Daaaaaaaammmmmnnnnnnnnnnn.
There was an echo for a mont as Sabrina paused in her walk. Yolanda grinned mischievously at , but my brothers' heads bobbed up and down, eyes locked on Sabrina.
Sabrinas lips twitched for a mont and then she smiled. Straight at .
My heart fluttered and I grinned back at her. I said that aloud didnt I?
She nodded her head and Yolanda and my other sisters giggled.
I hadnt noticed my family arriving. I was so caught up in Sabrinas entrance. I swallowed and nodded. You look incredible. I found that a little lacking but Sabrina nodded showing she appreciated it.
Her eyes road up and down my own tuxedo that I noted complinted 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 werent just going to teleport us there.
Sabrina tilted her head. I was going to, yes?
I waved a hand back and forth. I have sothing 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 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 . Is it that important to you?
I coughed. Well no actually, but this is sothing I think youd like. I offered a hand to her and smiled as suavely as I could. Trust ?
Sabrina bobbed her head up and down and I humd as she placed her hand in mine.
Then I blinked when I heard a cara lens rapidly firing. I turned to the side and found Rachel poised with a cara in her hands rapidly clicking away. Behind her, Rocko stood with a cara on his shoulder.
How long have you been there? I said incredulously. I hadnt even noticed them coming in.
A while. We were hiding behind the couch! said Rachel. She then let the cara hang and waved her hands together. Alright! I think Id like to get so shots of the couple together standing in front of the wall. Then well take so more candid shots with Sabrina on the stairwell. I think I got so great monts of her coming down but we can get so others as well!
I checked my watch and humd. Sure, weve got ti until my surprise is here.
Suzie and Cindy perked up. What is it? they said.
I paused as I eyed them. Sothing youll like too! I said.
A Ponyta! they both said, causing to falter. They stopped as one and like Bertha discovering a mudpuddle she hadnt jumped in yet, their eyes turned predatory.
IS IT?! they bellowed, closing in on . Sabrina inspected my strained expression.
Brock, did you hire Ponyta for us?
I coughed. Well not for us. I got us so Rapidash. I just thought itd be a cool entrance. I kicked at the floor. Just wasnt 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 didnt involve him.
When Sabrina perked up I knew that our rides for the night had gotten close.
Brock those arent just any Rapidash, she said as she detected a difference.
I grinned and led everyone outdoors. Rocko made a surprised noise when the Rapidash ca 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! scread Suzie, Cindy, Yolanda, and Tilly scread 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 imdiately 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 ti with the Rapidash before standing and twirling.
Once more the pokemon copied her by rearing onto their hind legs and twirling about.
When they ca back down the Trainer bead 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. Im trainer Zoe and these three are Prancer, Dancer, and Lancer! The three horses bobbed their heads at the sound of their nas.
Zoe then plucked a pokeball off her belt. And this is Tinkerbell! she said, popping the pokeball and revealing a blue fla Ponyta that stomped its feet and snorted before bucking its way around Zoe who giggled at the ponys antics.
She then plucked a bag from her belt and held it out to us. I was told there would be so 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. ! ! Oh! ! she said while waving one hand in the air, afraid Zoe wouldnt 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 turning to find Rachel taking photos professionally, albeit with an expression of longing.
I coughed, Ill get so photos if you want to join the girls.
Oh, no I couldnt I should
Look at how her feet tippy tap when you feed her! squealed Cindy, ending any and all of Rachels resistance as the cara 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 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. Hed been too successful, and now present Brock, aka , 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 as she pet Prancers snout.
Flint spoke up. A pokemon like Tinkerbell wouldnt suit the Gym.
I started to nod. Then aborted the gesture as a wave of irritability ran through . How dare he say I couldnt have a pokemon like that! So I opened my mouth and said, Sure girls! Ill talk with Zoe later! For now, you enjoy Tinkerbell while Sabrina and I mount up.
Flint shot a disbelieving look, and part of 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 ride him first and he snorted his agreent. Zoe bead at .
Im glad youre 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. Cos from actually talking with a lot of my pokemon. Theyre 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 wasnt crushing anything delicate.
