Hard Enough Chapter 176: Family downtime

When the post-match wrapped up I checked my watch and was pleased to see that I still had plenty of ti until my booked Teleport transport was due. I glanced up. There was another Ace match booked in but.. I had already gotten my fill of reviewing potential matchups and trainer fights for the day.

I wanted sothing else. I shot Yolanda a thoughtful look. She looked a bit tired but still had a bounce in her step thanks to the victory.

Want to head out to the entertainnt area for so fun now that the match is done? I tapped my Xtransceiver. We still have another hour before we need to leave, I said.

Yolanda perked up before wilting. Oh, ummm, wont the locals still be giving us the cold shoulder? she said.

I grinned at her. I think, with how everything eventually played out, theyll be rather welcoming, you know?

Yolanda humd but decided to nod. Missy and A.J. joined us, and I led us all out to the entertainnt area of the pier that encompassed the stadium.

I had to give whoever designed this place so credit; the entire pier was rock solid and despite the moves thrown around in the stadium, there wasnt any shaking going on.

I shook that thought off and turned towards the surrounding entertainnt area. A few of the signs still flashed with mine and Corvos faces but others had snapped onto showing highlights of our match with a caption of watch on battlecast for replay across the bottom.

I humd and walked into the entertainnt area.

A few people glanced in our direction and more than a few gained the light of recognition. Before any bad reactions could form, I tapped two pokeballs and released Gawain and Link. Both of them appeared and blinked in surprise.

Hey, you two! Great work today! I said. I waved a hand about us. Were going to have so fun, interested in joining us? I said.

Link and Gawain shared a look with each other. They were each the newest mbers of my Elite squad. They glanced around and then shared another look before each of them gained goofy smiles before they jumped and shot their arms into the air.

Vor! Fable!

When they jumped for joy I could only laugh as they acted their ages.

Yolanda perked up, realising what I was doing as the people that had been side-eyeing perked up.

Hey! Thats the Clefable that just fought daddy! said a girls voice. He was really nice!

I grinned. While Johto was known for their cold shoulders they were also known for recognising kindness more than any other region. Link, without even aning to, had thawed their response to us.

Thanks to him, all of the vendors that we approached were more than happy to let Yolanda, Missy, Gawain, Link, and I, to play their gas.

I had to raise my Xtransciever a few tis to take photos of Gawain playing the rubber psyduck ga with the tips of his axes instead of the pole and hook provided.

Yolanda dragged the pair of pokemon with her and Terra to a rry-go-round where they all laughed happily. Missy disappeared for a few minutes and ca back with an armload of fluffy toys that she shoved into my travel pack.

You want to hold these? I asked curious about what she was doing.

Hmmm? Oh, no! These are for your little brothers and sisters, dont worry I have tons of toys like this. There are a few tricks you can learn if you spend a bit of ti and way too much money on these things. Once you work out the tricks you can win pretty big, she said with a shrug.

Yolanda heard this and shot a pleading look. I waved a hand. Care to show us rookies? I said, handing Yolanda so money to play with.

From there, we spent the rest of our ti playing gas with the goal of winning prizes. More often than not I ended up with the consolation prizes but by the end, Yolanda had won herself a plush Bulbasaur while Terra had a smaller plush Tyranitar.

Along the way a few locals who had watched the fight paused to take pictures with us. A few people asked for pictures with Selene and Don and I obliged them. Don seed very pleased to get praise for how ruthless hed been during the fight.

Selene, while she was out, had spotted a photo booth and nudged towards it where she demanded so pictures with and the others.

By the end, everyone had so photos with Selene in various poses.

As I chuckled over a particularly silly pose of Yolanda and with Selene held between us. Then I felt my wrist buzz. I checked the ti and nodded only to frown as I realised I hadnt seen one person in our group in a while.

Hey wheres A.J.? I said only to roll my eyes. No, dont answer that, I know, I said.

We walked back to the beach and sure enough, we found A.J. locked into what appeared to be a doubles battle that he was rather handily wrapping up with his Beedrill and Butterfree beating out a Staryu and Tentacool.

Yolanda waved her hand. A.J.! You need to wrap things up! Were going to leave soon! she called out.

A.J. waved back. He collected so winnings from the two trainers hed been facing before marching up to us.

Yolanda stared at him. Youre smiling? You never smile.

