ti. He doesnt train or fight much and is considered retired.

Jormungandr blinked at that, and it took a long mont for him to understand what was being said. He is a stud now?

He has a very fine harem of three pokemon, to hear him speak of it, said Titan. Sanchez is his grandson.

Where does he spend his ti? Jorm asked, too curious to stop himself.

Titan waved for Jorm to follow and led Jorm towards the electrified cave. Both of them walked in without worry. They found Bianca in the cave wearing a rubber suit placing a few eggs off to the side.

Hmmm good haul, ladies! she said before noticing Titan and Jorms presence. Oh! Hello there, boys! Co to contribute? she said eagerly.

Titan shook his head quickly while Jorm glanced around.

Hoh? Whats this? Bringing along another young one to my palace, Titan? said a voice that sounded like it was being ground out between rocks.

Dwayne, Titan said. Jormungandr was curious about the original team Brock had, and I thought to introduce him.

Hmpf! I suppose he also thinks my daughters and granddaughters arent good enough for him eh? said the old Golem.

Jorm was thoroughly lost, and Titan shook his head and tapped at the side of his head to show that Dwayne wasnt all there.

Sadly, Sanchez was there, and he rolled out with a huge grin. You going to marry my sisters? Jorm yes! We can be literal brothers that way! he exclaid with far too much eagerness for Jorm.

Titan backed away, Jorm decided to do the sa. Nice to et you all! he hesitantly called back as he retreated.

Feh! Young ones! Not enough vim and vigour by half! said Dwayne to their backs.

Ive got that in bucket loads, pops! said Sanchez, sparking up and zapping a nearby boulder just to demonstrate his point.

Too much of it! barked Dwayne, chopping his hand lightly on Sanchezs head.

Jorm left the cave and gave Titan a look. I see where Sanchez gets it from now, he said.

Titan rely nodded. So, still want to try playing with Brocks family?

Jorm considered that for a mont and nodded. Yes, I would like to try I will be careful though; they are very small from what I have seen of them.

Theyre stronger than you realise. Just keep yourself calm and dont take sudden actions. You can move fast, but make it smooth, Titan said patiently.

Jorm smiled. Heh, youre so wise.

Titan grinned. You just say that cause Ive learned more and I get to teach you. Dont worry, youll learn your own tricks! Titan said, leading Jorm towards the edge of the garden that marked the edge of the reserve.

Jorm leaned over the hedge and found a delighted tiny human child grinning up at him.

Jorm! it said as it reached up to him with tiny hands.

Jorm stared at the tiny being and felt himself go soft.

He decided then and there that his predecessor, Guybro, had good ideas, and he was glad hed learnt about him.

Now he would honour him by playing with Brocks family in his place and helping to make them smile.

When Brock ca to collect him and Titan, Jorm had a sequence of artwork on one part of his body, with Billy and Timmy having signed their work like proper artists.

Jorm felt more sure of himself and ready to fight than ever before.