Sabrina rely floated herself up onto Prancer. Zoe bead. Now theres a trick! Id love it if more clients mounted up like that! she put her hand on Dancers 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 so good ones tonight to beat the dia thats going to be at the mayors ball.
Rachel shot a thumbs up, and Rocko gave 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 . Most people that ask that, I say sothing ridiculous and get enough money to run my business for an entire year. Im 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, thats going to be such a tough sell! I shook my head in mock horror.
Zoe humd. Theyre 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. Ill ask one of my employees if her daughter would like to take part as well. I might also buy so slots for so other kids. I already donated to the orphanage in Pewter but they likely didnt spend it on anything but what they considered essential. How many girls and boys would like to try the Ponyta club?
Id give a few the option at least.
How much would ten slots cost?
Zoes eyes practically beca 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 the cost, I was suddenly glad for the inco that would be generated from the upcoming sale of so of the Lileep. Those spots, along with one shiny Ponyta for my sisters, wasnt going to be cheap.
Still, it would bring a lot of smiles to little faces and lifelong mories.
It was with this thought firmly locked in my mind, that we arrived at the Mayors manor. Tonight it had been done up with banners and strears and there were a number of fancy cars letting businessn 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 dia was in a frenzy as tens if not hundreds of caras swiveled about.
So reporters drew n and won in for brief comntary and there seed to be a few famous faces strutting down the carpet and posing.
Our own arrival went only montarily 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 dia with a smile and a wave. But then I rembered I needed to be nice. So I dismounted and walked around to offer my hand to Sabrina.
I wasn't sure who said sothing but the audible whoosh of all the caras in the area swivelling in mass towards us told everyone soone of importance had just arrived.
The people on the red carpet all turned their heads as the caras 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 up and gave a chaste peck on the cheek. The thunder of caras behind us announced that not a mont was being lost as Sabrina and Is 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.
Ti to smile and wave, I said to Sabrina as we proceeded down the carpet.
I think theyll want more than that, she said, still radiating contentnt 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 mont 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 caraman. 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 wed moved along.
I knew there were going to be a lot of questions like that. I wasnt going to get bogged down. Id 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 Is 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 seed more than a little lodramatic.
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 Moniques haberdashery.
When I encountered the Battlecast reporters they nodded, told nice outfit and date, and then asked how I felt my last Ace challenge had gone. Considering Id won it, it was an easy interview.
The Lifestyle magazine had lanted that my true love with Lance was apparently a thing of the past. Then theyd stared at as if expecting to deny them and announce that such a thing could still happen. Id frowned in confusion and began to inch away. Sabrina must have picked up on sothing the reporter was thinking as she gave a kiss on the cheek.
Nope, all mine, she said into the cara. Shed tossed her hair in a slightly aggressive fashion that had chuckling and leading her into the party proper.
The doorman bowed politely and accepted my invitation before opening the door with exaggerated hospitality. Welco sir and madam, please enjoy the Mayors 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 . 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 nas, 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 soone I recognised and waved.
Erika! I said happily. I should have known to expect you here!
She offered a polite bow in greeting to 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. Its a sha for certain, you both look amazing!
I inclined my head in thanks at her complint before gesturing to her own, more traditional kimono. You look incredible tonight as well. As to not coming? I cant say Ive had the ti in the past.
Erika blinked before blushing. Oh! Im sorry that was terribly rude of ! 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 co back.
Oh? Erika said before blinking. Oh! Oh she said as she bit her lip. What does that an for you and Pewter Gym?
I waved a hand and shook my head. Nothing. I am the Gym Leader and thats the way its going to stay. Flint Hes 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 . 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 hadnt even thought of it, Id just reached out. Not really out of habit, but perhaps my past lifes instincts had made 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 cant drink here!
I smiled sheepishly. Ah, would you believe I thought it was apple juice? I hadnt even thought of it being alcoholic.