A.J. continued to grin, I smile, he said undaunted by Yolanda questioning him.

Yolanda tilted her head. Are you sure? Usually, you just sort of grump, she said, using her fingers to scowl deeper than she could normally.

A.J. huffed at her. I just won a lot of really good matches against so decent trainers, he said. He shot a look. I think I like the idea of travelling around like this now! he said.

I snorted. Of course, you went and got into so fights, but never mind. Good work finding your own fun. Co on, gang, its ti to head ho, I said, leading them back to the transport hub where a Hypno would be ready to take us for a multi-legged hop.

As I entered the transport hub, a dark-haired man leaning against the wall kicked off it. Gym Leader Brock! he called when he spotted that Id seen him.

I looked him over and realised that while Id never t this man, I knew who it was. Norman right? Or should I call you

Norman raised a hand to his lips. Ah! Sorry, that hasnt been announced to the public yet! The champion is going to release it soon.

Ah, I said.

Norman waved his hand back and forth. No worries I thought Id co et you before things get too hectic for .

Hmmm yeah, you will be busy soon. I said.

Norman bobbed his head in a lopesided manner. Well about that, I checked the logs and goldenrod has already seen a number of challengers but I thought there might be a need to Norman rolled his hand about. Demonstrate my skills to the public at large, I know Im seen sowhat as an academic to most people so I wanted to ask a favour if possible.

I nodded, having an idea of what he wanted. You want to have a friendly match against ? I said.

Norman nodded Gym match? So our typings only? He asked.

I paused and I considered him.

Hmmmm that would make it a touch tougher but also more interesting. Normal versus Rock.

That wasnt a bad idea for him.

Heck, I should probably propose it to Visquez. Norman challenging made sense, hed be able to demonstrate his skills to the best effect.

Yeah, Id like that. I think we can work sothing out in the coming weeks, I said, finding myself locking eyes with him and an itch forming as my mind clicked hope that I was facing a challenger.

Norman grinned. Excellent! Ill arrange a date! Oh! Maybe bring your family with you! I know my family would love to et so more kids their age.

I nodded, that was right, May and Max were going to be of similar ages to Salvadore and Cindy or Tommy, werent they? Although they might get on better with Yolanda and Salvadore in truth.

That sounds nice, I said. Next to , Rachel was brimming with energy at the potential showdown that shed get to work on.

Norman nodded once again, I wont hold you up, good match earlier by the way, he said as he tossed a wave of farewell over his shoulder.

I watched him go feeling an odd stirring in my chest. Id never gotten to fight the Petalburg Gym during my journey, but in a way that would be sort of like challenging it. I chuckled and waved my group towards the teleporting berth wed be using.

It would take another hour or so with the relays that we needed to do with other Teleporting stations, but soon enough, we were back ho.

Im ho! I announced loudly.

You were incredible! shouted Cindy as she stord towards .

I raised my hands in readiness for a hug only for Cindy to duck the hug, grab Links pokeball from my pokebelt and to release him.

She then slamd herself into him. Eiii! The comntators were all going on about how an Goldenrod people were being booing Brock like that but then you just made them love you! she said while clinging to him.

Clefable? said Link with a tilt of his head, the only part of him he could currently move.

Were ho with gifts! shouted Yolanda into the house.

Flint, whod been in the kitchen erged with a washcloth in his hands. Ho? Gifts? he said even as a stampede erupted from deeper in the house.

I shot Flint a look. I thought the kids would have been in school during the match?

Flint smiled. I made sure to record your match. You did wonderful despite Corvo trying to anticipate you.

I grinned. Thanks, I said, only to brace as both sets of twins slamd into . Brock! Brock! Big Bro! Brother! they all chid over the top of each other

I gained the ntal image of a Pidgeot returning to a nest of Pidgey and having them chirp at him.

You brought gifts? they said, completing the ntal imagery. I sighed and shot Yolanda an amused look. She rely grinned as Salvadore walked up.

Hey bro! Great fight! Gawain was great! So were you Link! Salvadore said, giving Link a small pat that Link rocked away from with a giggle.

I humd and released Gawain. He appeared with a flash of light and blinked before perking up when he noticed my siblings cheering his na. I chuckled and toyed with the idea of releasing Don before crushing that idea. He wouldnt like being praised like this.

He wanted praise, there was no doubt about that. He was a prideful sort, but he didnt want small grabby hands reaching for him. Him and small children were usually a recipe for tears. Unless Bertha was sitting very close at hand and thumping her club-like tail in warning the entire ti.

Hmmmm I tossed that idea away as Suzie tugged on my pants. Gifts? she said with puppy eyes.

I huffed. Course you heard that, I said in amusent. I reached into my travel pack and started pulling out a number of cuddle toys and cheap plastic toys that wed won from the Goldenrod entertainnt area.

The kids laughed at the silly toys and ran about playing with them. I handed so of the soft toys to Munchlax and Eevee only to pause and realise Gible was here. I blinked and handed him the most solid looking toy I had.

He took it in his mouth and grinned hugely. Gible! he said, turning and running away with the toy hanging out of his mouth by its head. It looked very macabre.

Hes cute! said Billy with a laugh, dropping his toy to give chase.

I raised a hand and considered that for a mont before shaking my head, eh, let him enjoy himself. If he thought a tiny pokemon that were mostly teeth looked cute, who was I to judge? I rubbed my chin in thought. Hmmm, that had potential.

Hey Flint? Do you want to represent Billy for next weekends contest that were running? Were going for a tough the.

But Gible is cute? Flint said with a tilt of his head.

I sighed. ... Just ask Billy if he wants to do it with you. We have a section that is just for presentation and not part of the display-battle traditional contest style of Hoenn. Id gotten the idea of animal displays at local shows that I had sotis attended as a visitor and a few tis as a competitor.

I turned my attention to the rest of my family and spent so ti playing with them and the new toys they had.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringent.

Sadly, most of them didnt last very long due to how cheaply made they were. Suzie was the first to co up to with her plushies arm ripped off. I grabbed the sewing kit and reattached the limb before strengthening the rest of the stretches.

Thank you toy doctor Brock! chid Suzie happily as she took her plushie away.

As soon as she was done, Tommy presented himself. Toy doctor Brock? he said, presenting his. His toy had the head, and the legs ripped off.

I stared at the toy seriously. I wanted to say, Hes dead, Jim but that would never go over well with a child, so instead I nodded. You brought him to just in ti; I think we can attach him to life support.

Im the Nurse Joy! said Suzie, claiming the spot next to . She then took the toys arm. There, there's a little guy, whos a brave boy?

She leaned down and gave the paw of the ursaring toy a smooch only for the arm to fall off.

Ah! she scread. I didnt do it! she shouted, leaping over the couch only to trip and faceplant with a heavy thump.

I grimaced. Oh dear, I said.

Suzie raised her head, locked eyes with and started to tear up.

Walk it off? I offered hopefully.

She tried, standing heroically lip quivering, only for her hands to shoot to her forehead. It hurts! she wailed.

Yeah I didnt think that would work, I said, scoping her up for a hug. I carted her over to the dical kit and beca Doctor Brock for a few minutes. A small bandage was put on her head to help keep the pain going away along with a lollipop.

She then sat in my lap for the rest of the surgery with the Ursaring toy.

How co youre stitching up the parts that arent broken? asked Suzie seriously after a few minutes of work.

I tugged on the cheap stitching. See these here? Theyre quite weak, so Im just strengthening them up with a Ladder stitch.

Tommy walked up with Timmy, whod co to see how long the surgery would take, only for Tommy to tilt his head. How co youre doing a girl's job Brock? Shouldnt you get Yolanda to do that?

I could feel Yolandas head turning and her glare settling upon Tommy.

Its not a girl or a boy job; its just a job, I said reasonably.

Sadly, reason wasnt that useful against seven-year-olds. No, its a girls job! he said.

Hmmm what makes it a girls job?

Its stitching! And only girls do that! he said, crossing his arms and nodding seriously. Timmy copied him, and I felt a small part of perk up. Ah, this was one of those monts that ca along sotis, and as an older sibling/parent you needed to be watching for them.

Sadly, as I could attest, you werent always going to be at your best when such developntal monts reared their heads.

So only won can be doctors? I asked.

That got Tommy and Timmy to blink in surprise. I continued the assault to hamr ho the point I wanted to make. What about Leatherworkers? Bookbinders? Quilters? Tailors? Sailmaker? Shoemaker? Dressmakers?