Erika giggled at my excuse and shook her head. Sabrina rely accepted her glass and sipped it, cooly. I humd when I noticed so 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 a look of serious doubt. Sabrina rely 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! Nas Patrick Pebbleman! My wife and I own, and work the quarries of Pebbleman co!
Nice to et 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! Dont just invade anothers 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? Hes started his circuit.
I frowned. He had a Growlithe and a Shellder I seem to recall? Ca by I rubbed my chin in thought. A week ago? Sothing about this kid had sparked a mory, but I couldnt quite understand why. Pete Pebbleman. Was that soone significant? It didnt ring a bell.
His parents were apparently well off enough if theyd been invited, so they must have been big nas in the community. A quarry in Pewter was a good start I supposed.
Patrick bead. 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 so different badge levels and was super impressed. Wanted to train with you before the circuit was over! Were confident he can make it all the way to the League but with the news of the flood of trainers hes lost a lot of his confidence.
I see. I nodded. Ill 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 bead. Excellent! Ill tell Pete the good news! When you have dates please, by all ans, send us a ssage and well tell him to make it back ho for so training with you! He then fished out a business card and offered it to with both hands sincerely.
I accepted it with both hands, an interesting cultural expression that I had noticed carried over from Japan. If Id rely taken it with one hand I would have insulted Patrick Pebbleman. By using both hands and bowing lightly, Id shown him respect.
Patrick stood with a smile as I put the card in my breast pocket. He was about to say sothing 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 businessn and won and regional bigshots eyeing .
I humd and turned to Sabrina. Care to dance?
She smiled winningly and nodded. I grinned. There, that would keep them at bay!
Sadly, I didnt account for people trying to cut in on us.
Thankfully, those people didnt account for Sabrina. We beca 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 bead 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 so snacks that we chewed on. I nodded politely as we made our way through the crowd but didnt 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 so 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 womans 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. Itll bring us up to four and thats enough for and Dennis. She then turned to and swallowed. Brock Dennis, he told about Daniel. Sorry for that She offered an empty gesture knowing likely it wasnt 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 co over . Nike patted on the hand and Sabrina leaned into . Dennis coughed. I should have said sothing.
I shook my head. I wanted to believe the lie. It was a perfect fit, which I think is what bugs the most. Makes feel dirty, like soone picked through my life and had crafted the ideal way to manipulate . I clicked my teeth and shook my head.
Nike leaned back and put her hand on Dennis. Yeah, Im still not sure what to make of it. Helen I t her a few tis, you know? She seed normal, and that strikes the most. I want to make her out to be a villain but Nike shrugged. Part of 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-owth, but Im rude like that! she flicked her eyes between and Sabrina. So whats this surprise? She grinned widely. You tell what I should say to the press and Ill have won by their droves coming up to talk to !
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 as they all assu I have none of the juicy gossip! Please! Also, I cant work the room like this! She gestured to her swollen belly. Much better to have the room co to , she said.
I gave her an amused look before nodding. As Dennis wife, I could humour her. I leaned in and pretended to whisper sothing in her ear before leaning back. Dont let anyone know about that though yeah? I said while watching her eyes glimr 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 mont to rest if its all the sa. Sabrina gave an innocent smile, that let know she was up to sothing. Ill rejoin you in a while. I'm just feeling a bit overwheld.
I gestured outside, and Sabrina shook her head. This will do for now. You best go talk with so of the other guests. There are a lot of people looking to talk with you.
I eyed Sabrina and Nike. Nike looked extrely 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 Nikes 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 an exasperated look but waved for 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 .
I pressed the flesh. I shook hands and smiled genially at various local and regional businessn and won. Nas ca and went, and I felt certain Id barely rember a quarter of them in the hour Id been making the rounds. I tried to only spend ten minutes at most with any one group, but that made it harder to rember who was CEO of which company.
When I passed the gardens, I was amused to find a number of gentlen and ladies engaged in pokemon battles. They seed quaint scuffles more than proper fights. The pokemon themselves were more bark than bite, but it seed to get a few peoples blood up if they were watching or taking part.