Well! So of those are girl jobs and so of those are boy jobs! said Tommy

I shook my head. Thats not the case, actually. Lots of people do different jobs depending on what they want to or are good at. Or what they need to do. But I wasnt going to say that last part as the discussions around economic unfairness werent sothing that would register to young kids. Not unless you had a really simple thod which I currently lacked. Maybe I needed to rent out so more parenting books?

It had been a while.

Thank Arceus that Flint had co back when he did otherwise I would have drowned in responsibilities and Will would have easily skated I paused and played that thought back over in my mind.

Huh, I hadnt thought of it that way. But, it really had been a good thing having Flint back ho. Hed been able to cover a lot of the tasks I typically handled.

I shot Suzies dress a quick look over and found that the stitching done there to patch up a tear was actually better than mine. Huh, would you look at that?

Brock! said Tommy, stomping his foot to get my attention.

Hmmm? I said finishing up the stitch before tying it out, my mind returning from the Furret hole it had been running along.

Girls are better at stitching! And Boys are better at tough stuff! he said, stomping his foot.

So like Trixie and Sabrina? Theyre pretty tough, right? I poked holes in his argunt right away. Agatha, Janine, Sophia, Daisy, Lorelei, and Erika I tilted my head. I was probably forgetting people, and that was without getting into Johto Gym Leaders.

Okay! So Tommy tilted his head. What does that an?

It ans there are a lot of jobs and that there is no job that is specifically only done by boys or girls, I said. I made the Ursaring toy dance in front of them. Flint and I both needed to know how to stitch to look after you, and its not a bad idea to have a good idea how to do things like this. Then you can be the one looking after your toys, or maybe even adding to them. I said. I then punched the arms forward. Four ard Ursaring! I said.

I shrugged. Or it could be a neat hobby.

Tommy blinked at this before shaking his head. I think I need to go lay down and process this.

I snorted. Yeah, you do that. It can be tough having your world flipped around like that, I said, handing the Ursaring toy back to Timmy.

He gave it a cuddle and toddled off without any complaints, so I counted that a win for , and Id gotten Tommy to lay down and think, which was also a win considering that my audience was a young boy.

Flint shot a thumbs up and I shot back a smile before kissing Suzie on the back of the head. So, are we watching movies and ordering Rapidash Pizza tonight? I prompted.

This got a resounding cheer from the kids which I capitalised on by clapping my hands. You know the drill then! No pizza is to be ordered until everyones teeth are brushed, faces and hands are clean and youre in your pajamas." I said firmly.

This caused another stampede with Gible caught in the middle, thoroughly unsure what to do with himself. He chased one child around only for another to charge past him resulting in him switching targets.

Eventually, Salvadore snatched him up and grabbed a spare toothbrush to brush his teeth. Gible seed to rather like this but then again, he was generally a very jolly fellow.

When everything was settled and the family assembled on the couch I gave them all a stern expression. Hmmm, adequate, I said with a fake haughty sniff. I then drew up the pokenet page for Poliwags pizzeria. So what will we have? I asked.

The kids started shouting various things at which I dutifully added to the cart. Munchalx leaned in to whisper things to Suzie which she added resulting in a cart that listed off twenty pizzas. I made a ga of pretending to be perplexed by this much to the kids' amusent.

Link and Gawain were still here so I included them on the order with so specialty pizza before shrugging and deciding to get so for my Elite team as a whole, taking the list up for forty pizzas.

Munchlax, who could see things through his christmas had co early only to refute when I told him who the extra pizzas were actually for.

A flash of light made glance over to find a rather bedraggled-looking Sabrina had just arrived. She grabbed her transceiver and pressed a few buttons before sighing. Ill have a atlovers with extra onion, she said.

She then waved to my family. Suzie leapt into a hug for Sabrina and Sabrina accepted it. When Gible leapt at her she telekinetically caught him in the air much to his shock. Sabrina blinked. Ah, I apologise, when sothing with that many teeth lunges at , I have a set response.

That makes a lot of sense, I have the sa response for Munchlax! Suzie said with a nod. Munchlax blinked at her and opened his mouth to feel around for how big his teeth were.

He then shrugged and ran at Suzie. Suzie put a hand to her head and pretended to copy Sabrina. Freeze! she said, and Munchalx froze dutifully.

Sabrina nodded her head, and I smiled. Id seen her twitch if Munchlax had committed to a leap but the bond between Suzie and Munchlax ant they didnt have to worry about hurting each other.

Sabrina hovered Gible into her arms for a quick pat before handing him off to . Ill be having a shower before coming out to watch the movie, Im done with any League assistance for the next week at least, she said.

Perfectly reasonable, I replied, sending out the order, minus the extra pizza that Suzie had ordered for Munchlax.

Within a few minutes, Sabrina returned with a towel around her hair in her pajamas. She settled in next to and yawned.

Hmmm Detective Pikachu and the mystery of the unknown? she said. I nodded. Id watched this twice already but the little kids loved it so it was fairly common to see. Sabrina could recognise the scenes as and so she just focussed on getting comfortable and relaxing.

When the pizzas arrived they ca with a small herd of Rapidash and Gawain and Link led two of the horse pokemon and their trainers around the back to dish out the pizza to my Elite team with .

I had to stop a feeding frenzy from occurring with Don being adamant he needed three pizza himself despite the specialty pizza being much bigger than a standard human pizza. I distributed them and returned to my own family to find them in various states of food coma having gorged themselves.

Flint looked far too amused, and Sabrina looked too tired to care that so of the kids had rather swollen stomachs. Munchlax was still working his way through the pizza while Gible was devouring the pizza boxes.

Should he be eating those? Flint asked worriedly.

I shrugged. Eh, its mostly paper and pizza oil, hell be fine, I said without too much concern. Only to then have to stop him from eating the next five pizza boxes.

Thought you said he could eat those? said Flint as he watched on from the side with a smirk.

So of them! I said. Not all of them! Moderation is key cause hes tiny! I said, shoving my hand into Gibles mouth fearlessly to draw out the pizza box.

When that was over and the youngest kids were being sent to bed, Suzie marched up to Sabrina and . Can you read the book to , Sabrina?

The book? Sabrina said, making sure to give the word enough gravitas.

Suzie nodded and presented Sabrina with a very particular book. Sabrina inspected the book seriously. The great book of poop? She read aloud.

Suzie grinned. Its great! she said, and I had to smile. Shed recently lost one of her front teeth and it made her look rather cute with the gap in her smile as her.

Sabrina shot an amused look while Flint facepald. Youve been reading this to her?

Yup! I said shalessly. Readings a good habit to get into, so what if the topic is silly.

Sabrina nodded and marched off to read a book about poop to a four-year-old. I watched her go and felt my heart swell a little.

When she ca back, I led her to the kitchen. The other kids were happy enough watching another movie so I spent so ti with her enjoying a cup of cocoa.

So, the League got pushy again? I said.

Yes, and they raised several good points for my assistance, but this ti Ive told them to just do it the old-fashioned way. I was running into walls with how much everyone knew and it was becoming a bit too much for .

I cant imagine the conditions would have been good for it, and well the act itself?

Sabrina sighed. It is taxing but it also it becos a bit too easy after a while of doing it over and over. I started to reflexively do it on the guards when they stepped in. The situation was getting to so I told Lance no more.

Good, I said firmly, wrapping my arm around her and kissing her on the temple. She sighed and leaned into .

She then peered up at . I didnt get to watch your match against Corvo, can we go watch it in your room? Id like to see how it went.

I smiled, knowing shed like seeing Selene do well, and Links showing was sure to give her so more energy. Sure thing, I said, standing to walk, only for Sabrian to Teleport us both.

I chuckled at that before cueing up the match on my tv.

When the match was over Sabrina pointed out the rough spots and also the good adaptations Id made to the team and my planning. Youre getting stronger, and smarter about this, she said, giving a kiss.

It takes a lot of different skills than being a Gym Leader, thats for sure, it also I twirled my hand about. You need to be more fluid in your thinking and more ready in case things change. I tapped on my chest. You cant just rely on the sa pokemon and the sa tricks that were great at the Gym circuit, most people have seen those, you really have to start thinking about how people are going to react to your tricks and plan accordingly. Its.. a lot of fun.

I noticed, you were smiling during the match a lot and youre smiling now, Sabrina said. Its good to see you smiling like this.

I chuckled. Well thanks, but now I feel bad because with how tired youve been I havent seen you smile much lately.