There were people I was genuinely interested in talking with, such as Lawrences group of Lawyer friends. Of them, he appeared the most thug-like. I couldnt 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 didnt look quite as silly with his sweeping mohawk. They were all happy to toast Lawrences 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 so of the speedways made for such racers. Lawrences girlfriend clung to him and seed 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. Shed been very interested in the news that I had so Lileep up for sale alongside the ones being gifted to a few research labs. Erikas group actually got the most attention as they were all young won that owned their own businesses. Amusingly enough Trixie was here representing her own fitness brand but looked extrely 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 sothing 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 wasnt 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 co in fitness gear next ti? Lean into your brand?
Erika humd in consideration, but Mary Sue Lonlon shook her head. Shucks, dont say that! Then shell start doing it! You know how hard it was to get her into that dress!?
I rolled my eyes and gestured to Trixie. You dont look very comfortable in a dress. Maybe try a suit next ti?
That got so thoughtful looks and even a blush from Erika. Trixie blinked a few tis 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 na? she said gleefully as I blinked in surprise.
Uhm no? I said, only for Monique to ignore 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, co with to the bathroom and well make it sit better, give you so more room in your stride.
I heard you do suits? Do you think Id 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 aning 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 sothing 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 sothing else to Mary-Sue to help Trixie when Jonathan, the mayor, happened upon .
The man swept his arm around and tugged but I pushed rock energy into the ground and he lurched as I beca entrenched. I frowned at him as he blinked in bewildernt, only for my gaze to turn to the arm slung over my shoulder.
He coughed and patted 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 youre off the market! Dont go teasing the ladies now! he said jovially.
I frowned deeper. Were all friends actually, I said frostily.
Of course we are! he said. I let so dark energy seep into my glare
Now, I just wanted to say hello, as the host it is expected of 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 shes going. Shes not used to heels. It was a lie. I was more worried about the various thoughts of the crowd bothering her, but I didnt need to rub Sabrinas status as a psychic in peoples faces. They got leery about that when they rembered she could,at any given mont, 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 hadnt seen you yet! Co to talk with your fellow Gym Leaders!? bood 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 . Mary-Sue didnt get a nod as he ignored her to lock eyes with .
Instead of there being a link that made my pulse race and my hands itch he looked at in such a placid way that I felt nothing. I blinked in surprise. That wasnt what Id been expecting. Id been expecting so form of challenging glint in his eyes and a need to throw down to co over .
None of that happened, and I felt oddly out of sorts. It was like soone had just used Trick Room on .
Giovanni seed 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 hasnt played out.
We took a lot of steps to mitigate and spread it out. I think the impact just hasnt been felt as much. Well 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, Id 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 so 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 Gas Corner? That would have cost Team Rocket a pretty pokepenny. HE rolled his drink around only to pause. Sha 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 hed reconciled the loss? Or was it sothing else? It took a mont to notice the dig hed 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 assessnt of gambling establishnts and their monitoring is not one of them. Erika shot Sabrina a smile.
I opened my mouth only for a sultry giggle to co from the woman next to Giovanni. Oh, its admirable to see the young ones coming together like this. Youre all so supportive.
I flicked my eyes to her. Im sorry, I didnt catch your na.
Mada Bossue, she said with a strange inflection at the end. I tilted my head. Where had I heard that na from? Her answer had told nothing but her na and with her being Giovannis date that didnt an a lot.
How are you enjoying your evening? Giovanni showing you a nice ti? I said leadingly.
Giovanni, whod been mid-sip of his drink suddenly choked as his eyes bulged out and he shot an incredulous look. I could only frown. What had I said?
Mada 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 co 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 so n do when they refuse to wear their hair any other way but loose.
Ladies and Gentlen, I beg your forgiveness for interrupting this wonderful evening youre 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 Id offer my own humble announcent to spice things up! Pray, do forgive my audacity to make this announcent! he tittered as I rolled my eyes.
The crowd settled, obviously used to the antics of young n. So people even murmured excitedly, enjoying the mans 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 Champions 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 .
Gym Leader Brock! I shall begin my run by challenging you! What say you? His words echoed about the room as people turned to .
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.
Its about damn ti.
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