Sabrina allowed herself a softer smile. This is how Ive been smiling. When you ran the bath and left with it without bothering , with how youre happy for snuggles and hugs without pushing when Im tired. I know youve made smile a lot. she kissed then. Dont worry, Im not helping the League out any more. In fact I will make sure to have so ti set aside to co and watch you next week in Celadon.

Yeah? I asked, Thatd be great.

Sabrina nodded before gaining a much more predatory smile. Her hand on my chest started to glide lower. Now, I can think other ways you and I can smile, she said huskily

I was entirely down for this sort of night ti activity.

In the morning, I stretched luxuriously and kissed Sabrina as we lay entwined.

Morning, I said. Sabrina grumbled at and then rolled over. I huffed and took a shower before heading out. With a later start, I hurried out to feed my elite and check on the reserve.

All of the pokemon were there and looking very pleased with themselves. Theyd really liked their pizza snack after the last two days of a controlled diet for their matches. Zubat looked a bit swollen so I assud she must have gotten her fill of the pizza and then so.

Right, sorry to say that you wont be getting too many more treats like that, I said, knowing full well that there was an ice creary in Celadon that served pokemon.

Titan shot a wink, well aware of said cafe.

I coughed and continued. As long as Bertha didnt learn about it, I would only have to take the group a few tis.

Now, until next Monday youre all on light duties, Ive spoken to you before but were going to have to stay fairly dynamic with which pokemon get to fight, when there are restrictions to consider. I will need to blend things pretty well. I then turned to the single Cradilly and Lileep in the training area.

That being said I can devote a bit more ti to both of you as neither of you are up to the Elite level as I deem it just yet. Everyone else is to go through a light warm up run, then so stretches with light sparing. Tomorrow well have so gas to play instead to keep things as risk free as possible.

Don screeched angrily at this and Bertha pumped her fist. I rolled my eyes. That does an the inflatable headgear, yes, I said.

For Zubat that ant she'd beco a floating orb that would bounce into people and then off them. I was expecting a cody of error with her wearing protective gear.

I then shot Don a look. You dont have to take part, rember? You usually just sit on the side and mock everyone! I said.

Don paused and then grinned realising that was what he usually did. I decided not to bait him into doing sothing stupid while his daughter watched on but Bertha had no such restraint.

Rhy Rhy Perior she started to say. I didnt need to speak pokemon to know what she was saying. I lunged over and put my hands in front of her mouth to shut her up.

AS I WAS SAYING! I bellowed.

Bertha laughed and thankfully shut up instead of pushing the point. I detailed how things were going to go and then shifted focus onto running through a light session before working Cradily and Lileep. For part of this, I referenced a journal article Erika had written up for .

It was strange to have to blend Rock type training thods with grass type. A lot of this revolved around strong defence with the potential for quick, vibrant regrowth that started days, if not weeks prior with good pokemon care.

It was a different sort of challenge and I had so doubts that Id have Cradily ready to enter my Elite team for a while yet, Id just have to keep her on the fourth badge tier team for a while for so experience. When she started feeling a bit too overpowered I could try otherwise. It was that, ori engaged in so more simple friendly matches just for a bit of pocket change with so of the battleclub locals.

Both ideas had rit.

Then again, everything I did with Cradily that worked I needed to repeat with Steven Stones pokemon. I wasnt about to trade off a pokemon that was weak after all.

Actually, now that I thought about it, it was strange that Steven hadnt contacted , or Sabrina at all about her ga evolution.

Perhaps he would when I eventually revealed to the public that Jormungandr was capable of it as well.

For now, I got stuck into work with my grass-rock type ,stretching and bending with them, testing how quickly they could bend and twist themselves to get a feel for their actions before having them lash out their attacks as practice.

When it reached breakfast ti Yolanda and Sabrina walked out to et .

It felt like a good start to a lazy weekend that would lead into a frantic week.

Brock, Lance is giving a press conference, Sabrina said.

I blinked, realising exactly what this would an.

Well, I can still have a lazy weekend but theres going to be a lot of attention sent our way on Monday, isnt there?

Sabrina raised an unimpressed eyebrow and I sighed. Alright, Ill call Rachel up and see if we can release our own press statent. I rolled my shoulders and waved the girls into the lounge room. Not that it will reduce the attention we get, I grumbled.

Damn, Id forgotten about this.

Maybe Lance wouldnt ntion ?

I straight away knew those were short odds.